C&P#166: cannabinoids for hypermobility, kidney failure, narcolepsy & opioid withdrawal
Medicare to cover CBD
🌟 This week 🌟
Cannabis for hypermobile disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos
CBD for the symptoms of kidney failure
Cannabis for narcolepsy case report
In naloxone-induced opioid withdrawal, vaped cannabis helps
Surgery for cannabis-associated emphysema
3 interesting null (no effect) studies: CBD for fibro pain + endurance exercise + cortical excitability (seizures)
Booze & Smokes Week! mixed results on cannabis lowering alcohol use
Pharmacokinetics Week!
AI & Growing Week!
For your first psychedelic experience, a survey of harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community
Preclinical: blood-testis barrier + THC for HIV’s neuroinflammation + CBD for diarrhea
(this week’s numbers: ~8,500 words, ~22 minutes reading time, 198 papers)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 166th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news & coverage of psychedelics, the War on Drugs & harm reduction. Support this work sharing canna-science with a paid subscription here.
As always, ask me anything!
📌 Editor’s note 📌:
Available for preorder, there’s a new book called ‘Aging Well with Cannabis’ by friend of the newsletter Dr. Peter Grinspoon:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/peter-grinspoon-md-2/aging-well-with-cannabis/9781454962939/
🤝 Sponsor 🤝: The Cannabis & Health Research Initiative
Want to help expand the knowledge of medical cannabis use in the real world & get paid 100 bucks to do so?
Johns Hopkins University, with support from Realm of Caring, is spearheading the groundbreaking National Cannabis Study to evaluate the benefits, risks & overall outcomes of using cannabis for conditions like pain, insomnia, anxiety & more. If you are an adult in the U.S. considering starting cannabis for health reasons, this is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis research — and get compensated for your time ($100!). Join now to share your experience & contribute valuable data that could revolutionize healthcare for many patients nationwide. To learn more & sign up, visit:
https://ncs.cannabisandhealth.org/
Follow along on Instagram to keep on learning or sign up for the monthly CHRI email (curated by me) to get just the best of clinical research & new reviews twice a month.
🧰 Free resources 🧰
CVResearch.info: the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences
Canna-edu videos: on YouTube @CVScienceInc & on TikTok @pluscbd (backup account @cannabinoidsandthepeople)
My Free How-To Guides on cannabinoids for different conditions. #AMA
My glossary of cannabinoid terms (& my Neural Ocean metaphor)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: Charlie Christian’s magic jazz guitar
🐋 For more from Lex… 🐋 | my Linktree |
‘Anandamide; or, the Cannabinoid’: my cannabis graphic novel series (based on Moby Dick):
First 2 seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’ on cannabinoids, psychedelics & spirituality
Work with my company White Whale Creations to produce cannabis content: writing, science archives, social media, newsletters & podcasts: my portfolio
📣 A request to spread the word 📣
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth, so please forward to friends & colleagues.
🎥 My work this week 🎤
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd)
[no new videos. still catching up from that big research project]
My 📚 Vids:
(@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram)
🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃
(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
For hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome & hypermobility spectrum disorder, data from Project Twenty21 found cannabis-based medical products improved symptoms, quality of life & functionality as well as reducing opioid usage
Medicinal cannabis in the treatment of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome & hypermobility spectrum disorder: Real-world evidence from Project Twenty21
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503245251398260
For people with muscle spasticity, while cannabis & CBD did not improve spasms, CBD & THC products did cause an improvement in sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain interference & pain intensity
Investigating the effectiveness and adverse events of medicinal cannabis for patients with muscle spasticity or spasms
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(25)40293-6/abstract
In people with kidney failure, six weeks of CBD reduced symptoms such as pain, anxiety, restless leg syndrome & pruritus (intense itchiness)
A Phase 1B Trial of Cannabidiol for Symptom Management in Kidney Failure
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024925007077/
For people with a clinical high-risk for psychosis, 12 weeks of PEA reduced psychotic symptoms, possibly via immune & inflammatory modulations
Effects of palmitoylethanolamide in clinical high-risk for psychosis: A nonrandomized open-label trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354625001991
In people at a clinical high risk of psychosis, a single dose of CBD modulated the learning in their prefrontal cortex & the relationship to the glutamate (the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter) in their hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
A single dose of cannabidiol modulates the relationship between hippocampal glutamate and learning-related prefrontal activation in individuals at Clinical High Risk of Psychosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492725001507
In people undergoing opioid withdrawal due to naloxone, vaped cannabis reduced the severity of withdrawal
The effects of vaped cannabis on the severity of naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-53384-001
After a tooth extraction, higher levels of CBD were as effective for pain relief as the standard non-opioid therapy
Oral Cannabidiol for Acute Post-Extraction Pain: A Randomized Pilot Study
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/12/1792
In elite Canadian athletes, a survey found that they used CBD to improve sleep, relax & reduce pain from training
Cannabidiol Use Among Elite-Level Canadian Athletes: The Pursuit of Improved Sleep, Pain Relief, and Enhanced Recovery
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1711773/abstract/
In adult cannabis use, a meta-analysis of cannabis outcome expectancies, with the strongest being tension reduction (word)
Association of Cannabis Outcome Expectancies with Recreational Cannabis Use-A Meta-Analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-025-01590-3
In a person with narcolepsy, cannabis extract allowed her to reduce other medications & caused a significant improvement in daytime sleepiness, motivation & ability to perform daily tasks
Cannabis extract in treatment of narcolepsy: A case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221295882500120X
In exercising males, 300mg of CBD response did not alter their subjective experience of exercise, their endurance performance or their physiological response to exercise
The Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on Physiological and Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A Dose-Ranging Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-025-00895-w
For cortical excitability (of relevance to seizures), 700 mg of CBD in healthy humans did not have a significant effect, suggesting CBD may lack intrinsic anti-epileptic & sedative properties but may instead be potentiating drugs like clobazam
Cannabidiol Lacks Direct Effect on Cortical Excitability: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, 3-Way Crossover Trial
https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/cpt.70038
In people with fibromyalgia, 50 mg of CBD for 8 months was not effective for pain levels
Cannabidiol versus placebo in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-centre trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003496725042384
For hair growth, on how CBD supports it from epigenetics to the scalp microbiome
How Cannabidiol Supports Hair Growth: From Epigenetics to the Scalp Microbiome
https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(25)03320-2/pdf
Using AI to match people with optimal cultivars & dosage
Personalized Cannabis Medicine: Using AI to Match Patients with Optimal Strains and Dosage Regimens
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397786070_Personalized_Cannabis_Medicine_Using_AI_to_Match_Patients_with_Optimal_Strains_and_Dosage_Regimens
I can’t even trust AI to reformat my list of cannabis studies without double-checking it. So I think we’re not quite there yet for the intricacies of cannabis cultivars & dosing for patients.
