C&P#181: cannabis for cancer, female orgasmic disorder & canine osteoarthritis + lots on psychedelics
South African judge declares cannabis clubs illegal
Cannabinoids & The People,
or; Drugs & Drug Wars
🌟 This week 🌟
Cannabis for people with prostate cancer
CBD isolate increased food intake
For canine osteoarthritis, full-spectrum extracts
Cannabis for female orgasmic disorder
Smoking of cannabis exacerbated asthma
Preclinical: cannabis for MS + CBD for TBIs, facial pain & diabetic eyes + cannabis roots for gastric ulcers from drinking
Psychedelics: the magic mushroom of Africa discovered + On the ancestralization of 5-MeO-DMT + IV DMT for depression + psilocybin for OCD
On comparing mystical states between MDMA, psilocybin & cannabis, it’s “mindset over molecule”
(this week’s numbers: ~7.5k words, ~19 minutes reading time, 174 papers)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 181st 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.
If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
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As always, ask me anything!
📌 Editor’s note 📌:
Whenever people ask me about cannabis & cancer, I point to Justin Kander who has been gathering the evidence for a long time. And now he has made an educational video sharing the science. Plus, you can also get his free book on the subject at FreeCannabisCancerBook.com (now in it’s 8th edition!).
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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:
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🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤
@CannabinoidsAndThe People vids sponsored by CHRI & the National Cannabis Study:
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(on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd)
📚 My Book Vids 📚
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(No time for new vids. Was a solo-papa week & was reading books to kids instead & showing them the classics of animation.)
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: the father of the jazz guitar
🧰 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)
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In Canadians receiving medical cannabis, 3 months of use were linked to improvements in pain, anxiety, depression & quality of life
Canadian real-world evidence: observational 24-week outcomes for health care practitioner authorized cannabis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24740527.2025.2593253
2025: For insomnia, the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found the initiation of cannabis to be associated with improvements to subjective sleep quality, anxiety levels & quality of life
UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A clinical outcomes analysis for insomnia
https://journals.plos.org/mentalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmen.0000390
In people with prostate cancer, cannabinoid therapy was associated with improved pain control & some indicators of tumor response
Quantitative analysis of Cannabinoid Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Integrating Biomarkers, Imaging and Patient Outcomes
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000550792/4517761/000550792.pdf
In the energy intake of healthy adults, ~300 mg of CBD increased the amount of food eaten, decreased ghrelin & caused no changes to other glucose or lipid levels
A single dose of cannabidiol increases ad libitum energy intake in healthy adults but does not affect postprandial glucose or lipid metabolism
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666326000930
For cannabis use in cancer care, a thesis projects survey found the most common perceived benefits to be for pain, stress/anxiety, sleep, appetite & nausea/vomiting
Understanding Cannabis Use in Cancer Care: Patient Perceptions, Patterns of Use, and Provider Communication Among Patients and Survivors at Roswell Park
https://www.proquest.com/openview/d8c57d9402e3ba8ef121401771893c40/1
In someone with tremors & pain after a stroke, this case report found cannabis oil reduced pain, lessened tremors, enhanced motor function & improved quality of life
Sustained Reduction of Dystonic Tremor and Pain after Cannabis Oil Administration and Physiotherapy in Thalamic Ischemia: A One-Year Case Report
https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/152910
For bipolar disorder, this genome-wide association study found links to pathways related to retrograde endocannabinoid signaling (where endocannabinoids in the brain go backwards & tell the upstream neuron to calm its firing)
Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling Shows Robust Enrichment in Bipolar Disorder: Insights from Standardized Pathway Analyses
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8937137/v1/c8ca8803-7eb3-44a4-98c2-6d8e34ad16ce.pdf
For canine osteoarthritis, an extract of THC, CBD, CBDA, & THCA showed reductions in scores with no adverse effects
Randomized and Blind Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Full-Spectrum Oral Cannabis sativa Oil Extract, Standardized Based on CBD-A, CBD and THC-A, THC in Canines with Chronic Osteoarthritis
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/6/900
📑 Reviews 📑
For cannabis & mental health, this widely covered review found little evidence of cannabis helping for anything
Cannabis and Mental Health: A Review
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2846007
For mental health & substance use disorders, this review found “some evidence that cannabinoids can reduce symptoms of cannabis use disorder, insomnia, tic or Tourette’s syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder”
The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(26)00015-5/fulltext
For cannabis use & affective symptoms (emotions), this review found cannabis use did not alleviate affective symptoms but that cannabis abstinence did
Investigating the Relationship Between Cannabis Abstinence and Affective Symptoms: A Systematic Review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-026-00713-7
For fibromyalgia, a review of 4 papers on cannabis
Evaluation of the use of different forms of medical cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050708126000169
For female orgasmic disorder, a review of the potential of cannabis
Cannabis and the Future of Treating Female Orgasmic Disorder/Difficulty
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11930-026-00417-z
In epilepsy, this review found that CBD improved seizure control
Cannabidiol in Epilepsy: Restoring Locomotion and Seizure Control
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41833036/
In sepsis (a severe overreaction of the immune system), a review on the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoids
CANNABINOIDS IN CLINICAL SEPSIS: A SCOPING REVIEW
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1413867026003843
For the gut-brain axis & the central nervous system, a review of the effects of CBD & probiotics
Synergistic Neuroimmune Modulation by Cannabidiol and Probiotics for Therapeutic Advancement in CNS Disorders: A Systematic Review
https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/cnsnddt/10.2174/0118715273411035251111055748
In oral medicine, a review on the potential of cannabis
Cannabis in oral medicine: what should we know? A narrative review
https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/portal/resource/pt/biblio-1651035
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
For asthma & inhaling cannabis, public health data found a significant rate of asthma exacerbation
Association of Inhaling Marijuana with Asthma Attacks: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369226003247
In memory tests of cannabis users, males were more impacted for impaired visuospatial working memory
Same Dose, Different Impact: Acute Cannabis Intoxication Impairs Visuospatial Working Memory in Both Sexes, With Disproportionate Male Vulnerability
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1785335/abstract
In a Canadian mental health survey, cannabis was associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression & suicidality
Changes in Cross-Sectional Associations Between Cannabis Use and Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidality in a Nationally Representative Sample of Canadians From 2012 to 2022: Évolution des relations transversales entre la consommation de cannabis et la dépression, l’anxiété et les idées suicidaires au sein d’un échantillon représentatif de Canadiens à l’échelle nationale, de 2012 à 2022
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07067437261420701
As always, the question was if cannabis was causative or if they were treating their symptoms with it. I suspect that it’s the former for some people & the latter for others.
