C&P#97: so much on CBD for mental health + Cancer Week! + CBD for sleep
C&P#97: so much on CBD for mental health + Cancer Week! + CBD for sleep
Cannabis = 400k+ jobs
This week…
Reviews covering 224 studies on CBD for mental health & neurological disorders
Thailand says CBD for sleep!
Cancer Week: In cancer patients, THC use is associated with an increase in survival time
Plus, 8 abstracts from a major cancer conference & 7 more related cancer studies
Brain scans on why CBD for alcohol use disorder
A big breakdown of CBN science
On harms, cannabis caused more cardiovascular events, more negative birth outcomes & lower brain region volume in the hippocampus
A lot of reviews of psychedelic science
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 97th 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.
Editor’s note:
Glad to be catching up after a week off to attend a canna-business conference in Berlin. Hello to all the new subscribers from there & you can see my coverage of the ICBC conference below.
Also, I have 2 new podcast interviews that came out this week.
And finally, while there’s a cool review article on the chemical history of CBN, if you’d like to see that same story told in a graphic novel format based on Moby Dick, see the PDF of my book ‘The CROWN’ for free before it goes up for sale on Amazon next month & I take down the free PDF.
For more…
Subscribe here: upgrade to a paid subscription to support my work sharing cannabinoid science
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Buy ‘SUNset’: my Queer cannabis history graphic novel or check out the rest of my graphic novel series about cannabis & the endocannabinoid system based on Moby Dick
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See the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences at CVResearch.info
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As always, here’s the Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms & at the bottom is the album of the week
A request to spread the word
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth,
so please forward to colleagues & tell your friends & relatives.
Sponsor: PlusCBD & a commitment to education & research
One sign of a great CBD company is when they go to the next level for educating their customers. PlusCBD has articles for all levels of knowledge, videos about how CBD works & a YouTube channel of great educational content.
(Plus, they even sponsored two seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’)
In addition, they’ve done more peer-reviewed research than any other company other there. They put their money down to advance the field.
Check out this (partial) bibliography:
· A GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) study on hemp extracts to prove their safety
· A clinical trial on healthy people to show that hemp extracts helped their cholesterol, sleep quality, stress response & perceived life pleasure
· A post-marketing safety study where experts went over 2 years of PlusCBD’s adverse event reports to find the high safety levels
· A case series of using CBD to treat PTSD
· And funding me to create the extensive cannabinoid science archive at CVResearch.info
PlusCBD takes their commitment to education & research to the next level. And they do the same with their products.
Buy their excellent products today at PlusCBDoil.com & use the coupon code “LEX” for 30% off.
My work this week:
Two podcast interviews out this week:
The Karma Koala podcast from Cannabis Law Report: the ECS, homegrow & Moby Dick
https://cannabislaw.report/karma-koala-podcast-151-lex-pelger-author-cannabinoid-scientist-educator-we-talk-all-things-cannabis-and-cannabinoid-with-special-reference-to-melvilles-opus-moby-dick-and-how-that-great/
Dr. Hoffman’s Intelligent Medicine podcast: CBD for pets, THC for sleep & the cannabinoids for neuroprotection
https://drhoffman.com/podcast/the-cannabinoid-connection-how-cbd-transforms-pet-care-and-human-health-part-1/
https://drhoffman.com/podcast/the-cannabinoid-connection-how-cbd-transforms-pet-care-and-human-health-part-2/
Canna-Education for CV Sciences:
(TikTok:@cvsciences or my YouTube playlist 3-minute Cannabinoid Science)
Products for Climax
History: Native Americans & Our Favorite Plant (I’m very proud of this one, but TikTok flagged it & suppressed the account ever since…)
My coverage of the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin:
My TikToks:
(@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
'When We Cease to Understand the World' by Benjamin Labutut (a fantastic book)
Sciencemancy: Domestication Syndrome & How Randy We Are
Sciencemancy: Cash transfers & child mortalityPoetry Corner: Whitman's 'When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd'
Ways to support this work:
A paid subscription on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here
The Canna-Science Writeup:
Analysis of the week's best papers, sponsored by CV Sciences
#SLEEP
In Thailand’s first trial of CBD oil for insomnia, sublingual CBD treatment improved sleep duration, sleep maintenance, sleep induction, quality of life & daytime sleepiness
Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Oil on Chronic Insomnia: The First Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Pilot Study in Thailand
http://jmatonline.com/index.php/jmat/article/view/13952
In Thailand, the medical cannabis hub of Asia, they performed their first randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of CBD oil for chronic insomnia. For 45 patients, they were given CBD oil at 1 mg/kg for four weeks and then given a battery of sleep measurements using polysomnography (a type of sleep study to diagnose and measure sleep disorders). They found that while the participants’ sleep architecture was unchanged, the ones receiving CBD experienced significant improvements to their…
· Total sleep time
· Onset of sleep
· Time to wakefulness after sleep onset
· Sleep efficiency
· Arousal index
Overall, Thailand continues to lead Asia in producing high-quality and practical research like this. CBD for better sleep!
