C&P#179: cannabis for back pain, blistering skin, dementia, Parkinson’s & reducing the runner’s high (?)
Supreme Court on cannabis & guns: Justice Elena Kagan sez, ‘what about ayahuasca?’
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 back pain + THC/CBD for the blistering skin condition epidermolysis bullosa
Do cannabis users get less of a runner’s high?
Meta-analyses: cannabinoids for the agitation of dementia & the pain of Parkinson’s
Older adult cannabis users: (moderately) better memory & intelligence scores, with no added dementia risk
Cannabis & memory: on the acute negatives
Reviews: cannabis for the caregivers of older adults, cannabinoids for cancer & CBG for drug-resistant epilepsy
On air quality analysis of secondhand cannabis smoke
In CHS, on the many other negative mental health effects linked to it, including suicidality
On the negatives of the synthetic cannabinoids
Preclinical: cannabinoids increasing oxidative stress? + help for pain, liver disease & METH use disorder
Psychedelics: psilocybin for Lyme disease, but another negative for microdosing
Harm reduction: new book on adolescents & harm reduction around their drug use
(this week’s numbers: ~7.7k words, ~21 minutes reading time, 149 papers)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 179th 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 was in High Times this week talking about the ill effects of cannabis on sperm. Thanks to Hernán Panessi for the questions & for making me organize all my science on the topic. And for any other science writers one of the researchable topic, just reach out to me. Happy to get this info out in the world
🤝 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:
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd)
📚 My Book Vids 📚
(@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram)
For International Women’s Day, 10 children’s books about female scientists & artists
The Kalevala! (my new obsession with this Finnish epic)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: for International Women’s Day, the archetype of the girl groups
🧰 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
📣 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 lower back, cannabis caused sustained reductions in pain & disability over 4 years
Long-Term Pain Response to Cannabis Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Four-Year Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Patient-Reported Outcomes and BioWell Parameters
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/72df47a2e705cc36cea1d73672792422/download_pub
In people with epidermolysis bullosa (a rare condition of fragile, blistering skin), sublingual THC/CBD caused 75% of participants to report ≥30% global pain reduction, with the use of painkillers dropping by half
Sublingual tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol to treat pain in epidermolysis bullosa: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study
https://academic.oup.com/bjd/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjd/ljag072/8498796
In people exercising, the cannabis users had lower levels of anandamide at the end of their session as well as a worse mood & a higher probability of feeling pain
Regular Cannabis Use is Associated with a Diminished Anandamide Response to a Standard Exercise Stimulus: A Pilot Study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261428008
Does this mean less of a runners high for the cannabis users because they’ve been using up the amount of high they have? With the links between the endocannabinoid system & the runners high, this would make some sense.
In older adults, cannabis users performed modestly better on tests of numeric memory & fluid intelligence, with no associated dementia risks
Cannabis use, cognitive function and dementia risk in older adults: observational and genetic analyses
https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/29/1/e302290
For the effects of cannabis on memory, this double-blind study found cannabis increased susceptibility to false memories & detrimentally impacted verbal memory, visuospatial memory, event-cued prospective memory, source memory & temporal order memory
Mapping the acute effects of cannabis on multiple memory domains: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261416079
But conversely, in people with problematic cannabis use, they had a selective deficit only in complex working memory capacity but no other areas of executive domains
Dissociating the cognitive underpinnings of recreational cannabis use from problematic use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X26000246
In humans with painkilling effects from a placebo, the painkilling was associated with increases in the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
The Endocannabinoid System’s Contribution to Placebo Analgesia
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2026/02/26/2026.02.25.707676.full.pdf
In people with PTSD & cannabis use disorder, cannabis abstinence was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms
The Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence in Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41734366/
For alcohol use disorder, a meta-analysis of 63 studies found preclinical evidence that CBD & CB1 inverse agonists reduce alcohol intake while CB1 agonists (like THC) increase consumption, but human studies showed inconsistent & generally null effects
Modulating the endocannabinoid system in alcohol use disorder: A translational systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and human studies
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03523-5
For dementia, a meta-analysis of 10 studies found that cannabinoids reduced agitation
Efficacy and Safety of Cannabinoids for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41748849/
In Parkinson’s disease, a meta-analysis of 6 studies found that CBD & THC helped with symptoms, including pain
The Effects of Therapeutic Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s Disease: An Overview of Meta-Analyses
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9992/43/1/3
For orofacial pain, a meta-analysis of 6 studies found cannabis caused significant pain relief in oral cancer
Cannabis-Based Therapies for Chronic Orofacial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rOdontos/article/view/3386
In 2 people with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (a rare pediatric epilepsy), CBD increased one person’s levels of phenytoin, raising the levels of clobazam & causing seizure freedom, but in the other person, CBD led to phenytoin toxicity with ataxia and falls
Cannabidiol inhibits phenytoin clearance and can result in clinical changes: Two cases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1059131126000543
For insomnia, a comparison of lorazepam versus a traditional Thai cannabis-based multi-herbal formulation found that both significantly improved sleep quality as well as quality of life & stress improvements
Phase II randomized controlled trial comparing traditional Thai cannabis-based medicine with lorazepam for insomnia treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41736083/
In 3 people with scars, a commercial cosmetic cream combined with CBD & the terpene beta caryophyllene improved scar tissue
Early Physiotherapy of Post‐Surgical Scars Using a Topical Cannabidiol (VeroDol CBD) Cream Gel: Three Case Reports
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12937039/
In people eating hemp seeds for 4 weeks, they had improved fatty acid levels in their blood
The effect of hemp product consumption on blood fatty acid profiles and cardiovascular disease risk factors: Results of a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/fo/d5fo04672f
📑 Reviews 📑
In caregivers for older adults, a review found they used cannabis to cope with the high levels of stress or emotional burden
Cannabis Use Among Caregivers of Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/30495334261426511
In oncology, a book chapter on the cannabinoids by canna-hero Dr. Donald Abrams
Cannabis and cannabinoids in integrative oncology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B9780443301940000436
And in breast cancer, a review how the cannabinoids combine with other treatments
Cannabinoids in Combination with Conventional Breast Cancer Therapies: Mechanistic Insights and the Gap to Clinical Translation
