C&P#175: sleep in MS & autism, pregnancy effects & CHS
Cannabinoids & The People,
or; Drugs & Drug Wars
(buy my canna-graphic novels based on ‘Moby Dick, or; The Whale’ & proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients)
🌟 This week 🌟
Nabiximols for the sleep of MS
Cannabis for the sleep of autistic children
(2x) pregnancy & cannabinoids (with great charts!)
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, public health data on prevalence & 3 case reports
Hemp for wastewater filtration, phytoremediation & food packaging
Preclinical: CBD for methamphetamine use disorder & sepsis + CBG for seizures
Psychedelics: finally, a great rundown on the “Little People” mushrooms
War on Drugs: Israel’s secret cannabis trafficking into Egypt
Harm reduction: Australian analysis estimates huge cost savings & public health benefits
(this week’s numbers: ~6k words, ~16 minutes reading time, 128 papers)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 175th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news as well as coverage of other psychoactives, the War on Drugs & harm reduction. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.
For producing cannabinoid content, work with my company White Whale Creations: writing, science archives, social media, newsletters & podcasts (especially podcasts).
As always, ask me anything!
📌 Editor’s note 📌:
Happy birthday to me. It’s a time of feeling grateful, for my health, for my family, for this work & for not needing anything more to make me happy (unless you know a rare book dealer who can find my current obsession, Gallen-Kallela’s illustrated version of the Kalevala).
So thanks to everyone who engages with & reads this newsletter & here’s to another year of psychoactive science!
🤝 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.
🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤
@CannabinoidsAndThe People vids sponsored by CHRI & the National Cannabis Study:
Chemo & Cannabis (the data was not as strong as I would’ve guessed…)
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd)
My 📚 Vids:
(@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram)
Kohn’s ‘Early Chinese Mysticism: Philosophy and Soteriology in the Taoist Tradition’
Minor artists (Gertrude Stein punches you in the gut)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: political Chicago blues by JB Lenoir
🧰 Free resources 🧰
CVResearch.info: the cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences
My glossary of cannabinoid terms (& containing the legend for my Neural Ocean metaphor with endocannabinoid whales)
Roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Policy, Decoded, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose
💖 Ways to support this work 💖
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here
📣 A request to spread the word 📣
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth, so please forward to friends & colleagues.
🍃 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 ⚕️
In people with multiple sclerosis, nabiximols (pharmaceutical 1:1 THC:CBD spray) significantly improved their sleep & sleep architecture
Nabiximols improves sleep architecture in multiple sclerosis: A prospective polysomnographic study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878747926000103
In children with autism & sleep disturbances, the initiation of medical cannabis increased their sleep time over an hour, with caregiver-reported improvements in sleep onset, sleep maintenance, overall sleep quality & quality of life as well as several other behavioral domains
Autism, Sleep, and Medicinal Cannabis: 18-Month Prospective Registry Outcomes on Efficacy and Safety
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8689930/v1/65f343b3-153f-489e-929f-e693386e6632.pdf
For age differences in endocannabinoid tone & cannabis use, older adults had lower baseline levels of AEA (anandamide), LEA (linoleoyl ethanolamide) & DEA (docosatetraenoyl ethanolamide), while across all age groups, cannabis use increased levels in 6 of the 7 endocannabinoids measured, with older adults having larger increases in AEA & DEA
Age differences in endocannabinoid tone are ameliorated after recent cannabis use
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-27618-1
In a person with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer, on complete remission with a short platinum-based chemotherapy followed by cannabinoid & curcumin supplementation
Case Report: Long-Term Complete Remission of Stage IV Metastatic Lung Cancer Following Combined Short-Course Chemotherapy and Cannabinoid-Based Supportive Protocol
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/302515/preprint_pdf/368c711bd42401c9f435d6fb2d009814.pdf
In cancer survivors, a discrete choice experiment found that they used cannabis to help with symptoms & their ability to perform everyday activities
Using a discrete choice experiment to estimate individual preferences to medicate cancer-related symptoms with cannabis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00392-1
In people who inject drugs, cannabis liberalization was associated with decreased daily opioid misuse & increased cannabis use
Cannabis legalization and cannabis and opioid use in a large, multistate sample of people who inject drugs: a staggered adoption difference-in-differences analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626000219
In people with psychosis, cannabis users had higher scores of cognition, though an earlier onset of psychosis
The Paradoxical Effect of Cannabis Use on Cognition in Chronic Psychotic Disorders
https://www.mdpi.com/1873-149X/33/1/11
For determining THC intoxication, brain scans found a distinct set of detectable patterns in the prefrontal cortex
Detection of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Impairment Using Resting-State Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41615687/
In an absorption test of nano CBD, being fed significantly increased bioavailability
A Randomized, Single-Dose, Single-Sequence, Two-Arm (Fasting and Fed), Open-Label Study on the Oral Pharmacokinetics of a Nanodispersible Cannabidiol Solution (150 mg/mL)
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/9/1/20/4482914/000550104.pdf
📑 Reviews 📑
In the intestines, a review of CBD & as an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory (with lovely charts!)
