Massive mental health gains for TSC + fibro, sleep, pain & cancer symptoms
France submits reimbursement rules
Cannabinoids & The People,
or; Drugs & Drug Wars
🌟 This week 🌟
(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)
CBD caused massive mental health gains for people with tuberous sclerosis complex (a disease of many benign tumors)
Cannabinoids for fibro, sleep, pain & cancer symptoms
Conflicting data on Parkinson’s shows help & no help
Harms: In youth using cannabis, it seemed to flatten their neurocognitive development (#youthharm)
#BDSM & your endocannabinoids!
#Sex! CBD to boost the sexual motivation & reverse the post-coital sexual inhibition in your rats
Preclinical: CBD for age-associated cognitive decline, THC for Alzheimer’s & activating the CB1 receptor for reduced sweating (?!)
Hot take on on the extractive nature of the cannabis industry in the global South (#extractive)
On ketamine for occupational burnout, sexual trauma & perinatal depression
War on Drugs: India home minister has a plan for a drug-free country by 2047 (#stupid)
Psychedelics: psilocybin for spinal cord injuries, DMT for cluster headaches & LSD for depression + how to stop bad trips
On psilocybin for calming your mangrove fish (#bursts)
[numbers for C&P#193: 9k words, ~17 minutes reading time, 133 papers]
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 193rd edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.
If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
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And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: a kid’s album of traditional tunes by Jerry Garcia & mandolinist David Grisman
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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃
(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the endocannabinoid data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)
A great sleep article on cannabis as the double-edged sword of insomnia (glad to have a boots-on-the-ground pro-cannabis doctor sharing the negatives…)
https://www.phillyvoice.com/insomnia-cannabis-marijuana-sleep-risks/
I believe I’m going to turn this article into an educational video.
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In people with mental health problems from tuberous sclerosis complex (a disease of many benign tumors), 6 months of CBD improved eating, sleeping, irritability & manic behavior as well as took the number of people with severe behavior problems from 50% to 0%
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) Outcomes Following Adjunctive Cannabidiol (CBD) Treatment: 6-Month Intermediate Analysis of the EpiCom Trial (S5.005)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215638
In people with fibromyalgia, a 1:1 THC:CBD oil reduced pain, improved sleep quality & reduced fibromyalgia impact
Feasibility, Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of 1:1 THC:CBD Cannabis Oil for Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Results From a Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/prm/7311235
In the real-world use of cannabis oil, people reported better quality of life & sleep
Real-World Quality of Life and Sleep Outcomes in Patients Treated With THC-and CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil: A Cross-Sectional Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1862725/abstract
In the largest study from a state-run medical cannabis program on pain symptoms: people in Minnesota who used medical cannabis for four months reported improvements to life enjoyment, activity interference & pain scores
Benefits of Medical Cannabis in Patients With Pain Registered in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149291826001876
In people with cancer, a blinded study comparing 4 days of sublingual THC, CBD or placebo found that half getting cannabinoids achieved their primary outcome: Patient Global Impression of Change (predominantly sleep, tiredness & anxiety)
Comparing cannabinoid extracts for treating cancer-related symptoms: a randomized placebo-controlled, triple-blind aggregate n-of-1 clinical trial
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.31.26354558v1.full
For Parkinson’s disease, self-titrated medical cannabis oil caused improvements on the non-motor symptoms scale, the pain scale, the sleep scale, the urinary scale & the quality of life scale, with decreased nighttime urinary frequency
Exploratory Prospective Study of Self-Titrated Medical Cannabis for Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125261458680
For Parkinson’s disease & CBD, a meta-analysis of 11 trials found it did not improve any of the measured aspects
Efficacy of Cannabinoids on Parkinson’s Disease: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (P8-17.004)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215479
For Parkinson’s disease & cannabis, a meta-analysis of 10 trials found no help
Medical Cannabis in the Treatment of Non-motor and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (P6-17.013)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000216378
In children with drug-resistant epilepsy, a French observational study found significant improvements to behavior, well-being, cognition, physical activities & social interaction as well as a 50+% seizure reduction in two-thirds of patients
Impact of Cannabidiol on Quality of Life and Seizure Control in Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Retrospective Observational Study
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6695991
In treatment-resistant epilepsies, a meta-analysis found CBD significantly improved the rates of seizure freedom & responder rates
Cannabidiol in Refractory Epilepsy: Meta-analysis of Seizure Freedom and Responder Rates Across Syndromes (P8-11.001)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213060
In kids with epilepsy, CBD isolate not only reduced their seizure frequency but also their anxiety symptoms, with greater blood levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG associated with greater reductions in anxiety symptoms
Preliminary Prospective Study of Pharmaceutical-grade Cannabidiol for Seizure Frequency and Comorbid Anxiety Symptoms in Pediatric Epilepsy: Associations with Circulating Endocannabinoids and Related Lipid Biomarkers (P3-8.005)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215478
In people with epilepsy, CBD combined well with a ketogenic diet & was more effective when CBD was initiated first
Combination Cannabidiol and Ketogenic Diet Therapy in Epilepsy (P3-10.005)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215194
For the New York cannabis program, ~30% said they might discontinue certification & said they prefer adult-use dispensaries because of the proximity, greater availability & preferred product types
Patient Experiences and Access Barriers in the New York State Medical Cannabis Program: Findings from Two Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys, 2023 to 2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149291826001335
“Geographic access became more limited in 2024 with the closures of 10 medical dispensaries, leaving 32 medical dispensaries operating statewide. In 2024, 48% of respondents reported travel times <30 minutes to a medical dispensary, 31% reported between 31 and 60 minutes, and 5% used delivery services. Cost was one of the main barriers with 49% of all patient respondents reporting they are unable to afford sufficient product to manage symptoms.”
