Migraines, IBD, adolescent brain effects & horse doping
Schedule III updates + drug executions across the world
Cannabinoids & The People,
or; Drugs & Drug Wars
🌟 #ThisWeek 🌟
(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)
CBD for inflammatory bowel disease
Adolescent cannabis use & negative neural effects (& my 24’ video on it)
Breakout sections: migraines, prenatal cannabinoid exposure, horse doping & treatments that use the ECS
CHS from delta-8 THC
What happens when you ask your AI about using cannabis or cancer? (#AIcancer)
Preclinical: CBDA for MS, CBD for cystitis, PEA for Alzheimer’s & CBD for lowering HIV & COVID transmission
Share your cannabis arrest story with the Marijuana Policy Project (#EndProhibition)
War on Drugs: reports from Miami in the 80s, Mexico in the 60s & Nepal in the 70s + Buddhists monks smuggling 200+ pounds
Harm Reduction: US health agency will no longer pay for fentanyl test strips
(Numbers for C&P#185: ~8k words, ~21 minutes reading time, 135 papers)
📌 Editor’s notes 📌:
Ticket contest for Cannabis Europa 2026! Sign up for one (or all) of the social media channel of Cannabis Europa, let me know & I’ll enter you into a raffle for a free ticket to their conference on May 26th & 27th in London. You can follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X or YouTube.
It was another great year at ICBC in Berlin. You can watch their aftermovie here.
For aging with cannabis & CBD, I’m very pleased to share that Dr. Peter Grinspoon’s new book comes out this week: ‘Aging Well with Cannabis: Feel Better, Sleep Better, and Live Better with Marijuana and CBD’. He is an excellent educator on the cannabinoids & I believe using them for aging is one of the most important uses. But it can be tricky & complex so his clear explanations will be helpful to anyone who wants to help themselves or their aging relatives by using cannabis or CBD. To get a feel for his excellent vibe, listen to our interview on the Lex Files.
This Beltane season, I realized that I felt like the character of Jacob in the Bible who had to work 14 years to earn his 2 wives. I spent the last 7 years making this newsletter into a respected contribution to the cannabis community. So now I wish to spend the next 7 years making my cannabis graphic novels based on Moby Dick into a respected piece of artistic science writing. And in celebration of getting my next two chapters published, I put up a link to a free PDF of Chapters 1 & 2, including my Extracts section with dozens of quotes from history & world literature.
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 185th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news as well as 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.
For producing cannabinoid content, work with my company White Whale Creations: writing, science archives, social media, newsletters & podcasts.
As always, ask me anything!
🤝 Sponsor 🤝: Cannabis Europa
Cannabis Europa will be the first major international gathering since US rescheduling aligned federal policy more closely with Europe’s medical frameworks, marking the start of a true transatlantic cannabis market. What sets this year apart is the level of leadership in the room. This is where senior executives, investors and policymakers come together to move beyond theory and define strategy. As the US and Europe begin to converge, Cannabis Europa provides a focused environment for those leading the industry to shape how capital, regulation and clinical standards evolve across both markets.
Contest & discount code:
Follow any of their social media accounts & let me know to enter the raffle for a free ticket: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X or YouTube.
And if you don’t win, you can save £74 with this discount code: SCHEDULE3
🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤
@CannabinoidsAndThePeople on YouTube, TikTok & LinkedIn
Canna-edu videos sponsored the National Cannabis Study (join & get paid $100 to talk about your use of our favorite plant)
Cannabis & Adolescent Brain Development (a 24’ on why I will encourage my kids to wait until they’re older)
Canna-science Videos for CV Sciences on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd
For 30% off their CBD, THC & PEA products, at pluscbdoil.com use the coupon code ‘LEX’
@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram:
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: Pete Fountain, King of the Clarinet
💖 Ways to support this work 💖
- A paid subscription on Substack
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📣 A request to spread the word 📣
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth, so please share to friends & colleagues.
🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃
(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
For inflammatory bowel disease, a survey found that the predominant use of CBD was for anxiety, insomnia & pain
Cannabidiol Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights From a Gastroenterology Outpatient Population
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jgh3.70402
On CBD for psychotic disorders, this meta-analysis of 8 trials found that an average daily dose of 800 mg per day caused no statistically significant improvement to psychosis symptoms
Cannabidiol for psychotic disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02698811261430501
For sleep & nicotine/cannabis co-use, a review of 6 studies found that half reported poor sleep & half reported no effect
Nicotine and Cannabis Co-Use and Sleep-Related Outcomes in Adults: a Narrative Review and Implications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-026-00738-y
When the major AI chatbots were asked about cannabis for cancer, while they made some misleading or inaccurate statements, they overall had high accuracy & comprehensiveness scores, with ChatGPT doing the best (#AIcancer)
Chatbot Responses to Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis and Its Use for Cancer Symptoms
https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(26)00151-X/abstract
Migraines
For migraines, this data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found that the initiation of cannabis-based medicine led to improvements over the next 2 years
UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A Clinical Outcomes Analysis for Migraine
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/brb3.71323
For drug-resistant migraines, a case report of a 1:1 THC:CBD oil reducing headache days by half, lowering pain intensity, improving sleep quality & enhancing quality of life
Use of Therapeutic Cannabis Oil for Drug-Resistant Migraine: A Case Report
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27683192261437643
For menstrual migraines, a combination of PEA & phycocyanin (a pigment-protein complex from bacteria) reduced migraine severity, duration, painkiller usage & the associated symptoms including nausea, vomiting & photophobia
Effectiveness of an Oral Supplementation of Phycocyanin and Palmitoylethanolamide for a Short-Term Prophylaxis of Menstrual Migraine: A Retrospective Observational Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/4/865
In a mouse model of post-traumatic headache, the brain upregulated genes for enzymes that degrade the endocannabinoids
Distribution and subacute modulation of endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes in the trigeminal complex and midbrain in a pre-clinical model of post-traumatic headache
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10194-026-02356-5
Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure
In children exposed to prenatal cannabis and/or tobacco, this cohort study found that they had no significant impairments to cognitive or language development
The association between prenatal exposure to cannabis with and without tobacco and early cognitive and language development in a sample of polysubstance-exposed children
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378226000745
For low levels of prenatal exposure, there was little evidence for later effects on cognition as adolescents
Associations of Low‐Level Prenatal Alcohol and Cannabis Exposure With Adolescent Cognitive Trajectories
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/acer.70297
In pregnant mice, cannabis smoke reduced fetal weight, increased placental weight & altered placental morphology
Marijuana smoking during pregnancy alters placenta morphology in BALB/c mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014340042600113X
Horse Doping
In sports horses, on how CBD & its metabolites moved through their systems
Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol and its Metabolites for the Definition of Ineffective Plasma and Urinary Concentrations in Biological Liquids of Sport Horses
https://www.ijvets.com/pdf-files/25-334.pdf
For the doping of horses, a review on detecting the synthetic cannabinoids & an analysis of their effects
Analytical Challenges and Emerging Detection Strategies of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Horse Doping Control
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bmc.70432
📑 Reviews 📑
On cannabinoids for dermatology, this review covered the evidence for many diseases & the barriers to clinical use (great charts!)