The Dual Roles of Natural Cannabidiol in Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Potential Intestinal Guardian
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231726000492
For PEA, a review of its myriad protective effects beyond just inflammation
Investigating properties of palmitoylethanolamide in physiology and disease: far beyond an anti-inflammatory shield
https://publicatt.unicatt.it/handle/10807/329721
During pregnancy, a review on the effects of cannabis on the placenta & endocannabinoid system (with some quality charts)
Recreational Cannabis Use During Human Pregnancy: Its Effects on the Placenta and Endocannabinoid System
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/3/1398
In people with maternal chronic obesity, a review of the influence of the endocannabinoid system on breast tissue & breast milk inflammation (with great charts)
Exploring the Endocannabinoid System’s Influence on Mammary Tissue and Breast Milk Inflammation in Maternal Chronic Obesity
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/2/201
For cancer, a review on PEA for tumor prevention & treatment
The Prospects of Palmitoylethanolamide in Tumor Prevention and Treatment
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/JIR.S549752
For drug-resistant bacteria & fungi, a review of the potential cannabinoids & terpenes
Cannabis sativa in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41607163/
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
In people with first episode psychosis, cannabis use was associated with a 2-year earlier age of onset
Risk factors associated with the age onset of the first psychosis episode in schizophrenia of Moroccan patients: retrospective study on the role of the prodromal signs, family psychosis, and cannabis
https://banglajol.info/index.php/BJMS/article/view/86420
In people with memory deterioration from chronic drug use, the impairments were strongest in people who were using alcohol, cannabis or opioids
The association between chronic alcohol, cannabis, and opioids use and autobiographical memory impairments: A systematic review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1715085/abstract
In US adolescents, current cannabis users had a higher odds of poor mental health & suicide attempts
Association of adolescent cannabis use with poor mental health and suicidality in young adulthood: A cross-sectional study using YRBS 2023 data
https://www.ejgm.co.uk/download/association-of-adolescent-cannabis-use-with-poor-mental-health-and-suicidality-in-young-adulthood-a-17802.pdf
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a survey found that ~18% of daily cannabis users reported CHS-like symptoms (severe nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain)
Prevalence and Correlates of Symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in the United States
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2026/01/26/2026.01.25.26344780.full.pdf
For cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a case report where alcohol was a trigger
Alcohol as a Novel Trigger for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/434462/20260128-282143-t7a87e.pdf
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of pneumomediastinum (air in the chest space between the lungs)
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/445008/20260121-215276-310w1k.pdf
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of approaching it through a psychiatric lens
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Psychiatric Approach
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/320406/20260123-46306-twc8za.pdf
For a toddler accidentally ingesting cannabis, a case report & response strategy
Accidental cannabis intoxications in toddlers: what to expect? A case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0929693X25002386
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a rat model of methamphetamine use disorder, CBD-rich hemp extracts worked better than CBD isolate in reducing relapse
A CBD-rich hemp extract is superior to CBD alone in reducing relapse to methamphetamine-seeking in rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584626000254
In a mouse model of seizures, CBG had antiseizure properties that were potentiated by CBD
Antiseizure Effects of Cannabidiol in Combination With Cannabigerol in the Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/bcpt.70194
In a mouse model of sepsis, CBD oil lowered inflammation of the intestines, probably via the PPARα nuclear receptors that modulate genetic transcription
PPARα Expression Analysis in a Murine Model of Sepsis-like Inflammation Intestinal Tissue Treated with a Cannabidiol-Enriched Broad Spectrum Cannabis Oil
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393967470_PPARa_Expression_Analysis_in_a_Murine_Model_of_Sepsis-like_Inflammation_Intestinal_Tissue_Treated_with_a_Cannabidiol-Enriched_Broad_Spectrum_Cannabis_Oil
In the brains of older rats, their lowered synaptic levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG was ameliorated by THC, with a full-spectrum extract being more effective
The Diminished Availability of 2-AG in Aged Synaptic Terminals Is Ameliorated by a Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract with a High THC Content
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/33f7b90e77b9b150e190ed2cfc33afc7/download_pub
In the eyes of mice giving birth to multiple offspring, they had increased levels of CB1 receptors in the peripheral retina
Multiparity is Associated with Higher Perfusion of the Transverse Sinus and Increased Peripheral Retinal Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Expression in Mice
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/str.57.suppl_1.TP273
Apparently, giving birth to multiple offspring increases your cardiovascular risk but increases your neuroprotective effects.
