C&P#91: neuroprotective CBD + cat separation anxiety + the harms of cannabis & psychedelics
Cannabis for female orgasmic disorder?
This week…
CBD so neuroprotective!
Approval of cannabis for female orgasmic disorder?
Prenatal cannabis use linked to increased fetal death
Topicals for skin burns
Stoners may be slower, but not less accurate
Cannabis use disorder roundup
Why do cancer patients use cannabis?
CBD for cat separation anxiety
The harms of psychedelics & underground psychedelic training programs
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 91st edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates. On the cannabinoids, ask me anything.
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The Canna-Science Writeup:
Analyzing the best papers of the week, sponsored by CV Sciences
#PERIODONTITIS
In a double-blind study of patients with periodontitis (gum disease), CBD improved gingival bleeding & gingival scores as well as reducing inflammation in human gingival cells
Phytocannabinoids and gingival inflammation: Preclinical findings and a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial with cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38311974/
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums and oral bones. It affects up to half the world's population and because of the decay of the supporting bones, it's one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In the beginning, inflammatory bacteria lead to plaque. The plaque hardens into tartar. This leads to gingivitis and inflamed gums. Eventually, deep pockets of infection form that cause a loss of tissue and bone known as periodontitis.
The main treatment is mechanical removal of the plaque along with anti-inflammatory or antibacterial drugs. There’s a search for new drugs to treat periodontitis and the three criteria for these drugs are that they be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and have an acceptable safety profile. Unsurprisingly, CBD meets all of these criteria. And these researchers tested it preclinically and clinically.
This study began by using human gum cells and testing the effects of CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBC. They found that these gum cells didn’t have CB1 receptors but they did have CB2 receptors. When exposed to inflammatory agents, the phytocannabinoids reduced inflammation markers. They also caused antibacterial action against the two key bacteria P. gingivalis and S. mutans.
In their double-blind clinical study, 90 periodontitis patients used either a placebo toothpaste, Corsodyl toothpaste (a common antibacterial mouth hygiene treatment), or a CBD toothpaste for ~2 months. Those who used the CBD toothpaste experienced a significant reduction in the bleeding of their gums as well as their gingival scores. It also helped with the bacteria levels, in line with previous research on the cannabinoid’s oral antibacterial effects. In addition, no adverse effects from the CBD were reported. As the authors state, their most “unambiguous result” is a significant improvement in the clinical measures of gum and oral health in these patients. See more on oral health at the Digestive System page of CVResearch.info.
#CANCER
In patients with plasma cell disorders such as the cancer myeloma, a survey found that they used cannabinoids for pain, sleep, depression & stress reduction
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use and Perceptions in Patients with Plasma Cell Disorders: A National Healthtree Foundation for Multiple Myeloma Survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2666636724000484
In older adult cancer survivors, a survey found they used cannabis for pain & insomnia
Cannabis Perceptions and Patterns of Use Among Older Adult Cancer Survivors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38311859/
These two surveys of cancer patients indicate why they used the cannabinoids during their recovery. The first one talked to 348 people who survived disorders of their plasma cells, most especially the blood plasma cancer known as multiple myeloma. Most reported using both THC and CBD products and the “indications for use were pain (71%), sleep (73%), depression (32%), anxiety (29%), and stress reduction.” For pain, half of them found cannabis to be mostly or completely effective for pain reduction and a third were able to avoid taking opioids altogether while others were able to reduce their use of opioids. Side effects included the usuals of dry mouth, brain fog, and dizziness. Unfortunately, over half of them never had a discussion with their oncologist about their cannabis use because that discussion seemed unlikely to be helpful.
In the second survey, the researchers heard from 500+ adults over the age of 65 with cancer who lived in states with no legal cannabis access. For those using cannabis after their diagnosis, the most common reason was for pain or insomnia. Again, only 8% discussed their cannabis use with their healthcare provider. As the researchers state, “even within a state without a legal cannabis marketplace, older cancer survivors might commonly use cannabis to alleviate health concerns but [be] unlikely to discuss this with their providers.”
As I often say, if you know people living with cancer, consider offering them our Reserve gummies as a way to treat the symptoms.