Cannabinoids for Dermatological Applications: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Nanotechnology-Enabled Delivery Strategies
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/469
For wound healing & bone regeneration, a review of the mechanisms used by CBD (nice charts)
Pharmacological Insights into Cannabidiol for Wound Healing and Bone Regeneration
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c13259
In young people with autism, a rather negative review of 12 studies found the most improvement from a whole-plant 20:1 CBD:THC formula
Cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of safety and effectiveness
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584626000941
For motor control disorders, a review on the location of cannabinoid receptors in key motor pathways & the growing importance of the CB1 & CB2 receptors (nice charts)
Cannabinoids in Motor Control: From Receptor Distribution to Motor Disorders
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/4/844
For the muscle-relaxing effects of cannabinoids, this review examined the potential benefits for inflammation, pain & arthritis
Cannabis sativa Linn.: A Medicinal Plant with Promising Muscle Relaxant-related Constituents
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/22313354261436144
For diabetic heart disease, a review on the benefits of CBD for inflammation, oxidative stress & scarring, but the limited clinical evidence
Cannabidiol and diabetic heart disease: Mechanistic evidence and translational challenges
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332226003872
For epilepsy, MS & depression, a review on the benefits of CBD
Emerging Cannabidiol Research in Neurological Disorders: Insights into Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Depression
https://terra-docs.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/IJHSR/Articles/volume8-issue3/IJHSR_2026_83_15.pdf
For neuropathic pain, this review found cannabinoids not superior to placebo & with only modest painkilling benefits as well as sleep quality & opioid sparing [Portuguese]
USO DE CANABINÓIDES SINTÉTICOS E FITOCANABINÓIDES NO TRATAMENTO DA DOR NEUROPÁTICA: UMA REVISÃO BASEADA EM ENSAIOS CLÍNICOS RANDOMIZADOS
https://periodicorease.pro.br/rease/article/view/25140
Yes, but few people are suggesting to use cannabinoids as your only treatment for something as severe & complex as neuropathic pain. They are a helpful adjunct to other treatments that somewhat help with pain & are well known to benefit other symptoms around the pain as well.
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
For adolescent cannabis use, a review of 36 studies on the effects of brain development found “as well as mixed cognitive findings reduced prefrontal cortical and hippocampal/amygdala volumes, accelerated cortical thinning in longitudinal studies, and impaired white matter connectivity correlating with initiation age” (here’s my deep-dive 24’ video on this review)
How adolescent cannabis use reshapes the developing brain — a systematic review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1822300/full
“Long-term associations included educational difficulties, mental health problems, and functional impairment, though causal relationships remained unclear.”