There has to be some kind of metaphor about parenting in there…
In a fruit fly model of chronic pain, CBD lowered its nociceptive (pain sensing) circuits
The parabss1 Drosophila melanogaster as Model for Chronic Nociception: Insights Into Cannabidiol Analgesic Effects
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12836457/
In red blood cells, CBD inhibits the PIEZO1 channels to help with blood disorders like sickle-cell disease or hereditary xerocytosis
Cannabidiol Inhibits PIEZO Channels to Mitigate Red Blood Disorders
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.22.700543v1.full.pdf
In fish aquaculture bacteria that formed a biofilm (slimy aggregrations that resist treatment), cannabis leaf extract caused inhibition via disruption of bacterial quorum-sensing signals
An in Vitro Antibacterial, Anti-biofilm, Anti-quorum Sensing and Cytotoxic Activities of Leaf Crude Extracts of Cannabis ‘Gorilla Glue 1’
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1750799/abstract
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
For UV radiation & cannabinoids, a measurement of their photo degradation found the cannabinoids from the plant significantly degraded but the synthetic cannabinoids were little altered
Photolysis of Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids in the UVA and UVB Studied by Online Mass Spectrometry
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/3b63aaf6244f5c044db3deb4fca457bf/download_pub
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰
Poor DC. Despite voters legalizing adult-use cannabis more than a decade ago, Trump today signed a bill again blocking its implementation
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-signs-bill-continuing-to-block-d-c-from-legalizing-recreational-marijuana-sales-as-advocates-await-rescheduling-action/
For Washington DC, one of the worst parts about being the capital of the United States is that you are directly administered by the US government. That means that the slow-moving behemoth of federal legislators are the ones in charge of your day-to-day laws. One of the effects of this of concern to us is the ten+ years of overriding the preferences of the voters about the legal status of cannabis.
🌐 International Updates 🌐
At the UN, a report on 10 years of drug policy failings by the International Drug Policy Consortium
https://mailchi.mp/idpc/ungass-decade-review
In France, their small but long-running medical cannabis program again extended beyond its current deadline of April 2026
https://cannabislaw.report/french-ministry-of-health-announces-patients-enrolled-in-medical-cannabis-programme-to-get-extension-beyond-march-31-2026-deadline/
In Hungary, the top EU court ruled that the country improperly voted against the reclassification of cannabis at the UN
https://internationalcbc.com/eu-court-rules-against-hungarys-cannabis-position/
In the EU, the policy is that at UN meetings, you have to vote with the bloc’s ‘common position’.
In Australia, on the last 10 years of medical cannabis regulations & the potential lessons from other jurisdictions
Evolving health policy and regulatory oversight of medicinal cannabis in Australia: lessons for sustainable integration
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00394-z
In Germany after legalization, Google saw a marked increase in searches for medical cannabis
Post-legalization rise in German medical cannabis interest: evidence from Google trends as surrogate marker
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00395-y
In Afghanistan, cannabis surpassed opium as the most widely used drug according to a UN report
https://8am.media/eng/un-report-cannabis-remains-the-dominant-drug-in-afghanistan/
In Brazil, an analysis of the last 5 years of medical cannabis
Five years after legal cannabis: an assessment of personal cannabis use authorizations
https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?pid=S2448-57052025000300069&script=sci_abstract&tlng=en
In Nigeria, a review on the cannabis policy dilemmas
One plant, many controversies: Uncovering the cover of marijuana
https://www.wapcpjournal.org.ng/index.php/home/article/view/406
In Chile, a thesis project on their last century of psychoactive use
A century of drug experiences in Chile: knowledge, power, and subjectivity
https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10218878
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
The DEA on its seizures & major enforcement efforts last year
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2026/02/03/year-impact-dea-recognizes-its-success-combatting-drug-cartels-and-saving
In Tajikistan, 3 Afghans killed during suspected opium smuggling
https://timesca.com/tajik-border-troops-kill-three-afghans-suspected-of-opium-smuggling/
In China, a Canadian convicted of drug smuggling just had his death sentence overturned
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/world/asia/china-canada-death-sentence-overturned.html
“The case of the man, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, was one of several involving Canadians detained in China that the Canadian government condemned as hostage diplomacy. Originally sentenced to 15 years in prison, Mr. Schellenberg received a death sentence after a retrial in 2019 that came weeks after a top Chinese executive, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada.”