#CATS
In cats, CBD seemed effective for easing separation anxiety
Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38356586/
These days you don't often see papers published by a single researcher. So when I saw the title of this paper, I assumed it was just another editorial with no data. But it instead seems that Dr. Nobuo Masataka, after a lifetime of studying primate behavior, child development, and a wild array of other topics, turned his considerable energies towards ten healthy cats experiencing separation anxiety. For each cat, they received both two weeks of a placebo and two weeks of CBD at 4 mg/kg/day. Then he rated their stress levels during and after a brief absence of their caregiver. During the separation, the cats receiving the placebo showed more signs of distress. Upon their caregiver’s return, those who had been receiving CBD were less avoidant (snubbing) of their caregiver and in more physical contact with them. As Dr. Masataka concludes, “the results suggest anxiety-reducing effects of CBD in cats.”
To see all of the pet research that’s ever been done, check out our collection on the Dogs & Cats page at CVResearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Because mice don't like the taste of edibles, the creation of a palatable THC chocolate gelatin edible to create a system to study their response to high doses of cannabinoids
A preclinical model of THC edibles that produces high-dose cannabimimetic responses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38214701/
“THC-E-gel consumption increased the acoustic startle response in males but not in females, demonstrating a sex-dependent effect of consumption.”
Clinical
For spasticity, 2 case reports of using cannabinoids [Portuguese]
USO DOS FITOCANABINÓIDES PARA TRATAMENTO DE ESPASTICIDADE MUSCULAR: RELATO DE CASO
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377963088_USO_DOS_FITOCANABINOIDES_PARA_TRATAMENTO_DE_ESPASTICIDADE_MUSCULAR_RELATO_DE_CASO
In asthmatics, no association between cannabis use & an asthma attack
Asthma episode/attack risk by smoking status, self-reported gender, educational attainment, e-cigarette usage and exposure to marijuana smoke
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(23)01589-0/fulltext
On a tablet-based battery of tests, cannabis use in occasional users caused slowed reaction times & short term memory deficits but in daily users, only the speed changed but not the accuracy
Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38308382/
“The findings are consistent with acquired tolerance to certain acute psychomotor effects with daily cannabis use. The finding from the gap acceptance task which showed a decline in speed but not accuracy may indicate a prioritization of accuracy over response time.”
CBD & Neuroprotection
In young rats, CBD lessened damage from brain hemorrhages via protection of the blood-brain barrier & lowering of inflammation, excitotoxicity & oxidative stress
Cannabidiol reduces intraventricular hemorrhage brain damage, preserving myelination and preventing blood brain barrier dysfunction in immature rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38301326/
In a mouse model of bleeding around the brain, CBD lowered mortality rates & brain immune cell activation
Cannabidiol as a Therapy for Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/str.55.suppl_1.TP169
In a rat model of neuroinflammation from a high-fat diet, CBD lowered inflammation in the cerebral cortex via the reduction of lipid inflammation
Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol in early stages of neuroinflammation induced by high-fat diet in cerebral cortex of rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38336253/
Harms
In public health data, an association between prenatal cannabis use & elevated risks for fetal death as well as low birth weight
The Longitudinal Assessment of Prenatal Cannabis Use on Neonatal Outcomes
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3904495/v1/2b23dae1-364f-4891-a9d8-b0c70db5d033.pdf?c=1707118275
And a chart review from 10 underserved clinics in New York City found cannabis use to double the odds of recurrent bacterial vaginosis
MARIJUANA USE IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AND RECURRENT BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: A Retrospective Chart Review
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr795356
Cannabis involvement in self-harm emergency department visits almost doubled from 2010 to 2021
Cannabis-involvement in emergency department visits for self-harm following medical and non-medical cannabis legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38309479/
A cohort study finds an association between medical cannabis authorization & hospital visits due to psychotic disorders
Medical cannabis authorization and risk of emergency department visits and hospitalization due to psychotic disorders: A propensity score-matched cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330686/
And in people who visited an emergency department due to cannabis use, they had an associated increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder
Development of an anxiety disorder following an emergency department visit due to cannabis use: a population-based cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00034-8/fulltext
A meta-analysis found cannabis use linked to ischemic strokes
Marijuana Use and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/str.55.suppl_1.WP271
A case report of a synthetic cannabinoid causing catatonia
Catatonia Induced by First-Time Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/225794/20240301-13683-1tramy2.pdf
A large analysis of the side effects & adverse effects from medical cannabis use
An overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: A scoping review using a systematic approach
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2024/02/04/2024.02.03.24302171.full.pdf
A quite negative French take on CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD): Confronting consumers' expectations of therapeutic benefits with pharmacological reality
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383209/
This place is so “the Land of No”.