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/18/5/761
In drug-resistant epilepsy, a review on the potential of CBG
Elucidating the Putative Role of Cannabigerol: A Hypothesis-Generating Review of Neuroinflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms with Implications for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1755956/abstract
For Alzheimer’s disease, a review of combining cannabis with the terpene linalool from lavender
Exploring Linalool-Based Phytotherapy for Excitatory/Inhibitory Imbalance in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Lavender and Cannabis Therapeutic Effects on Sleep, Seizures, and Cognition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41735175/
For Alzheimer’s, a book chapter on cannabinoids modulating the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Cannabinoids as modulators for Alzheimer’s disease: a role for microglia?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B9780443273407000024
On drug use in musicians, a review on why they use more alcohol & cannabis
Alcohol and Drug Use in Musicians: A Systematic Review
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/scimed/mppa/2026/00000041/00000001/art00004
In dental stem cells, a review of how CBD improved their viability, proliferation, migration & differentiation
Bioactivity and Regenerative Potential of Cannabidiol in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Scoping Review of In Vitro Studies
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12937086/
For the long-term psychiatric effects of synthetic cannabinoids, a review of 58 studies found more psychosis & prolonged psychotic episodes, as well as data on cathinones & the psychedelic series NBOMe
Acute and Long-term Psychiatric Consequences of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Related Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Systematic Review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178126001174
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
In brain scans of chronic cannabis users, they had higher scores for impulsivity correlated with an emotional dysregulation pattern as well as reduced volume in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), the amygdala (an emotional processing center) & other brain reward system regions
The relation between emotional regulation, impulsivity and the morphometric changes in brain reward system structures in cannabis use disorder
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A14%3A24259950/detailv2
In adults & adolescents who use cannabis, brain scans found reduced non-drug reward anticipation activity in the ventral striatum (processing of stimuli, reward & predictions)
The association between cannabis use and brain reward anticipation: a 12-month longitudinal study of adults and adolescents who use cannabis and age-matched controls
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02377-3
In young adults with HIV, heavy use of cannabis was associated with worse performance on fluid cognition, immediate & delayed word list recall, processing speed & executive functions
Cannabis use frequency may differentially impact cognitive performance in young adults with and without HIV
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/adolescent-medicine/articles/10.3389/fradm.2026.1716084/abstract
In people with HIV, a transcriptional genetic analysis found changes associated with inflammatory genes & immunomodulation
A single-nucleus multiome analysis of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility reveals cell-type-specific immune modulation for chronic cannabis use among people with HIV infection
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2026/02/27/2026.02.26.708082.full.pdf
In people with cannabinoid hyperemesis, a survey found they had the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts compared to other classes of cannabis users
Elevated suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adults reporting symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Results from a national survey of US adults
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2026/02/28/2026.02.26.26347185.full.pdf
In people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, this survey found they had higher rates of other drug use as well as more depression, anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain, antisocial behavior, intimate partner violence & disinhibited personality traits than other frequent or infrequent cannabis users
Links between Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome symptoms and drug use, mental health problems, antisocial behavior, and personality in a national survey of adults in the United States
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.26.26347188v1.full.pdf
In a young person with cannabinoid hyperemesis & maturity-onset diabetes of the young, a case report on his unusually rapid progression to end-stage renal disease
The Interplay of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young, Obesity, Uncontrolled Hypertension, and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis in the Progression to End-Stage Renal Disease: A Case Report
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1755934/abstract
In Chinese cases of cannabis use disorder, incidence has increased since 1990
Cannabis Use Disorders in China from 1990 to 2040: Incidence Trends and Future Projections
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2634983
For prenatal cannabis exposure, public health data found a number of brain volume differences “including smaller amygdala, thalamic, and cerebellar vermis volumes and larger caudate, hippocampal, and cerebellar cortex volumes”, with greater changes associated with 3rd trimester exposure, including white matter microstructure alterations
Associations of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Neonatal Brain Development in the HBCD Cohort
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.26347436v1
In prenatal cannabis exposure, the infants had reduced birth weights & were small for gestational age
Associations Between Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Birth Outcomes: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.01.26347369v1
In a rat model of prenatal THC exposure, the females consumed more alcohol initially, while the males initially drank less but progressively escalated their consumption (though never reaching as much as the females), with gendered differences in the changes to their endocannabinoid signaling
Prenatal THC exposure and binge-like alcohol drinking in early adolescence: From sex-specific drinking vulnerability to abnormal endocannabinoid-dopamine nexus in the nucleus accumbens
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261420097
In lung cells, vaping delta-8 THC induced early stress genes, activated fibrosis (scarring) signaling & suppressed programs of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) & ribosomes (protein assembly organelles)
Transcriptomic and Functional Responses of Human Airway Cells to Vaped ∆8-THC and its Oxidation Product ∆8-THCQ
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8790511/v1
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
For cannabis inducing oxidative stress, this meta-analysis of 51 preclinical studies found cannabis exposure associated with a small increase in reactive oxygen species production & lipid breakdown as well as a reduction of antioxidant enzymes
Preclinical Evidence of Cannabis-Induced Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230026000401
Haha. Last week we had cannabis users with higher levels of both pro-& anti-inflammatory cytokines. And this week we have (not hugely convincing) evidence that the these cannabinoids renowned for their antioxidant abilities may be (sometimes) increasing oxidative stress markers.
In a mouse model of THC tolerance, the first days of THC led to hypothermia & reduced motor activity, but tolerance developed by day 3
Time Course of the Development and Loss of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Tolerance: Effects on Hypothermia and Spontaneous Locomotor Activity in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41748149/
A small but intriguing piece of evidence that when old stoners say they drive just as well after smoking, it might just be true.