For adults trying to stop using cannabis, a survey found that “practice for change” & “changes in social environment” were associated with sustained cessation
Exploring Recreational Cannabis Use Cessation Intentions among Adults in the United States Using the Multi-Theory Model of Health Behavior Change
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/29767342261417057
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a paper framing it as an endocrine-metabolic disorder
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome as an Endocrine–Metabolic Disorder
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr1141701
A case report of an eye hemorrhage 2 hours after cannabis consumption
Premacular Subhyaloid Hemorrhage in a Young Adult After Cannabis Consumption: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/471715/20260316-50419-lyce7k.pdf
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In mice taking THC, the addition of CBD altered the changes to locomotion & body temperature, with gendered differences
Cannabidiol dose modulates behavioral response to acute and repeated administration of Δ9- Tetrahydrocannabinol by strain and sex
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2026/03/09/2026.03.05.709920.full.pdf
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, a cannabis extract reduced hypersensitivity, promoted motor function recovery & caused antidepressant & anxiety-reducing effects via the CB2 receptor
A sesquiterpene-rich essential oil from Cannabis sativa L. attenuates symptoms and neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model through a CB2-mediated signalling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711326003041
In a rat model of severe traumatic brain injury, CBD caused neuroprotective & anti-inflammatory effects
Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol in rats submitted to severe traumatic brain injury
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402600215X
In a mouse model of orofacial inflammatory pain, local injection of CBD reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers & neural pain transmission as well as helping anxiety levels, depression symptoms & cognitive performance
Effects and mechanisms of cannabidiol in attenuating orofacial inflammatory pain and ameliorating pain-related affective deficits
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361923026000997
In the eyes of a mouse model of diabetes, CBD protected the retinas & reduced weight gain
Electroretinographical analysis of the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in eyes of Zucker diabetic fatty rats
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00421-z
In a mouse model of ketamine causing hyperlocomotion, brain injection of CBD blocked the effects via glycine receptors in the ventral tegmental area (a center of dopamine signaling for reward & motivation)
Cannabidiol Mitigates Ketamine-Induced Hyperlocomotion via Allosteric Potentiation of Ventral Tegmental GlyRα1 Signaling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006322326011078
In a mouse model of gastric ulcers from alcohol, cannabis root extracts reduced gastric injury
Cannabis sativa L. roots extract modulates gastrointestinal motility and ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in animal models
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1743428/full
In preclinical models of inflammatory bowel disease, this meta-analysis of 27 studies found cannabinoid significantly reduced disease activity
Efficacy of Exogenous Cannabinoids in Pre-Clinical Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261428842
In a mouse model of diabetes, the lignanamides Cannabisin A & B extracted from hemp seed hulls improved fasting glucose & metabolic signaling
Cannabisin A and B from hemp seed hulls improve glucose homeostasis by re-engaging insulin, leptin, and AMPK pathways via selective PTP1B inhibition
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711326002904
In a tissue model of the blood-brain barrier, CBN partial reversed barrier dysfunction, CBD caused an anti-inflammatory signal & CBG was pro-inflammatory at higher concentrations
Minor cannabinoids have pleiotropic effects on human brain microvascular endothelial activation and barrier function
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8982679/v1/5a7ce8fb-07be-4ea0-9018-64e5f7d7802a.pdf
In a tissue model of Barth Syndrome (an X-linked condition of an enlarged heart, weak muscles, recurrent infections & a short stature), CBD restored their growth levels & biomarkers of heart health
Effects of Cannabidiol on TAFAZZIN-Deficient B-Lymphoblastoid Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41823370/
In a tissue study of the major foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, CBD suppressed virulence mechanisms & protected from infection
Efficacy of Cannabidiol in Reducing Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/6/2682
For antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria, on the effects of CBG & CBGA derivatives
Structure–Activity Relationships of Cannabigerol and Cannabigerolic Acid Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents against Gram-Positive Bacteria
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.6c00126
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
In cannabis research, on using AI to analyze the scientific trends
Harnessing machine learning and multivariate analysis to explore global trends in Cannabis sativa research
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s42238-026-00397-w_reference.pdf
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles
On US CBD products, the FDA submitted a report on their proposed enforcement policy (though the text is still private)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fda-submits-new-cannabis-products-enforcement-policy-for-white-house-review/
On the history of prison music & redemption songs, the Marshall Project is starting a new newsletter focused on the stories of musicians
https://mailchi.mp/themarshallproject/redemption-songs-the-music-of-mass-incarceration-4783480
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In South Africa, a judge declared all cannabis clubs illegal
https://www.cannabiz-africa.com/blog/cannabis-act-controversy-justice-official-says-no-to-private-clubs-ahead-of-reviewing-public-submissions
In the Netherlands, a court forced a credit card processor to continue processing payments from cannabis coffee shops
https://cannabislaw.report/nl-times-dutch-court-stops-payment-service-from-blocking-coffeeshop-card-transactions/
In Portugal, a soccer club fined for the strong smell of cannabis coming from their stands
https://cannabislaw.report/no-longer-war-on-the-terraces-but-weed-on-the-terraces-vinicius-jr-owned-portuguese-1st-division-team-alverca-fined-for-the-strong-smell-of-cannabis-in-stands-during-match/
In a Swiss study on the recreational cannabis access via pharmacies program, problematic cannabis use predicted higher levels of depression & anxiety, but no associations to psychosis symptoms
Bidirectional association of psychopathology and cannabis use: Results from the Swiss study on recreational cannabis access via pharmacies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726004556
And they had no changes in biomarkers for neuroaxonal damage & astroglial injury (respectively, neurofilament light chain (NfL) & glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP))