Cannabis Use Disorder
For cannabis use disorder, a review of different treatments at different ages
Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/3/227
Medical & recreational cannabis laws associated with lower treatment levels for cannabis use disorder
Associations between cannabis policies and state-level specialty cannabis use disorder treatment in the United States, 2004-2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38382162/
On a harm reduction approach to cannabis use disorder
Toward a Harm Reduction Approach to Cannabis Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38298076/
Reviews
For CBD, a review of the many mechanisms it uses for its therapeutic effects
A systematic review of molecular mechanism and therapeutic effect of Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://essopenarchive.org/doi/full/10.22541/au.170668463.31889492
“Mechanic studies have indicated that CBD has high affinity on a series of receptors, including type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2), GPR55, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). By modulating the activities of these receptor, CBD exhibits multiple therapeutic effects, including neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-cancer properties.”
For head & neck conditions, CBD is suggested for obstructive sleep apnea, chronic pain, nausea & coughing
Cannabidiol (CBD): Potential Use in Otorhinolaryngology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38322448/
For multiple sclerosis, a review of using nano-cannabinoids for better bioavailability
Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399295/
On the efficacy of Sativex, a 1:1 THC:CBD spray
The Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Neuroprotective Effects of Sativex® - A Cannabis-derived Spray
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38318827/
For chronic diseases, a review of drug-drug interactions with the cannabinoids, though much of it is guesswork
Potential Drug Interactions with Cannabinoids in Selected Chronic Diseases: Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Oncology, Multiple Sclerosis and Pain
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202402.0458/v1
For instance, in liver cells, THC & CBD raised the potency of the benzodiazepine oxazepam
Cannabinoid-Induced Stereoselective Inhibition of R-S-Oxazepam Glucuronidation: Cannabinoid-Oxazepam Drug Interactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399297/
Unfortunately, a lot of this drug-drug interaction work is speculation. There aren’t many studies or case reports of what actually happens in the real-world vs predictions about what might happen based on test tube studies of CYP450 liver enzymes. The main thing we know: cannabinoids increase the strength of your warfarin (Coumadin).
In cosmetics, a review of methods for analyzing cannabinoid levels
A systematic review of analytical methodologies capable of analysing phytocannabinoids in cosmetics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38229238/
Preclinical
In a rat model of obsessive-compulsive disorder resulting from epilepsy, CBD improved their symptoms in a gender-dependent manner
CBD treatment following early life seizures alters orbitofrontal-striatal signaling during adulthood
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38325075/
In a pig model of skin burns, a full-spectrum cannabis oil with low THC & CBD decreased inflammation & reduced burn wound progression
Topical Noneuphoric Phytocannabinoid Elixir 14 Reduces Inflammation and Mitigates Burn Progression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38320364/
In mice, the anti-fatigue effects of hemp seeds as well as the gendered differences in weight gain
Anti-fatigue effect of hemp seed oligopeptide in mice and its sex difference
https://www.ifoodmm.cn/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5429&context=journal
“High dose of hemp seed oligopeptide significantly increased the exhaustive swimming time and liver glycogen content, and significantly decreased the body weight and blood urea nitrogen content of male mice, while significantly increased the body weight, exhaustive swimming time and liver glycogen content, and significantly decreased the blood lactic acid value and blood urea nitrogen content of female mice”
In a tissue model of chronic prostatitis (painful inflammation of the prostate or its nerves), CBD combined well with shockwave therapy to lower inflammation via COX2 & the TLR4-NF κB pathway
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY COMBINED WITH CANNABIDIOL REDUCES PROSTATIC INFLAMMATION BY REGULATING TLR4-NF κB SIGNALING PATHWAY
link
In a tissue model of food allergies, THC decreased the associated IgE antibodies
Inhibition of IgE production in Plasma Cell Line by Cannabinoid-Containing Product Associated with Regulation of XBP-1 and IgE heavy chain expression
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(23)01711-6/fulltext
In a rat model of erectile dysfunction, the terpene beta caryophyllene lowered antioxidant biomarkers
Ameliorative role of β-Caryophyllene on antioxidant biomarkers in Paroxetine induced erectile dysfunctional rats
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3931958/v1/fb9ba432-3b6a-449c-a42b-1777c584ebc6.pdf
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
80% of Americans now have a dispensary in their county
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/eight-in-ten-americans-have-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-their-county-and-shops-cluster-near-borders-with-illegal-states-pew-analysis-shows
And Vangst reports that 86% of cannabis companies plan to be hiring this year
https://vangst.com/blog/2024-cannabis-industry-salary-guide
An op-ed on the weak California cannabis market being strangled by taxes & over-regulation by friend of the newsletter Hirsch Jain of Ananda Strategy
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/californias-new-marijuana-database-shows-the-legal-market-is-smaller-and-weaker-than-we-thought-op-ed
“The state has, by far, the lowest per capita sales of any mature cannabis market. If California’s legal market was simply performing on par with Michigan’s or Montana’s, it would be generating a staggering $13 billion in annual sales.”
