C&P#98: my TikTok banned + so much neural data
Yes, yes, the US sends cannabis down to Schedule III
This week…
CBD does not impair performance
A Neuro Roundup! (9 reviews, maps & preclinical data)
Cannabis for ADHD
In patients with severe mental illnesses, the cannabis-only users tended to do better
For your breast augmentation surgery, no problems with cannabis
New guidelines for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
CBD/CBDA for horses
The Chinese mob heavy into illegal US grows
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 98th 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:
Well, those censorious bastards at TikTok took down my canna-edu page & the hundreds of videos of cannabinoid science. If you wanted to help me out, subscribing & interacting with my new YouTube page @cannabinoidsandthepeople would mean a lot to me because I’m going to shift my focus to there (but I will have a new TikTok page up for CV Sciences doing canna-education as soon as I can).
Also, I'm going to start posting my videos on LinkedIn too. If you see those & hit like or repost, I'd be very grateful.
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.
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My work this week:
Canna-Education for CV Sciences:
(hosted on my Youtube @cannabinoidsandthepeople)
Fat Storage & the Cannabinoids (this one was going viral before the TikTok went down)
Worldwide Canna-Report #12: Oktoberfest, Mexico & Christiania
My TikToks:
(@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
Laurence Sterne's 'The Life & Opinions of Tristam Shandy, Gentleman' (thanks Dad!)
Poetry Corner: Neruda's 'Ode to Wine'
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
#CBD
In a range of tests on motor & cognitive performance, CBD cause no changes versus the placebo except for a small increase in the subjective ratings of sedation
Does acute cannabidiol (CBD) use impair performance? A meta-analysis and comparison with placebo and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38528133/
This meta-analysis pooled the data from 20 studies to see if CBD altered human performance on a range of cognitive and psychomotor functions. Overall, the researchers found no significant changes to episodic memory, working memory, driving, divided attention, information processing, subjective alertness, executive function, and higher-order cognitive functioning. The only significant difference was the measure of subjective sedation/tiredness. Overall, “These findings suggest that acute CBD alone is unlikely to significantly impair daily functioning or workplace performance.”
#NEUROPSYCHIATRY
A review of cannabinoids for neuropsychiatry by the great Dr. Müller-Vahl
Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Selected Mental Illnesses: Practical Approach and Overview of the Literature
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38428836/
Coming from the renowned German researcher Dr. Kirsten Müller-Vah, this single-author review paper is free online and an excellent resource for sharing to anyone interested in the data on the benefits for neuropsychiatric conditions (as well as an excellent primer on how they work). She covers,
Anxiety disorders as well as panic disorders, public speaking, and social anxiety disorders in adolescents
ADHD and its subtypes in case reports, experiences at treatment centers, and randomized-controlled trials and for those who are treatment resistant (plus, this thesis project interviewing college students that just came out)
Autism treatment with CBD-rich extracts in children with severe behavior problems and oral CBD in open-label studies and randomized trials
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in case reports, surveys, and human laboratory studies
Tourette syndrome in case reports, interviews, surveys, retrospective studies, tests of driving ability, the experiences of treatment centers, randomized crossover trials, and treatments including THC and CBD, THC and PEA, Sativex for the treatment-resistant, THC for a child, vapes for a teen, and especially the large CANNA-TICS study that she ran
As well as the more mixed evidence on PTSD which is too complex to cover here
Also, as a working clinician who deals with patients, Dr. Müller-Vah ends on a practical note of use to us all: “Practically, cannabis-based treatment in patients with psychiatric disorders does not differ from other indications. The starting dose of THC-containing products should be low (1–2.5 mg THC/day), and the dose should be up-titrated slowly (by 1–2.5 mg every 3–5 days). The average daily dose is 10–20 mg THC. In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is mainly used in high doses>400 mg/day.”
For the data on these conditions, see the Mental health page, Anxiety page, Autism page, and Tourette syndrome page of CVResearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In an EEG study of relaxation in humans, CBD products with terpenes produced more relaxation than comparable levels of isolated CBD (from the Canadian CBD company Kinloch Wellness)
https://www.prweb.com/releases/revolutionizing-wellness-findings-scientifically-and-objectively-redefine-the-relaxation-effect-of-cbd-when-combined-with-terpenes-302116900.html
In people with PTSD, cannabis-based medicines substantially reduced their symptoms after three months, with greater improvements in those with comorbid depression than in those without
Medicinal cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid depression: real-world evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38468390/
In an observational study of hospitalized patients with serious mental illnesses, the group who used only cannabis had less severity at admission & lower readmission rates
Retrospective examination of cannabis vs. other substance misuse: Associations with 30-day readmission and global assessment of functioning in hospitalized patients with serious mental illness
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772598724000138
“Results are discussed in terms of the putative therapeutic efficacy of THC and cannabidiol on modulation of sleep, anxiety, and agitation.”
