C&P#177: CBN for sleep + canna for burning mouth + CBD for TUD
Sierra Leone goes nuclear punitive on drug cases + Denmark’s first social clubs
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 🌟
Cannabis for burning mouth syndrome & CBD for tobacco use disorder
(3x) Sleep: a CBN study finally
Male fertility: the bads of THC & the goods of CBD
CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder Week
(5x) Hemp Seed Week!
(9x) cancer studies
A Thai longevity recipe + an Ayurvedic herb that use the ECS
Preclinical: cannabis for neuropathic pain, CBG for obesity & oleoylethanolamide for chronic stress in females
Products: hemp for dye removal, microwave-resistant food packaging, bioethanol production & road marking paint
Ketamine reducing sexual arousal? (maybe they shouldn’t have done it in a lab’s brain scan machine)
The War on Drugs as a War on the Poor (great essay)
Psychedelics: Eleusinian Mysteries solved?
Harm reduction: BC knew safer drug supply diversion wasn’t real, but caved to pressure anyway
(this week’s numbers: ~8.8k words, ~22 minutes reading time, 177 papers)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 177th 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 📌:
I tried out a new video series called ‘This Week in Cannabis!’ – and TikTok banned my account…
But then I got it back on appeal.
Overall, the lesson is to not depend on that platform (especially under the new management), so I’ll be focusing more on YouTube & LinkedIn as well as exploring other options. If any of you know any experts in this field, I’m looking for people to learn from on how to better get this canna-science & news content out into the world.
And I’ll start a push for reaching out to other cannabis people with strong followings to spread the word about this great study below…
🤝 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:
This Week in Cannabis! (3rd week of Feb)
Skin Absorption of Cannabinoids (and the potential of the ancient Israelites using psychedelic cannabis topicals for anointing prophets & kings)
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd)
My 📚 Book Vids:
(@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram)
On Spiritual Arrogance, through the lens of 2 books
Gertrude Stein: ‘An Afterlife’ & ‘The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas’
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: hauntingly beautiful Senegalese music
🧰 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, 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)
From the Netherlands, an analysis of the reasons why people who medically use cannabis do so without a prescription
Medicinal use of non-prescribed cannabis: motives for use, perceived effectiveness, and barriers to treatment MEDUSA project
https://www.trimbos.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TRI-41-017-MEDUSA-project.pdf
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In people with CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (a severe neurodevelopmental disease of brain swelling, problems in synaptic maturation & persistent motor, cognitive & behavioral impairments), a year of CBD isolate caused the majority to experience a 50+% seizure reduction & for some to show improvements in vigilance, motor performance, sleep & constipation
Highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) in CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD): Open‐label prospective study
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/epi4.70213
And in a mouse model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, inhibition of the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG) increased blood levels of 2-AG, caused limited behavioral improvements & partially restored dendritic spine maturation & neuronal survival, with dose-dependent effects on the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Endocannabinoid Enhancement via MAGL Inhibition in CDKL5 Deficiency: Selective Cellular Benefits and Constrained Functional Impact in Cdkl5 KO Mice
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202602.1080
In people with focal drug-resistant epilepsy, those who responded to CBD treatment had improvements in verbal memory, visual memory, language, sustained attention & alternating attention
Analysis of Cognitive Status Before and After Cannabidiol Treatment in Adult Patients with Focal Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
https://ecronicon.net/assets/ecne/pdf/ECNE-18-01299.pdf
For burning mouth syndrome, cannabis oil caused significant improvements & also reduced anxiety & depression
Evaluating the Suitability and Potential Efficiency of Cannabis sativa Oil for Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study
https://iris.unito.it/retrieve/76feea47-37cb-45ff-8d01-25eb681af1fd/Evaluating%20the%20Suitability.pdf
In people with insomnia, 300 mg of CBN increased NREM sleep & subjective sleep quality while reducing the time to get to sleep & nighttime arousal
Cannabinol for Acute Treatment of Insomnia Disorder in a Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Crossover Trial
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jsr.70284
For so much time during the history of CBN, it was only anecdotal reports that it helped sleep, so it’s nice to see some real clinical data.
In people taking THC before bed, they had increased sleep latency (time to sleep), slow wave sleep & reduced heart rate variability
Delta‐9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Before Bedtime: Feasibility and Mechanistic Pilot Study on Sleep and Cardiac Autonomic Activity
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jsr.70298
In people with elevated levels of worrying, CBD decreased sleep disturbances
The effects of cannabidiol on sleep disturbances within a sample of high trait worriers: A double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-27474-001
For tobacco use disorder, a meta-analysis of 18 studies found cannabis use associated with 35% lower odds of stopping tobacco smoking, but preclinical evidence that blocking the CB1 receptor reduced nicotine use & CBD use lowered both nicotine use & withdrawal
Cannabis Co-Use and Endocannabinoid System Modulation in Tobacco Use Disorder: A Translational Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2026/02/14/2026.02.12.26346166.full.pdf
In people taking medication for opioid use disorder, frequent cannabis use was associated with anxiety, nausea/vomiting & lower employment, but many reported using it to treat stress, pain & mental health conditions
Cannabis Use Among Individuals Treated with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Correlates, Patterns, and Motivations for Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/
In people with fibromyalgia, cannabis oil helped with pain
Letter to Editor: real-world use of cannabis oil for pain management in fibromyalgia
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s44158-026-00357-z
For PEA & diabetic neuropathic pain, a meta-analysis of 3 studies found significant reductions in pain scores as well as improvements in sleep quality, depressive symptoms, nerve conduction velocity & vibration perception threshold
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of palmitoylethanolamide in the management of diabetic neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40200-026-01888-6
In people using cannabis for anxiety, on the effects of flowers versus edibles & the ratios of THC to CBD
Therapeutically Motivated Cannabis Use for Anxiety: Daily and Longitudinal Reductions Vary Between Flower and Edible Products
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/23/2/224
“Anxiety significantly decreased over the study period in both flower and edibles groups. In the flower group, THC + CBD and CBD products had greater decreases in anxiety (39.5% and 34.8%, respectively) compared to THC products (7.8%). In the edibles group, when participants used CBD products, this was associated with a 24.9% reduction in anxiety over the 30 days.”