In a mouse model of methamphetamine use disorder, CBD reduced anxiety & cognitive deficits via neuroprotection of the brain, especially the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Cannabidiol attenuates methamphetamine-induced psychosis via anti-oxidative stress: σ1R-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical pathway
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711326002527
And in a rat model of methamphetamine use disorder, blocking the CB1 receptor reduced anxiety-like behavior, improved decision-making performance & enhanced social interactions while activating the CB1 receptor did not significantly alleviate behavioral impairments induced by methamphetamine
Involvement of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in methamphetamine-related decision-making and social behavior deficits
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41731375/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, CBD restored their social recognition memory
Effects of Chronic 100 mg/kg Cannabidiol Treatment in Male Double Transgenic APPSwe/PS1∆E9 Mice
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/3/374
In a mouse model of inflammatory pain & morphine use disorder, CBD produced a significant reduction in pain behaviors
Potential effects of cannabidiol on formalin-induced inflammatory pain in morphine-dependent rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395626001263
In a mouse model of chronic pain, CBD reduced their response to chemical stimuli via their pain-sensing circuits & sodium channels
The parabss1 Drosophila melanogaster as Model for Chronic Nociception: Insights Into Cannabidiol Analgesic Effects
https://harvest.usask.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/52d3d0ff-ebe9-4a1f-ae92-e26d428ccad8/content
In a female rat model of liver disease from a sugar-rich diet, cannabis oil improved liver lipid metabolism, reduced fatty liver disease scores, lowered scarring, lessened oxidative stress & normalized the liver levels of the CB1 receptor & endocannabinoids
Cannabis oil modulates liver alterations and endocannabinoid system changes in a female rat model of diet-induced MASLD
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1770150/abstract
In a rat model of early-stage liver inflammation from a high-fat diet, CBD reduced inflammation & prevented the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol supplementation in mitigating lipid precursors of inflammation in hepatic steatosis progression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41742322/
In male mice, on how CBG moved through their body & that the effects on anxiety are not via the CB1 receptor
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of cannabigerol in male mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022356526005070
In a mouse model of exposure to radiation, hempseed oil “exhibited outstanding radio-protecting function”
Hemp seed oil mediates injury mitigation and anti-inflammation in radiated splenic T cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711326002412
In a mouse model of pancreatic toxicity due to the foodborne mycotoxin ochratoxin A, the terpene beta caryophyllene markedly reduced pancreatic damage, augmented antioxidant defenses & inhibited inflammasome signaling
β-Caryophyllene Protects Against Foodborne Ochratoxin A–Induced Pancreatic Toxicity: Implications for Food Safety and Environmental Health
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8885289/v1
In a rat model of mechanical pain, DMT reduced pain via the serotonin, opioid & nitric oxide & CB2 receptors
Antinociceptive effect of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) involving serotonergic, opioidergic, cannabinoidergic, and nitrergic systems in PGE2-induced hyperalgesia in rats
https://www.probiologists.com/article/antinociceptive-effect-of-n-n-dimethyltryptamine-dmt-involving-serotonergic-opioidergic-cannabinoidergic-and-nitrergic-systems-in-pge2-induced-hyperalgesia-in-rats
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
In secondhand cannabis smoke, on the levels of cannabinoids & polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (which were greatly lower than tobacco - but working in this level for 8 hours would exceed the California limits)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cannabinoids in secondhand cannabis smoke
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412026001339
For air quality monitoring of cannabis smoke, on an electrochemical gas sensor for THC
An Electrochemical Gas Sensor for Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Cannabis Smoke: A Novel Approach for Air Quality Monitoring in Legal Cannabis Consumption Areas
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06148
For potassium channels (key for cardiac & brain signaling), on how CBD inhibits them in different ways
Cannabidiol inhibits both human KV7.1 and KV7.1/KCNE1 channels through distinct sites
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-025-01742-0
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles
At the Supreme Court, the justices heard arguments about the current gun ban for cannabis users (and seemed dubious. What is a ‘habitual drunkard’ anyway?)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/listen-live-supreme-court-hears-case-on-marijuana-users-second-amendment-gun-rights-as-trump-doj-defends-ban/
https://cannabismusings.substack.com/p/cannabis-musings-march-4-2026
https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/the-supreme-court-passed-the-vibe
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/02/from_whiskey_to_weed_a_second_amendment_fight_153892.html
Good old Justice Elena Kagan even brought up the hypothetical of, what if a person infrequently used ayahuasca?
Which makes one hope that Justice Kagan herself has tried ayahuasca. In fact, judging by her quotes, I’d lay even odds that she has (“If the drug is ayahuasca, and it’s a very, very, very intense hallucinogen—and the episode lasts a very long time, … but when you’re in its grip, reality dissolves.”)
Unfortunately, Kalshi doesn’t have a prediction market for “Elena Kagan admits to ayahuasca usage”. But they do have one for SCOTUS upholding the cannabis gun ban & as of now, only 17% think they will, with a big cliff where the hearings began.
The Department of Transportation reminded substance abuse professionals that, according to federal drug testing policies, they cannot justify positive THC tests due to a worker’s use of medical cannabis or hemp extracts
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/use-of-medical-marijuana-or-hemp-doesnt-excuse-drug-testing-violations-trumps-transportation-department-warns/
A lovely piece of journalism on the hunt for a famed California cultivar & a meditation on the nature of oral history amidst a savage prohibition that made record-keeping dangerous
https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/big-sur-holy-weed-21350979.php
In Milwaukee, a judge was displeased with the smell of cannabis in the courtroom & said “anybody that thinks it’s a good idea to get high before you come to court really needs a reality orientation”
https://cannabislaw.report/milwaukee-judge-not-happy-with-smell-of-weed-in-the-courthouse-during-sentencing-hearing-anybody-that-thinks-its-a-good-idea-to-get-high-before-you-come-to-court-really-needs-a-reality-orientatio/
I get where he’s coming from, but you can’t ignore the possibility that the smell might be coming from people who need cannabis medically.