NfL and GFAP quantification and associations with mental health in recreational cannabis users-Results from the Swiss study on recreational cannabis access via pharmacies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41826780/
In Germany, a small survey found no increased cannabis consumption after legalization
Code for: Change and antecedents of cannabis consumption after the legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany
https://www.psycharchives.org/en/item/83621542-76f4-41b1-a627-3a7b3ab10b7f
In Australia over the last 20 years, public health data found the levels of cannabis use & cannabis use disorder to have been stable
Prevalence, Associations and Comorbidity of Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorders in the Australian National Mental Health Surveys From 2007 to 2020–22
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12968346/
In Djibouti’s cannabis industry, a review of women’s participation
A Systematic Review of Gender Dynamics in the Emerging Legal Cannabis Industry of Djibouti, 2000–2003: Leadership, Equity and the African Context
https://parj.africa/ajws_womenlead/article/view/a-systematic-review-of-gender-dynamics-in-the-emerging-legal
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
For cannabis taxes, they drive increased educational spending per pupil
High Hopes, Fungible Dollars: Does Earmarked Marijuana Tax Revenue Actually Increase Education Spending?
https://ape.socialcatalystlab.org/papers/apep_0633/v1/paper.pdf
In Northern California, interviews on the potential of cannabis agritourism
Cannabis Agritourism and Local Pathways Toward Sustainable Development Goals in Northern California
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/sd.70907
In Facebook cannabis advertising, food cues were associated with increased shares & comments
Foodie Traps within Facebook Cannabis Promotional Posts: Deploying Multimodal Deep Learning AIs to Monitor Audience Engagement
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001092
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
In US cannabis seizures, adult-use cannabis laws were associated with a significant decrease in cannabis seizures
Cannabis legalization and law enforcement drug seizures: a state-level analysis of cannabis policy effects on cannabis seizures in the United States, 2010–2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395926000691
In Uruguay, people living in neighborhoods with drug trafficking organizations were less likely to register for legal cannabis access
Why Remain Illegal? The Deterrent Effect of DTO Control on Legal Cannabis Market Access
https://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas-e-Indicadores/estudios/Documents/fynn_et-al.pdf
In Nepal, a history of drugs & their drug laws
Drugs in Nepal: History, Law, and the Case for a Balanced Policy
https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/VOH/article/view/87276
On the scholarship of Peter Reuter for reshaping drug policy analysis
On Reuter’s contribution to the drug policy debate
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17440572.2026.2642310
On autonomous submarines for drug smuggling
https://cannabislaw.report/autonomous-narco-submarines-the-new-technological-frontier-of-organized-crime/
In the UK, a gang dressed up as police to raid rival cannabis farms
https://cannabislaw.report/uk-drugs-gang-dressed-as-coppers-to-raid-cannabis-farms/
In Libya, 3 men were sentenced to life imprisonment & 2 men to 10-year terms for cannabis cultivation
https://cannabislaw.report/libya-five-people-sentenced-to-life-and-10-years-in-prison-for-cannabis-cultivation/
In Sydney, a man charged after a bust with ~1k plants (said to be valued at $3M, making each plant worth $300k(?!))
https://cannabislaw.report/australia-nsw-strike-force-grassy-man-charged-after-more-than-3m-worth-of-cannabis-seized/
In South Australia, a middle-aged woman busted for growing 3 cannabis plants
https://cannabislaw.report/burra-south-australia-major-crime-scene-55-year-old-woman-busted-for-growing-3-cannabis-plants/
And then another woman busted with 4 plants
https://cannabislaw.report/south-australian-police-at-it-again-last-week-it-was-an-arrest-of-someone-with-3-plants-this-week-a-64-year-old-woman-with-4-plants/
🚗 Driving 🚗
In simulated driving performance of regular cannabis smokers, on the effects of potency on various driving measures
Potency-related effects of smoked cannabis on simulated driving performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-43045-2_reference.pdf
“Mean speed did not differ across conditions. Maximum speed increased under medium and high potencies versus placebo. SDLP [standard deviation of lateral position] was higher across all Δ9-THC potencies. Both SDLP and RT [reaction time] positively correlated with blood Δ9-THC concentrations.” (p values removed)
In young adult drivers, a survey found the majority reported using cannabis while driving, one-third reported driving after cannabis & alcohol use, often with passengers present
Retrospective Event-Level Patterns of Cannabis-Impaired Driving
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00378
For predicting alcohol & cannabis impaired driving in young adults, AI found the top predictive factors for cannabis-impaired driving to be “cannabis use frequency, cannabis-related memory problems, simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use frequency, increased cannabis tolerance, and age of cannabis initiation”
Using machine learning to identify unique predictors of alcohol and cannabis impaired driving
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12981337/
In injured drivers, on the gendered differences between their alcohol & cannabis use
Sex differences in cannabis- and alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions in three U.S. states with legalized cannabis: A multicenter observational study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15389588.2026.2623006
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
In Ontario, outcry over 7 supervised drug consumption sites being forced to close after the provincial government cut their funding
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-ending-supervised-drug-consumption-funding-9.7130534
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/03/13/ford-government-to-end-consumption-site-funding-two-toronto-sites/
For drugs in overdose deaths, the CDC just released its first report in 10 years on the drugs most frequently involved
https://filtermag.org/cdc-specific-drug-overdose-death-data/
Harm Reduction Research
On public health vending machines, an analysis of their efficacy in the US
Extending harm reduction through public health vending machines: Insights from implementation efforts in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949875926000640
On overdose prevention centers, a media analysis found the majority to be favorable or neutral
News Media Coverage of Overdose Prevention Centers: A Content Analysis
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8991788/v1/a7783630-4142-4cfe-a926-db029df12a2d.pdf
“The most frequently cited benefits of OPCs were linkage to wraparound services (94.1%); rapid overdose response (90.8%); and exchange of safer use supplies (82.4%). The top cited negative consequences included stigmatizing arguments counter to evidence such as enabling drug use (51.3%), increased crime (24.4%), and public drug use (22.7%).”
