C&P#89: acne, arthritis & anxiety + CBD for dogs in cars + ECS & acupuncture
Nevada gets cool & North Carolina judge an asshat
This week…
Cannabinoids for acne & CBD for arthritic joint pain
CBD for stress of dogs traveling in cars
For people living with HIV, the benefits of cannabinoids (2 hits)
Cannabinoids as antibacterial & antiviral (3 hits)
How the ECS underlies acupuncture
Cannabis perhaps worsening bipolar disorder
Lots of psychedelic research & roundups
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 89th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates.
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My work this week:
Canna-Education for CV Sciences
(TikTok:@cvsciences or my YouTube playlist 3-minute Cannabinoid Science):
My TikToks (@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube):
My TikTok Drama (I keep watching this one & making myself giggle)
Sciencemancy: Different Sex Chromosomes in Ancient Individuals
'To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music & Mystery of Connie Converse' by Howard Fishman
- Two readings from my endocannabinoid graphic novel series based on Moby Dick:
- On Uncle Buck’s Library:
I inherited 66 boxes of books... (the trend)
Opening a box of Uncle Buck's psychoactive books (30 minutes of great books!)
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The Canna-Science Writeup:
an analysis of the best papers of the week, sponsored by CV Sciences
In children with autism, four weeks of treatment with a low-THC full-spectrum extract caused significant overall improvements
Safety and efficacy of orally administered full-spectrum medicinal cannabis plant extract 0.08% THC (NTI-164) in children with autism spectrum disorder: An open-label study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.05.23299505v1
In this Australian study of 14 children with autism spectrum disorder (average age 13), the researchers tested a low-THC high-CBD full-spectrum oil extract. The dose began at 5 mg/kg per day (~72 mg CBD for a 100-pound child) and then increased weekly to a maximum of 20 mg/kg per day (~288 mg CBD). After four weeks of treatment, 93% of the children experienced significant overall improvements in symptoms. According to surveys of the caregivers, almost half of the participants saw improvements in targeted behavioral problems. In addition, more than half of the caregivers and children also reported decreased anxiety symptoms, though a third saw increased anxiety symptoms. After analysis by an array of tests, there were no side effects that interfered with general functioning. The most common was GI symptoms, which occurred in a third of participants, but reduced over the course of the trial. Overall, this is the first study of full-spectrum cannabis extracts for autism that reports both subjective and objective measurements of the treatment and it's excellent to see how much the caregivers and the participants appreciated this treatment option. For more on how the cannabinoids work for autism, see the Autism page of CVResearch.info.
In a survey of people with arthritic joint pain, CBD caused high rates of symptomatic relief & reductions in pharmacological treatments
An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Analysis of Cannabidiol use for Arthritic Joint Pain
https://ccorc.mmjoutcomes.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nicholas-Frane-CBD-Survey-Poster.pdf
In recently reported data, this survey included 400+ patients with different types of arthritic pain, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The participants using CBD reported high rates of symptomatic relief, especially in the domains of pain intensity, physical functioning, and sleep. In addition, many reported CBD allowing them to reduce or cease pharmacological treatments including opioids, acetaminophen, and anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, the authors did not collect data on the ingestion methods used. But overall, you have a large swathe of people reporting on the ability of CBD to help with their arthritic joint pain. See our Musculoskeletal System & Exercise page on CVResearch.info for more studies on joint pain and arthritis.
