C&P#66: CBD for aging & hair growth + THC for fibro + how to dose cats
A wonderful roundup of psychedelic articles
Hello everyone,
[editor’s note: no newsletter next week. Heading to the beach.]
Welcome to the 66th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, a weekly newsletter where I collect all the new cannabinoid science. You can check out last week’s issue here & if you haven’t subscribed yet, please do. Paid subscriptions are here.
There’s no extra content with a paid subscription, but as I balance creating free content, consulting work & papa time, your support allows me to produce more educational content for the community.
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I also give one-on-one Cannabinoid Education Sessions with advice about using the cannabinoids for your health. Read my free How-To Guides, watch my One-Minute Cannabinoid Science videos or book a session with me here.
As always, here’s the Living Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms & at the bottom of the newsletter is the album of the week.
Announcements:
Upcoming lecture: I just got invited to do my first conference talk here in Europe since our move. I'll be at the CB Expo by CB Company in Dortmund this September with a talk titled,
'Cannabinoids & Terpenes - A Plethora of Potential Products to Produce'
Let me know if you’ll be there.To the 6 of you who clicked on the link to nominate me for the Emjays for social content creation, thank you. To the other 3,103 subscribers, I see you👁️👁️
This week…
CBD FOR AGING!
Male sexual behavior & the endocannabinoid system
An absolutely top-notch roundup of psychedelic writing & thinking
Veterans report how much cannabis helps them
Best systems for defeating a hair drug test + how to mail weed
Over & over again, cannabinoids for the pain of cancer patients
Stoners have weaker swallows (ineffective esophageal motility)
Cannabinoids against COVID, MRSA & Zika virus
It’s Cannabis Roots & Leaves Week! (n=3)
On why cannabis buds turn purple
new word: “ketiation” – ketamine + meditation
A request to spread the word
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth,
so please forward to colleagues & tell your friends & relatives.
Sponsor: PlusCBD’s unparalleled product selection
I spent 3 years working full-time for PlusCBD before I launched my consulting business so I know from the inside about their commitment to making quality CBD products. But that’s not the most special thing about them. What they do better than any other company in the industry is create a wide range of products.
Nobody else has this much…
Oils, capsules & gummies of course, including Max Strength
Topicals that come as balms, creams, roll-ons & special formulations for arthritis or athletes that contain menthol & camphor
The Reserve Collection! Oils, capsules & gummies containing from 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC per serving (I’m constantly being asked how people in non-medical can get THC-rich products & this is always what I recommend to them. Especially because it’s an easy-to-use standard serving size that’s just the right amount for people new to THC)
Excellent pet products in a range of flavors
THC-free CBD softgels & gummies
3 very special formulations with other ingredients:
Sleep gummies: Includes 3 mg of melatonin + extract of lemon balm & magnolia bark (two old plants for inducing sleep)
Calm gummies: Includes 5-HTP (the serotonin precursor) & L-theanine (from tea)
Relief capsules: Includes PEA + CBDA (see the Living Glossary for why I think these are the ingredients of the future for immune health & gut health)
This is why I recommend PlusCBD to so many of the clients I consult with: they offer an array of products like no other.
Buy their excellent products today at PlusCBDoil.com.
My work this week:
Canna-Education for CV Sciences (TikTok:@cvsciences):
[if you’re not into TikTok, these videos are also on my YouTube playlist 3-minute Cannabinoid Science]
Advice: How to Get the Best from Your Gummies
Menopause & the Cannabinoids + Hyperhidrosis
CBD Acid – the most abundant cannabinoid in Nature
CBD for Dogs
Neurogenesis & the Endocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids & Neurogenesis
My EU Report for Pro Cannabis Media:
Luxembourg becomes the second EU country to end cannabis prohibition +
Albania legalizes medical cannabis despite strong opposition +
Israel expands medical cannabis access
My TikToks: (@lexpelgerandhisbooks)
I seemed to have struck a chord with a mouse study on Trauma, Social Reward & Addiction (170k+ views).
So I did a follow-up on Animal Experimentation as well as 3 Books on the Brain & Our Mental Life.
Plus, on the spirituality side, Israel Regardie's Lost Book of Alchemy, the Number 2 & Blake’s Tyger.
And finally, mon français est arrive.
My platforms: Linktree
YouTube for educational videos, lectures & shorts on new cannabinoid science
Anandamide; or, the People: my graphic novel series on cannabis, the endocannabinoid system & the War on Drugs based on Moby-Dick
My podcasts
LinkedIn, Twitter & my TikTok on books, hermeticism, science & history
Ways to support this work:
Subscribe on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
Zelle: pelger@gmail.com
PayPal: donate here
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
An analysis of scientific papers finds more recent interest in cannabis than opium
Exploring the research evolution of Papaver somniferum and Cannabis sativa: A bibliometric comparative analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669023009081
I’ve rarely met a head who’s gotten the chance to experience true smoked opium.