In people engaging in BDSM, this thesis project found higher levels of endocannabinoids, similar to a runner’s high (#BDSM)
The biological mechanisms associated with BDSM interactions in dominants and submissives
https://repository.uantwerpen.be/docman/irua/764508motoMe7
For humans co-using CBD & alcohol, there were no significant changes in the alcohol effects or cravings
Safety of Co-Administered Cannabidiol (CBD) and alcohol: a Phase I study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00457-1
For memory in habitual cannabis users, they had faster response times but decreased accuracy
Cognitive Effects of High-potency Cannabis Intoxication on Prospective Memory in Habitual Users (P5-7.014)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000217266
For edibles & heart rate, unlike inhaled cannabis, they caused only a small non-clinically significant decrease in heart rate
An Exploration of Heart Rate Response and Blood Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Levels to Commercially Available Cannabis Edibles by Dose
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9762624/v1
For neuroblastomas (the most common & lethal solid tumor in children), two case reports on the combination of cannabis, melatonin & oxygen-ozone therapy causing weight recovery & the complete disappearance of detectable disease
Medical cannabis, melatonin and oxygen-ozone therapy for neuroblastoma: two case reports
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9651000/v1
In people with cannabis use disorder, a survey about their stigma found it to be felt most strongly in adolescents
Stigma toward individuals with cannabis use disorder across age groups: associations with familiarity and sociodemographic characteristics
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01491-1
For reducing cannabis secondhand smoke exposure in children, in-home air quality monitoring “supported risk awareness, promoted family dialogue, and coincided with reductions in in-home smoking around children”
Using In-Home Air Quality Monitoring to Reduce Cannabis Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Children: Quantitative Pilot Feasibility Study
https://formative.jmir.org/2026/1/e89820/
📑 Reviews 📑
For arthritis & CBD, a review of the clinical & preclinical evidence of its painkilling potential being “comparable to other types of medications with low to no detrimental effects”
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol for Pain Management in Arthritis: Evidence from Clinical and Preclinical Studies
https://www.authorea.com/doi/pdf/10.22541/authorea.15004664/v1
For CBD & inflammation, a great review on how it targets the NLRP3 inflammasome (love the charts!)
Cannabidiol as a modulator of NLRP3 inflammasome: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2707368826000361
In bruxism (tooth grinding, mostly at night), a review on the potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system
ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM MODULATION IN BRUXISM: A NEUROBIOLOGICAL HYPOTHESIS AND TRANSLATIONAL MODEL OF ECS-TARGETED INTERVENTION
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2026.1854001/abstract
In ovarian cancer & glioblastoma cells, a review of how THC, CBD & CBG use a variety of mechanisms to cause cell death
Insight into the mode of action of phytocannabinoids against ovarian cancer and glioblastoma
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031326000588
“These include the following pathways: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt, rat sarcoma virus (RAS)– rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)–MAPK kinase (MEK)–extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) (MAPK/ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Ras homolog (Rho)/Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (Rock) pathways.”
(I can’t wait to illustrate these with my Moby Dick metaphor of phytocannabinoid elephants tearing through vicious cancer cells like dwarves through a horde of orcs & goblins…)
In canine cancers, a review of the potential of CBD
Potential antitumor effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in canine oncology: a systematic review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1800410/full
In the central nervous system, a review on the role of the CB2 receptor (with a lovely chart)
The relevance of cannabinoid receptor 2 in the central nervous system: an update over the last 3 years
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1882543/full
For neurodegenerative diseases, a review of inhibiting the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG)
Recent advances in neurodegenerative diseases therapeutics: The inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase strategy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452226003866
For opioid use disorder & chronic pain, a review on targeting the endocannabinoid system
Therapeutic activation of the endocannabinoid system for opioid use disorder, chronic pain, and cancer-related pain: a review of current evidence
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14728222.2026.2690138
For the effects of cannabinoids on the blood vascular system, a review of the role of PPARgamma (a nuclear receptor that regulates genetic transcription) & the need for more work to validate its potential responsibility for vasodilation (nice graphical abstract)
Reassessing the role of PPARgamma in vascular effects of cannabinoids: A critical appraisal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1537189126000911
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
For cannabis adverse drug reactions in the World Health Organization’s VigiBase, the most predominantly reported were psychiatric & nervous system disorders with gut, lung & heart disorders less common
Cannabis and Cannabinoid-Related Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions: Global Patterns and Cross-National Analysis Based on VigiBase® Data
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-026-01303-x
In a cohort of youth using cannabis, they had likely pre-existing better cognitive performance during late childhood but later reduced improvement or flattened neurocognitive trajectories for memory, processing speed, inhibitory control, visuospatial processing & language (#youthharm)
Longitudinal neurocognitive trajectories in a large cohort of youth who use cannabis: combining self-report and toxicology
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02395-1
In adults with depressive disorders, they had a ~60% greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder
Risk of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adults with Pre-Existing Depression: Evidence from the U.S. NESARC-III (2012–2013)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-026-01684-6
For cannabis-induced psychosis, a case report of recurrent psychotic episodes with aggression, irritability, grandiose delusions, self-talk, insomnia, mood instability & impaired social functioning, with help from abstinence & pharmacological treatment
CHRONIC CANNABIS USE PRESENTING WITH NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND CANNABIS-INDUCED PSYCHOSIS: A CASE REPORT AND INTEGRATED TREATMENT APPROACH
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/407043066_CHRONIC_CANNABIS_USE_PRESENTING_WITH_NEUROCOGNITIVE_IMPAIRMENT_AND_CANNABIS-INDUCED_PSYCHOSIS_A_CASE_REPORT_AND_INTEGRATED_TREATMENT_APPROACH
A case report of a death from bleeding into the lungs potentially linked to cannabis
Cannabis Smoking Induced Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in a Young Adult
https://journals.vertexpub.com/index.php/amme/article/view/32