In dogs exposed to the stress of repeated car travel, CBD lowered their stress
Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38244994/
One of the most stressful events for a dog can be traveling in a car. Some of the pharmacological interventions from vets include Trazodone, clomipramine (the tricyclic antidepressant), and Prozac, but these include a range of negative side effects such as vomiting, sedation, lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, and depression. In this blinded study, giving dogs CBD distillate (at 4 mg/kg) over a period of six months improved their measures of stress during car travel including cortisol levels, whining, lip licking as well as independent assessments of behavioral ratings. Overall, the researchers suggested CBD has an anxiolytic effect on dogs when traveling in a car. For all of the pet research that’s ever been done, see our collection on the Dogs & Cats page at CVResearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
An analysis of the last 10,000 cannabis research papers
Bibliometric Analysis of Cannabis sativa Research: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252501/
An analysis of the many cannabinoids found in the new types of derived psychoactive cannabis products (my TikTok)
Types and Brands of Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Products: An Online Retail Assessment, 2023
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38237125/
“There were 26 different intoxicating compounds overall, the most prevalent being: Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THC-P, Delta-9 THC, HHC, THC-A, Delta-10 THC, THC-H, THC-B, THC-JD, THC-X, HHC-P, and Delta-11 THC.”
Clinical
In humans with anxiety, CBD-rich cannabis reduced acute tension while the THC-rich cannabis did not increase anxiety
Acute and Extended Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol in Cannabis Flower: A Quasi-Experimental ad libitum Use Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252547/
In men with HIV on antiretroviral therapy, cannabis use was associated with reduced viral loads & reduced inflammation
Cannabis Use Associates With Reduced Proviral Burden and Inflammatory Cytokine in Tissues From Men With Clade C HIV-1 on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38243412/
And in people living with HIV, CBD treatment is associated with the expression of anti-inflammatory genes
Oral Cannabidiol Treatment Is Associated with an Anti-Inflammatory Gene Expression Signature in Myeloid Cells of People Living with HIV
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252549/
A case study of reducing the harms from alcohol & other drugs by donating cannabis to people
Cannabis donation as a harm reduction strategy: A case study
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr790574
Harms
For bipolar disorder, this review & meta-analysis of 25 studies found that cannabis may precipitate or worsen the disorder
Cannabis use and its relationship with bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38161465/
Codependence on cannabis & opioids seemed to contribute to cognitive impairments, especially in working memory & executive functions
Neurocognitive Dysfunctions in People with Concurrent Cannabis Use and Opioid Dependence: A Cross-Sectional, Controlled Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2024.2308213
In Canada, an analysis of the adverse outcomes of cannabis use after legalization
Adverse outcomes of cannabis use in Canada, before and after legalisation of non-medical cannabis: cross-sectional analysis of the International Cannabis Policy Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38171626/
A case report of pancreatitis possibly caused by cannabis consumption
A Rare Case of Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Cannabinoids Consumption
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2023/posters/30/
A case report of delta-8 THC leading to a manic state
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol Associated Manic Switch: A Case Report
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02537176231222567
A case report of air in the lungs after cannabis & tobacco use
Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Marijuana and Tobacco Abuse
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/144422/20240215-7717-1fstk7r.pdf
Though it is hard to directly attribute this to the use of cannabis, it does occur frequently in people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Reviews
For acne, the potential of the cannabinoids
Treatment Advances for Acne Vulgaris: The Scientific Role of Cannabinoids
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/1/22
A review on how the benefits of acupuncture may be mediated via the endocannabinoid receptors
Advances in the study of endocannabinoid receptors in experimental acupuncture analgesia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38239143/
A nice review of the many pathways used by CBD (cool charts)
An Overview of Cannabidiol as a Multifunctional Drug: Pharmacokinetics and Cellular Effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257386/
And a review of 68 studies on the many aspects of CBD
Pharmacological and morphological features and socioeconomic aspects of cannabidiol: A literature review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377358315_Pharmacological_and_morphological_features_and_socioeconomic_aspects_of_cannabidiol_A_literature_review_International_Journal_of_Medicine_and_Medical_Research
