C&P#147: kids & cancer + teens & chronic pain + OEA & OEA (argh)
UK decrim wrestling, Thai tightening, Ukraine importing & Moldova planting
🌟 This week 🌟
Cannabis helping young people with cancer & not interfering with immunotherapy
CBD for opioid use disorder
A giant living review of medical cannabinoids for children
Teens using cannabis for chronic pain & the doctors who don't believe them
OEA for obesity (oleoylethanolamide, not oleamide)
OEA for seizures (oleamide, not oleoylethanolamide)
Preclinical: CBD for Parkinson’s + seizures caused by traumatic brain injury
Cannabinoids against drug-resistant bacteria
On the overstated reach of the Mexican cartels in the US
Psilocybin mushrooms help more when taken with THC
Psychedelics for alcohol use disorder, autism, disordered eating, OCD & the mood dysfunctions of Parkinson’s
The ECS & female reproduction + ECS & male fertility
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 147th 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: 6,500 words, ~15 minutes reading time, 125 papers)
📌 Editor’s note:
This newsletter is a day late because it was a school holiday here in France. We spent the day in the woods building a new fairy house & then scootering at the skate park. No regrets.
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🧰 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. #AMAGlossary of Cannabinoid Terms (& my Neural Ocean metaphor)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week.
💖 Ways to support this work 💖
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🐋 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.comThe 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.
🎥 My work this week 🎤
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)
CBD & Your Immune System (great chart!)
Cannabinoids & Cancer Symptoms & Treatments for young adults
My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
Siu's The Portable Dragon & Manzoni's The Betrothed (these two books got me to break my TikTok retirement)
And I’m backing up the earliest videos from my first days on TikTok to my YouTube account. Here’s some of the recent ones:
'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker + her essay 'In Search of Zora Neale Hurston'
Willa Cather's 'O Pioneers!' (my favorite American writer after Melville)
Spiritual storytelling (masters from Attar to the 'Cotton Patch Parables of Liberation')
'Dawn to Decadence' by Barzun (maybe the best magisterial history I've ever read)
'The Three Dangerous Magi' by Mistlberger (Osho, Gurdjieff & Crowley)
🍃 Best Of (Phyto)Cannabinoid Science 🍃
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In people with cancer treated with immunotherapy, this study of 1,600+ people found cannabis use did not interfere with therapy efficacy
The Impact of Cannabis Use on Patient Outcomes Post Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: The DiRECT Cohort
https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.12081
This is a reassuring study for cancer clinicians because one of the fears of using cannabinoids in combination with drugs that harness the immune system is that with the well-known ability of cannabinoids to suppress the immune system (though it's complicated), the immunosuppression could interfere with how well the drugs work. But in this rather sizable study of people with cancer using immunotherapy, the cannabis didn’t cause problems.
In young people with cancer, a survey found they used cannabis to help with nausea, appetite, pain, sadness/anxiety, sleep & to treat the cancer
Pediatric Patient Experiences Using Medical Cannabis in Cancer Symptom Management as Reported by Parents of Children and Adolescents and by Young Adults
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/27527530251318606
In adolescent chronic pain patients, 25% reported using cannabis for their pain, sleep & anxiety despite these researchers dismissing the evidence of efficacy
Prevalence Rates, Perceptions of Risk, and Motivations for Nonmedical Cannabis Use in Pediatric Pain
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834553
Sometimes I look at the wording of these papers & think, what a bunch of jerks. Here they are with a passel of kids with untreated pain who are telling them that cannabis helps. Instead of listening to them & glancing at the large corpus of research on the subject, they crow about “limited evidence supporting cannabis for pain, sleep, or anxiety” & instead suggest “education about the risks of self-medication” & that “the development of alternative coping strategies are needed.” 👎
For people with body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as skin picking disorder & trichotillomania (hair pulling), a survey found that a third of them reported past year cannabis use & that past-year cannabis use was associated with more days spent pulling or picking as well as more heightened distress due to the BFRB
Rates and Clinical Correlates of Cannabis Use in Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorder
https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/abstract/2025/06000/rates_and_clinical_correlates_of_cannabis_use_in.5.aspx
While I can absolutely imagine cannabis worsening this condition in some people, as we see in other fields of medicine, it's often the people with the more severe manifestations of the disease that turn to cannabis for relief.
For the neurometabolic effects of cannabis use, a meta-analysis of 15 studies found that cannabis users had lower levels of GABA & N-acetylaspartate in the anterior cingulate cortex, glutamate in the basal ganglia/striatum as well as glutamine & myo-inositol in the thalamus
Neurometabolite Alterations Associated With Cannabis Use: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Meta-Analysis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/hbm.70236
In psilocybin users, co-use with cannabis was associated with greater improvements in quality of life, anxiety, depression & alcohol abuse
Age and Cannabis Co-Use Moderate Experience and Perceived Benefits of Psilocybin
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/dczw2_v1
In the eyes of saddle horses, CBD significantly reduced their intraocular pressure (relevant to glaucoma)
Effect of Orally Administered Cannabidiol Oil on Daily Tonometric Curve in Healthy Italian Saddle Horses
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0325191
📑 Reviews 📑
For cannabis toxicology assays, a literature review compiled all the findings
Cannabis Toxicological Non Clinical Assays: A Literature Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392120333_Cannabis_toxicological_non_clinical_assays_a_literature_review
And in a mouse model of toxicity, an extract of Moroccan cannabis caused no mortality, sedation or motor impairment but did cause cellular stress, increased weight gain & lessened anxiety
Exploring the phytochemical and toxicological profile of Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. leaves extract: Behavioral, histological, and oxidative stress assessments
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874125007457
For children using medical cannabinoids, a living systematic review of 276 studies found the most common indications to be for refractory epilepsy, cancer/cancer symptoms & autism
Cannabinoids for Medical Purposes in Children: A Living Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40437694/
“Common cannabinoids identified in interventional studies were purified cannabidiol (CBD) (78.6%, n = 66 studies, 5235 participants) with dose range of 2-50 mg/kg/day, tetrahydrocannabinol (6%, n = 5 studies, 148 participants) with dose range of 2.5-10 mg/day (max dose of tetrahydrocannabinol in nabiximols 32.4 mg) and nabilone (6%, n = 5 studies, 267 participants) with dose range of 0.5-2 mg/day. In randomised controlled trials, purified cannabidiol was reported to reduce seizure frequency ranging between 30% and 50%. Common adverse events (> 20% studies) in studies enrolling children were somnolence, diarrhoea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.”