‘Ten Black Heroes Behind Cannabis Legalization’
https://parabolacenter.substack.com/p/ten-black-heroes-behind-cannabis
On cannabis in Japan, by cannabis lawyer Bob Hoban who just traveled there
https://hightimes.com/travel-hospitality/standing-on-the-moon-in-japan-hemp-history-long-game/
History Corner: 1980: Paul McCartney: “Everyone said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t take any pot into Japan. Seven years hard labor.’ But we were in New York, and we had this pot…”
“Oops.”
https://decider.com/2026/02/27/paul-mccartney-arrested-jail-time-japan-marijuana-man-on-the-run/
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In France, their medical cannabis reimbursement plan was revealed
https://businessofcannabis.com/cannabis-europa-paris-2026-frances-medical-cannabis-reimbursement-plans-revealed/
And pushback: “built for patients or for regulators?”
https://businessofcannabis.com/frances-medical-cannabis-framework-built-for-patients-or-for-regulators/
In Canada, the government reported that cannabis added $11.5B to the country’s GDP
https://stratcann.com/news/cannabis-industry-contributes-nearly-11-6-billion-to-canadas-2025-gdp/
In Uruguay, an analysis of 10 years of regulated cannabis social clubs (CSCs)
A decade of regulated Cannabis Social Clubs in Uruguay: five key developments and challenges ahead
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926000654
“First, the number of CSCs and their registered members has steadily increased, reflecting both sustained demand and institutional stability. Second, while CSCs remain concentrated in Montevideo and the coastal region, their geographical presence has expanded, and they now operate in every Uruguayan province. Third, most CSCs have shown remarkable longevity, with relatively few closures —suggesting the stability of the model over time. Fourth, CSCs have played a consistent and significant role in the volume of cannabis distributed legally in the country, often approaching or even surpassing the cannabis volume sold in pharmacies. And fifth, although accessing cannabis through CSCs tends to be more expensive than through pharmacies, their product diversity and cultivation practices continue to attract members, reinforcing their position within the legal supply ecosystem.”
In Latin America, an analysis “challenge[d] the notion that personal contact with drug market participants fosters prohibitive attitudes” & that legalizing drugs would trigger significant public backlash
From Social Proximity to Policy Preferences: Contact with Drug Market Participants and Citizens’ Attitudes Toward Drug Policy
https://academic.oup.com/poq/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/poq/nfaf067/8502184
In Brazil, an analysis of the statements of Congresspeople on cannabis
Do uso humano da Cannabis sativa: o que dizem os parlamentares brasileiros sobre o tema? [On the human uses of Cannabis sativa: what do Brazilian Congressmen say about the subject?]
https://www.scielosp.org/article/csc/2026.v31n2/e17732023/en/
“Ghana legalised hemp and regulated it like cocaine” - Amanda Clinton
https://cannabislaw.report/opinion-amanda-clinton-writes-ghana-legalised-hemp-and-regulated-it-like-cocaine/
And more on the state of hemp & the extremely high license fees (up to $45k per hectare)
https://cannabislaw.report/article-hemp-is-legal-in-ghana-but-can-farmers-actually-enter-the-market-farmer-take-govt-to-court/
In South Africa, a Cape Town city employee won a ~$30k arbitration that he was unfairly fired for cannabis consumption
https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-02-21-labour-court-rules-in-favour-of-officer-dismissed-for-cannabis-use-with-r553-000-backpay/
In Kenya, a lawyer petitioned the court to bar Rastafarians from bringing cannabis into the courtroom
https://cannabislaw.report/kenya-lawyer-petitions-court-to-bar-rastafarians-from-bringing-cannabis-into-courtroom/
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
On the shift to schedule III being “treated as a transitional status” & on the effects on research by Piomelli
A Schedule Shift, Not a Federal Green Light: What Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III Would Mean—and What It Would Not
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261424697
In Massachusetts, an analysis of the most commonly cited regulation violations
https://talkingjointsmemo.com/the-most-commonly-cited-cannabis-control-commission-violations/
For the marketing of cannabis, a review of 52 studies across the US & Canada
Cannabis marketing in Canada and the USA, a scoping review
https://www.emerald.com/dhs/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/DHS-04-2025-0022/1344569/Cannabis-marketing-in-Canada-and-the-USA-a-scoping
The first cannabis industry retirement report
https://www.leadingretirement.com/cannabis-industry-retirement-report/
For US state adult-use cannabis laws, an analysis of the 4 types
Beyond legalization: characterizing distinct recreational cannabis regulatory approaches across US states, 2013-2024
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.26.26346986v1
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
On Trump’s boat strikes, the Inspector General delayed a proposal to evaluate the military targeting of the strikes
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/us/politics/trump-boat-strikes-pentagon.html
In Mexico, President Sheinbaum “insists she’s not waging a ‘war on drugs’” despite ramping up military operations against cartels
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-03/in-mexico-no-war-on-drugs-sheinbaum-vows-but-crackdown-on-narcos-signals-clear-turnaround
The back story here is illuminating. Her predecessor López Obrador instituted the controversial “hugs not bullets” approach of focusing on poverty & this emboldened cartels to increase their violence & control. With many Mexicans in favor of US intervention to help control the cartels, which she sees as interference in Mexico’s sovereignty, Sheinbaum is proving that Mexican forces can take down high-value targets such as Oseguera last month. But she’s seen as falling short in one of the big challenges: getting rid of the corrupt politicians & law enforcement officials backed by the cartels, especially those linked to her own party.