For autism, a review of using the cannabinoids
Cannabinoid treatment for the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38226593/
For Alzheimer's disease & aging, a review of CBD treatment
Alzheimer's disease, aging, and cannabidiol treatment: a promising path to promote brain health and delay aging
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38227160/
And a case report & literature review of CBD for neuromotor disorders [Portuguese]
The impact of cannabidiol on neuromotor disorders: a case report and literature review
https://ojs.brazilianjournals.com.br/ojs/index.php/BJHR/article/view/66424/47389
For treating psychosomatic disorders (characterized by activation of the HPA axis), a review on targeting the endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system: A new frontier in addressing psychosomatic challenges
https://www.accscience.com/journal/JCBP/0/0/10.36922/jcbp.2288
For chronic pain, a review of using cannabinoids as well as alternative therapies
The use of cannabinoids and alternative therapies in chronic pain management: a narrative review
https://journals.viamedica.pl/palliative_medicine_in_practice/article/view/98210
And a review on using CBD for chronic pain conditions involving the trigeminal nerve
Trigeminal Neuralgia and Cannabidiol Approach
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr790356
On the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis roots
Cannabis Roots: Therapeutic, Biotechnological and Environmental Aspects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252502/
And the growth factors associated with the triterpenoids friedelin & epifriedelanol in cannabis roots
Effect of carbon source and elicitors on biomass production and accumulation of friedelin and epifriedelanol in hairy roots of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11240-023-02675-4
There’s a long history here. The Chinese herbal ‘Shen-nung Pen-tsao Ching’ from 2700 BCE recommended dried cannabis root crushed into a paste for the pain caused by broken bones & surgery. Pliny the Elder mentioned boiled cannabis roots for joint cramps, gout, and acute pain. There’s also references to stopping bleeding during childbirth, reducing fever & relieving gastric complaints.
Antimicrobials
Against corona & influenza viruses, CBD & the terpenes caused anti-inflammatory & antiviral activity
Terpenes and cannabidiol against human corona and influenza viruses-Anti-inflammatory and antiviral in vitro evaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38318445/
For the bacteria of tuberculosis, the antibacterial effects of CBD
Antimicrobial Effect of Cannabidiol on Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252548/
On potentially using cannabis waste to create antibiotics
Valorisation of biomass waste into bioproduct: Potential use of cannabis extracts for bacterial inhibition activity
https://cms.gnest.org/sites/default/files/Proceedings/cest2023_00510/cest2023_00510.pdf
Preclinical
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, CBD decreased biomarkers associated with neuroinflammation via the reduction of M1 polarization & decreased TNF-α secretion
The mechanism by which cannabidiol (CBD) suppresses TNF-α secretion involves inappropriate localization of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38245915/
In a rat model of sepsis, CBD protected from cognitive impairment, restored brain growth factor BDNF & reduced neuroinflammation & oxidative stress via the PPAR nuclear receptors (that control genetic transcription)
Cannabidiol effect on long-term brain alterations in septic rats: Involvement of PPARγ activation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242525/
In a mouse model of colitis, nano-CBD protected the colon from damage, improved the gut microbiome & restored the intestinal mucosal barrier function & intestinal mucosal permeability
Multi-targeting inulin-based nanoparticles with cannabidiol for effective prevention of ulcerative colitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38318477/
On how stress changes your perception of pain via the interaction of the cannabinoid & serotonin systems
Cannabinoid and Serotonergic Systems: Unraveling the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Stress-Induced Analgesia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38275406/
And for the stress response in rats, how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the adrenergic system
The endogenous cannabinoid and the adrenergic systems in modulation of stress-response
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377484455_The_endogenous_cannabinoid_and_the_adrenergic_systems_in_modulation_of_stress-response
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
US Navy forced to grant waivers to recruits who test positive for cannabis amidst an increased dropout rate & a reduction in recruitment
https://uk.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/us-navy-overlooks-recruits-past-cannabis-use-to-reduce-boot-camp-dropouts-and-recruitment-challenges-3334243
Nevada issues its first cannabis consumption lounge license
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nevada-officials-give-final-approval-to-states-first-marijuana-consumption-lounge-set-to-open-this-month
For some reason, this has been such a difficult issue for states. If they're going to legalize cannabis, where are they going to allow people to use it socially?
Good on you Silver State.