U.S. Army hastens to point out that Biden’s cannabis pardons do not apply to military drug offenses
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-army-clarifies-that-bidens-marijuana-pardons-dont-apply-to-military-personnel/?
A few states may be adding “female orgasmic disorder” as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/four-states-set-to-consider-making-female-orgasmic-disorder-a-medical-marijuana-qualifying-condition
Trump’s White House was awash in modafinil & Xanax
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-white-house-drugs-speed-xanax-1234979503/
Man faces 10 years in prison for spiking a batch of his café’s ice cream with THC
https://boingboing.net/2024/03/01/maine-man-faces-up-to-10-years-in-prison-for-spiking-ice-cream-with-thc.html
History Corner: the watershed medical cannabis year of 1979 by Her Eminence Alice O’Leary Randall
States
NY’s cannabis head Chris Alexander on the difficulties of the cannabis rollout & not knowing which agencies had jurisdiction
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/why-are-there-still-illegal-weed-stores-all-over-new-york.html
“We knew that there would be some increase in legal activity or illicit sales, which was happening in every other market. But because this is New York, it’s more.”
Nevada opens its first cannabis consumption lounge & a local lawmaker sparked the first joint
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nevadas-first-marijuana-consumption-lounge-officially-opens-with-top-lawmaker-hitting-a-joint-at-420
An analysis of derived cannabinoids available on 4/20 in Fort Worth TX
Derived psychoactive cannabis products and 4/20 specials: An assessment of popular brands and retail price discounts in Fort Worth, Texas, 2023
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38350186/
International
Greece issues first medical cannabis prescriptions
https://greekreporter.com/2024/02/25/prescription-cannabis-medicinal-use-legal-greece/
A clash continues in the British Virgin Islands with their Premier stating that the territory does not need the permission of the UK government to legalize cannabis
https://bvinews.com/we-dont-need-uk-to-pass-marijuana-bill-premier-says/
Pakistan moves forward with cannabis growing rules & the establishment of a regulatory body
https://humnews.pk/latest/pakistan-promulgates-law-to-regulate-cannabis-industry/
In the United Arab Emirates, a measure of synthetic cannabinoids in drug rehabilitation patients
Synthetic cannabinoid detection in patients admitted for drug rehabilitation in the United Arab Emirates
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38316149/
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
In New Jersey, tianeptine (a tricyclic antidepressant known as “gas station heroin”) saw a sharp increase in poison center control calls due to contamination by synthetic cannabinoids
Notes from the Field: Cluster of Severe Illness from Neptune's Fix Tianeptine Linked to Synthetic Cannabinoids - New Jersey, June-November 2023
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38300852/
For DUIs, a book on the potential technologies to detect it
Healthcare Technologies to Address Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Marijuana
https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/healthcare-technologies-to-address-driving-under-the-influence-dui-of-marijuana/338609
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
For my favorite newsletter on this topic, Psychedelic Alpha.