For René Arzate-Garcia, a leader in the Sinaloa cartel, the US offered a $5M reward for his arrest & conviction because of his alleged control of the Tijuana corridor
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-26/narco-terrorism-charges-filed-against-sinaloa-cartel-leaders
In Ecuador, the US launched joint operations to combat drug trafficking
hin Mexico,ttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/04/us-military-action-operation-ecuador
For drug trafficking through Caribbean ports, a case study of the Dominican Republic’s success in port security
Narcos of the Caribbean: Addressing Transshipment Drug Trafficking Through Caribbean Ports
https://ecollections.law.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1773&context=lawreview
In the Indian Ocean, an analysis of the drug trafficking
Seaborne Narcotics: Mapping the Maritime Drug Trade in the Indian Ocean and Its Security Implications
https://www.marseccoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5th-Maritime-Security-Proceedings.pdf
In Malaysia, a college lecturer was caught with 200+ grams of cannabis & faces life imprisonment & at least 10 strokes of the cane
https://cannabislaw.report/malaysia-college-lecturer-charged-with-possessing-over-200g-of-cannabis-punishable-under-section-39a2-of-the-same-act-carries-life-imprisonment-or-a-minimum-of-five-years-jail-and-at-least/
In Zimbabwe, two football stars were caught with 750 kg of cannabis & given 12-year jail terms
https://cannabislaw.report/zimbabwe-ex-kaizer-chiefs-soccer-star-caught-with-750kg-of-cannabis-handed-jail-sentence/
WoD History
In the Soviet Union, a history of their War on Drugs
https://hightimes.com/culture/inside-the-soviet-unions-war-on-drugs/
For the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, on their role in drug trafficking
Influence of Regional and Global Dynamics on Drugs & Conflict Nexus and Vice Versa: The Case of PKK
https://ebooks.iospress.nl/doi/10.3233/NHSDP260020
🚗 Driving 🚗
For driving under the influence of cannabis, on the social acceptability of various scenarios
Exploring public perceptions of dangerousness and social acceptability of driving under the influence of cannabis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687637.2026.2634870
For detecting impairment from cannabis use, on using machine learning to combine multiple sources of data
Making highways and workplaces safer: An interpretable machine learning approach to predicting recent cannabis use and impairment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022437526000368
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
On harm reduction for adolescents, an interview & book review of ‘Harm Reduction Approaches With Adolescents Who Use Substances’ by friends of the newsletter Amanda Reiman & Barry Lessin
https://filtermag.org/harm-reduction-teen-drug-use/
On a hero of harm reduction, a bit of a funny interview with the pioneer Dr. David Nutt (I’ve always appreciated his curmudgeonliness, as well as the fact that he signed my William James book at a conference 15 years ago)
For the overdose crisis, on the ability of new technologies to help
https://reason.org/commentary/can-technology-help-reduce-harm-caused-by-americas-overdose-crisis/
Personally, I was most intrigued by the digital overdose-prevention platforms.
An editorial on the lack of evidence for involuntary substance use treatment
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-decades-reveal-involuntary-substance-treatment.html
In Indiana, lawmakers will require people to show IDs to use the state’s needle exchange programs, though the governor still needs to sign the bill
https://mirrorindy.org/indiana-needle-exchanges-drugs-opoid-crisis-michael-crider-mike-braun/
In Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, a new smart harm reduction vending machine
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/a-new-smart-vending-machine-in-stephenville-could-help-save-lives-9.7105810
Harm Reduction Research
In the neighborhoods of NYC’s overdose prevention centers, a micro-level analysis found no change in foot traffic or consumer spending
Overdose Prevention Centers, Disorder, and Economic Activity
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2845605
Overdose Prevention Centers and Neighborhood Commercial Activity in New York City
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2845604
For the festival workers at UK music festivals, interviews on their perspectives on drug use & harm reduction
Perspectives on recreational substance use and harm reduction among music festival workers in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503245261422324
For veterans who inject drugs, a survey about a pharmacist-led harm reduction outreach
Pharmacist-led harm reduction outreach for veterans who inject drugs: A quality improvement evaluation
https://pubs.lib.umn.edu/index.php/innovations/article/view/6978
In a Maryland drug checking program, only 22% of samples contained the drugs people thought they contained
Comparison of anticipated and detected drug contents in samples submitted to a statewide drug checking program in Maryland, USA
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626000840
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
In US public opinion on legalizing psychedelics, RAND found support of psilocybin mushrooms to be 23% & just 10% for LSD & MDMA
https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA4300/RRA4334-2/RAND_RRA4334-2.pdf
The Psychoactive Research
For smokable synthetic cathinone, an online survey of usage patterns & the most frequently reported adverse effects
From dust till dawn: patterns, motives, and risks of using smokable synthetic cathinones
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41742238/
Psychedelics & MDMA
In people with Lyme disease, a pilot study of 2 psilocybin sessions showed significant improvement in symptom burden & quality of life
Pilot study of psilocybin in patients with post-treatment lyme disease
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-38091-9
For microdosing in people with depression, 2 months of microdosing psilocybin was safe & well-tolerated but did not cause any differences from the placebo
Safety and Efficacy of Microdosing Psilocybin over 8 Weeks for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8319478/v1/60358f62-defe-45d0-8089-f901dd6a3008.pdf
In US veterans, a survey found that psychedelics were associated with changes in spiritual beliefs
Psychedelics are associated with changes in spiritual beliefs and orientations in US veterans
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8960226/v1
For the complications of psychedelics, a suggested classification system
Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749025/
For psychosis from psychedelics, a model of a psychodynamic therapeutic approach
Psychedelic-Related Psychosis: From Model Psychosis to Psychotherapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749024/
For mental disorders, a review of the potential of ayahuasca, DMT & 5-MeO-DMT
Ayahuasca and Its Main Component N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Studies, and Tools to Explore the Human Mind
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/3/506
For predicting the effectiveness of psychedelics for depression, a review of 48 studies found loose consistent correlates to be greater emotional breakthrough, mystical/unitive experiences & ego dissolution-linked reappraisal/insight
Predictors of the Effectiveness of Psychedelics in Treating Depression—A Scoping Review
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/5/2202
For psychedelic-assisted therapy, on the synergies with psychotherapy
Synergies in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Interview Study of Psychotherapeutic Processes
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1771726/abstract
On using chaplains in psychedelic therapy, on the competencies that would be helpful
Chaplains in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Rationale and Competencies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41760871/
Ketamine
For older adults with depression & mild cognitive impairment, intravenous ketamine improved depression symptoms
KET-MCI: A Pilot Safety and Tolerability Study of Single Infusion Intravenous Ketamine for Older Adults with Depression and Mild Cognitive Impairment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748126000588
For depression, injectable R,S-ketamine had a better safety & efficacy profile than esketamine
Comparative effectiveness and safety of esketamine versus injectable racemic ketamine and oral antidepressants for major depressive disorder: A population-based target trial emulation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032726003381
On suicidal ideation in mood disorders, a review on the benefits of ketamine
The Effect of Ketamine infusions on suicidal ideation in various mood disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41736355/
In ketamine for depression, a review of its efficacy & synergy with other treatments
Ketamine pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder: A narrative review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584626000473
On the predictors of responsiveness to ketamine, this review found a number of neural biomarkers predicting responsiveness
Predictors of responsiveness to ketamine: An updated systematic review of neuroimaging findings
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032726003721
“Fifteen studies were included in this updated review. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala emerged as significant regions of interest. Notably, connectivity between the pregenual ACC and other brain regions was frequently associated with better response to ketamine. Furthermore, diffusion MRI showed higher fractional anisotropy in cingulum of responders to ketamine. Structural MRI studies, on the other hand, found that hippocampus volume had a significant positive correlation with response to ketamine. Moreover, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that responders had a higher Glx/glutamate ratio in the dorsomedial/dorsal anterolateral. Finally, task-based imaging, too, showed that ACC activity was predictive of antidepressant response.”
