C&P#82: stoners have high empathy + psychedelic cannabis
C&P#82: stoners have high empathy + psychedelic cannabis
Good & bad news in Europe
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 82nd 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. Sign up for a paid subscription to support my work disseminating all of the cannabinoid science.
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Announcements
GreenState just published my article ‘How did the United States catch reefer madness after the golden age of medical cannabis?’.
And in quite good news, to celebrate their 10-year anniversary CV Sciences agreed to turn the ideas behind this article into a 6-part documentary series. So I’m outlining & writing the episodes now to highlight the Golden Age of Medical Cannabis from after the US Civil War in the 1860s through the beginnings of Reefer Madness in the 1930s. Watch out for the first episode next year.
This week…
Stoners have higher empathy (according to brain scans)
Cannabis as a psychedelic
CBD + CBG for exercise & IBS
Cannabis for helping people with intellectual disabilities manage challenging behaviors
For alcohol use disorder, cannabis as a substitute + ECS as a target for gambling disorders
The toxicity of THC for testicular tissue
For growers, surprising results about the effects of pruning & nitrogen levels on yield
A request to spread the word
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My work this week:
Canna-Education for CV Sciences
(TikTok:@cvsciences or my YouTube playlist 3-minute Cannabinoid Science):
Cannabis Smoking & Lung Cancer Risk
The Venn Diagram of Headtwisters
My Favorite Canna-Books Speedrun (8 minutes of the top cannabis books)
'The Cannabis Roadmap' by DM Weisberg
Fitzhugh Ludlow's 'The Hasheesh Eater'
My TikToks (@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube):
How to Ask the I Ching a Question
Editions of the I Ching
The Use & History of the I Ching
The I Ching's Trigrams as a Fantastic Memory Palace
Huxley's 'The Devils of Loudun'
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Anandamide; or, the People: my graphic novel series on cannabis, the endocannabinoid system & the War on Drugs based on Moby-Dick
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
A summary of the proceedings from the Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research in Florida
Proceedings of the 2023 Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37900895/
On using AI to solve the “marijuana controversy” (though I'm mostly including this at the top because every section of it starts with a great quote)
Marijuana: Forensics of Abuse, Medical Uses, Controversy, and AI
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6756/3/4/40
“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’”—Audrey Hepburn
“Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a hundred times”.—Mark Twain
Clinical
In a study of people using CBD for a month, they saw significant changes in their measures for pain, mental health & sleep with the greatest improvements for pain & with many stopping their use of over the counter or prescription drugs
Long-Term, Self-Dosing CBD Users: Indications, Dosage, and Self-Perceptions on General Health/Symptoms and Drug Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37900894/
For chronic pain patients, a survey of the forms of cannabis they used
Comparing Cannabis Use for Pain to Use for Other Reasons in Primary Care Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37907351/
Brain scans show regular cannabis users have higher empathy related differences in their brain’s anterior cingulate cortex
Empathy-related differences in the anterior cingulate functional connectivity of regular cannabis users when compared to controls
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jnr.25252
This must be my wife is always going on & on about my strikingly high levels of empathy…
(note: that’s not what she says)
In chronic health patients, a naturalistic trial suggested that medical cannabis has minimal acute impact on cognitive function
A Semi-Naturalistic, Open-Label Trial Examining the Effect of Prescribed Medical Cannabis on Neurocognitive Performance
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37945917/
In seasonal allergies, Gencor sponsored a study that shows PEA (350 mg for 2 weeks) reduced their symptoms & inflammatory markers (hattip to Stuart Tomc)
The Effect of Levagen+ (Palmitoylethanolamide) Supplementation on Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis-A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068797/
In a small trial of people with irritable bowel syndrome, a mix of CBD & CBG reduced abdominal pain
Proof of Concept Open Label Trial of CBD/CBG Oral Tincture in the Management of Symptoms in Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2023/10001/s648_proof_of_concept_open_label_trial_of_cbd_cbg.1004.aspx
And similar positive results with CBD for gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)
Cannabidiol: A Potential Therapeutic Option for Idiopathic and Diabetic Gastroparesis
https://gi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Okafor_Sept2023.pdf
For obesity, a meta-analysis found that cannabis use reduced weight & waist circumference
Effect of cannabis and subproducts on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37935909/
And in patients with metabolic syndrome, an inverse agonist of the CB1 receptor caused significant weight loss as well as reduction of waist circumference & body mass index
Effects of CB1R inverse agonist, INV-202, in patients with features of metabolic syndrome. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 1b study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941317/
In a double-blind trial for exercise, beverages of CBD & CBG improved soreness & stiffness
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-dose pilot study of the safety, tolerability, and preliminary effects of a cannabidiol (CBD)- and cannabigerol (CBG)-based beverage powder to support recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947792/
