C&P#72: cannabinoids for kids with cancer + lots of gender studies + sheep ate what?

UN agency says end the War on Drugs

Sep 27, 2023

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the 72^nd 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.
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Read my free How-To Guides, watch my Three-Minute Cannabinoid Science videos or book a session with me here.
As always, here’s the Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms & at the bottom is the album of the week.

Announcements:

I was on Dr. Ronald Hoffman’s Intelligent Medicine podcast talking about the lesser-known benefits of CBD & some of the other cannabinoids:
https://drhoffman.com/podcast_category/lex-pelger/

This week…

Daily CBD to restore the brain connectivity differences of daily cannabis users
Cannabinoids for kids with cancer & cannabis extracts for gliomas, the most aggressive brain cancer
Less kidney stones for stoners!
Lots of gender studies: apparently, men use cannabis to get high & women to cope
Cannabinoids & aggression ain’t what you think
Males more prone to think placebo cannabis is the real deal
Canada finds lower pesticides in legal weed
Hemp to make bulletproof vests
Big brain study on how the major drugs (including cannabis) change your neurotransmitter landscape
Samuel L Jackson continues to be great + a Mussolini Easter Egg

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 & a commitment to education & research

One sign of a great CBD company is when they go to the next level for educating their customers. PlusCBD has articles for all levels of knowledge, videos about how CBD works & a YouTube channel of great educational content.

(Plus, they even sponsored two seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’)

In addition, they’ve done more peer-reviewed research than any other company other there. They put their money down to advance the field.

Check out this (partial) bibliography:

A GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) study on hemp extracts to prove their safety
A clinical trial on healthy people to show that hemp extracts helped their cholesterol, sleep quality, stress response & perceived life pleasure
A post-marketing safety study where experts went over 2 years of PlusCBD’s adverse event reports to find the high safety levels
A case series of using CBD to treat PTSD
And funding me to create the extensive cannabinoid science archive at CVResearch.info

PlusCBD takes their commitment to education & research to the next level. And they do the same with their products.

Buy excellent CBD products today from 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]
Sativa vs Indica: spoiler alert (130k views)
Early Cannabis Gene Pools
THC Induced Psychosis
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: the Dr. Codi Peterson interview
Cannabis Books for Budtenders
My Queer Cannabis History Book

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
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...

‘Women Pioneers in Cannabinoid Science’ by ProjectCBD
https://projectcbd.org/science/women-pioneers-in-cannabinoid-science/

Clinical

In daily cannabis users, 10 weeks of CBD (200 mg per day) helped to restore the functional connectivity differences seen in their hippocampus (memory center of the brain), precentral gyrus (motor cortex), lingual gyrus (vision processing center) & amygdala (emotional processing center)
Daily Cannabidiol Administration for 10 Weeks Modulates Hippocampal and Amygdalar Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Cannabis Users: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Open-Label Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37603080/

In patients with glioblastoma (the most aggressive brain cancer), the efficacy of radio chemotherapy was improved by adding melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, pinealine & CBD
Five-Year Survival in Glioblastoma Patients Treated by Radio-Chemotherapy Alone or in Association with a Neuroendocrine Approach Consisting of the Pineal Hormones Melatonin, Methoxytryptamine, and Pinealine Plus Cannabidiol
http://ijclinmedcasereports.com/pdf/IJCMCR-CR-00790.pdf
And a study on using full spectrum extracts to target glioblastomas (the most aggressive brain cancer)

Exploring Chemovar-Specific Cannabis Extracts Quantification and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Compounds for Targeting Glioblastoma Multiforme

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=127160

Public health data shows that cannabis users are less likely to get kidney stones
Association between marijuana use and kidney stone: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2009 to 2018
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1214647/full

Among middle-aged adults using medical cannabis, the frequent & non frequent users had no differences in cognitive outcomes but those with problematic cannabis use scored significantly worse on one cognitive domain
Longitudinal Associations Between Cannabis Use and Cognitive Impairment in a Clinical Sample of Middle-Aged Adults Using Cannabis for Medical Symptoms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37625034/