In a New York City hospital after cannabis legalization, children had increased exposure to cannabis & cannabis edibles, though most cases were mild & were discharged
Changes in Cannabis-Related Pediatric Emergency Visits following Recreational Marijuana Legalization in a New York City Hospital: A Retrospective Study
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400633245_Changes_in_Cannabis-Related_Pediatric_Emergency_Visits_following_Recreational_Marijuana_Legalization_in_a_New_York_City_Hospital_A_Retrospective_Study
For first-episode psychosis, Swedish public health data found that those with cannabis use disorder or cannabis-induced psychosis were less likely to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the first 2 years but more likely to have a greater burden of inpatient treatment as well as elevated risks of hospitalization for psychosis & death
Comparative Clinical Trajectories Across Cannabis-Related and Nonsubstance-Related Psychoses
https://europepmc.org/article/med/41952346
In cannabis-induced psychosis, a review of 33 studies on the distinct clinical features found the strongest predictor of poor outcomes to be continued cannabis use
Multi-dimensional recovery trajectories in cannabis-induced psychosis: A systematic review examining symptomatic, functional, cognitive, and subjective outcomes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201826001486
For major depressive disorder, data from the UK Biobank found cannabis use associated with a 27% increase in the odds of depression
Association between cannabis use and major depressive disorder: a population-based cross-sectional study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00396-x
For delta-8 THC causing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a case report of someone who stopped smoking cannabis 5 months ago because of a CHS diagnosis but whose daily use of delta-8 THC continued her symptoms
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome from delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol after discontinuing regular cannabis use
https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/SWJM/article/view/1623
In the eyes of cannabis users, a Sudanese survey found an increased risk of visual disturbances
Self-reported Visual Function After Non-medical Cannabis Use: A Cross-sectional Survey
https://kneopen.com/sjms/article/view/19228/33434/
For the post-mortem analysis of synthetic cannabinoids, 3 fatal case reports on ADB-BUTINACA & its toxicological significance score
Synthetic Cannabinoids in Human Post-Mortem Samples – ADB-BUTINACA and Metabolites in Three Fatalities
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2026.1826767/abstract
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, CBDA improved neurological scores & increase the levels of TNFα (important for immunomodulation)
Anti-Neuroinflammatory Cannabinoid Acids as a New Therapeutic Approach for Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/7/1227
In a mouse model of cystitis in the lower urinary tract, CBD promoted the restoration of damaged structures, improved the integrity of the blood-urine barrier & reduced inflammation
CBD Promotes Structural and Functional Epithelial Restoration and Alleviates Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Interstitial Cystitis
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/458
In mice taking THC, CBD modulated the changes to motor activity & hypothermia with gendered effects
Cannabidiol dose modulates behavioral response to acute and repeated administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol by strain and sex
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41959067/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, an infusion of PEA restored motivation-driven behavior via upregulated levels of BDNF (a key brain growth factor) & the regulator of genetic transcription PPAR-α
Sustained Palmitoylethanolamide Infusion Restores Incentive Motivation and Synaptic Plasticity in the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/8/669
In mucosal cells exposed to HIV, CBD inhibited infection
Cannabidiol prevents mucosal HIV-1 transmission by targeting Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and T-cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933021926000309
For blocking the virus that causes COVID, a computer analysis found that CBD & CBN had the most favorable binding
Molecular Dynamics and Solvated Interaction Energy Prioritize Cannabidiol and Cannabinol as Variant-Spanning SARS-CoV-2 RBD–ACE2 Interface Blockers
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/8/1253
Treatments using the ECS / Cannabinoid synergy
Some nice additions to our list of drugs that cause their help via the endocannabinoid system or synergize with the cannabinoids…
In a rat & tissue model of strokes, the ability of propofol to cause neuroprotection & increase antioxidant levels was via the CB1 receptor & the release of the endocannabinoids anandamide & 2-AG
Propofol Attenuates Brain Ischemic Injury Through the Cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1) Receptor
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/477243/20260408-52515-vpl68y.pdf
In a mouse model of the brain disorder spinocerebellar ataxia, long-term treatment with an NMDA receptor blocker appears to work partially via the endocannabinoids acting retrogradely (against the usual flow of brain signaling) to lower the release of glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Long term administration of selective NMDA GluN2B receptor blocker Ro25-6981 attenuates neurodegeneration in mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41420-026-03120-z_reference.pdf
In a mouse model of arthritis, the combination of CBD & methotrexate had synergistic effects for lowering joint swelling, inflammation & bone erosion as well as lessening methotrexate’s testicular toxicity & sperm failure
Cannabidiol synergizes with methotrexate to attenuate rheumatoid arthritis via STAT3/NF-κB signalling-mediated M1 macrophage polarization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576926004728
In a rat model of a high-fat diet, the usual cognitive impairment & memory problems were attenuated by the addition of CBD via downregulation of GFAP/ACHE pathway
Neurological effects of cannabidiol in olanzapine/high-fat diet co-treated adult male Wistar rats
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13813455.2026.2657420
For cardamomin (a chalcone found in ginger & other plants), a computer & mouse analysis found that it bound to both the CB1 & CB2 receptors to cause painkilling effects
Receptor-Selective Modulation of Cannabinoid Signaling by Cardamonin: Integrating Molecular Dynamics, Free Energy Calculations, and Behavioral Validation
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c10026
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
For uterine disorders, this thesis project examined the interplay of the endocannabinoids & sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P, an important lipid signaling system)
Role of Sphingosine 1-phosphate Signalling and Endocannabinoids System in Uterine Disorders: Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Uterine fibroids
https://flore.unifi.it/bitstream/2158/1463532/1/Tesi-%20Maryam%20Raeispour.pdf
For cis versions of THC (an opposite molecular “handedness” to the much more common trans versions), an analysis found that its low levels in the cannabis plant do not appear to be chemically derived from other cannabinoids, though the CBCA synthase enzyme might be involved
Targeted phytocannabinomics provides new insights into the biosynthetic origin of cis-Δ⁹-THCA in Cannabis sativa L.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708526001780
Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose
📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles
The US Department of Justice moved state-legal medical cannabis & FDA-approved cannabis products to Schedule III, which is mostly a win on taxes for the big multi-state medical operators, a requirement (?) for DEA registration for all medical operators, an opening for the possible import & export of medical cannabis, increased researcher access to a wider array of cannabis products & eased FDA processes for pharmaceutical companies looking for cannabis product approval
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-places-fda-approved-marijuana-products-and-products-containing-marijuana
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-marijuana-rescheduling-will-end-discrimination-in-housing-healthcare-and-employment-for-medical-cannabis-patients-op-ed/
https://cannabismusings.substack.com/p/cannabis-musings-april-23-2026
https://harris-sliwoski.com/cannalawblog/the-u-s-opens-its-medical-marijuana-market-to-global-trade-for-now-adult-use-rescheduling-on-deck/
To be clear, this means no changes for state-legal adult use companies & no effects on synthetic THC (still Schedule 1) & hemp/hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids (still regulated under the Farm Bill).
President Trump said of the order, “A lot of people are suffering from big problems, which this [medical cannabis] seems to be the best answer.” Relatedly, Newsweek had an article entitled, ‘Is Donald Trump the Drug President?’ And an old rule of thumb in journalism is that if a headline ends in a question mark, the answer to that question is no.