Excellent takedown of Compass Pathways downplaying adverse experiences in their psilocybin trials with an interview of a participant by Jules Evans
And another on the risks of underground psychedelic training programs
The chemical profile of the South African street cocktail drug nyaope
Chemical profiling of the street cocktail drug 'nyaope' in South Africa using GC-MS I: Stability studies of components of 'nyaope' in organic solvents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30296627/
“Nyaope, a street drug commonly found in South Africa, is a mixture of low grade heroin, cannabis products, antiretroviral drugs and other materials added as cutting agents. It is a highly physiologically addictive substance which is smoked by users.”
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 the Swiss experience of the medical use of psychedelics
Psychedelika-assistierte Psychotherapie
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00278-024-00711-y
In people with ADHD, microdosing improved positive effects & aspects of empathy with symptoms reduction comparable to conventional medications
Effects of Psychedelic Microdosing versus Conventional ADHD Medication Use on Emotion Regulation, Empathy, and ADHD Symptoms in Adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A Naturalistic Prospective Comparison Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38351594/
In people with complex treatment-resistant depression, psilocybin-assisted therapy showed antidepressant efficacy with repeated doses associated with greater reductions
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression: A randomized clinical trial evaluating repeated doses of psilocybin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38359838/
A brain scan study in people with alcohol use disorder showed that psilocybin caused changes in their reactions to alcohol & emotional cues
Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38326432/
An EEG study on self-related thoughts in psychedelic users
Processing of self-related thoughts in experienced users of classic psychedelics and non-users: a source localisation EEG study
https://osf.io/preprints/osf/bhmtn
A review of neuroimaging studies on the mechanisms of psychedelics
Exploring mechanisms of psychedelic action using neuroimaging
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-023-00172-3
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
Longer photoperiods increased cannabis yield & quality
Longer Photoperiod Substantially Increases Indoor-Grown Cannabis' Yield and Quality: A Study of Two High-THC Cultivars Grown under 12 h vs. 13 h Days
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38337966/
On how ethephon (the widely used plant growth regulator) alters the feminine traits & cannabinoid concentrations
Ethephon’s effects on sexual expression and cannabinoid production in monoecious and dioecious varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): A field trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092666902400044X
And the relationship of ethylene genes on sexual plasticity
Exploring ethylene-related genes in Cannabis sativa: implications for sexual plasticity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38218931/
A sequencing machine to differentiate marijuana from hemp
The development of a next-generation sequencing panel targeting cannabinoid synthase genes to distinguish between marijuana and hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38326083/
A scanning technology to trace the geographical origin of cannabis
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and LDA: a rapid, non-destructive and cost effective strategy to trace the geographical origin of Cannabis sativa L
link
On the ability of the fungus Aspergillus to produce hazardous mycotoxins
Identification of Aspergillus westerdijkiae and its potential risk of Ochratoxin A synthesis in Cannabis inflorescences
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378000170_Identification_of_Aspergillus_westerdijkiae_and_its_potential_risk_of_Ochratoxin_A_synthesis_in_Cannabis_inflorescences
A book chapter on the hop latent viroid that infects cannabis
Hop Latent Viroid Infection
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/9780890546284.05.06.1
A genetic analysis of the WRKY gene family & the response to stress as well as the cannabinoid levels
Genome-wide analysis of WRKY gene family in high-CBD hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and identification of the WRKY genes involved in abiotic stress responses and regulation cannabinoid accumulation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669024001389
Hemp as food
A survey finds consumers support feeding hemp to livestock but worry about cannabinoid exposure through their food
Consumer Support for Hemp By-Products as Food and Feed
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2024.2309893
On the effects of hemp seed cake flour on bread
Hemp Seed Cake Flour as a Source of Proteins, Minerals and Polyphenols and Its Impact on the Nutritional, Sensorial and Technological Quality of Bread
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38231840/
The benefits of eating hemp hulls
Health-Promoting Opportunities of Hemp Hull: The Potential of Bioactive Compounds
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38303514/
The fatty acid profile of hemp sprouts
Fatty Acid Profile of Hemp Sprouts
https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/284
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
In older people, the effects of stigma on their use of medical cannabis
The Effects of Stigma: Older Persons and Medicinal Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38305270/
“Perceived stigma was evident in many participants' descriptions of their perceptions of cannabis in the past and present, and influenced how they accessed and consumed cannabis and their comfort in discussing its use with their healthcare providers. Participants employed several distinct strategies for managing stigma-concealing, re-framing, re-focusing, and proselytizing.”
