This week…
On cannabinoids for COVID infections & long COVID
Aerobic exercise & cannabis
Cannabinoids for Alzheimer’s (5 hits)
How do cannabinoids both induce & reduce vomiting?
CBC Week (3 hits)
Robots learning to walk from endocannabinoids
The 3rd Amendment to protect blazing at home?
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 87th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted news & psychedelic updates.
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Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders & the Cannabinoids (proud of this one even if it didn’t get many views. And created a new page with all the data)
Worldwide Canna-News #3: Nepal, Spain, South Africa & Ukraine
Canna-Science Digest #3 : Hospice Pain, PEA & a Review of Reviews
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The Canna-Science Writeup:
Best 3 papers of the week,
sponsored by CV Sciences
In patients with chronic pain & chronic cancer pain, a survey found that cannabis lowered their pain levels & other benefits
Prevalence and Characteristics of Medicinal Cannabis Use among Chronic Pain Patients; A Post- Legalization Study in a Tertiary Care Setting in Thailand
https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sirirajmedj/article/view/265605
In Thailand, they interviewed almost 900 chronic pain patients, both with and without cancer. Of those using cannabis, the most common reason was for pain control, followed by insomnia. Oil extracts were the most common form used. An assessment in the cancer patients showed cannabis causing an increase of appetite, a lessening of anxiety, and more enjoyment of life. They reported no serious side effects and just the common negatives of dry mouth, drowsiness, and headaches. “Most of the patients believed that cannabis can be used with other drugs without drug interaction and that a small amount should not cause serious side effects.” For more of the many studies on pain, see the archive on the Pain page of CVResearch.info.
In people using commercially available cannabis during aerobic exercise, they reported many positives
Acute Effects of Ad Libitum Use of Commercially Available Cannabis Products on the Subjective Experience of Aerobic Exercise: A Crossover Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38147185/
In this naturalistic first-of-its-kind study, people participating in aerobic exercise were allowed to use as much commercially available cannabis product as they desired, either a THC-rich or a CBD-rich flower. After using cannabis, the participants reported a more positive affect, more enjoyment, and an increased feeling of the runner's high (which we now suspect may be linked to the endocannabinoid system). They also reported more exertion when using cannabis, though for some reason this was marked as a negative by the researchers. Overall, this study dovetails with the many surveys of people reporting that cannabinoids improved their workouts. As someone who only goes running after a visit to the basement, I concur. Here’s more research on this subject at the Musculoskeletal System & Exercise page on CVResearch.info.
In a survey of German patients on their cannabinoid medicine usage, the primary reason was for pain
Patients' perspectives on prescription cannabinoid therapies: a cross-sectional, exploratory, anonymous, one-time web-based survey among German patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38143449/
The Germans surveyed 155 people about why they started using medical cannabinoids, questioned before and after the start of their usage. For those suffering from pain, they reported a reduction of daily pain. For those suffering from spasticity, they experienced less spasticity and better physical mobility. But even more intriguingly, when asked after the start of their cannabinoid regimen, they reported greater satisfaction with their overall medical therapy, improved well-being, and fewer problems on the PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) scales. The researchers pointed out, “Data suggests clinically relevant effects for most scores… [and] most participants experienced their therapy with cannabinoids as more effective than their previous therapy.”
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Here's the cannabinoid connection you weren't expecting to see: robots learning to walk by modeling 2-AG distribution
Astrocyte Regulated Neuromorphic Central Pattern Generator Control of Legged Robotic Locomotion
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2312.15805.pdf
“It is reported that Endocannabinoid receptor CB1 is expressed by the astrocytes in multiple brain regions and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord [35]. In this paper, we regard 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG), a type of endocannabinoid, as the effective neurotransmitter signaling from motor neurons to the astrocytes. The motor neurons release a constant amount of 2-AG every time when there is an action potential. The concentration of 2-AG decays exponentially when no motor neuron fires:
d([AG])/dt = −[AG]/τAG + rAGδ(t − tmotor spike)
where, [AG] is the concentration of 2-AG, τAG is the decay time constant of 2-AG, rAG is the production rate of 2-AG and tmotor spike is the time instant when the motor neuron spikes. 2-AG binds to CB1 receptor on the astrocyte and then triggers the signaling pathway inside the astrocyte.”