Oh to dream the impossible dream…
Clinical
In fibromyalgia patients, THC caused significant improvements in pain intensity, depression & quality of life as well as a reduction in painkiller usage
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) : A retrospective study of changes in pain, psychometric variables, and analgesic consumption during inpatient interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMPT)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37289246/
In a person with chronic pain of the jaw bone & muscles, full-spectrum CBD produced excellent results & remarkable improvements in quality of life
Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol for Treating Chronic Temporomandibular Arthralgia: A Case Report
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/imr.2023.0002
Hair growth in alopecia patients with full-spectrum hemp extracts
Hair Regrowth with Novel Hemp Extract: A Case Series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37305187/
In interviews of Canadian veterans using cannabis, most reported improvements in their overall quality of life, sleep, relationships, mood & pain
Views on and experiences with medicinal cannabis among Canadian Veterans who live with pain: A qualitative study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/24740527.2023.2232838
Relatedly, the rate of positive cannabis urine tests by US veterans has been on the rise for 15 years
Trends in Cannabis-positive Urine Toxicology Test Results: US Veterans Health Administration Emergency Department Patients, 2008 to 2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37418654/
And an editorial on the use of cannabinoids for pain & PTSD by military personnel & veterans
Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel and Veterans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436761/
From the heroic Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, an open letter to the Patients of Ukraine Foundation about the benefits of cannabinoids for PTSD
https://www.drugspeaceinstitute.org/docs/20230622-Letter%20from%20the%20IACM%20on%20PTSD.pdf
Just last month, Ukraine’s medical cannabis law passed its first hurdle.
For medical patients, how does feeling high from their cannabis treatments affect outcomes
Understanding feeling "high" and its role in medical cannabis patient outcomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37292156/
“Our results show that, as compared to sessions in which individuals did not report feeling high, reporting feeling high was associated with a 7.7% decrease in symptom severity … with evidence of a 14.4 percentage point increase (p < 0.001) in negative side effect reporting and a 4.4 percentage point (p < 0.01) increase in positive side effect reporting. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels and dose were the strongest statistical predictors of reporting feeling high, while the use of a vaporizer was the strongest inhibitor of feeling high. In symptom-specific models, the association between feeling high and symptom relief remained for people treating pain (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.01) and fatigue (p < 0.01), but was insignificant, though still negative, for people treating insomnia.”
In healthy cats, the bioavailability of CBD increased 10 times when administered with a meal
Disposition of a single oral dose of a cannabidiol medication in healthy cats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37303724/
Reviews
On CBD for aging
The role of cannabidiol in aging
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37418976/
In binge eating disorders, a review of the role of the endocannabinoid system (good charts)
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Binge Eating Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298525/
Male sexual behavior & the endocannabinoid system
The endogenous cannabinoid system modulates male sexual behavior expression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37324524/
On Alzheimer's disease & the related depression, a review of using the cannabinoids
Under the umbrella of depression and Alzheimer's disease physiopathology: Can cannabinoids be a dual-pleiotropic therapy?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414155/
A narrative review of mental health adverse events with cannabis use & why people are coming to the emergency room
Mental health adverse events with cannabis use diagnosed in the Emergency Department: what are we finding now and are our findings accurate?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37304435/
A review of 20 studies on in utero cannabis exposures & birth defects “suggested that cannabis exposure was not associated with these types of malformations, but strong conclusions cannot be drawn from such sparce [sic] research”
A systematic review of in utero cannabis exposure and risk for structural birth defects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37303758/
Conversely, with one of the most stigma-bearing titles I've ever seen, a review of in utero cannabis exposure & later mental health risks
Cannabis during pregnancy: A way to transfer an impairment to later life
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37318343/
And in mice, fetal exposure to CBD sensitized the males to thermal pain via the TRPV1 receptor & reduced problem-solving behaviors in the female via changes to neuronal excitability
Fetal cannabidiol (CBD) exposure alters thermal pain sensitivity, problem-solving, and prefrontal cortex excitability
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37433966/
On the potential of treating tinnitus by targeting the CB2 receptor
Endocannabinoid system components as potential neuroimmune therapeutic targets in tinnitus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37305742/
A review of the therapeutic potential of the little studied stilbenes
Therapeutic Potential and Predictive Pharmaceutical Modeling of Stilbenes in Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37514127/
“Fourteen stilbenes have been identified to be present in cannabis… The stilbenes summarized in this analysis show varying degrees of therapeutic benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer to antioxidant effects.”