#PALLIATIVE
In cancer patients, THC use is associated with an increase in survival time
The Use of Tetrahydrocannabinol Is Associated with an Increase in Survival Time in Palliative Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/7/1/59/4220289/000538311.pdf
In this multicenter cohort study of 5 ambulatory palliative care teams in Germany, they calculated the survival time for three groups of patients: those not using THC, those using less than 4.7 milligrams per day, and those using more than 4.7 milligrams per day. Overall, this included more than 9,400 patients who survived for more than seven days after their admission to palliative care.
In these patients, “survival time was significantly prolonged by THC, but only when the daily THC dose was above the median of 4.7 milligrams.” Among those using THC at those levels, they survived an average of 40 days versus the 25 days for the people using low to no doses of THC. The authors add, “in addition to mere survival, patients with THC become more mentally and physically active… the increased activity and improved quality of life may enable the patients to renew social contact with relatives and friends and to settle essential affairs before dying.” In conclusion, if you know anyone who is dying, consider giving them one 5 mg Reserve gummy per day.
#CBN
A welcome review of CBN: mechanisms of actions & benefits
Health benefits, pharmacological properties, and metabolism of cannabinol: A comprehensive review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669024003364
CBN, a cornerstone of the Reserve Sleep products, is the breakdown product of THC. Like THC, it binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBN also binds to serotonin receptors, PPAR receptors (which regulate genetic transcription), and the TRP channels that transmit signals. This allows the cannabinoid to exhibit an array of effects including…
· changes to pain perception, including combining well with CBD
· immune response via several mechanisms
· Antimicrobial against several pathogenic bacteria including the MRSA staph infections that haunt hospitals and kill more people each year than HIV
However, all of the above is in animal models. Human trials are more limited, but it’s suspected that oral CBN tends to increase the effects of THC (though other studies contradict this). As the authors conclude, CBN’s “primary effects are associated with sedation and relaxation, making it a potential natural sleep aid. CBN analgesic properties suggest that it may have a role in pain management, particularly for neuropathic and inflammatory pain” as well as for “addressing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases” and as an appetite stimulant. For the collected research on CBN, see my complete cannabinol entry on CVresearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
A physician on the benefits of cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease by friend of the newsletter Dr. Kenneth Weinberg
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/bedside-manners/202404/cannabis-and-cognition
Clinical
In public health data, cannabis users had lower rates of subjective cognitive decline
Association Between Cannabis Use and Subjective Cognitive Decline: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38409714/
For chronic pelvic pain, a survey of why people were using CBD or cannabis
Cannabidiol therapy prevalence for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00209-6/fulltext
“The most common symptoms treated with cannabis and CBD were mental health (83.3%, 67.5%), dysmenorrhea (76.2%, 55.0%), and impaired sleep (66.7%, 55.0%), respectively.”
A survey found that people can reduce opioid usage with cannabis
Does cannabis use substitute for opioids? A preliminary exploratory survey in opioid maintenance patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38502206/
In dogs with osteoarthritis, CBD combined well with krill oil to reduce pain & inflammation after two weeks
Cannabidiol Plus Krill Oil Supplementation Improves Chronic Stifle Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4724452
Harms
On CBD drug- drug interactions from a pharmacovigilance database
THE POTENTIAL OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE DATABASES TO ASSESS TOXICOLOGICAL RISK OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER UNSUPERVISED HEALTH PRODUCTS USED BY PATIENTS
https://ejhp.bmj.com/content/ejhpharm/31/Suppl_1/A175.1.full.pdf
“From the concomitant medications used with CBD, clobazam [seizure control] was the most frequent (n=16).”