Clinical
On the gendered difference in endocannabinoid levels in the blood across the lifespan
Sex-dimorphism in human serum endocannabinoid and n-acyl ethanolamine concentrations across the lifespan
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38155287/
“Significantly higher cortisol, AEA, 2-AG, OEA, and PEA were found in males and in older age, while significantly higher AA [arachidonic acid, a precursor of anandamide] was found in females.”
A large twins study found few persistent effects on mental health from lifetime exposure to cannabis except for small increases in cannabis use disorder, tobacco frequency & illicit drug use
Limited psychological and social effects of lifetime cannabis use frequency: Evidence from a 30-year community study of 4,078 twins
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38147055/
In patients with inflammatory bowel disorder, six months of medical cannabis increased their appetite but not their weight/caloric intake
Medical Cannabis Increases Appetite but Not Body Weight in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38201908/
In patients experiencing their first episode of acute psychosis, their psychosis seemed to have different features in people with or without a history of cannabis use
Clinical Effects of Cannabis Use in First-Episode Acute Psychotic Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38077836/
“There were significant correlations between cannabis use, and living apart from family and family history of substance abuse. Negative psychotic symptoms were higher in the non-user group. The negative psychotic symptoms improved more significantly after treatment in the non-user group. There was a significant correlation between cannabis use and Stroop Color-Word Test scores.”
An editorial on gendered responses in using cannabinoids as a medicine
Diverse Underlying Mechanisms and Sex Differences Found in Translational Models of Cannabinoids Use: Towards Validation in Human Studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068909/
Harms
Public health data from people in Hawai’i over 50 showed cannabis use associated with higher rates of psychiatric & substance use disorders
Psychiatric and substance use disorders among adults over age 50 who use cannabis: A matched cohort study using electronic health record data
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38086211/
A case report of a young male cannabis smoker with vanishing lung syndrome
Vanishing Lung Syndrome in a Young Male With Chronic Marijuana Use: A Case Report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283438/
For psychosis, a review of 32 reviews & meta-analyses confirmed links between cannabis use & psychosis states & traits as well as an earlier onset & development of psychosis
A systematic evidence map of the association between cannabis use and psychosis-related outcomes across the psychosis continuum: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38096722/
A review of cannabis as a source of new drugs but also a chart of its potential harms
Cannabis as a Source of Approved Drugs: A New Look at an Old Problem
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38067416/
Alzheimer's disease
In Alzheimer's disease, a review of how the cannabinoid receptors interact with the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
The Interplay between Cannabinoid Receptors and Microglia in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068253/
And a review of cannabinoids for brain diseases like epilepsy & Alzheimer's
Comprehensive review of cannabis including cannabinoid brain function
https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/4876
For Alzheimer's disease, an analysis of how CBD prevented & alleviated the neurodegeneration
Assessing Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Agent for Preventing and Alleviating Alzheimer's Disease Neurodegeneration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38067101/
“CBD mitigates Aβ-induced cognitive deficits by modulating microglial activity, promoting neurotrophic factor release, and regulating inflammatory genes. The administration of CBD demonstrated a protective effect against Aβ toxicity both in vitro and in vivo, along with an amelioration of cognitive impairment in mice.”
A preclinical study on the bioactive compounds in cannabis oil that lower neuroinflammation of Alzheimer’s via the microglia
Identification of Anti-Neuroinflammatory Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils and Aqueous Distillation Residues Obtained from Commercial Varieties of Cannabis sativa L
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068924/
A review of the biochemical evidence on why it makes sense to use cannabinoids for Alzheimer's disease
Potential Therapeutic Role of Cannabinoid System in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review
https://www.citedrive.com/en/discovery/potential-therapeutic-role-of-cannabinoid-system-in-alzheimers-disease-a-review/
COVID
A big review of cannabinoids for COVID infections & long COVID
Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID-19-A Scoping Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38202234/
“This review explores the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids in limiting the susceptibility and severity of infection, both pre- and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection. Early in the SARS-CoV-19 infection, cannabinoids have been shown to prevent viral entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate the associated cytokine storm. Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress injury, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite.”