An overview of medical cannabis resources & guidelines for healthcare professionals
Medicinal Cannabis Guidance and Resources for Health Professionals to Inform Clinical Decision Making
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414503/
Preclinical
In pregnant rhesus macaques, cannabis edibles turned off genes in the fetus & placenta related to autism
Prenatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure is associated with changes in rhesus macaque DNA methylation enriched for autism genes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37415206/
In a male mouse model of autism, CBD enhanced their social interactions
Acute cannabidiol treatment enhances social interaction in adult male mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37273836/
In a mouse model of inflammation from acute stress, pretreatment with full-spectrum hemp extracts lowered the inflammation & stress hormone response, though less effectively in females
Oral CBD-rich hemp extract modulates sterile inflammation in female and male rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37275221/
In a mouse model of peripheral nerve injuries (one of the most complex medical conditions with no effective first-line treatment), the ability of cannabis leaf extract to restore muscle function & speed up recovery
Comparative evaluation of ethyl acetate and n-Hexane extracts of Cannabis sativa L. leaves for muscle function restoration after peripheral nerve lesion
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37324902/
In mouse models of several types of pain, encapsulated CBD-rich hemp extracts lowered pain with increased bioavailability
Evaluation of the Analgesic Effect of High-Cannabidiol-Content Cannabis Extracts in Different Pain Models by Using Polymeric Micelles as Vehicles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298776/
In rats that had been using methamphetamine for 10 days & were now abstinent, injections of CBD enhanced levels of brain growth factors
Cannabidiol Modulating the Expression of Neurotrophin Signaling Pathways in Chronic Exposure to Methamphetamine in Rats During Abstinence Period
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37313028/
A mouse safety study of a full-spectrum hemp extract found no negative changes
Toxicological safety assessment of HempChoice® hemp oil extract; a proprietary extract consisting of a high concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) in addition to other phytocannabinoids and terpenes derived from Cannabissativa L
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37313165/
“The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for HempChoice® Hemp Oil Extract was determined to be 185.90 mg/kg BW/day in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.”
A new rapid screening system for testing THC levels in saliva
CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37306613/
For neurochemical nerds, a deep review of how the CB1 receptor in axons drives resistance to agonist-driven endocytosis
SGIP1 in axons prevents internalization of desensitized CB1R and modifies its function
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1213094/full
A well-done & practical thesis project on the effects of blood preservatives & anticoagulants on the later analysis of blood cannabinoid levels
Impact of Blood Preservatives and Anticoagulants on Cannabinoid Quantitative Analysis
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/289/
An evergreen note on reading restricted papers:
First stop for seeing if there’s a free version of a paper, use the Google Scholar Chrome extension (Mac version), Google Scholar itself or try ResearchGate.
Three other helpful browser extensions are: Unpaywall, Open Access Button & PaperPanda
For the infamous backdoor, use Sci-Hub – the pirated papers repository (Chrome extension here). This works better for older paper than the stuff that just came out.
For Twitter users, send a Tweet of the paper’s title with the hashtag #icanhazpdf. It works because people are beautiful(ish).
Finally, email the author. They’re almost always happy to oblige because, thanks to the predatory academic publishing system, they don’t make a dollar off of their papers.
the Headlines & Fav Articles
In Arkansas, medical cannabis patients can now obtain their concealed carry firearm license
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/arkansas-law-protecting-medical-marijuana-patients-gun-rights-officially-takes-effect/
In New York, the cannabis regulators are being sued by veterans who claim that people with drug convictions are getting favored over them
https://nypost.com/2023/08/03/ny-favors-drug-felons-over-disabled-vets-to-sell-marijuana-suit/
The Vermont cannabis businesses affected by flooding are not eligible for federal aid
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/vermont-cannabis-businesses-affected-by-floods-ineligible-for-federal-aid/
In Oklahoma, cannabis dispensaries were most likely to be in neighborhoods with no pharmacies & more uninsured residents
Population and Neighborhood Correlates of Cannabis Dispensary Locations in Oklahoma
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287730/
When grouped by sexual identity, a national survey finds that cannabis use rose among all groups except lesbians
Trends in Cannabis and Alcohol Use by Sexual Identity in the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37449947/
History Corner: On Operation Julie, the giant LSD microdot drug bust of mid ‘70s UK
LSD, Smiles and the Madness of Operation Julie
International
Portugal continues to try & dismantle the War on Drugs by expanding their famous decriminalization law & putting the onus on police to prove that someone with more than the permitted consumption amount was intending to traffic it
https://cannareporter.eu/en/2023/07/25/portugal-amends-drug-law-to-end-the-criminalization-of-consumption/
Interviews in Uruguay about why their medical cannabis program is lagging
Conflicting forces in the implementation of medicinal cannabis regulation in Uruguay
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37434242/
A review of Brazil's medical cannabis laws & pharmaceutical forms of cannabinoids
Medicinal aspects, pharmaceutical forms and Brazilian legislation regarding cannabinoids
https://revista.fmc.br/ojs/index.php/RCFMC/article/view/809
President William Ruto wears a cannabis shirt & makes the Internet fall in love with him
https://nairobinews.nation.africa/president-william-rutos-ganja-shirt-sparks-a-mixed-reaction-online
Who cares about corruption charges with a shirt like that? Where can I get one?
