C&P#145: Cannabis for cancer & reduced drinking + vaping harms & surgical effects

Native American cannabis news

May 26, 2025

Cannabis for cancer symptoms + reduced drinking + musculoskeletal pain + aging + teens with Tourette's
The harms of vaping (2x)
OEA for cardiometabolic health! (oleoylethanolamide, not oleamide)
Preclinical: CBC for depression + OEA for stroke
Breakout sections for surgical effects (mostly small negatives) & driving (mixed results)
CBD contact lenses & feminine hygiene products
A 3D-printed CBD gummy
A salamander needs its cannabinoid receptors for regrowing its tail
What happens when you give cocaine to an eel? #CocaineEel!

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 145^th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, canna-news, War on Drugs coverage, harm reduction & psychedelic updates. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. As always, ask me anything.
(this week’s numbers: ~7,900 words, ~21 minutes reading time, 182 papers)

📌 Editor’s note:
On June 1, I’ll be giving a free online lecture at the Cannabis Public School called ‘Neuro Neuro Neuro: Cannabinoids for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's & MS’.
You can register here:
https://www.cannabispublicschool.us/register

I already updated the Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s pages on CVResearch.info & it’s really a stunning array of clinical studies on the power of THC & CBD for these neurodegenerative conditions. And I’ll get the multiple sclerosis page updated later this week (despite the kids not having school for two days). The MS page will probably take the longest because it’s at the center of the Venn diagram of cannabinoid therapeutic efficacy: autoimmune disorders & neurodegenerative diseases. If you know anyone dealing with this or other neurodegenerative conditions, I strongly encourage you to encourage them to consider cannabinoids. #AMA

🤝 Sponsor 🤝: The Cannabis & Health Research Initiative

Want to help expand the knowledge of medical cannabis use in the real world & get paid 100 bucks to do so?

Johns Hopkins University, with support from Realm of Caring, is spearheading the groundbreaking National Cannabis Study to evaluate the benefits, risks & overall outcomes of using cannabis for conditions like pain, insomnia, anxiety & more. If you are an adult in the U.S. considering starting cannabis for health reasons, this is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis research — and get compensated for your time ($100!). Join now to share your experience & contribute valuable data that could revolutionize healthcare for many patients nationwide. To learn more & sign up, visit:
https://ncs.cannabisandhealth.org/

Or follow along on Instagram to keep on learning:
https://www.instagram.com/cannabisandhealthresearch/

🧰 Free resources

CVResearch.info: the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences
Canna-edu videos: on YouTube @CVScienceInc & on TikTok @pluscbd
My Free How-To Guides on cannabinoids for different conditions. #AMA
My canna-science journalism here
Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms (& my Neural Ocean metaphor)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week.

💖 Ways to support this work 💖
A paid subscription on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here

🐋 For more from Lex… (my Linktree)

My canna-graphic novel series based on Moby Dick, ‘‘Anandamide; or, the Cannabinoid’ to explain endocannabinoid science, the darkness of the War on Drugs & the long human history with our favorite plant.
See the volumes ‘SUNset’ (Queer canna-history from the AIDS crisis) & ‘The CROWN’ (the story of the hunt for the chemical structure of CBN, the first fully-solved cannabinoid in the 1940s). To see more about this ongoing series, see lexpelger.com
The first 2 seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’ on cannabinoids, psychedelics & spirituality
Work with my company White Whale Creations to produce content for cannabis & psychedelic companies: writing, science archives, social media content, newsletters & podcasts: my portfolio

📣 A request to spread the word 📣
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth,
so please forward to colleagues & tell your friends & relatives.

Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)

OEA & Cardiometabolic Health (fascinating molecule this)
CBD for Pediatric Autism
CBD for Pediatric Epilepsy
Cannabis & Older Adults
Cannabis & Musculoskeletal Pain

My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)

I’m backing up the earliest videos from my first days on TikTok to my YouTube account. Here’s some of the recent ones:

🍃 Best Of (Phyto)Cannabinoid Science...

⚕️ Clinical

In an Uruguayan center for pediatric treatment-resistant epilepsy, medical cannabis caused a >50% reduction in seizure frequency in all 15 patients & half reported a reduction in the duration of seizures
Medicinal Cannabis Derivatives in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Refractory Epilepsy in Uruguay, 2021-2024
http://www.scielo.edu.uy/scielo.php?pid=S1688-12492025000101203&script=sci_abstract&tlng=en

For cardiometabolic health & oleoylethanolamide (OEA, the endocannabinoid of satiety), a meta-analysis of 10 trials found OEA supplementation led to a significant improvement in antioxidant capacity, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, body fat percentage, fasting glucose levels, insulin & a number of other benefits for metabolic markers
Oleoylethanolamide Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1553288/abstract

In older adults, a daily diary study found that medical cannabis improved their pain, anxiety & depression with indirect benefits for sleep quality
Daily Impact of Medical Cannabis on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Older Adults
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00332747.2025.2484827

In people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the vast majority agreed that medical cannabis improves their primary symptoms with topical formulations being the most commonly used
Patterns, Efficacy, and Cognitive Effects of Medical Cannabis Use in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/365077/20250514-74564-dsy6j2.pdf

For people co-using alcohol & cannabis, cannabis was associated with a significant reduction in number of drinks & a significant acute reduction in cravings
Cannabis administration is associated with reduced alcohol consumption and craving
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/tj4va_v2

In adolescents with Tourette Syndrome, a third of the participants reported medical cannabis "much improved" their symptoms
A Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Medicinal Cannabis in Adolescents With Tourette Syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40082070/

In people with chronic pain & ADHD, those with minor ADHD symptoms experienced benefits from medical cannabis use while those with moderate to severe ADHD symptoms did not
ADHD Symptoms and Medical Cannabis Use Among Adults With Chronic Pain
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10870547251336841

A case report of the ethical considerations around an elderly Rastafarian who wanted to use low-dose synthetic THC in line with their religious beliefs
Rastafarianism: When Religious Beliefs Conflict With Medical Necessity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40134935/
Thanks to my mother, I just found a fantastic memoir about growing up in Rastafarian culture: ‘How to Say Babylon’ by Safiya Sinclair.