On COVID-19, a molecular binding study found CBD to be the most effective inhibitor of the herbal metabolites studied
The Inhibitory Effects of the Herbals Secondary Metabolites (7α-acetoxyroyleanone, Curzerene, Incensole, Harmaline, and Cannabidiol) on COVID-19: A Molecular Docking Study
https://www.citedrive.com/en/discovery/the-inhibitory-effects-of-the-herbals-secondary-metabolites-7%CE%B1-acetoxyroyleanone-curzerene-incensole-harmaline-and-cannabidiol-on-covid-19-a-molecular-docking-study/
Plus here's a computer simulation study of why cannabinoids for COVID makes sense
Screening and Simulation Study of Efficacious Antiviral Cannabinoid Compounds as Potential Agents Against SARS-CoV-2
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/658d1e0ae9ebbb4db9e60f9c/original/screening-and-simulation-study-of-efficacious-antiviral-cannabinoid-compounds-as-potential-agents-against-sars-co-v-2.pdf
“The results suggest favorable binding energies between certain cannabinoids drugs and viral proteins, especially at the active sites of the spike protein.”
Cannabichromene (CBC)
In mice, the ability of CBC to lower pain
Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC) in Mice: Insights from von Frey, Tail-Flick, Formalin, and Acetone Tests
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38255191/
The anti-inflammatory potential of CBC
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cannabichromene Isolated from Hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068603/
A method for separating CBC chiral molecules [handedness] & a study of their effects on the TRPA1 receptors
A Simple Chiral 1H NMR Method for the Discrimination of ( R)- and ( S)-Cannabichromene in Complex Natural Mixtures and Their Effects on TRPA1 Activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38158562/
Reviews
For GI health, a review of the curious ability of the cannabinoids to be both antiemetic (nausea-reliving) & proemetic (nausea-inducing, such as in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)
Cannabis use in the United States and its impact on gastrointestinal health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38142306/
And a review of the potential of cannabinoids for GI tract diseases, especially via activation of the CB2 receptor
Cannabinoids and the Gastrointestinal Tract
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37678488/
In stroke recovery, the importance of the CB1 & CB2 receptors for neuroprotection
Neuroprotection and Beyond: The Central Role of CB1 and CB2 Receptors in Stroke Recovery
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38069049/
For neuropathic pain, an overview of clinical trials from the last 10 years
Phytocannabinoids for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials Published Between 2012 and 2023
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38095748/
For inflammation, a review of 30k+ studies found anti-inflammatory effects from cannabis roots, stems, bark & leaf
Experimental Studies on the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Cannabis sativa based on a Scientometric Analysis
https://koreascience.kr/article/CFKO202135543222252.pdf
Preclinical
In rats with neuroinflammation, CBD improved their memory & decreased inflammatory cytokines
Cannabidiol improves memory and decreases IL-1β serum levels in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377012480_Cannabidiol_improves_memory_and_decreases_IL-1b_serum_levels_in_rats_with_lipopolysaccharide-induced_inflammation
In a rat model of traumatic brain injury, CBD caused anticonvulsant effects
Anticonvulsant effect of cannabidiol after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rats
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Viviam-Sanabria/publication/376852038_Anticonvulsant_effect_of_cannabidiol_after_lateral_fluid_percussion_brain_injury_in_rats/links/658c492a6f6e450f19a8b0c3/Anticonvulsant-effect-of-cannabidiol-after-lateral-fluid-percussion-brain-injury-in-rats.pdf
In rodents, cannabis increased appetite by targeting the hypothalamus (brain center of homeostasis) via the CB1 receptors
Cannabis Sativa targets mediobasal hypothalamic neurons to stimulate appetite
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38151493/
In a mouse model of social defeat stress, activating the CB2 receptor reduced their depressive behaviors as did electroacupuncture (which seemed to be conferring its benefits via the CB2 receptor)
Cannabinoid type 2 receptors play a crucial role in social defeat-induced depression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38171418/
In a mouse model of alcohol use disorder, activating the CB2 receptors reduced the immune perturbations, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine & the behavioral changes
Alcohol induced behavioral and immune perturbations are attenuated by activation of CB2 cannabinoid receptors
https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/articles/10.3389/adar.2023.11602/full
Mulberry seems to help for type 2 diabetes via the endocannabinoid system as well as the gut microbiome
Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf water extract attenuates type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, lipopolysaccharide elevation and endocannabinoid system disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38163557/
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
For your best daily cannabis news source: Marijuana Moment