A case report of psoriasis potentially due to cannabis use
Drug-induced psoriasis secondary to cannabis use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352512626003693
For cannabis & later psychosis, a review found “credible evidence that daily cannabis use is a contributory cause of psychosis”, but less certain associations with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety & suicidality
Relationships between cannabis use and mental disorders: assessing the coherence of evidence from studies with different methodologies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215036626000866
For bipolar disorder with cannabis use disorder, a review found higher levels of manic episodes, rapid cycling, psychosis & earlier bipolar disorder onset
Clinical Phenomenology of Bipolar Disorder With Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42286971/
In a rat model of prenatal & lactation exposure to THC, this thesis project found that there were disruptions in the offspring’s maturation of sleep & breathing
Early-Life Exposure to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Disrupts the Maturation of Sleep and Breathing
https://umontreal.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/72443eb9-ef47-4165-a2e7-e9786352b4f4/content
In a zebrafish model of prenatal exposure to THCV, this thesis project found stage-dependent differences in uptake & changes to neural & behavioral processes
Windows of Developmental Susceptibility to Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Reveal Stage-Dependent Morphological and Biological Effects
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4740&context=hon_thesis
In the lung cell macrophages (white blood cells that eat invaders), cannabis smoke extract caused metabolic stress & impaired polarization but did not impair their phagocytosis (eating invaders)
Cannabis Smoke Extract Impairs Alveolar Macrophage Antimicrobial Functions
https://www.mcgill.ca/ose/files/ose/2-23_-_albert.pdf
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a male rat model of sexual inhibition, CBD acutely caused sexually satiated rats to increase their sexual motivation & reverse their sexual inhibition, while chronically, CBD had no negative effects on male sexual behavior (#sex)
Cannabidiol has facilitative effects on sexual motivation of sexually inhibited male rats
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6819584
In a mouse model of age-associated cognitive decline, CBD reversed the mood & memory deficits, restored levels of cannabinoid receptors, lessened inflammatory signaling & normalized neurotransmitter balance in the medial prefrontal cortex
Cannabidiol rescues age-associated cognitive decline in mouse model
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.12.711942v1.abstract
In a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, THC improved cognitive performance, prevented cell loss & increased markers of neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol delineates D-galactose and aluminium chloride-induced cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in the hippocampus of the Wistar rat model
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12038-026-00599-7
In a mouse model of a drug-resistant severe childhood epilepsy, CBD reduced seizures & infantile spasms
Cannabidiol reduces atypical absence seizures and epileptic spasms in a Gabrb3+/D120N mouse model of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/epi4.70289
In a mouse model of sweating, activating the CB1 receptor with anandamide reduced sweating
Don’t Sweat It: Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors Reduce Sweating in a Mouse Model
https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1096/fj.202601143R
In a tissue model of Parkinson’s disease, CBD caused neuroprotection via increasing the anti-oxidative activities of transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)
Cannabidiol confers neuroprotection against 6-OHDA toxicity by rescuing Nrf2 proteostasis and preserving mitochondrial integrity
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.07.723512v1.abstract
In a tissue model of cartilage inflammation, extracts of hemp polyphenols protected the cartilage & caused anti-inflammation
Anti-inflammatory and Cartilage-sparing properties of Hemp Polyphenol Extract in an in-vitro model of cartilage inflammation
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/natural-products/articles/10.3389/fntpr.2026.1862027/abstract
For a proprietary formula of CBN, a safety study in tissue & rats found no toxicity
Investigation into the oral toxicity profile of TruCBN™
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750026000983
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(my grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
On a new drug (SYT-510 by Synendos Therapeutics) that inhibits the reuptake of the endocannabinoids anandamide & 2-AG, it was found effective in animal models of anxiety, compulsive behavior, drug-induced muscle spasticity, seizure, pain & multiple sclerosis
SYT-510, the Clinical Candidate of First-in-class Selective Endocannabinoid Reuptake Inhibitors, Demonstrated Efficacy in Preclinical Models of Anxiety, Spasticity, Seizure, Pain and Neuroinflammation (P11-7.009)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000216773
Yes, but they’re brave in going after an endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor. Famously, in the French trial of BIA 10–2474 (an inhibitor of FAAH, the enzyme that breaks down anandamide), the drug at its highest dose killed one person in the study & caused irreversible brain damage in 4 more.
On the Australian company Avecho & their CBD soft-gel capsule for insomnia (ongoing phase III trial)
https://cannabinoidpipelineinsights.substack.com/p/insomnia-and-cannabinoids-avecho
For the Mayaro virus (a mosquito-borne illness of South America), activating the CB1 receptor in macrophages (our white-blood cell that kills microorganisms) decreased viral replication & downregulated inflammation
WIN 55,212-2 Modulates Antiviral, Inflammatory, and ER Stress Responses in Mayaro Virus-Infected Macrophages: Insights from RNA-Seq and In Vitro Studies
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/6/662
For the measles vaccine, the rare cannabinoids Cannabichromevarin (CBCV) & Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) stabilized the proteins
Identification of cannabichromevarin as a potent stabilizer of the measles virus prefusion F protein: structural insights from long-timescale molecular dynamics
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-50199-6
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰
In New York, the state launches an educational hub for healthcare providers & public health professionals called the Center of Excellence for Cannabis Care and Health Equity
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2026/06/25/new-york-state-launches-center-for-cannabis-care-and-health
An Atlantic article on parenting & cannabis
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/06/gardening-moms-weed-parenting/687518/
Overall, I’d have to say I don’t like it. The writer is trying to see both sides & acknowledges that some people use it well & some are being neglectful & getting high all day in the garage, but she shares a fairly silly quote from a researcher saying there’s no evidence on cannabis helping with anxiety or depression — and the final line is one that really pushed me over the edge into deciding I didn’t like this article: “In the quest to be the best, a mother is asked to abandon herself and her own emotional responses—and for some moms, apparently, the only way through is to feel a little less.”