In horses, the long-term oral use of CBD or CBDA did not alter their standard metabolic blood parameters
Chronic Use of Cannabidiol and Cannabidiolic Acid in Horses Does Not Alter Their Metabolic Profile
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080625001911

🔪 Surgical Effects

For surgery to fix retinal detachment, cannabis users had a ~70% increased failure rate for the initial surgery
Marijuana Use and Failure of Initial Surgical Management of Retinal Detachment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468653025002180

In wrist fractures, the cannabis users had a significantly higher incidence of complications including fracture malunion as well as injuries to the nerves, tendons, muscles & fascia
The Highs and Lows of Fracture Fixation: Complications After Wrist Fracture Fixation for Users of Cannabis, Tobacco, or Neither Substance
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15589447251336399

In breast reduction surgery, cannabis users had delayed wound healing rates & a higher likelihood of hematomas (black & blue marks)
Effect of Marijuana Use on Outcomes in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2025/05002/p42__effect_of_marijuana_use_on_outcomes_in.128.aspx

For plastic surgery, cannabis use linked to higher postoperative opioid consumption
P22. A Budding Concern: Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Plastic Surgery
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12076300/

🚗 Driving

For cannabis & driving, a meta-analysis found low-certainty evidence to suggest cannabis consumption may be associated with increased risk of injury or fatality due to a motor vehicle crash
Cannabis Consumption and Motor Vehicle Collision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095539592500132X

For driving & cannabis, legalization was not associated with a significant change for car accident fatality rate, insurance claim frequency or average cost per claim
A Data-Based Assessment of the Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Vehicle Accident Experience
https://variancejournal.org/article/133674-a-data-based-assessment-of-the-impact-of-marijuana-legalization-on-vehicle-accident-experience

In Canadian young drivers, a systematic review of cannabis-impaired driving educational initiatives found limited evidence for behavioral change
“Stoned on the Road”: A Systematic Review of Cannabis-Impaired Driving Educational Initiatives Targeting Young Drivers in Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925001355

📑 Reviews

Whew. For CBD, a huge review of its many mechanisms of action (excellent charts!)
Beyond the Hype: A Comprehensive Exploration of CBD's Biological Impacts and Mechanisms of Action
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40350443/

For drug interactions, a review of cannabis products & prescription drugs
An Overview of the Potential for Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Drugs and Cannabis Products in Humans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142983/
And for high doses of CBD, a drug interaction model found that CBD or its metabolites may inhibit some of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) (relevant to drugs like dapagliflozin for diabetes or zidovudine for HIV)
Predicting In Vivo Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions Mediated via Inhibition of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090955625091056

For people with cancer, a review on using medical cannabis for their symptoms of nausea, vomiting, anorexia & pain
Use of Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Symptoms in Cancer Patients
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391734800_Use_of_Medicinal_Cannabis_in_the_Treatment_of_Symptoms_in_Cancer_Patients

In people receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for cancer, a review found help for symptoms but not for survival or relapses
Impact of Cannabinoids on Cancer Outcomes in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40109334/

For Alzheimer's disease, a review & computer analysis of CBD’s therapeutic effects
Cannabidiol and Alzheimer disease: A Comprehensive Review and In Silico Insights into Molecular Interactions
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/258068/preprint_pdf/5107828f42ced6a1fcaa38f7f6a3cb4c.pdf

For the cognitive effects of THC, a systematic review of the different methods of cannabis use found that inhalation methods resulted in higher peak THC levels & may potentially lead to more cognitive effects
Effects of Different Methods of Cannabis Use on Cognition and Blood THC: A Systematic Review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584625001538

For reproduction, a review of the effects on reproductive health & success (nice chart)
The Impact of Cannabinoids on Reproductive Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40111139/

For anxiety & mood disorders, a review on the effects of the fatty acid binding proteins (transporters of endocannabinoids)
Fatty Acid Binding Proteins and Their Involvement in Anxiety and Mood Disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996125001688
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, fatty acid-binding proteins are the cars, ships & helicopters used by the endocannabinoid whales to get around.

For cannabis use & video gaming disorder, a review of 25 papers found a heterogeneous relationship between video gaming & cannabis use
Video Gaming and Cannabis Use: A Scoping Review
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/aop/article-10.1556-2006.2025.00040

⚠️ Harms

For schizophrenia, an epidemiological synthesis of 18 studies found cannabis use linked to an increased risk for psychosis-like episodes or schizophrenia & a 2-fold higher risk for cannabis use during adolescence
Does Cannabis Use Contribute to Schizophrenia? A Causation Analysis Based on Epidemiological Evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40149904/

In public health data, cannabis use linked to increased heart attacks, stroke, heart failure & mortality
Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Risks Associated With Cannabis Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40104933/

For cannabis use & suicidal behaviors, a meta-analysis found the link to be partially mediated by depression
The Role of Depression in the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Suicidal Behaviours: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037687162500167X

In Canadian public health data, post-legalization saw increased cannabis use & doubled hospital admissions related to cannabis
Cannabis-Associated Emergencies in the Emergency Department
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40372976/
“Acute intoxication is the most common reason for hospital admission and is often accompanied by acute anxiety and panic attacks. The risk of developing psychosis increases with THC content and frequency of use. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome manifests itself with abdominal pain and severe, cyclical vomiting.”

For vaping cannabis concentrates, this review focused on the harmful aerosol toxicants produced as well as the hazardous additives
Cannabis Concentrate Vaping Chemistry
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2025.1568207/abstract
And from cannabis vaping, an environmental analysis of the indoor THC & aerosol exposure
Secondhand Exposure to Simulated Cannabis Vaping Aerosols
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.4c14328

For cannabis use disorder, a systematic review found that cognitive-behavioral therapy reduced consumption & the severity of dependence, especially when combined with motivational interviewing & contingency management [Spanish]
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
https://www.scielo.org.mx/pdf/psicu/v15/2007-5936-psicu-15-e747.pdf

In a case report of cannabis withdrawal syndrome, a person presented with nausea, vomiting & frequent hot bathing (an indication of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) & then developed an acute reaction to a low dose of the anti-emetic metoclopramide
Low-Dose Metoclopramide-Induced Dystonia in Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome
https://casereports.bmj.com/content/18/5/e264815

A case series of vape pens with the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA causing psychosis & agitation
Seven Patients With Analytically Confirmed MDMB-4en-PINACA Toxicity Associated With Electronic Vaping Devices
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2489079

A case report of a 3-year-old child accidentally ingesting cannabis gummies
Accidental Cannabis Ingestion in Young Children
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40102005/

In rodent models of prenatal cannabinoid exposure, this review found that the offspring had alterations in neural development that impaired cognition & behavior with greater impairment in males
Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure and the Developing Brain: Evidence of Lasting Consequences
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763425002076
“Rodent studies have reported cognitive deficits including impaired learning, memory, attention, and executive control, and affect-related impairments including anxiety-like behavior, altered stress coping, social impairments, and anhedonia-like behavior, in adolescent and adult offspring. Studies have also demonstrated that PCE [prenatal cannabinoid exposure] affects several underlying neurotransmitter systems, producing dopamine hyperactivity, glutamate and serotonin hypoactivity, and dysregulating GABA and opioid signaling.”