In adults with blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking & eyelid twitching), CBD combined well with the type of treatment of botulinum toxin to improve several different measures
Cannabidiol as an Adjunct to Botulinum Toxin in Blepharospasm - A Randomized Pilot Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37606606/

In a study of gender differences between the response to THC, females reported more adverse events but also a greater feeling of being relaxed
Sex Differences in the Safety and Subjective Effects of Two Oral Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Containing Cannabis Products over Multiple Doses Among Healthy Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37582197/
Haha. Males are more likely to feel subjective effects from the placebo.

A retrospective review of 80 young children with cannabis edible toxicity
Toxic Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Dose in Pediatric Cannabis Edible Ingestions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37635689/

Psychosis in a first-time adolescent user of a cannabis pen
Cannabis Pen-Induced Psychosisin a First-Time Adolescent User
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37601084/

A survey on how cannabis alters the voice finds no positive effects
The Effect of Marijuana on the Voice
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/425/article/904809/summary

A case report of licorice extract mixed with cannabis, smoked, and causing mineralocorticoid excess (too much sodium & fluid retention as well as potassium excretion)
A Case of Liquorice-Infused Marijuana Causing Syndrome of Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37680778/

Many commercial urine analysis kits are cross reactive with the major THC analogs & metabolites
The Cross Reactivity of Cannabinoid Analogs (Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC and CBD), their metabolites, and Chiral Carboxy HHC metabolites in Urine of Six Commercially Available Homogeneous Immunoassays
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37602947/

Reviews

A recommendation guideline for CBD recommends a potential “Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value of 0.43 mg/kg-bw/d (e.g., 30 mg/d for 70-kg adult)”, but for those with healthy livers, 160mg/day
Cannabidiol safety considerations: Development of a potential acceptable daily intake value and recommended upper intake limits for dietary supplement use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37634699/
“This value applies to the most sensitive subpopulations, including children, over a lifetime of exposure and from all sources, including food. For dietary supplements with adequate product labeling intended for use by healthy adults only, a potential Upper Intake Limit (UL) of 70 mg/d was determined based on reproductive effects in animals. For healthy adults, except those trying to conceive, or currently pregnant or lactating, a conservative dietary supplement UL of 100 mg/d was identified based on liver effects; however, as the target population excludes individuals at risk for liver injury, an alternative dietary supplement UL of 160 mg/d for this population can also be considered.”

An analysis of VigiBase (a WHO global database of drug adverse effects) finds that Epidiolex (isolated CBD) is reported the most for weight decrease, reduced food intake & insomnia. These researchers attributed this to CBD’s interactions with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor
Pharmacological Evaluation of Signals of Disproportionality Reporting Related to Adverse Reactions to Antiepileptic Cannabidiol in VigiBase
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202308.1495/v1

On the entourage effect, a solid review of what we know & what we don't know
Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37626819/

A big review on using cannabinoids for neurological disorders
Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids as therapeutics for nervous system disorders: preclinical models and clinical studies
https://journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2024/04000/cannabinoids_and_endocannabinoids_as_therapeutics.22.aspx

For children with cancer, a meta-analysis of 19 studies on using cannabinoids for their symptoms
Cannabinoids for symptom management in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37635461/

A review of cannabis use in intensive care (22 articles)
Cannabis use in the intensive care setting: A scoping review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37544047/

A review of the many cannabinoids for pain management
Neuropharmacology of endogenous, synthetic and phytocannabinoids for pain management
https://www.magiran.com/paper/2592686/neuropharmacology-of-endogenous-synthetic-and-phytocannabinoids-for-pain-management

A clinical framework for using cannabinoids to help with the opioid epidemic
An answered call for aid? Cannabinoid clinical framework for the opioid epidemic
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37587466/

On the mixed data about aggression & the endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system and aggression across animal species
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37643683/
I can't wait to write this chapter in my graphic novel series. There is some fascinating data from the 50s about how if you have hungry mice, out of all the common recreational drugs that you can give them, it's THC that makes them the most aggressive & cannibalistic.
Plus, all those kids in the 50s were using reefer before their ‘West Side Story’ style fights because they were told it was a drug that made you crazed.
And the Sikhs of India have a long history of using bhang, including a famous story of a warrior-hero who used that THC beverage to single handedly kill a battle elephant.

