C&P#70: cannabis for fibro + THC microdoses for older brains + CBD drug-drug interactions
Cannabis moving Schedules?
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 70th 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.
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Announcements:
My first video interview for AJEM Live: Dr. Jordan Sloshower on psychedelic-assisted therapies & the ACT model.
+
My new AJEM feature: Serotonin: Where Psychedelics and Cannabinoids Meet for Depression and PTSD
Also, let me know if you’ll be in Dortmund this weekend for CB Expo. I’ll be speaking at 3 PM Saturday on Cannabinoids & Terpenes - A Plethora of Potential Products to Produce.
(a Melville score of 4 for that title. Not bad)
This week…
Dramatic case of CBD completely removing a teen’s untreatable chronic pain from sickle cell disease
For aging brains, microdosing THC is remarkable!
A strong new review on CBD’s drug-drug interactions
Cannabis for fibromyalgia
Good heart news from Dr. Jamie Corroon
CBD for adolescent binge drinking mice
How the terpene beta caryophyllene protects the brain
Cannabinoids as antibiotics
For growers, info on viroids & hemp russet mites
In AI/cannabinoids news: ALPACA
More than usual on cocaine smuggling
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
(or watch my 3-minute video instead…)
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.
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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)
A Reserve Sleep gummy with 25 mg CBD, 2.5 mg THC, 3 mg melatonin & 5 mg CBN
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, see them on my YouTube playlist 3-minute Cannabinoid Science]
The PlusCBD products of CV Sciences
The Endocannabinoid System! – a primer
Autoimmune Disorders & the Cannabinoids
Cannabis & Ankylosing Spondylitis
(yes, I know I have trouble pronouncing it. Be kind)
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In a teenager with untreatable chronic pain from sickle cell disease, the dramatic efficacy of CBD to completely remove their pain
Dramatic efficacy of cannabidiol on refractory chronic pain in an adolescent with sickle cell disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37540761/
And a case report of using THC to treat chronic pain
Dronabinol Useful for Chronic Pain- A Case Report
https://ideas.repec.org/a/abf/journl/v49y2023i2p40376-40379.html
A large case series of fibromyalgia patients showed cannabis to cause significant reductions in illness severity
Self-Reported Effects of Medical Cannabis on Illness Severity, Depression and Anxiety in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Large Retrospective Case Series
https://www.endocannabinoidmedicine.com/academicarticle/self-reported-effects-of-medical-cannabis-on-illness-severity-depression-and-anxiety-in-fibromyalgia-patients-a-large-retrospective-case-series/
A survey of chronic pain patients on how cannabis may be an off-ramp from prescription opioids
Offering an Alternative to Persons with Chronic Pain: How Access to Cannabis May Provide an Off-Ramp from Undesired Prescription Opioid Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37484046/
In people using methadone for opioid use disorder, THC provided pain relief
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol modulates pain sensitivity among persons receiving opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorder: A within-subject, randomized, placebo-controlled laboratory study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37644897/
A survey of those who exercise find that many consider cannabis & CBD to be helpful for their exercise recovery
Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37542349/
In a one-year study of people with rotator cuff surgery, the use of CBD for pain control caused no functional deficits
Cannabidiol for Post-Operative Pain Control after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Functional Deficits at 1-Year
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10392481/
In older adults, frequent cannabis users scored worse on memory & attention performance
Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Immediate, Delayed, and Working Memory Performance Among Older Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37484047/
In public health data of middle-aged adults, a history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year was not associated with either increased blood pressure or hypertension
Trends in Cannabis Use, Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Middle-Aged Adults: Findings from NHANES, 2009-2018, Corroon, et al
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37479221/
In people with HIV, the effects of oral cannabinoids on their immune & inflammatory markers
Effects of Oral Cannabinoids on Systemic Inflammation and Viral Reservoir Markers in People with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: Results of the CTN PT028 Pilot Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37508476/
Reviews
Finally, a decent new review on CBD's ability to change how your body metabolizes other drugs (drug-drug interactions)
Cannabidiol's impact on drug-metabolization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541924/
A scoping review of the entourage effect says there is thus far “limited evidence to support it as a stable and predictable phenomenon”
Does the "Entourage Effect" in Cannabinoids Exist? A Narrative Scoping Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535820/
For multiple sclerosis, a review of clinical trials shows nabiximols (1:1 THC:CBD oil) to be a helpful add-on for controlling spasticity
Nabiximols is Efficient as Add-On Treatment for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Refractory to Standard Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37519000/