History Corner: 900s: In the Islamic Golden Age, a review of the uses of cannabis (oh my do I wish this one wasn’t behind a paywall...)
Ethnopharmacological Uses of Cannabis in the Arabic–Islamic Golden Age from the IXth to the XVIth Century CE
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02780771261458775
🌐 International News 🌐
In France, regulators submitted their long-awaited decree of rules on the reimbursements for medical cannabis to the French Council of State for approval (their medical cannabis pilot program began when my 2nd child was born. We celebrated her 5th birthday last week. And I’m hoping to enjoy adult-use cannabis here by the time she has her own 5-year-old)
https://www.newsweed.fr/en/france-proposes-decree-on-medical-cannabis/
In Canada, the hemp industry called for raising the limit for THC to 1%, to eliminate most licensing requirements & allow for the unrestricted sale of hemp flowers & biomass
https://hemptoday.net/canadian-hemp-industry-presses-regulators-for-1-thc-limit-other-sweeping-reforms/
And in Alberta, they have an industry-leading model for adult-use sales at music festivals
https://stratcann.com/insight/albertas-festival-cannabis-model-is-leading-the-industry/
In Israel, they reopened their investigation into Canadian companies dumping medical cannabis into their market
https://stratcann.com/news/israel-reopens-dumping-investigation-into-canadian-medical-cannabis/
In Chile, the decriminalization of personal use cannabis is now on hold
https://cannabislaw.report/the-decriminalization-of-cannabis-for-personal-consumption-on-hold-in-chile/
In Morocco, on how the traditional farmers are getting locked out of the growing industry
https://hightimes.com/culture/theres-a-mountain-in-morocco-where-everyone-grows-hash-the-locals-call-it-the-temple-of-the-plant-the-government-called-it-illegal/
Beware the one false fact: that cannabis is known to have originated in India. In fact, few researchers believe that & the best current guess is the steppes of Central Asia, though arguments can be made for China (who was known since antiquity as the Land of Mulberry & Hemp). But no one really knows, and it’s doubtful we’ll ever really know.
If I die & get to ask God a few questions, the origin of cannabis will be one of them. For most other things, I feel fairly at peace.
For illicit cannabis growers in Ghana, a survey of their issues, concerns & ideas
Opinions of Illicit Cannabis Growers on the Industrial Legalization of Cannabis in Ghana: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/29768357261458735
In Algerian drug policy, on the history of their approaches
Contemporary Criminal Policy for the Prevention of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in Algerian Law
https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/297334
In Sierra Leone’s rise of Kush (a synthetic cannabinoid compound), a call to use the health community engagement insights from their 2014 Ebola response
Sierra Leone’s Polydrug Crisis is an Epidemic of Structural Violence: Community Engagement During the Ebola Response May Offer a Viable Framework for Communication Interventions
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10810730.2026.2689086
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
Powerful take on the extractive nature of the cannabis industry in the global South (#extractive)
https://www.talkingdrugs.org/cash-crop-the-extractive-cannabis-industries-of-the-global-south/
Also, I’m buying his ‘The African Roots of Marijuna’.
For budtenders & prenatal cannabis risk messaging in California, those in more socially vulnerable areas were more likely to provide safety-affirming or lower-risk messaging
Social vulnerability and prenatal cannabis safety messaging from cannabis retailers in California
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626002206
For consumer CBD products, a label integrity study found that only 30% met the 10% accuracy threshold, with oils, tinctures & edibles doing better than vapes & topicals
Label integrity of cannabidiol consumer products: A matrix-specific review of accuracy, contaminants, and regulatory gaps (2017–2025)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1874390026000947
🚗 Driving 🚗
For promoting safe driving behaviors among cannabis users, an analysis of messaging facts & impairment had higher ratings on outcomes, but high-risk drivers were less responsive
Tailoring the message: Communication strategies to promote safer driving behaviors among cannabis users
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15389588.2026.2680240
Apparently the definition of ultra-high-risk is feeling safe to drive within one hour of cannabis use.
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
Your best 3-minute breakdown on why the War on Drugs has never worked & will never work (including these new US targeted strikes on cocaine vessels)
https://www.cato.org/blog/wrong-war-sea
On how Trump’s war against narco-terrorism resembles Reagan’s use of it as a tool against leftists
https://theconversation.com/trumps-narco-terrorism-war-in-latin-america-evokes-reagan-then-as-now-its-more-about-fighting-leftists-than-drug-runners-284287
In Mexico, some politicians are becoming informants for the US about the links of their colleagues to cartels
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/27/world/americas/mexican-officials-us-informants.html
On the erasure of indigenous communities by narcotraffickers
https://www.truthdig.com/photo-essays/after-resisting-narco-groups-mexican-indigenous-towns-are-being-erased/
In India, in perhaps the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard, the home minister Amit Shah released his 3-year plan for making India drug-free by 2047 (#stupid)
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/shah-unveils-3-yr-plan-to-end-drug-trade-101782498038791.html
In Paraguay, the seizure of a jet with cannabis aboard owned by a Mr. Beast winner highlighted the increased flow of high-potency US cannabis down to Paraguay, usually the supplier of low-grade cannabis to the rest of South America
https://insightcrime.org/news/what-a-drug-bust-involving-a-mrbeast-winner-says-about-latams-marijuana-trade/
As security collapses along the Bangladesh & Myanmar border, there’s been a huge surge in the seizure of methamphetamine & stimulant pills
https://eng.mizzima.com/2026/07/01/35850
How war & poverty are driving Myanmar’s drug crisis
https://www.ucanews.com/news/how-war-and-poverty-are-driving-myanmars-drug-crisis/113825
In Iran, a 70-year-old Afghan national was executed by hanging for drug offenses
https://thekabultribune.com/en/0009578
In Malaysia, 70% of prisoners are there for drug-related reasons
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/06/23/seven-in-10-prison-inmates-held-for-drug-offences-dewan-rakyat-told
This is one of the reasons we need to end the War on Drugs.