A review of using cannabis compounds against parasites
Cannabis sativa- A Source of Antiparasitic Compounds?
https://ideas.repec.org/a/abf/journl/v50y2023i3p41701-41707.html

A review of the synthetic pathways for producing CBD & the biological activity of some of the CBD analogs
An overview on synthetic and biological activities of cannabidiol (CBD) and its derivatives
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37659147/

Preclinical

In an animal model of spinal fusion surgery, CBD & THC upregulated bone growth factors & may enhance bone healing (a poster from the North American Spine Society Conference)
Gene expression changes with short- and long-term cannabinoid treatments in a spinal fusion model
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529943023029765

In a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain, injections of THC, CBD, a one to one mix, and a balanced full spectrum chemo type extract engaged the various endocannabinoid system targets differently
A type II cannabis extract and a 1:1 blend of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol display distinct antinociceptive profiles and engage different endocannabinoid targets when administered into the subarachnoid space
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1235255/full
“Antinociceptive responses induced by an equivalent amount of THC administered in its pure form, as a THC:CBD mix or as a “balanced” extract were distinct. Furthermore, the 1:1 THC:CBD mix and the balanced extract had not only different response profiles but their relative engagement of CB1, CB2 receptors and TRPV1 channels was distinct.”

In a rat model of neuropathic pain, the CB1 receptors of the stem cells contributed significantly to their pain relieving & tissue repairing capabilities by stimulating growth factor secretion & suppressing proinflammatory cytokine release
The role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the antinociceptive and reparative actions of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with peripheral neuropathic pain
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ibra.12129

On using CBD analogs to treat COVID-19
Synthesis of cannabidiol-based compounds as ACE2 inhibitors with potential application in the treatment of COVID-19
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37657273/

In human cell, CBD reduced binding to the adenosine A2A receptors (a target of caffeine)
Cannabidiol negatively modulates adenosine A2A receptor functioning in living cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37605951/

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

Harm Reduction International reports that governments gave “aid” of almost $1B for the War on Drugs over the last decade, more than for food security, early childhood education, labor rights or mental health
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/wealthy-countries-gave-more-than-1-billion-to-aid-global-drug-war-new-report-shows/
Meanwhile, a UN Agency recommends that countries end the war on drugs: "Treating people who use drugs as criminals is not the solution."
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/un-agency-says-drug-war-has-major-human-rights-impacts-urging-countries-to-instead-adopt-a-public-health-approach/

A Marine sued over his dishonorable discharge because of cannabis use
https://www.law360.com/articles/1720794/former-marine-sues-for-honorable-discharge-over-pot-use

For foster care, a state instituting adult cannabis laws did not cause any changes in the number of foster care entries related to drugs & the legalization of medical cannabis saw an 8% to 18% decrease over the next few years
Marijuana legalization and drug abuse as a cause for entry into foster care
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3272559/v1

A Reddit analysis of self-regulation by the hemp derived cannabinoid industry
The U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoid industry and the potential of self-regulation: Using social media to assess an evolving health risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37660520/

Sheep in Greece wander into a greenhouse & eats 600 pounds of cannabis
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/09/25/greece-sheep-greenhouse-marijuana-cannabis/9931695654716/
“Bourounis told thenewspaper.gr that the sheep were "jumping higher than goats" after eating their ill-begotten greenery.”