In Australia, the majority supported needle exchange programs, take-home naloxone, drug checking services & a health response to drugs, but not the legalization of anything
Attitudes to Drug Policy in Australia, 2001–2022/23: What Does This Mean for Drug Policy Reform in Australia?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12989179/
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
In Africa, the closest relative of the magic mushroom discovered: Psilocybe ochraceocentrata
Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated ‘magic mushroom’ Psilocybe cubensis in Africa
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article/293/2066/20252270/480730/Discovery-of-the-closest-free-living-relative-of
For 5-MeO-DMT, on its ancestralization (reframing as an ancient practice when really it was not) & its integration into the modern shaman scene
Fabricated ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert toad, psychedelic globalization, and the ecological politics of 5-MeO-DMT
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000056
For ibogaine, a review of its history from a plant of the Congo to a pharmaceutical product
The long roots of ibogaine: A journey from plant to pharmaceutical
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00491/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00491.xml
In West Africa, a report on their synthetic drug markets
Mapping synthetic drug markets in West Africa
https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lucia-Bird-et-al-Mapping-synthetic-drug-markets-in-West-Africa-GI-TOC-March-2026.pdf
For novel psychoactive substances around the world, this meta-analysis of 190 studies found the most frequent to be synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones & PCP-type substances
Prevalence of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use Across Different Geographical Regions of the World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-026-00728-0
Psychedelics & MDMA
In a comparison of mystical experiences between psilocybin MDMA & cannabis, the findings found a “mindset over molecule pattern” where the setting mattered more than the substance
Mindset over molecule: comparing self-transcendent and mystical experiences across recreational psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis use
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40359-025-03921-4
For depression, intravenous DMT caused a significant reduction in scores that persisted for up to 3 months
A short-acting psychedelic intervention for major depressive disorder: a phase IIa randomized placebo-controlled trial
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04154-z
In people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, psilocybin sessions reduced scores
A randomized clinical trial of repeated doses of psilocybin for the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261424214
In Oregon’s psilocybin program, sessions were associated with improvements in depression, anxiety & well-being
Psilocybin services and mental health outcomes within Oregon’s state-regulated model
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.18.26346580v1
In people trying to stop smoking tobacco, a combination of psilocybin & cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) worked better than a nicotine patch with CBT
Psilocybin or Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41805956/
In people naïve to 5-MeO-DMT, an intranasal formulation caused peak experiences around 15 minutes & a return to baseline by 60 minutes
Mapping the phenomenology of intranasal 5-MeO-DMT in psychedelic-naïve healthy adults
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22620-z
For death anxiety, this meta-analysis of psychedelics found a moderate-to-large reduction
Confronting mortality: A meta-analysis and systematic review of psychedelic experiences and death anxiety
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/02698811261424199
For transgender & gender-expansive psychedelic users, interviews on their healing of racism and/or trans phobia
Transgender and gender-expansive psychedelic users’ concerns about colonization, racism, and medicalization in western psychedelic science
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000044
On Australian public drug alerts, on finding the threshold for MDMA levels (they settled on ≥ 150 mg)
Exploring the Utility and Appropriateness of Dose Thresholds for Issuing of Public Drug Alerts on High-Dose MDMA: A Qualitative Study
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12968355/
For postpartum depression, a review of the potential of psychedelic therapy
Psychedelic therapy and postpartum depression: priorities and prospects
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20451253251408280
For schizophrenia, a review of the early evidence for psychedelics
Psychedelics for treatment of negative symptoms and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A narrative review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920996426000800
For depression, a review on combining exercise & psychedelics
The combination of exercise and psychedelics for the treatment of major depressive disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41793582/
On ethical care in psychedelic-assisted therapy
Psychedelics, Harm Reduction, and Ethical Care
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42843-025-00144-4
For psychedelic clinical trials in adolescents, a review of a potential framework
Toward a framework for psychedelic clinical trials in adolescents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41808125/
In a mouse model of fatty liver, psilocybin microdosing reduced lipid accumulation & scarring
Exploring the hepatoprotective potential of psilocybin microdosing in steatohepatitis: In vitro and in vivo studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1590865826001209
In rats taking 5-MeO-DMT, brain scans found gendered differences in the changes in brain connectivity
Beyond the toad’s kiss: Mapping acute 5-MeO-DMT effects on brain connectivity across sex and dose using awake rat neuroimaging
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390826000596
Ketamine
On rumination, a brain scan study of how ketamine reduced rumination & altered dynamic brain states
Ketamine’s Impact on Rumination-Related Brain Dynamics: Insights From a Randomized Controlled fMRI Trial