In brain scans, people with cannabis dependence had lower brain volumes in the regions of their hippocampus(memory center of the brain) rich in CB1 receptors
Cannabis Dependence is Associated with Reduced Hippocampal Subregion Volumes Independently of Sex: Findings from an ENIGMA Addiction Working Group Multi-Country Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38498015/
In pregnancy, a cohort study found the use of cannabis increased the risk of low birthweight, preterm birth, NICU admission, respiratory distress & lower breastfeeding rates at discharge
Cannabis exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38504476/
An analysis of public health data finds slightly more negative cardiovascular events in cannabis users
Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38415581/
A review of the cardiotoxic effects of some drugs being mediated by the cannabinoid receptors
Cardiotoxic effects of common and emerging drugs: role of cannabinoid receptors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38505994/
In a heavy cannabis user, a case report of encephalopathy (brain malfunction) in the hippocampus
Acute toxic hippocampal encephalopathy in heavy cannabis users: A case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38425776/
A case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome worsened by an adrenal tumor
Cannabinoid hyperemesis and pheochromocytoma hypertensive urgency: a case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38500192/
In rats, high doses of nano-cannabinoids caused negative liver changes & genotoxicity
Cytogenotoxicity and inflammatory response in liver of rats exposed to different doses of cannabis nano emulsions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38494580/
Reviews
A review of using CBD & PEA for sleep
Cannabinoids and Sleep: Exploring Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38612415/
A review of the psychiatric benefits of CBD (54 studies)
Cannabidiol and its Potential Evidence-Based Psychiatric Benefits - A Critical Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38267003/
And a review of 170 papers on CBD for neurological & neuropsychiatric disorders (nice chart of effects)
A narrative review of the therapeutic and remedial prospects of cannabidiol with emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38494488/
And a review of CBD's many beneficial effects
Beneficial effects of cannabidiol from Cannabis
https://applbiolchem.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13765-024-00867-w
For alcohol use disorder, a review of 16 brain scan studies on the potential of using CBD
Neuroimaging studies of cannabidiol and potential neurobiological mechanisms relevant for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38509580/
And in adult rats, using CBD to lower voluntary alcohol consumption after an adolescence of early drug initiation
Cannabidiol or ketamine for preventing the impact of adolescent early drug initiation on voluntary ethanol consumption in adulthood
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3943360/v1/3d15b4ec-e8d5-4e77-a750-2757125ec778.pdf?c=1711021195
For autism a review of treatment with cannabinoids
CANNABINOIDS AS A TREATMENT APPROACH FOR ASD: A LITERATURE REVIEW
https://revista.cpaqv.org/index.php/CPAQV/article/view/1519
From a federal agency, the new update to their living review on cannabis for chronic pain
Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain: 2024 Update
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/plant-based-chronic-pain-treatment/living-review-update
For Dravet syndrome, a review of the efficacy & safety of CBD
The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) in pediatric patients with Dravet Syndrome: a narrative review of clinical trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38500226/
And a cohort study from Spain that reports similar data
LOCAL EXPERIENCE ON THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL FOR THE TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY EPILEPSY: SAFETY AND EFFICACY ON A 10 PATIENT COHORT
https://ejhp.bmj.com/content/ejhpharm/31/Suppl_1/A142.2.full.pdf
Preclinical
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, 30 days of high-dose CBD improved their learning, lessened memory deficits & lowered anxiety (hattip to Stuart Tomc)
Cannabidiol improves learning and memory deficits and alleviates anxiety in 12-month-old SAMP8 Mice
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.21.572902v1.abstract
In a rat model of diabetes, cannabis oil improved their excessive thirst, excessive urination, loss of body mass, insulin levels & glucose levels in their bodily fluids as well as improvements & potential regeneration of the cells in their pancreas
Cannabis sativa L. Fixed Oil and Its Nanoemulsion: Effect on Diabetes and Dyslipidemia Induced in Rats
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09731296241234123