For cannabis ingestion methods, an analysis of young adults found bong use associated with greater enjoyability than a bowl & vaporizer use associated with lower subjective intoxication
Cannabis modalities matter for momentary subjective drug effects
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326000456
tracks
For the effects of employee after-work cannabis use, a daily diary study found no link with next-day executive functioning, cognitive engagement or daily task performance
From fried to focused? A daily diary study of after‐work cannabis use and downstream performance effects
https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/joop.70092
For urine testing after cannabis use, this review of 92 studies found that low doses or very low repeated doses could be enough to exceed workplace testing levels, particularly with oral ingestion
Urinary Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and metabolite concentrations following cannabis use: A systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661826000575
In dogs being given CBDA & CBGA, on the pharmacokinetics & strong safety profile
Physiological Effect and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Combined Oral Administration of Cannabidiolic Acid and Cannabigerolic Acid in Dogs
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1779760/abstract
📑 Reviews 📑
In male fertility, a review of the known negative effects of THC & the potential positive effects of CBD (with a good chart)
Phytocannabinoids and Male Fertility: Implications of Cannabis sativa and the Endocannabinoid System in Reproductive Regulation
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/15/3/473
In traumatic brain injury, a review on the ability of CBD to protect against neuronal damage, restore the blood-brain barrier & improve cognitive dysfunction
Effect of cannabidiol on traumatic brain injury related neuronal damage pathways: Brain injury and cannabidiol
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468202026000069
In cardiac remodeling (heart changes in response to disease) & fibrosis (scarring) after a heart attack or heart disease, a review on cannabinoids helping to reduce fibrosis
The relationship between the cannabinoids and cardiac remodelling: A comprehensive review of pivotal mechanisms and emerging evidence
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bph.70347
In headache, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system (with a good chart)
Endocannabinoid Modulation in Headache: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Therapies
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/4/331
In autism, a meta-analysis of the reduced endocannabinoid signaling, specifically anandamide, 2-AG & oleoylethanolamide (the endocannabinoid of satiation)
Reduced Endocannabinoid Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8848259/v1_covered_dffa306e-4686-4472-9c7e-23a4db572cb4.pdf
In the ability of exercise to protect against depression, a review of the endocannabinoid system as a unifying mechanism
Bridging Reward and Resilience: The Endocannabinoid System as a Unifying Mechanism in Exercise-Induced Protection Against Major Depressive Disorder
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1766980/abstract
For tumors & the endocannabinoid PEA, a review on the efficacy for tumor treatment
The Prospects of Palmitylethanolamide in Tumor Prevention and Treatment
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JIR.S549752
For the toxic effects of organophosphates, a review of how their metabolic dysfunction & neuroinflammation may be due to disruption of endocannabinoid signaling
Role of Endocannabinoid System Perturbation in Organophosphate-Mediated Metabolic Impairment and Neuroinflammation
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/bcpt.70198
For ovarian disorders, a review on the potential of targeting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Signaling and Ovarian Disorders: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Significance
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/3/556
For vaped cannabis liquids, a review on the lack of human data on pharmacokinetics as well as the potential influence of product potency, vaporization efficiency, consumer use behaviors & aerosol bioavailability
Vaping Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in liquid forms: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory implications
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17512433.2026.2630756
For a deficiency in vasopressin (a regulator of water movement across cell membranes), a review of how drugs like the cannabinoids can alter levels
Acquired transient vasopressin deficiency by cannabinoids and other substances
https://academic.oup.com/endo/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1210/endocr/bqag014/8472048
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
An analysis of FDA adverse events from hemp use, the 1,712 reports most frequently involved fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, joint pain, vomiting, insomnia, depression, weight decrease, asthenia (abnormal physical weakness), “feeling abnormal”, fall, decreased appetite, pain and extremity, seizure & sleepiness
Age and Gender Heterogeneity in Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Hemp Use: Evidence from the FDA Pharmacovigilance Data in the Last Two Decades
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40801-026-00542-0
Though I must say, only 1700 reports across 20+ years is pretty good.
In dancers using cannabis, a survey found that 16% “reported failing to do what was normally expected from them as a dancer due to cannabis use”
Coping and Expansion Are Concerning Motives for Cannabis Use in a Dancer Cohort
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1089313X261417188
In people with cannabis -induced psychosis, a meta-analysis of 13 studies found ~20% will develop schizophrenia & ~5% bipolar disorder
Prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorder among patients with cannabis induced psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-025-07382-2
In veterans prescribed opioids, public health data found an association of cannabis use with a higher rate of suicide attempt
Associations of Cannabis and Tobacco Use with Suicide Attempt, Suicide Death, and Overdose Death Among Veterans Prescribed Opioid Analgesics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726000528
In a case report of attempted suicide, on the preceding paranoia “induced by cannabis use”
Suicide attempt and paranoia persisting for 28 days following heavy delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and tetrahydrocannabinol use: A case report
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12892116/
In the gastric motility of humans, the cannabis users had significantly longer gastric emptying times & a higher prevalence of delayed gastric emptying as well as more complaints of nausea & vomiting, but less bloating
GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY IN CANNABIS USERS: A WIRELESS MOTILITY CAPSULE INVESTIGATION
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12900909/
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case study plus review of treatments & potential causes
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Pharmacological and Toxicological Perspectives
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468202026000033
For pediatric cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, compared to the standard antiemetic regimen, treatment with the antinausea drug aprepitant lowered hospital length of stay & time to symptom resolution
Efficacy of aprepitant as adjunctive therapy for pediatric cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002962925019640
In an adolescent with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (a neurological condition of brain weakness, eye problems & confusion)
Wernicke encephalopathy in a pediatric patient with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002962925013552
In people with vascular problems in their limbs, this review looked at the mechanisms where cannabis may be increasing risk, “including cannabinoid-induced vasospasm (narrowing of arteries), endothelial dysfunction (blood vessel dilation problems), platelet aggregation and oxidative stress”
The Impact of Cannabis Use on the Prevalence, Progression and Development of Lower Limb Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Narrative Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ans.70528
In people having hand & wrist surgery, those with preoperative cannabis dependence had increased odds for superficial wound complications/infections, sepsis, postoperative admissions, ER visits & returns to the operating room for deep infections
Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589514126000034
In people having endoscopy through the throat, the cannabis users required higher doses of propofol, though this was lowered with the addition of remifentanil
Poster Session I - A99 REMIFENTANIL’S EFFECT ON PROPOFOL SEDATION IN MARIJUANA USERS UNDERGOING ESOPHAGODUODENOSCOPY
https://academic.oup.com/jcag/article/9/Supplement_1/gwaf042.099/8474836
In people who had heart attacks, the recent cannabis users had a higher incident of no flow (heart flow still impeded after procedure)
Impact of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Abuse on PCI outcomes in Patients with STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI
https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/article_484581.html
A case report of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (tear in heart artery) attributed to cannabis use
Cannabis-Associated Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Community Hospital: A Case-Based Focused Literature Review
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/462909/20260215-65103-risegb.pdf
In young & aged mice, chronic cannabis smoke exposure caused the greatest changes in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), where it tended to increase inflammatory cytokine levels in young brains but decrease them in aged brains
Effects of Chronic Cannabis Smoke Exposure on Inflammatory Markers in Periphery and Brain in Young and Aged Mice
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.06.703827v1.abstract
In a mouse model of prenatal THC & CBD exposure, as adults, they had more excitatory brain states as well as no endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (a key brain function for forgetting), with gendered effects
Compound- and sex-specific medial prefrontal cortex rewiring after prenatal THC and CBD exposure
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705680v1
In a rat model of prenatal THC exposure, brain scans found differences in the levels of biomolecules, especially in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Adult Rat Offspring Exposed to THC during Gestation Exhibit Distinct Biomolecular Changes Identified by X-ray Fluorescence Imaging and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Cortico-Limbic Circuits
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00752
In a mouse model of prenatal cannabis smoke exposure, those mothers gained less weight & consumed less food while their babies had reduced fetal body weight, but no changes to brain weight
INFLUENCE OF IN UTERO CANNABIS SMOKE EXPOSURE ON FETAL GUT-BRAIN AXIS DEVELOPMENT
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12901587/
🌰 Hemp Seeds 🌰
In humans exercising at high-altitudes, on the edestin peptide derived from hemp seeds as an antioxidant that improves blood oxygen transport
Bioactive edestin peptides from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds improve exercise performance under hypobaric hypoxia
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996926003066
For the phenols extracted from cannabis seeds, a review of their extraction techniques & biological activities including “antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, dermo-protective, antibacterial, and metabolic regulatory effects”
Comprehensive review on cannabis seed phenolic compounds from extraction to functional applications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00401-3
In a rat model of ulcerative colitis, cannabis seed oil significantly lowered inflammation & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) while restoring antioxidant enzymes
Exploration of Possible Effects of Cannabis sativa Seed Oil Applied in Different Doses in Ulcerative Colitis Model
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8751706/v1
In a computer analysis of osteoporosis, on the components in hemp seeds that target inflammatory signaling pathways
EXPLORING THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF HEMP SEEDS (CANNABIS SATIVA L.) IN TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS USING NETWORK PHARMACOLOGY
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41687633/
For mechanical screw extraction of hempseed oil, an analysis of the best processing parameters
Parameters Optimization and Deformation Energy Modelling of Bulk Hemp Seeds Processing Under Uniaxial Compression Loading
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/14/4/631
For analyzing pesticide levels in hemp seed oil, on creating a reliable LC-MS/MS method using a retention index
Reliable LC-MS/MS method integrated with a linear retention index approach for multiresidue pesticide analysis in hemp seed oil
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-026-06388-3
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a rat model of cognitive impairment & neuropathic pain, cannabis extract lowered pain & combined well with donepezil or tramadol for neuroprotective effects, especially in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Therapeutic relevance of an EU-GMP certified Cannabis sativa L. strain in a dual in vivo model of cognitive impairment and chronic neuropathic pain
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1761426/abstract
In obese male rats, a combination of exercise & cannabis extracts improved PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in the pancreas
The Effect of Resistance Training and Cannabis Extract Supplementation on the Expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Genes in the Pancreas of Obese Male Rats
https://en.civilica.com/doc/2528796/
In a female mouse model of alcohol binging due to social stress, oleoylethanolamide (the endocannabinoid of satiation) reduced alcohol consumption to baseline levels & lowered neuroinflammation, particularly in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
OLEOYLETHANOLAMIDE MITIGATES BINGE-LIKE ETHANOL CONSUMPTION AND NEUROINFLAMMATION INDUCED BY SOCIAL STRESS IN FEMALE MICE
https://jornadas2025.socidrogalcohol.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JS25-suplemento_v00.pdf
In a mouse model of pain, a test of CBN, CBL & CBG found CBN to be anti-inflammatory via the cannabinoid receptors & CBL to be anti-inflammatory without using the cannabinoid receptors
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of minor cannabinoids in vivo
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00384-7
In epithelial cells (lining of the body), the combination of CBD & CBG enhanced autophagy (cellular recycling)
Cooperative Effects of Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol on Autophagy in Epithelial Cells
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.31.703011v1.full.pdf
In a tissue model of obesity, CBG-rich extracts significantly downregulated key fat & lipid markers as well as increasing factors involved in lipid breakdown & the browning of white fat
Comparative Anti-Obesity Potential of Cannabigerol-Dominant Cannabis sativa L. Inflorescence Extracts via Differential Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in 3T3-L1 Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/4/1747
On the Thai traditional longevity recipe known as Phontecho remedy (which includes cannabis), it had notable antioxidant capacity correlated with its cannabinoid & phenolic acid contents
Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Composition of Thai Traditional Cannabis Longevity Recipes: In Vitro Evaluation of the Phontecho Remedy
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A15%3A38103663/detailv2
And in the root of the Ayurvedic herb Smilax wightii (use for neurological & urinary disorders), an analysis found that it contained the endocannabinoid oleamide which inhibited inflammation via the COX & LOX pathways
Oleamide Mediates the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Smilax wightii A. DC. through Regulation of LOX and COX Gene Expression in Arachidonic Acid Pathway
https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/nzb2.70037
Two more for our list of traditional medicines working via the endocannabinoid system…
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
An intriguing analysis on how to classify CBD that’s also a history lesson in the classification of drugs (starting with good old Lewin’s ‘Phantastica’)
Is Cannabidiol (CBD) a Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoid?
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/1/4
To overcome insecticide resistance in mosquitoes carrying malaria, CBD analogs enhanced the efficacy of deltamethrin
Mitigating CYP450-Mediated Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vectors with Cannabis-Derived Synergists: The Potential of Cannabidiol
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.10.705034v1.abstract
For the minor cannabinoids, a bibliometric metric analysis of their research history
Mapping the research landscape of minor cannabinoids: a bibliometric analysis of research trends and hotspots
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00402-2
And a hypothesis that they act as micronutrients for the endocannabinoid system (the term coined by the authors is “ECS vitamers”)
Acidic Phytocannabinoids as Potential ECS Vitamers: A Formal Nutritional Hypothesis Requiring Clinical Validation
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/4ff0c5322208e143f138f17000b78c74/download_pub
In a sustainability assessment of Canadian cannabis, if all the existing cannabis cultivation areas were instead dedicated to food, there would be enough food produced for 3600 people, plus, these researchers estimate 30k fewerpremature deaths (mostly from heart disease & dementia)
Reassessing Recreational Cannabis Cultivation Through a Sustainability Lens: Public Health Externalities and Agricultural Opportunity Costs in Canada
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/18/3/1436
I’m not even going to bother digging into how this research was done. But I feel like these two were looking for harms.
In any case, it is amazing how little farmland is needed to produce enough cannabis for not only the needs of Canadians, but also for being the world’s exporter.