In El Salvador, 6+ tons of cocaine seized from 2 vessels in the Pacific
https://cannabislaw.report/el-salvador-seizes-over-six-tons-of-cocaine-in-pacific-ocean/
Off the coast of Portugal, four tons of hashish seized
https://cannabislaw.report/gnr-seize-around-four-tonnes-of-hashish-off-coast-of-setubal-arrest-four/
In Morocco, 2.4 tons of hashish seized after a maritime chase
https://cannabislaw.report/morocco-police-seize-over-2-4-tons-of-cannabis-in-major-drug-bust-near-kenitra/
In a submerged grotto of an Italian island, 40 kg of hashish seized after its discovery by Italian police divers
https://cannabislaw.report/police-discover-420k-of-hashish-in-cave-on-luxury-italian-island/
In Hong Kong, 12 kg of cannabis seized with an estimated street value of $2.1M (?!)
https://cannabislaw.report/hong-kong-customs-seizes-suspected-cannabis-buds-at-airport-2/
In Anchorage, Alaska, the wild story of the local attorney continues as he pled guilty to drug charges tied to a massive cartel ring
https://cannabislaw.report/suspended-anchorage-attorney-pleads-guilty-in-federal-drug-case-tied-to-massive-alaska-cartel-ring/
WoD Research
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime published their ‘World Drug Report 2026’ & they ain’t happy about everybody moving towards cannabis liberalization
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2026.html
In Indonesia, on using the restorative justice approach for people with substance use disorders
THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE APPROACH TO THE PROTECTION OF DRUG ABUSE VICTIMS IN THE MODERN LEGAL SYSTEM IN MAKASSAR CITY
https://revista.domhelder.edu.br/index.php/veredas/article/view/6880
In Mexico, ethnographic interviews on displacements due to narco-violence
Displacement, Deportation, and Devastation: The Evolving Geography of Narco-Violence in Mexico / Desplazamiento, deportación y devastación: la evolución de la geografía de la narcoviolencia en México
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/15/article/992795/summary
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
In Australia, the life-saving drug Sublocade for opioid use disorder will be pulled at the end of the year, though the alternative long-acting injectable buprenorphine brand Buvidal will still be available
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/lifesaver-opioid-disorder-treatment-pulled-from-au
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/01/life-saving-drug-for-people-with-opioid-dependency-to-be-pulled-from-australia-by-end-of-year
In Canada, a chilling story of the government using its power to shut down a harm-reduction center with a smear campaign about human & drug trafficking
https://drugdatadecoded.ca/out-in-the-cold-part-1-surveillance-smearing-and-shutdown-of-a-harm-reduction-shelter-copy/
Harm Reduction Research
For substance use disorders in the US, on their global disease burden over the last 40 years & forecasts for the next 25 years
National- and state-level burdens of substance use disorders in the USA, 1990-2023, with forecasts up to 2050: Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
https://www.cell.com/med/abstract/S2666-6340(26)00142-X
For take-home naloxone in Europe, if people had it & saw an overdose, they were willing & able to safely & effectively administer it in a timely manner
Overdose reversal through peer intervention: findings from the Naloxone Prospective Outcome Research Study (NalPORS) on the effectiveness of overdose response by people who use opioids in the UK and Sweden: NalPORS
https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/376811630/26-0165_NM_10.06.26.pdf
For public health vending machines on American Indian reservations, interviews found that participants reported enhanced access to health-promoting supplies in a low-key manner that minimized stigma
Exploring Perspectives About Public Health Vending Machine Implementation on an American Indian Reservation in the Northern Midwest, United States
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-026-05182-7
When Pueblo, Colorado banned syringe distribution, an analysis found sustained decreases in the distribution of naloxone & syringes, while the repeal of the ban did not change the levels of syringe litter
Association between a citywide ban on syringe distribution and provision of harm reduction services
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277272462600051X
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
Interview with a Catholic exorcist on demons, parts work & psychedelics
https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/catholic-exorcism-expert-on-demons
A new documentary from the CBC on MDMA kingpin Michael Clegg: ‘Prophet of Ecstasy’
https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/ecstasys-origin-story-how-a-would-be-priest-introduced-mdma-to-the-world-9.7183176
For DXM (the psychoactive active ingredient of cough syrup), a review of dosage of effects
Dextromethorphan Beyond the Cough: Exploring Its Psychedelic Potential: A Systematic Review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-026-01305-9
The DEA plans to schedule 3 synthetic kratom derivatives: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15) & a 9-fluoro derivative of 7-OH (MGM-16)
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2026/07/01/dea-temporarily-schedule-7-oh-and-related-substances-protect-public
https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-fda-support-dea-7-oh-scheduling.html
Psychedelics & MDMA
On psilocybin for spinal cord injury, a case series of 3 people with improved motor function, activation of new muscles & rapid strength gains with enhanced proprioceptive awareness as well as psychological benefits for well-being, enhanced motivation for recovery & improved adjustments to their post-injury reality
Case series of psilocybin self-medication for spinal cord injury
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6718771
For DMT & cluster headaches, a survey found it had a rapid abortive effect
DMT use in Cluster Headache: Interim Analysis of an International Survey (S23.003)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215894
In psilocybin for adults with alcohol use disorder, a single treatment helped decrease drinking at one month, but returned to baseline within 4 months
Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: Open-Label Extension of a Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/gf7bq_v1
For depression, new results from a phase 3 trial of an oral LSD tablet caused “rapid, robust, and durable relief”
https://ir.definiumtx.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/232/definium-therapeutics-announces-positive-topline-results-from-phase-3-emerge-study-of-dt120-orally-disintegrating-tablet-odt-in-major-depressive-disorder
https://www.statnews.com/2026/06/22/definium-lsd-dt120-major-depression-phase-3-data/
On psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, this triple-blinded study found 25 mg of psilocybin with psychotherapy caused reduced depressive symptoms, though not reaching the primary endpoint of 50% reduction of scores
Efficacy and Safety of Psilocybin in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: The EPISODE Randomized Clinical Trial
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2846478
For stopping psychedelic trips, a review of the candidate medications