Among gender minorities, everyday discrimination may be an important contributor to developing cannabis-related problems
Examining Factors Associated with Cannabis Use Among Sexual and Gender Minority and Cisgender Heterosexual Emerging Adults in California
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38301143/
And the effects of immigration status on cannabis use & anxiety
Immigration status-related exclusive e-cigarette use and cannabis use and their dual use disparities associated with mental health disorder symptoms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38215510/
Exposure to e-cigarette marketing associated with cannabis vaping & dual-vaping with nicotine but not sole-nicotine vaping
Associations between e-cigarette marketing exposure and vaping nicotine and cannabis among U.S. adults, 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38352380/
Adolescents & Young Adults
In young adults, morning cannabis use may be a marker of cannabis use disorder
Morning cannabis use in young adults: Associations with overall levels of use, negative consequences, and cannabis use disorder symptoms across 2.5 years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38325066/
In youth with legalized cannabis, those whose parents had a history of adolescent use were more likely to be using themselves
Youth Exposure to Recreational Cannabis Legalization: Moderation of Effects by Sex and Parental Cannabis Use during Adolescence
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2024.2310495
In young adults, the effects of unstable housing on their alcohol & cannabis use
Trajectories of alcohol and cannabis use among emerging adults with a history of unstable housing: Associations with functioning over a two-year period
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38340400/
A diary study of young adults on how much cannabis they use finds that cannabinoid concentration knowledge may be higher among those who use it for medical purposes & who use ingestion methods other than flower
How much THC is in that joint? A daily diary study of young adults' knowledge of the cannabinoid content of cannabis products
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38319080/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In ALS patients, a measurement of changes to their endocannabinoidome included higher levels of PEA, oleamide & EPEA (the fatty acid eicosapentaenoylethanolamide)
Circulating endocannabinoidome signatures of disease activity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3911418/v1_covered_82477522-d677-407c-9032-30c0624dcacc.pdf?c=1706887360
In brain immune cells, their release of vesicles carrying endocannabinoids encouraged differentiation of the oligodendrocytes (which create the myelin sheaths for your neuron communication)
Extracellular vesicles released by microglia and macrophages carry endocannabinoids which foster oligodendrocyte differentiation
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331210/full
In a rat model of cadmium toxicity, the effects of CBD oil combined with prednisolone on cognition & behaviors
Memory impairment effect of Cannabidiol Oil and Prednisolone Treatment: Alteration of Neuro-oxidant markers and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in the Hippocampus of Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jaaps/article/view/264021
In a model of brain cells with dysfunction of their mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell), activating the CB1 receptors in the mitochondrial membranes with anandamide or WIN55212,2 reduced mitochondrial swelling & lowered toxic effects & reactive oxygen species
Anandamide and WIN 55212-2 Afford Protection in Rat Brain Mitochondria in a Toxic Model Induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid: an In Vitro Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38307967/
In brain vascular cells, a synthetic cannabinoid increased their proliferation, migration & tube formation as well as overall angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels)
The synthetic cannabinoid 5-fluoro ABICA upregulates angiogenic markers and stimulates tube formation in human brain microvascular endothelial cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38357583/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
Analyses of cohort studies on the association between cannabis & heroin use
Evaluating Associations Between Cannabis and Heroin Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38298073/
Reproduction & Hormones
In New Mexico, surprisingly, legalization was associated with decreased use among pregnant people
The impact of recreational cannabinoid legalization on utilization in a pregnant population
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1278834/full
Pain & Surgeries
In patients with peripheral neuropathic pain, some saw no help from a combination of THC & CBD while others experienced a large reduction
Cannabinoids in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain
https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/publications/cannabinoids-in-the-treatment-of-peripheral-neuropathic-pain
In spinal surgery patients, the only result of being THC-positive was increased opioid consumption
The Effect of Marijuana on Postoperative Spine Patients' Emergency Department Visits, Readmission Rates, and Opioid Consumption
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38323931/
In rotator cuff surgery patients, the use of CBD caused no deficits after a year of follow-up
Cannabidiol for Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Deficits in Patient-Reported Outcomes Versus Placebo: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38322981/
An analysis of endocannabinoid levels in migraine patients with personality or psychological disorders
Peripheral Endocannabinoid Components and Lipid Plasma Levels in Patients with Resistant Migraine and Co-Morbid Personality and Psychological Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38339171/
“Lower plasma levels of palmitoiletanolamide (PEA) were found in the PD [personality disorders] group compared with the non-PD group. The MD [mood disorders] group was characterized by lower mRNA levels of diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα) [synthesizes 2-AG] and CB2 (cannabinoid-2) receptor.”