https://sciety.org/articles/activity/10.31234/osf.io/q9utr_v1
In people taking ketamine for pain, they also had improvements to their substance misuse as well as their mood
Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain Provides Added Benefits for Substance Misuse Therapy
https://sciencevolks.com/medical-research/pdf/SVOA-MR-04-006.pdf
For treatment-resistant depression, a case series on the efficacy of ketamine
A case series of inpatient ketamine infusion for treatment-resistant depression in Taiwan
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773021226000040
In people with cognitive deficits, preclinical evidence found help from ketamine but the only clinical study found cognitive worsening
Ketamine as a Potential Cognitive Enhancer in Neurological Disorders: Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2026.1786249/abstract
In depression, a neuroimaging review of ketamine’s effect on reward processing
Effect of Ketamine on Reward Processing in Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41804256/
Kratom
For kratom withdrawal, a review of case studies
Clinical presentation and treatment in kratom withdrawal: a narrative review of case studies
https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/69728
In the New England states, a case series of kratom-related deaths
A Retrospective Case Series of Kratom-Related Deaths Reported by Medical Examiners in Select New England States
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1253&context=jmmc
For death in Florida from mitragynine (an active ingredient in kratom), an analysis of demographics & associated drugs
Case Control study of mitragynine deaths in Florida
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkag017/8524763
Cathinones
For synthetic cathinones, a case series of their involvement in forensic investigations
Case Series Involving the Synthetic Cathinones alpha-PHP, alpha-PiHP, MDPHP, and MDPiHP in Forensic Investigations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0379073826001040
Kava
On kava, a monograph released by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Publishes Kava Monograph and Therapeutic Compendium
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A10%3A5763898/detailv2
For cancer & kava, a review of the protective effects
The protective effects of Kava (Piper Methysticum) constituents in cancers: A systematic review
https://rest.mars-prod.its.unimelb.edu.au/server/api/core/bitstreams/c46e94aa-c16a-5031-b046-71fe0ee5e6f0/content
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
For cultivar registration & breeder protection, a proposed framework by friend of the newsletter Dr. Anna Schwabe
A proposed framework for genetic verification and cultivar protection in cannabis
https://www.cell.com/trends/genetics/abstract/S0168-9525(26)00035-1
🌱 Growing 🌱
For sustainable hemp production, a review of key principles & technologies
Protected Cultivation of Medicinal Hemp: A Climate-Resilient Strategy for Sustainable Production
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/51/1/13
For sanitizing medical cannabis flowers, a review comparing the methods
Sanitation of medical cannabis flowers (Cannabis sativa L., flos): comparing current technologies and non-thermal plasma novelties from safety and quality perspectives
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00417-9
In Kentucky hemp & fusarium head blight exposure, on the effects of cover crops
Cover Crop Impacts Fusarium Head Blight Incidence and Mycotoxin Contamination of Cannabis sativa
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PDIS-02-26-0295-RE
For hemp fiber production, on the effects of nitrogen rates for growth & biomass
Growth and biomass response of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars to nitrogen rates for fiber production
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/csc2.70258
In the US central Plains states, on the effects of fertilization on yield
Nutrient uptake and partitioning of industrial hemp in the central Plains
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/agj2.70300
In the US central Great Plains states, on the water use of hemp
Water use and productivity of industrial hemp in the US central Great Plains
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/agj2.70331
For fiber hemp of the US Southeast, on how plant population & harvest timing influenced bast yields
Fiber Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Production in the Southeast: Discovering How Plant Population and Harvest Timing Influence Bast Yields
https://www.proquest.com/openview/cff608a153dbba5b972f014408d38821/1
In Moroccan cannabis, on the effects of fertilization, temperature, photoperiod & salt stress
Influence of extrinsic factors and salt stress on the in vitro germination and development of Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. varieties as potential medicinal plants
https://horizonepublishing.com/index.php/PST/article/view/11067
In Moroccan cannabis, an analysis of its components, antioxidant activity & antimicrobial activities across different tissue types
Total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, LC–MS analysis, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. (Beldia): A comparative study of resin, leaf, and seed extracts and chemometric approach
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11694-025-03970-8
On analyzing the constituents of Yemeni cannabis
Phytoconstituents determination of cannabis sativa plant extracts
https://www.openabstract.org/abstract/1685/phytoconstituents-determination-of-cannabis-sativa-plant-extracts
For Nigerian cannabis, on creating a chemical profile using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis
ATR-FTIR and GC–MS chemical profiling of Cannabis sativa L. cultivated in Ondo state, Nigeria
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X26008994
For hemp stress resistance, a genetic analysis of the Betv gene family
Identification and Expression Analysis of the Betv1 Gene Family in Industrial Hemp
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12042-026-09464-1
For counting & analyzing hemp seeds, on comparing hand counting versus automated methods
Hemp seed counting and morphometric analysis method comparison
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/ppj2.70069
“When accessions were grouped by origin, East Asian accessions were found to have the largest seed size, and US feral accessions had the smallest seed size.”