The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
Awful story of Texas teens being jailed for vaping things that they’re legally buying down the street from their school (and even if it is illegal, ruining their lives for it)
https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-high-schoolers-being-jailed-130000119.html
An analysis of the systems for defeating a hair drug test finds a combo of baking soda, salicylic acid & bleach to be the most effective option
Hair analysis: Assessment of homemade hair treatment effects on drug concentrations in the keratin matrix
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/dta.3541
I'm not gonna sit here and pretend to be sanctimonious about whether you should try this or not. You should absolutely do this to defeat these evil fucking tests. Everything is wrong with them.
Great advice on how to mail weed
https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a44121441/can-you-mail-weed-laws-risk
Again, not going to pretend to be partisan. Ship your weed anywhere in the US using USPS. Unless, you’re shipping multiple pounds, the very worst you risk is the package not showing up. It affords me endless delight that the absolute biggest mover of grass in the country is the US Postal Service founded by Benjamin Franklin, who most certainly would have been horrified by Prohibition.
A review of 29 studies on the effect of adult-use cannabis laws finds an association with an increased rate of cannabis-related hospitalizations, mixed effects on fatal motor vehicle accidents & unclear results for mental health, suicides & the use of opioids & alcohol
The effect of recreational cannabis legalization and commercialization on substance use, mental health, and injury: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37429043/
No surprise but cannabis arrests only increase costs & perceived risk but not use
Policing Pot: State-Level Cannabis Arrests Increase Perceived Risks and Costs but Not Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287955/
In Australia, how daily cannabis users change their driving behavior to avoid the police
Australian daily cannabis users' use of police avoidance strategies and compensatory behaviours to manage the risks of drug driving
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37323052/
“While most participants (93%) disagreed that their risk of crash increased following cannabis use, participants reported that they would drive more carefully (89%), leave greater headway (79%) and/or drive slower (51%) following cannabis consumption. Half of the sample (53%) perceived the risk of apprehension for drug driving to be likely to some extent. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of being detected were used by 25% of participants, and included using Facebook police location sites (16%), driving on back roads (6%) and/or consuming substances to mask the presence of drugs (13%).”
Business & Law
Moody’s publishes a report on how changes to cannabis tax laws would boost revenue for businesses
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-01/policy-tweaks-crucial-to-unlock-state-pot-revenues-moody-s-says
An analysis of how recreational cannabis programs alter the medical cannabis programs
Medical Cannabis Program Sustainability in the Era of Recreational Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414508/
And on the importance of standalone medical cannabis programs for patients
Why a distinct medical stream is necessary to support patients using cannabis for medical purposes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37403136/
On trying to create cannabis policies that shed the racist past
Cannabis Policy in the 21st Century: Mandating an Equitable Future and Shedding the Racist Past
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414505/
And a history of cannabis regulation
History of Cannabis Regulation and Medicinal Therapeutics: It's Complicated
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414502/
On the importance of cannabis social clubs
Cannabis Social Clubs in Contemporary Legalization Reforms: Talking Consumption Sites and Social Justice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414506/
How California jurisdictions are still split between legal sales of cannabis & retail bans
Local Laws Regulating Cannabis in California Two Years Post Legalization: Assessing Incorporation of Lessons from Tobacco Control
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287931/
And how they take different approaches to regulating alcohol versus cannabis
Alignment in local approaches to alcohol and cannabis control policy: A case study of California cities and counties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37441979/
An analysis of the advertising strategies on the websites of cannabis brands
"There must be something good": Fair balance and ad appeal of marijuana brands' website
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37451220/
On the delta 8 THC discussion on Twitter & the influence of retailers
#Delta8: a retailer-driven increase in Delta-8 THC discussions on Twitter from 2020 to 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37433117/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
Fucking wow: One of the strongest (and research backed) articles I've ever seen on how & why psychedelics evolved & what they must have meant for our own evolution
https://tripsitter.com/why-do-plants-make-psychedelics
From the list of psychoactive plants at the end, bonus points for how many of them you know & how many you tried.
44 & 27.
A manifesto on the importance of Henri Michaux for the psychedelic humanities
Henri Michaux's program for the psychedelic humanities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37275714/
Now that my French has come in, I’m hoping to start reading psychedelic classics in their original tongue…
On psychedelic corporate retreats, a new word: “ketiation” – ketamine + meditation
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/aug/01/psychedelic-corporate-retreat-drug-trip-silicon-valley
I’ve never done ketamine on a corporate retreat, but I can attest that ketamine is easy access to stopping the chatter of the monkey mind you find in meditation in a similar way that psychedelics is easy access to the ineffable oneness of all beings.
‘As psychedelics near approval, there’s no consensus on how they work’ by Olivia Goldhill
https://www.statnews.com/2023/07/03/psychedelics-ketamine-mdma-ptsd-how-they-work
The Canadian (illegal) psilocybin mushroom dispensary company FunGuyz keeps opening locations despite getting busted, calling it an act of disobedience to speed up the psilocybin legalization process
https://www.cp24.com/news/hamilton-police-shut-down-two-magic-mushroom-dispensaries-1.6470845
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/mushroom-shop-raided-1.6903882
https://montreal.citynews.ca/2023/07/10/magic-mushroom-montreal-store/
Love the chutzpah!