And in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes, the combination of CBD & S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) were effective as the treatment metformin for preserving neurovascular health, eye structures & cognitive function
S-allyl Cysteine and Cannabidiol are Equally Effective as Metformin in Preserving Neurovascular Integrity, Retinal Structure, and Cognitive Function in db/db Type 2 Diabetic Mice
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr825900
In a rat model of pulmonary hypertension, CBD protected the heart as well as protected the liver by lowering the hypertension & possibly by direct anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue via the NF-κB pathway
Cannabidiol may prevent the development of congestive hepatopathy secondary to right ventricular hypertrophy associated with pulmonary hypertension in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38519732/
In a rat model of facial nerve pain, CBD & its analog PECS-101 reduced hypersensitivity to pain via the TRPV1 receptor
Cannabidiol and it fluorinate analog PECS-101 reduces hyperalgesia and allodynia in trigeminal neuralgia via TRPV1 receptors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38508408/
In mice exposed to the protein spike of COVID-19, the intranasal application of probiotics that produce PEA protected the lungs from injury via the lowering of inflammation & perhaps preventing the spread of infection
Intranasal delivery of PEA-producing Lactobacillus paracasei F19 alleviates SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced lung injury in mice
https://transmedcomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41231-024-00167-x
For the parasitic worm Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid worm or dog tapeworm), CBD combined well with the treatment albendazole to lower the weight of the cysts, detach their germinal layers & lower their viability by 80%
Anthelmintic Effect of Cannabidiol against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393124/
In mice, on lessening cannabis withdrawal symptoms with extracts from Prosopis farcta (the Syrian mesquite, which contains both melatonin & luteolin)
Attenuation of cannabis withdrawal symptoms by Prosopis farcta extract, its luteolin and melatonin in mice: Involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38491827/
The traditional Chinese folk medicine Qingyangshen (often used for epilepsy) seemed to cause its antiseizure effects in a zebrafish model via the CB1 receptors
Therapeutic potential of CB1R activation by Qingyangshen glycoside M1 for seizure relief
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38423411/
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
Legal cannabis = 440k full-time jobs
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/the-legal-marijuana-industry-now-supports-more-than-440000-full-time-jobs-up-5-from-last-year-report-finds
Hemp market starting to rebound after the last two years of major declines according to the USDA
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/hemp-market-saw-growth-in-2023-after-major-declines-in-2022-usda-report-shows
A new federal study finds that the majority of smokable products being sold as hemp have THC levels above the 0.3% limit
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-90-of-smokable-hemp-samples-analyzed-by-researchers-contained-illegal-amounts-of-thc-new-federal-study-finds
Over 100 canna-businesses (both plant-touching & ancillary) are being investigated by the Justice Dept. for taking COVID relief loans
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/justice-department-is-investigating-marijuana-related-businesses-over-covid-relief-loans-industry-sources-say
An AMA study finds that adult-use cannabis legalization is associated with high schoolers using moderately less of cannabis, alcohol & vapes, however, those who did use cannabis were likely to use more of it
Recreational Cannabis Legalization, Retail Sales, and Adolescent Substance Use Through 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38619849/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-legalization-reduces-likelihood-of-teen-use-study-published-by-american-medical-association-finds/?
An op-ed by Vince Ning of Nabis on how the cannabis industry should harness collective action & self-advocacy
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/as-cannabis-industry-comes-of-age-collective-action-by-entrepreneurs-is-needed-op-ed
Record number of truck drivers refusing to take drug tests
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/record-number-of-truck-drivers-refuse-to-take-drug-tests-as-more-states-legalize-marijuana
#goodforthem
A review of the cannabis law programs across the country
https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/budding-cannabis-law-courses-growingbut-not-fast-enough
In a sign of normalization, the Family Feud asks: what do you say if your kids find your weed stash?
I’m pleased to see that medicine was in the top 3 answers.
