C&P#93: CBD for Alzheimer’s symptoms + vaping for migraines + heart & stroke risks of cannabis use
C&P#93: CBD for Alzheimer’s symptoms + vaping for migraines + heart & stroke risks of cannabis use
War on Drugs still an abomination…
This week…
Alzheimer’s mental symptom treatment with CBD oil
Vaping for migraines
THC helps the brain via neurogenesis & CBD helps sleep via serotonin receptors
Big CBD dog safety study
Older chronic cannabis users have 20% higher risk of heart attacks & strokes
The tolerability of high doses of THC
Drugs for cannabis cravings
Cannabis users have higher levels of heavy metal in their blood
More particulates in cannabis smoke than tobacco smoke
Two intriguing studies on gendered cannabis responses of harm
Cyclists post worse times with THC
Cannabis leaf tea for sleep
Snail venom that acts via cannabinoid receptor +
Snake venom to get high
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 93rd 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:
Analysis of the week's best papers, sponsored by CV Sciences
In people with Alzheimer's disease, a high-CBD/low-THC oil lowered anxiety & agitation symptoms
Caring for Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia (CBD): A New Investigation into Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety and Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia
https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(24)00183-0/abstract
Surprisingly, even though anxiety and agitation are two of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms to occur with Alzheimer's disease, there is only one FDA-approved drug for the agitation (a controversial one at that) and none for anything else. These researchers decided to try eight weeks of a high CBD/low THC oil in 12 older adults with Alzheimer's disease. Of the five patients who completed the trial so far, all of them have demonstrated a reduction in anxiety, a reduction in agitation, and some have also shown improvements in cognition. The clinician ratings of anxiety showed drops of 60% to 88%. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall, it makes one glad to see how our classic CBD oil would be exactly what you would try for a loved one struggling with the mental health symptoms of Alzheimer’s. For more research, see the Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia page of CVResearch.info.
In COVID-19 survivors with neuropsychiatric manifestations, those who used 1200 mg of ultramicronized PEA for three months showed greater improvements in their depression & fatigue than those who refused this treatment
Micronized/ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide improves depression and fatigue in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38381905/
After last week’s long COVID/PEA study, here’s another. In this research out of Italy, they performed a retrospective cohort study where they compared two groups of people with long COVID: those who accepted a treatment of 1200 mg of PEA per day for three months against a similar group who did not accept the treatment. The patients receiving the PEA showed a greater improvement in depression and fatigue scores. Interestingly, patients with worse baseline scores were more likely to benefit from the PEA treatment. As an explanation for these benefits, the researchers mentioned the growing evidence of an association between the persistent fatigue following COVID and systemic inflammation, “making it tempting to speculate that the observed beneficial effects of PEA on fatigue might at least in part be explained by its known anti-inflammatory properties.” To see all the research ever done on this endocannabinoid-like molecule, see the PEA page of CVResearch.info.
The National Animal Supplement Council releases a study on the safety of 90 days of CBD in dogs (hattip to Vandana Kothari, Director of Quality at CV Sciences)
Safety study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1349590/full
National Animal Supplement Council Announces Publication of Landmark Safety Study of Cannabidiol Products in Healthy Dogs
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240305878251/en/National-Animal-Supplement-Council-Announces-Publication-of-Landmark-Safety-Study-of-Cannabidiol-Products-in-Healthy-Dogs
I suspect that the National Animal Supplement Council got sick of answering a flood of CBD questions with “I don’t know.” So they performed an in-depth 90-day study in 32 healthy Beagle dogs with not only broad spectrum CBD but also broad spectrum CBD with CBG, and broad spectrum CBD with CBDA. The dosage used was 5 mg total cannabinoids per kg of body weight per day (which seems to be becoming the standard). With daily observations and weekly detailed clinical exams, they found the cannabinoids to be well tolerated. There were no serious adverse events and the most common abnormal observation was diarrhea. The extensive blood and serum tests showed transient changes but " given the low magnitude of the changes seen in the clinical chemistry parameters, the transient nature and lack of corresponding clinical or clinicopathological changes, the changes described were considered to be of no clinical relevance.” They conclude their discussion section with a long list of the other research and post-marketing surveillance reports that have been done and saying in their final evaluation, “based on the data available it would be the conclusion of the authors that the substances do not pose significant risk to dogs in long-term use.”