A thesis project interviewing college students with ADHD about the positives & negatives of cannabis use
“Higher” education : a mixed methods exploration of ADHD, cannabis use, and postsecondary academic success
https://oatd.org/oatd/record?record=handle%5C:2429%5C%2F87651
“Many students had intentionally used cannabis to manage ADHD challenges and assist with schoolwork by enhancing ASC, creativity, executive functions such as focus, task initiation, and flexible thinking, as well as by reducing hyperactivity-impulsivity, coping with mental health, enhancing sleep and relaxation, enhancing interpersonal relations, and alleviating debilitating stimulant medication side effects. Some found undesirable effects, specifically interrelated forgetfulness, tiredness, and amotivation.”
In patients getting breast augmentation surgery, no significant differences if they were cannabis users
Peri-Operative Impact of Cannabis Use in Conjunction With Elective Primary Breast Augmentation in a Private Practice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38681441/
And in a cohort analysis of people who experienced traumatic injury, THC did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic blood clots
Two-center analysis of cannabis on venous thromboembolism risk after traumatic injury: A matched analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38582739/
Interviews with US veterans on why they use Spice & synthetic cannabinoids (though mostly they didn’t like their effects)
'Spice' Use Motivations, Experiences, and Repercussions among Veterans of the United States Armed Forces
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38548662/
A tolerability & pharmacokinetic study of CBD/CBDA hemp extracts in horses found 8 mg/kg to be a well-tolerated dose
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single-dose enteral cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid rich hemp in horses (Equus caballus)
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1356463/full
A Neuro Roundup!
A book chapter on ALS & the therapeutic targets of the endocannabinoid system
The Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/89237
“There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids, due to their anti-glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory actions, may show neuroprotective effects in ALS patients and slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, cannabis-based medicine may be useful in managing symptoms like pain, spasticity or weight loss.”
I personally know a doctor where cannabis seemed to make a huge difference in his long survival time with ALS, but the most famous case is that of Cathy Jordan.
A review of cannabinoids for dementia symptoms
Cannabinoids for Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia: An Overview
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38447959/
A review of using cannabis for post-COVID neuroinflammation (great charts!)
Possible Role of Cannabis in the Management of Neuroinflammation in Patients with Post-COVID Condition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38612615/
On the many mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of CBD
A novel insight into the neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol: maintained apelin/dopamine synthesis, NRF2 signaling, and AKT/CREB/BDNF gene expressions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38587319/
“CBD showed protective effects against neuroinflammation via regulating AKT, CREB, BDNF expressions, NRF2 signaling, apelin and tyrosine hydroxylase synthesis.”
In a mouse model of traumatic brain injury, CBD improved their motor, memory & cognitive function by increasing brain blood flow as well as waste disposal via lymphatic drainage
Cannabidiol Alleviates Neurological Deficits After Traumatic Brain Injury by Improving Intracranial Lymphatic Drainage
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553903/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, a combination of THC & CBD restored the balance of glutamate (most common excitatory neurotransmitter) in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
A combination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol modulates glutamate dynamics in the hippocampus of an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr829199
In mice, a map of how CBD changes genes in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain) involved in synapse organization, chromosome modifications, formation of ribosomes (centers of protein synthesis) & function of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Cannabidiol modulates hippocampal genes involved in mitochondrial function, ribosome biogenesis, synapse organization, and chromatin modifications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38528655/
In a mouse model of the dyskinesia from the Parkinson's treatment drug L-DOPA, a CBD derivative combined with a drug to activate the CB2 receptor (HU-910) decreased their dyskinesia & normalized their glutamate
4'-fluorocannabidiol associated with capsazepine restrains L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in hemiparkinsonian mice: Contribution of anti-inflammatory and anti-glutamatergic mechanisms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38554815/
On new CBN based drugs for neurological disorders that inhibit the newly discovered cell death pathways of oxytosis/ferroptosis
Fragment-based drug discovery and biological evaluation of novel cannabinol-based inhibitors of oxytosis/ferroptosis for neurological disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38581858/
For the collected research on the neural benefits of the cannabinoids, see the Nervous System page on CVresearch.info.