Kratom
For a dying child, a case report of using kratom to manage end-of-life pain
Parental Self Instrumentation of Kratom as Pain Substitute for the End-of-Life Care in a Malay Child
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fahisham-Taib/publication/401238688_Parental_Self_Instrumentation_of_Kratom_as_Pain_Substitute_for_the_End-of-Life_Care_in_a_Malay_Child/links/699ff28912f837212a1f2a6e/Parental-Self-Instrumentation-of-Kratom-as-Pain-Substitute-for-the-End-of-Life-Care-in-a-Malay-Child.pdf
For products with kratom alkaloids, 80 products were found with features appealing to children
Identification and Characterization of Mitragynine or 7-Hydroxymitraynine Oral Dosage Form Products That Appeal to Children
https://jppt.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/jppt/aop/article-10.5863-JPPT-25-00082/article-10.5863-JPPT-25-00082.xml
In withdrawal from the semi-synthetic kratom metabolite mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, a case report on the use of buprenorphine
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Withdrawal Treated with Macro-Dosed Buprenorphine Induction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/d2f767771ff901df668adc5a0f63936d/download_pub
In kratom, a computer analysis of the painkilling effects of the minor alkaloids
Computational investigation of minor alkaloids of Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaves as natural opioid analgesics
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2025.2570504
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
In Missouri, on the history of hemp
Industrial hemp : history, regulations & licensing
https://mospace.umsystem.edu/items/7a71daf8-dc56-4742-bafe-479bcca37295
🌱 Growing 🌱
For enhancing high-CBD cannabis cultivation, a review of integrating genetic & biotechnological approaches
Integrating Genetic and Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance High-CBD Cannabis sativa L. Cultivation for Medicinal Purposes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41741936/
For the regulation of cannabis flowering, a review of the mechanisms, pathways & related genes
Research Progress on Flowering Period of Hemp
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/15/5/682
When adding salicylic acid to cannabis before harvest, it promoted the levels of THC, flavonoids, antioxidants, phenols & pigments
Preharvest Salicylic Acid Application Enhances Pigments, Antioxidants, and Secondary Metabolites in Cannabis sativa L.
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/12/3/276
For the breakdown of cannabinoids by UV light, on the significant photodegradation
UVA and UVB Photolysis of Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids Studied by Online Mass Spectrometry
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/5/813
For photoautotrophic micropropagation (sugar replacing CO2 as carbon source) of medical cannabis plantlets, on optimizing the process for vigorous, pathogen-free production
Synergistic optimization of CO2 enrichment and air exchange enhances growth of medicinal cannabis plantlets in photoautotrophic micropropagation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026003286
For drying hemp, on optimizing CBD content when using vacuum heat pump drying
Response Surface Optimization of Cannabidiol Extracted from Hemp by Vacuum Heat Pump Drying
https://www.espublisher.com/journals/articledetails/2082
In Slovenian hemp, on the effects of sowing date & pruning systems on yield & cannabinoid composition
From breeding to practise: Effects of sowing date and pruning system on flower yield and cannabinoid composition in four Slovenian feminized industrial hemp breeding lines
https://journals.uni-lj.si/aas/article/view/26115/21080
For the cannabis of Ecuador, on the effects of substrate composition on germination & early vegetation
Substrate evaluation in the germination of Cannabis sativa L. seeds up to stage V3, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
https://revistas.untrm.edu.pe/index.php/INDESDOS/article/view/1172/1618
In Missouri hemp, on the best production practices
Harvesting industrial hemp : general considerations
https://mospace.umsystem.edu/items/7430b56e-f76b-49a6-bcc5-fa46aa47328b
In Missouri, on the insect pests of hemp
Insect pests of industrial hemp in Missouri
https://mospace.umsystem.edu/items/3766d991-dfb0-4baf-b9a3-9a34f483acba
For CBC in hemp cultivars, an analysis of the variations in its levels
Cannabichromene variation in hemp cultivars
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/csc2.70241
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For the stability of dried cannabis flower, nitrogen-modified atmosphere packaging in aluminum bags was more effective at improving stability than polyethylene jars
Comparative stability of dried Cannabis sativa L. flower in N2-flushed aluminum laminate bags versus HDPE jars under ICH long-term storage conditions
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A10%3A37401882/detailv2
For analyzing cannabinoid levels in commercial products, on an UHPLC-DAD method
Simultaneous quantitative analysis of epimeric and Δ8/Δ9 positional isomers of synthetic THC analogs and natural cannabinoids in formulated products by UHPLC-DAD with optional ESI/TOFMS confirmation
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826076.2026.2636540
For differentiating hemp stems versus buds, on using an ATR-FTIR spectroscopy approach
Application of FT-IR IS50 ATR spectroscopy for differentiating hemp stem and bud chemical composition: A rapid screening approach
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joshua-Animasaun-2/publication/401371389_Application_of_ft-ir_IS50_ATR_spectroscopy_for_differentiating_hemp_stem_and_bud_chemical_composition_A_rapid_screening_approach/links/69a3b40d16faea00ba9b274b/Application-of-ft-ir-IS50-ATR-spectroscopy-for-differentiating-hemp-stem-and-bud-chemical-composition-A-rapid-screening-approach.pdf
For microencapsulating the cannabinoids, a review of approaches
Microencapsulation techniques for cannabinoids: pharmaceutical approaches, technological challenges, and formulation perspectives
https://aseestant.ceon.rs/index.php/arhfarm/article/view/62381
On creating cannabis tablets that are liquisolid
Liquisolids as a platform for the formulation of cannabis tablets
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590156726000289
For converting hemp hurd lignin & cellulose, a comparison of chemical pretreatment methods
Low-Concentration Chemical Pretreatment of Lignocellulose Biomass Derived from Hemp Hurds, Agricultural Waste: Comparative Characterisation of Various Pretreatment Methods
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/19/5/843
🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞
In brewing with hemp seeds, on the effects on the aroma
Aroma Profile of Worts and Contents of Selected Mineral Elements in Brewing with Malted and Unmalted Hemp Seeds
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/5/809
For frankfurters, on adding hemp seed cake as a phosphate replacer
Evaluating the additive effects of psyllium husk powder combined with micronized cold-pressed hemp seed cake on the quality profile and in vitro digestibility of reduced-phosphate frankfurters
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0309174026000458
For hempseed milk, on optimizing the process for thermal stability
Process Optimization of Thermal Stability for Hemp Seed Milk Produced from Whole Fat and Fat-Reduced Seeds
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/14/5/783
In laying hens, hempseed meal improved their feed efficiency, egg production, shell quality & yolk fatty acid enrichment
Effect of hot and cold processed hempseed (Cannabis sativa) meal on productive performance, egg quality, egg yolk fatty acid and blood biochemical in laying hens