While a small trial of topical CBD for exercise found it made no difference in delayed onset muscle soreness
Topical Cannabidiol and the Progression Rate of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3703&context=ijes
A case report of a fibromyalgia patient successfully using a homeopathic preparation of cannabis
Successful Treatment of a Fibromyalgia Patient Using a Homeopathic Preparation of Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37903591/
For high concentration cannabis products, this scoping review includes 452 studies - but it doesn't give a general summary of what they show
Health Effects of High-Concentration Cannabis Products: Scoping Review and Evidence Map
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37939329/
On cancer risk, public health data showed lifetime cannabis use may reduce breast cancer risk but cannabis use disorder increased the risk of breast & lung cancer
Does cannabis elevate cancer risk? : Evidence from Mendelian randomization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947877/
A Canadian program about alcohol misuse about the potential for cannabis as a substitute
Translating the lived experience of illicit drinkers into program guidance for cannabis substitution: Experiences from the Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395923002918
In people with gambling disorders, they had higher fasting levels of anandamide & the levels of their anandamide & 2AG were related to gambling disorder severity, suggesting the ECS as a treatment target
Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol baseline plasma concentrations and their clinical correlates in gambling disorder
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-psychiatry/article/anandamide-and-2arachidonoylglycerol-baseline-plasma-concentrations-and-their-clinical-correlates-in-gambling-disorder/1CFC272BF763B2CE63DAFA6B3EA71915
For complex motor control, the differences in neural dynamics between regular cannabis users & nonusers
Regular cannabis use alters the neural dynamics serving complex motor control
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37955378/
A case report of someone losing consciousness because of cardiac effects from their cannabis use
Loss of Consciousness in a 34 Yo Male Related to Marijuana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37946711/
In three horses, escalating doses of CBD paste were well tolerated & caused no side effects
Behavioral observations, heart rate and heart rate variability in horses following oral administration of a cannabidiol containing paste in three escalating doses
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1305868/full
And in healthy dogs, no adverse effects were seen from feeding them whole hemp seeds
The Effects of Whole Hemp Seed Supplementation on Health Status, Voluntary Physical Activity, Fecal Quality, and Fermentative End-Products in Healthy Adult Dogs
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/101/Supplement_3/106/7372287
Reviews
A review of how cannabis can be psychedelic
The psychedelic effects of cannabis: A review of the literature
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947321/
For people with intellectual disability, on using medical cannabis to help manage challenging behaviors
The potential for medicinal cannabis to help manage challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability: A perspective review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37937428/
On the links between cannabis use, psychosis & suicide
CANNABIS USE AND SUICIDE IN NON-AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS: A MINI-REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37917836/
For chronic pain, a review of 15 studies
Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37953193/
And an in-depth review of several recent CBD clinical trials for pain
The use of cannabidiol (CBD) as an analgesic component
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38023335/
A review of cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis
Cannabis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review Evaluating the Benefits, Risks, and Future Research Directions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37917863/
A review of using CBD for mucosal diseases of the gut & lungs
Cannabidiol - Help and hype in targeting mucosal diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37952828/
In immunotherapy, the double-edged sword of cannabinoids
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in immunotherapy: helpful or harmful?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10699860/
Preclinical
In middle-aged female rats exposed to social isolation, CBD protected from measures of anxiety & depression as well as causing increased levels of the brain growth factor BDNF
Cannabidiol Modulates Emotional Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Middle-Aged Female Rats Exposed to Social Isolation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37895171/
In an animal model of an incisional wound, cannabis essential oil accelerated healing as well as lowering cortisol (a stressor that slows the healing process)
Wound healing efficacy of Cannabis sativa L. essential oil in a mouse incisional wound model: A possible link with stress and anxiety
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0254629923006804
In rats being treated with the anti-cancer agent methotrexate, CBD lowered neuroinflammation & neuronal apoptosis (cellular suicide) via the mitochondria & endoplasmic reticulum
The ameliorative effects of cannabidiol on methotrexate-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37927177/
In mouse testicular tissue, the toxic effects of THC include downregulation of growth factors & increased apoptosis (cellular suicide)