In a great piece on national treasure Samuel L Jackson, what he used to do when he worked for the bureau of public assistance:
“I didn’t know anything about the business or LA or anything. I didn’t have a car. I rode the bus for a while back and forth. And then I finally got a job. I worked for the bureau of public assistance. I assessed people who were on public assistance. I used to go to people’s houses and see if they were still eligible. I wouldn’t have taken anybody’s fucking money. I was still part of the Black Revolution then. All these people that were on welfare, I just went out and sat in their house, smoked reefer with them, and hung out, made sure that all this stuff was in order and made sure they stayed on public assistance.”

International

A German analysis of the effects of legalization in Uruguay, Canada & USA
Legalization of Recreational Cannabis use in Germany - Implications Based on Experiences in Uruguay, Canada und USA: a Narrative Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37567249/

An Irish member of the European Parliament just shared photos of the cannabis plants he’s growing on his Brussels balcony
https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/mep-luke-ming-flanagan-shows-off-impressive-cannabis-plant/a1950748387.html

A Canadian study finds more pesticides in illicit cannabis then licensed samples
High levels of pesticides found in illicit cannabis inflorescence compared to licensed samples in Canadian study using expanded 327 pesticides multiresidue method
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37620969/
“Application of this method to Canadian licensed inflorescence samples revealed a 6% sample positivity rate with only two pesticide residues detected, myclobutanil, and dichlobenil, at the method's lowest calibrated level (LCL) of 0.01 μg/g. Canadian illicit cannabis inflorescence samples analysed showed a striking contrast with a 92% sample positivity rate covering 23 unique pesticide active ingredients with 3.7 different pesticides identified on average per sample. Chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and myclobutanil were measured in illicit samples at concentrations up to three orders of magnitude above the method LCL of 0.01 μg/g.”

The effects of Thailand 's cool subculture (including cannabis) on other Southeast Asia states’ counterculture
The Effect of Thailand’s Subcultures on Other Southeast Asia States’ Countercultures
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373462572_The_Effect_of_Thailand's_Subcultures_on_Other_Southeast_Asia_States'_Countercultures

And in Thailand, a scraping of Twitter finds that the legalization of cannabis increase negative sentiments & decrease positive sentiments about the plant
Sentiment and Topic Modeling Analysis on Twitter Reveals Concerns over Cannabis-Containing Food after Cannabis Legalization in Thailand
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37591682/

A large survey of who is using flavored cannabis vapes
Use of flavored cannabis vaping products in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: findings from the international cannabis policy study wave 4
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37624645/

The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition

An Italian study finds that stronger criminalization of cannabis lowers the likelihood of early cannabis use
Can drug policies modify cannabis use starting choice? Insights from criminalisation in Italy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040260823000412
Mussolini loves this one. ‘Credere, Obbedire, Combattere!’ [Believe, obey, fight]

Fatal car crash data from Washington state finds that alcohol or the combination of THC & alcohol are more likely to be associated with risky driving behaviors, fatal injuries & death compared to THC alone
Relative Risk of Cannabis, Alcohol, and Their Combination on Driver Behavior in Fatal Crashes in Washington State
https://www.arfjournals.com/image/catalog/Journals%20Papers/JCCB/2023/No%201%20(2023)/3_Youngki%20Woo.pdf

On the new landscape of the cartels in Mexico
Homicide in Mexico and the New Cartel Landscape
https://goldfarbcenter.colby.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Overture_vol3_v5_digital.pdf#page=9

Business & Law

More banks & credit unions than ever before are now working with cannabis businesses
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-federal-data-shows-record-number-of-banks-working-with-marijuana-businesses-as-senate-schedules-vote-on-reform-bill/

In the US, a study of how the regulated cannabis industry is normalizing their trade
“Cannabis Businesses Are Being Good Contributors to the Community”: The Regulated Cannabis Industry and Cannabis Normalization in the United States
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00111287231193989

Unsurprisingly, hiring managers aren't super into recreational cannabis content on your social media profile, but surprisingly, they dislike alcohol more
Marijuana Use and Perceptions of Employment Suitability
https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/abs/10.1027/1866-5888/a000332?journalCode=pps