In a rat model of cannabis use disorder, their higher levels of anxiety & abnormal sperm were lessened by treatment with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors (GDNF) but it didn't help with the reduced germ cells & testes size
Addiction Behaviour and Spermatogenesis in GDNF-Treated Cannabis-Addicted Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40371361/

🐁 Preclinical

In a rat model of stroke, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) protected the blood-brain barrier, reduced the infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, T-cells & B-cells as well as caused therapeutic effects via the PPARα nuclear receptors (regulators of genetic transcription) in the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Oleoylethanolamide Exerts Neuroprotection Following Ischemic Stroke Through Microglial PPARα Signal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576925008148

In a mouse model of epilepsy to test different CBD delivery methods, the most effective was broad-spectrum CBD via inhalation
Optimization of Seizure Prevention by Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://digital.zlb.de/viewer/metadata/1361688742/1/

In a mouse model & computer analysis of depression, CBC showed antidepressant effects
Cannabichromene in Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: In Silico and In Vivo Explorations
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00210-025-04236-2

In a rat toxicity test of 13 weeks of CBD, there were no effects on mortality, clinical observations or the eyes, but the high-CBD group consumed more food & had a slightly higher level of serum alanine aminotransferase (a common liver enzyme)
A 13-Week Oral Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Cannabidiol in Sprague-Dawley Rats
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01480545.2025.2491544

🧬 Novel Studies

(my grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)

For contact lenses coated with CBD, they improved repairs to a corneal alkali burn & enhanced antibacterial activity
Cannabidiol-Loaded Hydrogel Contact Lenses for On-Demand pH Regulation and Enhanced Corneal Alkali Burn Repair
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168365925004791

For a CBD feminine hygiene product, safety tests in rabbits & humans found it to be well tolerated
Safety Assessment of a Female Sexual Hygiene Product Containing Cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40093640/

In a tail amputation of an axolotl (a salamander known for its strong regenerative abilities), the endocannabinoid system regulated both the neuronal & tail regeneration responses
The Endocannabinoid System Regulates Both Ependymoglial and Neuronal Cell Responses to Tail Amputation in the Axolotl
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40377265/

In eels exposed to cocaine, it caused changes to the levels of CB1 receptors in their guts, kidneys, ovaries, muscles & liver
Changes of CB1 Receptor Expression in Tissues of Cocaine Exposed Eels
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202505.1172/v1

Thanks to ChatGPT for this little beauty. “Say hello to my eelish friend.”

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

In Minnesota, an agreement with the White Earth Band of Chippewa Native American tribe allowed them to be the first ever to operate cannabis businesses outside their reservation
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-judge-blocks-voter-approved-oregon-law-requiring-marijuana-businesses-to-have-labor-peace-agreements-with-workers/
And a quarter of all Native American tribes now have cannabis or hemp programs
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/one-out-of-four-indian-tribes-in-the-u-s-is-now-involved-in-marijuana-or-hemp-programs-new-map-shows/
And for cannabis on Native American tribal land, a survey of tribal representatives on their perceptions of cannabis impacts on Native lands & cultural resources
Cannabis Impacts on Native Lands: On the Need for Inclusion of Native Perspectives in Extension Work
https://open.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5416&context=joe

In Oregon, a federal judge blocked a voter-approved law that required cannabis businesses to enter negotiations with labor unions
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-judge-blocks-voter-approved-oregon-law-requiring-marijuana-businesses-to-have-labor-peace-agreements-with-workers/

In Tennessee, a new law restricts hemp-derived cannabinoid products
https://www.instagram.com/tngrowerscoalition/p/DJ7wyAktyXv/

Wholesale cannabis marketplace LeafLink got a hard pushback after price hike
https://mogreenway.com/2025/05/21/missouri-cannabis-operators-exit-leaflink-amid-price-hikes/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kate-k-m-cholewa-4b064343_cannabisindustry-activity-7330728083081035776-bczZ/

A great illustrated chapter on the co-evolution of humans & cannabis
https://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2025/05/05/reefer-madness-1895-to-the-present-chapter-1-human-and-cannabis-coevolution/

RIP to a psychedelic hero: Kay Parley, RPN
https://mailchi.mp/2d36bad09b4b/ps2025-give-away-contest-and-15-discount-code-17713143
Working with Dr. Humphrey Osmond in Saskatchewan, this psychiatric nurse was one of the earliest sitters for the mental health uses of LSD. “She wrote of this experience in her 1964 American Journal of Nursing article “Supporting the Patient on LSD Day”:… “The nurse-patient relationship during LSD treatment is, I suspect, like that between partners on a mountain climbing team - warm, cooperative, intimate, and yet objective.””

🌐 International News

Rwanda nearly finished with its first medical cannabis facility
https://nilepost.co.ug/health/258652/rwanda-says-medical-cannabis-facility-nearly-complete

In Germany, medical cannabis is now available in 1 in 7 pharmacies
https://www.hanf-magazin.com/news/medizinalcannabis-in-jeder-siebten-apotheke/

In Brazil, on using habeas corpus to protect medical cannabis home grows
Uma Análise dos Habeas Corpus para o Cultivo Doméstico de Maconha no Brasil
https://www.scielo.br/j/sausoc/a/4fwXRvWYzN3cd9VVYZHFbkc/abstract/?lang=en

In a survey of small-scale growers in the country of Georgia, most primarily cultivated for personal use
Patterns of Cannabis Cultivation and Drug Use Among Georgian Small-Scale Growers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395925001422

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education

In young US workers, 3% report using cannabis in the workplace
Substance Use Right Before or During Work Among the Young US Workers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40372126/

In the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper between 2013 & 2022, a sentiment analysis about drugs found a consistent negative sentiment for narcotics, a marked positive shift for hallucinogens & a complex coverage of cannabis
Shifting Narratives in Media Coverage Across a Decade of Drug Discourse in the Philadelphia Inquirer
https://infodemiology.jmir.org/2025/1/e56004/

In the British Columbia market, there was a price elasticity demand for cannabis
Price Elasticity of Demand for Cannabis in British Columbia, Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395925001380
“Specifically, a 10 percent decrease in regulated cannabis price was associated with a 14 percent increase in the quantity of cannabis purchased in B.C. during the study period.”

