C&P#154: Cognition Week! Dog & Cat Week! Anti-Parasite Week!
🌟 This week 🌟
A 2-year-old with cystic fibrosis helped by CBD & THC
Heavy CBD vaping leading to a manic episode?!
In young people, cannabis linked to both schizophrenia & lower urinary tract symptoms
Cognition Week! on the array of cognitive effects from cannabis, good & bad
Dog & Cat Week!
Anti-Parasite Week! tapeworm killing, shrimp virus destroying, mosquito repelling, tick hating & root rot inhibiting
Preclinical: THC for wound closing + many cannabinoids for HIV pain
What creates the diverse aromas & flavors of cannabis? (a sexy review)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 154th 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: ~5,100 words, ~13 minutes reading time, 110 papers)
📌 Editor’s note:
This is a science-only email with none of the news. I just wanted to get this out to you so that my big comeback email after vacation won’t be too much of a doozy.
The science never sleeps…
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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
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📣 A request to spread the word 📣
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🎥 My work this week 🎤
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)
🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃
(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In people with chronic pain, medical cannabis users exhibited significantly lower healthcare utilization with fewer urgent care visits, emergency department visits & unhealthy days per month
Medical Cannabis Use and Healthcare Utilization Among Patients with Chronic Pain: A Causal Inference Analysis Using TMLE
https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/13/4/96
And in people with chronic pain, incorporating the chemical composition of their cannabis improved the prediction of pain relief effects, with particular efficacy from the terpenoids α-bisabolol & eucalyptol
Machine-learning of medical cannabis chemical profiles reveals analgesia beyond placebo expectations
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-025-00996-3
In young people with various types of seizure disorders, CBD lowered their seizure levels
Retrospective Multicenter Chart Review Study of Adjunctive Cannabidiol for Seizures Associated with Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40120-025-00788-w
And in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, a multi-center analysis of CBD found reductions in seizure frequency, with 10% becoming seizure-free
A multicenter study on the use of purified cannabidiol for children with treatment-resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525505025003300
In a 2-year-old with cystic fibrosis, a case report of CBD & low doses of THC for significant improvements in breathing, sleep, anxiety & agitation, social interactions, concentration, & emotional stability
Cannabidiol reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in cystic fibrosis: a case report
https://urfjournals.org/open-access/cannabidiol-reduces-symptoms-and-improves-quality-of-life-in-cystic-fibrosis-a-case-report.pdf
In pregnant & parenting people, interviews found that they used cannabis to manage pregnancy symptoms, to maintain parental focus, to relieve stress & to manage mental health symptoms
‘It Helped to Calm Me’: Perspectives on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Parenting from Certified Patients in Pennsylvania
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2025.2528058
In people on chronic opioid therapy, ~10% tested positive for THC & for a small subset of cases, this test result led to the tapering or discontinuation of their opioid therapy (which is bullshit)
Prevalence of THC-Positive Urine Drug Screens in Patients Receiving Chronic Opioid Therapy: A Retrospective Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40630967/
In a genetic analysis of people with rheumatoid arthritis, a certain variant of their CB2 receptor was associated with a 2.5x risk of developing arthritis
Association of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Q63R Variant With Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Iranian Cohort
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/ijog/6182868
💡 Cognition 💡
For the cognitive effects of cannabis, this review looked at the evidence across a range of domains
Cognitive Effects of Cannabis Use: A Comprehensive Review Across Domains
https://www.mdpi.com/2035-8377/17/7/107
“Consistent impairments have been observed in domains such as attention, executive function, memory, and learning; however, most evidence derives from studies of acute or residual effects. Evidence of long-lasting deficits after extended abstinence remains more limited and methodologically heterogeneous. Acute motor coordination deficits are well established, but persistent impairments in this domain lack conclusive evidence. Effects on language remain inconclusive, and findings regarding social cognition, though limited, suggest potential deficits in emotion recognition and mental state inference. Early onset and high-frequency use are critical risk factors for more severe and enduring cognitive effects. Some deficits may partially reverse with abstinence, although many persist long after cessation. Overall, cannabis use is associated with widespread and lasting cognitive impairments.”