For neurodevelopmental disorders, a review of seven studies using CBD
A systematic review of cannabidiol trials in neurodevelopmental disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37543051/
For post-COVID olfactory dysfunction, a review of five studies finds the combination of PEA & luteolin (a flavonoid) to be an effective addition to conventional therapy
Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin Association on Post-Covid Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37626685/
A quite negative review on cannabis use being linked to depression
Should Marijuana Be Legalized: A Scoping Review of Associations of Marijuana and Depression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37664373/
For type 2 diabetes, a review of seven studies finds that people who use cannabis were less likely to develop the disease
Association between cannabis use and risk of diabetes mellitus type 2: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37526051/
In stress disorders like depression, anxiety & PTSD, a review of the endocannabinoids & epigenetic changes
Endocannabinoid signaling and epigenetics modifications in the neurobiology of stress-related disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37520658/
A review of CBD's effect on metabolic syndrome
The Use of Cannabidiol in Metabolic Syndrome-An Opportunity to Improve the Patient's Health or Much Ado about Nothing?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510734/
For cancer treatments, a review of using cannabinoids to treat the anorexia & cachexia
Cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer anorexia and cachexia: Where have we been, where are we going?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2347562523001105
And a clinical trial showing that CBD can help with the side effects of tamoxifen without reducing its cancer fighting efficacy
CBD-oil as a potential solution in case of severe tamoxifen-related side effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37543688/
In psychosis, a review of the interactions between the endocannabinoids & the HPA hormonal axis
Biobehavioral Interactions between Endocannabinoid and Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Systems in Psychosis: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37533248/
A review on developing cannabinoid antibiotics
Synthetic Pathways to Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoids as Promising Molecules to Develop Novel Antibiotics: A Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37514074/
Preclinical
In support of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam's pet theory on the endocannabinoids as a basis for personality, this study in mice suggests that “the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the regulation of dominance and submissiveness, functional elements of social behavior and personality”
Endocannabinoid basis of personality-Insights from animal model of social behavior
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37663250/
In older mice, a microdose of THC induced remarkably long-lasting improvements in a wide range of cognitive functions via the activation of neurogenesis genes
Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37534036/
“When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival.”
In adolescent rats, long-term CBD hemp extracts protected their hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Long-Term Treatment with Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Extract Induces Synaptic Changes in the Adolescent Rat Hippocampus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37511537/
In a rat model of adolescent binge drinking, CBD lowered their alcohol intake via CGRP & neuroendocrine signaling
Cannabidiol tempers alcohol intake and neuroendocrine and behavioural correlates in alcohol binge drinking adolescent rats. Focus on calcitonin gene-related peptide's brain levels
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37525534/
And in mice, signaling by 2AG alters the effects of ethanol on synaptic transmission & behavior
Striatonigral direct pathway 2-arachidonoylglycerol contributes to ethanol effects on synaptic transmission and behavior
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37528221/
In a rat model of obesity, CBD caused anti-inflammatory & antioxidative effects it appears to be a safe treatment for obesity- induced heart disease
Therapeutic effect of cannabidiol on myocardial arachidonic acid content in various lipid fractions in a rat model of obesity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541613/
And in human small intestine cells, high CBD extracts inhibited levels of pro inflammatory factors via miRNA silencing
High-CBD cannabis extracts inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors via miRNA-mediated silencing in human small intestinal epithelial cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37664748/
On 3D printing CBD
Formulation and quality consideration of cannabidiol printed forms produced by fused-deposition modeling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224723006895
In today’s excellent naming: an AI platform for finding new cannabinoids called ALPACA
ALPACA: A machine Learning Platform for Affinity and selectivity profiling of CAnnabinoids receptors modulators
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37572442/
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.
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
A big analysis of the implications of moving cannabis to Schedule III by the newest Marijuana Moment reporter Ben Adlin
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/moving-marijuana-to-schedule-iii-could-have-sweeping-impacts-for-businesses-federal-employees-research-and-more/
Congrats Ben on the new position!