How to create a valuation on a cannabis cultivation facility
Valuing Marijuana Cultivation Facilities
https://researchexchange.iaao.org/mavs/mavs2023/session2/3/

On cannabis brands in China & the problem of trademark squatting
Cannabis Brands and China Challenges
https://harrisbricken.com/cannalawblog/cannabis-brands-and-china-an-emerging-ip-challenge/

Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives

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]

Results from the big MAPS Phase III trials are released with quite positive outcomes
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37709999/

How the use of MDMA may buffer against the challenges of LSD or psilocybin (or as the Fellow Travelers call it, respectively, the candy flip or the hippy flip)
Co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against challenging experiences and enhance positive experiences
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37608057/

A big study on how the top 10 mind altering drugs change the regional distribution of 19 neurotransmitter receptors & transporters
In vivo mapping of pharmacologically induced functional reorganization onto the human brain's neurotransmitter landscape
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37315149/

A survey finds psilocybin helpful for long-term mental health & wellbeing
Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199642/full

When using psilocybin for alcohol use disorder, nature themed videos help with the cardiovascular safety
Nature-themed video intervention may improve cardiovascular safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374046247_Nature-themed_video_intervention_may_improve_cardiovascular_safety_of_psilocybin-assisted_therapy_for_alcohol_use_disorder
Everybody knows that the best thing to pair with mushrooms is David Attenborough.

In humans, measuring the acute effects of subanesthetic ketamine on the brain
Measuring acute effects of subanesthetic ketamine on cerebrovascular hemodynamics in humans using TD-fNIRS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37468572/
And in adolescents, looking at the effects of the acute cognitive effects of esketamine
Short-term cognitive effects of repeated-dose esketamine in adolescents with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation: a randomized controlled trial
https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-023-00647-2

On psychedelic intimacy: using psychoactives like MDMA for deepening romantic relationships
Psychedelic Intimacy: Altered States of Consciousness in Romantic Relationships
https://psyarxiv.com/pd6r9/

On how classic psychedelics might help immigrants acculturate
Could classic psychedelics influence immigrants’ acculturation process? A narrative review contemplating how
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503245231191400

A survey finds that psychedelics make people care more about nature
Transpersonal Ecodelia: Surveying Psychedelically Induced Biophilia
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/2/2/12

The Plant & the History

Growing & Farming

In clonally propagated hemp, an analysis of the cannabinoid content
Content of cannabinoids in clonally propagated industrial hemp
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2023.2245968

On hemp as a drought resistant fiber crop
The potential of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as an emerging drought resistant fibre crop
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-023-06219-9

On the factors that drive field retting
How the interplay between harvest time and climatic conditions drives the dynamics of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) field retting
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669023010592

An energy evaluation of hemp & other multi-crops
The Energy and Environmental Evaluation of Maize, Hemp and Faba Bean Multi-Crops
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/9/2316

On differentiating hemp plants using an array of 54 cannabinoids, 134 flavonoids & 77 phenolic acids
Untargeted cannabinomics reveals the chemical differentiation of industrial hemp based on the cultivar and the geographical field location
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37709459/

In Belgium hemp extracts, a comparison of their cannabinoid & terpene profiles
Comparison of cannabinoids and terpenes profiles of different hemp extracts obtained from Felina and Santhica varieties cultivated in Belgium
https://orbi.uliege.be/handle/2268/305926

The morphological traits of a historical land race Kif in Maghreb
Analysis of Morphological Traits in Herbarium of Historical Cannabis Specimens from Maghreb: Morphological Characteristics of Landrace Kif
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37639688/

Hemp as food

For wine, the effects of adding cannabis (or salvia or lemon balm)
Increase in Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity in Wines with Pre- and Post-Fermentation Addition of Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Cannabis sativa
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/9/9/956

On hemp meal for lactating dairy cows
COMPARING DEHULLED HEMP MEAL AND CANOLA MEAL AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FOR LACTATING DAIRY COWS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37641358/
And on its safety as a protein supplement for non-lactating dairy cows
Quality and safety of hemp meal as a protein supplement for nonlactating dairy cows
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37641272/