Trip killers: Addressing a critical knowledge gap in psychedelic research
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811261431056
For music in psychedelic therapy, a review of 25 articles on study protocols
Music Playlist Use in Clinical Trials of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jclp.70167
On integrating psychedelics into the NHS, on a model for real-world implementation of psilocybin
Psychedelics in NHS services: exploring a model for real-world implementation of psilocybin
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/psychedelics-in-nhs-services-exploring-a-model-for-realworld-implementation-of-psilocybin/BED0E750723C1C698C0F6BF0A1D6F178
On MDMA for PTSD, a review of 14 studies found help for PTSD symptoms, dissociative symptoms & improved functioning but no clear benefit for depression
Efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and functional outcomes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X2600043X
On psychedelics for anxiety, a review of 18 studies found anti-anxiety effects, but also anxiety-inducing & null effects
Serotonergic Psychedelics as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Anxiety, A Systematic Review
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/7xfek_v1
On the mechanisms of psychedelics for depression, a review of their GPCR signaling, transcription factors (which regulate genetic transcription) & effects on glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Antidepressant effect of psychedelic compounds and mechanisms underlying the G protein-coupled receptors activation psychedelics: Antidepressant action and GPCR signaling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299926005182
For treating substance use disorders in the Czech Republic with psychedelics, a review of the evidence & regulatory developments
Integrating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into addiction care in the Czech Republic: Clinical evidence, safety, and regulatory developments
https://www.akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00514/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00514.xml
In the mangrove Rivulus fish (both social & aggressive), psilocybin decreased their activity levels & their swimming bursts (an aggressive behavior) (#bursts)
The magic of mushrooms: psilocybin influences behavior in the mangrove rivulus fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1767175/full
Ketamine
In people with occupational burnout, at-home ketamine caused three-quarters of them to no longer meet the classification conditions
Burnout Symptom Outcomes During At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis of 395 Adults
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-10020276/v1
For off-label ketamine in NYC, there were 233 clinics, with one-third advertising at-home use for depression & substance use disorder while only half listed a medical doctor on their team
Monitoring of Clinics That Use Direct-to-Consumer Advertising for Off-Label Ketamine in the New York Metropolitan Area: A Cross-Sectional Systematic Web Search
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/fcp.70095
In people with PTSD from sexual trauma, a review on the use of ketamine
Efficacy of intra-operative ketamine in attenuating emergence agitation in patients with sexual trauma related post-traumatic stress disorder
https://connectsci.au/cj/article/doi/10.1071/CJ25013/274278/Efficacy-of-intra-operative-ketamine-in
For ketamine & perinatal depression, a review of its antidepressant effects & their mechanisms
The Mechanistic Basis of Ketamine’s Effectiveness in Reducing Perinatal Depression
https://jmsgr.tamhsc.edu/the-mechanistic-basis-of-ketamines-effectiveness-in-reducing-perinatal-depression/
Kratom
For kratom in Thailand, an analysis found that after legalization in 2021, kratom-related calls to the poison center increased 2.5x
Frequency of kratom-related poison center calls before and after kratom legalization in Thailand: current trends
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2026.2675033
For dyspigmentation (blueing) of the skin caused by kratom, a case report of treating it with a laser
Management of Kratom-induced Dyspigmentation with the Picosecond 1064nm Laser
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352512626003607
For kratom, on how the breakdown products moved through humans
Unveiling the metabolic signatures of kratom use in humans via NMR-based blood plasma metabolomics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996926014262
On a kratom patch for local inflammation
Transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory efficacy of Mitragyna speciosa extract transdermal patch for local inflammation management: in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo investigations
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-026-02174-x
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
🌱 Growing 🌱
On the sustainable cultivation of hemp, a new book
Achieving sustainable cultivation of hemp
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.1201/9781003764533/achieving-sustainable-cultivation-hemp-jay-stratton-noller
For aphids who feed on cannabis, an analysis across the season of the species involved
Aphid-parasitoid interactions and their contribution to biological control in medicinal Cannabis sativa L. crops
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42281190/
For pesticide analysis, a robotic miniaturized & automated analysis platform
Miniaturized and automated analysis of pesticides in Cannabis sativa L. flowering tops by means of a robotic platform coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039914026008106
For cannabis grown in West Africa, an analysis of the functional nutrients & antioxidant activities from different plant components
Functional Nutrients and Antioxidant Activity of Cannabis Sativa L
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9281008/v1
For the nitrogen requirements of irrigated hemp in a semi-arid climate, the genotypes affected the requirements, but the findings challenged the ‘low-input’ narrative associated with hemp
Genotype-specific nitrogen requirements overpower seeding density effects for irrigated fiber hemp in a high-elevation semi-arid climate
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026010800
In cannabis under low nitrogen conditions, a genetic analysis of the nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family
Characterisation and expression profiles of the NPF gene family in Cannabis sativa L. under low nitrogen
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12870-026-08990-0
For distinguishing high-THCA versus low-THC cannabis, a genetic analysis of the synthesis enzymes involved
Integrative analysis of cannabinoid profiles, gene expression, and functional variants of THCAS and CBDAS distinguishes chemo-type I and III Cannabis sativa cultivars
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12892-026-00364-0
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
In forensic cannabis investigation, on using the DNA testing method of inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR)-PCR analysis
Development of a similarity discrimination method for cannabis samples using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat-PCR