In older adults, there was an association between cannabis use & cognitive decline
52. THE EFFECT OF CANNABIS USE ON COGNITIVE DECLINE IN A GERIATRIC POPULATION
https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(25)00164-2/abstract
“Analysis showed respondents who used cannabis have 1.5… times the odds of experiencing cognitive decline as compared to those who did not after adjusting for covariates. Comparing the methods of cannabis use, eating…, and “Dabbing and other means of cannabis use"… had increased odds of experiencing cognitive decline as compared to patients who smoke cannabis. However, patients who vaped cannabis… had lower odds of experiencing cognitive decline as compared to patients who smoke cannabis after adjusting for covariates.”
For cannabis use disorder & cognition, a meta-analysis found a small association with small-to-moderate cognitive deficits, with verbal memory/learning, speed of processing & working memory being the areas most affected & with verbal fluency, attention & impulsivity the least affected
The effects of cannabis use disorder on cognitive functions: A meta-analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460325001959
For early cannabis use & schizophrenia, a review of 12 studies found use during adolescence “associated with an increased likelihood of psychotic manifestations in adulthood, including persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations”
Influence of early use of Cannabis sativa on the development of schizophrenia and psychoses: an integrative review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393423840_Influence_of_early_use_of_Cannabis_sativa_on_the_development_of_schizophrenia_and_psychoses_an_integrative_review
In young adults using cannabis, a book chapter on the cognitive effects
Cognitive Effects of Adolescent and Young Adult Regular Cannabis Use
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-87990-6_12
🐶 Dogs & Cats 🐱
In dogs & cats, a review of 22 articles on the efficacy of CBD for osteoarthritis, epilepsy, atopic dermatitis, post-surgical pain & behavioral issues as well as cannabis for pain, behavior & seizures
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use in dogs and cats: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40660612/
A review of cannabis & veterinary medicine
Cannabis and Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/S0195-5616(25)00077-4/abstract
In dogs with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy, a CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil did not interfere with the efficacy of their treatment & was well tolerated
Safety, Efficacy and Doxorubicin Pharmacokinetics During Cannabidiol/Cannabidiolic Acid Rich Hemp Oil Use in Dogs With Lymphoma Undergoing CHOP Chemotherapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40622742/
In dogs taking full-spectrum CBD/CBDA extracts or isolates, CBDA had higher absorption than CBD, with no evidence for enhanced absorption from full-spectrum products
Limited 12-hour pharmacokinetic assessment of CBD and CBDA isolates compared to their full-spectrum extracts in healthy adult beagles
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1639846/abstract
In dogs, treats with CBD, L-tryptophan & α-casozepine produced mild stress-reducing effects
Treats containing cannabidiol (CBD), L-Tryptophan and α-casozepine have a mild stress-reducing effect in dogs
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1632868/abstract
📑 Reviews 📑
For the diverse aromas & flavors of cannabis, a review of the many molecules involved as well as the effects of genetic diversity, cultivation practices & post-harvest processing (great charts!)
Exploring Aroma and Flavor Diversity in Cannabis sativa L.—A Review of Scientific Developments and Applications
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/13/2784
For oleoylethanolamide (the endocannabinoidome of satiety), this review of 13 human studies found substantial reductions in fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, triglycerides & inflammation factors as well as increased total antioxidant capacity
The effect of oleoylethanolamide supplementation on cardiometabolic factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://journals.lww.com/cardiovascularendocrinology/fulltext/2025/09000/the_effect_of_oleoylethanolamide_supplementation.3.aspx
For diabetes, a review of the therapeutic potential of cannabis
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis Plant in Diabetes
https://trendsinpharmacy.org/index.php/pub/article/view/28
For cannabis & dentistry, a review of 25 studies found most highlighted anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly for CBD, but some showed negative periodontal effects from smoking
CANNABIS IN DENTISTRY: THERAPEUTIC AND ADVERSE EFFECTS ON ORAL TISSUES - SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393472397_CANNABIS_IN_DENTISTRY_THERAPEUTIC_AND_ADVERSE_EFFECTS_ON_ORAL_TISSUES_-SYSTEMATIC_REVIEW
In childhood epilepsy, a review of the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (great charts!)