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579126003196
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For polylactic acid biocomposites, on the effects of hemp granules on reinforcement
Hemp Granule Size and Mass Fraction Effects on the Rheological, Thermal, and Mechanical Behavior of PLA-Based Biocomposites for Thermoforming
https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/10/3/115
For hemp-lime biocomposites for insulation, on the effect of adding recycled waste cardboard chips
Effect of recycled waste cardboard chips on the physico-thermal-hygric properties of hemp-lime biocomposites
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123026008121
In a comparison of bio-based building materials, hemp was the most effective insulation system in cold regions
Thermal mass vs. insulation trade-off in bio-based buildings: Climate-dependent energy performance of hemp, straw, and wood-based constructions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037877882600294X
For producing bio-based materials, on the sustainability of hemp hurds
Structural and Chemical Profiling of Hemp Hurds for Sustainable Bioproducts Within a Circular Economy Framework
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/18/5/2197
For quantifying hemp fiber length, on using machine learning
Machine learning-inspired image processing for accurate length characterization of complexly crossed hemp fibers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-026-06987-4
For cement, on the mechanical performance changes from hemp fiber reinforcement
Enhancing Mechanical Performance of Hemp Fiber-reinforced Cementitious Composites: Experimental and Numerical Investigations Using RSM
https://pp5.omikk.bme.hu/ci/article/view/42126
For cement materials, a thesis project on using hemp shives as an internal curing agent
Utilization of Hemp Shives as an Internal Curing Agent in Cementitious Materials
https://tdl-ir.tdl.org/items/82a14f80-4573-44c9-a188-0dde1ec47faa
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
In California, a workshop on advancing cannabis research
Advancing Cannabis Research in a Changing Landscape: Meeting Summary of the 2025 California Cannabis Research Workshop
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261417167
🏥 Public Health, Legalization Effects & Bioassays 🏥
In Hispanic/Latine adults, more experiences of racism were correlated with greater coping-motivated cannabis use & cannabis -related problems
Racism and Cannabis-Related Problems Among Hispanic/Latine Adults: The Role of Negative Emotions in Responses to Experiencing Racism
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2630211
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
For school climate, more cannabis use was associated with difficulties overcoming challenges, problems controlling temper & becoming angry easily & in terms of both cannabis & alcohol, gang membership, skipping school, violent behavior, school-parent & school-student engagement & gambling
Leveraging Machine Learning to Understand the Link Between School Climate and Youth Substance Use: a Focus on Cannabis and Alcohol Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41762379/
In adolescents, family conflict predicted increased positive cannabis expectancies with increases in negative urgencies via the anterior cingulate cortex (emotional & cognitive processing)
Negative Urgency Mediates the Effect of Family Conflict on Cannabis Positive Expectancy: The Moderating Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortex
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12935555/
In adolescents, frequent social media use was associated with 3x higher odds of cannabis use
Causal pathways from social media use to adolescent cannabis use: An instrumental variable mediation analysis of behavioral problems
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949875926000482
In youth with bipolar disorder & cannabis use disorder, on the changes to their brain region volumes
Association of polygenic risk for cannabis use disorder with brain structure among youth with and without bipolar disorder
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261424206
In Swedish adolescent cannabis use, a survey found confirmation of the total consumption model & the theory of collectivity
Does the total consumption model apply to cannabis use?
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.70353
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In a rat model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury, this thesis project found that drugs that activated either the CB1 receptor or the TRPV1 receptor (of the vanilloid family, like the endocannabinoid anandamide) reduced the deficits in synaptic plasticity
Analysis of synaptic plasticity events concerning the endocannabinoid system in the young adolescent (YA) rat media perforant pathway (MPP) following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (r-mTBI)
https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/items/16fd861b-9151-492f-96c8-83ad84e13ed5
In the nucleus accumbens (a reward center & regulator of feeding, stress & motivation) of male mice, injections of low doses of THC increased signaling of dopamine & GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter) while high doses decreased dopamine signaling
Dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate balance in the nucleus accumbens shell: Differential effects of cannabinoid 1 receptor agonists Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, AM11101, and AM8936
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002839082600064X
In a rat model of Parkinson’s disease, a new technique for measuring endocannabinoid blood levels found that they had significant alterations to their levels of anandamide & 2-AG
Hydrophobic covalent organic framework as a solid-phase microextraction coating for high-throughput quantification of endocannabinoids in Parkinson’s disease rat plasma
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1570023226000851
In a rat model of epilepsy, on analyzing the levels of the CB2 receptor after a prolonged seizure
Evaluation of cerebral cannabinoid type 2 receptors using [11C]RSR-056 PET in a rat model of epilepsy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361923026000857
In a mouse model of neuroinflammation & neuropathic pain, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4, and endocannabinoid transporter) was found to be a key contributor to neuropathic pain via inflammation of the brain’s macrophages (a type of immune cell)
Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4): a key player in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584926001693
In a tissue model of peripheral nerve injuries, CBD-rich extracts modulated genetic expression of inflammatory & neurotrophic genes
Cannabidiol-rich extract suppresses the activation of proinflammatory genes IL-1β and IL-6 in equine mesenchymal stem cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12932370/
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
For anxiety, the efficacy of medical cannabis was not greatly affected by lifestyle choices or demographics
Associations of cannabis use, other substances, and lifestyle choices on anxiety in medical cannabis patients across 45 days
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-39086-2_reference.pdf
In a mouse model of memory deficits from sleep deprivation, activating the CB1 receptor promoted a compensatory but maladaptive increase in inhibitory synapse density, leading to a deterioration in synaptic quality
Memory consolidation deficits arise from CB1R-mediated structural–functional decoupling in inhibitory circuits
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996126000793
“This CB1R-dependent “static over-inhibition but dynamic fragility” erodes circuit resilience and destabilizes memory processing.”