Plus, an analysis of the poorly written nature of the Controlled Substances Act
The Eastern Band of Cherokee approved a cannabis legalization plan, becoming the first to do so is in North Carolina or any neighboring state
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/indian-tribe-within-north-carolina-votes-to-legalize-marijuana-snubbing-anti-cannabis-gop-congressman/
The vote may have been helped by a pushback by Republicans like Rep. Chuck Edwards who said the move “would be irresponsible, and I intend to stop it”. Then he introduced the Stop Pot Act which would cut 10% in federal transportation funds to any tribe or US state who legalized adult-use cannabis. What a dweeb.
The USDA has a new handbook on hemp varieties
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/usda-releases-new-hemp-handbook-as-agency-works-to-rebuild-a-post-prohibition-seed-bank/
A white paper on the considerations for the testing of Aspergillus (a mold) in Oregon
Considerations for Aspergillus Testing in Oregon
https://osf.io/b8h6k/
There’s been a lot of controversy because Oregon had strict rules on testing levels & a group of growers sued them over it.
History Corner: Sept 6th, 1988: Judge Francis Young orders his DEA to reschedule cannabis – they ignore him
https://www.aliceolearyrandall.com/medical-marijuana-memory-blog/judgeyoung
In one of the most infamous moments in cannabis legal history, after a lawsuit by NORML & the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics, the DEA’s own administrative law Judge Francis Young took up the case. After 13 days of hearings, he issued his meme-worthy conclusion, “marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.” He ruled cannabis to be improperly scheduled & that it should be moved down to Schedule II.
The DEA Administrator promptly ignored the ruling.
International
Belgium’s deputy prime minister backs cannabis legalization
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/belgiums-deputy-prime-minister-supports-cannabis-legalization/2980308
Instead of banning them, the Czech Republic wants to regulate sales of CBD, HHC (a well-liked synthetic cannabinoid) & kratom (one of the last legal plant painkillers)
https://english.radio.cz/czech-government-wants-regulate-kratom-and-other-psychoactive-substances-8792942
The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
In Vancouver, a study by VANDU (a great harm reduction org) et al found that despite decriminalization, police are still seizing drugs from people
Police seizure of drugs without arrest among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada, before provincial ‘decriminalization’ of simple possession: a cohort study
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-023-00833-7
In a double-blind study of using police field sobriety tests to check for cannabis impairment, they rated 80% of the people who had taken THC as impaired & 50% of the people who had taken a placebo
Evaluation of Field Sobriety Tests for Identifying Drivers Under the Influence of Cannabis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37531115/
On the search for a reliable cannabis impairment test
High Traffic-The Quest for a Reliable Test of Cannabis Impairment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37531119/
Surveys of clinicians on being forced to report pregnant & birthing patients who use alcohol or drugs to child welfare
Clinician views on reporting pregnant and birthing patients who use alcohol and/or drugs to child welfare
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37524258/
Business & Law
On the changes of cannabis campaign contributions in Colorado from 2005 to 2001
Cannabis industry campaign expenditures in Colorado, 2005-2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37557020/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
A primer: How to smuggle cocaine into Europe via container ships
https://www.talkingdrugs.org/come-ship-some-cocaine-with-me-how-cocaine-enters-europe/
And ‘parasite cocaine’ smuggling on the rise
https://www.vice.com/en/article/ak374p/the-deadly-rise-of-underwater-parasite-cocaine-smuggling
Are people who have intensely good trips also more likely to have intensely bad ones?