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11419-026-00775-2
For separating cannabinoids in complex samples, on comparing different C18 columns via liquid chromatography
Evaluating Different C18 Columns for the LC Separation of Δ9-THC and Other Related Cannabinoids
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10337-026-04498-9
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For hemp fiber, a study of its structural evolution as the plant matures
Mechanical and structural evolution of hemp fibre along plant maturity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026008605
On the cosmetic potential of phenols from cannabis seeds, an analysis found inhibitory effects on enzymes associated with skin aging, inflammation & hyperpigmentation
Cosmetic potential of phenolic-rich extracts from Cannabis sativa L. seeds: Inhibition of enzymes involved in skin aging, inflammation and hyperpigmentation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227626001572
For adhesives for textile laminates, on creating a composite of wood veneer & hemp fabric
Experimental Investigation of a Lignin-based Adhesive Layer for Biodegradable Composite Material Made With Wood Veneer and Hemp Fabric
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBE/18/2/10.31083/FBE44411
On creating nanocrystals for UV-shielding from cannabis stem fiber
Gamma-assisted engineering of cellulose nanocrystals from cannabis stem fiber for high-efficiency UV-shielding PLA/CNC–TiO2 transparent films
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00339-026-09817-3
For converting hemp stalks into nanocellulose, on tuning the temperature balance
Temperature-tuned hydrated DES/oxidation conversion of hemp stalks into carboxylated nanocellulose
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813026030254
On turning hemp cultivated in sewage with biochar into cellulose
Sustainable valorization of hemp fibers: Influence of waste-amended cultivation on cellulose crystallinity and biopolymer synthesis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2589014X26003579
For hemp/epoxy composites, on the different treatments & conditions for improving performance
Synergistic Enhancement of Tensile, Flexural and Interlaminar Shear Performance of Hemp/Epoxy Composites Through Fibre Surface Treatment, Fabrication Temperature Optimization and CNT Incorporation
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12666-026-03857-2
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
For hemp in India, an analysis of its sustainability & usefulness for health & mindfulness
Synergizing Sustainable Hemp, Allied Health, and Mindfulness: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Ethics and Law in India
https://journalofdaoiststudies.org/index.php/journal/article/view/387
🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥
In US adults with psychological distress, they had higher odds of cannabis vaping
Association Between Psychological Distress and Cannabis Vaping Among U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) : A Nationally Representative Study
https://riviste.unimi.it/index.php/ebph/article/view/31277
For Queer cannabis use, the International Cannabis Policy Study found frequent & problematic patterns of cannabis use were most common among cisgender men, transgender men & transgender women
Gender identity and cannabis use in Canada and the United States: cross-sectional analysis of the International Cannabis Policy Study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00452-6
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
In Canadian students, the odds of beginning to use cannabis were highest among those with perceived easy access & close friends using cannabis
The role of perceived access to cannabis in the association between friends who use cannabis and adolescent initiation: A longitudinal analysis from the Canadian COMPASS study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42271491/
On the increased use of cannabis by US female adolescents, more frequent observation of parental smoking was associated with higher rates of alcohol, cannabis & e-cigarette use
Parental substance use modeling and monthly alcohol, cannabis, and e-cigarette use among female adolescents and young adults
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-82789-001
In US adolescents from 2023 to 2024, cannabis use declined but delta-8 THC prevalence remained unchanged
Marijuana and Delta-8-THC Use Among U.S. Adolescents Between 2023 and 2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726001534
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In people with severe epilepsies, this cohort study looked at the demographics of those who continued using CBD
Demographics and Clinical Factors Associated with Persistence on Cannabidiol in US Patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), Dravet Syndrome (DS), Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), or Other Refractory Epilepsies (P10-10.004)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215667
In people taking CBD for severe seizures, there were no interactions with the drug cenobamate
Phase 1, Open-label, Fixed-sequence, Bidirectional, Pharmacokinetic (PK) Drug-drug Interaction (DDI) Study Between Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cenobamate (CNB) in Healthy Adult Participants (P11-10.002)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215597
In people with treatment-resistant epilepsies, people who also had a genetic developmental & epileptic encephalopathy had similar response rates
Cannabidiol Efficacy in Patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy-associated Genetic Variants: A Subgroup Analysis (P10-10.008)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215584
In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, deleting the CB2 receptors in their brain lowered their involuntary movements from the treatment drug levodopa
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Deletion in NeuroD6-positive Neurons Attenuates Levodopa-induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model (P1-16.009)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000212819
In a mouse model of generalized tonic seizures, the anti-seizure effects of CBD & cenobamate synergized with each other
An Assessment of Acute Pharmacodynamic Drug-drug Interactions (PD-DDIs) Between Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cenobamate (CNB) in a Mouse Model of Generalized Tonic Seizures (P3-10.001)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000215410
For the α7 nicotinic receptor (an ion channel involved in brain function & inflammation), an analysis of how CBD caused inhibition via an allosteric site (not the main binding site) & how small changes to the receptor could convert CBD’s actions to strong positive allosteric effects
A cannabidiol-sensitive region involved in the allosteric modulation of the α7 nicotinic receptor
https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2535398123
In a tissue model of neuroinflammation, the CB2 receptor interacted with the purinergic P2X7 receptor in the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain) for anti-inflammatory effects
Unveiling the molecular crosstalk between the purinergic P2X7 receptor and cannabinoid subtype 2 receptor in human microglial HMC3 cells: New insights for multitarget therapies in neuroinflammation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332226006827