When Saskatchewan legalized cannabis, retail data showed that stores selling cannabis saw small increases to alcohol sales while those not selling cannabis saw small decreases in alcohol sales
Alcohol Sales Changes in a Canadian Province After Recreational Cannabis Legalization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925001409

In an analysis of copycat cannabis edible packaging in young adults, the copycat cannabis packages were associated with lower odds of correctly identifying cannabis content
Correct Recognition and Appeal Ratings of Copycat Cannabis Edible Packaging
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2025.0017

For medical cannabis regulations, a comparison of the EU, the US & Australia
The Regulatory Environment Surrounding Cannabis Medicines in the EU, the USA, and Australia
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/5/635

🚓 The War on Drugs

On how to identify body packing of drugs via CT scans
Body Packing in the Emergency Department: A Pictorial Essay
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00261-025-04928-6

US & the DEA

DEA releases their 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment
https://www.dea.gov/documents/2025/2025-05/2025-05-13/national-drug-threat-assessment
They summarize the cartels, the drugs (especially xylazine, nitazenes & of course, fentanyl) & the involvement of Chinese-linked groups in illegal US cannabis grows.

It looks like the DEA will soon be merged with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-dept-takes-next-steps-merge-atf-dea-sources-say-2025-05-16/

At Purdue Pharma, an analysis of how they leveraged existing racial health disparities to maintain flagging OxyContin sales
From Dealer to Doctor: A Case Study Examining How Purdue Pharma Sought to Leverage Racial Health Disparities to Attenuate Flagging OxyContin Sales
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953625004629
Make no mistake, these are the bastards behind the birth of the opioid crisis.

A famed smuggler & money launderer protected his interests with his DEA connections (who he showered “with a movable feast of prostitutes, fine dining and expensive gifts”)
https://apnews.com/article/dea-smuggler-colombia-cartel-informant-diego-marin-a12b6afe858dfc1f9448e4be91415f61

In California, a bust of 100k+ illicit plants
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-dept-takes-next-steps-merge-atf-dea-sources-say-2025-05-16/

For cannabis arrest records, a student work on the challenges of expungement
Expungement Through Green-Colored Lenses: Examining Challenges in Petition-Based Expungement
https://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2657&context=student_scholarship

Latin America

‘As Sinaloa Cartel War Rages On, An Economy Bleeds Dry in Culiacán, Mexico’
https://insightcrime.org/news/sinaloa-cartel-war-culiacan-economy-bleeds-mexico/
‘Is This the End of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel?’
https://insightcrime.org/news/is-this-the-end-of-mexicos-sinaloa-cartel/

A woman accused of providing grenades for the Jalisco cartel became the first Mexican national indicted on charges of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/la-chayo-charged-with-arming-jalisco-cartel-with-grenades/

In Costa Rica, a cat busted for sneaking drugs into a prison
https://www.inkl.com/news/drug-smuggling-cat-feline-busted-sneaking-narcotics-into-costa-rica-prison

Asia & Middle East

In Australia, the police continue to justify strip searches at festivals using drug dogs, despite knowing they only have a 30% hit rate
https://cannabislaw.report/australia-nsw-courts-nsw-police-continued-to-justify-festival-strip-searches-using-drug-dogs-despite-knowing-30-hit-rate/

In Uzbekistan, a legal analysis on the evolution of prosecutorial oversight in combating illicit narcotic trafficking
Theoretical and Legal Historical Analysis of Prosecutorial Supervision Over Illicit Drug Trafficking
https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/tajpslc/article/view/89325

Indian police seize 10 kg of heroin from a Pakistani trafficking network
https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-amritsar-police-bust-international-narco-cartel-arrest-three-with-10-248-kg-heroin-6863756.html
And a crackdown on drug cartels in three Gujarati cities
https://yespunjab.com/crackdown-on-drug-cartels-in-three-gujarat-cities-several-arrested/

🛡️ Harm Reduction News

On crediting the recent drop in overdose deaths to harm reduction services
https://scheerpost.com/2025/05/16/experts-credit-harm-reduction-not-border-cops-for-27-drop-in-overdose-deaths/

In New York, small payouts for used syringes help to clean up local parks
https://gothamist.com/news/a-nyc-program-trades-cash-for-used-needles-its-paying-out-thousands-of-dollars
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2025/health-department-launches-syringe-redemption-pilot.page

Harm Reduction Research

At the intersection of religion, spirituality & harm reduction, a review of 100 papers on how they relate
A Review of the Complex Intersection Between Religion, Spirituality, and Harm Reduction
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40349101/

For young adults & harm reduction interventions, a review of 58 articles on improvements for how to better serve young people
Harm Reduction Interventions for AYA Who Use Opioids: A Scoping Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40339383/
And a review of 16 programs for youth overdose prevention interventions
A Scoping Review of Youth Overdose Prevention Interventions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40344021/

For reaching Black & Latine populations with harm reduction services, a community advisory board for providing feedback about improvements
Establishing a Community Advisory Board to Align Harm Reduction Research With the Unique Needs of Black and Latine Communities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40355897/

For people hospitalized with an injection-related infection, surveys on the value of harm reduction counseling
"Every Time I Go in There, It Gives Me Time to Reflect": Patient Perspectives on Substance Use, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, and Harm Reduction After Hospitalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40352630/

In Mexico City, on the success of harm reduction strategies for the at-risk crack-smoking population
HIV Prevention and Crack Harm Reduction Using Projection Mapping in Mexico City
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40343049/

In rural Canada, a commentary on how to launch more supervised consumption services
Expanding Supervised Consumption Services in Rural Canada: Bridging Gaps
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40360843/

In Australians using heroin, there was a high support for drug checking services & take-home fentanyl test strips
Characteristics of Take-Home Fentanyl Test Strip Use and Support for Drug Checking Services Among People Who Use Heroin in Australia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40361127/

In people using fentanyl test strips, they also had more frequent overdose-risk reduction behaviors but not a lower risk of nonfatal overdose
Fentanyl Test Strip Use and Overdose Risk Reduction Behaviors Among People Who Use Drugs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40358945/

An editorial on how binary abstinence-focused thinking in addiction medicine undermines harm reduction
Beyond All-or-Nothing: Why Binary Thinking Undermines Harm Reduction in Addiction Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40369815/

🍄 Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives

The DEA granted its first religious exemption to an ayahuasca church that didn't result from a legal challenge
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-approves-churchs-petition-to-use-psychedelics-in-religious-ceremonies-without-the-need-for-a-lawsuit/?