In vitro evaluation of cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in mouse Sertoli cells exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a mechanistic insight into the cannabinoid-induced testicular toxicity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37946285/
And in those same testicular cells, heat stress raised levels of arachidonic acid (a precursor of anandamide) & led to recycling of those cells via the mitochondria & endoplasmic reticulum, a possible link to male infertility
Heat stress releases arachidonic acid to induce autophagy in Sertoli cells by enhancing ROS-mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress axis
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3472184/v1/5359345a-fe0e-4b02-a32c-339c235c5c09.pdf?c=1700793441
In an animal model of chronic inflammatory pain, electroacupuncture reduced pain via the CB1 receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex (a brain are of emotional regulation, pain perception & cognitive control)
Electroacupuncture Exerts Analgesic Effects by Restoring Hyperactivity via Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Chronic Inflammatory Pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37957422/
No matter how you administered THC to mice, they were good at discriminating it from other drugs
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol discrimination: Effects of route of administration in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38045495/
4 cannabinoids found in Glycyrrhiza foetida (a relative of licorice)
PPARα/γ-Targeting Amorfrutin Phytocannabinoids from Aerial Parts of Glycyrrhiza foetida
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37940359/
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
France has approved medical cannabis for pain use with a temporary status of five years
https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/Health/Medical-cannabis-gets-go-ahead-for-pain-relief-in-French-hospitals
Luxembourg's new government will not proceed with full cannabis legalization, but will stop at the already implemented measures of decriminalization & self-cultivation
https://www.newsweed.fr/nouveau-gouvernement-luxembourg-legalisera-pas-completement-cannabis/
The Amsterdam Cannabis College will be closing its physical location after 25 years
https://cannabisindustrie.nl/cannabis-college-amsterdam-kondigt-sluiting-van-de-fysieke-locatie-aan-na-25-jaar/
I guess I won’t be returning to speak there next year after all.
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
The Parabola Center releases a blueprint for protecting state cannabis markers against a national monopoly
How to Federally Legalize Cannabis Without Violating the Constitution or Undermining Equity and Justice
https://policycommons.net/artifacts/6935388/interstate/7724742/
A mystery shopper study on what cannabis retailers are saying to their customers
Cannabis retailer communication about cannabis products, health benefits and risks: A mystery shopper study of licensed retailers in 5 US cities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37917012/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
On post-psychedelic sleep issues
On the speculations of psychedelics in early Christianity by Don Lattin (with a seemingly well-deserved questioning of Muraresku’s ‘The Immortality Key’)
Mushrooms at the table?
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/features/mushrooms-table
Also, theorizing that Giordano Bruno – a personal hero who I’ve been reading closely for the last year – was influenced by drugs doesn’t track with any of the rather extensive data that we have about him.
Rabelais on the other hand…
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]
On how shamanism walks the line between psychopathology & psychotherapy
Shamanism: psychopathology and psychotherapy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2023.2258212
A case report of hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder – a disorienting disorder where the trip doesn’t stop
Hallucinogen-Induced Persisting Perception Disorder: A Case Report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37908914/
In depressed people, low doses of LSD helped those with the most pronounced depressive symptoms
Greater subjective effects of a low dose of LSD in participants with depressed mood
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38042914/
A review of a research framework for using psychedelics to treat brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases & the psychiatric disorders associated with gut-brain axis dysfunctions
Bedside to bench: the outlook for psychedelic research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37869749/
A review of using psychedelics for substance use disorder treatment
IUPHAR-review: The Integration of Classic Psychedelics into Current Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38029805/
For schizophrenia, on the mystery of how low doses of psychedelics appear to have beneficial impact on the negative symptoms
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: A mystery in history
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2023.00277/article-10.1556-2054.2023.00277.xml
A scoping literature review for psilocybin suggests its efficacy comes from its improvement of self-regulation
Knowledge Synthesis in the Science of Psilocybin: Scoping Reviews of Clinical and Preclinical Research
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372244882_Knowledge_Synthesis_in_the_Science_of_Psilocybin_Scoping_Reviews_of_Clinical_and_Preclinical_Research
For adverse childhood experiences, a survey & literature review suggest treatment with psilocybin
Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Treating Psychological Distress among Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Evidence on Acceptability and Potential Efficacy of Psilocybin Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37815125/
On using psychedelics to treat chronic neuropathic pain
Could Psychedelics Treat Neuropathic Chronic Pain?