Dysregulation of the Cannabinoid System in Childhood Epilepsy: From Mechanisms to Therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40650012/
In the nonopioid analgesics, a review of their synergistic effects with the endocannabinoid system
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Mechanism of Action of Nonopioid Analgesics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40659176/
In malignant hyperthermia (certain anesthetics triggering a severe body temperature spike), a review of how targeting the endocannabinoid system may help with body temperature, cardiovascular stress & muscle contractility
The endocannabinoid system & malignant hyperthermia: From molecular signaling towards clinical implications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163782725000244
For beta-caryophyllene, a book chapter on its neuroprotective properties
β-Caryophyllene A Natural Compound with Neuroprotective Properties
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003467304-9/caryophyllene-espinoza-guti%C3%A9rrez-flores-soto-tejada-mart%C3%ADnez-l%C3%B3pez-roa-fajardo-robledo-aguilar-%C3%A1vila-viveros-paredes
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
In young people with cannabis use disorder, public health data found a higher association with lower urinary tract symptoms, such as pelvic pain, UTIs, overactive bladder & dysuria (painful or uncomfortable urination)
Cannabis Use is Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Pediatric Patients – A Large Claims Database Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090429525006892
For adolescents visiting the emergency department for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, public health data showed that the number of visits has been increasing since 2016
Emergency Department Visits for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Among Adolescents
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2836403
The first case report of a manic episode precipitated by months of high-dose CBD vaping
Cannabidiol Induced Manic Episode: A Case Report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40630971/
A case report of someone whose postoperative nausea & vomiting was eventually found to be cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Presenting as Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in a Chronic Cannabis User: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/387787/20250715-64669-5hfcjr.pdf
In an adolescent mouse model of THC exposure, the males experienced effects on dopamine in the prefrontal cortex & greater behavioral changes, while the females had fewer effects
Divergent outcomes of delta 9 – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adolescence on mesocortical dopamine and cognitive development in male and female mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06791-1
In liver metabolism, delta-8 THC & its metabolite 11-hydroxy-delta-8 THC inhibited the CYP2C9 & CYP3A4 liver isozymes (which break down drugs such as warfarin, diclofenac & midazolam)
Inhibitory Effects of Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Major Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Implications for Drug Disposition
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090955625091317
In the vaping of delta-8 THC & delta-10 THC, the addition of terpenes increased the emissions of carbonyls
Effects of Terpenes on the Emissions of Aerosols and Carbonyls from Vaping Δ8- and Δ10-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsestair.5c00169
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In older female mice with open wounds, a chronic low dose of oral THC improved the wound closure rate & lowered inflammation via the immune cells
A chronic low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (3 mg / kg / 21 d) reorganizes the disturbed wound healing process and accelerates wound closure in old female mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556525001615
In a mouse model of HIV-related pain, CBD, CBN, & CBGA lessened visceral pain with gendered differences
Sex differences in the capacity of minor phytocannabinoids to attenuate nociceptive insults in HIV-1 Tat-expressing mice
https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/nipt-2024-0025/html
In sleep-deprived male rats, CBD protected their testes from damage
Evaluation of the effects of cannabidiol and sleep recovery on oxidative stress biomarkers and testicular histoarchitecture in chronic sleep-deprived male Wistar rats
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dujopas/article/view/300301
In mouse pups, disrupting their endocannabinoid system induced Tourette's/ADHD symptoms
A Tourette Syndrome/ADHD-like Phenotype Results from Postnatal Disruption of CB1 and CB2 Receptor Signalling
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/13/6052
🧬 Parasites 🧬
In a complex of tapeworm species that infect humans, cannabis decreased their viability & collapsed their cysts, combining well with the treatment of albendazole
First Report of the Anti-Parasitic Effect of a Cannabis sativa full-spectrum Extract on Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11686-025-01090-3
In shrimp pathogens in aquaculture, a computer analysis of CBD found it to be an antiviral agent & a modulator of shrimp immune system health
In Silico Assessment of Cannabidiol From Cannabis sativa as an Antiviral Agent Against Key Shrimp Pathogens in Aquaculture
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40657679/
In the mosquitoes of Thailand, the terpene beta-caryophyllene was a repellent against some of them
COMPARATIVE BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF Β-CARYOPHYLLENE AGAINST ANOPHELES MOSQUITO SPECIES, POTENTIAL VECTORS OF MALARIA IN THAILAND
https://jamca.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/moco/aop/article-10.2987-25-7219/article-10.2987-25-7219.xml
And in livestock ticks, oral doses of the terpene beta-caryophyllene was effective against the major tick species infesting animals.