History Corner: a character on Dragnet predicts the future of cannabis legalization
International
Mexico publishes new medical cannabis regulations
https://uk.style.yahoo.com/mexico-publishes-medicinal-cannabis-regulation-203347816.html
Bavarian officials declare no cannabis smoking at Oktoberfest
https://apnews.com/article/germany-bavaria-cannabis-oktoberfest-620c0e8c2db854258ee95a812bcc55a3
And some Bavarian lawmakers are calling for huge fines (1k euros) for youth who violate the new cannabis legalization law
https://www.lto.de/recht/nachrichten/n/cannabis-legalisierung-cang-hamburg-bayern-bugeld
The mayor of Strasbourg in France wants to follow the German example on cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/france-strasbourg-mayor-says-lets-follow-the-german-example
The legendary open-air cannabis & drug markets of Christiania in Copenhagen have been dismantled
https://cannabislaw.report/denmark-rip-cophenhagens-christiania-cannabis-sales-street
The thoughts of Peruvian patients on medical cannabis
Patients’ knowledge about the uses, risks, and beliefs surrounding the regulation and safety of Cannabis sativa L. in Peru
https://www.cell.com/heliyon/pdf/S2405-8440(24)03099-8.pdf
Morocco unveils their new logo for legal cannabis products & its lovely
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2024/04/361995/morocco-unveils-official-logo-for-legalized-cannabis-products
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
In New Mexico, federal border agents are suddenly & inexplicably seizing cannabis from legal businesses that they discover at checkpoints
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-officials-are-suddenly-seizing-marijuana-from-state-licensed-businesses-leaving-industry-perplexed
#assholes
Weediquette: “I Make $60K a Month Smuggling Californian Weed into New York”
9 arrests in the JuicyFields cannabis investment fraud case
https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/9-arrests-in-eur-645-million-juicyfields-investment-scam-case
French mayor found with 70kg of cannabis in her home
https://www.barrons.com/news/70kg-of-cannabis-found-at-home-of-french-mayor-19a83fe3
Finally a politician I can get behind…
Seizures of psilocybin mushrooms on the rise
National and regional trends in seizures of shrooms (psilocybin) in the United States, 2017-2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38326175/
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/law-enforcement-seizures-psilocybin-mushrooms-rose-dramatically-between-2017-2022
For two oral fluid THC detectors (Securetec DrugWipe & Dräger DrugTest), both performed poorly at detecting THC 30 minutes after ingestion
Detection of Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid using two point-of-collection testing devices following oral administration of a THC and cannabidiol containing oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38414100/
For driving, THCA may be an indicative marker of cannabis consumption frequency & acuteness
Does the Quantification of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A in Serum/Plasma Provide Any Additional Information About Consumption Pattern from Drivers Under the Influence of Cannabis?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38512708/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
My friend Bruce Damer on how psychedelics helped him to come up with his new theory on the origin of life
https://www.lucid.news/a-psychedelic-journey-to-the-origin-of-life/
Can Microdosing Psychedelics Help Golfers Raise Their Game?
https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a60466553/microdosing-psychedelics-golf-performance
The Psychoactive Research
In people with chronic cluster headaches, psilocybin reduced attack frequency via the hypothalamus
CCH attack frequency reduction after psilocybin correlates with hypothalamic functional connectivity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38238974/
For treating depression, a comparison of psilocybin versus esketamine
A comparison between psilocybin and esketamine in treatment-resistant depression using number needed to treat (NNT): A systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38244804/
A systematic review of microdosing
Modern Psychedelic Microdosing Research on Mental Health: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38228068/
A review of using psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease
Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38307424/
A review of using psychedelics for epilepsy & seizure
Psychedelics, epilepsy, and seizures: a review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283836/
A review of psilocybin for psychiatric disorders
Psilocybin - new remedy for patients with psychiatric disorders? Critical analysis of the current state of knowledge
https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/47570
A systematic review of psychedelics for psychotherapy
Psychedelics and Evidence-based Psychotherapy A Systematic Review with Recommendations for Advancing Psychedelic Therapy Research
https://www.psych.theclinics.com/article/S0193-953X(24)00007-8/abstract
In a mouse model of neuroinflammation, the combination of psilocybin & the terpene eugenol (most notably from cloves) lowered inflammation as well as the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines
The Effect of Combined Treatment of Psilocybin and Eugenol on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Brain Inflammation in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36985596/
The Plant & the History
Growing, Farming & Processing
On the opportunities of growing hemp on marginal lands
Hemp cultivation opportunities for marginal lands development
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38512945/
For hemp residues in the soil, they break down faster when plowed back into the earth as well as with the addition of nitrogen fertilizers
Decomposition of Hemp Residues in Soil as Facilitated by Different Nitrogen Sources
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/3/508
On the types & levels of copper to increase the yield of cannabis
Copper Stimulation of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Production in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Is Copper-Type, Dose, and Cultivar Dependent
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38516700/
On the effects of seed inoculation with Trichoderma afroharzianum as a biostimulant
Impact of Seed Inoculation with Trichoderma afroharzianum Strains on Plant Growth, Root Morphology, and Leaf Phenolic Content in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) at Early Growth Stages
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/4/511
On optimizing the cultivation technique of hairy root cultures for cannabis
Optimizing ex vitro one-step RUBY-equipped hairy root transformation in drug- and hemp-type Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38400583/
On the Eurasian hemp moth, which used to be a very destructive pest of hemp, but now saw a great decline when we stopped planting it
Grapholita delineana Walker. - Eurasian Hemp Moth.