For opioid use disorder & CBD, a systematic review of 20 studies found CBD reduced cravings, abstinence-induced anxiety & withdrawal symptoms
The Potential Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40415392/
For migraines, this literature review found medical cannabis helped reduced their strength & frequency
Efficacy and Safety Study of Medicinal Cannabis in Migraine: a Literature Review
https://www.bjbs.com.br/index.php/bjbs/article/view/472
For chronic pain, a systematic review of clinical cannabinoid trials
Cannabis-Based Therapies in Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/378
For the antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids, a systematic review covered 46 papers on its efficacy against resistant pathogens
Exploring Cannabinoids as a Novel Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance: A Systematic Review
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/335
The effects of endocannabinoid genetic variants on female fertility & reproduction
The influence of genetics on the endocannabinoid system gene expression and relevance for targeting reproductive conditions
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00275-x
For the effects of endocannabinoids on male fertility, a review of the mechanisms & the debate on harms vs helps
A review of cellular and molecular interactions between endocannabinoids and male fertility: Balancing beneficial and detrimental effects
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320525004138
On prenatal cannabis exposure & neurodevelopmental disorders, a review of immune system links
Beyond Infections: Exploring Immune-Mediated Pathways Linking Cannabis and Emerging Environmental Contaminants to Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40442391/
A wide-ranging review of the mammalian endocannabinoidome by Di Marzo himself (unfortunately paywalled)
The endocannabinoidomes: pharmacological redundancy and promiscuity, and multi-kingdom variety of sources and molecular targets
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031699725074782
Dr. Di Marzo is not just a giant in the rather small field of endocannabinoid science, he’s one of the world’s most highly cited researchers (top 0.1% globally, with an h-index of an eye-popping 179). We’re just lucky that someone of his stature happens to be in our field.
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
In chronic cannabis users, they had endothelial dysfunction (a type of coronary artery disease) similar to tobacco users
Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392163672_Association_of_Endothelial_Dysfunction_With_Chronic_Marijuana_Smoking_and_THC-Edible_Use
For cannabis use disorder & psychiatric diagnoses, a large genetic study found cannabis use partially mapped onto major depressive disorder & ADHD while for schizophrenia, a gene linked to an acetylcholine receptor was shared with cannabis use disorder
The Genetic Relationship Between Cannabis Use Disorder, Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00440-4
In young adults with cannabis use disorder, they had higher levels of impulsive traits & brain scans showed alterations to their reward network
Abnormal Structural Nodes of the Reward Network Associated with Impulsive Traits in Cannabis Use Disorder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1076633225004544
A review from the UK’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on the use & harms of semi-synthetic cannabinoids
‘Semi-synthetic’ Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids related to tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol
https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/semi-synthetic-cannabinoids-cannabinoids-related-to-tetrahydrocan
For smoking synthetic cannabinoids, a GC-MS investigation of the hazardous products produced by burning
Unveiling the Toxicological Risks of Synthetic Cannabinoid Smoking: A GC-MS-Based Investigation
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/327
In a case report of a coronary artery spasm (a temporary, severe narrowing of the heart arteries) with two cardiac arrests, the person had a history of drinking high levels of caffeinated soda, alcohol & cannabis (which the doctors referred to as “synergistic triggers”)
When Coronary Spasm Strikes: A Case Report on the Dreadful Association Between Cannabinoids and Caffeine
https://academic.oup.com/ehjcr/article/9/6/ytaf252/8152033
In a bariatric surgery using a sleeve, a case report of a cannabis user who experienced a delayed gastric leak 7 months after surgery
Delayed Gastric Leak Secondary to Marijuana Consumption Post Sleeve Gastrectomy
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/365591/20250529-161101-n1eutp.pdf
A case report of someone with bladder cancer who used synthetic cannabinoids & developed rhabdomyolysis (the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue leading to toxic protein release & symptoms of pain, weakness, vomiting & confusion)
Cannabinoids-Induced Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient: A Report of a Case and a Review of Literature
https://www.proquest.com/openview/3fd884dada2a6431c21abfa933de444a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2045583
In a mouse model of long-term depression (a form of learning), THC lowered synaptic plasticity in young mice but not adult mice
Three-day delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure eliminates long-term depression in ventral tegmental area of young, but not adult mice
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00287-7
In mouse & tissue models of head & neck cancer, THC promoted cell migration & invasion but not proliferation or tumor growth
Evaluation of the Effects of THC on Migration, Proliferation, and Tumor Growth in HPV-Negative HNSCC
https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.e18062
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a rat model of Parkinson's disease, nano-CBD caused behavioral improvements, normalized markers of oxidative stress & lessened weight loss
Neuroprotective Effects of a Cannabidiol Nanoemulsion in a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease: Insights into the Gut-Brain Axis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925005023
In a rat model of posttraumatic epilepsy (seizures caused by a traumatic brain injury), CBD caused anticonvulsant & neuroprotective effects via the TRPV1 channel
Cannabidiol ameliorates seizures and neuronal damage in ferric chloride-induced posttraumatic epilepsy by targeting TRPV1 channel
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874125007597
In a mouse model of obesity, oleoylethanolamide (aka OEA, the endocannabinoid-like molecule of satiety) reduced body weight, food intake, liver inflammation & fat accumulation in the liver & body as well as improving the gut microbiome & liver health (nice graphical abstract)
Anti-Obesity Effects of Oleoylethanolamide: Modulation of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Endocannabinoidome and Gut Microbiome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332225003956
And in a mouse model of epilepsy, oleamide (aka OEA, the endocannabinoid-like molecule of sleep) substantially reduced seizure severity & reactive oxygen species levels while preserving synaptic integrity via inhibition of ferroptosis (a newly discovered form of cell death involving iron)
Ferroptosis Inhibition Underlies Oleamide’s Neuroprotective and Antiseizure Effects
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/259696/preprint_pdf/4d30ffa12f00c2fe6ae23314877691af.pdf
That both oleoylethanolamide & oleamide are abbreviated as OEA will haunt me until the day my brain finally shuts down enough to not remember neurochemistry.