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
In the placentas of pregnant people who had the virus of COVID, their levels of the CB1 & CB2 receptors were markedly increased
Altered Endocannabinoid Signaling in Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnancies
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/16/5/690
In undifferentiated sperm cells, deletion of their CB1 receptors altered homeostasis & endocannabinoid signaling
Endocannabinoids and stemness: a new role for CB1 receptor in the control of Spermatogonial Stem Cell homeostasis
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8252227/v1
❤️ The Heart & Blood ❤️
In a rat model of heart scarring from the anti-arrhythmia medication amiodarone, the synthetic cannabinoid O-2545 (which activates both CB1 & CB2) reduced scarring
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Attenuating Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: An in vivo Experimental Study in Wistar Rats
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/DDDT.S570825
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
In anorexia, a review on the involvement of the endocannabinoid, dopamine & orexin systems
Rethinking Anorexia Nervosa Through the Lens of Control, Compulsion and Reward: Neurobiological Insights Into Addiction-Like Features via the Dopaminergic, Endocannabinoid, and Orexinergic Systems - A Narrative Review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763426000709
In the guts of chickens, on their distribution of CB2 receptors & the benefit for intestinal motility, oxidative stress & immune functions
Immunofluorescence localization of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in the ileum of juvenile and adult chickens (Gallus domesticus) and its association with gga-mir-200a-3p and oxidative stress
https://www.vetmedmosul.com/article_190457_2f730a4005a15355c9dc77c103e8bdad.pdf
On a mouthwash with tea tree oil, CBD & spilanthol, it had only limited antibacterial & antifungal activities
Comparison of the Antimicrobial Activity of Mouthwashes Containing Tea Tree Oil, Cannabidiol (CBD), Spilanthol, and Chlorhexidine Digluconate Against Selected Bacterial and Yeast Strains: An In Vitro Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/16/5/2193
🩸 The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism 🩸
In people combining cannabis & alcohol, they had elevated hemoglobin levels & liver enzyme abnormalities
Cannabis and Alcohol Use and Their Effects on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters: Evidence From the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Ghana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41757343/
👀 The Eyes 👀
In retina cells, blocking the CB1 receptor reduced the production of myofibroblast (a driving factor in scarring)
The Inhibitory Effects of a Peripherally Restricted CB1 Receptor Antagonist on Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/5/418
On a hydrogel containing CBD, hyaluronic acid & ZnO nanoparticles
SMART TOPICAL HA–CBD–ZnO–POLOXAMERS HYBRID GEL: STRUCTURAL, RHEOLOGICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL INSIGHTS
https://farmaciajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/art-05-Cirloiu-Boboc_Calina_Stoian_48_60.pdf
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
For psoriasis, on encapsulating CBD in an argan oil nanoemulsion
Encapsulation of Cannabidiol in Chitosan-Stabilized Argan Oil Nanoemulsion as a Potential Dermal Drug Delivery System for Psoriasis Treatment
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/3/286
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In skin cancer cells, THC & CBD caused toxicity via the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
THC and CBD Induce Heme Oxygenase-1-Dependent Cell Death and Trigger Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Melanoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/3/286
In gastric cancer cells, activating the CB1 or CB2 receptor reduced cell proliferation, lowered viability, impaired migration & induced apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabinoid receptors orchestrate distinct anti-tumour pathways in gastric cancer via and beyond specialized pro-resolving mediators
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332226002192
In neuroblastoma cancer cells, the endocannabinoid PEA & oleoylethanolamide (the endocannabinoid of satiation) enhanced the treatment efficacy of the Type I interferons (IFNs) via the PPARα nuclear receptors (regulators of genetic transcription)
Oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide synergize with IFNβ to potentiate apoptosis and PD-L1 induction in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
https://iris.unica.it/handle/11584/474587
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬
On using biomimetic chromatography to better understand how cannabinoids move through the lungs & brain
Biomimetic Partitioning and Pharmacokinetic Insights into Phytocannabinoids
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c10320
On creating a fluorescent CB2 sensor
Genetically Encoded CB2R-Based Fluorescent Sensor Enables Rapid Screening and Functional Assessment of Cannabinoid Modulators
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/5/2095
For modeling the CB2 receptor, on creating a cellular platform
Tetracycline-Regulated Inducible CB2 Expression in AtT20 Cells: A Functional Assay for Quantifying Ligand Efficacy
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.26.708391v1
For the colorimetric detection of cannabis at crime scenes, an analysis of how it works
Structural Elucidation of Azo and Quinoneimine Products Formed in Diazonium-Based Color Reactions of Cannabinoids
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/5/796
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For queens of the girl group, ‘The Very Best of The Dixie Cups: Chapel of Love’. Made up of the New Orleans sisters Barbara Ann & Rosa Lee Hawkins as well as their cousin Joan Marie Johnson, they first started singing together in grade school & when they released their first song, ‘Chapel of Love’ in 1964, it became a smash hit that sold over 1 million copies. With their lovely harmonies, several other songs over the next few years reached the Top 40, including ‘Iko Iko’, a traditional Mardi Gras tune that their producer recorded of them as they were just clowning around in the studio, singing for fun & using drumsticks on ashtrays. It was their last hit & they moved into modeling careers & work as makeup artists. But over the decades, they continued to tour on the oldies circuit.
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.