The agricultural chiefs across the US are pushing Congress to make the THC limit for hemp be 1%
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/state-agriculture-departments-across-u-s-push-congress-to-triple-the-thc-limit-for-hemp-as-2024-priority/
In Arizona, out of the 26 licenses set aside for equity applicants, 25 are owned by dispensary chains
https://eu.azcentral.com/story/money/business/marijuana/2024/01/22/arizona-social-equity-cannabis-licenses-mainly-benefited-dispensary-giants/71818146007/
Dr. Jeffrey Miron argues for the elimination of cannabis licenses as a way to increase access for past offenders
Prioritize Marijuana Licenses for Past Offenders? No, Just Eliminate Licenses
https://policycommons.net/artifacts/11125131/prioritize-marijuana-licenses-for-past-offenders-no-just-eliminate-licenses/12003932/
History Corner: How Mexican pharmaceutical companies played a greater role than previously thought in early 1900s cannabis distribution
I do revere Bonnie & Whitebread’s The Marihuana Conviction, but it does seem like their thesis that anti-Mexican xenophobia drove Reefer Madness colored their analysis here.
International
The German health minister predicts a vote next month on cannabis legalization with implementation on April 1st, but support is fragmenting among lawmakers
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/top-german-official-says-marijuana-legalization-vote-on-track-for-next-month-despite-growing-criticism-in-parliament/
https://businessofcannabis.com/crumbling-spd-support-threatens-future-of-germanys-cang-bill/
The Czech Republic's National Economic Council again recommended a legal regulated cannabis market as a way to boost economic growth
https://brnodaily.com/2024/01/25/news/politics/governments-economic-council-recommends-regulated-cannabis-market
And doctors prescribed 10kg of medical cannabis last year
https://internationalcbc.com/czech-republic-doctors-prescribed-210-kilograms-of-medical-cannabis-in-2023/
A report on Denmark’s 5-year-old medical cannabis pilot program has not identified any safety issues
https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2024/01/25/denmark-publishes-new-findings-from-medical-cannabis-pilot/
The Belgian Center for Alcohol & Other Drugs calls for cannabis decriminalization
https://cannabisindustrie.nl/vlaams-expertisecentrum-alcohol-en-andere-drugs-vad-decriminaliseer-en-reguleer-cannabis/
Argentenia’s medical cannabis program can continue thanks to a governmental decree
https://elplanteo.com/argentina-reprocann-cannabis-continuidad
South Korea to ban all cannabis references in advertising
https://internationalcbc.com/south-korea-is-moving-to-ban-cannabis-references-in-products-and-brands
While they have strict laws against recreational use, South Korea was the first country in the region to begin a medical cannabis program.
An analysis of the Indonesian court ruling against medical cannabis
Analysis of the Constitutional Court's Ruling against the Legalization of Medical Cannabis and its Practice in Maqashid
https://e-journal.uac.ac.id/index.php/iijse/article/view/4502
And a study of the issues with cannabis there
Medical and Ethical Studies Cannabis/Marijuana Use Controversy in Indonesia: a Review
https://www.jbiomedkes.org/index.php/jbk/article/view/339
In a Thai city, a study of the factors influencing people at restaurants to buy cannabis-based dishes
Factors of Purchasing Food Containing Marijuana as an Ingredient at Restaurants in Khon Kaen
https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/gskkuhs/article/view/262119
#forthegram
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
The American Medical Association finally on the side of safe consumption sites
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/american-medical-association-says-safe-drug-consumption-sites-save-lives-by-reducing-risky-behaviors-and-overdose-deaths/
The good ol’ AMA. Always coming in a decade or two late…
And the War on Drug roars on…
300 kg of hashish seized in Libya
30,000 kg destroyed in Bangladesh
$20M of hash found in Pakistan
And Maoists hiding their grows in north India
An analysis of drug hair testing found that while it could be determined whether the products used were high THC or low THC, it couldn't be determined whether it came from smoking or vaping
External hair contamination from cannabis and "light cannabis" delivered by smoking and vaping: An in vitro study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38145896/
Unsurprisingly, this survey of business managers & supervisors found they had low confidence in their ability to detect if someone was impaired from cannabis in the workplace
Determining Manager Detection Confidence and Their Desire for Cannabis Impairment Detection Training
https://www.ijatl.org/wp-content/uploads/journal/published_paper/volume-3/issue-1/article_3umWXvd1.pdf
A policy study finds that while cannabis policies changed over the last 20 years, alcohol policies stayed relatively stable
Relationships between Alcohol and Cannabis Policies in U.S. States, 1999-2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38147075/
In outside-the-box legal theory, invoking the 3rd amendment as a constitutional protection for at-home cannabis cultivation & use
Into the Weeds of the Third Amendment: Constitutional Protections for At-Home Marijuana Use
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/geojlap21&div=31&id=&page=
The Third Amendment: “No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.”