And it may hasten the approach of that day…
In a rat model of neuropathic pain, the combination of CBD-rich oil with omega-3 fish oil “effectively prevented thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, while also improving motor impairment-induced peripheral neuropathy”
Full spectrum cannabis oil combined with omega-3 fish oil for neuropathic pain management: a novel therapeutic approach
https://academic.oup.com/jpp/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jpp/rgaf027/8148741
In animal escape behaviors, on the necessity of endocannabinoid-mediated disinhibition via GABA (the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the ventral tegmental nucleus (a brain region regulating of reward, learning, memory & addiction via dopamine)
Endocannabinoids Disinhibit the Ventral Tegmental Nucleus of Gudden to Dorsal Premammillary Nucleus Pathway to Enhance Escape Behavior Following Learned Threat Experience
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60080-1
In a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (eczema), the benefits of electroacupuncture for lowering itchiness & inflammation were mediated by the CB2 receptor
Electroacupuncture exerts antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects on atopic dermatitis by activating CB2 receptor
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13020-025-01102-4
🧬 Novel Studies 🧬
(my grab bag section for intriguing studies or stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
In humans undergoing a test called tactile funneling illusion (where touch in two widespread places elicits the sensation of a touch in between them), nabilone (a pharmaceutical cousin to THC that activates the CB1 & CB2 receptors) decreased the effects of the illusion perception
The Effect of a Synthetic Cannabinoid Agonist (Nabilone) on Unimodal Tactile Illusion Correlates with Psychometric Scores in Healthy Volunteers
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-02280-9
On creating stable complexes of cannabinoid acids for use against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (famously, a promoter of gastric cancer)
Complex Forming Properties of Cannabinoid Acids in a Green Solvent and Bioassays Focused on Gastric Disease Caused by Helicobacter pylori Infection
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03442-5
For AI image training, an open-access dataset of Australian street cannabis
A New, Co-Designed Repository of Cannabis Images from Australian Street Cannabis Plant Matter: The CANNA Images Dataset
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/fxwt5_v1
I wonder if these images capture the notoriously high street prices of Australian cannabis.
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰
Trump's new budget deletes state medical cannabis protections
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-wants-to-delete-state-medical-marijuana-protections-from-budget-while-continuing-to-block-cannabis-sales-legalization-in-d-c/
It also continues the blocking of cannabis sales in Washington DC (which legalized it many moons ago, but somehow that poor city is directly run by the federal government).
A US appeals court ruled that the smell of cannabis is not enough probable cause for an arrest or search unless the officer can link the cannabis to the suspect
https://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/242114p.pdf
In Texas, hemp advocates & veterans delivered 100,000+ petitions asking for a veto against the banning of all consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing any detectable level of THC
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/texas-hemp-advocates-deliver-100000-petitions-to-governors-office-urging-him-to-veto-thc-ban-bill/
The opposition & online chatter about this bill is stronger than about almost any state policy I've seen in quite a while.
In New York, an anonymous open letter from staff at the Office of Cannabis Management on a terrible workplace culture of retaliation & low staff morale
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-7BAby0-Qh658QTNWzbW697v7xQIs52N/view?_bhlid=c069839ebf9f7cd6d68c4ec9fbbb3f1170a404f2
Since NYC is my heart & adopted home, I always get out the popcorn for the ups & downs of their wild cannabis legalization ride.
In Hawaii, caregivers now allowed to grow for up to five medical cannabis patients
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/hawaii-governor-signs-bill-expanding-medical-marijuana-caregiver-rights/
In Oregon, a federal judge struck down a labor neutrality law that required cannabis businesses to submit labor peace agreements when renewing their cannabis license
https://nwlaborpress.org/2025/06/judge-blocks-oregons-cannabis-labor-neutrality-law/
In Nevada, foster parents are no longer disqualified over past cannabis convictions
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nevada-governor-signs-bill-to-stop-disqualifying-people-from-being-foster-parents-over-past-marijuana-convictions/
🌐 International News 🌐
In the UK, a landmark report from the London Drugs Commission recommended decriminalizing cannabis possession, banning stop & search as well as cannabis training for police
https://businessofcannabis.com/landmark-uk-report-recommends-decriminalising-cannabis-possession-banning-stop-search-cannabis-training-for-police/
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/cannabis-law-drug-change-report-sadiq-khan-b2759291.html
But after last week when the London Mayor as well as a former police chief now in the House of Lords called for decriminalization, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the government does not support decriminalizing cannabis.