A potential pain drug that targets both FAAH & TRPV1
Novel dual-target FAAH and TRPV1 ligands as potential pharmacotherapeutics for pain management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38325006/
The Guts, Metabolism, Oral Health & CHS
In people who use cannabis, they had worse dental health but this seems to be linked more to socioeconomic factors & tobacco use
Oral health status among recreational cannabis (marijuana and hashish) users in the USA: A NHANES-based cross-sectional study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1013905224000403
In an animal model of diet-induced obesity, a loss of function in ABDH6 (which breaks down 2-AG) changed energy metabolism based on whether it acted pre-synaptically or post-synaptically
ABHD6 loss-of-function in mesoaccumbens postsynaptic but not presynaptic neurons prevents diet-induced obesity
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3789047/v1
In mice exposed to the tire additive 6PPD-Q, the toxic effects on intestinal inflammation may be mediated by the CB2 receptor
Environmentally realistic dose of tire-derived metabolite 6PPD-Q exposure causes intestinal jejunum and ileum damage in mice via cannabinoid receptor-activated inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38325485/
The Immune System & Antimicrobial
A case report of cocaine & THC leading to a confused state & heartbeat increase with effects on the brain's immune system
IMMUNOLOGY IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL AND COCAINE ABUSE INDUCES NEUTROPHILS AND CD19 + B-CELL EXPANSION
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr797930
In canine blood immune cells, CBD or THC combined well with the commonly used dug dexamethasone & may be used to lower its dosage & side effects
Potential to use cannabinoids as adjunct therapy for dexamethasone: An in vitro study with canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330886/
On using cannabis compounds for their antimicrobial activity
Isolation of Biologically Active Compounds from Cannabis sativa L. Inflorescences by Using Different Extraction Solvents and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37237864/
In old heart cells, THC combined with alcohol caused a cumulative deleterious effect on the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Cumulative Deleterious Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) and Ethanol on Mitochondrial Respiration and Reactive Oxygen Species Production Are Enhanced in Old Isolated Cardiac Mitochondria
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38339113/
The Lungs
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dronabinol (synthetic THC) did not improve their dyspnea (shortness of breath) or exercise capacity
Effects of Dronabinol on Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients with COPD
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38310543/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In advanced cancer disease, three months of CBD did not affect disease progression or survival
Cannabidiol oil or placebo in advanced cancer-disease progression and survival: a secondary analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38307703/
In young adult cancer patients, a survey of their perceptions of medical cannabis
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Medical Marijuana in Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Patients and their Caregivers
https://www.techrxiv.org/doi/full/10.22541/au.170669269.97223444
In interviews of survivors of complex cancers, they reported cannabis to reduce pain & anxiety
Pain management for post-treatment survivors of complex cancers: a qualitative study of opioids and cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38318666/
Synthetic Cannabinoids
In mice, a comparative study of the major synthetic cannabinoids
Differential cannabinoid-like effects and pharmacokinetics of ADB-BICA, ADB-BINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA in mice: A comparative study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38380735/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
The structure of a CB1 receptor/Gq complex
Fenofibrate Recognition and Gq Protein Coupling Mechanisms of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB1
https://europepmc.org/article/med/38298116
Stability tests of a THC/CBN capsule containing hemp seed oil
Oil-in-water and oleogel-in-water emulsion encapsulate with hemp seed oil containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol: Stability, degradation and in vitro simulation characteristics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330607/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s pioneering lounge/bossa nova music, ‘Batucada’ by Walter Wanderley. A Brazilian organist & pianist, he recorded 46 solo albums & pioneered lounge music (which may be looked down on today - but was innovative for its time). By the age of 5, he was playing the piano. By the late 1950s when he was 20, he was already famous across Brazil. He played with the greats of Brazil, married the famous singer Isaurinha Garcia & eventually moved to the US. Unfortunately, alcohol blighted his later career & he died in some obscurity but his music experienced a renaissance in the decades after his death.
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