In dogs admitted with accidental cannabis intoxication, they had no significant changes to blood or urine biomarkers
Comparison of clinicopathologic findings and urine drug screen results in cannabis-positive and control dogs
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1679400/abstract
🍻 Booze & Smokes & Cannabis 🚬
In heavy alcohol drinkers, smoking cannabis reduced their urge to drink & the level of their alcohol consumption
Acute Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Craving and Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.20250115
In people with higher working memory capacity, cannabis worked stronger at lowering their urge to drink alcohol
Working memory capacity predicts cannabis-induced effects on alcohol urge
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030646032500334X
For wine & cannabis, a German survey found cannabis users drank more white, rosé & sweet wine, but not red
Sip or smoke: The link between wine consumption and cannabis use
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/71BEAAD9A93FB516E85CF30F280583E4/S1931436125100941a.pdf/sip-or-smoke-the-link-between-wine-consumption-and-cannabis-use.pdf
For the brain effects of the co-use of cannabis & tobacco, a review of 39 studies found that the impairments from each of them was balanced by the other
Cannabis and nicotine/tobacco co-use and its association with cognitive and neural outcomes: A systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763425004816
This one is pretty funny. The memory loss of cannabis was offset by the acetylcholine activation of nicotine. The cognitive decline of nicotine was offset by the neuroprotective power of cannabis. It’s like putting a humidifier & a dehumidifier in the same room & letting them fight it out.
This has basically been my personal working model for drug use over the last 20 years.
In a mouse model of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, CBD alleviated their emotional disturbances, modulated their gut microbiome & in females, lowered their motivation to drink alcohol
Cannabidiol modulates brain molecular alterations, gut microbiota dysbiosis and alcohol self-administration in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332225009850
🅿️ Pharmacokinetics 🅿️
In healthy humans, how CBD is distributed in the system was not affected by co-administration with THC
Acute and Chronic Pharmacokinetic Oral Fluid Profile of Oral Cannabidiol (CBD) With and Without Low Doses of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in Healthy Human Volunteers
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkaf102/8326875/
With an intranasal dose of nanoCBD, peak brain levels were reached at 4 hours while the metabolite 7-COOH-CBD reached its highest concentration at 2 hours, but only 0.12% of the CBD reached the brain
Quantitation of Cannabidiol (CBD) in brain regions and plasma following intranasal administration of a CBD nanoformulation
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00308-5
On developing a model of CBD absorption incorporating the effects of food, multiple dosing & liver impairment
Using a PBPK Model Incorporating Lymphatic Absorption to Predict Food Effect, Multiple Dosing, and Hepatic Impairment of Cannabidiol
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12624468/
For CBG, the pharmacokinetics in a mouse
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cannabigerol (CBG) in the C57BL/6Crl Mouse
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1672098/abstract/
📑 Reviews 📑
For people with Dravet Syndrome, this review of 10 studies looked at the efficacy as well as the reasons for discontinuation, primarily sedation due to clobazam interaction & liver toxicity linked to concomitant valproate use
Impact of Adverse Effects on Treatment Adherence to Cannabidiol in Patients With Dravet Syndrome: A Systematic Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397776250_Impact_of_Adverse_Effects_on_Treatment_Adherence_to_Cannabidiol_in_Patients_With_Dravet_Syndrome_A_Systematic_Review_WSSFN_2025_Interim_Meeting_Abstract_0067
For epilepsy, a review of the evidence for cannabis
Medical Cannabis and Epilepsy: The Evidence
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/pdf/10.12968/hmed.2024.0903
For obsessive compulsive disorder, a review of the potential of psychedelics & cannabinoids
New treatments for OCD? Evidence for cannabinoids and psychedelics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395625007253
For endometriosis, a review of THC & CBD
Cannabidiol and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Endometriosis: A Literature Review on Therapeutic Applications and Mechanisms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41248202/
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (one of the most treatment-resistant cancers), a review of 15 studies found CBD to have promising anticancer potential
Cannabidiol in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: preclinical evidence, molecular mechanisms, and translational challenges
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12935-025-04062-9/
For orthopedic surgery, a review of the effects of cannabis on outcomes & how we don’t know enough to make a real judgement
Cannabinoids and Orthopaedic Surgery: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41289437/
In gliomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), on the efficacy of nanoCBD
Cannabidiol in Gliomas: Therapeutic Potential and Nanocarrier Strategies, with an Emphasis on Vesicular Delivery Systems
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5c00853
For skin diseases, a review on the cannabinoids & ingestion routes
The Role of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Skin Diseases: A Review of Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Evidence
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397657861_The_Role_of_Cannabinoids_in_the_Treatment_of_Skin_Diseases_A_Review_of_Mechanisms_of_Action_and_Clinical_Evidence
And for dermatology, on the potential of cannabis
Therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa L. in dermatological applications
https://herbapolonica.pl/article/552304/en
And for skin care, a review on CBD’s anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects
Exploring Cannabidiol’s Therapeutic Potential in Skincare with Focus on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidant Activity
https://rjtcsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-16-2-12
For gum inflammation, a review of the efficacy of cannabis.
The relationship between Cannabis sativa and periodontal disease: systematic review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397741753_The_relationship_between_Cannabis_sativa_and_periodontal_disease_systematic_reviewLa_relacion_entre_Cannabis_sativa_y_la_enfermedad_periodontal_revision_sistematicaA_relacao_entre_Cannabis_sativa_e_do
For homeostasis, a review paper on the triad of the CB1, CB2 & GPR55 receptors (the latter of which may one day be known as CB3)
The Endocannabinoid Triad: A Homeostatic Model for CB1, CB2, and GPR55 Signaling in Cellular Destiny
https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/125336791/Cb3-libre.pdf
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
On preventing cannabis exposures in children, a position statement from the American College of Medical Toxicology
ACMT Statement Peds Cannabis 2025: Preventing Cannabis Exposures in Children
https://www.acmt.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ACMT-Statement-Peds-Cannabis-2025.pdf
For cannabis-related emergencies, a review of best practice management & differences between natural and synthetic cannabinoids
Diagnosis and management of cannabis-related emergencies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41252646/
In cases of suicide, a case-control study found cannabis use associated with an 83% increased odds of suicide
Cannabis use and suicide: a case-control study based on integrative data analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00352-1/
While the literature on cannabis & suicidality is mixed, in research like the above, I often guess that it’s the people who are in the most need who are turning to cannabis. That being said, from personal experience, I know that when you are in your darkest place, cannabis can be an excellent tool for burrowing down deeper into your hole.