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/angela-rayner-drugs-cannabis-sadiq-khan-32r25sh7r
And a poll found that 54% supported decriminalizing cannabis while 34% opposed
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/survey-results/daily/2025/05/28/7c2aa/2
But the Home Office rejected a petition to legalize cannabis home grows
https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2025/05/29/uk-gov-rejects-medical-cannabis-grow-your-own-petition/
And the Guardian shares on a little-known piece of London history where a police chief ordered his officers to only issue cautions for cannabis
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/may/31/worried-about-weed-should-london-follow-new-york-and-decriminalise-cannabis
In Thailand, amidst a surge in smuggling, the health minister said cannabis users will need medical certificates
https://internationalcbc.com/thailand-health-minister-cannabis-users-will-need-medical-certificates/
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3033366/surge-in-cannabis-smuggling-prompts-thailand-to-tighten-rules
In Germany, a record import of medical cannabis in 2025’s first quarter: 41 tons
https://mjbizdaily.com/germany-imports-record-quantity-of-medical-cannabis-in-first-quarter-2025/
In Ukraine, the State Medical Service approved the first ever importation of medical cannabis
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ukraine-officials-approve-countrys-first-ever-permit-to-import-medical-marijuana-products/
In Moldova, the first legal hemp planted after decades of prohibition in this former hemp powerhouse
https://hemptoday.net/moldova-reclaims-hemp-heritage-as-first-legal-fields-are-planted-after-decades/
In the Bahamas, no funding has been allocated for cannabis regulation, stalling the rollout of cannabis reforms that passed last year
https://www.tribune242.com/news/2025/jun/02/claims-govt-stalling-as-no-cannabis-funding-seen/
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
The industrial hemp market projected to reach $38B by 2035
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industrial-hemp-market-to-reach-38-billion-by-2035--growing-at-a-cagr-of-17-2-from-2025--exclusive-report-by-meticulous-research-302467185.html
An analysis of hundreds of interviews with California cannabis workers
High Stakes: The State of the California Cannabis Workforce
https://escholarship.org/content/qt8k93v2v5/qt8k93v2v5.pdf
For Utah's floral hemp industry, an analysis of its rise & fall
Lessons Learned from the Rise and the Fall of Floral Hemp Production in Utah
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/agg2.70121
For mortgage lenders, an analysis of how they adjust risk exposure for borrowers in the cannabis industry
Balancing Risks: The Mortgage Market's Response to Cannabis Industry Employment
https://digital.sandiego.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3501&context=sdlr
An analysis of the legal challenges to California’s ban on hemp ingredients in food products
Cheech and Chong Go to Court: Legal Challenges to California's Prohibition of Hemp in Food Products
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/iicl35&div=16&id=&page=
On cannabis use & work, a legal analysis of the battle between state & federal laws in relation to employment action
Cannabis at Work: Navigating the Intersection of Employment Law and Legalized Marijuana
https://scholarlycommons.law.wlu.edu/crsj/vol31/iss2/7/
A dissertation on cannabis industry equity (with an excellent collection of illustrations)
Cannabis Equity
https://www.proquest.com/openview/7fde4142cf74137515f6704fc1e70751/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
US & the DEA
On the overstated reach of the Mexican cartels in the US
https://insightcrime.org/news/how-much-control-do-mexican-criminal-groups-really-have-in-the-us/
Latin America
History of the Mayiza, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel
https://insightcrime.org/mexico-organized-crime-news/mayiza-profile/
In Venezuela, the authorities appear to be staging seizures of drug shipments by re-hiding them on beaches & later “discovering” them
https://insightcrime.org/news/seize-reuse-and-repeat-venezuelas-war-on-recycled-drugs/
I kind of love this & it goes with last week's theme about countries quiet quitting the war on drugs.