Evaluation of β-caryophyllene(1–3) as a potential anti-tick molecule for controlling tick infestations on animals
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014489425000748
In the pathogenic fungus Fusarium proliferatum (causes root rot in ginseng), the terpene beta-caryophyllene reduced growth & inhibited spore germination
β-caryophyllene regulates H3K36me3 to inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth of Fusarium proliferatum
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5517661/v1
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing & Extracting 🌱
In plants from the same batch & from the tops and bottoms of plants across three batches, the average total of THC varied by 2.8%, but this rose to up to 6.7%
Variability of total THC in greenhouse cultivated dried Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40651988/
On intercropping cowpea, hemp & watermelon for arthropod diversity & ecological balance on farms
Intercropping Enhances Arthropod Diversity and Ecological Balance in Cowpea, Hemp, and Watermelon Systems
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/7/724
On optimizing hemp with a split root system & aquaponics
Optimizing Hemp Growth: Harnessing the Synergy of Aquaponics through a Split Root System
https://ipps.org/uploads/docs/7m_er_mckay.pdf
For hemp Septoria leaf spot, on the effects of organic fungicides
Efficacy of Organic Fungicides for Management of Hemp Septoria Leaf Spot
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PHP-04-25-0127-RS
In cannabis under salt stress, nanoparticles with rutin stimulated bast fiber formation & altered genetic expression
Root-Applied Phyto-Courier Loaded With Rutin Translocates to Aerial Tissues Inducing Molecular and Anatomical Changes in Cannabis sativa Under Salinity
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/nano.70036
For the flavonoid cannflavin A, on using libraries of microRNAs (regulators of genetic transcription) to identify the biosynthesis pathways
miRNA rco-MIR395a-p5_1ss8TC suppresses CsOMT957 expression leading to reduction in cannflavin A accumulation in Cannabis sativa L.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0981942825007703
🍞 Food, Nutrition & Hemp Seeds 🍞
In laying hens, adding hemp seeds to their diet improved egg yolk levels of fatty acids, tocopherols & cholesterol
Optimization of hemp seed supplementation with phytobiotics in laying hen feed to improve egg yolk fatty acids, tocopherols and cholesterol using response surface models
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393607432_Optimization_of_hemp_seed_supplementation_with_phytobiotics_in_laying_hen_feed_to_improve_egg_yolk_fatty_acids_tocopherols_and_cholesterol_using_response_surface_models
For gluten-free cakes, on adding seed mucilages from hemp, chia, flax & basil
The Impact of Adding Hemp, Chia, Flax and Basil Seed Mucilage on Characteristics for Gluten-Free Cake
https://journals.rifst.ac.ir/article_224992.html
Analysis of protein powder from hemp & quinoa seeds
Nature's Protein Cache: Extracting Protein from Hemp and Quinoa Seeds
https://www.juw.edu.pk/conference/ibras-2025/4-FST/ibras25-188-191.pdf
On improving hemp protein conjugates with an ultrasound-accelerated Maillard reaction
Ultrasound–accelerated Maillard reaction to improve functional and antioxidant properties of hemp protein–carboxymethyl chitosan conjugates as a future food ingredient
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466856425002024
For hemp protein, a thesis project evaluating them as a food ingredient
EVALUATION OF NOVEL PROTEIN-BASED INGREDIENTS DERVIED FROM INDUSTRIAL HEMPSEED (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/13902/
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
An analysis of widespread hemp adoption in the US economy
Quantifying the Economywide Impacts of Industrial Hemp Adoption in the U.S.