What an asshole. In North Carolina, a judge orders anyone with the odor of “Marijuana, THC, CBD, Hashish and Hemp” to be banned from the courtroom
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/north-carolina-judge-bans-people-with-the-odor-of-marijuana-from-entering-courts
He claims this is for public health reasons, but what about someone with PTSD or cancer who can’t leave their house without using cannabis to calm their body or mind?
An analysis of the high levels of endotoxins in commercial cannabis
High levels of endotoxins in commercial cannabis flower
https://osf.io/preprints/osf/gdqbx
RIP Dries van Agt, architect of gedoogbeleid
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3QLYJHMwmK/
History Corner: More on the potential smoking of cannabis by Shakespeare - “invention in a noted weed” (Sonnet 76)
John Taylor (1620) and the Shakespeare-Hemp-Cannabis (SHC) Hypothesis
https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/cqz3h
Never forget that a number of pipes with cannabis residue were found in the Bard’s garden.
International
The German Finance Committee to vote on cannabis legalization next week
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/german-lawmakers-officially-put-marijuana-legalization-vote-on-next-weeks-agenda
Ukraine signs a medical cannabis bill into law
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ukraines-zelensky-signs-medical-marijuana-bill-a-step-he-says-can-heal-pain-stress-and-trauma-of-war-with-russia
Jersey decriminalizes personal use cannabis
https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2024/02/13/jersey-passes-de-jure-decriminalisation-of-cannabis-for-personal-use
Australia called world’s fastest-growing medical market
https://www.cannabiz.com.au/australia-cited-as-worlds-fastest-growing-medical-market
Reading list: Books on Mexican Drug War History
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
In Massachusetts, adult-use cannabis legalization led to increased cannabis-related emergency department visits & hospitalizations among children & teenagers
Recreational cannabis legalization and pediatric exposures in Massachusetts, United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38233190/
State-level cannabis liberalization laws were not associated with a change in opioid prescriptions or opioid deaths except for a possible reduction in synthetic opioid deaths associated with adult-use cannabis laws
Recreational and Medical Cannabis Legalization and Opioid Prescriptions and Mortality
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38241056/
On the availability of delta-8 THC in Fort Worth TX
Factors Associated with Delta-8 THC Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas, 2021-2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38247162/
An analysis of which type of cannabis warning labels are more effective for young adults
Countering online marketing and user endorsements with enhanced cannabis warning labels: An online experiment among at-risk youth and young adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38266719/
Driving
In a test of older adults & simulated driving, they had more negative scores after smoking cannabis
Cannabis and Driving in Older Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38236599/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
For my favorite newsletter on this topic, Psychedelic Alpha.
For black henbane, the first evidence of its deliberate human use after being found stuffed in a bone in the Netherlands from 2600 years ago
Evidence of the intentional use of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) in the Roman Netherlands
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/evidence-of-the-intentional-use-of-black-henbane-hyoscyamus-niger-in-the-roman-netherlands/A06E000B17E1642C878E469157D5131C
https://www.sciencealert.com/bone-stuffed-with-henbane-first-solid-evidence-of-the-plants-use-as-a-drug
On a pastoral approach to Christianity & psychedelic medicine
Christianity and Psychedelic Medicine: A Pastoral Approach
https://academic.oup.com/cb/article-abstract/29/1/31/6705514?redirectedFrom=fulltext
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]
A collection of psychedelic studies
Critical Psychedelic Studies
https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/yisr20/48/5
A scoping review of using psilocybin to enhance the well-being of healthy individuals
The potential of psilocybin use to enhance well-being in healthy individuals – A scoping review
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/7/3/article-p184.xml
On using MDMA for borderline personality disorder
MDMA-assisted therapy for borderline personality disorder
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376464197_MDMA-assisted_therapy_for_borderline_personality_disorder
For PTSD combined with alcohol use disorder, a review of using MDMA psychotherapy
Treating posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder comorbidity: Current pharmacological therapies and the future of MDMA-integrated psychotherapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38009477/
A meta-analysis of using psychedelics for depression, anxiety & PTSD
Efficacy and Safety of Four Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Adults with Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37968944/