Harms
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, best practice guidelines from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Toxicology Special Interest Group
RCEM best practice guideline: suspected cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in emergency departments
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38448215/
On the respiratory complications from synthetic cannabinoids [French]
Synthetic cannabinoid overdose: Watch out for acute respiratory complications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38461091/
And a thesis project on the factors influencing the toxicity in humans of the synthetic cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA
Factors influencing the toxicity of AMB-FUBINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid
https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/16665
Emergency room data on what happens to children who test positive for cannabis
Presentation, Management, and Child Protective Service Reporting of Children Who Test Positive for Cannabis in an Emergency Room Setting
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38471748/
Reviews
For inflammatory & autoimmune skin diseases, a review of 15 articles on the benefits of the cannabinoids, including for systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, psoriasis & atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Cannabinoids for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/exd.15064
A review of using cannabis in dentistry
Exploring the Therapeutic Potentials of Cannabis Sativa in Dentistry: A Scientific Review
https://www.mathewsopenaccess.com/full-text/exploring-the-therapeutic-potentials-of-cannabis-sativa-in-dentistry-a-scientific-review
And a survey assessing the lack of cannabinoid knowledge by dental students
Assessing dental student knowledge on cannabis and demonstrating the need for cannabis education
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38551244/
Preclinical
On the effectiveness of CBD cream as an anti-inflammatory for the skin
Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa L. Obtained Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Cannabidiol Extract-Based Cream
https://e-ajbc.org/upload/pdf/ajbc-2023-0068.pdf
A computer analysis of why CBN was the best anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug of the cannabinoids tested
Computational Studies of Cannabis Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42250-024-00914-5
In a model of in vitro fertilization, the sperm exposed to THC exhibited key changes to their functional & epigenetic factors involved in fertilization & embryo development
THC and sperm: Impact on fertilization capability, pre-implantation in vitro development and epigenetic modifications
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298697
In mice with anxiety from exposure to complex electromagnetic radiation, they had substantial reductions in their levels of CB1 receptors & the endocannabinoid 2-AG while drugs that activated their CB1 receptor (Win55-212-2 ) reduced the anxiety effects
The endocannabinoid system is involved in the anxiety-like behavior induced by dual-frequency 2.65/0.8 GHz electromagnetic radiation in mice
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1366855/full
Takeaway: if you’re sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, try cannabinoids!
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
As I’m sure you’ve all heard, the DEA finally agreed to lower cannabis to Schedule III – but for all the fanfare, it seems like it will do little besides making it slightly easier to research & to improve the tax situation for cannabis firms (the dreaded 280E)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-agrees-to-reschedule-marijuana-under-federal-law-in-historic-move-following-biden-directed-health-agencys-recommendation
https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8
Overall, despite medical cannabis laws in 43 states & adult use in 24 states, cannabis will remain illegal under federal law.
And as noted by the AP (who broke the news), “Critics point out that as a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain regulated by the DEA. That means the roughly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. would have to register with the DEA like regular pharmacies and fulfill strict reporting requirements, something that they are loath to do and that the DEA is ill equipped to handle.”
And most importantly, all the prisoners remain in prison.
#EndTheWarOnDrugs
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians began medical cannabis sales
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article287863345.html
Vice’s Weediquette: Why Marijuana Could Help Save Veteran Lives
https://youtu.be/3CK7cdNZb5Q?si=LPmJ3X0iL0xYb-72
And the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America started a petition telling Congress to support veteran-focused research on cannabis
https://twitter.com/iava/status/1782904533753921834
A liberal NYC councilwoman & her battle against one illegal smoke shop
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/nyregion/illegal-weed-gale-brewer.html
I mostly like this one because I miss NYC & impassioned New Yorkers like this.