In the US Virgin Islands, two Jamaicans convicted of smuggling nearly 2 tons of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/us-virgin-island-jury-convicts-two-men-in-maritime-drug-case-after-coast-guard-seizes-nearly-two-tons-of-cannabis/
In the Philippines, on the harms to young people from the structural violence of the drug war
Beyond the Drug War: Young People, Punitive Drug Policies, and Structural Violence in the Philippines
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/29973368.2026.2619771
In Israel, an analysis of their War on Drugs of the ‘50s to ‘80s with a clampdown on local cannabis users, especially the Mizrahim of Middle East & North Africa, while heavily investing in covert cannabis trafficking into Egypt
The War on Drugs in Israel: Detoxicating “Outsiders Within,” Intoxicating Foreign Enemies
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/itinerario/article/war-on-drugs-in-israel-detoxicating-outsiders-within-intoxicating-foreign-enemies/722DEC95DE43161370150EA968702426
In Indonesia, border operations are intensifying against drug trafficking
https://en.antaranews.com/amp/news/401346/indonesia-intensifies-border-operations-against-drug-trafficking
In Central America, an analysis of counternarcotics policy leading to selective forms of enforcement & estate-sponsored violence
Militarized margins: Counternarcotics policy and the struggle for territorial governance in Central America
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016718526000035
In Colombia, a review of drug market-related violence
Drug markets and violence in Colombia: Where do we stand, and how do we move forward?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095539592600023X
In Brazil’s Northeast, the cannabis eradication policies from 1943 to 1983
PROIBIÇÃO, ERRADICAÇÃO E DISPERSÃO: Análise do deslocamento dos plantios ilícitos de maconha no Nordeste brasileiro ao longo de quatro décadas (1943–1983) [Prohibition, Eradication and Scattering: Analysis of Marijuana Illicit Crops in the Brazilian Northeast over Four Decades (1943-1983)]
https://www.scielo.br/j/nec/a/gk6DDzDsnB4G3GLbJCSzCxh/abstract
🚗 Driving 🚗
In German driving under the influence of cannabis, 8 months after legalization saw no significant short-term effects
Short-term effects of cannabis legalisation in Germany on driving under the influence of cannabis: a difference-in-differences analysis using Austria as a control
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00005-0/fulltext
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
For selling cannabis to pseudo-intoxicated buyers, only 25% of stores refused them service as legally required
Noncompliance with laws to prevent polysubstance misuse: Recreational cannabis sales to apparently alcohol‐intoxicated customers
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acer.70204
For cannabis marketing in legal US states, an analysis of the laws & people’s exposure to cannabis marketing
Cannabis Marketing Restrictions and Exposure to Cannabis Marketing in Legal US Cannabis Markets: Findings From the International Cannabis Policy Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41591207/
A position paper on how to safeguard US medical cannabis
Safeguarding Cannabis for Medical Use: Clinical Risks, Regulatory Gaps, and the Path Toward Equitable Standards
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291825004217
On the public comments for cannabis rescheduling, on using AI to analyze the opinions of the constituency
Using ChatGPT to enhance public participation: an analysis of public comments to reschedule marijuana
https://www.emerald.com/tg/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/TG-09-2025-0272/1337532/Using-ChatGPT-to-enhance-public-participation-an
For medical cannabis supply chain management, a Thai guide for quality assurance, monitoring & governance
Harmonizing health logistics: A digital framework for balancing medical cannabis demand and supply
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291126000483
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
For the US overdose crisis, Trump launched the Great American Recovery Initiative
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-launches-the-great-american-recovery-initiative-to-address-the-addiction-crisis/
In the US, overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 had their greatest ever decrease: 26%
https://filtermag.org/overdose-deaths-2023-2024/
On the dangers of stopping US reporting of public health data on substance use disorders
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-cost-of-chaos-a-cracking-windshield-on-substance-use-in-the-us/
Harm Reduction Research
In Australia, an analysis of harm reduction found large health savings & decreases in overdoses, infections & death
A cost-benefit analysis of the implementation and scale-up of harm reduction interventions in the Australian Capital Territory
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41592220/
For crack cocaine in the UK, on improving harm reduction services with education & crack inhalation equipment
Pipes as an engagement tool: qualitative findings from a crack equipment and harm reduction training intervention in England
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926000174
In Scotland, an analysis of a virtual supervised consumption site
Digital transformation of the harm reduction sector—“Here4UScotland” a case study of a virtual supervised consumption
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12847686/
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
Finally, a great rundown on the “Little People” mushrooms by (now) friend of the newsletter Dr. David Luke
On the importance of learning from ibogaine fatalities rather than covering them up by Jules Evans
The Psychoactive Research
For Salvia divinorum, a survey of effects
Subjective effects and characteristics of Salvia divinorum use from a retrospective large-scale survey
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-17830-001