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰
The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services apparently finalized a rule for CBD being covered by federal health insurance
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-agency-finalized-rule-for-cbd-medicare-coverage-pilot-program-weeks-ago-key-hemp-stakeholder-says/
Pushback articles against that NYTimes piece on ‘grudging toleration’:
https://www.cato.org/blog/marijuana-policy-between-new-york-times-nanny-state-chaos
https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/the-new-york-times-is-not-examining (by friend of the newsletter Hirsh Jain)
https://stupiddope.com/2026/02/the-new-york-times-is-wrong-about-cannabis-and-the-data-proves-it/
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/if-america-has-a-marijuana-problem-the-new-york-times-wants-to-make-it-worse/614461
https://hightimes.com/activism/the-new-york-times-isnt-examining-the-real-world-evidence-on-cannabis-its-ignoring-it/
Former NFL star pardoned by Trump for trafficking 175 pounds of cannabis
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-pardons-former-nfl-star-convicted-of-trafficking-175-pounds-of-marijuana/
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In Denmark, the first cannabis social club opens
https://www.newsweed.fr/danemark-premier-cannabis-social-club/
In Switzerland, an analysis of their cannabis pilot trial programs found no “notable incidents or negative effects on health or public order”
Analysis of results from cannabis pilot trials in Swiss cities
https://idpc.net/publications/2026/2/analysis-of-results-from-cannabis-pilot-trials-in-swiss-cities
In the UK, a coroner found Curaleaf Clinic contributed to the death by suicide of a man with a history of mental illness after they prescribed him medical cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/uk-coroner-finds-curaleaf-clinic-prescription-cannabis-contributed-to-mans-death/
In Brazil & Uruguay, an analysis of their cannabis laws & social impacts
Policies on Marijuana: Comparative Analysis of Management Models in Brazil and Uruguay and Their Social Impacts
https://www.scielo.br/j/dilemas/a/VgRD8pmPPLMZ4vHxWF3SNGj/abstract/
In Brazil, on the online health communities dedicated to cannabis for chronic diseases
Evidence-Based Activism and Knowledge Co-production: A Case Study of Online Communities on Therapeutic Cannabis
https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/handle/10216/172796
And a chatbot prototype on advising patients about cannabis treatments
Enhancing Knowledge Access in Online Health Communities: A Chatbot Prototype for Cannabis Treatment Support
https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/bitstream/10216/172799/2/760523.pdf
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
On the variability of legal cannabis markets, a book on the different approaches
Growing Complexity in the Legal Variability of Cannabis Markets
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429197192-9/growing-complexity-legal-variability-cannabis-markets-gary-potter-hattie-wells
For combating organizational stigma, an analysis of Washington State’s cannabis market & their strategies
Market-Stigmatized Groups and the Effectiveness of Stigma Management Strategies: Evidence from Washington’s Marijuana Market
https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/amj.2023.0995
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
On the child sex crimes in elite US military units, with references to their drug trafficking as documented in the terrible & well-done book ‘The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces’
https://www.mintpressnews.com/title-us-military-engaging-in-child-sex-trafficking-at-fort-bragg/290669/
In Trump’s 2nd term, an analysis of the expansion of counternarcotics policy & the weaponization of covert action
From kingpins to terrorists: Trump II, cartels as FTOs, and the weaponization of covert action
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09592318.2026.2627487
In European drug markets, an outline of the types of violence (territorial defense, internal management, debt recovery) & strategies for mitigation
Breaking the cycle: addressing the evolving dynamic of violence associated with the European drug market
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395926000344
In Sierra Leone, one of the world’s most punitive drug enforcement policies implemented, with all drug cases (beside possession offenses, which carry a 5-year minimum) to be tried in the High Court with no bail & a minimum 30-year prison sentence
https://cannabislaw.report/on-1-december-2025-sierra-leone-quietly-implemented-what-may-be-one-of-the-worlds-most-punitive-drug-enforcement-measures/
“Less than two months after implementation, the Judiciary announced that 20 people had already been convicted, with sentences ranging from 10 years (for those caught in possession of drugs) to 40 years (for one person “collecting” drugs – a crime equated to transporting or importing drugs). None received the option of a fine. There is no longer the option of judicial discretion, as the policy clearly instructs courts to impose the 30-year minimum “even where an accused person pleads guilty, with no mitigating circumstances to be considered.””
In North Macedonia, authorities seized 40+ tons of cannabis diverted from medical companies
https://www.cannareporter.eu/en/2026/02/10/North-Macedonia-authorities-seize-over-40-tons-of-cannabis-diverted-from-medicinal-cannabis-companies./
In the UK, 2 arrested after discovery of a £1.6m cannabis cultivation facility
https://cannabislaw.report/uk-two-arrested-after-1-6m-cannabis-cultivation-found-in-dundee/
On public support for the punishment of drug crimes, increased support was motivated by stronger beliefs about the benefits for crime prevention & public safety rather than public health
Myths on the Benefits of Punitive Sentencing Predict Public Support for the Punishment of Drug Crimes
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Colleen-Berryessa/publication/400495001_Myths_on_the_Benefits_of_Punitive_Sentencing_Predict_Public_Support_for_the_Punishment_of_Drug_Crimes/links/698531c764ca8a38208a2555/Myths-on-the-Benefits-of-Punitive-Sentencing-Predict-Public-Support-for-the-Punishment-of-Drug-Crimes.pdf
WoD History
‘The War on the Poor’: an excellent analysis on the history of the War on Drugs as an imperialist tool that bludgeons the working class & poor
https://thetricontinental.org/dossier-war-on-the-poor/
An intriguing new book with chapters on many aspects of the War on Drugs
Drug Assemblages – Policies, Counternarratives, and Local Experiences
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Philipp-Wolfesberger/publication/400555432_Drug_Assemblages_-_Policies_Counternarratives_and_Local_Experiences/links/69874e7012f837212a187440/Drug_Assemblages_-_Policies_Counternarratives_and_Local_Experiences.pdf#page=234
In Vietnam, an analysis of their War on Drugs
LEGAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG CRIMES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VIETNAM AND OTHER COUNTRIES
https://revista.domhelder.edu.br/index.php/veredas/article/view/4810
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
In British Columbia, the government knew that diversion of safer supply drugs was negligible, even as the Ministry of Health was caving to right-wing panic & ending new enrollments in the program
https://filtermag.org/bc-knew-safe-supply-diversion-negligible/
In the UK, researchers guess that deaths from nitazenes (the newest synthetic opioid) may be underestimated by one-third because of how quickly they degrade in blood samples
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/uks-growing-synthetic-opioid-problem-nitazene-deaths-could-be-underestimated-by-a-third
For opioid ingestion, US users are shifting away from injecting towards smoking, but funds for clean pipes often hit public opposition
https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/12/fentanyl-harm-reduction-smoking-not-injecting/
In Indiana, their syringe exchange law hangs in the balance
https://eu.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/13/why-the-future-of-indianas-decade-old-syringe-exchange-law-is-in-question/88606862007/
In Connecticut, advocates push for overdose prevention centers
https://ctmirror.org/2026/02/18/advocates-revive-overdose-prevention-centers-bill-ct/
Harm Reduction Research
In Chile, a case study of the first peer-led drug checking service at an electronic music event
Peer-led drug checking in Chile: a case study of the country’s first harm reduction service at electronic music events
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01419-9
For needle & syringe programs, an operational guide from the International Drug Policy Consortium
Needle and syringe programmes for people who inject drugs: Operational guide
https://idpc.net/publications/2026/2/needle-and-syringe-programmes-for-people-who-inject-drugs-operational-guide
For harm reduction around the opioid crisis, a review of 78 studies on key interventions
Addressing the Opioid Crisis Through Community-Based Harm Reduction Programs
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8845536/v1/500a5bcb-1b95-450c-958f-8e1d54bbd948.pdf
In people in the US who inject drugs, a review on their barriers to using harm reduction services