On the history of using LSD to treat alcohol use disorder at the VA
https://filtermag.org/lsd-alcohol-addiction-veterans-history/

The Psychoactive Research

For psilocybin in palliative care, a review of historical & clinical evidence
Psilocybin as a Tool in the Management of Palliative Care: An Historical, Pharmacological, and Clinical Approach
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202504.0888/v1
And for psilocybin & distress in cancer patients, a systematic review of 14 studies found significant reductions in depression, anxiety & existential dread with improvements sustained over several months
Evaluating the effectiveness of psilocybin in alleviating distress among cancer patients: A systematic review
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/palliative-and-supportive-care/article/evaluating-the-effectiveness-of-psilocybin-in-alleviating-distress-among-cancer-patients-a-systematic-review/9982940F834A9D4CC8292632A52FD4D1

For psilocybin & substance use disorders, a systematic review of 16 trials found reduced alcohol consumption, help for smoking cessation & potential for opioid dependence
Efficacy and safety of psilocybin for the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763425001630

On sexual misconduct among psychedelic therapists (& other adverse events), a survey found “8% reported that they or someone they know was the victim of inappropriate sexual contact by a psychedelic sitter, guide, or practitioner”
Psychedelic Therapist Sexual Misconduct and Other Adverse Experiences Among a Sample of Naturalistic Psychedelic Users
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40342400/

For psychosis from prolonged IV ketamine, a case report & literature review
Persistent Psychosis Associated With Intravenous Ketamine in a Patient Using Cannabis: A Case Report and Literature Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40147005/

In people using psychedelics, a greater aesthetic experience was significantly associated with greater emotional breakthrough, psychological insight, behavioral change & mystical experience
Aesthetic quality of psychedelic experience is linked to insight and psychological outcomes
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1533055/full

People using psychedelics had a higher sense of connectedness, higher creative potential & more creative activities
Feel connected to create: Self-reported psychedelic drug users exhibit higher sense of connectedness and better divergent thinking skills compared to non-users
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320755

The Cannabis Plant & its Products

An analysis of the historic range of cannabis & its potential future under climate change
Species Distribution of Cannabis sativa: Past, Present and Future
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40080480/

🌱 Growing & Extracting

In field studies, on the effects of planting dates & seeding density on water uptake & productivity
Impact of Planting Dates and Seeding Densities on Soil-Water Depletion and Productivity of Industrial Hemp
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025FaSys...300152B/abstract

For hop latent viroid, a review on transmission routes & sanitation strategies in North American crops
Transmission, Spread, Longevity and Management of Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40094815/

For weed management, a review of herbicides
Herbicide Use and Weed Management Strategies in Hemp Cultivation
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0

For aphids in greenhouses, a thesis project on an integrated pest management strategy
Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Cannabis Aphid on Cannabis sativa
https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/items/e905b6a6-3b94-4d2b-a95f-7abf6f22d22b

For micropropagation, a thesis project on optimizing floral reversion
Optimizing Floral Reversion Based Micropropagation in Cannabis sativa L.
https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/a8527a4c-590d-45e3-b204-eabfc5e4fcb9/content

The concentration of cannabinoids across two different trichomes
Single Trichome Phytocannabinomics of Two Different Cannabis Varieties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40139041/

In hemp cultivars, their variations in CBC levels
CBC Variation in Hemp Cultivars
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/258368/preprint_pdf/28e12938ffa02dfed8747e0824751588.pdf

Two genes that regulate cannabinoid biosynthesis (the CBDAS & PT gene promoters) responded to hormones & environmental stress cues
Promoter Regions of CBDAS and PT Genes of Cannabinoid Biosynthesis in Cannabis sativa Respond to Phytohormones and Stress-Related Signals
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00425-025-04709-x

⚙️ Formulating & Analyzing

Creating a 3D printed CBD gummy
Development and Characterization of Cannabidiol Gummy Using 3D Printing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40136894/

An analysis of extraction solvents & ultrasound techniques for maximizing yield
Maximizing Cannabinoid and Polyphenol Extraction From Industrial Hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40094806/

For processing cannabis with heat, boiling & steaming retain the highest THC content
Effect of Heat Processing on Major Psychoactive Compounds and Total Phenolic Content
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2024.0201

On optimizing the industrial production & ethanol extraction of cannabis for improved sensory quality
Industrial Production of a Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil for Medicinal Uses
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202505.1094/v1

On rapid cannabinoid analysis with silver(I)-impregnated paper spray mass spectrometry
Rapid Analysis of Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC and Cannabidiol in Δ8 Edibles by Ag(I) Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088653/

The incomplete decarboxylation of acidic cannabinoids in GC-MS led to underestimation of the total cannabinoid content
Incomplete Decarboxylation of Acidic Cannabinoids in GC-MS Leads to Underestimation of the Total Cannabinoid Content in Cannabis Oils Without Derivatization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142998/

On better analytical methods for THCA decarboxylation kinetics
New Perspectives on THCA Decarboxylation and Accurate GC–MS Quantitation of Total THC in Cannabis Using Analyte Protectants
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S246817092500030X

On improving cannabinoid water solubility & permeability through glycosylation
Approaches for Cannabinoid Glycosylation Catalyzed by CrUGT74AN3 and BlCGTase
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40359332/

On converting CBD to cannabinoquinone with continuous flow aerobic oxidation
Two-Step Continuous-Flow Aerobic Oxidation of Cannabidiol to Cannabinoquinone Derivatives
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/gc/d5gc01304f

On creating broad-spectrum CBD with centrifugal partition chromatography
Pilot-scale Preparation of Broad-spectrum CBD: Extraction Optimization and Purification using Centrifugal Partition Chromatography
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000546263/4376329/000546263.pdf

On creating an emulsion of CBD & extract from Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood)
Formulation of W/O/W Emulsion-Based Chitosan-Alginate Microcapsules for Encapsulation of Cannabidiol and A. annua L. Extract Containing Luteolin and Apigenin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142974/

🍞 Food & Nutrition & Hemp Seeds

In breads made with hemp flour, the changes to their cannabinoid levels depended on baking temperature & time
Hemp-Containing Breads: Cannabinoid Content, Profiles and Thermal Stability During Baking
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030881462501965X

For animal feed, a meta-analysis of 26 studies found hemp byproducts to have excellent nutritional profiles with no significant health concerns, though spent hemp biomass reduced growth in meat-producing ruminants
Use of Industrial Hemp By-Products in Ruminants: Nutritional Profile, Animal Response and Regulatory Environment
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00279-7

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber

On hemp in soil contaminated with chromium, the addition of rice husk biochar, vermicompost & zinc resulted in greater uptake for better phytoremediation
Phytoaccumulation of Chromium by Hemp and Ryegrass in Amended Tannery Wastewater Soil
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1558255/abstract

For horse bedding, hemp hurds had reduced bacterial growth & greater moisture holding capacity
Potential of Hemp Hurd Bedding for Use in Equine Operations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080625000942
And on the best hemp hurd properties for use as a bedding
Physical Characterization of Hemp Hurd Varieties to Assess Suitability as Bedding
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080625002114