9 arrested in the JuicyFields cannabis scam
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2024/04/16/juicyfields-nearly-700-million-cannabis-scam-leads-to-9-arrests
In northern California, the Emerald Green Road & the crossovers between wine country & weed country (plus places to visit)
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/travel/northern-california-cannabis-guide/
The SFMOMA is featuring bongs in the gift shop
https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/sfmoma-cannabis-bongs-420-19397600.php
For housing, a Canadian study found that secondhand cannabis smoke did infiltrate into non-smokers' apartments & there aren’t good ways to stop it
Secondhand smoke Infiltration in multiunit housing: Health effects and nicotine levels
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950362024000109
Two articles on the history of cannabis on television
Will Abbott Elementary Ignite Honest Weed Depictions on Network TV?
https://hightimes.com/culture/will-abbott-elementary-ignite-honest-weed-depictions-on-network-tv/
The Evolution of Cannabis on Television
https://filmschoolrejects.com/cannabis-on-television/
But re the first article, the old rule of journalism is that if a headline ends in a question mark, the answer to that question is no.
International
In Germany, a leaked document reveals the government wants to place new restrictions against commercialization in the cannabis social clubs about to open
https://businessofcannabis.com/cannabis-associations-in-germany-face-new-restrictions-in-push-to-prevent-commercialisation/
The French town of Bègles will begin a trial of adult-use cannabis with 100 people
https://www.newsweed.fr/begles-veut-experimenter-la-legalisation-du-cannabis/
https://businessofcannabis.com/begles-unveils-plans-for-adult-use-cannabis-trial/
This sweet little town is just on the far side of the city from me & it’s the most surprising thing I’ve seen here in France.
It seems like something from April Fish Day.
Slovenia MPs pass a medical cannabis referendum
https://english.sta.si/3291086/mps-pass-cannabis-referendum-motion
A review of cannabis from Nigeria & an update on its status & use there
CANNABIS SATIVA L.: A REVIEW OF THE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF THIS 'WONDER PLANT' AND AN UPDATE ON THE NIGERIA SITUATION
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379143385_CANNABIS_SATIVA_L_A_REVIEW_OF_THE_MEDICINAL_PROPERTIES_OF_THIS_'WONDER_PLANT'_AND_AN_UPDATE_ON_THE_NIGERIA_SITUATION
In Chile, an analysis of the effects of their cannabis laws over the last 20 years
Uneven effects of twenty years of Chile's cannabis policy implementation in cannabis onset
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38531189/
An analysis of the Indonesian approach to medical cannabis
Juridical Analysis of the Regulations on the Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes in Indonesia (A Comparative Study with Thailand)
https://www.ejournal.warmadewa.ac.id/index.php/prasada/article/view/9199/5443
A story of the “intricate journey of cannabis through India"
Journey of Marijuana From "Folk Tales" to "Doors of Justice": A Comprehensive Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38681315/
And in the Balkans, a history of cannabis & other psychoactives in the first half of the 20th century
The use of psychoactive substances in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (1918–1929) and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1929–1941)
https://doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0042-8450/2024/0042-84502400021M.pdf
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
The strongest analysis I’ve seen on Chinese organized crime moving into illegal cannabis grows
https://www.propublica.org/article/chinese-organized-crime-us-marijuana-market
An analysis of cheating on drug tests found the most common tactics to be specimen substitution or masking
Systematic web monitoring of drug test subversion strategies in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38520174/
“Most posts discussed urine drug tests (85%), followed by hair (11%) and oral fluid (2%), and the most discussed drugs were marijuana (72%) and cocaine (7.3%). Urine drug test subversion mainly pertained to specimen substitution, with synthetic urine or urine from another person. Another strategy was to mask diluted urine by ingesting creatine. Urine adulteration was rarely discussed. Hair test subversion involved harsh treatments with products such as bleach, baking soda, and/or detergent. Hair removal was also discussed. Oral fluid test subversion focused on removing drugs from the oral cavity through vigorous brushing of teeth and tongue as well as the use of mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, gum, and commercial detox products.”
If these tests all went to the devil, I'd be delighted.