Barriers and facilitators to initiating and adhering to harm reduction services among people who inject drugs in the United States: a systematic review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-025-01376-9
In Canadian prisons, interviews on their needle exchange programs
Navigating harm reduction and security mandates: Prison leadership perspectives on implementing prison needle exchange programs in Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926000496
On campus, expanding naloxone access through fraternity & sorority life
A Harm Reduction Blueprint: Partnering with Fraternity & Sorority Life to Expand Naloxone Access
https://www.collegeems.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10.30542JCEMS.2026.08.01.05.pdf
For the opioid crisis in Vancouver, on using Community Empowerment theory for education, communication, social media, apps & life-saving tools
Community Empowerment, Adult Education and Social Media Approaches to the Opioid Crisis in Vancouver
https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/cjsae/article/view/5753
In media coverage of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), an analysis of the themes
The power of people who use drugs as mass media influencers in changing public opinion during the global overdose epidemic
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13011-026-00709-6
During Vancouver’s recriminalization of drugs, interviews on how this shift in law enforcement practices increased harm, especially for those experiencing homelessness
Confiscations, public health obstructions, and perpetual displacement: Experiences and perspectives on urban law enforcement practices during a period of ‘recriminalization’ among people who use criminalized drugs
https://idpc.net/publications/2026/2/confiscations-public-health-obstructions-and-perpetual-displacement-experiences-and-perspectives
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
On a lab test of the Eleusinian Mysteries & the ancient chemistry behind it
https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2026/02/the-chemical-formula-of-the-ancient-greeks-magic-elixir-discovered-a-study-reveals-the-hallucinogenic-secret-of-the-eleusinian-mysteries/
Investigating the psychedelic hypothesis of kykeon, the sacred elixir of the Eleusinian Mysteries
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-39568-3
Compass announced the results of their psilocybin trial for depression, but found only moderate clinical effects
https://ir..com/News--Events-/news/news-details/2026/Compass-Pathways-Successfully-Achieves-Primary-Endpoint-in-Second-Phase-3-Trial-Evaluating-COMP360-Psilocybin-for-Treatment-Resistant-Depression/default.aspx
The Psychoactive Research
In the livers of people chewing khat, they had higher levels of bilirubin & lower total protein levels, suggesting potential hepatotoxic effects
Effect of Khat (Catha edulis) chewing on liver function markers among healthy males: a comparative cross-sectional study
https://panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/53/27/full/
Psychedelics & MDMA
In veterans with traumatic brain injury using ibogaine, brain scans found widespread reorganization of functional connections
Neural correlates of ibogaine: Evidence from functional neuroimaging of military veterans
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451902226000455
And for ibogaine’s neurorestorative properties, a review on its ability to increase myelination & restore metabolic homeostasis
Neurorestorative Properties of Ibogaine: Linking Multi-Receptor Affinities to Remyelination and Metabolic Restoration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41679899/
For anxiety & treatment-resistant depression, a vaped combination of THC & 5-MeO-DMT caused decreased anxiety & depression scores
Vaporizable Formulation of 5-MeO-DMT and THCV as Prophylactic or Therapeutic Agent for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Anxiety Disorders
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202602.0590
For ritualistic users of ayahuasca & cannabis activists, they had no neuropsychiatric differences from control groups, but ayahuasca users had higher self-transcendence & lower harm avoidance & persistence, while cannabis users had higher novelty seeking & impulsive nonconformity with lower introverted anhedonia
Personality, not cognition, distinguishes chronic ayahuasca and cannabis users from non-users
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924977X26000234
For the effect of facilitators in psilocybin sessions, they caused little variance in healthy volunteers but greater variance in clinical disease trials
Trip sitting or just sitting? Acute psychedelic experiences vary little between session facilitators in healthy trials but substantially in clinical ones
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178126000715
In functional disorders (those unexplained by organic disease), a review of 55 studies using psychedelics
Psychedelics in functional disorders: A scoping review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584626000382
On psilocybin for depression, a meta-analysis of 7 trials found only moderate effects
Therapeutic effects of psilocybin in major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring dose effects
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-025-02165-y
On media portrayal of psychedelic drugs this century, an AI analysis found positive sentiment peaked in 2020
Trends in the psychedelic renaissance: applying artificial intelligence to measure media portrayal of psychedelic drugs in the 21st century
https://www.proquest.com/openview/03866de26aedc73f22599e869b1bb786/1
Ketamine
In people with PTSD, 6 ketamine sessions caused 60% to achieve remission with significant improvements in depression & anxiety
At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for PostTraumatic Stress Disorder: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8834318/v1_covered_f569bdb6-7976-4d96-89cc-d14394bf3344.pdf
For human sexual arousal, brain scans found ketamine mostly diminished sexual arousal, but also reduced some types of sexual aversion
Sex, drugs, and arousal—two randomized trials on the effects of ketamine on sexual arousal and calcarine gyrus activity
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20451253251406059
I don’t know, maybe it’s the setting, but I always found the opposite…
Kratom
For the heart effects of kratom, a case report of someone with a racing heart after months of using convenience store kratom for his ADHD
Recurrent syncope due to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with Kratom use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002962925012960
For withdrawal from the kratom alkaloid 7-OH, a case report about dependence & treatment
Management of acute withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine following high-dose chronic use: A case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1544319126000324
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing 🌱
The effects of cultivar, spacing & growing stage on hemp yield, composition & fiber cell wall components
Essential oil yield, composition, and fiber cell wall components in dual-purpose industrial hemp
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026002529
For deficit irrigation, an analysis of the effects on seed yield, leaf physiology & water use
Effects of regulated deficit irrigation on leaf physiology, seed yield and water use efficiency of industrial hemp
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A1%3A38103409/detailv2
For the effects of water-deficit stress, a thesis project found that one period of water-deficit stress produced the lowest levels of CBD & THC, but 3 periods of water-deficit stress produced the highest levels of CBD & THC, though these were not different than the control
Effect of Water-Deficit Stress on Cannabis sativa Production and Secondary Metabolite Levels
https://www.proquest.com/openview/c460d26397248193a49f56255e0bab6d/1
In 2 Russian hemp varieties, on the effects of fertilizer on yield & water consumption
PRODUCTIVITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF SOUTHERN HEMP VARIETIES UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILIZER APPLICATION SYSTEMS
https://ran-nauka.ru/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Science.-Education.-Practice-December-3-Part-1.pdf
Adding carbohydrate biostimulants to cannabis modulated odor
From Hemp Bast to Lyocell Fiber: Sustainable Process Optimization for Lyocell-Grade Dissolving Pulp
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/app.70544
For the drying strategies of cannabis, an analysis of their different environmental footprints
Environmental footprint of cannabis production: life cycle assessment-driven evaluation of pretreatment and drying strategies
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19397038.2026.2619296
“his study aimed to evaluate and compare the environmental footprints of three drying strategies for the production of 1 kg of dried cannabis: conventional controlled environment drying (CED), and two pretreatment methods—microwave-infrared (MI) and cold plasma (CP)—each followed by CED… Overall, this study highlights both MI and non-thermal (CP) pretreatments as effective strategies to lower the carbon footprint of cannabis drying”.