To see all the research for pets, check out the Dogs & Cats page of CVResearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
A vet on how to deal with cannabis intoxication in dogs & cats
Marijuana Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/02/TVP-2023-0304_Marijuana-Intoxication.pdf
Cannabis smoke contains more particulate matter than cigarette smoke
Comparison Between Smoked Tobacco and Medical Cannabis Cigarettes Concerning Particulate Matter
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38294845/
Clinical
On treating migraines with a vape that contains 6% THC + 11% CBD
Vaporized Cannabis versus Placebo for Acute Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38405890/
In children with irritable bowel syndrome, a combination of PEA & polydatin (a derivative of resveratrol) caused a significant reduction in abdominal pain, diarrhea & saw more patients achieving complete remission
Palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome: A multicentric randomized controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38479039/
From public health data on generalized anxiety disorder, initiating cannabis based medicines was associated with improved anxiety severity & general quality of life
UK Medical Cannabis Registry: a case series analyzing clinical outcomes of medical cannabis therapy for generalized anxiety disorder patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299624/
On the characteristics of older cannabis users & why they used it
Characteristics of Older Adult Cannabis Users
https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(24)00225-2/abstract
“The majority, (83.3%) did not experience any adverse reactions from using cannabis but (16.7%) experienced adverse effects including dry mouth, paranoia, and forgetfulness. The most common conditions/symptoms reported were anxiety, pain/arthritis, insomnia, depression, headache, and nausea and vomiting. Patients deemed cannabis " Extremely helpful" in the relief of (41.7%) anxiety, (33.3%) pain/arthritis, (33.3%) insomnia, (16.7%) depression, and (25.0%) nausea/vomiting. Some patients responded that cannabis was "Somewhat helpful" in the relief of (41.7%) anxiety, (33.3%) pain/arthritis, (41.7%) insomnia, (25%%) depression and (16.7%) nausea/vomiting.”
A review of 17 high-dose oral THC studies & the tolerability of these high levels (90 mg to 210 mg per day)
Tolerability of High-Dose Oral Δ9-THC: Implications for Human Laboratory Study Design
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38377580/
“All high-dose THC studies enrolled participants with previous cannabis experience, although current use ranged from nonusers to regular cannabis users. High-dose THC was generally well tolerated with transient mild to moderate AE, including nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, and sedation. There were occasional participant withdrawals due to AEs, but there were no serious AE. Participants with frequent cannabis use tolerated high-dose THC best.”
In cyclists, THC inhalation lowers their time trial numbers & power output while CBD has no effect
Cannabis containing THC impairs 20-min cycling time trial performance irrespective of the method of inhalation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299223/
Cannabis leaf tea helped people to fall asleep faster
Effects of Cannabis Leaf Tea on Sleep Onset Latency, Total Sleep Time, and Wake after Sleep Onset Tracked by a Smartwatch
https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/259700
In a survey of Danish dog owners (where cannabis products for dogs are unlicensed), the majority confirmed the use of cannabinoids, most especially for pain, behavioral issues & allergy, with the most efficacy being for pain
Danish dog owners' use and the perceived effect of unlicensed cannabis products in dogs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38295012/
Harms
In older chronic cannabis users, they had a 20% higher likelihood of a major cardiac or cerebrovascular event (stroke)
Association of Cannabis Use Disorder with Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Older Non-Tobacco Users: A Population-Based Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38390863/
But in a review of public health data on hospitalized adults with inflammatory bowel disease, there was no increase in heart attacks or strokes in people with cannabis use disorder
Is dependent cannabis use in adult hospitalizations with inflammatory bowel disease associated with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events? Insights from National Inpatient Sample Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38376123/
Users of cannabinoids & opioids have significantly higher levels of toxic metals in their blood
Determination of Toxic Elements in Cannabinoid and Opioid Drugs and Their Impact on Addicts' Health: A Comparative Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383917/
In a 30-year cohort of people now in middle age, the male cannabis users had worse verbal memory but not the women (who also used less cannabis overall)
Sex Differences in the Association Between Cumulative Use of Cannabis and Cognitive Function in Middle Age: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37594767/