‘How a Legal Loophole Made Jamaica a Magic Mushroom Paradise’ by Mattha Busby
https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d9dy3/jamaica-magic-mushrooms-legal-loophole
A well-done Psychedelic Bookshelf by Tripsitter
The Psychoactive Research
[This isn’t a deep dive into the science of psychedelics & other psychoactives like I do for the cannabinoids. If your company or organization would be interested in a breakdown of all the new psychedelic science, reach out to me]
For Alzheimer’s disease, a review of the potential benefits of psychedelics
The potential of psychedelics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37451163/
For patients with depression & active suicidal ideation, the benefits of esketamine nasal spray
Effects of esketamine on patient-reported outcomes in major depressive disorder with active suicidal ideation and intent: a pooled analysis of two randomized phase 3 trials (ASPIRE I and ASPIRE II)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37439961/
On what psychedelics teach us about the default mode network (DMN) & its relationship to theory of mind (ToM)
The relationship between the default mode network and the theory of mind network as revealed by psychedelics - A meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37467907/
“We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of 88 studies with a total of 2122 participants to investigate the overlap between DMN and ToM and whether psychedelics affect their neural relationship. We found that the cingulate cortex (BA23 and BA31) plays a crucial role in the overlap between these networks which is substantiated by the effects of psychedelics. These compounds affect the neural basis of ToM and social cognition, which may underlie their therapeutic potential and deepen our understanding of the neural correlates of the self.”
A compare & contrast of the altered states of consciousness from psychedelics, hypnosis & meditation
Comparing neural correlates of consciousness: from psychedelics to hypnosis and meditation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37459910/
The Plant & the History
A review of the responses of cannabis to environmental stressors
The responses of Cannabis sativa to environmental stress: a balancing act
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/cjb-2023-0056
A history of hemp use in the Ottoman era
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO HEMP CULTIVATION, PROCESSING, TRADE, AND PUBLICATION IN THE OTTOMAN ERA
https://derleme.gen.tr/index.php/derleme/article/view/453
Growing & Farming
On why cannabis buds turn purple
When Cannabis sativa L. Turns Purple: Biosynthesis and Accumulation of Anthocyanins
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37507932/
On inoculating with soil bacteria to improve cannabis rooting
Alternative Rooting Methods for Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation in Denmark-Preliminary Results
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37299195/
Inoculations with root bacteria unexpectedly decreased trichome densities when nutrient levels were normal but increased them when nutrient levels were low
Sub-optimal nutrient regime coupled with Bacillus and Pseudomonas sp. inoculation influences trichome density and cannabinoid profiles in drug-type Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37275248/
In stored Kentucky hemp from the 2019 & 2020 harvest, the pathogenic mold Fusarium was found in several samples
Fusarium species recovered from postharvest hemp materials from Kentucky fields
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PHP-06-23-0054-RS
The effects of corn earworms on hemp & the influence of fertilization practices & hemp varieties
Influence of varieties of hemp, Cannabis sativa (Rosales: Cannabaceae), and fertilization rates on damage caused by corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431786/
The effects of the heavy metal cadmium on growth & heavy metal transporter genes in the roots
Cadmium exposure is associated with increased transcript abundance of multiple heavy metal associated transporter genes in roots of hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37324677/
The genomics of cannabis flowering behavior
Comparative genomics of flowering behavior in Cannabis sativa
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1227898/full
Extraction & Processing Techniques
An extensive comparison of analyzing cannabinoids with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) & high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass detection (HPLC-MS)
GC vs. HPLC in quantitation of CBD, CBG, ∆9-THC and CBN in plasma using different sample preparation methods
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37453144/
On the search for the ideal microorganism for the dew retting of hemp
The quest for the ideal dew retting promoting micro-organism
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H4QS519X7SJ8RKG6MA2ERZ5F
On using a bacteria for the degumming of hemp
Screening of Pectobacterium aroidearum WNH with degumming effect on hemp
https://wswxtb.ijournals.cn/wswxtben/article/abstract/tb23062677?st=article_issue
The spectra of 11 cannabinoids
A study of major cannabinoids via Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37473664/
Industrial Use
Using hemp fibers to make ecological packaging material
Development of Chitosan Green Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fibers: Study of Mechanical and Barrier Properties for Packaging Application
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298964/
Using hemp stalks for bioenergy
Utilization of hemp stalk as a potential resource for bioenergy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258929912300037X
Hemp as a curing agent in concrete
An Experimental Evaluation of Hemp as an Internal Curing Agent in Concrete Materials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37297126/
A book chapter on hemp as a food & fiber
Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) Agronomic Practices, Engineering Properties, Bioactive Compounds and Utilization in Food Processing Industry
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119793007.ch5
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
An analysis of the cannabinoid content of hemp tea
Cannabinoid contents in hemp teas and estimation of their transfer into tea infusions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37417991/
On the antioxidant activity of cannabis leaves
Determining Antioxidant Activity of Cannabis Leaves Extracts from Different Varieties-Unveiling Nature's Treasure Trove
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37507928/
In Colombia, an analysis of the cannabinoid content of cannabis samples submitted by the local users
Recreational cannabis: Profile of cannabinoids present in marijuana samples supplied by the consuming population
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37311141/
From India, an ethnomedical review of cannabis
Indigenous plant Cannabis sativa: a comprehensive ethnobotanical and pharmacological review
https://www.journals.tmkarpinski.com/index.php/ejbr/article/view/680
Clinical Use
On how the timing of your cannabis use distinguishes your outcomes
Early Birds and Night Owls: Distinguishing Profiles of Cannabis Use Habits by Use Times with Latent Class Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287731/
“Results determined that a 5-class solution best fit the data within each independent sample consisting of the classes: (1) "Daily-morning use",(2) "Daily-non-morning use", (3) "Weekend-morning use", (4) "Weekend-night use", and (5) "Weekend-evening use." Classes endorsing daily and/or morning use reported greater use, negative consequences and motives, while those endorsing weekend and/or non-morning use reported the most adaptive outcomes (i.e., reduced frequency/quantity of use, fewer consequences experienced, and fewer cannabis use disorder symptoms endorsed).”