For chronic pain, a review on the use of LSD & psilocybin
LSD and psilocybin for chronic nociplastic pain: A narrative review of the literature supporting the use of classic psychedelic agents in chronic pain
https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/814
For alcohol use disorder, a review of six trials on the benefits of psychedelics
The impact of psychedelics on patients with alcohol use disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38111216/
For anxiety disorders, a review of 9 trials on the use of psychedelics
Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Treating Anxiety Disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38143548/
In preclinical models of psychiatric disorders, a review of 34 papers on using psilocybin
Psilocybin as a lead candidate molecule in preclinical therapeutic studies of psychiatric disorders: A systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38019032/
In a female rat model of anorexia, psilocybin prevented symptoms & enhanced cognitive flexibility via the serotonin receptors
Psilocybin prevents activity-based anorexia in female rats by enhancing cognitive flexibility: contributions from 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor mechanisms
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.12.571374v2.abstract
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
An on-farm conversion system for turning cannabis biomass waste into fertilizer using microbials
On-Farm Conversion of Cannabis Sativa Waste Biomass into an Organic Fertilizer by Microbial Digestion
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1065657X.2023.2296947
On the distribution of rare earth elements in 4 Italian hemp cultivars
Distribution Pattern of Rare Earth Elements in Four Different Industrial Hemp Cultivars (Cannabis sativa L.) Grown in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42729-023-01610-y
A review on how to grow medical cannabis
The overview of existing knowledge on medical cannabis plants growing
https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122644/records/6565ee84c5a6e8c12480d37a
Hemp as food
On using hemp stocks as a filler in flour
Utilization of Flours from Hemp Stalks as Reinforcement in Polypropylene Matrix
https://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BRJ/article/view/23173
The fatty acid content of hemp seed oil
Fatty Acid Nutritional Indices of Hemp Seed Oil
https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/124
Industrial Use
On using hemp fiber in asphalt for low-traffic roads
Mechanistic Performance of Hybrid Asphalt Concretes with Recycled Aggregates and Hemp Fiber for Low Traffic Roads
https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-16864
On using hemp fiber in brake material
Tribological investigations of hemp reinforced NAO brake friction polymer composites with varying percentage of resin loading
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2024.1348265/full
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A study in piglets finds that intravenous CBD is rapidly distributed to the peripheral tissue & slowly released into the bloodstream
An Intravenous Pharmacokinetic Study of Cannabidiol Solutions in Piglets through the Application of a Validated Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of CBD and Its Carboxylated Metabolite in Plasma
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38276510/
Adolescents & Young Adults
A review of 19 studies in children & adolescents on the neurocognitive impact of exposure to cannabinoids
Neurocognitive Impact of Exposure to Cannabis Concentrates and Cannabinoids Including Vaping in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38361722/
In young adults with heavy cannabis use, they had abnormal development in their structural covariance networks
Abnormal developmental of structural covariance networks in young adults with heavy cannabis use: a 3-year follow-up study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38245512/
In a Finnish birth cohort study, while alcohol use was associated with poorer educational outcomes by the age of 33, adolescent cannabis use was not
Adolescent alcohol and cannabis use and early adulthood educational attainment in the 1986 Northern Finland birth cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38254063/
In high school seniors, the factors associated with current cannabis use
Mental health problems, substance use, and perceived risk as pathways to current cannabis use among high school seniors in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740924000288
In adolescents, cannabis use by their parent or sibling or best friend is associated with increased odds of their own use
Risk Factors for Adolescent Cannabis Use in a State With Legal Recreational Cannabis: The Role of Parents, Siblings, and Friends
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414509/
Analysis of a German cannabis reduction program for 8th graders
Effectiveness of a cannabis prevention program in school: results of a randomized prospective study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38172374/
In adolescent mice, frequent low exposure to THC dampens the brain’s antiviral response in females, but not males