On producing biodiesel from hemp oil & oleic acid with sulfonated camphor catalysts
Production of Biodiesel From Hemp Oil and Oleic Acid With Sulfonated Camphor Catalysts
https://digital.zlb.de/viewer/metadata/1361769130/

On creating particleboard from hemp
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Particleboard Produced From Hemp Plant
https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/24515

For fiber production processes, a comparative life cycle assessment of hemp vs cotton found hemp to have less global warming potential
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Textile Fiber Production Processes: Hemp Versus Cotton
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025ClWS...1100277J/abstract

On improving the spinning potential of hemp with an alkaline chemical treatment
Valorization of Agricultural Industrial Hemp By-Products for Textile Applications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-025-06557-0

On enhancing hemp's mechanical performance with alkali & fungal treatments
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Hemp and Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Composites Through Alkali and Fungal Treatments for Sustainable Applications
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202505.0513/v1

On the thermal properties of hemp shive/plastic waste composites
Thermal Properties of Recycled Plastics Waste/Hemp Shive Composites
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710225011222

THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE

In Thailand, a book chapter on the traditional medical uses & current clinical applications of cannabis
Updated Medicinal Uses of Marijuana in Thailand
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003508724-15/

🏥 Public Health & Effects of Legalization

In healthcare workers, a survey about their cannabis use found opposition to mandatory cannabis screenings & disapproval of employee termination following a positive THC test, especially for medical cannabis use
Exploring Perceptions of Cannabis Use and Employment Implications Among Healthcare Workers
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6508603/v1

For US physicians’ knowledge of medical cannabis, this review of 41 studies found they lacked confidence in counseling patients about the use of medical cannabis.
Physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about medical cannabis in the United States: A Scoping Review
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000546264/4376331/000546264.pdf
“Oncologists, emergency medicine physicians, pain management specialists, and primary care physicians perceived that MC is beneficial for managing chronic pain, nausea, loss of appetite, depression and other symptoms. Obstetric providers had unfavorable perceptions about perinatal use of MC.”

In transgender people, a survey found marginalization & gender nonaffirmation were associated with an increased likelihood of alcohol & cannabis use
Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Relation to Daily Marginalization in Transgender Individuals
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-17034-001

In sexual minority women & gender-diverse individuals, stress predicted cannabis use
Event-Level Contextual and Motivational Risk Factors for Cannabis Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40092970/

In men who have sex with men, the effects of alcohol or cannabis use on their sexual risk behaviors
How Cannabis and Alcohol Use Influence Sexual Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40110704/

In adults during COVID, the co-use of alcohol & cannabis was associated with a greater likelihood of heavy episodic drinking & symptoms of anxiety, depression & loneliness
Co-Use of Alcohol and Cannabis During COVID-19: Associations Between Sociodemographic Factors and Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms and Heavy Episodic Drinking in Canadian Adults
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202505.0986/v1

In German adults presenting for cannabis dependence treatments, they had higher levels of registered delinquency
Registered Delinquency in Cannabis-Dependent Patients Presenting for Treatment
https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1024/0939-5911/a000929

In older adult cannabis users, this thesis project found no differences in ADL disabilities from non-users
Cannabis Use and Functional Independence Among Older Adults
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1267&context=hut2024

In Colombia, on the demographics of cannabis usage to aid in creating regulations
Socio-Economic Factors to Contribute towards the Discussion of the Regulation of Cannabis Use in Colombia
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391683709_Socio-Economic_Factors_to_Contribute_towards_the_Discussion_of_the_Regulation_of_Cannabis_Use_in_ColombiaFactores_socioeconomicos_que_contribuyen_al_debate_sobre_la_regulacion_del_consumo_de_cannabis

For cannabis studies, on a calculation to convert self-reported hit size into milligrams of THC
Estimating Cannabis Consumption in Milligrams of THC From Self-Reported Hit Size
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391416435_Estimating_Cannabis_Consumption_in_Milligrams_of_THC_From_Self-Reported_Hit_Size

On estimating cannabis consumption using the Non-User, Experimental Users, Recreational Users, Addicts & Hospitalised Individuals (NERAH) model
Validation of the NERAPH Model for Cannabis Consumption Through Sensitivity Analysis
https://semarakilmu.my/index.php/sijfam/article/view/517

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults

For young adults with first-episode psychosis, a pilot trial of a digital cannabis harm reduction intervention
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Digital Cannabis Harm Reduction Intervention for Young Adults With First-Episode Psychosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016517812500201X

In adolescent women of color, frequent cannabis use was associated with a higher likelihood of school suspension, delinquent behaviors & depressive symptoms
Psychosocial Effects of Frequent Cannabis Smoking in Adolescent Women of Color
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40094146/

In adolescents of Northern California, more liberal local cannabis policy & retail availability were associated with a higher prevalence of psychotic, anxiety & depressive disorders
Associations of Local Cannabis Policy and Retail Availability in Northern California With Adverse Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2025.2505145

In young adults, cannabis users reported more problems around mental health & negative/positive urgency
Impulsivity Traits Moderate the Longitudinal Association Between Mental Health and Hazardous Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40127543/

In college students, a survey linked higher cannabis use to lower GPA & increased stress
Associations Between Cannabis Use, GPA, and Stress Levels Among College Students
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.0676

In college students, a thesis project found that the relationship between harmful cannabis use & cannabis-related negative outcomes was mediated by negative affect
Negative Affect and Cannabis Use Outcomes in College Students
https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2170&context=masters_theses

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders

For Parkinson's disease, a review of medical cannabis & its potential to complement the treatment of deep brain stimulation
The Therapeutic Potential and Ethical Implications of Medical Cannabis in Parkinson's Disease: Exploring Mitigation of Reliance on Deep Brain Stimulation
https://eprint.ijisrt.org/id/eprint/874/1/IJISRT25APR1989.pdf

In humans, cannabis inhalation reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Inhibition of Muscle Sympathetic Action Potential Firing and Recruitment Patterns Following Cannabis Inhalation in Humans
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/japplphysiol.00135.2025

In people with Alzheimer's disease, this thesis project gave them epigallocatechin gallate (the most abundant catechin in tea & a popular dietary supplement) which improved their cognition & lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease as well as changing endocannabinoid biomarkers with an increase in anandamide & a decrease in 2-AG
Prevention of Cognitive Impairment in Subjects With Subjective Cognitive Decline: The PENSA Study
https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/api/object/o:3331/get

In a rat model of Parkinson's disease, activating or blocking the CB2 receptors had paradoxical outcomes with activation helping with sleep while antagonism helped with object recognition memory
The Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor: Improvement of Sleep or Memory in Rotenone Model of Parkinson’s Disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925004996