In people with cannabis-associated emphysema, they’re good candidates for lung volume reduction surgery to help
Lung volume reduction surgery for cannabis-associated emphysema: expanding indication with functional and quality of life improvements
https://academic.oup.com/ejcts/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ejcts/ezaf415/8325120
For vaping lung injuries, an analysis of 38 cases found that nicotine-based products may be more strongly associated with lipid-related macrophage abnormalities than THC products
Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Histopathological Patterns and Vaping-Associated Lung Injury: Different Pathophysiology of Nicotine and Marijuana-Based Vaping
https://sciforum.net/paper/view/26779
In people with multiple sclerosis, cannabis use had detrimental effects on objective cognitive performance & cannabis users reported greater perceived cognitive deficits, though they tended to overestimate their cognitive dysfunction (word)
Discrepancies between subjective and objective cognition in persons with multiple sclerosis: Exploring the role of cannabis use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825006169
For sudden infant death syndrome, a review of 9 studies found parental cannabis use links in 4 of them
Effect on parental’s cannabis consumption on the risk of sudden infant death syndrome: a systematic review
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbsmi/a/xmRFCbkpSZ7LGKhnqbMbnZh/
In people with cannabis addiction, they had shortened telomeres (a sign of aging)
Assessment of leukocyte telomere length as a cellular aging marker through a quantitative PCR-based technique in individuals with a chronic addiction to the psychoactive drug delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. (Case control study)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41267598/
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a review of the challenges in the emergency department
The Challenge of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in the Emergency Department
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841776
On the prevalence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, this cross-sectional study found that levels rose during COVID & then plateaued
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, 2016 to 2022
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841769
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of successful symptom management with a thoracic erector spinae plane block (ESPB, a regional anesthetic block)
Management of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with an erector spinae plane block in the emergency department
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735675725007661
A case report of catatonia probably caused by cannabis in a person with a history of cannabis-induced psychosis
Cannabis-Induced Catatonia Complicated by Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Kidney Injury, and Sympathetic Overactivity: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/424163/20251122-197256-ejbtxw.pdf
A case report of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (severe systemic inflammation) linked to cannabis use
Beyond addiction: A case report on secondary HLH and bone marrow changes in chronic cannabis use
https://jcimcr.org/pdfs/JCIMCR-v6-3804.pdf
A case report of an adolescent with inflamed arteries linked to cannabis use
Exploring the vascular risks of cannabis: A case of arteritis in a young adolescent
https://journals.lww.com/indianjpsychiatry/fulltext/2025/11000/exploring_the_vascular_risks_of_cannabis__a_case.15.aspx
A case report of bipolar disorder potentially induced by a low-dose stimulant potentiated by CBD
A case of new-onset mania in older adulthood related to cannabidiol and low-dose prescription stimulant use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773021225000574
For prenatal cannabis exposure, a review focusing on the immune system effects & the potential role in mental health
Effects of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Offspring Mental Health: A Focus on the Role of the Immune System
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763425004890
For prenatal cannabinoid exposure, a review of the effects on the endocannabinoids & GABA (the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Neurodevelopmental effects of exogenous cannabinoids on endocannabinoid and GABAergic neurotransmission
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089203622500145X/
In a tissue model of prenatal CBD & THC exposure, the pregnant mice had impaired blood vessel growth at the maternal-fetal interface via the uterine natural killer immune cells
Oral cannabis disrupts uterine NK cell function leading to impaired decidual vessel remodeling and fetal growth in mice 3373
https://academic.oup.com/jimmunol/article/214/Supplement_1/vkaf283.1184/8331653
In liver cells, the toxicity from CBD was caused by increased autophagy (cellular recycling) via inhibition of mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Mechanistic study of the cytotoxicity of cannabidiol and its metabolites in HepG2 cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-025-04236-4
In human joint cells, CBD at higher doses caused toxicity
In vitro toxicity of cannabidiol on human joint cells
https://hal.science/hal-05379646/
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a mouse model of neuroinflammation from HIV, THC improved the gut microbiome & used the gut-brain axis to reduce neuroinflammation
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol abrogates neurodegeneration by regulating microbial dysbiosis in transgenic mice expressing gp120 of HIV-1 2631
https://academic.oup.com/jimmunol/article/214/Supplement_1/vkaf283.530/8330266
In a rat model of diarrhea, CBD caused antidiarrheal & antispasmodic (involuntary muscle spasms) effects via the potassium channels
Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activity of cannabidiol (CBD): involvement of K⁺ channels in intestinal smooth muscle
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031325001939/
In a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy (a brain disorder caused by the liver not able to filter), both CBD & low-dose gamma radiation reduced oxidative stress & inflammation
Cannabidiol and low-dose γ-radiation regulate alterations consequences of hepatic-encephalopathy induced by thioacetamide: neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory role
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08923973.2025.2542131
In models of acute respiratory distress syndrome, CBD protected against DNA damage from a drug-resistant staph infection
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) and Cannabidiol (CBD) effect evaluation on alveolar macrophage functioning in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) 3921
https://academic.oup.com/jimmunol/article/214/Supplement_1/vkaf283.1666/8330110
In a mouse model of colitis, dietary hemp seed reduced macrophage immune cell infiltration & shifted their phenotype from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory as well as causing enhancements to the intestinal barrier & gut microbiome
Hemp Seed Mitigates Colonic Inflammation Through Macrophage Polarization and Microbiota-Barrier Axis Restoration
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/fo/d5fo04119h
For neuropathic pain from chemotherapy, a thesis project on the pain relieving effects of CBC
Examining the Effects of the Minor Cannabinoid Cannabichromene (CBC) on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Behavioral and Molecular Insights
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3266/
In brain cells, CBD protected against the neurotoxicity of rotenone (an inhibitor of the mitochondrial complex I) via TRPV1
Neuroprotective Effect of Cannabidiol Against Rotenone in Hippocampal Neuron Culture
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41261085/
In a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, the terpene beta-caryophyllene improved synaptic plasticity & neuroinflammation via BDNF (a key brain growth factor)
β‐Caryophyllene Ameliorates STZ‐Induced Alzheimer’s Disease‐Like Conditions in Rats via Modulation of Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Synaptic Plasticity, and Neuroinflammation
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejn.70317/
In a mouse model of the blood-testis barrier, genetic loss of the CB1 receptor disrupted testicular expression of the barrier & slowed spermatogenesis
Cannabinoid Receptors Modulate Physiological Remodelling of the Blood–Testis Barrier
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12624519/
In a rat model of menstrual pain, electroacupuncture alleviated uterine inflammation, pathological damage & pain sensitization via the CB2 receptor, the TRPV 1 receptor & spinal cord microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
[Effect of electroacupuncture on cannabinoid-related receptor CB2R and TRPV1 and spinal microglial polarization in rats with primary dysmenorrhea]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41261023/
There is a quite nice body of evidence that electroacupuncture works at least partially via the endocannabinoid system.
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(my grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
For cannabis cue reactivity, creation of a pictorial cannabis cue database
Development and Validation of a Pictorial Cue Database for Cannabis Cue Reactivity: Insights from Behavioral and Neural Investigations
https://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3206-en.pdf
In Java barb fish infected by liver flukes, feeding them cannabis leaves decreased their infection rate & intensity as well as improving their survival rates
Effects of Cannabis sativa L. Leaves on Opisthorchis viverrini Metacercariae in Infected Barbonymus gonionotus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41262377/
As an important fish in the aquaculture of Thailand, the ability to use locally grown leaves for infections is an excellent solution.
In young animals exposed to the pesticide chlorpyrifos, they had reduced activity of their FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) & MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG), resulting in elevated endocannabinoid tone, especially increased levels of anandamide
In search of certainty beyond the cholinergic system: a systematic review of developmental chlorpyrifos exposure and neurotransmitter systems disruption in preclinical models
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408444.2025.2543405
For cholesterol modulating CB1 signaling, a thesis project on the kinetics of lipid rafts (nanostructures on the plasma membrane that seem to be a key part of cannabinoid signalling)
Cholesterol-Mediated Modulation of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Signalling Kinetics
https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/esploro/outputs/graduate/Cholesterol-Mediated-Modulation-of-Cannabinoid-CB1-Receptor/9926789310501891
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰
Medicare poised to allow CBD coverage
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-health-agency-moves-to-allow-cbd-coverage-under-medicare-as-promoted-in-video-trump-posted/
Apparently, cannabis & hemp business leaders are meeting behind closed doors to find a shared vision for the industry. They call it “The Commission”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-and-hemp-businesses-are-already-working-together-and-its-going-better-than-you-think-op-ed/
I think my invite must have gotten lost in the mail.