On the focus of MAPS on veterans by Truthdig
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/a-long-strange-loop/
An intro to kava, the South Seas laidback herb
The Psychoactive Research
[This isn’t a deep dive into the science of psychedelics & other psychoactives like I do for the cannabinoids. If your organization would be interested in a breakdown of all the new psychedelic science, reach out to me]
In a double-blind trial of IV ketamine for bipolar disorder, one to two doses caused significant lowering of depression, anxiety & mania
A Comparison between Single and Double-Dose Intravenous Ketamine Administration in Bipolar Mood Disorder: A Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
https://ijps.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijps/article/view/2880
Brain scans of how the major headtwisters alter the connectivity between the cortex & the thalamus (the body’s information relay station)
Effective-connectivity of thalamocortical interactions following d-amphetamine, LSD, and MDMA administration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532129/
In microdosing, a computer analysis of how the weak blinding of placebo-controlled trials skews the results
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37495637/
A review of the therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics & entactogens
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37488282/
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
On the optimum photoperiod for indoor cultivation
Is Twelve Hours Really the Optimum Photoperiod for Promoting Flowering in Indoor-Grown Cultivars of Cannabis sativa?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37514220/
On the effects of magnesium on cannabis growth
Response of Medical Cannabis to Magnesium (Mg) Supply at the Vegetative Growth Phase
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37514290/
How to suppress the hemp russet mite
Suppression of hemp russet mite, Aculops cannabicola (Acari: Eriophyidae), in industrial hemp in greenhouse and field
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535975/
And a new rapid assay for detecting them
Development of a real-time PCR assay for detection of hemp russet mite (Aculops cannabicola)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535869/
A new technology for cannabis viroid detection
A Novel, Precise and High-Throughput Technology for Viroid Detection in Cannabis (MFDetectTM)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37515174/
A review of the viruses that infect cannabis
A Guide to Cannabis Virology: From the Virome Investigation to the Development of Viral Biotechnological Tools
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37515219/
A review of using compounds that cause a masculine effect in cannabis
Cannabis sativa: Dioecious into Monoecious Plants influencing Sex Determination
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372882339_Cannabis_sativa_Dioecious_into_Monoecious_Plants_influencing_Sex_Determination
A green method of cannabinoid extraction using pH-controlled aqueous leaching
Green method for recovery of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa flowers: pH-controlled aqueous leaching
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383586623016623
In Croatia, first report of cannabis wilting because of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum
First Report of Hemp Fusarium wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Croatia
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202308.0449/v1
In Uruguay, first report of the fungus Neofusicoccum parvum causing stem cankers
First report of Neofusicoccum parvum causing stem canker on cannabis in Uruguay
http://www.scielo.edu.uy/pdf/agr/v27/2730-5066-agr-27-e1172.pdf
Industrial Use
On using hemp in concrete beams
Structural and life cycle assessments of recycled aggregate concrete beams incorporating industrial hemp fibers
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/suco.202201219
On using the terpene linalool (from lavender) as a mosquito repellent
Linalool Based Herbal Mosquito Repellant
https://www.dipterajournal.com/pdf/2023/vol10issue3/PartA/10-2-8-365.pdf
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A solid rundown of the uses of medical cannabis with good charts
Medical cannabis: Exploring therapeutic perspectives and regulatory context
https://gsconlinepress.com/journals/gscbps/sites/default/files/GSCBPS-2023-0287.pdf
Clinical Use, Surveys & Ingestions Methods
On pharmacogenomics, cannabis, vitamins & supplements [behind a paywall, but I’m intrigued]
Practical Approaches to Pharmacogenomics in Patients Using Vitamins/Supplements and Medical Marijuana
https://www.advancesinmolecularpathology.com/article/S2589-4080(23)00011-X/fulltext
In a study of 800 participants, acute cannabis use caused no significant changes to mental & motor functions
Cannabis Use: Does being High Affect Cognitive-Motor Task Performance?