In a study of gendered differences on the subjective effects & risks of cannabis, certain variants of the CYP liver enzymes that cause slow metabolism of THC were linked in females to a higher risk for cannabis use disorder & and in males to a higher susceptibility to the negative subjective effects of cannabis
Evidence for sex differences in the impact of cytochrome P450 genotypes on early subjective effects of cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38394959/
In kidney transplant patients, cannabis users were less likely to get a transplant & had an increased risk of acute rejection of the transplant
Cannabis use is associated with reduced access to kidney transplantation and an increased risk of acute rejection post-transplant
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38375934/
In pregnant rats, exposure to CBD altered the blood flow of the placenta & the expression of nutrient transporters, perhaps underlying the reduced fetal growth
Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38364116/
In rats with prenatal CBD exposure, the males have early cardiac deficits & alterations to their cardiac endocannabinoid system
Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads to Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early in Postnatal Life in Male Rat Offspring
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38358335/
Reviews
On cannabinoid drug- drug interactions, a review of 32 studies
Human Data on Pharmacokinetic Interactions of Cannabinoids: A Narrative Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38288797/
A review of 22 studies on drugs that help with cannabis cravings
Unravelling the landscape of Cannabis craving pharmacological treatments: a PRISMA-guided review of evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299652/
“he current pharmacological treatments largely involve off-label drug use and the utilisation of cannabinoid-based medications, such as combinations of THC and lofexidine, oxytocin, progesterone, and N-acetylcysteine.”
For liver diseases, a review of the efficacy of CBD (nice chart!)
The Role of Cannabidiol in Liver Disease: A Systemic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38397045/
For the genitourinary system, a review of 15 studies on the effects of the cannabinoids
Cannabis Use and Its Multifaceted Impact on the Genitourinary System: A Scoping Review of the Literature
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2572-5505/JERP-2023-00057
And a large meta-analysis of the effects of cannabinoids in acute kidney diseases in animal models
The intervention of cannabinoid receptor in chronic and acute kidney disease animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38360685/
For periodontal diseases, a review of 20 studies on using the cannabinoids
Effects and clinical application of cannabinoids for the treatment of periodontal disease: a systematic review
https://revistas.udea.edu.co/index.php/odont/article/view/353298
A review of eating behaviors & the endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system and eating behavior
https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumenI.cgi?IDARTICULO=114547
On the pharmacology of delta-8 THC
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/6/1249
Preclinical
In a rat model of Alzheimer's disease, THC lowered cognitive deficits, perhaps by its ability to increase neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Ameliorates D-galactose/ Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s-Like Cognitive Deficit in Rats via Neurogenesis in their Hippocampus
https://jyoungpharm.org/7499/
In a mouse model of sleep, CBD caused its sedative & hypnotic effects through a serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) as well as increasing serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus
Cannabidiol Exerts Sedative and Hypnotic Effects in Normal and Insomnia Model Mice Through Activation of 5-HT1A Receptor
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38296858/
In a baby rat model of mood disorders after a stroke, CBD reduced brain damage & improved motor performance as well as helping with depressive-like behaviors
Effects of cannabidiol in post-stroke mood disorders in neonatal rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38360979/
In a mouse model of acute aortic dissection (your heart’s aorta just falling apart), CBD caused protective effects via inhibition of white blood cell infiltration & vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol protects against acute aortic dissection by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and PMAIP1-induced vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38387723/
In a mouse model of pain, linderane (the active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine plant Linderae radix) appeared to cause its painkilling effects via the activation of the CB2 receptor in the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Linderane Attenuates Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Pain and Anxiety in Mice by Restoring Anterior Cingulate Cortex Microglia M2 Polarization through Activating Cannabinoid 2 Receptor
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsptsci.3c00321
Yet another one to add to my list of an old plant medicine that exerts its positive effects via the endocannabinoid system...