https://www.scholarsliterature.com/journals/neurological-sciences-and-neurosurgery/fulltext/could-psychedelics-treat-neuropathic-chronic-pain
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
A morphological study of cannabis throughout its life cycle
Morphological Characterization of Cannabis sativa L. Throughout Its Complete Life Cycle
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37896109/
A study of nitrogen & pruning found that pruning had no effect on biomass or cannabinoid concentration while increased levels of nitrogen actually reduced cannabinoid concentration & biomass
Investigating how nitrogen nutrition and pruning impacts on CBD and THC concentration and plant biomass of Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37945596/
“High rates of fertilizer are not recommended because of reduced cannabinoid concentration and biomass yield: the ideal N supply is likely to be between 60 and 210 mg/L.”
In cannabis hairy roots, enhancing the production of friedelin & epifriedelanol (triterpenoids with many medical applications) via the addition of methyl jasmonate & salicylic acid
Methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid enhance the production of epifriedelanol and friedelin in Cannabis sativa L. hairy roots
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3556730/v1/c8cdcb04-ca6f-4483-8397-0581902aa736.pdf?c=1699641671
2021: Breeding of a high CBG hemp cultivar
Breeding of industrial hemp with a high content of cannabigerol by the case of ‘Vik 2020’ cultivar
https://journal.sops.gov.ua/article/view/236514
Hemp as food
Fat profiles of different varieties of hemp seeds
Characterisation of the fat profile of different varieties of hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) for food use
https://sciforum.net/manuscripts/15515/manuscript.pdf
In beef cattle experiencing the stress of weaning, hemp helped with their behavior, thermoregulation, respiratory efficiency & cardiac function
Effect of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Supplementation on Vital and Behavioral Responses of Weaned Beef Cattle
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/101/Supplement_3/392/7372611
In growing hemp in the high desert for livestock feed, the best nitrogen fermentation techniques
High Desert Hemp Varieties Under Varied Nitrogen Fermentation Techniques Effects on Its Utilization as Livestock Feed Through in Vitro Fermentation
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/101/Supplement_3/426/7372809
On whether you can still use hemp flowers as a feedstuff after CBD extraction
Effect of Cannabidiol Extraction on the Cell Wall Carbohydrate Composition of Hemp Inflorescences
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/101/Supplement_3/388/7372350
Industrial Use
On making a hemp-based vape oil resistant to oxidation
DEVELOPMENT OF A FLAVORED OIL COMPOSITION BASED ON HEMP OIL WITH INCREASED RESISTANCE TO OXIDATION
link
For food packaging, using hemp cellulose nanocrystals
Hemp cellulose nanocrystals for functional chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol-based films for food packaging applications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37964908/
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A series on many uses of CBD & medical cannabis
Editorial: Medicinal Cannabis: evolution of therapeutic use, future approaches and other implications, volume II
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38026946/
A wide-ranging review on the therapeutic potential of cannabis
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37893004/
Clinical Trials, Surveys & Ingestion Methods
In California, the CDC’s announcement about the EVALI crisis led to lowered vape sales, especially among older adults
Cannabis Vape Product Sales in California Following CDC's Initial Advisory About Lung Injuries
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37939267/
Medical students in South Africa are permissive about medical cannabis but feel like they are not being adequately trained to advise patients about its use
Attitudes of medical students regarding legalisation of cannabis and cannabis-education
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38059193/
On validating an Arabic version of the Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ)
Cross-national Validation of the Arabic Version of the Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) Among University Students from Egypt, Kuwait, and Tunisia
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-023-01192-x
Adolescents & Young People
A review against young athletes using cannabis
Cannabis Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes: A Clinical Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37950433/
There is more cannabis use among young adults who had higher levels of adverse childhood experiences & who lived with a household member with a mental illness or history of sexual abuse
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Current Cannabis Use among U.S. Young Adults
https://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=hbr
Male young adults more likely to be using cannabis in the morning
Predictors of morning cannabis use among young adults: Between- and within-person associations from 24 consecutive months of data
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37956543/