Driving
In young drivers, the higher their dose of cannabis, the lower their confidence in their driving abilities
Can inhaled cannabis users accurately evaluate impaired driving ability? A randomized controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38074719/
“Driving confidence was related to THC dose and to THC concentrations in the effective compartment with a low concentration of 0.11 ng/ml for the EC50 and a rapid onset of action (T1/2 37 min). Driving ability and reaction times were reduced by cannabis consumption. Driving confidence was shown to be related to driving ability and reaction times in both chronic and occasional consumers.”
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
For my favorite newsletter on this topic, Psychedelic Alpha.
EU grants €6.5M for psilocybin studies
https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/european-union-grants-e6-5m-for-multi-site-psilocybin-study-in-palliative-patients
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]
Coping strategies by people with difficult psychedelic trips
Coming Back Together: A Qualitative Survey Study of Coping and Support Strategies Used by People to Cope With Extended Difficulties After the Use of Psychedelic Drugs
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4687209
A small clinical trial of vaporized DMT for treatment-resistant depression
The antidepressant effects of vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: a preliminary report in treatment-resistant depression
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.03.23300610v1
A big review of ketamine for PTSD
So how special is special K? A systematic review and meta-analysis of ketamine for PTSD RCTs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38224070/
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
Analysis of the stresses to hemp caused by drought, heat & light
Raman-based diagnostics of drought, heat and light-induced stresses in three different varieties of hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38091099/
On how to extract more cannabinoids from your leftover wax
Solvent-assisted recrystallisation for the recovery of cannabinoids from Cannabis extraction by-products
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669023017466
An analysis of gamma irradiation treatment found no effect on cannabinoid levels & little effect on terpene & moisture levels, but virtual sterilization of bacterial & fungus
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Moisture Content of Cannabis Biomass
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38067441/
A review of the hemp pests that are arthropods & mollusks
Arthropod and mollusk pests of hemp, Cannabis sativa (Rosales: Cannabaceae), and their indoor management plan in Florida
https://academic.oup.com/jipm/article/15/1/1/7499162
“A total of 105 arthropod and mollusk species are reported on hemp in Florida from 8 insect orders and 2 non-insect orders. We found 78 species in Florida already reported in published literature, and 27 species are reported here on hemp for the first time. Even though 105 species in Florida are reported from hemp, not all can reproduce, complete their life cycle, and cause damage to hemp. Therefore, we divided them into 3 categories based on their pest potential: major (26), minor (72), and minor-to-major (7) pests.”