Frequent low-impact exposure to THC during adolescence causes persistent sexually dimorphic alterations in the response to viral infection in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38159785/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In people with strokes, a combination of PEA & luteolin (a flavonoid commonly paired with PEA) for 90 days improved their neurological scores & cognitive function
PEALut in the Dietary Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38256644/
Using RNA sequencing datasets, researchers found that the GPR55 receptor (which one day may be known as CB3) is upregulated in neurons following THC exposure while the TRPV1 receptor is downregulated in temporal lobe epilepsy
In silico analyses of the involvement of GPR55, CB1R and TRPV1: response to THC, contribution to temporal lobe epilepsy, structural modeling and updated evolution
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fninf.2024.1294939/full
The endocannabinoid enzyme ABHD6 regulated synaptic plasticity & learning flexibility via the control of AMPA receptors
ABHD6 drives endocytosis of AMPA receptors to regulate synaptic plasticity and learning flexibility
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38159878/
Novel cannabinoids & their effects on cell signaling & neuronal function
Novel putative ligands of cannabinoid receptors: synthesis and effects on cell signaling and neuronal functions
https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122436/records/65608aefc4e4d6ba164423ef
Epilepsy
A case report of using CBD to treat a type of epilepsy associated with the SYNGAP1 mutation
Epileptic and neurodevelopmental encephalopathy associated to SYNGAP1 mutation: Description of a case and treatment response to cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38056595/
An unfavorable analysis of the reliability of online information on using CBD for epilepsy
Evaluating the Credibility and Reliability of Online Information on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Epilepsy Treatment
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3863752/v1/6fdeeaea-caa8-44c2-9a26-52331e7f571f.pdf?c=1707170291
On creating CBD prodrugs for epilepsy
Cannabidiol-Based Prodrugs: Synthesis and Bioevaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38352838/
Prodrugs are drugs that get processed by the body into the drugs that you want, in this case CBD. If designed correctly, they can have better stability, solubility & therapeutic efficacy.
Mental Health
Interviews with clinicians about tobacco cessation lowering social isolation & chronic issues among cannabis users
Perceptions and experiences of clinicians treating tobacco use among cannabis users in substance use treatment programs: A qualitative study
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3797522/v1/7f18db3e-3a80-4e6f-869a-7b9a6db6aaca.pdf?c=1705482700
What? Smokers often say that stepping out to take a smoke break is one of their best ways to meet people.
In rats taking oxycodone, THC increased the rewarding value of the opioid
∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Increases the Rewarding Value of Oxycodone During Self-Administration in Rats
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2024/01/20/2024.01.18.576277.full.pdf
In a mouse model of opioid use disorder, negative allosteric modulation of the CB1 receptor (also a function of CBD) decreased their morphine self-administration & relapse
Negative allosteric modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor signaling decreases intravenous morphine self-administration and relapse in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38293046/
Reproduction & Hormones
In an analysis of public health data, cannabis use following pregnancy was not associated with high blood pressure
Cannabis use and development of hypertension in the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)01251-6/pdf
In pregnant people with opioid use disorder, THC in their urine test “did not appear to significantly affect maternal delivery complications, birth weight or head circumference” though it did lower compliance with prenatal & postnatal visits
THC Impact in Urine Drug Screens on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Substance Use Disorder
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)01938-5/pdf
After a cesarean delivery, higher endogenous endocannabinoid levels may be associated with reduced opioid usage but not pain levels
Endocannabinoids and Related Lipids are Associated with Postoperative Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)00897-9/pdf
For cesarean delivery, a person’s endocannabinoid levels seemed unlikely to influence their pain levels
Associations between Endocannabinoids and Preoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: an Exploratory Study
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)01386-8/pdf
In uterus cells, the anandamide analog methanandamide increased RNA associated with delivery, though this did not seem to be mediated by the CB1 receptors
Endocannabinoid effects on myometrial expression of contraction associated proteins
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)01020-7/pdf
Pain & Surgeries