Maybe savoring doesn't make young people use less cannabis? (I dunno this whole savoring thing is weird)
The Role of Savoring in Young Adult Cannabis Use and Associated Consequences: A Replication Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947346/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
A study of how CBD alters the ionic currents of the brain, specifically potassium
Cannabidiol Modulates M-Type K+ and Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Currents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37893024/
In a tissue model of brain cells, the terpene beta-caryophyllene protected from the toxicity of the heavy metal cadmium
Beta-Caryophyllene, a Plant-Derived CB2 Receptor Agonist, Protects SH-SY5Y Cells from Cadmium-Induced Toxicity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37895166/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
For cannabis use disorder, on the efficacy of a 12-week program combining cognitive behavioral therapy & motivational enhancement therapy
Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation of a 12-Week Cognitive Behavioural and Motivational Enhancement Group Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37904747/
And an analysis of people with cannabis use disorders found they did not have a statistically significant difference in the levels of their neural growth factor BDNF
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Cannabis Use Disorders - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37900486/
People with more severe PTSD symptoms may be more responsive to cues that cause cannabis cravings
Cannabis Coping Motives Might Mediate the Association Between PTSD Symptom Severity and Trauma Cue–Elicited Cannabis Craving
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-023-01190-z
A retrospective chart review from Lebanon shows an association between cannabis & psychosis
Cannabis use and psychosis among patients hospitalized in psychiatric wards in Lebanon: a retrospective chart review
https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-023-00359-5
In a rat model of trauma (social defeat or exposure to predator odor), inhibiting the FAAH enzyme with URB937 prevented social avoidance behavior as well as blocking the rise of pro-inflammatory cytokines & stress hormone levels
Enhancement of peripheral fatty acyl ethanolamide signaling prevents stress-induced social avoidance and anxiety-like behaviors in male rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37932554/
Hormones, Reproduction & Prenatal Effects
For endometriosis, mouse models showed that the endocannabinoid system modulated disease progression & immune response
Endocannabinoids and their receptors modulate endometriosis pathogenesis and immune response
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3486655/v1_covered_42902b69-ae9a-4925-93c1-09cfcf1906de.pdf?c=1701168264
During pregnancy, the use of tobacco & cannabis was not associated with more adverse birth outcomes than the negatives from tobacco use alone
Birth outcomes following in utero co-exposure to tobacco and marijuana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947014/
A review of the effects of cannabis on the developing brain
CANNABIS USE AND THE DEVELOPING BRAIN: HIGHS AND LOWS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37946933/
A review of using the zebrafish to study prenatal exposure to cannabis, nicotine & alcohol
Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37887349/
Pain & Surgeries
In a double-blind trial for chronic osteoarthritis of the knee, oral CBD (600 mg) was not a helpful add-on to paracetamol
Oral cannabidiol (CBD) as add-on to paracetamol for painful chronic osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033459/
Public health data showed that the use of prescription pain relievers as well as the misuse of them was associated with higher odds of medical cannabis use
The relationship between medical marijuana use and prescription pain reliever use among U.S. adults: A retrospective analysis utilizing the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38054191/
The antioxidant properties of cannabis from northern Morocco
Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Cannabis sativa L Flowers from the Ketama Region in Northern Morocco
http://www.ecoeet.com/Phenolic-Content-and-Antioxidant-Activity-of-Cannabis-sativa-L-Flowers-from-the-Ketama,175125,0,2.html
The Guts, Metabolism, Oral Health & CHS
In a rat model of osteoarthritis, an inhibitor of MGL (breaks down 2-AG) reduced pain & inflammation
Cetirizine and Levetiracetam as Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase: Investigating Their Repurposing Potential as Novel Osteoarthritic Pain Therapies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38004429/
In people with elevated lipid levels, a mixture of hemp seed oil & algae oil lowered blood lipid levels with an acceptable safety profile
Experimental study on the assisted hypolipidemic function of the mixture between hemp seed oil and algae oil in the human body
https://www.ifoodmm.cn/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5324&context=journal
In cow gut cells, CBD reduced inflammation via modulation of the immune system
Effects of Cannabidiol on Viability and Inflammatory Response in Bovine Primary Ruminal Epithelial Cells
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/101/Supplement_3/584/7372873