For cannabis processing & drying, a thesis project on the effects of different methods on terpene & cannabinoid levels
Postharvest Processing and Quality Dynamics of Hemp Flower (Cannabis sativa L.): Terpene and Cannabinoid Evolution During Drying, Curing, and Storage
https://www.proquest.com/openview/1f756d2318a89684895024e1e6d8b2da/1
In female versus male cannabis flowers, a comparative genetic & metabolic analysis
Comparative analysis of gene expression and metabolites in female and male Cannabis sativa flowers
https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(26)00316-0
In the feral cannabis of North America, a genetic analysis comparing to the drug-type Iranian populations found substantial adaptive variation
Ancestry and Environmental Adaptation in North American Feral Cannabis
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.05.704066v1.abstract
An analysis of the cannabinoid oxidocyclase enzymes that produce cannabinoids
Genome-wide inventory and functional characterization of cannabinoid oxidocyclases (CBSs) in Cannabis sativa
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400612439_Genome-wide_inventory_and_functional_characterization_of_cannabinoid_oxidocyclases_CBSs_in_Cannabis_sativa
For cannabis esters (which give the fruity smell), a genetic analysis of the CsBAHD acyltransferase superfamily that produce them
Fruity Ester-Rich Exotic Chemovars: Genome-Wide Identification and Transcriptional Architecture of the Cannabis sativa BAHD Superfamily
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/65f19c7b145f5c56efdeaae873948ae0/download_pub
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For cannabis flower, a stability analysis based on the German pharmacopeia
STABILITY STUDIES OF FINISHED PRODUCT OF DRY MEDICAL CANNABIS FLOWER: ANALYSIS OF QUALITY AND CANNABINOID CONTENT
https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/8116
For cannabis packaging, nitrogen-packaged laminate bags improved THC retention
COMPARATIVE STABILITY OF DRIED CANNABIS SATIVA L. FLOWER IN N₂-FLUSHED ALUMINUM LAMINATE BAGS VERSUS HDPE JARS UNDER ICH LONG-TERM STORAGE CONDITIONS
https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/8115
For CBD oil quality control, on a heat-assisted dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry (HA-DBDI-MS) approach combined with correlation-based fingerprinting
Rapid screening of commercial CBD oils by heat-assisted dielectric barrier discharge ionization (HA-DBDI) mass spectrometry and correlation-based fingerprinting
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2026/an/d5an01179e
For differentiating hemp & high-THC cannabis products, a review on the different techniques
Approaches Helpful for Differentiating Hemp- and Marijuana-Derived Plant Products: A Review
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A5%3A38072565/detailv2
On creating THC & CBN certified reference materials, a novel approach with a 1H quantitative NMR using the PULCON method
A novel approach to the production of Δ9-THC and CBN certified reference materials
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-026-06325-4
On creating natural emulsion systems with xanthan gum, mutton tallow & hemp oil
Emulsion Quality and Functional Properties of Natural Emulsion Systems with Xanthan Gum as a Stabilizer and Carrier of Compounds Based on Enzymatically Modified Mutton Tallow and Hemp Oil
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/3/431
🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞
In sheep given THC (to mimic eating large amounts of spent hemp biomass), they experienced ataxia (stumbling, swaying), abnormal posture (head held low, head resting on the wall of the pen, back legs crossed over), somnolence, wool pulling, increased salivation, a prolonged reduction in feed intake & a decrease in BW
The toxicology of orally administered Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in sheep
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750026000235
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
On improving the conversion of hemp hurds for bioethanol production
Synergistic process integration of microwave-assisted acid and thermomechanical pretreatments for intensified saccharification of industrial hemp hurds
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0255270126000462
For removing dye from water, hemp/polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite fiber membranes had a filtration efficiency up to 99.97%
Exploration of electrospinning hemp/polyacrylonitrile composite fiber membrane and dye adsorption capabilities
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-33369-w
For removing nitrates from water, on the adsorption capacity of hemp fiber
Advanced removal of nitrate from secondary effluent and reuse of regenerated brine based on a novel quaternized hemp fiber
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092777572600508X
On creating road marking paint with hemp oil-based resins
Eco-friendly and high-performance road marking paint developed with hemp oil-based alkyd resins: synthesis, characterization, and application performance
https://www.emerald.com/prt/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/PRT-10-2025-0111/1340267/Eco-friendly-and-high-performance-road-marking
For automotive interiors, on creating hemp preforms with the Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technique
Enhanced Mechanical and Morphological Properties of SurfaceModified Industrial Hemp Preform as Reinforcements in 2D Vinyl Ester Composites for Automotive Interiors
https://ssrpublisher.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Enhanced-Mechanical-and-Morphological-Properties-of-Surface-Modified-Industrial-Hemp-Preform-as-Reinforcements-in-2D-Vinyl-Ester-Composites-for-Automotive-Interiors.pdf
For E-glass fiber (used in the automotive & tech industries), on the properties of hemp & kenaf reinforcement
Tensile and Flexural Behaviour of Kenaf, Hemp and E-glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A9%3A38118553/detailv2
On creating biodegradable microwave-resistant food packaging with hemp cellulose composites
Poly(Lactic Acid) Stereocomplex Cast Films With Microwave Resistant Properties by Cellulose From Hemp Biomass Composites
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/app.70542
On turning hemp hurds into cellulose acetate nanofilms
Energy-efficient cellulose acetate nanofilms from hemp hurds for circular packaging and agricultural mulch applications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-026-06967-8
On improving the stability of clay during freeze-thaw cycles with nano-silica & hemp fibers
Strength Parameters of Kaolinite Clay Stabilized with Nano-Silica and Reinforced with Hemp Fibers under Freeze-Thaw Cycles: An Experimental Study
https://www.ije.ir/article_218333.html
On creating biocomposites reinforced with hemp using additive manufacturing
Characterization and Numerical Simulation of Hemp-Reinforced Bio-composites Using Additive Manufacturing
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-13551-3_12
On creating toughed recycled plastic composites from hemp & waste elastomer
Toughened Recycled Plastic Composites with Waste Elastomer and Hemp for Sustainability
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssusresmgt.5c00404
For nanocomposites, on improving their properties with graphene, carbon & hemp fibers
Optimising Tensile and Impact Strength of Polyethylene-based Nanocomposites with Graphene, Carbon and Hemp Fibers
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A7%3A38118551/detailv2
On turning hemp bast into a feedstock for the production of lyocell fiber (a semi-synthetic clothing material)
From Hemp Bast to Lyocell Fiber: Sustainable Process Optimization for Lyocell-Grade Dissolving Pulp
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/app.70544
On reinforcing a polylactic acid with hemp & sisal fiber
Development and characterization of hybrid hemp and sisal fiber reinforced poly lactic acid composites for sustainable engineering applications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00289-026-06312-w
For hemp fiber scraps, alkaline treatment helped to modify them for use in composites
Thermal and Morphological Effect of Low Tenor Alkali Treatment on Flax and Hemp Fibre Scraps: A Parametric Study
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202602.0637
For particleboard & fiberboard reinforced with hemp shives, a review of their production & properties
FROM FIELD RESIDUE TO BIO-BASED PANELS: INDUSTRIAL HEMP SHIVES IN PARTICLEBOARD AND FIBREBOARD PRODUCTION – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
http://innojs.ltu.bg/index.php/scjournal-inno/article/view/385
On MDF boards for furniture, on the effects of adding hemp fibers