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In Brazil, 3,600 cannabis possession convictions overturned by a task force after a Supreme Court ruling decriminalized personal use
https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2025/11/19/mutirao-reverte-36-mil-condenacoes-por-porte-de-maconha-apos-decisao-do-stf-que-descriminalizou-uso-pessoal.ghtml
In Nigeria, a case for cannabis legalization
THE CASE FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGALIZATION IN NIGERIA: PROS AND CONS
https://journals.ezenwaohaetorc.org/index.php/COOU-JCPL/article/view/3474
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
In Canada after legalization, the opening of cannabis stores in a neighborhood led to a small increase in cannabis emergency department visits (1.30 cannabis-attributable ED visits per 100 000 persons)
Effect of Nonmedical Cannabis Legalization and Exposure to Retail Stores on Cannabis Harms: A Quasi-experimental Study
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/ANNALS-25-01960
🚗 Driving 🚗
In German cannabis-impaired driving cases, an analysis found blood THC levels roughly correlated to driving impairment, but they could not define a clear cut-off value
Cannabis in road traffic – a retrospective analysis to identify possible cut-off-values
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12024-025-01133-1
And as we saw last week, per se driving limits do not work. 40% of stoners who have not smoked for two days still come up positive.
In US adults over 50, 20% reported driving within 2 hours of cannabis consumption
Driving after Cannabis Consumption among US Adults Ages 50 Years and Older: A Short Communication
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871625004387
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
In the latest US boat strike, 2 survivors of the first hit clinging to the wreckage were then “blown apart in the water”, a move this columnist called murder
https://www.execfunctions.org/p/a-dishonorable-strike
On the Caribbean strikes against suspected drug smugglers, military lawyers offer an excellent analysis of the shaky legal grounds
https://www.justsecurity.org/123172/caribbean-strikes-legal-oversight-us-military/
In Venezuela, Trump is targeting the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), but they were once operating inside a CIA anti-drug program that brought 1,000 kilos of cocaine into the US
https://theiceman.substack.com/p/the-cias-cartel
And while Rubio says Maduro is the chief of the cartel, the Intercept & the BBC ask if the cartel even exists
https://theintercept.com/2025/11/20/rubio-maduro-venezuela-cartel-de-los-soles/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8j4ye5x0mo
When women are couriers of narcotics, this article looks at the root causes & the “sophistication of TOC [Transnational Organized Crime] syndicates in leveraging social vulnerabilities”
Women as Couriers of Narcotics: A Reflection of Transnational Organized Crime in Indonesia (A Criminological and Gendered Perspective)
https://greenationpublisher.org/index.php/JGSP/article/view/516
The Afghan opium trade & its implications for Pakistan
Afghanistan’s Opium Trade and its Legal Implications for Pakistan
https://policyjournalofms.com/index.php/6/article/view/1281
On how Chinese money laundering organizations help to enable international drug trafficking
Flying Money, Hidden Threat
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63e4aef3ae07ad445eed03b5/t/69145c3e2eb6b84ea26126c0/1762942014864/36RP_Westmore_Flying%2BMoney%2BHidden%2BThreat_Nov%2B2025_FINAL.pdf
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
‘Remembering Peter Krykant, Who Knew Harm Reduction Couldn’t Wait’
https://filtermag.org/peter-krykant-harm-reduction/
In Toronto, reports of more visible drug use after the shutdown of supervised injection sites
https://globalnews.ca/news/11541276/toronto-supervised-injection-site-closure-impact/
In Limerick City, Ireland, a call for an injection center
https://www.limerickpost.ie/2025/11/20/call-for-injection-centre-to-be-trialled-in-limerick-city-to-take-drug-users-off-the-streets/
Harm Reduction Research
On how scaling up harm reduction programs would reach more people in the opioid crisis who would benefit
The Opioid Crisis: Scaling Up Treatment And Harm Reduction Programs To Reach More People Who Would Benefit
https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00340
For treating substance use disorders in the UK, a review of 29 articles on the efficacy of Contingency Management
Contingency management interventions for substance use and addictive behaviours: Review of the United Kingdom evidence base
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41242967/
For a harm reduction one-stop shop, an analysis of a New Haven syringe services program that also offered education, naloxone, safer injecting techniques & wound care.
Evaluation of a “one-stop shop” for integrated harm reduction and primary care for people who inject drugs
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0337528
For a rural community-based pharmacy model of overdose education & naloxone distribution, a scalable interdisciplinary model
Community first responder program: A scalable interdisciplinary model for overdose education and naloxone distribution
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949969025000636
In a Midwestern US state, on the power of naloxone boxes for reducing overdose death rates
Use of low-threshold naloxone boxes for opioid overdose prevention in a Midwestern US State: a public health program evaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41254601/
In New York City’s pilot drug checking service, on the lessons learned & the harm reduction benefits found
Piloting a Point-of-Care Drug-Checking Service at Syringe Service Programs in New York City
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41261884/
A comparison of the harm reduction programs of Oregon vs. Portugal
Finding a Future for Public Health – A Comparative Analysis of Harm reduction Policy in Oregon U.S. and Portugal
https://nhsjs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finding-a-Future-for-Public-Health-%E2%80%93-A-Comparative-Analysis-of-Harm-reduction-Policy-in-Oregon-U.S.-and-Portugal.pdf
In young Indigenous people who use drugs in Canada, reductions in policing-related barriers to harm reduction services after decriminalization led to more benefits
Policing and access to harm reduction services among young people who use drugs and young Indigenous people who use drugs before and after the pilot implementation of decriminalization of personal possession
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41240751/
In mapping the Ontario overdose crisis, sparsely populated & rural areas experience the highest burden of opioid-related harms while having the most limitations in service accessibility
Mapping the overdose crisis in Ontario: geographic disparities in opioid-related harms and services
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41233802/
For crime & supervised consumption sites in Toronto, researchers found the association to be generally neutral to beneficial
Toronto’s Supervised Consumption Sites and Local Crime
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841824
🍄 Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives 🍄
For your first psychedelic experience, a survey of harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community
Best practices for first psychedelic experiences: harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-025-01337-2
In people who had heart valve surgery, those who received esketamine experience reduced depression, anxiety & delirium as well as improved short-term pain, sleep, recovery quality & quality of life, possibly via lowering of inflammation & boosting of the key brain growth factor BDNF
Effect of esketamine on postoperative depression and anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661825004724
And similarly…
The Potential Role of Ketamine in Preventing Delirium among Critically Ill Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Review
https://www.traumamon.com/article_232668_34567bc8e9796897c84f1445ad7f5347.pdf
In people with treatment-resistant depression, 4 sessions of intravenous ketamine caused rapid & significant antidepressant effects
Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Prospective Clinical Study
https://ijmpr.in/article/efficacy-and-safety-of-ketamine-in-treatment-resistant-depression-a-prospective-clinical-study-1519/
In two people with depression after a stroke, 4 weeks of ketamine infusions improved depressive symptoms
Ketamine in post-stroke depression: a report of 2 cases
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1680687/abstract
For ketamine’s antidepressant action, the hippocampus as a central hub
The hippocampus as a central hub in ketamine’s antidepressant action: from molecules to circuit rewiring
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-025-02288-9
A review of natural kratom versus what the authors call the public health emergency of 7-hydroxymitragynine
From kratom to 7-hydroxymitragynine: evolution of a natural remedy into a public-health threat
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13880209.2025.2590311
In a survey of psychedelic practitioners, on the perceived health behavior changes in their clients
Exploring practitioners’ perceptions of health behavior changes associated with psychedelic experiences
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25818-3
For major depressive disorder, a review on the potential of psilocybin
Advancing treatment paradigms: the role of psilocybin in managing major depressive disorder
https://journals.lww.com/annals-of-medicine-and-surgery/abstract/9900/advancing_treatment_paradigms__the_role_of.3941.aspx
In psychedelic-assisted therapy, a book chapter on the role & ethics of touch
The Role and Ethics of Touch and Non-touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2025_608
In the UK, an analysis of 15 years of drug deaths from novel psychoactive substances
Legislating novel psychoactive substances: Lessons from 15 years of UK mortality data (2007-2022)
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1708335/abstract
“Detections of NPS opioids – primarily fentanyl analogues – peaked in 2017, NPS stimulants – notably cathinones – in 2015, and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in 2018 and 2021.”