2 fat new textbook on the medical use of cannabinoids
Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
https://shop.elsevier.com/books/medicinal-usage-of-cannabis-and-cannabinoids/preedy/978-0-323-90036-2
Cannabis Use, Neurobiology, Psychology, and Treatment
https://shop.elsevier.com/books/cannabis-use-neurobiology-psychology-and-treatment/r-martin/978-0-323-89862-1
Adolescents & Pediatric
A case series of children with accidental cannabinoid exposure via edibles
Jellybean-Induced Intoxication: A Case Series of Unintentional Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure in Children and Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432966/
An analysis of the pediatric use of nabiximols (1:1 THC:CBD sprays)
Characterizing the Use of Nabiximols (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Cannabidiol) Buccal Spray in Pediatric Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37409141/
Most teens report using alcohol or tobacco before cannabis
First use of cannabis compared to first use of alcohol and tobacco: Associations with single and poly-substance use behavior
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37269777/
In high school students, using a novel method of cannabis administration such as edibles, dabs & vaporizers was associated with getting less sleep
Novel Methods of Cannabis Use and Lower Sleep Duration Among High School Students
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287665/
In Canadian students, legalization didn't really change their perceptions of cannabis harms
Correlates of Perceived Harmfulness of Regular Cannabis Use among Canadian University Students Before and After Legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287933/
Meanwhile in Vermont, 40% of the young adults didn't even know the current state policies on cannabis
Young Adults' Knowledge of State Cannabis Policy: Implications for Studying the Effects of Legalization in Vermont
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287934/
A review of the impact of cannabis on adolescent neurodevelopment & the effects of state policies
The Impact of Cannabis Use on Adolescent Neurodevelopment and Clinical Outcomes Amidst Changing State Policies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414504/
In adolescent mice, exposure to low doses of THC disrupted their energy balance & fat homeostasis in adulthood
Adolescent exposure to low-dose THC disrupts energy balance and adipose organ homeostasis in adulthood
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37267956/
“Thus, adolescent exposure to THC may promote an enduring "pseudo-lean" state that superficially resembles healthy leanness but might in fact be rooted in adipose organ dysfunction.”
In adolescent mice, the differential effects between co-exposure to nicotine & a synthetic cannabinoid
Age-dependent memory impairment induced by co-exposure to nicotine and a synthetic cannabinoid in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37442332/
Neurology & Brain Diseases
For long COVID, a small safety study on using CBD found no problems
Feasibility of a cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant cannabis based medicinal product (CBMP) for the treatment of Long COVID symptoms: A single arm open label feasibility trial
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr686531
On the relationship between adverse childhood experiences & adult cannabis use
Expanded Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Cannabis Use: A Latent Class Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287726/
In women, but not men, cannabis use was associated with lower volumes of the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Testing the consequences of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use on hippocampal volume: a quasi-experimental cotwin control analysis of young adult twins
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37310301/
In a fruit fly model of Fragile X syndrome, early administration of CBDV lowered neuroinflammation & prevented the neurobehavioral abnormalities
Early Administration of the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin Prevents the Neurobehavioral Abnormalities Associated With the Fmr1-Ko Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202307.0140/v1
In a mouse model of neuronal degeneration, oleoylethanolamide (an analog of anandamide) lowered neuroinflammation & prevented massive inflows of white blood cells into the cerebellum via the PPAR nuclear receptors (regulators of genetic transcription)
Oleoylethanolamide Treatment Modulates Both Neuroinflammation and Microgliosis, and Prevents Massive Leukocyte Infiltration to the Cerebellum in a Mouse Model of Neuronal Degeneration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298639/
In a rat model of migraines, inhibiting ABHD6 & MAGL (enzymes that break down 2-AG) helped to prevent the migraines
ABHD6 and MAGL control 2-AG levels in the PAG and allodynia in a CSD-induced periorbital model of headache
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287623/
In male & female mice, the fatty acid binding protein FABP5 differentially impacts dopamine signaling depending on the environment
Fatty acid-binding protein 5 differentially impacts dopamine signaling independent of sex and environment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772392523000615
In neural stem cells, inhibiting the NAAA enzyme (which breaks down PEA) blocks the maturation of the Zika virus
Inhibiting immunoregulatory amidase NAAA blocks ZIKV maturation in Human Neural Stem Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414288/