On the genes of cannabis plants that are resistant to powdery mildew
NLR- and mlo-Based Resistance Mechanisms against Powdery Mildew in Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38202413/
A genetic survey finds that ~1 in 200 canvas plants have triploidy (extra copies of their chromosomes)
Naturally Occurring Triploidy in Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068564/
In cannabis seeds, how their oil bodies break down to serve as an energy source for the germinating embryos
Degeneration of oil bodies by rough endoplasmic reticulum -associated protein during seed germination in Cannabis sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38094511/
Hemp as food
The protein profiles of hemp seeds
Proteomic Profiles of Whole Seeds, Hulls, and Dehulled Seeds of Two Industrial Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38202419/
On the best ways to bleach hemp oils
The Influence of the Used Bleaching Earth on the Content of Natural Dyes in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Oils
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/1/390
Industrial Use
On making flame retardant insulation from hemp
Flame retardant biogenic building insulation materials from hemp fiber
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/app.55137
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
An overview of therapeutic cannabis use for clinicians
Cannabis Science and Therapeutics: An Overview for Clinicians
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38145388/
An overview of the difficulties of oral delivery of CBD
Oral delivery of cannabidiol: Revealing the formulation and absorption challenges
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224723011681
Adolescents & Young Adults
A longitudinal study found cannabis use in adolescence led to a large reduction in the likelihood of college & graduate degree attainment
The effect of marijuana use in adolescence on college and graduate degree attainment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38157593/
In a group of Norse young people, cannabis use in males was associated with anxiety, depressed mood & suicidal ideation while in females cannabis use was associated with anxiety & suicidal ideation
Associations Between Cannabis Use and Mental Distress in Young People: A Longitudinal Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38069929/
This cohort study of youth found that cannabis use was linked to subsequent health service utilization for mood & anxiety disorders, but somehow this was true for those who used less than once a week but not for those who used more than once a week
Youth cannabis use and subsequent health service use for mood and anxiety disorders: A population-based cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38176165/
Public health data on cannabis use among adolescents broken down by age & race
Lifetime use of alcohol and cannabis among U.S. adolescents across age: Exploring differential patterns by sex and race/ethnicity using the 2019 NSDUH data
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724623000847
2 Nature editorials on the effects of cannabis on teens
Is cannabis bad for teens? Here's what the data say
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38082062/
Daily briefing: How risky is cannabis for teens?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38093067/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
For Parkinson's disease, a review of targeting the CB2 receptor
Research progress on the cannabinoid type-2 receptor and Parkinson's disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38264546/
In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, activating the CB2 receptor lowered the inflammation & dopamine neuron loss via the PI3K/Akt pathway
Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 inhibits LPSinduced neuroinflammation via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mice
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3733804/v1/160456b5-99a8-4549-982c-09bbb7f8e389.pdf?c=1705517665
In rats, drugs that block the CB1 receptor or the orexin-2 receptor reduced long-term potentiation (a type of synaptic plasticity that's key for learning & memory)
Orexin and cannabinoid systems modulate long-term potentiation of the hippocampus CA1 area in anesthetized rats
https://ijbms.mums.ac.ir/article_23565.html
And in rats, the ability of astrocytes to regulate synaptic plasticity is dependent on endocannabinoids in the striatum (a motor & reward center)
Astrocytic Regulation of Endocannabinoid-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in the Dorsolateral Striatum
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38203752/
In rats, the potential neurotoxicity of the synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL-4CN-BINACA
A study on the possible neurotoxic effects of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA in Sprague Dawley rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38185093/
Epilepsy & Seizures
On the cost efficacy of treating rare seizure disorders with CBD
Cost-Effectiveness of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Seizures in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome or Dravet Syndrome in the Netherlands
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(23)03796-8/fulltext
Mental Health
In people with anxiety & without comorbid sleep disturbances, cannabis-based medicines improved their anxiety
A cohort study comparing the effects of medical cannabis for anxiety patients with and without comorbid sleep disturbance
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38155535/
On synthetic cannabinoid abuse & symptoms of psychosis
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Synthetic Cannabinoid (Spice) Abuse Syndrome
https://cdspress.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MS_FEB_2023_28_PROOF.pdf
Among parenting women with major depressive episodes, there may be trends in their cannabis use but we can't see because of damned paywalls
Trends in cannabis use among parenting women with major depressive episode in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38087751/
On schizophrenia, a book on the complex relationship with cannabis
The Complex Connection between Cannabis and Schizophrenia
https://www.everand.com/book/357317443/The-Complex-Connection-between-Cannabis-and-Schizophrenia
Reproduction & Hormones
For postpartum people, a survey of healthcare providers found that many are not equipped to talk about the impacts of cannabis use on the health of the mother & infant
Are Health Care Providers Caring for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Ready to Confront the Perinatal Cannabis Use Challenge?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38092020/
Pain & Surgeries
In people using cannabis before an accident, they tended to use more opioids while in the hospital
Evaluation of pre-hospital cannabis exposure and hospital opioid utilization in a trauma population: A retrospective cohort
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38216357/
In older African Americans with pain, their reasons & barriers for using opioids & cannabis
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN: OPIOIDS AND CANNABIS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10738896/
A review of cannabinoids in anesthesia & chronic pain
Cannabinoids in anesthesia and chronic pain: Where do we stand?