In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) lowered brain levels of DJ-1 (a protein related to defense against oxidative stress & maintenance of mitochondrial function (powerhouse of the cell)) & led to decreased cell survival & impaired mitochondrial function with motor deficits & loss of dopamine-producing neurons
URB597 Downregulates DJ-1 Expression in Mouse Striatum and Induces Neurodegeneration
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014482725001983

In a zebrafish model of epilepsy, CBD reduced seizure intensity & increased the latency to reach status epilepticus (long seizures) via the lowering of the brain’s transport of glutamate (the primary excitatory neurotransmitter)
Cannabidiol Pretreatment Reduces Status Epilepticus and Glutamate Uptake Induced by Kainic Acid in Adult Zebrafish
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2024.0189

In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, on creating nanoparticles of CBD & pApoE2 for brain delivery
Engineered PLGA Nanoparticles for Brain-Targeted Codelivery of Cannabidiol and pApoE2 Through the Intranasal Route for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c00465

For Alzheimer's disease, a series of carbamoyl flavonoid derivatives were dual inhibitors of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) & acetylcholinesterase (breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine)
Carbamoyl Flavonoids as Dual Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase and Monoacylglycerol Lipase
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00044-025-03420-6

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder

In older veterans, over one-third who used cannabis in the past 30 days had characteristics of cannabis use disorder
Cannabis Use Among Older Adults
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833976

For people with PTSD, a combination of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) & inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) did no better than CBT alone
Efficacy of Elevating Anandamide Via FAAH Inhibition Combined With Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in PTSD
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-025-02128-w

In people with adverse childhood experiences & borderline personality disorder, there was a link between immune system alterations & the endocannabinoids
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Interplay of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Interleukin-6 in Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06809-8

For a cannabis reduction intervention called CANreduce, a focus group on improving the Spanish version
Evaluating Perceptions of the CANreduce 2.0 eHealth Intervention for Cannabis Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40106809/

In healthy humans, the ability of antipsychotics to alter sphingolipid metabolism was counterbalanced by CBD (of relevance to schizophrenia)
Influence of Second-Generation Antipsychotics and Cannabidiol on Sphingolipid Metabolism
https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/33915

In the men of Pakistan, long-term cannabis use was associated with higher depression & schizophrenia scores
The Prevalence of Schizophrenia and Depression Among Male Cannabis Users
https://ojs.jdss.org.pk/journal/article/view/1385

Evaluating a questionnaire about people with trauma using cannabis to cope
Psychometric Evaluation of a Novel Measure of Trauma-Related Cannabis Use to Cope
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/20008066.2025.2500141

In a mouse model of fear, lower levels of 2-AG were linked to greater fear generalization
Prefrontal Correlates of Fear Generalization During Endocannabinoid Depletion
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40146227/

In rat models of stress, the levels of endocannabinoids in their blood did not correlate to the levels in their brains
Do Serum Endocannabinoid and N-Acylethanolamine Concentrations Reflect Brain Levels in Two Rat Stress Models?
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15622975.2025.2502394

In a mouse model of alcohol bingeing, anandamide helped to regulate the heart's mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Potential Role of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide in Reducing Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Function Following Alcohol Binge
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.1712

🧬 Reproduction & Hormones

In public health data on pregnant people, both preconception & prenatal cannabis use were associated with increased odds of both mild & severe nausea & vomiting in the first trimester
Frequency of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40080822/

In a survey of pregnant people & obstetrical providers, almost all doctors report counseling about avoiding alcohol, tobacco & cannabis but only half of patients remembered hearing such advice
How Effective Are Obstetric Providers at Identifying Cannabis Use?
https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/2025/06001/how_effective_are_obstetric_providers_at.256.aspx

In exercising female rats, their ovarian cycle modulated their endocannabinoid levels
Influence of Sex Hormones on Endocannabinoid Release in Response to Voluntary Wheel Running
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.2039

In a rat model of maternal immune system activation combined with offspring exposure to THC during adolescence, the combination of these two vulnerability factors caused alterations to the brain & neurotransmitter systems
A Hidden Mark of a Troubled Past: Interactive Effects of Maternal Immune Activation and Adolescent THC Exposure Suggestive of Increased Neuropsychiatric Risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40115746/

In zebrafish embryos exposed to high doses of CBD, a thesis project found they had increased rates of microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes)
Determining the Causation of Microphthalmia in Cannabidiol Treated Zebrafish Embryos
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1128&context=honors

In chicken embryos, THC exposure lowered growth
Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol on Growth and Cardiovascular Function of the Chick Embryo
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.1809

🦠 The Immune System & Microbial

The ability of Salmonella to develop a resistance to CBD involved a number of factors linked to the cell membrane
Mechanisms of Salmonella typhimurium Resistance to Cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142444/

In a tissue model of immune cells, cannabis root extracts enhanced immune function & improved the pathogen-fighting power of the macrophages (key immune cell)
Immunomodulatory Actions of Hexane Fraction from Cannabis sativa L. Root Ethanol Extract
https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO202513457604665.pdf

🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries

In people with chronic pain, 30+% reported cannabis use during their workday
Working Under the Influence of Cannabis Amongst Medical Cannabis Patients With Chronic Pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40084646/

In interviews with chronic pain patients & clinicians involved in a pilot group-based pain self-management program, they shared their themes on the benefits of therapeutic group dynamics & as well as the program barriers
Enablers, Barriers and Practical Applications of a Group-Based Pain Self-Management Program for Patients Receiving Medical Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40361269/

In spinal fusion surgery, preoperative cannabis use was associated with anxiety & higher preoperative pain scores
Association Between Preoperative Cannabis Use and Anxiety, Pain Scores and Opioid Consumption in Spinal-Fusion Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088195/

In a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain, THC vapor modulated the neurons in the periaqueductal gray (a brain region of pain control) with gendered effects
Chronic Inflammatory Pain and Chronic THC Vapor Inhalation Alter Midbrain Neuronal Activity
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/jn.00456.2024

In a mouse model of neuropathic pain, the terpene myrcene reduced pain via the CB1 receptor
Elucidating Interplay Between Myrcene and Cannabinoid Receptor 1 to Produce Antinociception
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40096521/

For migraine pain, anandamide & 2-AG reduced firing of the meningeal nerve afferents in the brain (transmitters of pain signals)
Differential Inhibitory Effects of Endocannabinoids on Neuronal Firing of Mouse Meningeal Afferents
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10194-025-02041-z

In bone tissue, anandamide increased bone formation & collagen quantity
Influences of Anandamide on Bone Formed In Vitro by Osteoblast-Like Saos-2 Cells
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.2072