https://osf.io/t3e8k/
A new approach for neurocognitive & psychomotor testing of acute cannabis use that uses a tablet
A Latent Variable Analysis of Psychomotor and Neurocognitive Performance After Acute Cannabis Smoking
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37484045/
Adolescents & Young People
In African American college students, early onset cannabis use was associated with a 3x higher likelihood to report suicidal ideation
Early onset marijuana use and suicidal ideation among African American college students
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37529899/
In adolescents with bipolar disorder, cannabis use was associated with working memory & attention deficits
Association of cannabis use with neurocognition in adolescents with bipolar disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37497695/
In young adults, a review of 25 studies on interventions for lowering their cannabis use
Psychological Interventions for Cannabis Use among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510578/
From public health data, a mother who experienced childhood adversity was more likely to be a harsh parent which was then associated with a greater likelihood of cannabis use by their children
Maternal childhood adversity and adolescent marijuana use at age 17 years: The role of parental mental health and parenting behaviors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37545353/
Neurology & Brain Diseases
In adults with treatment-resistant epilepsy, adding CBD hemp extracts for six months improved their quality of life & decreased their anxiety symptoms & adverse events
An Observational Study of Adjunctive Artisanal Cannabidiol Use by Adults with Treatment Resistant Epilepsies: Behavioral and Urinalysis Data
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3214013/v1/65dd0f43-fa8b-4b9d-8988-24a54478ef6e.pdf?c=1691417815
In dementia patients, on cannabis reducing restlessness
Cannabis dämpft die Unruhe bei Demenz [Cannabis reduces restlessness in dementia]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37537470/
According to brain scans, adolescents & adults who use cannabis showed altered connectivity in their executive control network
Associations between regular cannabis use and brain resting-state functional connectivity in adolescents and adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37515469/
In a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, the terpene beta caryophyllene protected the permeability of the blood-brain barrier
Beta-caryophyllene inhibits the permeability of the blood–brain barrier in MPTP-induced parkinsonism
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0213485323000324
In rats with neural deficits from the artificial sweetener aspartame, the terpene beta-caryophyllene protected against cognitive damage in short- & long-term memory, potentially via BDNF
Beta-caryophyllene mitigates the cognitive impairment caused by repeated exposure to aspartame in rats: Putative role of BDNF-TrKB signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37558167/
On the CB1 receptor underlying the long-term memory formation involved with DMSO
CB1 receptor expression and signaling are required for dexamethasone-induced aversive memory consolidation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541383/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
An analysis of how people were helping each other in online forums about quitting cannabis
Let's Quit Together: Exploring Textual Factors Promoting Supportive Interactions in Online Cannabis Support Forums
https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3614178.3614181
In those with cannabis use disorder, transcranial magnetic stimulation provided some help for lowering usage
A Preliminary Investigation Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Applied To The Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex In Treatment Seeking Participants With Cannabis Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37503294/
On using AI to predict cannabis use
Risk prediction model for cannabis use with artificial intelligence approach
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14659891.2023.2242961
On FAAH, the ECS & a susceptibility to addiction
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, Neurodevelopment, and Alcohol: Illuminating the Intricacies of the Endocannabinoid System in Addiction Susceptibility
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37558315/
In addiction to morphine, treatment with a CBD analog lowered neuroinflammation & brain immune cell activation
Cannabidiol Analogue CIAC001 for the Treatment of Morphine-Induced Addiction by Targeting PKM2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37531582/
In a rat model of PTSD & sepsis, the formation of fear memories involved the cannabinoid receptors
Involvement of cannabinoid receptors and neuroinflammation in early sepsis: Implications for posttraumatic stress disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541107/
In a rat model of cannabis addiction, withdrawal caused anxiety & anhedonia (lack of pleasure) via the dopamine & opioid systems
Daily Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Withdrawal Increase Dopamine D1-D2 Receptor Heteromer to Mediate Anhedonia- and Anxiogenic-like Behavior Through a Dynorphin and Kappa Opioid Receptor Mechanism
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37519471/
In a mouse model of schizophrenia, inhibiting the FAAH & MAGL enzymes (which breakdown anandamide & 2AG respectively) helped with memory impairments caused by the NMDA (glutamate) receptors
Inhibitors of Endocannabinoids' Enzymatic Degradation as a Potential Target of the Memory Disturbances in an Acute N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Hypofunction Model of Schizophrenia in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37511157/
Female-specific, Reproduction & Hormones
For the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy this review of 13 studies found a number of factors
Cannabis use during pregnancy and its effect on the fetus, newborn and later childhood: A systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37547668/
“It was found that the children of mother-user faced: disorders in the sleep cycle, memory problems, hyperactivity, increased chances of low birth weight, prematurity with lower Apgar score in the 1st and 5th minutes and hospitalization in an NICU, DNA methylation at the position CpG.32, and modifications in the brain, especially in the amygdala. In addition, girls had more aggressive behavior at the age of 18 months, shorter breastfeeding period, and neonatal death.”