Europe
In London, an analysis of drug gangs using contract killers & the subcontracting of violence
Subcontracted violence amongst London’s drug gangs
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17440572.2025.2499448
An Albanian drug lord shares why the British police will never stop their cocaine flow
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14720143/Albanian-drug-lord-British-police-NEVER-defeat-Gangster-cocaine.html
Asia & Middle East
Methamphetamine production on the rise in the Golden Triangle
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1163741
In the Arabian Sea, a ship seizure of 1,000 kilograms of heroin
https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/royal-navy-ship-seizes-1000kg-heroin-latest-drugs-bust-arabian-sea
In Korea, a record bust of 1.7 tons of cocaine
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20250528/south-korea-seizes-record-17-tons-of-cocaine-4-suspects-referred-for-prosecution
Africa
In Zambia, interviews with drug law enforcement officers about drug trafficking & the links to organized crime & corruption
Exploring the Nexus between Illicit Drugs and National Security Threats: A Case of Zambia
https://www.allmultidisciplinaryjournal.com/uploads/archives/20250322165355_MGE-2025-2-114.1.pdf
In Gambia, an economic analysis of drug trafficking & security
The Economics of Drug Trafficking on Security in West Africa: an Overview of the Gambia
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391345598_The_Economics_of_Drug_Trafficking_on_Security_in_West_Africa_an_Overview_of_the_Gambia
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
Reporting on new science backing safe opioid supply (aka SOS, the dispensing of clean opioids to people with opioid use disorders)
https://filtermag.org/safe-supply-methadone-study/
The Netherlands embraces harm reduction while the US struggles with it
https://wbhm.org/2025/going-dutch-harm-reduction-is-embraced-in-the-netherlands-but-struggles-in-the-us/
In Saskatchewan, a fleet of wellness buses to expand addiction care
https://www.todayville.com/saskatchewan-launches-small-fleet-of-wellness-buses-to-expand-addictions-care/
In West Hollywood, free harm reduction services during Pride
https://thepridela.com/2025/05/west-hollywood-to-offer-free-health-services-and-harm-reduction-resources-during-weho-pride-weekend/
In NYC’s MOMA PS1 museum, an exhibit on harm reduction history: “Love Rules: The Harm Reduction Archives of Heather Edney and Richard Berkowitz”
https://filtermag.org/love-rules-harm-reduction-history/
Harm Reduction Research
In Europe, an analysis of the history of harm reduction & the need for bold new solutions for expansion
50 years of harm reduction in Europe: high time for transformation
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-025-01200-4
In Stockholm, on the willingness of people who use drugs to utilize supervised consumption sites
Willingness and contextual considerations for supervised consumption sites: a mixed-methods study among people who inject drugs in Stockholm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925001665
🍄 Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives 🍄
A panegyric on a DMT Dark Web kingpin
https://www.wired.com/story/rise-fall-dark-web-psychedelics-kingpin-dmt/
An anthropological review of contemporary psychedelic use
Anthropology of Psychedelics
https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/anoc.70002
The Psychoactive Research
For alcohol use disorder & psychedelics, a review of 71 studies found significant reductions in alcohol consumption, enhanced emotional regulation & sustained improvements
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Treating Alcohol Use Disorders: A Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07347324.2025.2500345
For disordered eating, a survey of psychedelic experiences found them linked to improved well-being & reduced symptoms of disordered eating
Exploring the Role of Psychedelic Experiences on Wellbeing and Symptoms of Disordered Eating
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/4/1/7
In adults with autism, a survey found that a single psychedelic experience reduced psychological distress & improved social anxiety & social engagement
Perceived changes in mental health and social engagement attributed to a single psychedelic experience in autistic adults: results from an online survey
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-024-06685-8
In people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, ketamine caused rapid improvements to scores
Ketamine for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: Double-blind active-controlled crossover study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811241301215
A pilot study on improving executive function with psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback
Psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback for the improvement of executive functions: a randomized semi-naturalistic-lab feasibility study
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rstb.2023.0095
On psychedelic therapy & touch, a survey of practitioners’ beliefs on its help & appropriateness
The Role of Touch in Psychedelic Therapy: Perspectives From a Survey of Practitioners in Research Settings
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20240025?journalCode=apt
In Germany, a national survey on microdosing
Population-based estimates of different dosage types of psychedelic use across socio-demographic groups in Germany
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03873-0
In brain scans, on how DMT altered the connectome harmonics
Time-resolved coupling between connectome harmonics and subjective experience under the psychedelic DMT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38853985/
In a mouse model of itch, psilocin (active ingredient of psilocybin mushroom) caused anti-itch effects via the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors & kynurenine pathway
Psilocin alleviates acute itch in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT2A receptors and kynurenine pathway
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00210-025-04152-5
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing & Extracting 🌱
In industrial hemp, an analysis of plant spacing & cultivar effect on biomass found that wider plant spacing yielded more CBD
Plant Spacing and Cultivar Effect on Industrial Hemp Growth, Biomass, and Cannabinoids Yield
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/agg2.70128
For growing hemp, a comparative study of aquaponic & hydroponic systems
Comparative Study on Aquaponic and Hydroponic Systems for Sustainable Hemp Production in a Controlled Environment
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/6/588
For biofiltration in cultivation facilities, a thesis project on improvements for reducing volatile organic compound release
Optimizing Biofiltration for Sustainable Air Emission Control in Cannabis Cultivation
https://digital.wpi.edu/concern/student_works/np193f17r?locale=en
On genetic stability in hemp clonal propagation
Clonal propagation of hemp and assessment of genetic stability in long-term In Vitro culture
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669025007885
A genetic transcription analysis with a focus on secondary metabolite regulation (such as terpenes)
Transcriptomic analysis of wild Cannabis sativa: insights into tissue- and stage-specific expression and secondary metabolic regulation
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12864-025-11697-5
In drug-type cannabis, a genome-wide association study found a massive haplotype (gene group that tends to be inherited from a single parent) associated with cannabinoid biosynthesis
Discovery of Major QTL and a Massive Haplotype Associated with Cannabinoid Biosynthesis in Drug-Type Cannabis
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/tpg2.70031
On comparing different extraction methods on extract profile as well as antioxidant & antimicrobial effects
Phytochemical Profiling, GC-MS Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Cannabis sativa L. var. Beldia
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A11%3A35995307/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A185057309
In Nicotiana benthamiana (aka benthi, an Australian cousin of tobacco), a thesis project on the effects of adding the enzyme cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) that produces CBDA
Evaluation of the Cannabidiolic Acid Synthase (CBDAS) variant’s activity from hemp in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants.