https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/361204?v=pdf
And an analysis of cannabis legalization on agricultural employment & wages
Effects of Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Agricultural Employment and Wage
https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/360665?v=pdf
For medical cannabis waste, an exploration of valorization (using it profitably)
Exploring Resource Recovery Technologies for Medicinal Cannabis Waste
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/cben.70019
In wastewater sludge, on how the root bacteria aid pollutant uptake & degradation
Metagenomics analysis of rhizospheric bacterial community of Cannabis sativa and Parthenium hysterophorus growing on distillery sludge for ecorestoration of polluted site
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42398-025-00362-y
For growing tomatoes, hemp hurd worked as well as peat as a growth medium
Substitution of Hemp Hurd for Peat in Media Produced Similar Growth and Yield of a Determinate Tomato Cultivar
https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/35/4/article-p517.xml
For electromagnetic interference shielding, using a microwave-absorbing hemp textile
High-Performance Microwave-Absorbing Hemp Textile: Ni-Zn Ferrite and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Infused Nanocomposite for X-Band Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adem.202500835
In hempcrete, analysis of the strains due to moisture exposure cycles
Evaluation of local hemp concrete deformation under hygric adsorption/desorption assisted by 2D digital image correlation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061825027291
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
For CBD, on its absorption & metabolism in the body
Specific features of cannabidiol metabolism and excretion during long-term consumption of cannabis
https://www.ijmfmap.in/pdf_vol11_1/vol_11_1_4.pdf
Reviewing the therapeutic potential of cannabis, psilocybin, caffeine & nicotine
Caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, and psilocybin: Pharmacology, toxicology, and potential therapeutic uses of four naturally occurring psychoactive substances
https://smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/4346
In South Africa, a review of the history & laws around cannabis
Cannabis sativa in South Africa: history, legislation, production, and pharmacological aspects
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-025-10157-y
🏥 Public Health & Effects of Legalization
A genetic study of aging & relationships to substance use disorders
Leveraging Genomic Data to Examine the Causal Impact of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, and Opioid Use on Biological and Cognitive Ageing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40653731/
In California after Prop 64, an analysis of who was using cannabis & why (pain relief, sleep, anxiety & stress relief)
Medicinal and combined medicinal/recreational cannabis use in California following the passage of Proposition 64
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00285-9
In an Israeli hospital, an analysis of cannabis use across disease groups found GI & neurological patients using the highest levels of cannabis
Patterns of medicinal cannabis prescriptions in diverse patient populations: a retrospective analysis
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00307-6
In Italian elite athletes, an anti-doping analysis of the trends of their CBD use
Trends in Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, and Cannabinoid Use Among Italian Elite Athletes (2011–2023): A Longitudinal Anti-Doping Analysis
https://ricerca.uniparthenope.it/handle/11367/148258
In middle-aged & older adults, they consumed less THC & had a lower risk for cannabis use disorder than younger adults
Age Differences in Cannabis Consumption Patterns and in Associations Between Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Intake and Cannabis Use Disorders Among Adults with Daily Use
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125251360976
Using driving data from Washington & Virginia, a naturalistic driving study on the levels of driving under the influence of cannabis
Naturalistic Driving Study on Cannabis Use in Washington and Virginia
https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/items/f83f18a7-c0ba-4b99-91b7-2693e951eea4
In Canadian public health data on severe motor-vehicle injuries, alcohol raised the risk of admission to the trauma center but THC did not
Influence of cannabis and alcohol on motor vehicle injury severity in Canadian trauma centres: a prospective study
https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2025/07/16/ip-2025-045642.abstract
In US military data on the use of dronabinol (pharmaceutical THC), the info was so paywalled that you couldn’t even see a word of the abstract…
Dronabinol Prescription Receipt and Refill Patterns in the US Military Health System