An inhibitor of cannabinoid receptors found in snail venom
The Sobering Sting: Oleoyl Serotonin Is a Novel Stephanoconus Snail Venom-Derived Antagonist of Cannabinoid Receptors That Counteracts Learning and Memory Deficits
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38398056/
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
Supreme Court denies shorter sentences for thousands of low-level drug offenders
https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-drug-dealers-prison-terms-3b7e456b5275147e7c7310003d68df00
Nightmare: Parents use cannabis to treat their autistic child & almost lose custody thanks to Child Protective Services, now suing the government
https://cannabislaw.report/parents-use-of-cannabis-for-autism-treatment-leads-to-legal-battle-with-child-protective-services/
Meanwhile, Virginia governor slammed for vetoing bill that would have protected parents from losing their children solely because of cannabis use as evidence of abuse or neglect
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-lawmaker-slams-governor-for-vetoing-bill-to-protect-marijuana-consumers-parental-rights
A bill in New Jersey would force drivers to provide blood samples if suspected of driving while high
https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/02/29/bill-would-force-drivers-to-provide-blood-sample-if-suspected-of-driving-high
I don't usually comment on proposed bills because it's rare for bills to become laws, but this one is so abhorrent I wanted to single it out. Not only is this constitutional overreach, it's based on junk science. It is clear that the nanograms of THC in your blood cannot be reliably correlated to impairment, especially in people who use cannabis chronically, such as medical patients. And as you can imagine, like everything else involved with the War on Drugs, this blood will be drawn predominantly from Black & Latino people.
In my native Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a cannabis gold rush among the Amish
https://cannabislaw.report/article-the-amish-cannabis-gold-rush/
The Amish generally eschew regular doctors & prefer going to herbalists & chiropractors. With a long history of using medicinal plants, hemp slides easily into their apothecary.
In fact, I remember being on a Greyhound bus many years ago & spending all night talking with an Amish gentleman on his way to an herbalist convention to learn more about the CBD & hemp that he was already using for a variety of conditions in his community.
International
France will not include flower in their medical cannabis program (face palm)
https://businessofcannabis.com/french-authorities-confirm-flower-will-not-be-included-in-medical-cannabis-programme/
In Australia, two members of the Cannabis WA (Western Australia) Party plan to introduce a cannabis legalization bill into the State Parliament
https://thewest.com.au/news/drugs-and-alcohol/cannabis-wa-party-will-introduce-bill-to-state-parliament-to-legalise-weed-c-13874607
In Brazil, with the Supreme Court considering a bill that would decriminalize small amounts of cannabis possession, the Senate advances a tough drug bill that would criminalize drug possession
https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2024/03/16/senate-committee-approves-a-bill-that-criminalizes-having-any-amount-of-illegal-drugs
https://brazilian.report/newsletters/brazil-daily/2024/03/14/drugs-law-equal-pay-hdi-undp/
The Netherlands cannabis commerce experiment will not extend to include Amsterdam
https://internationalcbc.com/cannabis-commerce-experiment-in-the-netherlands-will-not-include-amsterdam
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
On the obstacles to bankruptcy for cannabis businesses
Budding Solutions: Weeding Out Obstacles to Bankruptcy Protections for Marijuana Ventures
https://elibrary.law.psu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1354&context=jlia
In young adults, increased alcohol or cannabis social media ads linked to higher levels of driving under the influence
Digital alcohol and cannabis ads, consumption frequency, and driving under the influence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38376090/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
A book review covering the psychedelic cults of Amerika
Psychedelic Legacies of American Religion
In the US, a new potent synthetic opioid detected in wastewater for the first time: protonitazene
Wastewater-based monitoring of the nitazene analogues: First detection of protonitazene in wastewater
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724009203
Ravers in India using a snake venom with opioid-like effects
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/youtuber-elvish-yadav-detained-in-noida-in-snake-venom-at-rave-case-2516007-2024-03-17
The Psychoactive Research
In using psilocybin for treating depression, the efficacy of the outcomes can be predicted by fMRI scans
Predicting the outcome of psilocybin treatment for depression from baseline fMRI functional connectivity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38423367/
Unsurprisingly, ayahuasca altered people's aesthetic experiences
Increases in Aesthetic Experience Following Ayahuasca Use: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00221678241230609
A review of how people's expectations of psychedelics may influence trial results
Expectancy effects in psychedelic trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38387698/
Perhaps the foundation of the psychedelic experience is its synthetic surprise?