https://opus.uleth.ca/items/6bd94ede-6614-4963-9486-c987bc7ee0a1
On cannabis farms in Santa Barbara County, a thesis project on soil analysis for chemical contaminants such as pesticides &nutrient residues
Non-Targeted Analysis for Chemical Contaminants in Sediment Samples Near Cannabis Farms Within Santa Barbara County
https://www.proquest.com/openview/d801d54019a151ae4902b7e0653c383e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
⚙️ Formulating & Analyzing ⚙️
For cannabinoid analysis, a review of recent techniques with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Ultraviolet (UV) detection
Recent HPLC-UV Approaches for Cannabinoid Analysis: From Extraction to Method Validation and Quantification Compliance
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/6/786
In dried blood spots, analysis of cannabinoid & endocannabinoid levels with a LC–MS/MS method
Simultaneous Analysis of Four Endocannabinoids and Endocannabinoid Congeners Together with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Related Metabolites in Dried Blood Spots
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708525003322
Analyzing terpene levels with a GC-MS
Analysis of Terpenes in Cannabis by GC-MS: Method Development and Application to Extracts
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/320
On identifying 14 cannabinoids in extracts using a validated HPLC-DAD protocol
Optimization and Validation of an HPLC-DAD Method for the Identification of 14 Cannabinoids: application in Cannabis sativa L extracts
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/319
And using a derivatization approach
GC-MS-Based Study of Fourteen Cannabinoids Separation in Cannabis sativa Extracts Using a Derivatization Approach
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/358
A thesis project on separating 18 cannabinoids for potency testing using a LC–MS
A Systematic Study of Liquid Chromatography to Separate Eighteen Natural Cannabinoids for Potency Testing of Hemp-Based Products Using Diode Array Detector and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
https://www.proquest.com/openview/35f70fbf27fd49a194cd456a8dde2601/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
🍞 Food, Nutrition & Hemp Seeds 🍞
For hemp seed proteins, enzymatic hydrolysis improved functional properties & reduced immunogenicity
Enzymatic Hydrolysis Altered the Physicochemical and Immunogenic Profile of Protein-based Ingredients Derived from Industrial Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429225011411
On hemp seed extraction methods into organogels
Sustainable Extraction of Hemp Seed and Formulation Extracts into Organogels with Analytical Profiling of Fatty Acids
https://watermark.silverchair.com/fyaf018.pdf
On preserving bananas with hemp proteins & rose oil
Ultrasonication-Mediated Fabrication of Artificial Oleosomes from Hemp Seed Oil-Body Proteins and Rose Essential Oil for Banana Preservation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350417725001865
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For wind turbines, an analysis of hemp fiber-reinforced hybrid composites
Numerical Buckling Analysis of Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Composites in Wind Turbine Blades
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11008336
On making unidirectional tape from hemp
Biobasierte Leistung: Unidirektionale Tapes aus Hanffasern: Kay Kölzig Fuse GmbH, Zwenkau.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A8%3A28606456/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A184500336&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com
On removing dye with activated carbon from hemp waste
A green approach for dye decontamination: activated carbon from hemp waste
https://www.cellulosechemtechnol.ro/articles.php?article=1690
For phytoremediation, on using hyperspectral imaging to detect the levels of PFAS (forever chemicals)
Hyperspectral Imaging in the Short-Wave Infrared Range for Rapid Detection of PFAS in Cannabis sativa L. During Phytoremediation
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/13455/134550W/
And a dataset for phytoremediation of toxic metals using hemp (as well as sunflower, castor bean & bamboo)
Remediating toxic elements with sunflower, hemp, castor bean, & bamboo: an open dataset of harmonized variables
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-05239-7
For biochar, an AI thermogravimetric analysis of the synergistic effects of co-pyrolysis of rubber seed oil & hemp stems
Comprehensive Investigation of Co-Pyrolysis of Rubber Seed Oil and Industrial Hemp Stems: thermogravimetric analysis based on artificial neural networks; synergistic effect and pyrolysis product
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360544225024491
On the properties of bio-membranes made from waste hemp fibers
MECHANICAL AND BIODEGRADABILITY PROPERTIES OF SYNTHESIZED BIO-MEMBRANES FROM WASTE HEMP FIBERS
https://book.mme-see.org/index.php/home/article/view/112
On reinforcing clay with hemp & wood fibers
Clay Reinforced with Hemp and Wood Fibres for Additive Manufacturing Processes
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-84379-2_1
For the pilling of woven fabrics, a comparison of pilling resistance between linen & hemp
Comparison of the Pilling Resistance of Linen and Hemp Woven Fabrics
https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/68381bc6f788d76dad450587/10.2478_ftee-2025-0003.pdf
On improving hemp fiber with alkali-assisted surface treatments
Surface modification of Alberta based hemp fibers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669025008064
On improving hempcrete energy storage & sound absorption with capric acid
Characteristics of cement-based thermo-concretes containing capric acid impregnated hemp for thermal energy storage and sound isolation in buildings
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S036054422502479X
A review of hemp fiber & its biocomposites
Hemp fiber and its bio-composites: a comprehensive review part I—characteristics and processing
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42114-025-01314-0
On making epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with hemp fibers
Investigation of Mechanical and Impact Properties of Hemp Fiber Reinforced Epoxy‐Based Nanocomposites
https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/pc.30135
On strengthening hemp-ramie hybrid composites with stacking sequences & mercerization treatments
EFFECTS OF STACKING SEQUENCE AND MERCERIZATION TREATMENT ON MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF HEMP AND RAMIE-REINFORCED HYBRID LAMINATED COMPOSITES
https://naujcve.com/index.php/NAUJCVE/article/view/171
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
A Swedish review on the rise of CBD
Navigating the Rise of Cannabidiol: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions
https://lamintang.org/journal/index.php/jamaps/article/view/771
🏥 Public Health & Effects of Legalization 🏥
For online cannabis content, warning labels reduced intentions to share as well as activation of a brain region associated with self-processing
Pictorial warning labels reduce sharing intentions, blunt self-relevance processes elicited by social media posts promoting cannabis edibles
https://academic.oup.com/joc/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/joc/jqaf012/8153014?redirectedFrom=fulltext
For the effects of cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption patterns, a thesis project reviewed 12 studies
A Review of Relationships of Cannabis Legalization With Alcohol Use and Consumption
https://knowledge.uchicago.edu/record/15366
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In the US, young adults reported easy access to cannabis products
Prevalence and Perceived Accessibility of Cannabis Products among Underage Young Adults, 2019-2023
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00026
In Minnesota high school student data, cannabis use was linked to poorer academic performance
Greener Pastures, Continued Poorer Performance for Secondary Students
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6b5b349-ca65-4b22-b594-a41d9318d746/content
In Black young adults, cannabis & alcohol use helped to cope with experiences of trauma & violence as well as to enhance social connections
Alcohol and Cannabis Use in the Context of Violence Experiences and Traditional Masculinity Attitudes Among Black Emerging Adult Men in Baltimore, Maryland
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08862605251336350
In a survey of undergraduates, risky drinking & cannabis use mediated the links between bullying & the harmful use of each substance
Do Risky Drinking and Cannabis Use Motives Mediate the Links Between Bullying Involvement and Substance Use Harms Among Emerging Adults?