For cancer risk in people who chew khat, a review found no increase for oral or esophageal cancer but higher levels of oral white lesions
Khat chewing and its association with oral/esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and oral white lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350626000466
From kava, on advances in synthesizing kavalactones
Advances in the Synthesis of Kavalactones
https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/coc/10.2174/0113852728411104251013072840
Psychedelics & MDMA
On psilocybin for depression, longer preparation & integration sessions linked to larger antidepressant effects
Methodological moderators of psilocybin-assisted therapy in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014976342600028X
In palliative care, microdosing psilocybin improved depression, anxiety & morale
PSilocybin for psYCHological and existential distress in PALliative care (PSYCHED-PAL): A single arm unblinded clinical trial
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02692163261416269
For psilocybin in older gay AIDS survivors, interviews on the effects on their acceptance of death & illness
Facing Mortality Together: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Analysis of Group Psilocybin Therapy Among Older Long-Term AIDS Survivor Gay Men
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/26892820251401798
For self-medicating with psychedelics, a review found the most common to be psilocybin & LSD for cluster headaches & chronic pain
Self-medication with psychedelics: a scoping review and narrative synthesis of review-level evidence
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667276626000077
For psychedelics & traumatic brain injury, a survey on people’s experiences
Psychedelics for the management of symptoms of traumatic brain injury: Findings from the global psychedelic survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584626000205
In brain scans of people on psilocybin, they had reduced theta & alpha bands & increased beta & gamma bands
Psilocybin-induced alterations in EEG power, connectivity and network dynamics in healthy subjects: Correlations with subjective experience and implications for therapeutic applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584626000229
Ketamine
In people with treatment-resistant depression, 4 to 6 infusions of ketamine caused modest antidepressant effects
Symptom trajectories and clinical outcomes of intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A real-world study using group-based trajectory modeling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032726000819
In people with depression & suicidality, oral ketamine rapidly reduced depressive symptoms & suicidal ideation
Efficacy of Oral Ketamine in Patients with Depression and Suicidality: A Retrospective Study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02537176251415001
In ketamine for PTSD &, a review of the mechanisms
Underlying Mechanisms of the Treatment Efficacy of (R, S)-Ketamine for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression: A Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/med4.70051
Kratom
In US users of kratom, an analysis of prevalence & their characteristics
Prevalence and Correlates of Past-year Kratom Use Among US Adults: Findings From the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/
In young adult kratom users, a review of their prevalence & patterns
Kratom use in adolescents and college students: a systematic review of prevalence, patterns, and risk factors across community and rehabilitation settings
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00952990.2025.2609965
On the unlawful kratom dietary supplements & their packaging
Nonswallowed Kratom-Derived Products: Unlawful Dietary Supplements That Endanger Public Health
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00333549251410520
In wild kratom, on the effects of environmental influence on metabolite levels
Environmental Influence on the Untargeted Foliar Metabolome of Naturally Growing Mitragyna Species in Thailand
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12848527/
For the alkaloids of kratom, on the many ways they influence the opioid receptors
Multifaceted Modulation of Human Opioid Receptors by Kratom Alkaloids: Binding Affinity, Functional Selectivity, and Allosteric Activity
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1763551/abstract
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing & Extracting 🌱
For plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (around the root), an analysis of their effects on cannabinoid production & decarboxylation
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Colonize Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Drug-Type Cannabis sativa L. Roots and Modulate Cannabinoid Metabolism
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ppl.70756
In Missouri hemp, on the effects of nitrogen fertilization
INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESPONSE TO NITROGEN APPLICATIONS IN MISSOURI
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400035815_INDUSTRIAL_HEMP_RESPONSE_TO_NITROGEN_APPLICATIONS_IN_MISSOURI
In hemp under biotic stress, a thesis project on the effects on cannabinoids & terpenes
Characterization of the cannabinoid and terpene metabolic networks and their regulation in response to biotic stress in industrial hemp
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13165/
For hemp seed oil, on it antioxidant activity & lipid composition after supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Antioxidant Activity and Lipid Composition of Hemp Seed Oil in Thailand
https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/aocs.70047
⚙️ Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For measuring THC & THCA in complex cannabis products, on using in-sample calibration with multiple reaction warnings
Matrix-Tolerant Quantification of THC and THCA in Complex Cannabis Products Using In-Sample Calibration with Multiple Isotopologue Reaction Monitoring