The CAN-STRESS dataset from a wristband that measured stress levels & relates them to exercise & cannabis consumption
CAN-STRESS: A Real-World Multimodal Dataset for Understanding Cannabis Use, Stress, and Physiological Responses
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025arXiv250319935R/abstract

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome

For weight loss, a review of 9 studies on drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system found significant weight loss from CB1 inverse agonists but adverse effects on the GI system as well as psychiatric symptoms
Synthetic Modulators of the Endocannabinoid System in Weight Loss: A Systematic Review
https://ojs.studiespublicacoes.com.br/ojs/index.php/cadped/article/view/16213

In a trial of people with obesity, treatment with nabilone (a pharmaceutical cousin to THC that activates the CB1 & CB2 receptors) resulted in poor tolerability & many participants dropped out due to adverse events
Feasibility and Tolerability of Nabilone for the Treatment of Obesity
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2025.0034

In older people with a poor appetite, on the pharmacokinetics of their THC consumption
Population pharmacokinetics of Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and an active metabolite in older patients with poor appetite
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/257642/preprint_pdf/e79c9681df2fca5a5e66b5b346922809.pdf

In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, H2CBD (aka 8,9-Dihydrocannabidiol, a synthetic cousin to CBD) improved cardiac biomarkers
Four-Week Oral Pseudocannabinoid H2CBD Improved Redox Imbalance in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.0942

For metabolic disorders, creating dual antagonists of the CB1 receptor & the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme that don't cross the blood-brain barrier
Evaluation of Tetrahydropyridazine-Based Peripherally Restricted Dual Inhibitors of CB1R and iNOS for Treating Metabolic Syndrome Disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002604952500160X

❤️ The Heart

In rats with high blood pressure, CBD lowered their mean arterial pressure
Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment Significantly Reduces Arterial Pressure in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.0998

💨 The Lungs

In lung cells, activation of the CB1 receptor accelerated barrier damage repair, reduced oxidative stress & inhibited the acquisition of asthma-like features
Cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 Restores Bronchial Epithelium by Regulating Oxidative Stress and STAT6 Phosphorylation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674925005512

💧 The Genitourinary System

In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, chronic CBD improved kidney filtration
Chronic CBD Treatment Improves Renal Function in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2025.40.S1.0991

In mice with elevated uric acid levels, hemp protein hydrolysates inhibited xanthine oxidase & significantly reduced their blood levels of uric acid & creatinine as well as urea nitrogen
Novel Urate-Lowering Active Peptide From Hemp Protein: From Animal Model to Simulation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996925009810

👀 The Eyes

In the eyes of people naive to cannabis, THC decreases their pupil size & dampened their pupillary light reflex
Effects of Intravenous Δ9-THC on Pupillary Reaction and Pupil Size
https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-025-04107-7

🖐️ The Skin & Topicals

For skin, an extract of cannabis callus (a mass of undifferentiated cells) had anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties
Evaluation of Cannabis sativa L. Callus Extract as a Novel Cosmetic Ingredient with Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40219215/

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy

In cells of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), cannabis extract inhibited growth & induced apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Impact of Cannabis Leaf (Sakon Nakhon Cultivar) Extracts on Anti-Cholangiocarcinoma Activity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803325000399

In a tissue model of lung cancer, nano-CBD caused anti-proliferative effects
Targeted Oral Delivery of Exosomal Formulation of Cannabidiol Against Lung Cancer
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adtp.202400362

In glioblastomas (the fastest growing brain cancer), the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA disrupted metabolism & glutamate pathways
Effects of a Synthetic Cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, on Metabolites and Glutamatergic Transporters in U87 Cell Line
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452225003689

In triple-negative breast cancer, the CB2 receptor is overexpressed in the nucleolus (a structure in the nucleus for creating ribosomes, the organelle of protein synthesis) & activating the CB2 receptor reduced cell migration & proliferation
Nucleolar Sequestration of Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0323554

On creating CBG nanoparticles with tubulin-targeting drugs for enhanced anti-cancer activity
Self-Assembled Cannabigerol-Based Nanoparticles: Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/5/636

💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

In data from 20 US cities in the National Drug Early Warning System Surveillance, synthetic cannabinoids were the most commonly reported drug class
Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Reported New Psychoactive Substance Use Among Adults in 20 US Cities
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871625001644

In the rat prefrontal cortex & hippocampus (memory center of the brain), the synthetic cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 & HU-210 altered inflammation levels & cannabinoid signaling
Region-Specific Impact of Repeated Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure and Withdrawal on Endocannabinoid Signaling, Gliosis, and Inflammatory Markers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40149953/

On using AI to differentiate synthetic cannabinoids
Deep-Learning-Assisted Raman Spectral Analysis for Accurate Differentiation of Highly Structurally Similar CA Series Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01082

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Detection Tools

On using yeast to create two rare cannabinoids from simple sugars
Microbial Biosynthesis of Rare Cannabinoids
https://watermark.silverchair.com/kuaf013.pdf

On how the endocannabinoids interact with fatty acids to modulate TRPV1 & TRPA1 channel activity
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Endocannabinoid-Related Metabolites Activity at Human TRPV1 and TRPA1 Ion Channels
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40151457/

A new inhibitor of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) with a nitrile warhead
Discovery of New Covalent Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase With the Nitrile Warhead via SCARdock
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40107037/
And on creating inhibitors of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) from the naphthyl amide class
Optimization of a Naphthyl Amide Class Identifies Potent and Selective Reversible Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0968089625001786

An undergraduate project screening for allosteric modulators of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
Allosteric Modulation of FAAH by Direct Compounds
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2865&context=research_symp

For cannabinoid blood testing, on the metabolite concentrations in venous versus capillary blood
Comparison of ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in venous and capillary blood following ad libitum cannabis smoking by occasional and daily users
https://watermark.silverchair.com/bkaf043.pdf

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For this week’s soul jazz, ‘This Here Is Bobby Timmons’ by Bobby Timmons, best known for penning classics like ‘Moanin’ & ‘Dat Dere’ (which led to one of my favorite parenting sons, this cover by Oscar Brown Jr). A native of Philadelphia & the son of a minister,. Timmons came from a musical family & earned a scholarship to the Philadelphia Musical Academy. By the mid-‘50s, he was in New York & recording with the likes of Chet Baker & Maynard Ferguson but it was his time as a sideman with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers & Cannonball Adderley's band that led to his greatest fame. But despite authoring a number of hits, he resisted being typecast as just a composer & is now known for being an originator of bringing funk into jazz. In the early ‘60s, he started his own trio but his drinking & heroin addiction took much of his money & energy. His career declined quickly over the decade & by 1974, he was dead at the age of 38 of cirrhosis.

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Cannabinoids & the People