On hemp seed meal for laying hens
Hempseed Meal as a Protein in Layer Hens
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a6f8954009d098d07fa03adacc2c17fa/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

On using hemp seed meal as a protein source for sheep
Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Utilizing Hemp Seed Meal as a Protein Source in Sheep Feedlot Rations
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a8e0812d4998649ab4ade3757fa062e1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Industrial Use

On using hemp to make bulletproof vests
Investigating Optimum Factors for Designing Bulletproof Vests Using Hemp Fabric Materials
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373192983_Investigating_Optimum_Factors_for_Designing_Bulletproof_Vests_Using_Hemp_Fabric_Materials

On making particle board from hemp seed waste
Particleboard Creation from Agricultural Waste Residue of Seed Hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37570020/

In octopus & hermit crabs, the endocannabinoid oleamide (which is also a molecule that leeches out of plastic) caused more active behaviors
Trophic Interactions of Octopus vulgaris and the Impacts of Plastic Leachate Oleamide
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a8e98c7eceada38d6e89081f7b06fc83/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

CANNABINOID SCIENCE

Clinical Use, Surveys & Ingestions Methods

An international survey of physicians found that most limited medical cannabis knowledge & their highest conditions for recommending it were chemotherapy-induced nausea, refractory chronic neuropathic pain & spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
International perspective on physician knowledge, attitude and practices related to medical cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37546945/

A gender study of why people are using cannabis
Gender influences on cannabis use among treatment-seeking adults: a qualitative study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687637.2023.2248356
“First, many participants seemingly did not perceive a strong relationship between their gender and cannabis use. Second, men’s cannabis use was impacted by masculinity facilitating the initiation and escalation of use, while simultaneously acting as a barrier to seeking treatment. Third, men’s motivations for using cannabis were almost always reported to be recreational, which is likely linked to men’s use being more normative. Fourth, almost all women reportedly used cannabis to cope, especially with mental health problems. Fifth, social relationships and gender dynamics constrained women’s cannabis use, particularly where many felt pressured into seeking treatment due to increased stigma for women who use cannabis.”

A case series of people who use cannabis in Iran found that the most common adverse events were violence & imprisonment
A Six-Year Follow-up of People Who Use Cannabis in Iran - A Case Series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37560074/

A Brazilian review about how cannabinoids are faring around the world
Phytocannabinoids: Pharmacological effects, biomedical applications, and worldwide prospection
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411023000974

Adolescents & Young People

In a cohort study of adolescents, those who entered for treatment for cannabis use disorder had a greater chance of also having a mental health disorder, with higher incidence among females
Association between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health Disorders in the Adolescent Population: A Cohort Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37586355/

In a mouse model of adolescent THC exposure, the social memory deficits produced are mediated by the CB1 receptors on the microglia (guardian immune cells)
Microglial cannabinoid receptor type 1 mediates social memory deficits produced by adolescent THC exposure and 16p11.2 duplication
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37546830/

Neurology & Brain Diseases

A survey of 100 people using medical cannabis found the majority were using it for their neurological disorders & reported a decrease in symptoms as well as an increase in energy, vitality, ability to perform their professional duties, appetite & leap
Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Medical Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37581814/

In a review of 30 brain scan studies, only six reported any differences in white matter integrity between cannabis users & non users
Measuring white matter microstructure in 1,457 cannabis users and 1,441 controls: A systematic review of diffusion-weighted MRI studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37554654/
“The most consistent differences between cannabis users and controls were lower fractional anisotropy within the arcuate/superior longitudinal fasciculus (7 studies), and lower fractional anisotropy of the corpus callosum (6 studies) as well as higher mean diffusivity and trace (4 studies). Differences in fractional anisotropy were associated with cannabis use onset (4 studies), especially in the corpus callosum (3 studies).”