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15388220.2025.2509893
In Black & Hispanic young adults, distress intolerance was linked to greater cannabis use disorder
Association between distress tolerance and cannabis use disorder symptoms is stronger among U.S. Young adults who identify as Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853225000343
In sexual minority youth, a survey found illicit drug use linked to higher levels of risky behaviors such as carrying a gun, drinking & driving, cigarette & cannabis use, multiple sex partners & the use alcohol or drugs before sex
Illicit Drug Use and Associated Health Risk Behaviours Among Sexual Minority Youth
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460325001583
As someone who is no expert because I wasn't a cool kid, this sounds suspiciously like cool kid behavior.
In young adults who use flavored cigarillos & cannabis, a survey on the effects of a flavor ban
Cigarillo Flavor in Context: Qualitative Analysis of the Social-Ecological Factors Influencing Cigarillo and Cannabis Co-Use Among Young Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40443767/
In German teens, those who used e-cigarettes were also more likely to use cannabis & to perceive cannabis as less harmful
Association of cigarette and e-cigarette use with cannabis-related risk perceptions and intentions
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00288-6
In Barbados, on the influence of parent-child conversations about drugs on cannabis use
Understanding the influence of parent-child conversations about dangers of drug use on cannabis use among high school students in Barbados
https://journals.lww.com/jehp/fulltext/2025/05300/understanding_the_influence_of_parent_child.213.aspx
In young adults in Washington State, an analysis of developmental trajectories of cannabis & alcohol use
Changing Developmental Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Use in Washington State : an Analysis of Young Adult Birth Cohorts Born in 1990–2004
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11121-025-01813-y
In adolescent female rats, THC exposure caused no behavioral abnormalities but they had slower weight gain & long-lasting changes to the levels of estrogen receptors & FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) in their hypothalamus (body control center) & hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Adolescent female rats are resistant to the affective and cognitive impacts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure despite long-lasting molecular and neuronal disturbances in the hippocampal-hypothalamic network
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06817-8
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In people with traumatic brain injury, this literature review looked at the effects of cannabis, nicotine, & e-cigarettes (though they shared no findings in the abstract)
Neurophysiological and visual effects of cannabis, nicotine, and e-cigarettes on patients with TBI: a literature review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02699052.2025.2509162
In a mouse & tissue model of Alzheimer’s disease, activation of the CB1 & CB2 receptor improved short-term memory & completely recovered spatial memory as well as causing reductions in neuroinflammation
Neuroprotective effects of G9a inhibition and cannabinoid receptor activation in Alzheimer's disease through a pharmacological approach
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878747925000947
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, overexpression of LINGO-1 (a regulator of the oligodendrocytes that add myelin to the neurons) impaired spatial learning & memory, as well as reducing the levels of CB1 receptors in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
The Role of LINGO-1 in Regulating CB1R/TrkB Signalling and GABAergic Interneurons in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014488625001839
In a roundworm model of Alzheimer's disease, this undergraduate project found CBD decreased reactive oxygen species
Exploring the effects of Cannabidiol on Reactive Oxygen Species in C. elegans with β-amyloid expression as a model for Alzheimer’s Disease
https://digital.wpi.edu/concern/student_works/rf55zd073?locale=en
In neurons of the dorsal hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), activating the CB2 receptors increased excitability, reduced inhibition & altered the neuronal response to repeated stimulation (though no changes in the ventral hippocampus)
Cannabinoid Modulation of Excitability and Short-Term Neuronal Dynamics in the Dorsal and Ventral Hippocampus
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/6/642
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In humans taking a beverage of CBD, L-theanine, vitamin E & vitamin C for 8 weeks, they had no significant changes to stress, sleep, voluntary physical activity or anaerobic performance
A Randomized Clinical Trial Exploring Two Doses of Cannabidiol Daily for Eight Weeks on Health and Stress
https://www.proquest.com/openview/3677b5426e5c44475dfa9c49b2aebdf7/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
In a survey of German midwives, they reported moderate knowledge of cannabis-related risks during pregnancy & an overall high perception of risk
Pregnancy Care in Times of Cannabis Legalization: Self-Rated Knowledge, Risk Perception and Communication Practices of Midwives in Germany
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Annette-Binder/publication/392021430_Pregnancy_Care_in_Times_of_Cannabis_Legalization_Self-Rated_Knowledge_Risk_Perception_and_Communication_Practices_of_Midwives_in_Germany/links/683850216b5a287c30477577/Pregnancy-Care-in-Times-of-Cannabis-Legalization-Self-Rated-Knowledge-Risk-Perception-and-Communication-Practices-of-Midwives-in-Germany.pdf
In a mouse model of prenatal & early life THC exposure, co-exposure to chronic mild unpredictable stress did not alter anxiety levels but did increase the incidence of bridge crossing in the wire beam bridge test, as well as a gendered responses in the prefrontal cortex
Prenatal and early postnatal cannabis exposure interactions with adolescent chronic stress on anxiety-like, depression-like, and risk-taking behaviour
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06822-x
In breast milk, quantifying cannabinoids & semi-synthetic cannabinoids using a LC-MS/MS