https://journals.lww.com/sjan/fulltext/2024/18010/cannabinoids_in_anesthesia_and_chronic_pain__where.16.aspx
In rats, the common anesthetics ketamine/xylazine & inhalant isoflurane when combined with THC tended to constrict their cerebral arterioles (blood flow to the brain)
Commonly used anesthetics modify alcohol and (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo effects on rat cerebral arterioles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38087263/
A study on CBD for migraines in rats is locked behind a paywall
Study on the effects of isolated cannabidiol on vascular cephalalgia in an experimental model of induced migraine in Wistar rats
https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(23)01078-X/fulltext
The Guts, Metabolism, Oral Health & CHS
In human fat cells, activating the GPR55 receptor (which one day may be known as CB3) decreased their proliferation & inhibited the release of growth factors
GPR55 inhibits the pro-adipogenic activity of anandamide in human adipose stromal cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38163565/
The Heart
In a rat model of diabetes, when blood flows stopped to the heart, THC pretreatment reduced oxidative stress & the size of the dead area as well as improving cardiac function
Impacts of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats: Role of PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38149557/
The Skin
In human skin cells, the ability of silymarin (a flavonoid from milk thistle) to reduce the oxidative stress & inflammation from UV & air pollution is via activating the CB2 receptor to release beta-endorphins
Silymarin Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by UV and Air Pollution in Human Epidermis and Activates β-Endorphin Release through Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202312.1689/v1
Cancer & Chemotherapy
Among cancer survivors, a survey of why they use cannabis included sleep, pain, stress, nausea, depression & for treating the cancer itself
Prevalence, reasons for use, perceived benefits, and awareness of health risks of cannabis use among cancer survivors - implications for policy and interventions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38158514/
In cancer patients, those who were older or with higher education were less likely to be using cannabis
Associations of Cancer Patients' Demographic and Clinical Characteristics With Cannabis-Related Interest and Behaviors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38157334/
A review of the positives & negatives of cannabinoids in tumor therapy
Analyzing The Risks, Benefits, and Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis And Cannabinoids in Tumor Therapy – A Review
https://publishing.emanresearch.org/CurrentIssuePDF/EmanPublisher_1_5202angiotherapy-729401.pdf
In breast cancer cells, CBD & CBD rich extracts caused apoptosis (cellular suicide)
In Vitro Evidence of Selective Pro-Apoptotic Action of the Pure Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Rich Extract
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38067615/
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD's anti-cancer activity is strengthened by adding zinc ions because of its regulation of the metallothionein family of genes
Metallothionein Family Proteins as Regulators of Zinc Ions Synergistically Enhance the Anticancer Effect of Cannabidiol in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068944/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
Engineering an ocean diatom with a cannabis gene so it will produce the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid
Bioengineering of the Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum with Cannabis Genes Enables the Production of the Cannabinoid Precursor, Olivetolic Acid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068947/
Bioengineering Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a marine diatom, for cannabinoid biosynthesis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211926423004125
How CB1 interacts with the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a)
Deciphering the Molecular Association of Human CRIP1a with an Agonist-Bound Cannabinoid Receptor 1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38159053/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s superb collection of jazz ballads, ‘Wonderful Life’ by Irene Kral. Unfortunately struck down early from breast cancer at the age of 46, Irene Kral managed to release several classic albums. Linda Dahl's 1984 book on women in jazz, ‘Stormy Weather’, said, “Irene Kral had a lovely, resonant voice with a discreet vibrato, flawless diction and intonation… She was a master of quiet understatement and good taste." I particularly love the vibe of ‘Goin to California’.
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