The IRS declared that cannabis industry workers will not be eligible under the new “No Tax on Tips” law until cannabis is federally legalized
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-budtenders-could-qualify-for-no-tax-on-tips-irs-says-but-only-after-federal-legalization/
A US airman overturned his cannabis conviction by arguing that his 4 failed drug tests were from federally legal hemp
https://cannabislaw.report/usa-military-court-overturns-conviction-in-hemp-related-drug-case/
In Oregon, hospice & other health facilities will now allow medical cannabis use
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/oregon-governor-signs-bill-to-allow-medical-marijuana-use-in-hospices-and-other-health-facilities/
In Virginia, medical use now allowed in hospitals & the parental rights of cannabis users now protected
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-governor-signs-bills-to-protect-marijuana-users-parental-rights-and-allow-medical-use-in-hospitals/
In Maryland, veterinarians who recommend medical cannabis to animals will have legal protections from the state regulatory board
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/maryland-governor-signs-bills-to-protect-veterinarians-who-recommend-medical-marijuana-for-animals/
And off-duty firefighters & rescue workers now allowed to use medical cannabis
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/maryland-governor-signs-bill-to-let-firefighters-and-rescue-workers-use-medical-marijuana-off-duty-without-being-punished-for-it/
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In Ireland, a review of their medical cannabis program was launched after it was revealed that less than 100 patients have been approved in the 5 years since launch
https://cannabislaw.report/five-years-74-patients-ireland-moves-forward-with-review-of-its-failing-medical-cannabis-programme/
In France, the food authorities relaunched their war on CBD products
https://www.newsweed.fr/dgal-relance-guerre-produits-cbd/
In the UK, an undercover BBC report found mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis & prescription drugs
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62l429w2pko
In Botswana, a hemp pilot project launched
https://cannabislaw.report/article-botswana-advances-hemp-industry-with-pilot-projects-ramps-up-investor-support/
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
One of our favorite cannabis news platforms, Cultivated Media, was debanked by those spineless weasels at Chase
https://cannabislaw.report/chase-debanks-cultivated-media-unsurprisingly-offers-no-explanation/
They did the same thing to me last year after they realized that I was making cannabis education videos on TikTok.
J.P Morgan forbid the custody of US cannabis stocks
https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/count-de-monet
In Canada, MasterCard just doubled their cost for cannabis businesses because of ‘high-risk’ & the retail cannabis Council of Ontario is organizing a boycott
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/retail-cannabis-council-of-ontario_mastercard-doubles-fees-for-cannabis-retailers-activity-7448088707255042048-Sg9Z/
The estate of Bob Marley sued Tilray for using an empty corporate entity to avoid paying royalties & cheating them out of $11.3 M
https://www.blackenterprise.com/bob-marley-estate-sues-tilray-brand-cannabis-company-for-11-3m/
In Minnesota, Target got hemp THC drinks licenses for all of its 72 stores
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/target-expands-involvement-in-hemp-thc-drinks-market-with-72-new-licenses-in-minnesota/
For the effects of US cannabis taxation, a review of 5 studies found quite mixed results, though policymakers saw taxes as an effective public health tool while cannabis users said it was an important factor in their purchase decisions
Limited Evidence on Cannabis Taxation Effects in the United States: A Rapid Review of Use, Purchasing, and Risk Perceptions
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00400
In Australia, an analysis of their cannabis policies since 1967
The evolution of Australian cannabis policies, 1967 to 2024
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.70414
For sustainable development, a South African review of 180 studies on the potential of cannabis
A Comprehensive Review on the Production, Cultural, and Medicinal Applications of Cannabis Plant for Sustainable Economic Development
https://journals.nasspublishing.com/index.php/rwae/article/view/2570
In 3 states with different cannabis laws, an analysis of CBD sales at retail locations found a host of prohibited claims
Health claims about cannabidiol (CBD) at the point-of-sale in three U.S. states with disparate cannabis policies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335526001002
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
On cannabis arrests in the US, the numbers are down, but there were still 200k arrests in 2025 according to a new report by the Marijuana Policy Project
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-marijuana-report-shows-arrests-are-plummeting-as-legalization-spreads-but-criminalized-states-still-send-thousands-to-jail-each-year/
And if you’ve been arrested for cannabis, share your story with the Marijuana Policy Project for possible inclusion in the report about the ongoing harms of Prohibition (#EndProhibition)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-activist-group-asks-people-to-share-their-arrest-stories-to-show-the-true-impact-of-criminalization/
In the eastern Pacific, another lethal US strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel killed 2
https://www.aol.com/news/us-military-kills-two-suspected-035740207.html
To the UN, a report on using narco-terrorism to justify abuse by the International Drug Policy Consortium & supporting organizations
https://idpc.net/publications/2026/3/when-narcoterrorism-justifies-abuse-civil-society-submission-to-the-un-high-commissioner-for
In Mexico, a governor & other senior officials of Sinaloa charged by US prosecutors for conspiring with the Sinaloa cartel
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mexican-governor-officials-charged-conspiring-sinaloa-cartel-smuggle-d-rcna342783
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/02/world/americas/mexico-governor-corruption-ruben-rocha.html
And an investigation into the death of 2 CIA officials in a car crash returning from an operation to destroy illegal drug labs in Chihuahua, apparently without the knowledge of Mexican senior federal officials
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2491we011o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86expy881qo
On Miami in the 80s, on the drug trafficking & the militarization of the War on Drugs
Paradise Lost? Miami and Militarization in the War on Drugs
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/740074
In the southern Mexican state of Guerrero during the ‘60s & ‘70s, on the rural guerrilla movements & rise in illicit drug cultivation leading to a more militarized policing of rural Mexican drugs
From Bandit Hunting to a War Against “Social Poisoners”: Counterinsurgency as Drug War and Drug War as Counterinsurgency in 1960s–1970s Southern Mexico
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/739586
In the Maoist conflict of Western Nepal, a thesis project on the role of the 1976 prohibition of cannabis cultivation
PROHIBITION ON MARIJUANA CULTIVATION AND ITS ROLE IN SPARKING THE MAOIST CONFLICT IN WESTERN NEPAL: A SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY
https://elibrary.tucl.edu.np/JQ99OgQIizUxyjI9nB0on9OyLkqsGIf4/api/core/bitstreams/02352e48-2543-463a-9ced-37c9ef55e44a/content