Adult use cannabis laws associated with more increased use by women & no increase in those diagnosed with cannabis use disorder or by those aged 12 to 20
Gender Differences in Cannabis Outcomes After Recreational Cannabis Legalization: A United States Repeated Cross-sectional Study, 2008–2017
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-024-01271-7
In youth & adolescents, recreational cannabis laws (but not medical cannabis laws) were associated with increased past month use
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Medical and Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Cannabis Use Among Youth in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890856724001412
On the difficulties of analyzing broad cannabis usage levels using wastewater surveillance like we do for other drugs
Making waves: Wastewater-based surveillance of cannabis use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38552484/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
The Psychoactive Research
In meditation, psilocybin enhanced insightfulness
Psilocybin enhances insightfulness in meditation: a perspective on the global topology of brain imaging during meditation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38531905/
In older adults, the mechanisms of improvements from psychedelic use
Improvements in well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use and underlying mechanisms of change in older adults: A prospective cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38496492/
A meta-analysis finds that ketamine & esketamine has a high placebo response
Hype or hope? High placebo response in major depression treatment with ketamine and esketamine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525254/
And a clinical trial showing prolonged-release ketamine causing positive but statistically non-significant antidepressant improvements
Oral prolonged-release ketamine in treatment-resistant depression - A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled multicentre trial of KET01, a novel ketamine formulation - Clinical and safety results
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38522166/
A review of the synthetic cathinones (often known as bath salts, these derivatives of the cathinone from the khat plant can be quite pleasant stimulants/entheogens)
The pharmacology and neurotoxicology of synthetic cathinones
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38467489/
The Plant & the History
Growing, Farming & Processing
A study of the effects of storage conditions on cannabis trimmings potency
Effect Of Storage Conditions On The Potency Of Cannabinoids In Cannabis Trimmings
https://manoxblog.com/2024/03/21/effect-of-storage-conditions-on-the-potency-of-cannabinoids-in-cannabis-trimmings/
And another study on using hexanoic acid pre-harvest as well as the optimal storage conditions for post-harvest
Improved Long-Term Preservation of Cannabis Inflorescence by Utilizing Integrated Pre-Harvest Hexanoic Acid Treatment and Optimal Post-Harvest Storage Conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611521/
CBD acts as an anti-bacterial against several types of Clostridia that grow on agricultural foodstuffs
Antimicrobial effects of cannabidiol on select agriculturally important Clostridia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38537865/
A running analysis of biostimulants found that they help the most under stressed conditions, with a focus on manure tea & humic acid
Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38532457/
On using coconut coir as a substrate to grow cannabis
Comparison of Coconut Coir and Soil Cultivations for Hemp Production: Plant Growth and Production Yield
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379071421_Comparison_of_Coconut_Coir_and_Soil_Cultivations_for_Hemp_Production_Plant_Growth_and_Production_Yield
How soil & seed influence the bacterial diversity of the seedling microbiome
Soil and seed both influence bacterial diversity in the microbiome of the Cannabis sativa seedling endosphere
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38450399/
On the fungus Fusarium in Kentucky
Incidence and Distribution of the Fusarium Sambucinum Species Complex associated with Cannabis sativa in Kentucky
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PHP-12-23-0106-S
AI analysis of the effects of hydrogen peroxide & LED lights on cannabis seed performance
Artificial intelligence models for validating and predicting the impact of chemical priming of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and light emitting diodes on in vitro grown industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38526768/
On the effects of low UV radiation on cannabis cell cultures
Low UV radiation influenced DNA methylation, gene regulation, cell proliferation, viability, and biochemical differentiation in the cell suspension cultures of Cannabis indica
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38569457/
For cannabis flowering & photoperiod insensitivity, the effects of the circadian clock gene PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 37 (CsPRR37)
Loss of daylength sensitivity by splice site mutation in Cannabis pseudo-response regulator
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525679/
A Russian paper on the importance of nitrogen to cannabis plants
NITROGEN IN THE LIFE OF CANNABIS PLANTS
https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=59373592
And on potassium
POTASSIUM IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NUTRITIONS FOR HEMP
https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=60234798
Industrial Use
A review of using hemp as a building &highway construction material
A holistic sustainability overview of hemp as building and highway construction materials
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132324003123
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
In a German survey of cannabis strains & usage, people reported found cannabis to be effective for pain, psychiatric, neurological & gastrointestinal disorders though the type of strain being used did not change the efficacy
Medicinal Use of Different Cannabis Strains: Results from a Large Prospective Survey in Germany