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40261-025-01463-6
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In US young adults, a review of the factors that protect them from cannabis use
Multilevel Risk and Protective Factors Influencing Cannabis Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/24694193.2025.2524680
In adolescents undergoing treatment for cannabis use disorder, an analysis of the factors in the majority of them not completing treatment
Disparities in Treatment Outcomes for Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adolescents
https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7503/17/4/74
In adolescents seeking treatment for substance use disorders at an urban addiction clinic, most were using multiple cannabis products, including delta-8 THC & delta-10 THC
Characterizing cannabis use among adolescents seeking treatment for their substance use
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10550887.2025.2528314
Young adults with prenatal cocaine exposure may be at risk for higher levels of cannabis use
Cognitive and behavioral pathways from prenatal cocaine exposure to regular marijuana use during emerging adulthood
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871625002492
In California young adults who use tobacco, on their cannabis use patterns as differentiated by sexual & gender identity
Cannabis use patterns among emerging adults in California who use tobacco: Differences by sexual identity, gender identity, and sex assigned at birth
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853225000422
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In people with Parkinson's disease, a thesis project found most cannabis users reported no change in their balance, freezing of gait & bradykinesia (slowness of movement) but reports of worsened symptoms were higher among those using high-THC cannabis than high-CBD cannabis
Effects of Different Cannabis Compounds on Balance, Freezing of Gait, and Bradykinesia in Parkinson’s Disease: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Report Data From the Fox Insight Study
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6232&context=thesesdissertations
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, deleting the CB1 receptors on their astrocytes (the most predominant brain support cell) reduced neuropathology, lessened astrocyte reactivity, protected the blood-brain barrier & improved clinical deficits
Astrocyte CB1 receptors drive blood-brain barrier disruption in CNS inflammatory disease
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.660998v1.abstract
In the neurexins (key molecules in synaptic plasticity), the CB1 receptors regulate their alternative splicing (how they are processed & changed into active molecules) in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Modulation of Neurexins Alternative Splicing by Cannabinoid Receptors 1 (CB1) Signaling
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/13/972
In humans, alterations to the genetic code for neurexins are implicated in autism, Tourette syndrome, & schizophrenia.
In a rat's midbrain (primary dopamine hub of the brain), this thesis project mapped the level of CB1 receptors across the substantia nigra pars compacta, the substantia nigra pars reticula & the ventral tegmental area
Neuroanatomical relationship between cannabinoid type-1 receptors and dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area
https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/items/f7e11f70-1f15-4aff-95b8-d1b1be55bf1c
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14718159/
In a model of neuroinflammation & neurodegeneration, the terpene beta-caryophyllene reduced neuroinflammation & rescued the brain growth factor BDNF via the CB2 & PPARγ nuclear receptor (regulator of genetic transcription)
Multi-Target Protective Effects of β-Caryophyllene (BCP) at the Intersection of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40649806/
In human epileptic brain slices, CBD dampened synaptic transmission
Cannabidiol reduces synaptic strength and neuronal firing in layer V pyramidal neurons of the human cortex with drug-resistant epilepsy
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1627465/abstract
For the anticonvulsant effects of cannabidiol, the DEC2-SCN2A axis (a transcription factor regulating genetic expression around neuronal plasticity) is essential to the effects
The DEC2-SCN2A Axis is Essential for the Anticonvulsant Effects of Cannabidiol by Modulating Neuronal Plasticity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40641288/
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
Among sexual & gender minority older adults, their stress is linked to heavier & more problematic use of alcohol & cannabis
When and for whom is enacted stigma associated with alcohol and cannabis use at the event level among sexual and gender minority older adults?