For Nixon’s short-lived Narcotics Traffickers Tax Program (NTP), an analysis of its experiment to punish drug kingpins, similar to the Prohibition-era tactics used against Al Capone such as income tax & financial kingpin laws
“This Is Al Capone Revisited with a Vengeance”: The Internal Revenue Service’s Narcotics Traffickers Tax Program
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/739731
In Colombia’s illicit crop substitution program, a thesis project on the partial success
The Distance to Legality: The Success and Failure of Illicit Crop Substitution in Post-Accord Colombia. Regional Economics
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6538260
In Singapore, a man executed for importing 1 kg of cannabis
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/singapore-executes-man-for-cannabis-importation-amid-rising-drug-related-executions
And in China, a Frenchman executed for a 2010 at drug trafficking charge
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-execute-frenchman-drug-trafficking-6037466
And in Iraq, 5 drug traffickers sentenced to death
https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Baghdad-court-mandates-death-for-five-drug-traffickers
And in Kuwait, death sentences for 3 Iranians upheld for smuggling 120 kg of hashish & 10k pills
https://cannabislaw.report/kuwait-appeal-court-upholds-death-sentences-for-three-iranians-in-hashish-smuggling-case/
And in Malaysia, an Indonesian grandmother freed from death row after 15 years for drug trafficking
https://www.the-independent.com/asia/southeast-asia/indonesia-malaysia-grandmother-drug-taficking-b2951799.html
And in Nigeria, a man gets 7 years for selling cannabis to the terrorist group Boko Haram
https://cannabislaw.report/nigeria-man-jailed-seven-years-for-selling-indian-hemp-cigarette-to-boko-haram-terrorists/
In Brazil, 48 tons of cannabis seized in record busted by a drug dog named Hulk
https://cannabislaw.report/brazil-police-dog-named-hulk-sniffs-out-48-tons-of-cannabis-in-record-bust/
In Uzbekistan, 191 kg of hashish seized at Afghani border
https://cannabislaw.report/uzbekistan-seizes-191-kg-of-hashish-in-smuggling-attempt-from-afghanistan/
In San Francisco’s East Bay, 24 detained & 20k cannabis plants seized from an illegal operation
https://cannabislaw.report/20000-marijuana-plants-seized-24-detained-in-raids-of-illegal-east-bay-cannabis-operations/
In the UK, 3 Albanians arrested at an industrial grow with 889 cannabis plants
https://cannabislaw.report/man-grinning-from-ear-to-ear-with-huge-weed-stash-hes-just-harvested-busted-by-manchester-police/
The US Coast Guard seized 3.8k pounds of cocaine in international waters of the eastern Pacific
https://www.aol.com/news/u-coast-guard-seizes-over-095243758.html
In New Jersey, a man with illegal cannabis vending machines was making $20k per day
https://cannabislaw.report/new-jersey-illegal-cannabis-vending-machines-earned-20k-per-day-for-nj-man-prosecutor-says/
In Sri Lanka, 22 Buddhist monks arrested with 242 pounds of cannabis
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/monks-arrested-sri-lanka-airport-record-drug-bust-kush/
In Italy, two members of the Hare Krishna movement were acquitted on charges of cannabis cultivation & possession because of their defense of religious use linked to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva
https://cannabislaw.report/italy-bologna-court-of-appeal-acquits-two-of-the-hare-krishna-movement-who-had-been-convicted-in-the-first-instance-in-january-2023-on-charges-of-cultivation-and-possession-of-cannab/
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said they will no longer pay for fentanyl or other drug testing strips
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/27/health/trump-fentanyl-test-strips.html
https://filtermag.org/samhsa-funding-fentanyl-test-strips-overdose-hotlines/
Let me be clear that I find this move abhorrent.
In Ontario, funding pulled for the last provincially supported supervised consumption site
https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/ontario-pulls-funding-for-last-provincially-supported-supervised-consumption-site-12127180
In Minneapolis, the City Council legalized drug paraphernalia
https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-city-council-drug-paraphernalia-barnette-evictions-pause/601792078
Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health launched harm reduction vending machines
https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/open-spaces/2026-03-20/eastern-shoshone-tribal-health-launches-harm-reduction-vending-machines
Harm Reduction Research
For treating opioid use disorder (OUD), this first national-scale multi-healthcare organization analysis found that buprenorphine, methadone & psychotherapy were all associated with improved OUD remission, with the strongest positive effects from the combination of buprenorphine & psychotherapy, while prescriptions for a benzodiazepine had a negative association
Real-world effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy for opioid use disorder: a national multi–health care organization analysis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1741907/full
For youth with opioid use disorder, an editorial calling for expanded access to take-home naloxone
A call to action: expanding take-home naloxone availability for paediatric patients
https://academic.oup.com/pch/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/pch/pxag011/8626267
For a mobile health unit providing medications for opioid use disorder, interviews on the benefits of reduced barriers as well as the challenges
A lifeline on wheels: perspectives of stakeholders on the implementation and impact of a mobile medications for opioid use disorder unit
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13722-026-00664-4
For overdose hotlines & apps, a survey on the barriers to use among people who use substances
Investigating the barriers to uptake and utilization of overdose response hotlines and apps: A study based on data from a national survey
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20552076261440969
For substance use disorders, a review of 15 trials found that family engagement in substance use treatment was associated with favorable outcomes
Efficacy of Family-based Interventions in Addressing Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review on Randomized Controlled Trials
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02537176261435440
For people using crack-cocaine, a review of 24 studies on the most helpful harm reduction interventions
Harm reduction progams and interventions for equity -deserving populations who use crack -cocaine. A scoping review
https://karger.com/ear/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000551848/4526194/000551848.pdf
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
Trump signed an executive order to accelerate the legal access to psychedelics & provided a large funding boost for ibogaine
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-signs-order-to-accelerate-legal-access-to-psychedelics-for-patients-with-mental-health-conditions/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/24/trump-psychedelic-medication-order
https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/sounds-great-want-fda-approval-lets
With pushback by friend of the newsletter Dimitri Mugianis
https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/trump-executive-order-psychedelics-republicans-veterans-ibogaine/
Apparently this executive order came about only because Trump was trying to placate Joe Rogan because of the his opposition to the war in Iran. So Trump threw him a bone with this executive order that doesn’t actually do much to speed up psychedelic access. Besides the promised $50M for ibogaine research, not much else will change much because of this executive order.
The Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) of the Five Civilized Tribes passed a resolution supporting ibogaine for addiction & trauma
https://www.chickasaw.net/News/Press-Releases/Release/Inter-Tribal-Council-passes-a-resolution-in-suppor-55805.aspx
In France, they became the first country to approve ketamine for severe suicidal ideation
https://ansm.sante.fr/actualites/decision-du-09-03-2026-etablissant-un-cpc-des-medicaments-ketamine-panpharma-10-mg-ml-solution-injectable-i-v-i-m-ketamine-renaudin-10-mg-ml-solution-injectable
‘How the grandson of Kazakhstan’s dictator became a psychedelic guru’: Nurali of Spark of Light
https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/how-the-grandson-of-kazakhstans-dictator
For psychosis & ashwagandha, a case report of an ashwagandha supplement causing visual hallucinations
Recurrent psychotic episodes in a patient taking Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A case report on ashwagandha-induced hallucination
https://jcimcr.org/pdfs/JCIMCR-v7-3967.pdf
Psychedelics & MDMA
For extended difficulties after a psychedelic experience, a global survey on the symptoms & demographics
Extended difficulties after psychedelic experiences: Prevalence and associations in a global, multilingual sample
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9304959/v1/01c4a0d1-df5e-4ca3-af46-11b264ee47c5.pdf
On DMT for substance misuse, a meta-analysis found that it combined well with psychotherapy for reducing drug use
Efficacy of N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) psychedelic therapy for substance misuse: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/02698811261430518
For death anxiety in terminal patients, a review of the efficacy of psilocybin
Efficacy of psilocybin on death anxiety in terminal patients: a narrative review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09699260.2026.2657096
For ADHD, a review on the use of psychedelics
The Use of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Adult ADHD: A Systematic and Mechanistic Review
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/8/3453
In people using MDMA, a review of the subjective & neurocognitive effects
Subjective and neurocognitive profiling of clinical doses of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in healthy volunteers: implications for therapeutic use
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03602-7
For ibogaine, a review of its safety profile
Ibogaine Side Effects: Comprehensive Clinical Safety Profile
https://react19.org/images/pdfs/10ibogainesideeffects.pdf
Ketamine
In people with PTSD, a review of ketamine found that a single infusion reduced symptoms within 24 hours but that immediate post-trauma administration may worsen dissociative symptoms & acute stress responses
The impact of ketamine on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in trauma-exposed populations: a narrative review
https://www.jtraumainj.org/journal/view.php?number=1403
Kratom
For kratom, a review of its folk medicine history, potential clinical uses & toxicology
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential, and regulatory perspectives
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031326000321
For reports of kratom to the US poison centers, there was a significant increase over the last 10 years with ~1300 cases of life-threatening symptoms & 219 deaths (though only 40 of those involved kratom alone)
Kratom exposure cases reported to United States Poison Centers: 2016–July 2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675726001701
For kratom changing skin color (hyperpigmentation), two case reports of brown-gray patches
Kratom‐Induced Hyperpigmentation: An Emerging Clinicopathologic Pattern
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cup.70087
In a rat model of neuropathic pain, paracetamol synergized with kratom leaf extract to reduce pain & inflammation
Synergistic Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Leaf Extract as an Adjuvant to Paracetamol in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model
https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/synergistic-analgesic-anti-inflammatory-effects-of-kratom-mit/
Cathinones
For the novel synthetic cathinone 2-methylmethcathinone (2-MMC), case reports from the French Alps on toxicology & 5 deaths
Emergence of 2-MMC in the French Alps: description of 13 clinical and forensic toxicology cases
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00414-026-03791-4
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
According to the USDA, American farmers grew $739M of hemp last year
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/american-farmers-grew-739-million-worth-of-legal-hemp-last-year-new-usda-report-shows/
🌱 Growing 🌱
For hemp seed germination, moderate levels of plasma priming enhanced germination & physiological responses
Plasma-based treatments regulate seed germination in Cannabis sativa via oxidative status modulation and transcriptional changes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0981942826002548
For light, on the effects of far-red timing on morphology & flower induction
Optimizing Light Spectra for Cannabis: Effects of End-of-Day and Continuous Far-Red on Plant Morphology and Flower Induction
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/12/4/456
On fertilizing with a combination of NPK & the long-chain alcohol triacontanol (TRIA), on the mixed effect on yield & terpene levels
Altered NPK Fertigation With Triacontanol Supplementation Indicates Promising Improvements to Cannabis Flower Yield and Volatile Composition
https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/nzc2.70167
For hemp grown in Russia, the influence of seeding rate on cannabinoid levels
The influence of seeding rate on the accumulation of cannabinoids in hemp in the southern forest-steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia
https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2026/21/e3sconf_aees2026_01013.pdf
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
For cannabis edibles, “fast-acting edibles” (using microencapsulation) hit their maximum blood levels an average of 30 minutes earlier than standard edibles
Pharmacokinetic Differences Between Fast-Acting, Standard, and Placebo Cannabis Edibles
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261441366
For cannabis seed oil produced in Morocco, an environmental life cycle assessment of sustainability on industrial versus artisanal production
Life Cycle Management of Moroccan Cannabis Seed Oil: A Global Approach Integrating ISO Standards for Sustainable Production
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4672/6/2/22
For detecting contaminants in cannabis products, a review of the analytical methods & the regulatory oversight
Cannabis Products and Contaminant Detection: Critical Review of Regulatory Oversight and Analytical Methodologies
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261439008
In cannabis oils, on different techniques for benchtop & portable cannabinoid quantification