Synthetic surprise as the foundation of the psychedelic experience
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38220035/
How do psychedelics alter neuronal membranes?
Membrane Permeation of Psychedelic Tryptamines by Dynamic Simulations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38324395/
In a mouse brain, the metabolic effects of psilocybin & psychedelic mushroom extract
Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38378926/
The Plant & the History
Growing & Farming
In Florida, how different cultivars of hemp responded to nitrogen fertilization
Nitrogen application and cultivar effects on industrial hemp yield dynamics
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/agj2.21537
Defoliation stress (such as from hail) does not lower cannabinoid content if it occurs during vegetative & late flowering periods but does if it happens during early flowering period
Impact of Defoliation Stress on Phytocannabinoid Content in Industrial Hemp
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669024002036
A study of hemp harvesters and the impact of their cutting platform vibration
Study on the Impact of Cutting Platform Vibration on Stalk Cutting Quality in Industrial Hemp
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/2/321
On efficiently capturing terpenes in olive oil during microwave decarboxylation
Efficient Capture of Cannabis Terpenes in Olive Oil during Microwave-Assisted Cannabinoid Decarboxylation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38398651/
On using hemp extracts as an antifungal for other crops
Attempts to Use Hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) Inflorescence Extract to Limit the Growth of Fungi Occurring in Agricultural Crops
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/4/1680
And on using cannabinoids to prevent fungal decay in fresh produce
Cannabinoids: A new natural agent to control postharvest decay development
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925521424000875
A review of the compounds emitted by the plant that harm human health
Cannabis sativa: Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Affecting Air Quality
https://ideas.repec.org/a/bjc/journl/v8y2023i5p23-35.html
A review of the cannabis breeding problems such as cross-pollination & lack of germplasm & gene bank facilities
Cannabis sativa: Botany, Cross Pollination and Plant Breeding Problems
https://ideas.repec.org/a/bjc/journl/v8y2023i4p174-190.html
On using AI for plant fungal diseases
Fungal Infection Diseases- Nightmare for Cannabis Industries: Artificial Intelligence Applications
https://ideas.repec.org/a/bjf/journl/v8y2023i8p111-131.html
And for plant tissue cultures
Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cannabis Industries: In Vitro Plant Tissue Culture
https://ideas.repec.org/a/bjf/journl/v8y2023i7p21-40.html
Hemp as Food
In broiler chickens, supplementing their diet with hemp leaves did not change the properties of their meat
Effect of dietary supplementation of the industrial hemp leaves on physical properties of broiler chicken meat
https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-skup/820323
Industrial Use
On using hemp to remove toxins from water
Utilizing sustainable hemp biomass as an ecofriendly for potentially toxic elements removal from Water
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2053-1591/ad2b11/pdf
On using hemp fiber as a reinforcement in natural fiber composites
HEMP FIBERS AS SUSTAINABLE REINFORCEMENT IN NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
https://www.sciplatform.com/index.php/wjb/article/view/1242
A review of the potential of hemp fiber
Reinventing Hemp as Bio Fiber Material for Industrial Applications: Past, Present and the Future
http://publish7promo.com/id/eprint/4470/1/D%C3%B6lle2522024AIR113441.pdf
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
A survey of Thai cannabis users on the perceived risks
Risk Perception of Cannabis Use Among a Sample of Thai Cannabis Users
https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jpss/article/view/271518
On the best designs of health warning labels for cannabis products
Health warning labels on cannabis products. What is the best design?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38382352/
German medical students want to know more about medical cannabis
Medical students' attitudes and perceived competence regarding medical cannabis and its suggestibility
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38360743/
A review of the therapeutic uses of cannabis
Cannabis Sativa: One-Plant-One-Medicine for Many Diseases-Therapeutic Uses-A Review of Evidence
https://ideas.repec.org/a/bjf/journl/v8y2023i8p132-174.html
Adolescents & Young Adults
Why are the admission numbers for adolescent cannabis use disorder declining in the US?