Analysis of the global disease burden due to opioid, amphetamine, cocaine & cannabis use disorders
Global burden of disease due to opioid, amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0328276
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing & Extracting 🌱
For precision water stress, different cultivars had different height responses to this high-salinity treatment
Crop steering through osmotic stress can reduce height but reduced yield in medical Cannabis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00351-2
When adding arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to cannabis, they had enhanced drought resilience via boosted metabolites & antioxidant defenses
Regulation of Cannabinoid Biosynthetic Pathways in Cannabis sativa L. by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Molecular and Phytochemical Perspective
https://connectsci.au/cp/article-abstract/doi/10.1071/CP25081/265992/Regulation-of-Cannabinoid-Biosynthetic-Pathways-in
For nanoscale zero-valent iron, cannabis roots took up the iron but it did not move to the cannabis shoots to increase photosynthesis performance
Iron partitioning and photosynthetic performance in Cannabis sativa L. reveal limitations of nanoscale zero-valent iron as a fertilizer
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773111125000889
In the cannabis adventitious roots (roots that form from non-root tissue), an analysis of their anti-inflammatory & immunomodulatory effects
Biotechnological potential of Cannabis sativa adventitious roots for producing immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16130-1
For regulating terpenoid synthesis in hemp adventitious roots, on the mechanisms of yeast extract regulating the process
Metabolomics and Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed the Mechanism of Yeast Extract Inducing and Regulating the Synthesis of Terpenoids in Hemp Adventitious Roots
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5c07826
For roots, a review on using metabolic engineering to enhance their yield
Revolutionizing Metabolic Engineering in Cannabis sativa L.: Harnessing the Power of Hairy Root Culture
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397835692_Revolutionizing_Metabolic_Engineering_in_Cannabis_sativa_L_Harnessing_the_Power_of_Hairy_Root_Culture
For producing hemp seeds for reproduction, on using a portable & low-cost VIS/NIR spectrometer for analyzing the different ripening stages
Tools to Produce Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for Sowing Seed: Optical Differentiation of Seed Ripening Stages Through a Portable Spectrometer
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/12/2680
In cannabis protoplasts, a protocol for isolating, altering & culturing them
A novel protocol for protoplast isolation, transfection, and culture in Cannabis sativa L
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12870-025-07686-1
In South Africa, an analysis of fungal pathogens
Emerging Fungal and Oomycete Diseases of Cannabis in South Africa: First Reports and Pathogenicity Confirmation
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jph.70196
In southeastern Pennsylvania, profiling of the oomycete fungi of hemp
Diversity of Soilborne Oomycetes Associated with Industrial Hemp in Southeastern Pennsylvania: A Comparison of Metabarcoding Loci for Taxonomic Profiling
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PBIOMES-07-25-0056-R
On the sexual differentiation of the Bama Huoma cultivar, which produces the “holy seeds of longevity”
Characterization and transcriptomic analysis provide novel insights into the sexual differentiation of the dioecious plant Bama Huoma (Cannabis sativa)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12870-025-07096-3
On cannabinoid extraction with a modifier/water leaching method
Recovery of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa flowers using modifier/water leaching method
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383586625047380
For the supercritical CO2 extraction of hemp seeds, an analysis of extraction parameters on yield & bioactivity
Supercritical CO2 extraction of hemp seeds: A multivariate perspective on the influence of processing parameters on oil composition, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157525011435
For extracting THC from hemp seed husks, a mathematical model of different techniques
Unlocking safety: a mathematical model and selective extraction for Δ9-THC removal from hemp seed husks
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00349-w
For identifying high-THC medical cultivars, on the use of SSR (microsatellite) genetic markers
Genotype and chemotype insights of high-THC medicinal Cannabis sativa L.: the role of SSR markers in the identification of cultivars
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00357-w
For DNA fingerprinting fiber hemp germplasms, on using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP)
Development of KASP markers for DNA fingerprinting in fiber-type hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) germplasms
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669025018679
🤖 AI & Growing 🤖
For cannabis quality control, on using machine vision to detect mold, pests & cannabinoid profiles
Machine-Vision in Cannabis Quality Control: Automated Detection of Mold, Pests, and Cannabinoid Profiles
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397772443_Machine-Vision_in_Cannabis_Quality_Control_Automated_Detection_of_Mold_Pests_and_Cannabinoid_Profiles
On precision cannabis cultivation with AI
AI-Driven Precision Cultivation: Optimizing Light, Nutrients, and Growth Cycles in Cannabis Farms
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397772621_AI-Driven_Precision_Cultivation_Optimizing_Light_Nutrients_and_Growth_Cycles_in_Cannabis_Farms
Cannabis breeding with AI
AI-Enabled Cannabis Breeding: Designing Strains for Specific Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397770882_AI-Enabled_Cannabis_Breeding_Designing_Strains_for_Specific_Cannabinoid_and_Terpene_Profiles
On AI for optimized extraction
AI-Powered Extraction Optimization: Enhancing Yield, Purity, and Cost Efficiency in Cannabis Processing
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397786233_AI-Powered_Extraction_Optimization_Enhancing_Yield_Purity_and_Cost_Efficiency_in_Cannabis_Processing
⚙️ Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For cannabinoid extraction & production, a review of techniques & methods
Cannabinomics in the flower of Cannabis sativa: a systematic review of extraction, analytical identification, and micro/nanoencapsulation methods for bioactive metabolites
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00350-3
From a transdermal patch, a thesis project on extracting & analyzing the cannabinoid levels
Development of a Method for the Extraction of Cannabinoids in Transdermal Patches
https://www.proquest.com/openview/d1c6e7b2d1fcc8fac0804283b819f4df/1
On rapidly analyzing 10 cannabinoids in oil using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy
Rapid and robust quantification of ten cannabinoids in cannabis oils using FT-NIR spectroscopy coupled with PLS-R models
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386142525015161
On measuring cannabinoid levels in oil & flower with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with low-resolution mass spectrometry
Development and Validation of a Cannabinoid Quantification Method in Oil and Marijuana by UHPLC-MS
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c07689
On a forensic analysis of terpenes using a headspace full evaporation technique gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-FET-GC/MS) method
HS‐FET‐GC/MS‐Method Development and Validation for Analysis of 45 Terpenes—Creating a Complementary Tool for Comprehensive Profiling of Cannabis Flowers in Forensics
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/dta.3966
🍞 Food, Nutrition & Hemp Seeds 🍞
For delta-8 THC in food, the European Food Safety Authority issued guidance on its natural levels
Derivation of a health‐based guidance value for Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC) and its occurrence in food
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9735/
“If the two substances are produced naturally, a Δ8-THC to Δ9-THC ratio below 1 is expected; however, many of the samples, positive for Δ8-THC, were above this ratio indicating either addition of semi-synthetic Δ8-THC, formation during processing or enrichment of the natural Δ8-THC.”