Quantification of cannabinoids in medicinal Cannabis oils using bench-top mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared (NIR), and portable NIR spectroscopy with chemometric analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386142526004634
In commercial oils, the development of a portable photometer for quantifying CBD levels
On-site colorimetric quantification of cannabidiol in commercial oils using a portable photometer
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468170926000214
For cannabinoid stability, AI analysis on the effects of water
Deep eutectic solvents incorporating cannabinoids: The influence of water on stability
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016773222600334X
For nanoliposomes with hemp protein, an analysis of what improves their stability & bioavailability
Impact of sterol stabilizers (cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, gamma-oryzanol) on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of hempseed protein hydrolysate-loaded nanoliposomes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502226003215
🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞
In Pacific white shrimp (often farmed for food), CBD promoted growth, enriched muscle fatty acids & beneficially restructured the intestinal microbiome
Moderate Dietary Cannabidiol Enhances Growth, Restructures Gut Microbiota, and Bolsters Environmental Stress Resilience in Litopenaeus vannamei
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/4/475
For cannabis seeds, an analysis of their nutritional profile
Assessment of nutritional and functional profile of whole, hulled and germinated hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1825902/full
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For 3D printing, adding hemp straw improved deformation capacity
A comparative life cycle assessment of hemp straw polylactide (PLA) and pure PLA parts printed using fused filament fabrication
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772801326000138
For molded fiber packaging, an analysis of the best combination of hemp hurds, starch & cellulose nanofibrils
Upcycling of industrial hemp byproducts into a sustainable molded fiber packaging system
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813026018854
For curved pipe, a performance analysis of a hemp-glass/epoxy hybrid
Performance of Hybrid Hemp-Glass/Epoxy Curved Pipe Under Bending
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781779644084-30/performance-hybrid-hemp-glass-epoxy-curved-pipe-bending-asad-khalid-shazleen-sabat-asad
Or creating a fabric resistant to fire, water & bacteria, on combining hemp cellulose with chitosan & silicone polyurethane
Phytic acid-chitosan/silicone polyurethane composite coating: A versatile strategy for flame-retardant, water-repellent, and antibacterial hemp cellulose fabrics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813026019483
For stabilizing clay, the addition of hemp fiber & eggshell powder improved the soil strength, ductility & durability
Sustainable stabilization of kaolin clay by waste eggshell powder & hemp fibre: Mechanical & microstructural study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123026014581
For concrete reinforced with hemp & perlite, an analysis found improved acoustic performance but decreased compressive strength
Experimental Study on Sound Absorption and Insulation Characteristics of Hemp-Perlite Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
https://journals.rcsi.science/2542-0526/article/view/408120
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥
Among US adults using medical or recreational cannabis, public health data on the demographics & mental health
Characterization of medical and recreational cannabis use among U.S. adults: Results from a nationally representative sample
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178126002179
In sexual minority men, marijuana use was associated with higher levels of intimate partner violence
The Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence, Anxiety, and Marijuana Use Among Sexual Minority Men
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08862605261436926
For the Cannabis Health Literacy Questionnaire, an analysis of the demographics of Canadians who answered
The Cannabis Health Literacy Questionnaire – Assessing Reliability and Known-Groups Validity in a Canadian Adult Sample
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/00472379261439959
For analyzing cannabinoid metabolites in urine, on optimizing a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method
Optimisation and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for cannabis and its metabolites in urine
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1570023226001406
For detecting THC metabolites in hair, on the forensic challenges
Challenges in the Interpretation of Isolated THC-COOH Detection in Hair: Forensic and Clinical Implications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41978365/
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
For adolescents using cannabis, on the different effects depending on their motives
Motives matter: predictive value of cannabis use motives in adolescents with dual disorders – A longitudinal study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001152
For predictors of cannabis use in youth, this cohort study found an association with impulsivity & parental monitoring as well as cannabis use disorder associated with earlier initiation
Time-Varying Environmental and Polygenic Predictors of Substance Use Initiation in Youth: A Survival and Causal Modeling Study in the ABCD Cohort
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2604.07368
In youth using cannabis, protective behavioral strategies increased with the frequency they were seen in peers
Perceived Descriptive Norms Are Associated With Cannabis Protective Behavioral Strategy Use Directly and Indirectly Through Efficacy in Young Adults: Replication and Extension of Alcohol Findings
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00361
In college students, cannabis use frequency was not correlated with their GPA
Cannabis Use and Academic Performance in College Students: Examining the Relationship Between Protective Behavioral Strategies and Grade Point Average
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/2/11
In youth with depression & cannabis use disorder, Medicaid data found them to be more likely to have other substance use disorders, to have histories of self-harm & to be less likely to receive psychotherapy
Clinical Complexity of Youths With Major Depression and Cannabis Use Disorder: Evidence From a National Medicaid Cohort
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ps.20250654
For youth & hemp-derived cannabinoids, a survey in Lexington, Kentucky on their ingestion methods & motivations
Hemp-derived cannabinoid use among young adults in Lexington, Kentucky in 2024
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9108504/v1/3ee05c86-9155-42d7-8e75-2849be4cdb2c.pdf
In adolescents with chronic pain, they were more likely to use both alcohol & cannabis
Psychological, behavioral, cognitive and social factors associated with single vs dual alcohol and cannabis use in adolescents with chronic pain