The influence of hemp fibers (Cannabis sativa L.) on selected physical and mechanical properties of MDF boards
https://wolnekonopie.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-influence-of-hemp-fibers-Cannabis-sativa-L.-on-selected-physical-and-mechanical-properties-of-MDF-boards.pdf
For hemp hurd cement boards, an analysis of their thermal & acoustic properties
Modeling and optimization of the mechanical and acoustic properties of hemp-hurds cement boards
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710226003876
In hemp shive particleboards, on the effects of pressure on their bonded joints
PRESSURE EFFECTS ON POLYVINYL ACETATE JOINTS IN HEMP-SHIVE PARTICLEBOARDS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY
http://innojs.ltu.bg/index.php/scjournal-inno/article/view/388
In concrete reinforced with hemp fiber, on its performance under a simulated acid attack
Performance of silica fume concrete reinforced with glass, jute, and hemp fibers under simulated acid attack
https://www.scielo.br/j/rmat/a/wdNnKmtD9VZ9h6NdFWLCmyK/
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥
In US young adult parents, on the different types of cannabis users & the mental health effects
Parental sociodemographic profiles in relation to mental health, cannabis use motives, and cannabis use behaviors among a sample of US young adult parents
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326000420
In adults over 60, a review of the recent trends in cannabis use & the limited knowledge on effects
Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/SAR.S560360
For the levels of endocannabinoids in the hair, on the influence of sun exposure, stability & head-covering effects
Washout and photostability of hair endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines: segmental stability, head-covering effects, and in vitro sunlight exposure
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453026000405
For urine & saliva analysis of cannabinoid levels, on a magnetic solid-phase extraction technique
Preparation of ZIF-8 grafted magnetic solid-phase extraction sorbent for sensitive determination of four cannabinoids in urine and oral fluid
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003267026001443
For analyzing cannabinoids in wastewater, a thesis project on a LC-MS/MS method
LC-MS/MS Method Development for the Analysis of Cannabinoids in Wastewater
https://digitalcommons.kean.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=the-kean-review
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In US adolescents, cannabis use & early-age cannabis initiation has decreased since the late 90s, with females now using more than males
Trends in US adolescent cannabis use, 1991–2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326000419
In young people using cannabis, on how their modes of ingestion influenced their adverse events
Association of Multimodal Cannabis Use with Adverse Events among Adolescents and Young Adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726000565
In young adults at risk for psychosis who use cannabis, interviews on their themes of use
Impact of Cannabis Use on Mental Health Symptoms among Young Adults at Risk for Psychosis: a Qualitative Study
https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00696-2/abstract
In adolescents using substances for appetite suppression & weight control, ~15% agreed that cannabis products would help with weight loss while ~40% reported that these products would increase appetite
Adolescent Perceptions of Nicotine, Cannabis, and Co-use on Weight Management
https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00765-7/abstract
Among US adolescents, CBD use was higher among the cannabis users
241. CBD use among U.S. adolescents: Prevalence and its association with Marijuana use patterns
https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00786-4/abstract
Across Latine, Asian & Black youth in California, interviews on their cannabis perceptions
Cannabis Perceptions Across Latine, Asian, and Black Youth: A Qualitative Study
https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00761-X/abstract
For adolescents living in states with medical cannabis or adult-use cannabis laws, they were more likely report positive cannabis expectancies
48. Sanctions and Stances: State-Level Cannabis Legalization and Early Adolescent Marijuana Expectancies
https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00593-2/abstract
In college-age youth using alcohol & cannabis, those with lowered levels of reward positivity had a greater likelihood for cannabis use problems
Neural Reward Sensitivity and Longitudinal Patterns of Alcohol and Cannabis Use in College-Aged Youth
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626000608
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In a tissue model of spinal cord injury, delta-8 THC triggered cytoskeletal remodeling, probably via JAK/STAT & MAP signaling
Transcriptomic Profiling after In Vitro ∆ 8 -THC Exposure Shows Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Trauma-Injured NSC-34 Cell Line
https://www.academia.edu/156999607/Transcriptomic_Profiling_after_In_Vitro_%CE%948_THC_Exposure_Shows_Cytoskeletal_Remodeling_in_Trauma_Injured_NSC_34_Cell_Line
In a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, deletion of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG) in the astrocytes (the brain’s most common support cell), but not the neurons, lessened seizure susceptibility & neurodegeneration in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain) via the CB1 receptor & PPAR-γ nuclear receptor (which regulates genetic transcription)
Inhibition of Endocannabinoid Degradation in Astrocytes Reprograms Glial Reactivity and Prevents Seizure Sequelae
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703855v1.full.pdf
In synaptic inhibition (a key brain regulation method for lowering neuronal excitability), serotonin used retrograde endocannabinoid signaling (the ability of endocannabinoids to travel backwards across the synaptic cleft to pass messages against the usual neuronal flow of information) to reduce release of GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Serotonin-endocannabinoid crosstalk selectively regulates inhibitory GABAergic inputs in the medial prefrontal cortex
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02364-8
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In brain scans of cannabis users, symptoms of depression were associated with less efficient & less integrated brain network function
The intersectionality of cannabis use and depression symptoms on functional brain topology in adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626000633
In a female adolescent rat model of chronic stress, on the effects of the CB1 receptor in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain) for encoding episodic fear memories & contextual fear conditioning
Effects of chronic mild stress and CB1 receptor activation on hippocampal-dependent fear conditioning in female adolescent rats
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705785v1.full.pdf
In a rat model of schizophrenia, inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) improved social withdrawal via the brain’s agranular insular cortex
Inhibition of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Alters Cortical CREB Signaling and Social Behavior in a Rat Model of Schizophrenia
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejn.70427
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
For cannabis use during pregnancy, a public health analysis of motivations found the most common reasons to be for mental health, gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, fun/relaxation & to relieve the symptoms of a chronic condition
Motivations for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: An Analysis of 2017–2021 Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System Data
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/15409996261424794
In a mouse model of inflammation-induced preterm birth, an analysis of endocannabinoid signaling found that a deficiency of CB1 receptors decreased the risk
Cannabinoid receptor type 1 deficiency protects from lipopolysaccharide-induced preterm birth: the role of the decidual endocannabinoid system
https://academic.oup.com/reproduction/article/171/2/xaaf022/8422841
In a mouse model of placenta THC exposure, this thesis project found lower placental efficiency if the exposure occurred during the rapid placental growth phase
Maternal Exposure to Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol During the Period of Rapid Placental Growth: Effects on Placental Efficiency and Nutreint Transporter Gene Expression in the Mouse Placenta
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/q524jz85p