For hemp seed milks, a digestibility study of dehulled full-fat & fat-reduced milks
In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Dehulled Full-Fat and Fat-Reduced Hemp Seed Milks: A Comparative Study of Protein Bioaccessibility, Physical Stability, and Digestive Behavior
https://sciforum.net/paper/view/25526
On obtaining hemp protein hydrolysates with increased dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity
Identification, characterization and resistance to digestion assessment of hemp-derived dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitory peptides
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/fo/d5fo02421h
In geese, supplementing their diet with CBD enhanced meat production & processing quality as well as improved antioxidant capacity
Dietary cannabidiol supplementation enhances growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in Landes geese
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1828051X.2025.2584446
In goats, dietary hemp seed oil increased their blood lipid levels as well as the fat & protein contents of their milk
Effect of hemp seed oil supplementation on plasma lipid profile, liver function, milk fatty acid, cholesterol, and vitamin A concentrations in Carpathian goats
https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/125393662/8275-CJAS-libre.pdf
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For antibacterial hydrogels, on turning cannabis waste into nanohybrids for controlled silver ion release
Green valorization of cannabis wastes into CNC/AgNP nanohybrids for controlled silver ion release in antibacterial hydrogels
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669025018539
On degrading methylene blue dye with hemp cellulose microspheres
FUNCTIONALIZATION OF HEMP CELLULOSE WITH BIOI MICROSPHERES BY HOT-PRESSING FOR THE PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE
https://repositorio.ikiam.edu.ec/xmlui/bitstream/handle/RD_IKIAM/918/TT-BT-IKIAM-000100.pdf
For sustainable bioproducts, a review of using hemp
Industrial Hemp as Precursor for Sustainable Bioproducts: Recent Trends and Prospects
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/13/11/155
“The methodology involved the systematic assessment of the recent literature to identify the applications in textiles, biocomposites, packaging, and, most importantly, advanced areas such as hemp-based carbon materials for storing energy, biomedical materials, and smart biomaterials. Findings showed that hemp waste is a versatile material for creating high-value products, as it shows promise in carbon electrodes for supercapacitors as well as reinforcement for 3D-printed biocomposites.”
For oral cavity biomedical devices, on creating a hybrid coating of graphene oxide & CBD
Graphene oxide and cannabidiol-based hybrid coatings on PMMA for biomedical applications
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25325-5
For advanced biofuels & biocomposite production, on the differences between dioecious & monoecious hemp varieties
Influence of Yield Structure and Chemical Composition of Monoecious and Dioecious Hemp Forms on the Efficiency of Advanced Biofuels and Biocomposite Production
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2025.2585252
On making plastic packaging from hemp
Development of poly(lactic acid)/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/cellulose composites using cellulose extracted from hemp biomass for plastic packaging applications
https://jmmm.material.chula.ac.th/index.php/jmmm/article/view/2332
On creating a fiber biocomposite from hemp & areca (a palm) reinforced with crab shell powder
Development and Mechanical Characterization of Hemp/Areca Fibre Reinforced PEEK/Portunus Pelagicus Bio-composite Laminates
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2631-8695/ae2185/meta/
For hemp bio-epoxy plastic composites, a prediction of their elastic properties
PREDICTION OF ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF FLAX, HEMP, S-GLASS REINFORCED BIO-EPOXY PLASTIC COMPOSITE USING NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397660716_PREDICTION_OF_ELASTIC_PROPERTIES_OF_FLAX_HEMP_S-GLASS_REINFORCED_BIO-EPOXY_PLASTIC_COMPOSITE_USING_NUMERICAL_AND_ANALYTICAL_METHODS
On degumming hemp with a bio-enzyme for cotton-type fiber production & spinnability optimization
Electrolyzed water-soaking-assisted bio-enzymatic degumming of industrial hemp for cotton-type fiber production and spinnability optimization
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00405175251360918
For existing masonry buildings, on using hemp for a seismic retrofit
Hemp-based systems as seismic strenghtening interventions of existing masonry buildings
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710225020236
To improve the washability of clay-hemp composites in construction, on the effects of adding cornstarch
The effect of modifying the clay-hemp composite with corn starch on its ability to transport water by capillary action
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/3146/1/012023/pdf
On improving clay aggregate with hemp shives
Selected properties of lightweight expanded clay aggregate with the addition of hemp shives
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/3146/1/012012/pdf
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
🏥 Public Health, Legalization Effects & Bioassays 🏥
For clinicians & cannabis, on a mental health practice that keeps in mind harm reduction & racial equity
The cannabis-mind connection: a clinician’s perspective on mental health practice, harm reduction, and racial equity
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s42238-025-00360-1_reference.pdf
For healthcare practitioners & CBD, a medical guideline for when their patients ask about CBD
When your patient asks about cannabidiol
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40816-025-00402-4
A web survey on the time-varying motives for cannabis use
Daily Web Survey Data Collection of Time-Varying Cannabis Use Motives and Contexts, with Implications for Adaptive Interventions: A Pilot Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871625004272
For the social risks for cannabis, binge drinking, or tobacco use, the greatest was difficulty paying for food
Binge Drinking, Cannabis, and Tobacco Use and Modifiable Social Risks Among Adults Who Used Health Care
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-025-10036-4
For cannabis stigma, a person’s personal attitude about legality was significantly associated with stigma while the laws of their state were not as influential
How Personal Attitudes About Legalizing Cannabis and Corresponding State Laws Affect the Stigma of Cannabis Use
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2025.2587096
In people using cannabis medically, a survey found that psychological inflexibility was associated with greater cigarette dependence & binge drinking
Examining the Roles of Psychological Inflexibility and Distress Tolerance on Cigarette Dependence and Binge Drinking among Individuals who Co-use Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-025-01594-z
During COVID, on the socioeconomic factors associated with alcohol & cannabis use
Socio-economic factors associated with alcohol and cannabis use across waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: an intersectional analysis of a repeated cross-sectional survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41257732/
In Ontario, there’s been increased accessibility to alcohol & cannabis, especially in neighborhoods with more single parents, lower education levels & more government social support
The shifting riskscape: Changes in geographic accessibility to alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco in Ontario, Canada from 2019 to 2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925002610
In different types of blood samples, a review of the analytical approaches using mass spectrometry for measuring cannabinoid levels
Analytical Approaches to Address Challenges in the Analysis of Cannabinoids in Vascular Matrices Using Mass Spectrometry
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/mas.70005
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In female undergraduates, imposter syndrome was significantly related to cannabis problems & using cannabis to cope with negative affect & social anxiety
Imposter Syndrome and Cannabis-Related Problems: The Roles of Social Anxiety and Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2025.2586660
In Canadian students over the last 10 years, while students perceived cannabis to be less risky & more accessible, cannabis use increased only in grades 7-9 & female students, with the main ingestion route being vapes