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jasms.5c00439
In hemp seed & hemp seed oil, on analyzing cannabinoid levels with an LC-MS/MS method
Determination of Cannabinoids in Commercial Hemp Seeds and Hemp Seed Oil Products in Türkiye by LC-MS/MS
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037907382600023X
🍞 Food & Nutrition & Hemp Seeds 🍞
For cannabis-infused food & beverage consumption in the US, an analysis of text mining from YouTube reviews
An integrated model of cannabis-infused food and beverage consumption in the USA based on the protection motivation theory and the value-attitude-behavior model
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278431926000186
For hemp microgreens, on fortifying them with selenium
Industrial Hemp Finola Variety Microgreens: A Sustainable Source of Selenium Biofortified Functional Foods
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/16/3/292
On refining hemp seed hulls with supercritical CO2 extraction
Sustainability-driven fractionation of hemp seed hulls into novel ingredients by the integrated high-pressure, ultrasound, and enzyme-assisted extractions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502226000752
For feeding hemp residues to ruminants (cows, goats, sheep, etc), on machine learning to analyze it as a sustainable feed ingredient
Predictive Modeling of Food Extrusion Using Hemp Residues: A Machine Learning Approach for Sustainable Ruminant Nutrition
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/14/3/418
For classifying hemp seed extract origins, on using a machine learning model
A GC/MS dataset with python scripts for machine learning-based classification of Thai and foreign hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed extracts
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44371-026-00486-y
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For phytoremediation, on adding humic/fulvic acids & root fungi to improve uptake & bioethanol yield
Field-grown hemp treated with humic/fulvic acids and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for phytomanaging a metal-contaminated agricultural soil
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15226514.2026.2621118
On filtering wastewater with hemp waste beds, including the removal of mosquito larvae
Improving the Ecological Status of Surface Waters Through Filtration on Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Waste as an Option for Sustainable Surface Water Management
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/18/3/1203
For treating wastewater with hemp, a bibliometric analysis of the research
Trends and insights in cannabis sativa-based wastewater treatment: A systematic review
https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/pdf/2026/05/bioconf_ic2em-sdt2026_01014.pdf
On making a flexible sensing hydrogel using hemp nanocellulose
Preparation of a Low-Temperature, Thermally Insulating, and Flexible Sensing Hydrogel Using Hemp-Derived High-Charge Nanocellulose
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/nj/d5nj04464b/unauth
For freeze-dried berries, on creating a film using cannabis flower extract to extended shelf life
Active Polysaccharide Films Incorporating Cannabis sativa Flower Extract for Extending the Shelf Life of Freeze-Dried Berries
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/3/443
For thin film food packaging, on the preparation of hemp for use
Industrial Cannabis sativa (fiber or hemp): Retting, Hemp Cellulose Extraction and Composite Thin Films for Food Packaging
https://wjaets.com/content/industrial-cannabis-sativa-fiber-or-hemp-retting-hemp-cellulose-extraction-and-composite
For recycled asphalt concrete, on improving mechanical performance with hemp fiber
Evaluation of Recycled Asphalt Concrete Pavement Reinforced with Hemp Fiber as a Sustainable Pavement Surface
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1763372/abstract
For the acoustic performance of concrete blocks, on comparing hemp & pineapple fiber waste
Comparative Experimental Study between Hemp and Pineapple Fiber Wastes as Additional Materials to Improve Acoustic Performance in Concrete Blocks
https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ijast/article/view/263434
On reinforcing a hemp rice bag with silicon carbide
Mechanical Performance Evaluation of Natural Composites Recycled Hemp Rice Bag Reinforced with and without Silicon Carbide Particles
https://mej.researchcommons.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3369&context=home
For hemp & flax insulation, on the impact of moisture on their thermal conductivity
An Impact of Moisture on Thermal State of Flax and Hemp Shives Thermal Insulations
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/19/2/440
In Italy, on producing hemp & bamboo fiber
Connecting Natural Fibers and Territories Through Design
https://www.diid.it/diid/index.php/diid/article/view/diidmics-di-prima
An analysis of hempcrete in a small-scale architecture
Evaluating the Environmental Performance and Constructive Potential of Hempcrete in Small-Scale Architecture
https://rjwave.org/jaafr/viewpaperforall.php?paper=JAAFR2512526
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
For hemp, an Italian review of its potential in agrochemistry as an insecticide, in cosmetics for beautification & in food & dietary supplements for health benefits
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Phytochemicals and Their Potential in Agrochemical, Cosmetic, and Food Industries: A Review
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/3/1146
🏥 Public Health, Legalization Effects & Bioassays 🏥
For people replacing medications with CBD, the most common conditions were musculoskeletal, connective tissue & psychiatric disorders, with the most frequently replaced medication being over-the-counter analgesics
Self-reported use of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a substitute or adjunct for approved medications
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1720348/abstract