Analysis of Cannabinoids and Semi-synthetic Cannabinoids in Authentic Breastmilk by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkaf047/8149204?redirectedFrom=fulltext
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
In a mouse model of HIV, this thesis project found female mice developed a tolerance to some chronic THC effects with differences depending upon HIV genotype
Effects of Acute THC Challenge on Behavior and Neuroinflammation in HIV-1 Tg26 Mice Vary Based on HIV Status, Chronic THC History, and Sex
https://www.proquest.com/openview/c86a7ae8bcfa8535c2574b2e78e7492d/1
In human monocytes (immune cells that release inflammatory factors), THC & CBD caused anti-inflammatory effects, but a drug that activates just CB2 receptors did not
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Selectively Suppress TLR7- and TLR8-Mediated Interleukin-1β Production by Human CD16⁺ Monocytes by Inhibiting Its Post-Translational Maturation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022356525398289
In B lymphocytes (the immune cells that help produce antibodies) of young & aged mice, THC & CBD had differential effects on immune system activation
Differential Metabolic Pathways Underlie THC- and CBD-Mediated Inhibition of B-Cell Activation in Both Young and Aged Mice
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1605474/abstract
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴
On supporting bone growth with CBD hydrogels
Whey Protein Isolate Hydrogels Containing Cannabidiol Support the Proliferation of Pre-Osteoblasts
https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/6/418
🍽️ The Guts & the Microbiome 🍽️
In female dancers, probiotics caused no differences in their levels of anandamide or stress
Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 Supplementation: An Exploratory, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Endocannabinoid and Inflammatory Responses in Female Dancers
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/6/1284
In mouse liver cells, CB1 signaling promotes lipid breakdown in lean mice but lipid generation in obese mice
Hepatic CB1 Receptor Signaling Triggers Gi/oα-Mediated Lipolysis in Lean Mice but Gsα-Mediated Lipogenesis in Obese Mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026049525001775
On creating a microcapsule for colon delivery of oleoylethanolamine (your endocannabinoid of satiety)
Structural regulation of carboxymethyl starch/whey protein isolated coacervate microcapsules for colon-targeted delivery of oleoylethanolamine and promotion of satiety hormones secretion
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X25005612
💨 The Lungs 💨
In people with lung problems from cystic fibrosis, a double-blind trial of lenabasum (a drug activating the CB2 receptor) found it did not improve key clinical outcomes
Cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist, lenabasum, for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1569199325001110
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In melanoma cells, CBD reduced cell viability
Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabidiol on Human Metastatic Melanoma Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy?
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/380
In neuroblastoma & glioblastoma cancer cells, proliferation was reduced by LY2183240 (a drug that increases anandamide levels by inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) as well as inhibition of anandamide reuptake)
Antiproliferative Effects of Arvanil, Olvanil and LY2183240 on Human Neuroblastoma and Glioblastoma Cell Lines and Their In Vitro Interactions with Cisplatin and Temozolomide: an isobolographic analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925005291
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
In the plankton crustacea Daphnia magna, the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-ADB caused growth inhibition, developmental delays, neurotransmitter alterations, significant stimulation to swimming behaviors, decreased heart rate, increased respiration rate & a high inhibition effect on reproduction
Aquatic toxicity of synthetic cannabinoid: Multisystem impacts of 5F-ADB on neurodevelopment in Daphnia magna
https://academic.oup.com/etc/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/etojnl/vgaf135/8149186?redirectedFrom=fulltext
On creating probes for MDMB-type synthetic cannabinoids with AI
Accurate Identification of MDMB-Type Synthetic Cannabinoids through Design of Dual Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Site Probe and Deep-Learning
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c00700
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Detection Tools 🔬
A thesis project developing probes for studying cannabinoid signaling
Design and Development of Probes for Studying Cannabinoid and Related Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Their Signaling
https://bonndoc.ulb.uni-bonn.de/xmlui/handle/20.500.11811/13101
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s album from "the grand master of calypso", Lord Kitchener’s ‘Calypso Romeo’. Born Aldwyn Roberts in Trinidad & Tobago, his father always encouraged his singing & guitar - so with his father’s death when he was 14, he decided to dedicate himself to music. He moved to the capital of Trinidad at the age of 21, where fellow calypsonians decided he should be known as Lord Kitchener (this keeps with the tradition of calypso singers taking on grand titles with noble or militaristic overtones, in this case the Englishman Lord Kitchener of World War 1 fame who also helped to oversee the concentration camps of the Boer War). Lord Kitchener used his music for frequent criticisms of British control of his island & for political messages. His music became popular with US troops based on the island during WWII & after a tour of Jamaica, his tour of England soon led to him becoming a regular performer on BBC radio & a darling of the live music scene there. Even Princess Margaret fell under the spell of his music. By the 1950s, he had a large following among the expat communities of the West Indian islands, a series of national hits, a tour of West Africa & the opening of a nightclub in Manchester. He continued his output for the next 40 years, winning a string of titles until bone marrow cancer finally forced his retirement.
This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.