For cannabis seed detection & classification, on using AI
AI-Powered Cannabis Seed Detection and Classification: A Machine Learning Approach for Precision Agriculture
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-8566248/v1
For classifying cannabis seeds, on using AI
A Comparison of Convolutional Neural Networks using Transfer Learning for Cannabis Seed Classification
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-4179/short3.pdf
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For commercial CBD oils, a secret buyer survey found over- & under-labeling
Not what it seems: analytical validation and label accuracy of commercial CBD oils using HPTLC
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00419-7
On differentiating cannabinoid isomers using copper salts & electrospray ionization with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method
Differentiation of cannabinoid isomers via Cu-mediated molecular ion formation and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41796083/
On creating CBD-microspheres for chronic pain
Development of Cannabidiol-Loaded PLGA Microspheres for Long-Acting Injectable Delivery: Evaluation of Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) as an Alternative to Poly(ethylene glycol)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/3/336
On nasal delivery of CBD, on the pharmacokinetics of starch-based CBD-loaded nanoparticles in rats
Pharmacokinetic Modeling of the “Nose-to-Brain” Pathway as Demonstrated by Intranasal Administration of Cannabidiol-Loaded Nanoparticles
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/3/456
🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞
In soybean protein-based meat analogues, on improved their sensory characteristics with pea & hemp seed protein hydrolysates
Incorporation of pea and hemp seed protein hydrolysates into soybean protein-based meat analogues for enhanced bioactive and instrumental sensory attributes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666833526000869
For producing albumin & globulin from hemp protein isolate, comparing ultrafiltration-diafiltration & isoelectric precipitation
Comparison of ultrafiltration-diafiltration and isoelectric precipitation for producing albumin and globulin fractions from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996926006277
In broiler chickens, cannabis seeds improve their lipid metabolism & the fatty acid profile of the meat with no adverse effects on growth
Dietary Inclusion of Cannabis sativa Seeds at Graded Levels Modulates Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Composition in Broilers
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjas-2025-0111
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For phytoremediation, a review of hemp removing heavy metals & forever chemicals
Current Knowledge on Phytoremediation Potential of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for PFAS and Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/rem.70059
For archival storage, paper made from hemp, flax & straw fibers “exhibited sufficient stability and structural integrity”
ASSESSMENT OF RAW PAPERS FROM NON-WOOD FIBRES FOR STORAGE AND PACKAGING OF ARCHIVAL MATERIALS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OBJECTS THROUGH A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY DIAGNOSTIC METHODOLOGY
https://www.cellulosechemtechnol.ro/firstonline.php
On creating biochar from industrial hemp for protecting antibiotics from degradation
Preparation of industrial hemp stalk charcoal material supported tetranitro cobalt phthalocyanine and iodine-doped bismuth oxide catalyst: enhanced visible-light response and efficient antibiotics degradation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1387700326003655
In hemp pomace (aka hemp cake, a byproduct of oil extraction from seeds), a characterization of the biopolymers & lipids
NMR characterisation of biopolymers and lipids from hemp pomace treated with Thermomyces lanuginosus
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-41682-1
For 3D-printing biocomposites, hemp retained structural integrity better than flax
Printability versus Durability in 3D-printed biocomposites: unraveling the distinct roles of flax and hemp fibers in PLA-based filaments
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785426006113
On creating a polymer composite reinforcer glass & hemp fibers
Dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis of glass/hemp reinforced hybrid polymer composites modified with Graphene and MXene fillers
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00429-6_reference.pdf
On creating pressure-sensitive hemp fabric coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes
MWCNT-coated hemp fabric as a wide-range flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor for human motion monitoring and gesture recognition
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10853-026-12354-2
For hemp fabrics, on the effect of adding a waterborne polyurethane
Synthesis of multifunctional surface-treatment coatings for hemp fabric: Incorporating flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, UV resistance, and enhanced mechanical strength
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092777572600823X
On creating hemp fibers doped with boron for flame & water resistance
Development of Sustainable Biocomposite Materials Using Boron-Doped Hemp Fabrics
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12649-026-03547-6
For wear-resistant fibers, on reinforcing hemp & bamboo fibers with micro-crystalline cellulose
Optimizing abrasive wear in sustainable MCC reinforced hemp bamboo epoxy composites for tribological applications
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-43505-9_reference.pdf
For insulation, an evaluation of composite materials made from hemp, flax & miscanthus shives
Unlocking the potential of bio-Based composites: durability and sustainability of hemp, flax, and miscanthus with low-carbon binders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259012302601128X
On improving lime-hemp composites with biopolymers to decrease water absorption
The combined effect of gum arabic and casein on selected parameters of lime-metakaolin paste and hemp concrete for use as wall material
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710226006455
In Perlite concrete, on incorporating hemp shives & recycled plastic waste
Hemp shives vs. plastic waste vs. polypropylene fibers in perlite concrete: An experimental comparative study of mechanical performance
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095006182600824X
For construction, on creating raw earth/hemp composites with low hemp shiv content
Impact of hemp shiv contents on hygrothermal and compressive properties of raw earth-based sustainable building materials
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41779-026-01367-4
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
On hemp extracellular vesicles, a review of their therapeutic potential
Hemp-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Frontier in Nanomedicine and Therapeutics
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40259-026-00766-0
On the therapeutic use of cannabis a review of the components, the evidence & the gaps
Insights Into Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Chemical Properties, Legal Perspectives, and Therapeutic Applications
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cbdv.202503030
🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥
For pesticides in cannabis, a commentary on how regulations are based on detection & not human health
Pesticides in Cannabis: The Need for Evidence to Inform Policy and Protect Patients
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291826000378
On novel cannabis ingestion methods, a review of the rise of high-potency concentrates, new inhalation techniques & delta-8 THC
Emergence of New Variants of Cannabis Use: A Systematic Review
https://www.gpub.org/article-details.php
In Massachusetts, on their trends of cannabis use from the Cannabis Control Commission
Cannabis Use Trends in Massachusetts: Findings from the International Cannabis Policy Study, 2019–2023
https://masscannabiscontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cannabis-Use-Trends-in-Massachusetts-Findings-from-the-International-Cannabis-Policy-Study-2019-2023.pdf
In US public health data, there is a small increase in the tri-use of cannabis, alcohol & tobacco
Trends and Correlates of Past-Month Cannabis, Alcohol, and Tobacco Tri-Use and Intensive Tri-Use: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016–2023
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2632185
In cannabis urine screens at the University of Colorado health system, the positivity rate has plateaued since 2015
Trends in cannabis urine drug screen testing in Colorado’s largest health system: a retrospective cohort study
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s42238-026-00418-8_reference.pdf
In a northern Israel hospital, attitudes towards cannabis differed significantly by religious affiliation
Cannabis, Religion, and Trust in the Medical Profession: A Cross-Religious Study of Patients’ Attitudes Toward Medical and Recreational Use in Northern Israel
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41833069/
“Christian participants reported the most favorable views toward both medical and recreational cannabis, followed by Jewish respondents, while Muslim and Druze participants expressed more conservative attitudes. Contrary to prior literature, higher trust in the medical profession was associated with more negative cannabis attitudes overall.”