https://agroatlas.ru/en/content/pests/Grapholita_delineana/
In Oregon, the first report of infection by the nematode worm Meloidogyne hapla
First report of Meloidogyne hapla on hemp (Cannabis sativa) in Oregon
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38495931/
On the susceptibility of cannabis to infection by root-knot nematodes (worms)
Host status and susceptibility of Cannabis sativa cultivars to root-knot nematodes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38495934/
On growing cannabis in Uzbekistan
CULTIVATION OF TECHNICAL CANNABIS IN UZBEKISTAN
https://scholarexpress.net/index.php/wbss/article/view/3938
Using a PCR to detect hemp-infecting viruses & viroids
A multiplex RT-PCR for the detection of three viruses and one viroid infecting hemp
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PHYTOFR-02-23-0021-R
A genetic analysis of the transcription factor family HD-Zip (Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper)
In silico genome-wide analysis of homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factors in Cannabis sativa L
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590863/
Hemp as Food
A review of hemp seeds as a food
Nutraceutical potential, phytochemistry of hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) and its application in food and feed: A review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X24000674
For hemp seeds, microwave pretreatment improved oil recovery, oxidative stability & enriches flavor of the oil
Microwave pretreatment of hemp seeds changes the flavor and quality of hemp seed oil
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092666902400373X
Effects of different roasting methods on hemp seed oil properties
Chemosensory of hemp seed oil extracted with hemp seed(Cannabis sativa L.) roasted under various conditions using electronic sensors and GC-MS/Olfactometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38420505/
The properties of three hempseed cakes from Spain
Physicochemical Characterisation of Seeds, Oil and Defatted Cake of Three Hempseed Varieties Cultivated in Spain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38397508/
Industrial Use
On the 3D printing of polypropylene with the addition of hemp fibers
3D printing of polypropylene reinforced with hemp fibers: Mechanical, water absorption and morphological properties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38420479/
On hemp hurd as a filler for paper
Industrial Hemp Hurd Processing for Microcrystalline Cellulose Production and its Usage as a Filler in Paper
https://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BRJ/article/view/23278
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
In Canada, legalization has led to an increase of cannabis use for non-medical purposes as well as a trend from dried flower & extracts towards cannabis foods, drinks & vape pens
How have cannabis use and related indicators changed since legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes? Results of the Canadian Cannabis Survey 2018-2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38520961/
The five different patterns of using cocaine, alcohol & cannabis together
Sequencing hour-level temporal patterns of polysubstance use among persons who use cocaine, alcohol, and cannabis: A back-translational approach
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38555662/
For specialists training for palliative care, while over half received a formal training on medical cannabis, only 20% felt sufficiently informed to issue cannabis related recommendations (and their training was unrelated to how comfortable they felt in discussing cannabis)
Palliative Medicine Fellows' Discussions, Perceptions, and Training Regarding Medical Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38417464/
“Fellows rate cannabis as equally or more effective than conventional treatments for the following symptoms: anorexia/cachexia (63%), nausea/vomiting (43%), pain (25%), and neuropathic pain (21%).”