On the impacts of cannabis use during pregnancy
Up in Smoke: The Impacts of Marijuana During Pregnancy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37491043/
In pregnant women, adverse childhood experiences or stressful events during the pregnancy were associated with more cannabis use during pregnancy
Adverse childhood experiences, antenatal stressful life events, and marijuana use during pregnancy: A population-based study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37543311/
Pain, Inflammation & Surgeries
In a study of people with acute pain from herniated discs, a combination of PEA, myrrh, alpha lipoic acid & ozone therapy reduced symptoms & nerve damage progression
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Palmitoylethanolamide, Myrrh, and Oxygen-Ozone Therapy Improve Pharmacological Therapy in Acute Painful Lumbosacral Radiculopathy due to Herniated Disc
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535783/
When a state loosens its cannabis laws, chronic pain patients are more likely than those without chronic pain to develop cannabis use disorder
Chronic Pain, Cannabis Legalization and Cannabis Use Disorder in Veterans Health Administration Patients, 2005 to 2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37503049/
In a rat model of pain, the synergistic effects of morphine & a drug that activates the CB1 receptor plus the effects of thyroid health
A synergistic analgesic effect of morphine in combination with the CB1 receptor agonist, ACPA, in normal, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid male rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37493532/
The Immune System
In a mouse model of graft-versus-host disease, anandamide reduced the migration of immune cells to the intestine as well as lowering inflammation via CB2
Anandamide reduces the migration of lymphocytes to the intestine by CB2 activation and reduces TNF-α in the target organs, protecting mice from graft-versus-host disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37536622/
A computer analysis of using cannabis metabolites against HIV
In silico approaches for study the therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa (Bhang) against HIV
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13596-023-00697-z
The Guts
The effects of the gut bacteria Bacteroides fragilis on the intestinal endocannabinoid system
The effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics on the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system and intestinal epithelial integrity in Caco-2 cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8
The Heart
Six peptides from hemp seeds found to be good for the heart
Active peptides with hypoglycemic effect obtained from hemp (Cannabis sativa L) protein through identification, molecular docking, and virtual screening
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37480780/
In heart disease, is 2AG an angel or a demon?
2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Cardiovascular Disease: Angel or Demon?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36279082/
The Genitourinary System
In rats exposed to the toxic metal cadmium, a combination of CBD & prednisolone protected their kidneys
Cannabidiol Oil and Prednisolone Treatment Altered Hematologic Indices, Serum Urea, Creatinine and Cellular Architecture of Kidney on Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samuel-Mobisson-Phd/publication/372909212_Article_noJPRI103918_Original_Research_Article_Mobisson_et_al/links/64cd36ae806a9e4e5ce7d72f/Article-noJPRI103918-Original-Research-Article-Mobisson-et-al.pdf
The Skin
In human skin cells, CBD helped to shift them to a more anti-inflammatory immune response
The dual role of cannabidiol on monocyte-derived dendritic cell differentiation and maturation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37680639/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
A review on cannabinoids for ovarian cancer patients
Could cannabinoids provide a new hope for ovarian cancer patients?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37526235/
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD increased the signaling around apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol-induced crosstalk of apoptosis and macroautophagy in colorectal cancer cells involves p53 and Hsp70
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37542074/
On using THCV to target the human cancer channel TRPV6
Molecular pathway and structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532722/
Synthetic Cannabinoids
On THC-O-Acetate, what are people saying online about it
A Content Analysis of Social Media Discussions on THC-O-Acetate
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37484050/
A case report & literature review after a fatal overdose from synthetic cannabinoids
Fatal Overdose with the Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37624178/
A big urban hospital reviews the acute intoxication effects of three common synthetic cannabinoids
Acute intoxication caused by three common synthetic cannabinoids: The experience of a large, urban, tertiary care hospital
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37572408/
Cool Chemistry
On synthesis strategies for saturated cannabinoids
Saturated Cannabinoids: Update on synthesis strategies and biological studies of these emerging cannabinoid analogs
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/64ca95d04a3f7d0c0d7be96f
New radioactive CB2 drugs
Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Fluorinated 5-Azaindoles as CB2 PET Radioligands
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37499194/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: In music from my grandfather, here’s Willie Nelson’s collection of gospel music called ‘Just As I Am’.
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Are there any studies on cannabis usage during pregnancy that show positive outcomes either for the baby or the gestator? I overwhelmingly see negative effects studied and am curious about other studies out there