Changes in patterns of use and perceptions of cannabis among students in Canada: A decade of data from the Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724625000824
In Spanish university students, on the factors associated with hazardous alcohol & cannabis use
Association of Gender, Sexual Orientation, Socioeconomic Factors, and Sexual Violence with Hazardous Alcohol and Cannabis Use in University Students from Spain
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-025-03246-8
In adolescent cannabis use disorder, a survey on paternal shame & responsibility
The role of fathers in adolescent cannabis use disorder: Public perceptions of paternal shame and responsibility
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687637.2025.2587620
In young adult cannabis & tobacco users, a latent class analysis of the 5 types of users
Cannabis and Tobacco Product Use Classes and Psychosocial Correlates among US Young Adults
https://academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ntr/ntaf238/8341475
To reduce adolescent cannabis use, the combination of motivational interviewing & a digital follow-up reduced usage & increased motivation to change
The Effectiveness of a Multi-Session Motivational Interviewing (MI-Supportive) Intervention Combined with Digital Follow-Up (EMA/SMS) in Reducing Marijuana Use and Enhancing Motivation to Change among Clinical Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://www.journalecs.com/index.php/ecs/article/view/317
For reducing young adult cannabis and/or alcohol use, an analysis of three different interventions
Innovative Strategies for Leveraging Daily and EMA Data to Enhance the Content of Three Novel Alcohol and/or Cannabis Interventions for Young Adults
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.24-00448
In Black college students, those with low levels of depression had an increased risk for frequent cannabis use
Association of Frequent Cannabis Use and Symptoms of Depression among Black College Students
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2025.2586251
In Black youth, a model of school belonging & cannabis use
A Cross-Classified Hierarchical Linear Model of School Belonging and Marijuana Use Among Black Youth
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2025.2533982
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In children with Fragile X Syndrome (a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder), an analysis of an ongoing trial with a CBD gel found it to have a favorable long-term safety profile
Long-term safety and tolerability of transdermal cannabidiol gel in children and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome (ZYN2-CL-017): an interim analysis of an ongoing open-label extension study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11689-025-09657-x/
For neurodegenerative disorders, a book chapter on the use of cannabis
Cannabis and Neurodegenerative Disorders
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003478485-7/cannabis-neurodegenerative-disorders-elie-atallah-sahar-obeid-myriam-el-khoury-malhame-michel-sfeir
In a model mouse of headache & anxiety, they had increased endocannabinoid activity in some brain regions
Endocannabinoids Block Headache and Anxiety Comorbidity via Two-pronged Anterior Insular Projections
https://spj.science.org/doi/pdf/10.34133/research.1031
In mice with intellectual disability due to a deleted Ppp2r1a gene, they had reduced levels of 2-AG due to higher transcription of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) & this led to synaptic & learning deficits
Ppp2r1a haploinsufficiency increases excitatory synaptic transmission and decreases spatial learning by impairing endocannabinoid signaling
https://dm5migu4zj3pb.cloudfront.net/manuscripts/185000/185602/JCI185602.v2.pdf
In brain cells, 10 of the minor cannabinoids (THCC, CBT, CBDV, CBN, CBC, CBCV, CBCT, CBGM, THCB, THCP) inhibited TRPV1 signaling & CBC altered potassium channels for a potential painkilling effect
Modulatory Effects of “Minor” Cannabinoids in an in vitro Model of Neuronal Hypersensitivity
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JPR.S547613
In brain cells, the ability of anandamide to cause neuroprotection was mediated by the CB1 receptor, the PPARγ receptor (a regulator of genetic transcription) as well as increased levels & improved health of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Anandamide-Induced Neuroprotection of Cortical Neurons Relies on Metabolic/Redox Regulation and Mitochondrial Dynamics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41276654/
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In healthy males undergoing a psychosocial stress, they had increased blood levels of 2-AG & arachidonic acid, as well as a slight increase in anandamide levels.
Stress-Buffer-Hypothesis: blood endocannabinoids in healthy males under standardized psychosocial stress induction and resting condition
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03742-4_reference.pdf
For CBD & insomnia, a Twitter analysis found patient-perceived benefits
Assessing patient perceptions of off-label cannabidiol use for insomnia through sentiment analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00306-7/
In people with epilepsy on private insurance, those who used substances or had psychiatric disorders were more likely to have cannabis use disorder
Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorders and Associated Factors Among Privately Insured Adults with Epilepsy
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1695511/abstract
In a rodent model of anxiety & depression, inhibition of FABP5 (an endocannabinoid transporter) strongly lessened anxiety & depressive-like behaviors, altered transcription of the CB2 & GPR55 receptors & blocked stress-induced reductions in neurogenesis (new brain cells) in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Inhibition of fatty acid binding protein 5 prevents stress-induced anxiogenic and depressive-like symptoms through modulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, cannabinoid and neurotrophic signaling in the limbic circuitry
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996125004188
In male rats undergoing alcohol withdrawal, fluoxetine (Prozac) reduced anxiety, restored 2-AG blood levels & modulated both the endocannabinoid & LPA pathways
Fluoxetine modulates both endocannabinoid and lysophosphatidic acid pathways in a region-specific Manner during alcohol withdrawal in male rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390825004812/
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
In women with & without HIV, interviews found that the women with HIV more often used cannabis for appetite stimulation & energy enhancement
Beyond the High: Exploring Socioecological Influences on Cannabis Use in Older Women with and without HIV
https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/geront/gnaf250/8339757
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴
In people with chronic pain, a medical cannabis authorization was not associated with a decrease in opioid milligram equivalents
Medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents over time in patients with chronic pain: a retrospective analysis
https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/advance-article/doi/10.1093/pm/pnaf113/8239242
In older people with chronic pain who started medical cannabis, they were more likely to start opioids in the following year
Opioid Initiation in Older Patients with Chronic Pain Who Received Authorized Cannabis Prescription
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2025.2586250
In people with neuropathic pain, they used more THC/CBD products than those with non-neuropathic pain
Cross-sectional comparison of cannabis use in adults with neuropathic versus non-neuropathic pain
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2025.1677391/abstract
In people receiving the anesthetic etomidate, the cannabis users had an increased total dose per injection
Etomidate Dosing and Recovery in Cannabis Users in Wada Test A Retrospective Cohort Study
https://journals.lww.com/jnsa/abstract/9900/etomidate_dosing_and_recovery_in_cannabis_users_in.192.aspx
In exercising youth, they had lowered anandamide levels in their saliva
Effects Of Acute Exercise, Stretching, And Meditation On Salivary Endocannabinoids In Youth: Preliminary Findings From A Pilot Study