In human brain cells, the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA increases their metabolic activity & angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2
https://academic.oup.com/toxres/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/toxres/tfad068/7248975

Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders

Trauma & PTSD may cause people to be more activated by cannabis-related cues
Do trauma cue exposure and/or PTSD symptom severity intensify selective approach bias toward cannabis cues in regular cannabis users with trauma histories?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37625353/

This observational study found cannabis use disorder to be under diagnosed & undertreated in medical settings
Association between cannabis use disorder symptom severity and probability of clinically-documented diagnosis and treatment in a primary care sample
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37688980/

People who were told they were getting CBD, but who actually got a placebo, had lower levels of cortisol
The Impact of Cannabidiol Expectancy on Cortisol Responsivity in the Context of Acute Stress: Associations with Biological Sex
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37552817/

In autism, using machine learning to understand the biomarkers of who responds to medical cannabis & the cannabinoids
A machine learning approach for understanding the metabolomics response of children with autism spectrum disorder to medical cannabis treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37608004/

When using ketamine & repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression, the use of cannabis seems to not alter the efficacy
Effects of cannabis use on antidepressant treatment response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37579527/

In a meta-analysis of people with schizophrenia, they had lower levels of CB1 receptors in the subcortical regions of their brain & lower levels in their blood streams as well as other changes for FAAH & 3 GABA receptor types
Cannabinoid receptor gene CNR1 is downregulated in subcortical brain samples and upregulated in blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia: A participant data systematic meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37611908/

On impulsive personality traits & a relation to problems with cannabis
Cannabis use in context: Relations among impulsive personality traits, context, and cannabis problems
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37651903/

In sleep deprived rats, the role of CB1 receptors in the antidepressant effects
The Role of CB1 Receptors in the Antidepressant Effects of Sleep Deprivation Therapy in Rats
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10598/

In zebrafish, the behavioral effects of beta caryophyllene are mediated by the CB2 receptor
The behavioural effects of beta-caryophyllene in zebrafish are mediated by CB2 receptor activity
https://journals.macewan.ca/studentresearch/article/view/2674

Female-specific, Reproduction & Hormones

On the use of cannabis & pregnancy health
Cannabis Use and Perinatal Health Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37589991/

A survey of pregnant women found that many thought cannabis used to be safe during pregnancy
Patient Perceptions of Prenatal Cannabis Use and Implications for Clinicians
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37562055/

Pain, Inflammation & Surgeries

In patients undergoing spinal surgery, those who tested positive for THC were more likely to consume higher amounts of narcotics after the surgery & while they had similar rates of return to the emergency room, the THC positive patients were likely to return sooner (a poster from the North American Spine Society Conference)
The effect of marijuana on postoperative spine patients’ emergency room visits: readmission rates and opioid consumption
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529943023030863

In a cohort study of people undergoing surgery, those who use cannabis we're more likely to report moderate to severe surgical site pain at one week & to use slightly more opioid pills
The Association of Cannabis use After Discharge from Surgery with Opioid Consumption and Patient-Reported Outcomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37638417/

Surgical sedation procedure considerations for people using cannabis
Periprocedural Considerations for Known Cannabis Users: Cannabis Use and Considerations for Procedural Sedation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1546084323001074

A retrospective cohort study found chronic cannabis use associated with a significantly decreased pain tolerance
Daily cannabis use may cause cannabis-induced hyperalgesia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37550852/

An editorial on the use of cannabis during surgical operations
Individualized and pragmatic: perioperative use of cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37581641/

Rheumatology patients are interested in cannabis but are often scared about asking about it
Perceptions of Cannabis Use: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Rheumatology Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37632365/

A review of the effects of cannabis on anesthesia
Anesthesia for Cannabis and Cannabis Products Users
https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/anesthai/article/view/264825

In mice cerebellum cells (motor control), the fast-acting anesthetic etomidate uses the CB1 receptors to decrease their activity
Etomidate Depresses Spontaneous Complex Spikes Activity of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells via Cannabinoid 1 Receptor in vivo in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37607511/

The Guts & CHS

A case report of a young male with diabetes who presented with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in a Young Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37736461/