In US cannabis consumers, a survey found that their state’s legal status did not alter their harm or benefit rating
Cannabis use within the United States: Prevalence of cannabis use by state legal status and perceptions of benefit and harm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724626000247
For people in supportive housing, the heavy co-users of tobacco & cannabis had less favorable attitudes towards tobacco-free policies & cannabis-free policies
Attitudes toward tobacco-free and cannabis-free policies among residents in permanent supportive housing who use tobacco, cannabis, and other substances
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853226000222
For extracting cannabis use data from electronic health records, on using a large language model
Extracting patient reported cannabis use and reasons for use from electronic health records: a benchmarking study of large language models
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.26347824v1.full.pdf
For nursing students, a review of their knowledge & attitudes towards cannabis
Nursing Students’ Attitudes and Knowledge of Medical and Recreational Cannabis Use: An Integrative Review
https://journals.lww.com/jan/abstract/9900/nursing_students__attitudes_and_knowledge_of.5.aspx
For cannabinoid urine testing, on using magnetic nanoparticles
Magnetic nanoparticles anchored with zeolites: An alternative material for dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction for cannabinoids from urine samples
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1570023226001182
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In adolescents, public health data found legalization was not associated with a significant change in cannabis use disorder rates
Nonmedical cannabis legalization and adolescent inpatient cannabis use disorder, 2008–2020: A quasi-experimental analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395926000745
In college students, more restrictive state cannabis policies were linked to lower odds of cannabis use while more restrictive alcohol policies were linked to higher cannabis use
Associations Between State Cannabis and Alcohol Policy Restrictiveness and College Students’ Cannabis Use, Binge Drinking and Co-Use
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2026.2641696
In college students, frequent cannabis use was associated with depressive symptoms
Relations between depression and cannabis use among college students in evolving state cannabis policy environments
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001080
In young adults, bipolar disorder risk was associated with cannabis interference in daily life, but not frequency of use or difficulty stopping cannabis
The highs and lows: Cannabis use and positive valence bipolar mood and emotion processes in emerging adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016503272600491X
In young Canadian cannabis consumers, there were few gendered differences in the prevalence of cannabis use outcomes, but boys had more negative life experiences & the girls had poorer mental health
Gender Differences in Correlates of Cannabis Consumers Among Youth: Results From the 2023 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X25008110
In young adult females who regularly use cannabis, recent cannabis consequences were associated with a decreased likelihood of subsequent use, except among heavy users
Cannabis Use Problems Moderate Daily Associations between Cannabis Consequences and Subsequent Use
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00441
In adolescents of the Pacific Northwest, a survey found that greater exposure to cannabis retail outlets may increase cannabis-related risks & use
A Decade After Legalization: Cannabis Risk Factors Associated with Community Retail Cannabis Exposure among Adolescents in the Pacific Northwest
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726000759
In UK schools, an analysis of confiscated vapes found synthetic cannabinoids to be dominant
Illicit substances in school-confiscated vapes: Lessons from a laboratory-driven public health pilot
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535226000492
For teen cannabis & alcohol use, those with parental disapproval that was neutral or conflicting were more likely to report past-year use
Association Between Perceived Parent Attitudes and Teen Cannabis and Alcohol Use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1054139X26000339
On creating a scale for college students on cannabis & compensatory eating behaviors
Development and Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Modified College Eating and Cannabis Behaviors Scale (CECBS)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-026-01646-y
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In a mouse model of stroke, the neuroprotection caused by activating CB1 receptors was dependent upon their presence in the neurons producing glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Glutamatergic cannabinoid receptor 1 confers neuroprotection against ischemic stroke by suppressing excitotoxicity and anoxic depolarization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390826000997
In a roundworm model of Alzheimer’s disease, CBD encapsulated within a zirconium-based metal-organic framework delayed the onset of amyloid-induced paralysis & demonstrated superior neuroprotective potency compared to free CBD
Oral Administration of Cannabidiol via Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: In Vivo Neuroprotective Effects in a C. elegans Alzheimer’s Model
https://chemrxiv.org/doi/pdf/10.26434/chemrxiv.15000800/v1
For a CBD lipid nanocarrier, a thesis project on targeting the central nervous system
Active targeting to the central nervous system through the covalent functionalization with cannabidiol of lipid nanocarriers obtained by low-energy methods
https://docta.ucm.es/entities/publication/a5ffb83c-7fb4-4d6b-9221-d401328339cb
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
For cannabis & sleep, a diary & sleep lab study found that cannabis expectancies were associated with overestimated total sleep time & time to sleep
Cannabis Expectancies for Sleep Modulate Discrepancies Between Subjective and Objective Sleep Outcomes: A Pilot Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2026.2644855
In a stress test of cannabis users, larger skin conductance & heart rate reactivity predicted greater reduction in motivation to change cannabis use
Elevated Stress Reactivity: A Barrier to Cannabis Use Change Behavior
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2640449
In French heavy cannabis users, on the effects of parental separation/divorce & anxiety
Onset of anxiety and mood disorders in French heavy cannabis users: The impact of parental separation/divorce
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013700626000266
For people trying to quit tobacco, cannabis-co-use had a negative impact on abstinence
Determining the impact of cannabis use on tobacco cessation: Results from a prospective non-randomized tobacco treatment trial
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.70382
For the link between cannabis use & schizophrenia, a review on the utility of preclinical animal models
Which Came First? Utility of Preclinical Models in Cracking the Chicken-or-Egg Relationship between Cannabis Use and Schizophrenia
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-026-00714-6