In US public health data on cannabis & CBD use, young adults tended to use both, while older adults tended to use CBD
CBD, cannabis, or both? Examining use patterns and associated factors among U.S. youth and adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326000298
In nursing, a review on the anticipated stigma of cannabis
Anticipated Stigma in Nursing: A Concept Analysis Informed by Cannabis Use Disclosure
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jan.70499
In Australian workers using cannabis, the highest prevalence was in construction & hospitality & was associated with more days missing from work
Illicit cannabis use among workers in Australia: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, determinants, and associated absenteeism
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626000384
In US adults who smoke cigarettes, they were significantly more likely to use cannabis
Prevalence, Patterns, and Correlates of Cannabis–Cigarette Co-Use: Findings From a Multi-State Rapid-Response Survey in the U.S., 2023–2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379725005823
In people who co-vape nicotine & cannabis, the 3 classes of use
Daily patterns of substance use among young adults who vape nicotine and cannabis: Latent class analysis of smartphone-based daily diary data
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626000414
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In young adults using alcohol & cannabis to sleep, “participants reported worse sleep quality and shorter sleep duration on alcohol-only days, earlier bedtime on cannabis-only days, and poorer sleep quality and earlier bedtime on no use days”
Smoke, sip, sleep, repeat: Investigating daily-level bidirectional relationships of separate and simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis with sleep
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-20738-001
In young people using CBD & other cannabinoid products, a survey of their perceived risks & benefits
Perceived Risks and Benefits Associated With Cannabidiol-Containing Products Among Young People: A Comparison of Users of CBD Only, CBD + Other Cannabis-Derived Products, and Non-Users
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-025-01624-w
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In a candidate for surgery because of their epilepsy, a case report of the neuroethics of their non-medical cannabis use
Justice, Nonmaleficence, and Autonomy: Neuroethical Considerations of Non-Medical Cannabis Use by Epilepsy Neurosurgical Candidates
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12152-026-09633-9
In a monkey model of rewards, THC enhanced the responses to appetite stimuli via the hub of the substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced enhancement of reward responsivity via mesocorticolimbic modulation in squirrel monkeys
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.22.701118v1.full.pdf
In a mouse model of spinal cord injury, blocking the CB2 receptor lessened motor neuron survival & decreased of synaptic coverage, while blocking the CB1 receptor had milder effects & blocking both receptors exacerbated all outcomes
Endocannabinoid System Modulates Glial Responses and Motoneuron Preservation After Spinal Cord Ventral Root Axotomy
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6980/7/1/6
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, deleting the CB1 receptors on their astrocytes (the brain’s most common support cell) caused less inflammation & blood-brain barrier function
Astrocyte CB1 receptors drive blood-brain barrier disruption in central nervous system inflammatory disease
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12974-026-03708-3
In a tissue model of stroke, 7 cannabinoids improved neuronal survival, especially cannabigerorcinic acid (CBGOA)
Exploring the neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoids on oxygen-glucose deprived neurons in an in vitro model of stroke
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00393-0
For CBD in epilepsy, a computer analysis of its binding to voltage-gated channels
Cannabidiol against Epilepsy: Insights and an Experimental In Silico Approach
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41588977/
For Alzheimer’s disease, a computer-aided design of THC derivatives for targeting acetylcholinesterase
Computer-Aided Design and Analysis of Multifunctional Tetrahydrocannabinol Derivatives Targeting Acetylcholinesterase as Potential Antioxidant Neuroprotectors for Alzheimer’s Disease
https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/bitstream/123456789/22791/1/601-604-Milisavljevic.pdf
In brain support cells, on an analysis model for testing CBD’s effects on lipid metabolism
Spectrolipidomics of glial cell lines: a deuterated probe for semiquantitative monitoring of cannabidiol-induced cholesterol modulation
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.26.701843v1.full.pdf
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In people with depression, a drug to inhibit their FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) did not produce a significant benefit
Efficacy and safety of adjunctive treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor JNJ-42165279 in participants with major depressive disorder with anxious distress: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X2600012X
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
For cannabis use in pregnancy, US health data found 7% of pregnant participants reporting current cannabis use
Cannabis use in pregnancy: Key findings from 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326000286
In low-income birthing people using cannabis, interviews on their reasons
Multidimensional influences on prenatal cannabis use: A reflexive thematic analysis of low-income birthing people
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12855768/
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
For HIV risk, interviews on the complicated literature on the effects of alcohol & cannabis co-use