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/acsm-msse/abstract/10.1249/01.mss.0001158372.32926.a3~effects-of-acute-exercise-stretching-and-meditation-on
When people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases participate in medical cannabis trials, the driving reason for their participation was recreational cannabis use
Recreational cannabis use is the driving factor for participation in medical cannabis trials in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711325012346
In a rat model of neuropathic pain, protein kinase C controlled the efficacy of CB1 drugs in the medial prefrontal cortex
Activity of protein kinase C controls the efficacy of cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the medial prefrontal cortex after neuropathic pain
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/jn.00379.2025
The painkilling effects of CBD analogs based on terpenyl-cinnamoyl-hydrazone
New Terpenyl-Cinnamoyl-Hydrazone Analogues of Cannabidiol with Potent Antinociceptive Effect
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7982386/v1/46586820-1373-49b6-a79c-3e84898b297d.pdf
❤️ The Heart & Blood ❤️
In heart tissue, 2-AG acted as a proinflammatory agent
Unbiased assessment of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in cardiovascular inflammation
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-28969-5_reference.pdf
🍽️ The Guts, Metabolism & the Microbiome 🍽️
For eating pathologies, profile of cannabis use patterns & associations
Latent profiles of cannabis use patterns and associations with eating pathology outcomes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460325003338
In pre-fat stem cells, treatment with hemp seed oil decreased gene expression associated with fat accumulation & browning as well as upregulating the CB2, TRPV1 & GPR55 receptors
Adipogenicity-induced human mesenchymal stem cells treated with hemp seed oil stimulate brown-like adipocytes and decrease adipokine levels through the activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00343-2
💨 The Lungs 💨
In a mouse model of silicosis (an inflammatory lung disease from silicon dioxide exposure), CBD nanocomplexes with Prussian blue reversed endothelial dysfunction, suppressed vascular leakage, mitigated platelet hyperactivation & reduced pulmonary fibrosis (scarring)
Targeted-nanoformulation of cannabidiol attenuates endothelial injury and platelet hyperactivation for combating silicosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385894725117543
👀 The Eyes 👀
In people with glaucoma, a survey of their knowledge of the effects of cannabis on intraocular pressure
An assessment of the prevalence of cannabis use in eye clinic patients and its implications on glaucoma diagnosis and management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41243046/
In a tissue model of conjunctival fibrosis (excessive scar tissue formation on the eyelids), CBD prevented the epithelial-mesenchymal transition & lowered the release of inflammatory cytokines
Cannabidiol inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human conjunctival epithelial cells by interrupting TGF-β/Smad signaling
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25216-9
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In cancer survivors, those with more adverse childhood experiences had increased odds of cannabis use
Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer Survivors
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/cam4.71400
In triple-negative breast cancer, nanoCBD had efficient cellular uptake & caused inhibition of migration, enhanced production of reactive oxygen species & more apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Folate–chitosan nanoparticle delivery of cannabidiol for targeted triple-negative breast cancer therapy
https://academic.oup.com/jpp/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jpp/rgaf072/8239116
In prostate cancer & CBD, a thesis project on the epigenetic effects
The Effect of Cannabidiol on the Biology and Epigenetics of Prostate Cancer
https://researchrepository.ucd.ie/entities/publication/34681d7c-198b-493e-9df2-390d7c6393f7
In colon cancer, endocannabinoid metabolism controled immune invasion
CYP4X1/sEH-Dependent Endocannabinoid Metabolism Drives Fibroblast-Mediated Immunosuppression to Limit Immunotherapy in Colon Cancer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41276938/
For cancer cells, on a new fatty acid solvent for carrying CBD
New insights into fatty acid-based deep eutectic solvent as a carrier for cannabidiol: Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human astrocytoma cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167732225021439
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
In two German forensic hospitals, hair analysis for synthetic cannabinoids had a 7x higher detection rate than urine analysis
Routine Hair Testing Unmasks Hidden Synthetic Cannabinoid Use in Forensic Psychiatric Patients: A 10-Year Comparative Study in Two Bavarian Clinics
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/11/1240
In rats, the pharmacokinetics of 5F-MDMB-PICA
Pharmacokinetic study of the synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, in male Wistar rats
https://journals.lww.com/iphr/fulltext/2025/09000/pharmacokinetic_study_of_the_synthetic.2.aspx
In heart tissue, the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-AKB48 inhibited the potassium channels & reduced activation
Noncanonical pharmacological inhibition of the hERG K+ channel by a synthetic cannabinoid
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295225005222
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬
Simulations of how CBD binds to the adenosine A2A receptor (where caffeine acts as an antagonist)
Metadynamics simulations and site-directed mutagenesis determine the binding of cannabidiol to the adenosine A2A receptor
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pro.70394
An analysis of FAAH inhibition by β-lactams
Toward a Better Understanding of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibition by β-Lactams
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41259274/
On co-crystals of CBN & piperazine
Polymorphism in Cannabinol Piperazine Cocrystals: Structural, Morphological, and Energetic Perspectives
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.cgd.5c01390
For the CB1 receptor, a thesis project creating a fluorescent probe
Design and Synthesis of Fluorescent Probes for Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1
https://edoc.hu-berlin.de/items/492599e3-cccc-4a7d-a8e2-aa4fb1caaf3f
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s guitar jazz legend, Charlie Christian’s “The Original Guitar Hero”. As the critic Scott Yanow opined, “It can be said without exaggeration that virtually every jazz guitarist that emerged during 1940-65 sounded like a relative of Charlie Christian.” He was the first electric guitarist to make an impact in the jazz world & he helped to develop the styles of bebop & cool jazz.
Born in Texas & growing up in Oklahoma City, Christian was the child of musicians. But his father lost his sight to fever, so he taught his boys to work as buskers playing music on the street. Young Charlie first helped out by dancing, but later learned to play the guitar. When his father died when Christian was 12, he inherited his father’s instruments. By the age of 20, he was a regional attraction across the Midwest & jammed with many of the big-name performers who traveled through Oklahoma such as Art Tatum & Mary Lou Williams. When Christian auditioned for the famed record producer & civil rights activist John Henry Hammond Jr., he recommended him to Benny Goodman, one of the first white band leaders to feature Black musicians. While there are conflicting accounts about how well Christian & Goodman got along at their first meeting, when Christian played a show with them in Los Angeles, he was a hit with the crowd & took an unprecedented 20 choruses of improvisation. Goodman immediately hired him as a band member & Christian went from making $2.50 a night to $150 a week. A master of improvisation, at Goodman’s side he played with some of the greats of his generation & became an important contributor to the bebop coming out of Harlem. At the start of the 1940s, the groups he played in were dominating the jazz charts, but Christian had already contracted tuberculosis a few years earlier. The disease would kill him in 1942, at just the age of 25. He’s now widely regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of jazz guitar & one of the best improvisational talents of the swing era.
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