On creating a mouse model of cannabis use disorder using the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212–2
A Male Mouse Model of WIN 55,212–2 Self-Administration to Study Cannabinoid Addiction
https://bio-protocol.org/en/bpdetail?id=5652&type=0
In stressed mice with overexpression of the CB1 receptor in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), they had less weight gain & symptoms of stress
Selective overexpression of hippocampal CB1R alleviates chronic stress-induced neurogenesis impairment and behavior disorder in rats
https://www.sciopen.com/local/article_pdf/10.16016/j.2097-0927.202511032.pdf
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴
In brain scans of people with chronic pain, cannabis use was associated with changes to functional connectivity
The Role of Pain Frequency in the Divergent Associations Between Cannabis Use and Default Mode Network Connectivity
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2026/03/11/2026.03.10.26348038.full.pdf
In people who had wrist surgery, the cannabis users required less opioid painkillers to manage post-operative pain
Opioid Usage in the PACU Following Operative Distal Radius Fracture Repairs in Marijuana Users
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41811263/
In people who had nerve transfer surgery, the cannabis users had no significant differences
Impact of Marijuana Usage on Nerve Transfer Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/neurosurgery/abstract/10.1227/neu.0000000000003964_523~523impact-of-marijuana-usage-on-nerve-transfer-outcomes-a
In trauma patients, a meta-analysis of 30 studies found heterogeneity on their prevalence of cannabis use
Prevalence of cannabis use among trauma patients presenting to the emergency department: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15389588.2026.2623013
In a rat model of frostbite-induced chronic pain, activating both the CB1 & CB2 receptor reduced pain via neuroimmune, intracellular homeostasis & oxidative stress pathways
Peripheral cannabinoid receptor activation attenuates frostbite-induced chronic pain via modulation of TRP channels, neuroinflammation, and autophagy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584926001565
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
In a mouse model of GI motility (movement of food), those without CB1 receptors lost significantly more body weight during antibiotic treatment & had faster gut transit but slower colonic motility
Role of CB1 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract after microbiota depletion and natural recolonization
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8854797/v1_covered_d35fbf69-6b2a-4717-b81a-a5095c6b9c37.pdf
💧 The Genitourinary System 💧
In a female mouse model of spinal cord injury with the secondary complication of lower urinary tract dysfunction, a CBD-derived molecule reduced bladder weight, improved urodynamics, suppressed spinal cord neuroinflammation & promoted re-establishment of bladder-related neural pathways
A novel cannabidiol-derived small molecule ameliorates lower urinary tract dysfunction in mice with spinal cord injury via suppressing neuroinflammation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320526001219
In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (the most common genetic cause of renal failure), the kidney tissue had higher transcription levels of the CB1 receptor & significant reductions in the levels of endocannabinoids & key endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes
Progressive endocannabinoid system dysregulation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10020-026-01457-w
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
For wound healing, on creating a hydrogel dressing with CBD & mupirocin (an antibacterial ointment)
pH-Responsive and Self-Adaptive Hydrogel Dressing Based on a TA/PVA Network Co-Loaded with Cannabidiol and Mupirocin for Synergistic Infected Wound Healing
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711326002795
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In glioblastomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), CBD preconditioning moved the tumor microenvironment towards an anti-tumor state, improved disease control & potentially lowered relapse risk
Cannabidiol as a Prophylactic Agent Against Glioblastoma Growth: A Preclinical Investigation
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/2/757
In a computer analysis of breast cancer, CBD had strong binding affinities to CDK6, BCL2, MMP2 & VEGFR2
Potential of Using Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Molecule Against Various Cell Signaling Molecules Involved in Breast Cancer Complications: A Bioinformatics Approach
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41830580/
In cancer cells, inhibitors of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) caused anti-proliferative activity via glucose
Development of Glycoconjugated MAGL Inhibitors with Glucose-Dependent Antiproliferative Activity
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/6/2666
In cancer studies, on the importance of serum concentrations for modulating the cytotoxic potency of cannabinoids
Cytotoxicity Potency of Cannabinoids Is by Serum Supplementation: Implications for In Vitro Cancer Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41810908/
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
For the synthetic cannabinoid FUB-144, an analysis of metabolites produced by the liver
In vitro and in vivo metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoid FUB-144: comprehensive phase I and II profiling using UHPLC–HRMS
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-026-04321-2
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬
For drugs to activate the CB1 receptor, on creating an AI to help with synthesis
Explainable machine learning to identify cannabinoid 1 receptor agonists
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037907382600109X
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s early jazz guitar maestro, the album ‘Presenting Eddie Lang’. Born in Philadelphia, Lang grew up playing the violin & banjo before finally settling on the guitar when he joined the Mound City Blue Blowers. With them in 1924, he recorded one of the first guitar solos of all time on ‘Deep 2nd Street Blues’. Previously, the guitar was not a prominent instrument in jazz bands or dance orchestras, but with his ability to play sophisticated chords as an accompaniment or lovely single-note solos, Lang drew more prestige to the instrument. With his skills much admired, he played with many of the greats of the 1920s, including Bix Beiderbecke, most notably on their song ‘Singin The Blues’ which the Library of Congress placed in the National Recording Registry. He became friends with Bing Crosby during the filming of the movie ‘King of Jazz’, where you can see Lang playing with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. As Crosby ventured into radio, he insisted on Lang playing accompaniment & sharing his microphone. Eddie Lang’s career was looking bright when he entered the hospital to finally get his tonsils removed after years of problems, but he never woke up from the surgery. He was only 30 years old & jazz lost a shining star that day.
PPS: A rare content warning, but if you’re listening to this at work, beware when anything comes on by Bessie Smith. She didn’t even try to disguise what it was that she was talking about.
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