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38471525/
Adolescents & Young Adults
In an 8-year behavioral study of adolescents, those who used cannabis lightly exhibited greater conduct problems & more hyperactivity/inattention symptoms but did not differ in emotional symptoms, cognitive functioning or brain activity
Light Cannabis Use and the Adolescent Brain: An 8-years Longitudinal Assessment of Mental Health, Cognition, and Reward Processing
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-024-06575-z
In students, the co-use of cannabis & alcohol were linked to more situations at risk for sexual & relationship violence
Examining the role of alcohol and cannabis use patterns in bystander opportunity and behavior for sexual and relationship aggression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38445852/
A model to try & predict worldwide trends in adolescent cannabis usage
Can we predict adolescent cannabis use? A Bayesian semi-parametric approach to project future trends
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38479080/
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, they had fewer complexes of CB1 receptors joined to NMDA receptors (glutamate, the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
The Expression and Functionality of CB1R-NMDAR Complexes Are Decreased in A Parkinson's Disease Model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38474266/
In a mouse model of Parkinson's, the phenylpropionamides of cannabis seeds improved behavioral symptoms, probably via the regulation of autophagy (cellular recycling)
Protective effect of phenylpropionamides in the seed of Cannabis Sativa L. on Parkinson's disease through autophagy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38458497/
In a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia, activating either the CB1 or the CB2 receptor improved performance in neural tests & measures of brain health, especially in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors in neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in experimental TDP-43 related frontotemporal dementia using male mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38522237/
In a mouse model of spinal cord injury, a drug that inhibits the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) improved their dysfunction of the lower urinary tract
Improvement of lower urinary tract dysfunction by a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor in mice with spinal cord injury
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38533637/
In a rat model of epilepsy (injection of penicillin), the neuromodulator apelin-13 seemed to increase convulsions via the CB1 receptor
Role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the proconvulsant effect of Apelin-13 on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity
https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJEB/article/view/655
and in a similar model, the antiepileptic effects of safranal (a component of saffron) seemed to work via the CB1 receptors
The CB1 cannabinoid receptors involvement in anti-epileptic effect of safranal on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38464610/
In roundworms, their behavior of thermal avoidance is mediated through interactions of anandamide with the cannabinoid & vanilloid receptors
Anandamide Modulates Thermal Avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans through Vanilloid and Cannabinoid Receptor Interplay
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4151433/v1/ef0c80cb-bda0-403a-9e58-2039de230729.pdf?c=1711547007
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
In people with cannabis use disorder, eight sessions of mindfulness-based psychoeducation lowered negative automatic thoughts & increased medication adherence
The Effect of Mindfulness-based Psychoeducation on Negative Automatic Thoughts and Medication Adherence in Individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder: a Randomized Controlled Trial
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-024-01282-4
In treating people with both cannabis use disorder & first-episode psychosis, a Swedish cohort study found oral clozapine or aripiprazole & injectable risperidone, aripiprazole or paliperidone to be associated with reduced hospitalizations for relapse
Antipsychotic Use and Psychiatric Hospitalization in First-Episode Non-affective Psychosis and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Swedish Nationwide Cohort Study
https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/advance-article/doi/10.1093/schbul/sbae034/7635752
In people in treatment for substance use disorders, interviews found that while they found cannabis to be an important initiatory drug in young adulthood, many felt that it was of medicinal value for a range of health challenges
Perspectives regarding cannabis use: Results from a qualitative study of individuals engaged in substance use treatment in Georgia and Connecticut
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38585142/
In Florida, using smartphone technology to find that cannabis use is linked to a reduction in anxiety & depression
Using Smartphone Technology to Track Real-Time Changes in Anxiety/Depression Symptomatology Among Florida Cannabis Users
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379087504_Using_Smartphone_Technology_to_Track_Real-Time_Changes_in_AnxietyDepression_Symptomatology_Among_Florida_Cannabis_Users
In a mouse model of alcohol binge drinking, a neutral CB1 antagonist drug suppressed consumption
Neutral endocannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist AM6527 suppresses alcohol binge-like consumption in female models
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(24)01244-4/fulltext
Immune System & Autoimmune Disorders
In people living with HIV, those using cannabis and/or opioids reported higher levels of moderate to severe pain
Self-reported pain severity and use of cannabis and opioids in persons with HIV in an urban primary care setting in Northern California: A cross-sectional study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38552034/
On the data about cannabis helping with the pain of fibromyalgia
In adults with fibromyalgia, does cannabis compared with placebo result in pain reduction?