For GI conditions, nanoliposomes of CBD for controlled release
Nanoliposomes for Controlled Release of Cannabinodiol at Relevant Gastrointestinal Conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38027358/
The Heart & Blood
In a mouse model of atherosclerosis, those without CB1 receptors in their white blood cells were more protected from artery hardening, with a more pronounced effect in males
Myeloid cannabinoid receptor CB1 deficiency confers atheroprotection in a sex-specific manner
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/Supplement_2/ehad655.3272/7392045
The Liver
In a rat model of insulin resistance, CBG modulated the metabolism of sphingolipid (an important class of lipids) & potentially protected the liver against metabolic disorders
How Does CBG Administration Affect Sphingolipid Deposition in the Liver of Insulin-Resistant Rats?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37892425/
The Lungs
In a mouse model of lung scarring, a drug that activates the CB2 receptor decreased inflammatory factors & lessened pathological changes
A selective CB2R agonist (JWH133) protects against pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting FAK/ERK/S100A4 signaling pathways
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37957604/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
For glioblastomas (the most aggressive brain tumor), 11 components from cannabis extracts that caused cell death
Cannabis Extracts on Glioblastoma Cell Lines: Chemical Composition and Pharmacologic Insights
https://www.endocannabinoidmedicine.com/academicarticle/cannabis-extracts-on-glioblastoma-cell-lines-chemical-composition-and-pharmacologic-insights/
In breast cancer cells, full-spectrum CBD oil reduced their viability & lowered growth factors
Full spectrum cannabidiol oil reduces breast cancer cell viability and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor
https://bioone.org/journals/bios/volume-94/issue-4/BIOS-D-22-00011/Full-spectrum-cannabidiol-oil-reduces-breast-cancer-cell-viability-and/10.1893/BIOS-D-22-00011.short
In melanoma cells, cannabis extracts lowered their proliferation
In Vitro Antiproliferative Effect of Cannabis Extract PHEC-66 on Melanoma Cell Lines
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37887294/
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD combined well with intermittent serum starvation & the treatment drug cisplatin
Transcriptome Analysis of Cisplatin, Cannabidiol, and Intermittent Serum Starvation Alone and in Various Combinations on Colorectal Cancer Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37834191/
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain from chemotherapy treatment, the terpene beta-caryophyllene lowered pain, neuroinflammation & oxidative stress while not interfering with the treatment efficacy
β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice: Role of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors, Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37891972/
For the cachexia of cancer treatment, activating the CB2 receptor reduced skeletal muscle degeneration
Cancer-Cachexia-Induced Human Skeletal Muscle Myotube Degeneration Is Prevented via Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonism In Vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38004445/
In breast cancer, the assessment of CB2 receptor levels as a biomarker
In vitro assessment of [¹⁸F]JHU94620-d8 to determine the expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 – a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer
https://www.hzdr.de/db/!Publications?pNid=head&pSelMenu=0&pSelTitle=35439
Synthetic Cannabinoids
A survey of who is using HHC
A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37934167/
A case report of the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids & cathinones
Abuse of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones in a Patient on Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment: A Case Report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37937179/
Computer modeling of how the synthetic cannabinoids bind & move through the body
In Silico ADME, binding affinities, and properties of synthetic and natural cannabinoid 2 analogs
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/654c52bb2c3c11ed7103c790/original/in-silico-adme-binding-affinities-and-properties-of-synthetic-and-natural-cannabinoid-analogs.pdf
Cool Chemistry & Tools
Because THC also binds there, it inspired this range of new molecules for inhibiting autotaxin (an enzyme that produces the signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid (LPA))
Discovery of potent chromone-based autotaxin inhibitors inspired by cannabinoids
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S022352342300911X
New drugs to activate the CB2 receptor
Discovery of Potent and Selective CB2 Agonists Utilizing a Function-Based Computational Screening Protocol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37823773/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: If you like exotica, you’ll enjoy the album ‘Pagan Rites’ by Ìxtahuele. A modern Swedish band, they strive to “bring your mind’s eye on a time-traveling round-the-world trip.”
And if you’re into the history of the exotica genre, they also did their own performance of the classic album by Eden Ahbez, “Dharmaland”.
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