Why Are Adolescent Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Admissions Declining in the US? The Mediated Pathway of State Treatment Admissions Rates before and after Recreational Cannabis Legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38297820/
In brain scan studies of young people across the world, both cannabis users & tobacco users had thinner cortical thickness
The Combined Effects of Nicotine and Cannabis on Cortical Thickness Estimates in Adolescents and Emerging Adults
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/3/195
And in brain scans of young adolescents, a lower volume of their nucleus accumbens (a key part of the brain's reward network) predicted future tobacco & cannabis use
Association between nucleus accumbens volume and future tobacco and Marijuana use in early adolescence
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949916X24000240
In a birth cohort study from Brazil, early cannabis use predicted bipolar disorder onset (but this association was confounded by cocaine use)
Early exposure to cannabis and bipolar disorder incidence: Findings from a 22-year birth cohort study in Brazil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38378931/
In young people, the use of cannabis is a prediction of the later use of hallucinogens
Understanding marijuana use initiation vs. Frequency of use on risk for hallucinogen use: testing for mediating mechanisms underlying the gateway hypothesis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1478601X.2024.2317188
In young adults using cannabis, they saw alterations to their glymphatic system (brain waste clearance) associated with impaired working memory & fluid intelligence
Reduced Diffusivity Along Perivascular Spaces on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Associated with Younger Age of First Use and Cognitive Impairment in Recreational Marijuana Users
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383055/
In the teens of Galicia, the boys using cannabis were more worried about being disconnected from their phones than those who didn't
Nomophobia and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Consumption in Adolescents in Galicia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38377604/
Children who experience abuse, neglect, maltreatment or a high BMI carried a significantly higher risk of heavy cannabis use
The contribution of childhood maltreatment to the incidence of heavy cannabis use in Iran (IRNS-CCI): A multicenter, matched-pairs, nested, case-control study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38368781/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In veterans with traumatic brain injury, those with cannabis use disorder may be at increased risk for early-onset cognitive disorders such as dementia
Cannabis use disorder contributes to cognitive dysfunction in Veterans with traumatic brain injury
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38292293/
And in veterans with dementia & cannabis use disorder, they received health care less quickly than those with dementia & no cannabis use disorder
The economic impact of cannabis use disorder and dementia diagnosis in veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283672/
In an animal model of epilepsy, injections of the treatment drug kainate into the hippocampus modulated neuroinflammation via the cannabinoid receptors
Effects of intrahippocampal injection of kainate on cytokine expression in cortico-limbic system and the role of cannabinoid system in these effects
https://genescells.ru/2313-1829/article/view/623458
For cognitive impairment, a new drug that binds the CB2 receptor as well as inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine
Novel Dual-Acting Hybrids Targeting Type-2 Cannabinoid Receptors and Cholinesterase Activity Show Neuroprotective Effects In Vitro and Amelioration of Cognitive Impairment In Vivo
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00656
In roundworms, hemp seed extracts caused potent antioxidant & anti-obesity effects as well as improved neural health
Polyphenol-rich fermented hempseed ethanol extracts improve obesity, oxidative stress, and neural health in high-glucose diet-induced Caenorhabditis elegans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38426074/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
In people with substance-induced psychotic disorders, the ones using cannabis were younger & had an earlier age of onset
Clinical Variables and Peripheral Biomarkers Associated with Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Which Differences between Alcohol, Cannabis and Psychostimulants?