In brain motor circuits, the neuropeptide orexin has both inhibitory & excitatory effects on the synapses
Orexin recruits non-selective cationic conductance and endocannabinoid to dynamically modulate firing of caudal pontine reticular nuclear neurons
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37421377/
In human brain cells, delta-8 THC upregulates glutamate pathway genes (the most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Δ8-THC Induces Up-Regulation of Glutamatergic Pathway Genes in Differentiated SH-SY5Y: A Transcriptomic Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298437/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
How your baseline levels of anxiety & depression relate to your subjective mood & intoxication effects from high-THC or high-CBD cannabis concentrate
Baseline affective symptomatology moderates acute subjective effects of high potency THC and CBD cannabis concentrates
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37289543/
A genetic analysis finds cannabis use by those with a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia is associated with psychotic-like experiences & that the cannabis-psychosis link is not limited to individuals with a genetic predisposition to psychosis
Independent contribution of polygenic risk for schizophrenia and cannabis use in predicting psychotic-like experiences in young adulthood: testing gene × environment moderation and mediation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37310336/
Neurological tools for differentiating psychosis induced by cannabis or not
A neuropsychological approach to differentiating cannabis-induced and primary psychotic disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37280059/
Using Amazon Turk to disprove the cannabis- schizophrenia connection
Cannabis's Link to Schizotypy: Phenomenon, Measurement Bias, or Delusion?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287953/
Among tobacco smokers, those also using cannabis were more likely to report depressive symptoms
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and cannabis use among adult cigarette smokers in Canada: cross-se`ctional findings from the 2020 International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Canada Smoking and Vaping Survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37311596/
A description of an ongoing study combining noninvasive brain stimulation with behavioral pharmacology to look at problematic cannabis use
Combining noninvasive brain stimulation with behavioral pharmacology methods to study mechanisms of substance use disorder
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1150109/full
For sleep regulation & cognition, a review of 12 studies on the role of cannabis & the endocannabinoid system
The Role of Cannabis and The Endocannabinoid System in Sleep Regulation and Cognition: A Review of Human and Animal Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37401160/
A review of cannabis use disorder in South Africa
Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorders in South Africa: A Narrative Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220426231189168
In a rat model of anxiety, CBG modulates a serotonin & adrenaline receptor in the dorsal raphe nucleus & locus coeruleus
Cannabigerol modulates α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor-mediated electrophysiological effects on dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus neurons and anxiety behavior in rat
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37305529/
In a rat model of stimulant use disorder, activating the CB1 receptor with the drug ACEA increased amphetamine self-administration, anxiety levels & altered CB1 receptor & stress hormone receptor levels in the amygdala & nucleus accumbens shell (two brain centers related to addiction)
CB1R chronic intermittent pharmacological activation facilitates amphetamine seeking and self-administration and changes in CB1R/CRFR1 expression in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37308040/
In a mouse model of nicotine withdrawal, ones without the alpha version of DAGL (the enzyme that synthesizes 2-AG) had less signs of withdrawal while the ones without the beta version saw a difference in there sensitivity to pain
Differential roles of diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) enzymes in nicotine withdrawal
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37442250/
In a female mouse model of anxiety, those without a FAAH enzyme had less hypervigilance during adolescence
Developmental age and fatty acid amide hydrolase genetic variation converge to mediate fear regulation in female mice
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dev.22409
In a zebrafish model of social withdrawal behavior (such as in autism or schizophrenia), they had increased neuroinflammation as well as alterations to their GABA, glutamate & endocannabinoid signaling
Altered GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid signaling is accompanied by neuroinflammatory response in a zebrafish model of social withdrawal behavior
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37284463/
Female-specific, Reproduction & Hormones
In a mouse model of painful menstrual cramps, the Brazilian traditional use of cannabis roots contains 4 compounds that reduced pain & abdominal contortions
Cannabis sativa L. roots from Northeast Brazil reduce abdominal contortions in a mouse model of primary dysmenorrhea
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37423518/
“The data obtained by HPLC-MS suggested the presence of four substances: cannabisativine, anhydrocannabisativine, feruloyltyramine, and p-coumaroyltyramine.”