For modeling prenatal cannabis exposure, on using a vapor inhalation chamber in prairie voles & rats
Innovative Methods for Prenatal Cannabis Exposure: Vapor Inhalation Chamber and Metabolite Quantification in Prairie Voles and Rats
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703847v1.abstract
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries 🦴
In people with rheumatoid arthritis, a thesis project found that CBD had varied effects on cytokine production from the immune system
Influence of the Cannabinoids Anandamide and Cannabidiol on Cytokine Production by CD4+ T Cells and Th17 Differentiation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
https://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/79110/
In a mouse & rat model of pain, blocking the Sigma1 receptor enhanced the pain-killing effects of THC
The Sigma1 receptor antagonist CM304 potentiates the antinociceptive effects of the cannabinoid receptor agonist delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats and mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41656401/
In skeletal muscle cells, PEA lowered inflammatory cytokines & increased immune-priming molecules
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) regulates cell cycle progression and promotes an anti‐inflammatory transcriptomic signature in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.14814/phy2.70780
❤️ The Heart & Blood ❤️
In the hearts of older adults using cannabis, acute use was linked to a higher heart rate
Heart rate response to cannabis in active older adults
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-026-06152-6
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
For the metabolism of people with a certain genetic variant of the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide), they had lower levels of insulin & insulin resistance
Plausible Obesity-Related Chronometabolic and Nutrigenetic Nexus Concerning Dinner Glycemic Index and the FAAH C385A Variant
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/2/274
In mice with no CB1 or LDL (“bad cholesterol”) receptor being fed a high-fat diet, they had increased atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
Vascular Contractile and Structural Properties in Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis-Prone CB1-LDL Receptor Double Knockout Animal Model
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/2/284
🩸 The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism 🩸
For drug breakdown, the FAAH2 enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) was found to be the primary enzyme responsible for metabolizing DS-8500a (Firuglipel, a type II diabetes drug)
Characterization of fatty acid amide hydrolase 2 as a drug-metabolizing enzyme: Contribution to the hydrolysis of DS-8500a and its analogues
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009095562600022X
💨 The Lungs 💨
In a mouse model of acute lung injury from the COVID virus, activating the CB2 receptor reduced pulmonary dysfunction, immune cell infiltration, activation of the neutrophils (a white blood cell) & production of proinflammatory cytokines
HU308, A Selective Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptor Agonist, Mitigates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein–Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00408-026-00870-6
👀 The Eyes 👀
In the mouse visual cortex, on the distribution of the CB1 receptors as well as the alterations of their levels through adolescence, making them potentially vulnerable to cannabinoids during this time
Age-Dependent Area-, Lamina- and Cell-Type-Specific Distribution of the Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor in the Mouse Visual Cortex
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cne.70136
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
In a computer analysis of skin cancer, on the cannabis components that bound to target proteins
Integrated Computational Investigation of Cannabis sativa Phytoconstituents as Putative Multi-Target Inhibitors in Skin Cancer: A Molecular Docking, Dynamics, and ADMET Profiling Study
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/2/315
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In cancer patients who use cannabis, a survey of demographics found their main reasons for use were improving sleep, with their preferred methods being smoking/vaping & edibles & over 65% employing multiple methods
Demographics, methods of use, and perceived benefits among patients with cancer who use cannabis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-026-10452-0
In glioblastoma (the most aggressive brain cancer), a review of the effects of cannabinoids with a focus on autophagy (cellular recycling)
Cannabinoids and the autophagy-related signaling in brain Tumors: From mechanistic insights to therapeutic Frontiers in glioblastoma
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295226001127
In melanoma cells, a cannabis extract combined well with the treatments of docetaxel & auranofin, but antagonized the effects of cisplatin
Investigating the Synergistic Effect of the Cannabis Extract PHEC-66 and ChemotherapBundoeutic Agents on Human Melanoma Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/4/1794
In drug-resistant breast cancers, the combination of CBC & CBD inhibited cell growth & reduced invasiveness
Pharmacokinetic studies and synergistic antitumor effects of cannabichromene and cannabidiol in drug-resistant breast cancers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-026-02057-1
In a computer analysis of rare ovarian tumors, CBD caused cell death via TRPV2 & VDAC1
TRPV2 regulates cell fate in the human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN: implications for granulosa cell tumors and cannabidiol
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12964-026-02729-y
For gliomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), a nanocarrier of CBD plus the treatments celecoxib & temozolomide caused apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Polymeric Micelles Co-Loaded with Cannabidiol, Celecoxib, and Temozolomide—Early-Stage Assessment of Anti-Glioma Properties
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8023/6/1/11
In ovarian cancer cells, THC & CBN showed some interactions with the treatment targets of matrix metalloproteinases & tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)
In silico assessment of cannabinoids and related compounds as multi-target modulators of IL-2, TNF-α, HSP70/HSP90, EGF signaling, and MMP-2/MMP-9 in ovarian cancer
https://accscience.com/journal/CP/articles/online_first/6083
In a computer analysis of the cancer targets EGFR & VEGFR, on the THC-type molecules that bound to them, with the strongest being ajulemic acid
In Silico Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Cannabinoid Derivatives as Multi-Target Inhibitors for EGFR, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 Proteins
https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/48/2/204
In colorectal cancer cells, the terpene beta caryophyllene increased apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) & increased their sensitivity to radiotherapy
β-Caryophyllene Induces PPARγ-Mediated Apoptosis and Enhances the Radiosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer Cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40846-026-01019-9
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
On creating a certified reference material of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA
Development of certified reference material of 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxamide (5F-CUMYL-P7AICA) to establish metrological traceability with mass balance and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X26006223
Thanks.
- lex
PS: From Senegal, ‘Djam Leelii: The Adventurers’ is the first collaboration of the famous singer & guitarist Baaba Maal & his lifelong friend, the blind guitarist & singer Mansour Seck. Seck was born into the griot caste of singers & storytellers but Maal grew up in a family of fisherman & was expected to follow into his father’s boat. But influenced by music from around the world, Maal moved to Dakar in the ‘70s & joined the 70-piece Asly Fouta group of traditional West African musicians, where he met Seck. In the ‘80s, they spent time in Paris where they recorded this album. While Maal experimented with incorporating music from around the world, Seck concentrated on acoustic versions of the ancient songs before his passing last year. Maal still plays & has devoted much of his career to advocacy for disease prevention & poverty relief in Africa.
This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing All of the new cannabinoid science each week.