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202402.0962/v1
Brain scans of cannabis users found differences in functional connectivity that were modulated by their perceived harms & benefits of cannabis
Resting state functional connectivity in dependent cannabis users: The moderating role of cannabis attitudes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38301388/
A genetic analysis of variance involved in people with schizophrenia, cannabis use disorder & tobacco use
Cross-ancestry genetic investigation of schizophrenia, cannabis use disorder, and tobacco smoking
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38293235/
In healthcare workers during the pandemic, an analysis of the endocannabinoids & cortisone in their hair as a marker of stress
Endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid-like compounds and cortisone in head hair of health care workers as markers of stress and resilience during the early COVID-19 pandemic
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38296973/
In a small survey of those who were breastfeeding, few of them had any concerns about cannabis use
Cannabis use, decision making, and perceptions of risk among breastfeeding individuals: the Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38365778/
In a rat model of social isolation, their levels of mRNA dropped for the CB1 receptor & the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) with a direct correlation to the oxytocin receptor
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Genes Regulation is Modulated by Social Isolation in Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38368587/
In a mouse model of depression, a drug that activates the CB1 receptor combined well with citicoline (a natural brain chemical commonly used as a dietary supplement) to lower depression-like behaviors
Synergistic antidepressant-like effect of citicoline and CB 1 agonist in male mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383902/
In a mouse model of depression, a drug that inhibits the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) showed antidepressant effects as well as significant changes in endocannabinoid genes in the nucleus accumbens (a neural interface between motivation and action)
Effect of MCH1, a fatty-acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, on the depressive-like behavior and gene expression of endocannabinoid and dopaminergic-signaling system in the mouse nucleus accumbens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38381881/
In a mouse model of drug-seeking behavior, the GPR55 receptor (which may one day be known as CB3) modulated this behavior in glutamate neurons (the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter)
GPR55 is expressed in glutamate neurons and functionally modulates drug taking and seeking in rats and mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38374108/
Pain & Surgeries
In people who had hip surgery, cannabis use associated with increased rates of hip dislocation but a lower cost of care & lower opioid usage
Marijuana use is Associated with Increased Rates of Hip Dislocation and Lower Insurance Reimbursement among THA Recipients
https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/references/1bef42082d7a0fdf,forthcoming,49017.html
In a survey of patients with spine pain, the majority believed that cannabis would help as well as reduce opioid usage & a third were already using medical cannabis
Perceptions in orthopedic surgery on the use of cannabis in treating pain: a survey of patients with spine pain (POSIT Spine)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38291451/
In people with pain on long-term opioid therapy, the recreational use of cannabis (but not the medical use) linked to an increased 60% odds of being a daily prescription opioid user
Characteristics of patients with non-cancer pain and long-term prescription opioid use who have used medical versus recreational marijuana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383471/
In a mouse model of nerve injury, they had reduced transcription of their CB1 & δ-opioid receptors via the transcription repressor REST
Nerve injury downregulates δ-opioid and cannabinoid CB1 receptor genes through REST in primary sensory neurons
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.17.579842v1
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain, on the use of a CBD analog
Synthesis and Antiallodynic Activity of Cannabidiol Analogue on Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38363210/
Musculoskeletal & Exercise
For musculoskeletal pain, combining an ultrasound treatment with an ultrasound gel enriched with cannabis leaf extract in seed oil
Evaluation of the real-world effectiveness of adding cannabis leaf extract in seed oil to ultrasound gel for pain relief with ultrasound treatment of musculoskeletal pain
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378302571_Evaluation_of_the_real-world_effectiveness_of_adding_cannabis_leaf_extract_in_seed_oil_to_ultrasound_gel_for_pain_relief_with_ultrasound_treatment_of_musculoskeletal_pain
The Guts, Metabolism, Oral Health & CHS
The antibiotic effects of arachidonic acid (an anandamide precursor) against the bacteria Streptococcus mutans(a cause of dental cavities)
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Arachidonic Acid against the Cariogenic Bacterium Streptococcus mutans
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1333274/full
For type 2 diabetes, a review of drugs that activate GPR119 (a receptor that may one day be known as a cannabinoid receptor)
GPR119 agonists for type 2 diabetes: past failures and future hopes for preclinical and early phase candidates
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372052/
The Immune System & Antimicrobial
On testing cannabis extracts from across the plant’s life cycle for their antibiotic effects
Anti-staphylococcal activity of soilless cultivated cannabis across the whole vegetation cycle under various nutritional treatments in relation to cannabinoid content
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383569/
“The highest antibacterial activity of the extracts was observed from the 5th to the 13th week of plant growth across all the nutritional treatments tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 32 to 64 µg/mL. Using HPLC, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) was identified as the most abundant cannabinoid in the ethanolic extracts. A homolog of THCA, tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), reduced bacterial growth by 74%.”