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain in mice without a core clock component, the increased production of 2-AG suppressed their tactile pain hypersensitivity via α1D-AR signaling
Suppression of neuropathic pain in the circadian clock-deficient Per2m/m mice involves up-regulation of endocannabinoid system
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38239754/
The Guts, Metabolism, Oral Health & CHS
In people with binge eating, there is no association between their cannabis use & eating disorder symptoms or depression symptoms
Cannabis use and binge eating: Examining the relationship between cannabis use and clinical severity among adults with binge eating
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38236224/
The Skin
On using alcohol hydrogels to deliver THC to the skin
Release of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels and its safe interaction with human skin fibroblasts
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fddev.2024.1303812/full
The Eyes
In mice with burns on their cornea, activating the CB2 receptor lowered inflammation
Novel micellar CB2 receptor agonist with anti-inflammatory action for treating corneal alkali burns in a mouse model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38161702/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In people with cancer, those experiencing cancer-related pain were more likely to be using cannabis
Current cannabis use and pain management among US cancer patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38236449/
In ovarian cancer patients treated with PARP inhibitors, medical cannabis users had an extended overall survival compared with the cannabis naive group (though this became insignificant on multivariate analysis)
Medical cannabis and its effect on oncological outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer treated with PARP inhibitors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242547/
In breast cancer cells, CBD enhanced the efficacy of photodynamic therapy
Cannabidiol Combination Enhances Photodynamic Therapy Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38247877/
In pancreatic cancer cells, CBG induced cellular death
Cannabigerol Induces Autophagic Cell Death by Inhibiting EGFR-RAS Pathways in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/4/2001
Synthetic Cannabinoids
In mice, how vaping or injecting MDMB-4F-BICA moves it through their system
Comparative pharmacokinetic and intracerebral distribution of MDMB-4F-BICA in mice following inhalation ('vapor') and subcutaneous injection
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38301574/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
On moving the CBDA synthase gene into yeast
Production of Cannabidiol Acid Synthase by Chassis Pichia pastoris and of Its Catalytic Activity Analysis
https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122436/records/652f999dc1cd75198696c4c3
And on using non-canonical enzymes to produce cannabinoids
Cannabinoid biosynthesis using non-canonical enzymes
https://dc.engconfintl.org/enzyme_xxvii/14/
On creating inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor for visualizing their location] in live cells
Visualization of membrane localization and functional state of CB2R pools by matched agonist and inverse agonist probe pairs
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/65a17a1ce9ebbb4db904aec4/original/visualization-of-membrane-localization-and-functional-state-of-cb2r-pools-by-matched-agonist-and-inverse-agonist-probe-pairs.pdf
On creating inhibitors of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG)
Development of Potent and Selective Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors. SARs, Structural Analysis, and Biological Characterization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38241614/
A new way to synthesize 7-OH CBD
Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction to unlock an 8-step synthesis of 7-hydroxy cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38229717/
An analysis of how an allosteric modulator of CB1 works on the receptor
Insight into the mechanism of action of ORG27569 at the cannabinoid type one receptor utilising a unified mathematical model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38227196/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s swinging trombone, the great George Lewis & his album ‘Jazz At Preservation Hall’. Not only one of the most innovative jazz players across a range of styles, Lewis is also an educator. By the age of 19, he had joined the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians & worked with them for decades, eventually writing a nearly 800-page book about their history which won the American Book Award. By the ‘70s, he was on tour with Count Basie’s Orchestra (who my grandfather loved) as well as playing sideman to an array of the greats. By the 80s he was experimenting with electronic music & invented a piece of software called Voyager for improvising music that he’d use in interactive performances. During the 90s, he was a teacher at acclaimed musical programs & in 2002 he won a MacArthur Fellowship (the genius grant) as well as a Guggenheim in 2015. He continues to publish & record & teach, now delving into what machine learning might do to enhance music. What a guy!
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