Alcohol and Cannabis co-use and HIV risk, Treatment and Prevention Outcomes: A Scoping Review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-025-00707-x
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries 🦴
For glutathione peroxidase (an antioxidant enzyme), CBG & some of its etherified analogues mimicked the effects
Glutathione peroxidase-like activity of natural and semisynthetic phenylpropanoids and cannabinoids: An analytical investigation by a GC-MS- and HPLC-DAD-based Iwaoka’s assay
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073170852600049X
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain, on the interactions of the CB1 & glycine receptors
CB1R and GlyT2 interaction in spinal glycinergic circuits drives neuropathic mechanical pain
https://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273(25)00889-X
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
In a genetic analysis of people with obesity, their type of CB1 receptor gene was not associated with any significant differences
Body Adiposity Indices, Adipokines Profile, and CNR1 Polymorphisms in Atypical Phenotypes of Obesity
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/16/2/91
In a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease, activating the CB1 receptor caused lower expressions of genes for fibrosis (scarring)
WIN55,212-2 attenuates intestinal fibrosis in a DSS-induced mouse model
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43440-026-00822-0
In fruit fly intestinal stem cells, a thesis project on the effect of phytocannabinoids
Characterizing the Effects of Phytocannabinoids on Intestinal Stem Cell Regulation and Homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/th83m821m
🩸 The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism 🩸
In rat liver sinusoids (blood vessels of liver microcirculation), chronic CBD administration caused no observable changes besides a higher average number of Kupffer cells (which break down red blood cells)
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of rat liver sinusoids under condition of a long-term experimental exposure to cannabidiol oil
https://www.wiadomoscilekarskie.pl/pdf-215799-135304
💧 The Genitourinary System 💧
For people with overactive bladder, this thesis project found that cannabinoids did not cause any significant difference
Cannabinoids in the treatment of overactive bladder. A pilot study.
https://irinsubria.uninsubria.it/handle/11383/2204493
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
For a hemp-based cosmetic product, oral administration was linked to higher blood CBD levels than topical administration
Results of an Exploratory Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study Evaluating a Natural Hemp Extract-Based Cosmetic Product: Comparison of Topical and Oral Routes of Administration
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/2/231
In skin cells producing melanin, a mixture of cannabis, velvet bean & kwao krua increased melanin production
Synergistic effects of mixed extracts of Cannabis sativa, Pueraria mirifica, and Mucuna pruriens on Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031326000096
For cosmetic products, on cannabis seed extracts
Obtaining and evaluation of cannabis sativa seeds extract as an ingredient in cosmetic products
https://ibn.idsi.md/vizualizare_articol/243441
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In breast cancer cells, CBD substantially decreased their viability, perhaps via the oncogenic driver HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)
HER2-dependent paraptosis and ferroptosis induction by cannabidiol in breast cancer cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925443926000256
In cells of glioma (the most aggressive brain cancer), calcium levels were altered by CBN & CBC
Activities of some cannabinoids as predicted by molecular docking computation and confirmed by cell calcium assay
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/708b19df4bdefd80c85397174985131c/download_pub
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
For the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE, on detecting it with electrochemistry
Electrochemical oxidation and voltammetric determination of γ-carbolinone-derived synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013468626002343
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬
For the Friedel-Crafts reaction of isopiperitenol (a key synthesis route), the last 25 years of history for producing compounds such as cannabinoids
Recent advances in Friedel-Crafts reaction of isopiperitenol (2005–2025): concise way to synthesize bioinspired indole-fused polycycles and cannabinoids
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040403926000201
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s Chicago blues, J.B. Lenoir’s 1965 album ‘Alabama Blues!’. Born in Mississippi in 1929 & with his given full name being J.B., Lenoir grew up listening to Blind Lemon Jefferson & by the early 40s, he was working with cats like Elmer James in New Orleans. After moving to Chicago in 1949, Big Bill Broonzy introduced Lenoir to the local blues scene where he began to perform with people like Memphis Minnie & Muddy Waters while recording with a number of local labels.. With an infectious style, bright zebra-patterned suits & distinctly high-pitched vocals, his electrical guitar was influential & his habit of social commentary was not common among the blues players of the day. His controversial “Eisenhower Blues” of 1954 was too hot for his studio & they yanked it off the shelves, making him re-record it as ‘Tax Paying Blues’. He continued recording songs on topics like civil rights (“Alabama March”), the war (“Vietnam Blues”) & freedom fighters (“Shot on James Meredith”). Unfortunately, just as his influence was growing & after a successful European tour, Lenoir died at the age of 38 from injuries suffered in a car crash.
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