The Liver
A guide for healthcare practitioners about cannabis use in liver transplant candidates
Cannabis use in liver transplant candidates and recipients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38289264/
In liver cells, CBD reduced inflammation & lowered oxidative imbalances
Cannabidiol regulates the activation of hepatic stellate cells by modulating the NOX4 and NF-κB pathways
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38382869/
The Skin
In human skin stem cells damaged by oxidative stress, CBD lowered cell death via inhibition of ferroptosis (an iron-dependent form of cell death)
Anti-Ferroptotic Effect of Cannabidiol in Human Skin Keratinocytes Characterized by Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Proteomics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38373879/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In a review of 27 studies on cancer patients, around 5% to 20% use cannabis & the main reasons were for pain, nausea, lack of sleep & anxiety
Cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors in the United States: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38291891/
In a review of 15 studies in people with cancer, cannabinoids helped with appetite but there was insufficient evidence to determine their effects on depression, anxiety & stress
Does medicinal cannabis affect depression, anxiety, and stress in people with cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38430618/
In a rat model of liver cancer, CBD improved liver enzymes, antioxidant status & other measurements of efficacy via the Hedgehog signaling pathway
Effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) on histopathological changes and gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in male rats: the role of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38296878/
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD caused cell death via the MAPK pathway
Cannabidiol activates MAPK pathway to induce apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy in colorectal cancer cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38358093/
Synthetic Cannabinoids
In Kuwait, three cases of death from the indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids
Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoids: As a Significant Causes of Related Death in Kuwait (Case Studies)
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mahasen-Qallaf/publication/378032832_Issue_1_Article_1013_Journal_of_Forensic_Science_and_Toxicology_Remedy_Publications_LLC/links/65c3a6ea34bbff5ba7f5345a/Issue-1-Article-1013-Journal-of-Forensic-Science-and-Toxicology-Remedy-Publications-LLC.pdf
On the characteristics of the synthetic cannabinoids NPB-22, Adamantyl-THPINACA & CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA
The biological effects and thermal degradation of NPB-22, a synthetic cannabinoid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38294576/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
A thesis project on how the levels of the CB1 receptor compare to the levels of Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a (CRIP1a)
Relative Protein Content of CB1R and CRIP1a in the Basal Ganglia and Other Brain Regions
https://wakespace.lib.wfu.edu/handle/10339/102914
On how the internalization of CB1 receptors is mediated by beta-arrestins
Comparing Cb1 Receptor Girk Channel Responses to Receptor Internalization Using a Kinetic Imaging Assay
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3909358/v1/60fdfc52-7c37-419f-becd-92d3415cb46c.pdf?c=1708105624
On using brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to produce cannabinoids
Dual cytoplasmic-peroxisomal compartmentalization engineering and multiple metabolic engineering strategies for high yield non-psychoactive cannabinoid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38375558/
A topical gel with beta-caryophyllene & indomethacin (an NSAID)
Association effect of the phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene and indomethacin carried in topical nanoemulgels: an evaluation by in vivo anti-inflammatory model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383999/
More on the enzyme that produces CBGA: cannabis prenyltransferase
Substrate-Dependent Alteration in the C- and O-Prenylation Specificities of Cannabis Prenyltransferase
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38369346/
A probe for the conformations of the CB2 receptor
Discovery of a Photoaffinity Probe that Captures the Active Conformation of the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor
https://europepmc.org/article/med/38372466
A fluorescent probe for detecting the NAAA enzyme (which breaks down PEA)
Lysosome targeting fluorescent probe for NAAA imaging and its applications in the drug development for anti-inflammatory
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813024011103
On how to create a pure CBD reference material for testing
Development of Pure Certified Reference Material of Cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38474433/
A new way to synthesize (-)-CBD
Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition to 4- or 5-Carbonyl-cycloenones through Dynamic Kinetic Resolution: Enantioselective Synthesis of (-)-Cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38358273/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For your French accordion needs, here’s an album by Gus Viseur called ‘Special Gus Viseur’ that covers his music from 1938 to ’51. This French master of the accordion began performing on the streets of Paris in fairs & markets before working his way up in the cabarets & nightclubs. He helped to pioneer a new accordion jazz style known as manouche & achieved fame after accompanying Édith Piaf on her first million-seller hit song ‘L'Accordéoniste’ as well as performing with the Hot Club Of France Quintet. He toured the US before, in his later life, settling down to open a shop in Le Havre.
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