Something about cannabis use & beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (lousy paywalls)
Cannabis use and serum beta-hCG: A smoky illusion
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37279527/
Pain & Inflammation
In rats with persistent inflammation, the efficacy of activating the CB1 receptor decreases after a week because of desensitization but surprisingly, inhibiting the MAGL enzyme (& thus lowering the degradation of 2AG) protects the CB1 receptors from desensitization
Monoacylglycerol Lipase Protects the Presynaptic Cannabinoid 1 Receptor from Desensitization by Endocannabinoids after Persistent Inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414560/
A structural study of how CBD is a negative modulator of a key opioid receptor
Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Cannabidiol-Based Analogs as Negative Allosteric Modulators of the μ-Opioid Receptor
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37437224/
Regulation of the TRPV1 receptor by the endocannabinoid-adjacent lipid LPA
Allosteric regulation of TRPV1 by the inflammatory lipid LPA
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37292745/
The Immune System
Among Black & Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men & gender-diverse individuals at risk of HIV, those who used cannabis were more likely to stop using
pre-exposure prophylaxis use (PrEP)
Cannabis Use Frequency is Associated with PrEP Cessation and Self-reported HIV Diagnosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37422575/
And in people with HIV, cannabis use was associated with reduced antiretroviral adherence
Alcohol and drug use severity are independently associated with antiretroviral adherence in the current treatment era
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37419138/
Against the virus that causes COVID, the antiviral activity of CBDA & its methyl ester analog
Antiviral Activity of Cannabidiolic Acid and Its Methyl Ester against SARS-CoV-2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37402317/
In MRSA (the bacteria resistant to antibiotics that stalks hospitals), how cannabinoids changed the protein levels related to energy production & caused antibiotic activity when combined with methicillin
Proteomic Changes in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Exposed to Cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37411021/
The Guts, the Microbiome & Oral Health
In people who came in for measurements of their esophagus, chronic cannabis users were found to have weak swallows & more ineffective esophageal motility
The Impact of Chronic Cannabis Use on Esophageal Motility in Patients Referred for Esophageal Manometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436840/
The Lungs
For treating asthma, an editorial on targeting the cannabinoid system
Could we co-opt the cannabinoid system for asthma therapy?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37420178/
A case report of an adolescent with respiratory failure after smoking cannabis
Marijuana as a trigger for pneumonitis in adolescents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37308393/
The Skin
On creating nano beta-caryophyllene for the topical treatment of skin conditions
Beta Caryophyllene-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Management of Skin Disorders: Statistical Optimization, In Vitro and Dermatokinetic Evaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37504429/
The Eyes
In a study of people using synthetic THC for more than a year, they had few differences in these optical measures
Compare of optic coherence tomography parameters in recreational synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol use and healthy control
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37417942/
I’m not sure what they mean by synthetic THC. Maybe synthetic cannabinoids?
Cancer & Chemotherapy
An analysis of cancer patients finds cannabinoid-based medicines effective for several types of pain including the difficult to treat neuropathic pain
Cannabinoid-based medicines in clinical care of chronic non-cancer pain: an analysis of pain mechanism and cannabinoid profile
https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A1001148/1001148.pdf
In cancer patients, on cannabis & quality of life
Quality of life beyond measure: Advanced cancer patients, wellbeing and medicinal cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37283094/
In a survey of gynecological cancer patients, the most common reasons for using cannabis were pain, anxiety & insomnia – but many were too scared to talk to their doctors about it
Cannabis use in gynecologic cancer patients in a Canadian cancer center
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37273764/
In patients with adrenal tumors, they had decreased hair levels of anandamide & 2AG
Hair cortisol and endocannabinoids measurement in patients with adrenal incidentalomas: A case control study
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3104447/v1/f1183b72-a546-44af-8a10-4b08104a78db.pdf
A review of 14 studies on using cannabis-based medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly negative results
Cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for adults with cancer pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37283486/
On using cannabis extracts against liver cancer cells via the protein kinase B (Akt)
Cannabis sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potentials in animal model: in silico and in vivo studies of the involvement of Akt
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37434213/
A review of cannabinoids for oncologists
Should oncologists trust cannabinoids?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37521486/
I put this at the bottom of the section because frankly, oncologists are some of the most stubborn & backwards of the MDs & few of them will change their minds because of a well-written review paper. #changemymind
Synthetic Cannabinoids
The pharmacology of HHC
Synthesis and pharmacological activity of the epimers of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37422571/
Cool Chemistry
The binding strength of CBD to albumin (transporter proteins found in the blood)
Interaction studies of cannabidiol with human serum albumin by surface plasmon resonance, spectroscopy, and molecular docking
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37434318/
A new green method for purifying CBG
Green cannabigerol purification through simulated moving bed chromatography
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772577423000186
A molecular study of the energy levels required to degrade THC to CBN
Theoretical exploration and experimental regulation of the degradation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in hemp seed oil by density functional theory
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37316068/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s classic album of pioneering rockabilly & sharp guitar work, ‘Daredevil’ by Dale Hawkins in 1956. This son of Louisiana often called the architect of swamp rock boogie scored a huge hit with this album’s first track “Susie Q”. A nationwide sensation, the song was later listed as one of the ‘The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll’. Hawkins was one of the few white recording artists at the legendary Chess Records & later moved into a successful career as a music producer.
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