On treating the complications of diabetes with a combination of beta-caryophyllene & L-arginine
Therapeutic potential of Beta-caryophyllene combined with Larginine in the management of diabetic complications
https://shodhgangotri.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/20.500.14146/13843/1/28-synopsis-mr.%20vivek%20kumawat-sppsptm.pdf

In inflammatory bowel disease, cannabis use is associated with increased health care utilization but not with increased surgery or death
Cannabis Use in IBD Is Associated With Increased Healthcare Utilization but not With Surgery or Death
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37580879/

A computer analysis of the antidiabetic potential of the cannabis components
In-silico Study of Phytochemicals of Ethnobotanical Plant Cannabis sativa for Anti-Diabetic Potential
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374023598_In-silico_Study_of_Phytochemicals_of_Ethnobotanical_Plant_Cannabis_sativa_for_Anti-Diabetic_Potential

The Heart

A rare negative side effect of statins is skeletal muscle toxicity & this might be because it causes dysfunctional CB1 receptor expression & signaling
Dysfunctional endocannabinoid CB1 receptor expression and signaling contribute to skeletal muscle cell toxicity induced by simvastatin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37612317/

For atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the effects of activating the GPR55 receptor (which may one day be known as CB3) with lysophosphatidylglucoside
Lysophosphatidylglucoside/GPR55 signaling promotes foam cell formation in human M2c macrophages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37544935/

The Lungs

In patients with pneumothorax (air in the body cavity) going in for surgery, they were more likely to have cannabinoids in their system
Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Bullous Lung Emphysema Positive for Cannabinoids upon Toxicological Examination
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37568358/

The Skin

In skin stem cells exposed to UV radiation, CBD & CBG protected them from damage
Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Modify the Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Keratinocyte Membranes Exposed to UVA
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37569799/

Cancer & Chemotherapy

In liver cancer cells, CBD helped improve the ability of the treatment cabozantinib to cause apoptosis (cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol Enhances Cabozantinib-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death via Phosphorylation of p53 Regulated by ER Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37568803/

In breast cancer cells, CBD, THC & cannabis extracts inhibited migration & invasion as well as for CBD & the extract, inducing apoptosis apprentices program cellular suicide)
Cannabinoids and standardized cannabis extracts inhibit migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through FAK/MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37625625/

Synthetic Cannabinoids

A case report of two young patients with acute psychiatric admission after delta-8 THC usage
Now I know my CBDs; cases of psychiatric admissions after delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC, Δ⁸-THC) product usage
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773021223000640

And editorial on tackling the problem of synthetic cannabinoids
Turning down the spice: tackling the problems of synthetic cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37604578/

Cool Chemistry

For metabolic syndrome disorders, creating orally available CB1 antagonist that only go to the body
Cannabinoformins: Designing Biguanide-Embedded, Orally Available, Peripherally Selective Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Antagonists for Metabolic Syndrome Disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37611316/

Making new agonists for the cannabinoid receptors that only work in the body
Discovery of 1,3-disubstituted pyrazole peripheral cannabinoid receptor partial agonists
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37543275/

A tight conformational analysis of CB2 receptor binding
Probing the Conformational Space of the Cannabinoid Receptor 2 and a Systematic Investigation of DNP-Enhanced MAS NMR Spectroscopy of Proteins in Detergent Micelles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37720784/

Thanks.
- lex

PS: Today’s album comes from Sharhabil Ahmed, the founding father of the Sudanese jazz scene: ‘The King of Sudanese Jazz’. Though he started by learning the oud & the traditional Sudanese songs, he saw the birth of new styles around the world & decided the guitar was the instrument for him to create something new. He even married the first female guitarist of Sudan, Zakia Abdul Gassim Abu Bakr. And went on to construct a new style of jazz from a menagerie of local & worldwide influences.

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & it’s my hope that it brought you a measure of value. If you are in a position to support me in writing more, please consider upgrading your subscription.

Cannabinoids & the People