Dental hygiene programs need cannabis education
The need for cannabis education in dental hygiene programs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38400647/
In Canadian public health data, the use of medical cannabis did not lower benzodiazepine use
Benzodiazepine use in medical cannabis authorization adult patients from 2013 to 2021: Alberta, Canada
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38504198/
In Germany, analysis of cannabis on health problems & criminal offenses
Cannabis use, health problems, and criminal offences in Germany: national and state-level trends between 2009 and 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38502205/
Adolescents & Young Adults
The effects of cannabis legalization laws on the co-use of alcohol & cannabis by college students
Latent profile analysis of college students' alcohol and cannabis co-use patterns after recreational cannabis legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38520816/
And how college students co-use alcohol & cannabis on pregaming & non-pregaming days
Order of Cannabis and Alcohol Use on Pregaming and Non-Pregaming Days among College Students
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38517753/
Early life adversity may lead to increased cannabis use because of chronic pain
Impact of Early-Life Adversity on Cannabis Use: Exploring the Mediating and Moderating Effects of Chronic Pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38498016/
How advertising affects adolescent cannabis use
Patterns in Tobacco, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Advertising Exposure Among California Adolescents and Associations With Future Use Expectations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38509707/
On three types of medical cannabis use among young adults during California's transition to legalization
Medicinal cannabis use among young adults during California's transition from legalized medical use to adult-use: a longitudinal analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38407837/
For rural young adults, a survey of their perceptions of cannabis
Rural Young Adults' Perceptions of Cannabis: A Survey Study
https://wtamu-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/93fcce72-291f-46f7-a2ca-79ada56566bb/content
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
The protein cereblon (the target of thalidomide) interacts with the CB1 receptor to drive the birth defect known as autosomal recessive non-syndromic intellectual disability (ARNSID)
The CB1 receptor interacts with cereblon and drives cereblon deficiency-associated memory shortfalls
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38514794/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
In Canadian public health data, cannabis users had a higher prevalence of psychiatric symptoms
A cross-sectional study of the relationship between frequency of cannabis use and psychiatric symptoms among people seeking mental health and addiction services in Nova Scotia (2019-21)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38518571/
In people with schizophrenia, cannabis use & non-clozapine antipsychotic medications modulated their levels of 2-AG & CB2 receptors
Endocannabinoid system alterations in schizophrenia: association with cannabis use and antipsychotic medication
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38502208/
In dopamine producing neurons of the ventral tegmental area (a center of reward regulation, learning, memory & addictive behaviors), deleting the CB1 receptors in mice caused them to have increased immobility in depression tests & to exert less effort to obtain chocolate flavored pellets (#mood)
Cannabinoid type-1 receptor signaling in dopaminergic Engrailed-1 expressing neurons modulates motivation and depressive-like behavior
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1379889/full
Pain & Surgeries
For patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the most common reason for seeking medical cannabis certification was for spinal complaints
Understanding the Orthopedic Conditions for Which Patients Are Seeking Medical Cannabis Certification
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38406133/
A certain variant of the CB2 receptor increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lebanese Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38498014/
A review of using products derived from cannabis for pain
Natural Products Derived from Cannabis sativa for Pain Management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38509238/
In human liver microsomes, THC & CBD metabolites inhibit an enzyme that processes morphine, most likely enhancing its effects
Cannabinoid-Induced Inhibition of Morphine Glucuronidation and the Potential for In Vivo Drug-Drug Interactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38543313/
In a rat model of intervertebral disc degeneration (a common cause of lower back pain), inhibiting the MGL enzyme (which breaks down 2AG) suppressed cell senescence & restored the balance of extracellular matrix metabolism, suggesting it as a potential treatment target
Inhibition of MAGL attenuates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Delaying nucleus pulposus senescence through STING
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38518595/
Guts & Metabolism
A link between certain variants of the CB1 receptor & diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
Association between CNR1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in Iraqi patients with T2DM
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38406790/
Hormones & Reproduction
Of people who use cannabis during early pregnancy, a survey of their postpartum plans for cannabis use, with many planning to practice harm reduction measures
Intentions to Use Cannabis Postpartum: A Qualitative Study of Pregnant Individuals Who Used Cannabis During Early Pregnancy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38407822/
In zebrafish embryos, cannabis tea had a significant impact on their mortality, hatching duration, startle response & optokinetic (visual) response