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-40123-001
In states that legalized cannabis, public health data showed they had higher levels of cannabis & vape use but no significant change to cigarette use
Use of Tobacco and Cannabis Following State-Level Cannabis Legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40643912/
For cannabis use & social anxiety, a thesis project on the complex relationship between social anxiety symptoms, cannabis & social engagement
Social Anxiety and Cannabis Use Context
https://www.proquest.com/openview/be27d9ebc0bb9e799745274bf0ca5feb/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
For autism, a proposal to use CRISPR gene editing for personalized treatment & modulating the endocannabinoids & neurotransmitters
A Personalized CRISPR-Based Cannabinoid and Neurotransmitter Modulation Strategy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin-Fuertes-Oliva/publication/393716243_A_Personalized_CRISPR-Based_Cannabinoid_and_Neurotransmitter_Modulation_Strategy_for_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder/links/6876c8fc3c12dc437a3f0baa/A-Personalized-CRISPR-Based-Cannabinoid-and-Neurotransmitter-Modulation-Strategy-for-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder.pdf
And for schizophrenia
Genetic Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Personalized Therapy for Schizophrenia
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin-Fuertes-Oliva/publication/393716345_Genetic_Modulation_of_the_Endocannabinoid_System_as_a_Personalized_Therapy_for_Schizophrenia/links/6876cb17ae516743559d1bd9/Genetic-Modulation-of-the-Endocannabinoid-System-as-a-Personalized-Therapy-for-Schizophrenia.pdf
For depression rates & the co-use of opioids & cannabis, something happened behind a paywall...
RWD98 Association of Combined Opioid and Marijuana Use with Major Depressive Disorder among Adults with Chronic Conditions in the United States (US)
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(25)01806-6/abstract
On creating an algorithm to predict cannabis use disorder, everything is locked behind a paywall...
MSR68 Development of a Discrete-Time-Updating Algorithm to Predict Cannabis Use Disorder Among Arkansas Medical Marijuana Cardholders
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(25)01345-2/abstract
And on creating an algorithm for predicting stimulant use disorder in medical cannabis purchasers, also locked behind a paywall…
MSR34 Development of a Novel Approach to Improve Binary Classification Prediction Tasks When Encountering Time-To-Event Data: Performance Comparison of Three Alternative Approaches To Predict Stimulant Use Disorder Among Persons Authorized To Purchase Medical Marijuana
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(25)01311-7/abstract
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
An antimicrobial topical treatment using a chitosan film incorporating cannabidiol
Chitosan-based film-forming systems with cannabidiol: a novel topical strategy for antimicrobial therapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037851732500777X
🍽️ The Guts, Metabolism & the Microbiome 🍽️
In obesity, an editorial on how the gut-brain communication is shaped by the cholinergic & endocannabinoid systems
Obesity and Gut–Brain Communication: The Cholinergic-Endocannabinoid Link
https://www.jneurosci.org/content/45/28/e1204242025.abstract
In a male mouse model of an obesogenic diet (high-fat/high-sugar), the usual development of long-term memory impairment was prevented by blocking the CB1 receptors via the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Obesogenic diet impairs memory consolidation via the hippocampal endocannabinoid system
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.04.663181v1.abstract
In apical papilla stem cells (at the tip of developing tooth roots), more CB1 receptors promoted their proliferation & neural differentiation
Effect of cannabinoid type I receptors on neuronal differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells
https://www.cjter.com/EN/abstract/abstract20799.shtml
💨 The Lungs 💨
For asthma, on creating inhalable spray-dried anandamide nanoparticles
Inhalable Spray-Dried Nano-in-Microparticles Encapsulating Anandamide: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Asthma
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5294221
💧 The Genitourinary System 💧
In a mouse model of kidney damage from diabetes, the combination of monlunabant (a CB1 receptor inverse agonist) & empagliflozin (an inhibitor of SGLT2, which reabsorbs glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream) improved kidney function, reduced inflammatory oxidative stress markers & lowered damage
Blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors potentiates the anti-fibrotic effects mediated by SGLT2 inhibition in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/bph.70118
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
For acne, on comparing the efficacy of three hemp seed extraction methods for inhibiting acne-causing bacteria & reducing sebum
Comparative Efficacy of Hemp Seed Extracts Produced by Different Extraction Methods for Acne Treatment