https://journals.lww.com/ebp/citation/9900/in_adults_with_fibromyalgia,_does_cannabis.539.aspx
In mice spleens, the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 suppressed their T cells
Synthetic (JWH-018) cannabinoid-induced immune suppression of T-lymphocytes in spleen tissue
https://avesis.ankara.edu.tr/yayin/bcfa439e-e0ed-434e-8b80-fec732d502b1/synthetic-jwh-018-cannabinoid-induced-immune-suppression-of-t-lymphocytes-in-spleen-tissue
Pain & Surgeries
In the immune cell types known as macrophages, their involvement in inflammation & the pain response seemed to be mediated via the enzyme DAGLB’s control of 2AG levels
Endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes signal through LKB1-AMPK in macrophage inflammation and pain response
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(24)00827-5/fulltext
Guts & Metabolism
In public health data, a breakdown of ethnicity & the impacts of cannabis use on metabolic syndrome & blood pressure
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Emerging Adult Cannabis Users by Race/Ethnicity: Analysis of the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667036424000062
The Skin
On delivering more cannabinoids through the skin with penetration enhancers
Deformable Vesicles with Edge Activators for the Transdermal Delivery of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38482628/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
New guidelines for using cannabis for cancer by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38478773/
Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Q&A
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38478793/
Cannabis may be used to lessen the racial disparities in cancer pain management
Potential role of cannabis in ameliorating observed racialized disparities in cancer pain management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38471103/
A review of cannabinoids working on natural killer (immune) cells to modulate antitumor activity
Molecular Targets for Cannabinoids in Natural Killer Cells: Do They Modulate the Antitumor Activity?
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-2564/3/2/7
In leukemia cells, a drug that activates the cannabinoid receptors caused metabolic disruptions & apoptosis (program cellular suicide)
Cannabinoids induce cell death in leukaemic cells through Parthanatos and PARP-related metabolic disruptions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38461169/
In cervical cancer cells, a cannabinoid-based product decreased their viability & proliferation
Inhibition of Cervical Cancer Cell Function by Cannabinoid-Containing Product, BRF1A is Associated with Regulation of Tumor Suppressor Gene
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(24)00506-4/fulltext
In colorectal cancer cells, full-spectrum hemp extracts blocked the cell cycle & inhibited proliferation
Integrated Metabolomics and Proteomics Analyses to Reveal Anticancer Mechanism of Hemp Oil Extract in Colorectal Cancer
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3988139/v1
Synthetic Cannabinoids
On new synthetic cannabinoids based on the OXIZID scaffolding
Pharmacological evaluation of new generation OXIZID synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38561104/
In zebrafish, the metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-FUBIATA
Metabolism of ADB-FUBIATA in zebrafish and pooled human liver microsomes investigated by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38456249/
On detecting synthetic cannabinoids in forensic cases
GC-MS/MS analysis of synthetic cannabinoids 5F-MDMB-PICA and 5F-CUMYL-PICA in forensic cases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38466892/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
How CRIP1a acts as a cargo carrier
Cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) potential as a cargo carrier for lipidated G alpha subunits
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(24)01554-0/pdf
Thanks.
- lex
PS: From the most unlikely Brazilian duo of brothers to achieve international success, today’s album is ‘Always in My Heart’ by Los Indios Tabajaras. Self-taught musicians from the Tabajara tribe named Antenor & Natalicio (Nato) Lima, they walked 2,000 km to Rio where they started playing in 1945. Their work gathered steam as they started writing their own music as well as performing an eclectic mix of folk tunes, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Chopin & Villa Lobos, sometimes playing in full tuxedo & other times half-naked with Indian ornaments. By the ‘60s, they were charting in the US & caught the ear of Chet Atkins who recorded the album ‘Country Music Cavalcade’ with them. They continued playing for decades & their songs are a delightful trip through musical history.
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.
Lex, I feel your pain! I believe any of us on social media that discuss the plant have had our accounts banned, shadow banned and bottlenecked.
I’m in education just like you and, most recently, been slapped down by YT. So be careful with your expectations! I went from gaining a 100+ followers a month to 6 or 7/month - all because they deemed my work embracing “drugs” (however, they say that in their policy wonk talk).
Tip: I was told by the producer of a well known mj show to only refer to the plant as “canna” on YT when written in in the text box and headlines … and that, he said, bypasses the algorithms. He said that saying it in video is not an issue - just the text stuff.
Such important work you’re doing! …you're my go-to for cutting-edge canna info. Everybody just needs to subscribe to your Substack!
It’ll be interesting to see how or whether these moves on wider U.S. legality will serve us in the education space. Thanks for all you do!