Effects of cannabis tea on the development of zebrafish embryo and larval behaviour
https://zealjournals.com/wjapls/sites/default/files/WJAPLS-2024-0025.pdf
The Heart
A review of how the liver enzyme CYP2J2 metabolizes arachidonic acid (the precursor of anandamide) to help control heart rhythm
CYP2J2-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid in heart: A review of its kinetics, inhibition and role in heart rhythm control
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38521247/
The Skin
Cannabis leaf extract caused skin anti-aging by protection against UVA radiation
Anti-Aging Properties of Cannabis sativa Leaf Extract against UVA Irradiation
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/2/45
On improving CBD topical delivery with colloidal formulations
Cutaneous Delivery and Biodistribution of Cannabidiol in Human Skin after Topical Application of Colloidal Formulations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399256/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In this survey of cancer survivors, 40% report using cannabis, most frequently for sleep, mood, stress, anxiety, depression, pain & recreation
Cannabis use after a cancer diagnosis in a population-based sample of cancer survivors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38519643/
On using cannabis for cancer-related pain
Cannabis Use for Cancer-Related Pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393795/
For triple negative breast cancer, a review of using cannabinoids
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Cannabis sativa-Role of Phytocannabinoids
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378971822_Triple_Negative_Breast_Cancer_TNBC_Cannabis_sativa-Role_of_Phytocannabinoids
In gastric cancer cells, CBD caused toxicity
In vitro exposure of gastric cancer cell line AGS to the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) results in cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner
https://academic.oup.com/bjs/article-abstract/111/Supplement_2/znae046.066/7631098?redirectedFrom=fulltext
And degraded the membrane of their mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Treatment of gastric cancer cell line AGS with cannabidiol (CBD) induces loss of mitochondrial membrane potential
https://academic.oup.com/bjs/article-abstract/111/Supplement_2/znae046.070/7631155?redirectedFrom=fulltext
For lung cancer, CBD synergized with the treatment dasatinib
Synergistic effect of cannabidiol with dasatinib on lung cancer by SRC/PI3K/AKT signal pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38503236/
A computer analysis of the anti-cancer properties of THC, CBD & THCV
A Comparative Analysis on the Potential Anticancer Properties of Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Tetrahydrocannabivarin Compounds Through In Silico Approach
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38546067/
American Association for Cancer Research 2024 San Diego meeting
In a cohort study of people with advanced cancers, those using recreational cannabis experienced more immune-related adverse events but no changes to survival outcomes
Influence of prescription opioids and recreational cannabis use on efficacy outcomes and adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/6293/738601
In cancer survivors who use cannabis, they had greater mistrust of the health care system as well as lower physical & emotional well-being
Healthcare underutilization, healthcare mistrust, and quality of life among cancer survivors who use cannabis
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/2241/741424
For thyroid cancer, cannabinoids decreased viability
Cannabinoid derived product is a potential novel therapeutic for papillary thyroid carcinoma
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/5982/738997
In pancreatic cancer cells, CBC caused cell death via the CB2 receptor & a TRPV receptor
Cell death induction via CB2 receptor and TRPV receptor in cannabichromene (CBC) treated human pancreatic cancer cells
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/4721/736534
In triple negative breast cancer cells, CBD enhanced the efficacy of the treatment atezolizumab
Cannabidiol enhances efficacy of atezolizumab via upregulation of PD-L1 expression by cGAS-STING pathway in triple negative breast cancer cells
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/5548/740972
And in a mouse model of triple negative breast cancer, CBC synergized with the terpene beta caryophyllene to cause cell death
Synergistic anticancer activity of cannabinoids and beta caryophyllene in xenograft mouse model of triple negative breast cancer
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/4566/737926
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD combined well with a FGFR inhibitor to cause cell death, apparently via stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (a center of cellular transportation, protein folding & lipid synthesis)
Analysis of the effect of FGFR inhibitor and cannabidiol in colorectal cancer
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/643/736939
In tumors, the receptor CXCR4 forms a heterodimer with CB2 that lower tumor growth & metastasis (spread)
CXCR4/CB2 heterodimer antagonizes CXCR4-mediated metastasis and tumor growth in vivo
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/6_Supplement/4119/736233
Cool Chemistry & Tools
On an analytical method for analyzing the cannabinoid content of homemade edibles (from Paris!)
Analysis of home-made cannabis edibles by UHPLC-HRMS after standard addition method
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38407251/
It’s nice to see work coming out of my adopted home.
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s album of Chicha (psychedelic cumbia, based on the folk music of Afro-Colombians), it’s the album ‘¡Sonido Amazonico!’ by Chicha Libre. With musicians from Mexico, France, Venezuela & the US, the group is based in Brooklyn & uses a mix of surf guitars, organ sounds & Latin percussion.
This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.