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
For people using cannabis to sleep, it was more effective in those with good sleep hygiene
Daily-level associations between sleep hygiene, cannabis use, and sleep health outcomes
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13262785/
In a rat model of cocaine & alcohol use, the females had more CB1 receptors & less GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter) in their prefrontal cortex & hippocampus (memory center) while males had less glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter) in their hippocampus
Sex differences in hippocampal and prefrontal gene expression of endocannabinoid, glutamatergic and GABAergic systems and amino acids profile underlie cocaine plus ethanol seeking incubation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390826002510
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
In US pregnant women, cannabis surpassed tobacco use in 2022
Cannabis surpasses tobacco among pregnant women: national trends and predictors of use in the U.S., 2015–2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001504
In people lactating after birth, the cessation of cannabis led to THC levels in their breast milk declining to undetectable within the first week, while the urinary metabolites were detected longer
Breast milk Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis users during the postpartum period: correlation between breast milk, maternal urine and saliva samples during early lactation
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1816611/full
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries 🦴
In an Illinois physician program for alternatives to opioids, a survey found they desired more education & expressed concerns about dispensary staff acting as proxy clinicians
“We need to get educated”: lessons from physicians certifying cannabis as an alternative to opioids in the Illinois Opioid Alternative Patient Program
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03007995.2026.2662699
For painkilling, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid, opioid & TRPV1 systems
TRPV1, Endocannabinoid, and Opioid Systems in Analgesia: Molecular Mechanisms and Drug Development Strategies
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjpp-2025-0328
For pain, on using THC to target the sodium channels for suppressing activation of the nociceptors (pain receptors)
Phyto-cannabinoids Inhibits Peripheral Nociceptors by Targeting Sodium Channels
https://icamh.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Maatuf-Yossef.pdf
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
For older people with poor appetite, a dose of Sativex (a 1:1 THC:CBD pharmaceutical spray) did not alter appetite or the levels of ghrelin & GLP-1
Associations Between Sativex® Versus Placebo and Glucagon-like Peptide-1, Total Ghrelin, and Subjective Appetite in Older Adults with Poor Appetite: A Protocolized Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/4ca146443c226dc2092e3b47faf924e2/download_pub
In people with severe obesity who had a gastrectomy (surgical weight-loss that removes much of the stomach), “post-surgery circulating levels of EPEA and DHEA reduced, whereas levels of 2-AG, 2-LG, 2-DPG and 2-DHG increased”, with these levels being more closely intercorrelated after the surgery
Longitudinal changes in endocannabinoidome and dietary lipid profile in severe obesity: impact of sleeve gastrectomy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12944-026-02988-1
💨 The Lungs 💨
On the lung response to inhaled cannabis in a mouse model, this ambitious thesis project focused on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as key for coordinating the pulmonary response
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Equips the Lungs to Respond to Inhaled Cannabis Products
https://mcgill.scholaris.ca/items/3d1c4be0-179b-4428-8583-d0d5ce622352
💧 The Genitourinary System 💧
For the temporarily worsened urinary symptoms after a prostate biopsy, a combination of serenoa repens–lycopene–selenium & epilobium–palmitoylethanolamide–calendula reduced the odds of urinary problems
Serenoa Repens–Lycopene–Selenium and Epilobium–Palmitoylethanolamide–Calendula after transperineal prostate biopsy: a tertiary single center experience
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00345-026-06528-5
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In the adherence to medical cannabis use by people with cancer, two-thirds remained adherent at 6 months, with discontinuations attributed to perceived ineffectiveness & adverse events
Medical cannabis treatment non-adherence among oncology patients: A prospective cohort analysis in Israel
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388926001523
In lung cancer cells, CBG & CBC triggered cell death, autophagy (cellular recycling) & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) via the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Cannabigerol and Cannabichromene Induce Lung Cancer Cell Death and Apoptosis—Contribution of PPARα to Cannabigerol Effects
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/6/754
In melanoma cells, CBD caused apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) while preserving the integrity of the T cells via EIF2, ICAM1 & ITGB1
Cannabidiol Activates Integrated Stress Response Signaling and Immune Trafficking Programs in an A375 Melanoma–Jurkat T Cell Coculture Model: A Multi-Omics Analysis
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.6c01965
💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊
For analyzing synthetic cannabinoids with high-resolution mass spectrometry, on using online databases for fragmentation analysis & better detection
Comprehensive profiling of synthetic cannabinoids fragment ions using UPLC-HRMS in conjunction with online databases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1570023226002758
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For traditional folk tunes for your kids (& you), here’s Jerry Garcia & David Grisman’s ‘Not For Kids Only’ (1993). Inspired by the 1959 album ‘Old Timey Songs for Children’ by the New Lost City Ramblers (which me, the wife & kids are currently loving), the 2 famed musicians Grisman (mandolin) & Garcia (guitar) desired to make an album for kids as an organic “answer to Barney [the saccharine TV show character]”. They tracked down the lyrics for traditional tunes that had gained popularity during the early 1960s folk revival & they recorded them in a series of intimate acoustic sessions at Grisman’s home studio. And they weren’t all happy songs either. Garcia famously advocated for giving children material with an edge: “Kids like weird shit in there, they like crazy stuff lurking around, things with teeth, crazy people. They’re realistic. They know the world is full of weird stuff and kids sort of prefer weird stuff, they rejoice in it. It’s no big thing, but it’s nice to be able to throw some music back in there that’s originally from that world; bring some of the weirdness back, take a chance a little. I mean it’s sort of trusting the kids that they can handle something more than terminal niceness.”
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