https://medicinalcrop.org/_PR/view/?aidx=45520&bidx=4122
For psoriasis, on creating a topical ointment of cannabis, turmeric oil & cetyl alcohol
Development and evaluation of Cannabis sativa infused herbal Ointment for Psoriasis management
https://theaspd.com/index.php/ijes/article/view/3283
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In oncology fellows, a survey of their likelihood of recommending cannabis to patients
Patterns and factors among oncology fellows recommending medical cannabis to adults with cancer
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00293-9
In cancer cells, CBD caused cell stress & death
Targeting Human Cancer Cells with Cannabidiol (CBD): Apoptotic Cytotoxicity in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and CaCo-2 Lines
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/58fe0b83fb92d89193e3c02348e05c5e/download_pub
For platinum anti-tumor drugs, incorporating CBD increased their toxicity to cancer cells & CBD also synergized with the common treatment cisplatin
The novel platinum(IV) prodrug of cisplatin axially conjugated with cannabidiol induces mitochondrial dysfunction and synergistically enhances anti-tumor effects
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0162013425001837
In gastric cancer, the new drug CC48 which both activates the CB2 receptor & inhibits the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) lowered gastric-cancer growth & reversed paclitaxel resistance via the immune system
CC48 a new CB2R agonist/FAAH inhibitor dual drug blocks gastric cancer progression and overcomes paclitaxel resistance
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13046-025-03476-7
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
For the synthetic cannabinoids (& cathinones), a review of how their chirality (handedness) changes their activity & how to measure this
Exploring the Impact of Chirality of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones: A Systematic Review on Enantioresolution Methods and Enantioselectivity Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40650252/
In Japan, new chloro derivatives of HHC & tetrahydrocannabibutol butanoate
Identification of Novel THC Analogs: Chloro Derivatives of Hexahydrocannabinol and Tetrahydrocannabibutol Butanoate in an Oil Product Obtained in Japan
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dta.3927
In the small French island colony of Mayotte, a wastewater analysis tracked the monthly fluctuations of the synthetic cannabinoid CH-PIATA
Data for the epidemiological study of CH-PIATA in wastewater from the study of its presence over 12 months in “la chimique” in Mayotte
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-025-36689-6
And MDMB-4en-PINACA
From the curb to the curve: population exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA in Mayotte
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-025-36744-2
In humans, on the metabolites in their urine from ingesting the different versions of the synthetic cannabinoid HHC
Human diagnostic markers for intake of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (9R)- and (9S)-Hexahydrocannabinol
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009898125003596
In mice, analyzing the effects & abuse potential of the synthetic cannabinoids 5F-ADB, MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA
Assessment of Abuse Potential of Three Indazole-Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-ADB, MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/13/6409
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40650186/
On an electrochemical sensor for the rapid detection of synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids & biological samples
A novel electrochemical method for detecting synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette and biological samples using a lab-made electrode
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039914025010641
On separating synthetic cannabinoids with sub/supercritical fluid chromatography
SUB/SUPERCRITICAL FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS
https://23isssb.chem.pmf.unizg.hr/Book_of_Abstracts_23ISSSB.pdf#page=47
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Detection Tools 🔬
On using machine learning for the rapid screening of CB1 receptor agonists
Leveraging Machine Learning and ChemBERTa for Efficient Identification of CB1 Receptor-Active Compounds
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11050609
And synthetic cannabinoids
Deep Learning-Based Prediction and Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoid Spectrum
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11065330
On using chemoproteomics to find modulators of the monoacylglycerol lipids (one of which synthesizes 2-AG)
Chemoproteomics identifies protein ligands for monoacylglycerol lipids
http://dr.iiserpune.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10284
On using fungi to produce CBD
Gene Mining and Optimization of the Biosynthesis of Cannabidiol in Fusarium solani XG4-2
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c00298
Thanks.
- lex
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