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001140
In adolescents with cannabis use disorder, public health data analyzed their reasons for treatment delays
Admission Delays in Receiving Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder among US Adolescents
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726001042
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In someone with epilepsy, CBD significantly improved their EEG readings
Improvements in EEG tracing following initiation of cannabidiol: a case report
https://scholarlyexchange.childrensmercy.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi
In an adult with a rare treatment-resistant epilepsy & a learning disability, on adding CBD isolate to their treatment
Adjunctive Cannabidiol for Pharmaco-Resistant Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome in an Adult with Learning Disability
https://napier-repository.worktribe.com/output/4800589
In a mouse model of anxiety, THC increased anxiety levels at high doses via the release of endocannabinoids from the dorsomedial striatum, activating CB1 receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex (emotional & cognitive processing)
CB1 receptor signaling at the cingulate-striatal circuit is anxiogenic
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71574-x_reference.pdf
In microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain), cannabis essential oils reduced activation & inflammation
Hemp Waste to Health: Investigating the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Cannabis sativa L. Essential Oils on a Human Microglial Cell Model
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12649-026-03606-y
In a rat model of genetic absence epilepsy, inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) caused a robust & sustained reduction in absence seizures via increased levels of anandamide in the thalamocortical network
Circuit-Selective FAAH Inhibition Suppresses Experimental Absence Seizures
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41969140/
For the production of myelin (the protective sheaths of neurons that degrade in multiple sclerosis), the CB1 receptors are “prominent modulators” of the initial steps of the early cellular differentiation & were also essential for the final stages of maturation during myelin regeneration
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors drive oligodendrocyte maturation during myelin regeneration
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12964-026-02852-w
In a tissue model of brain glucose metabolism, activation of the GPR55 receptors (which may one day be known as CB3) in the astrocytes (the brain’s most common support cell) by the endocannabinoids PEA or LPI stimulated glucose uptake & metabolism
Astrocytic GPR55 receptors promote glycolysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00407-x
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In Black Queer people, anxiety or depression increased their likelihood of co-using alcohol & cannabis
Daily anxiety and depressive symptoms are associated with greater same-day cannabis-alcohol co-use than single-substance use among Black sexual and gender minority people
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926001258
For autism, a proposal of increasing cognitive flexibility with cannabinoid-terpene interactions
Supporting Cognitive Flexibility in Autism: Mechanistic Insights into Cannabinoid–Terpene Interactions
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/1d033cc0fd35e201b76aa64d249e85b1/download_pub
For autism & cannabis use disorder, this hypothesis using California public health data suggested that legalization increased the rates of autism
Hypothesis: Emerging Evidence Might Suggest That Increases in Cannabis Use Disorder Following Legalization of Recreational Cannabis Significantly Contribute to SocioeconomicDependent Increases in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/84a2f67481f90b9a64cefd28e458470f/download_pub
For people identified as having cannabis use disorder according to the new DSM-5, public health data on their characteristics
Identification of cannabis use disorder using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) versus DSM‐5‐proxy measures: Differences by socio‐demographic characteristics
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.70411
For cannabis use disorder, validation of a Spanish language checklist for diagnosis
Psychometric valida1on of Cannabis Withdrawal Checklist in a Spanish sample with cannabis use disorder
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1744004/abstract
For someone with cannabis use problems, a case study of using ecological momentary assessment as an add-on to motivational interviewing
Personalized Ecological Momentary Assessment and Networks to Improve Client-Practitioner Communication in Motivational Interviewing for Cannabis Use Problems: A Case Study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10608-026-10733-2
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
In a mouse model of graft-versus-host disease, deletion of their CB2 receptors protected against neuronal loss & inflammation but not the acute behavioral dysregulation
Role of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 in Acute Behavioral Responses to Graft Versus Host Disease in Male Mice
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261442840
🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬
For harm reduction counseling around perinatal cannabis use, on creating an initial list of core components
Identifying an initial set of core components for perinatal cannabis use harm reduction counseling: An application of the Consensus on Relevant Elements (CORE) process
https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/advances-in-drug-and-alcohol-research/articles/10.3389/adar.2026.15935/full
For detecting cannabinoids in meconium (a baby’s first poop), on the detection level of various metabolites
Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol carboxylic acid metabolites in authentic meconium samples
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1556-4029.70335
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴
At a US rheumatology clinic, cannabis use was associated with longer flares of rheumatoid arthritis, but not increased flare frequency
Pilot Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Correlation between Marijuana Use and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Exacerbations
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/smajournalonline/abstract/10.14423/smj.0000000000001956~pilot-cross-sectional-study-assessing-the-correlation
This small study of only 85 people is not very convincing. If you guess, as is often the case, that people with the more intense form of a disease are more likely to turn to cannabis, then of course the people with rheumatoid arthritis using cannabis are the ones with the most intense flares.
In trauma patients, those who were using cannabinoids & cocaine had no significant hospitalization differences from those who were using only cannabinoids
Combined Impact of Cannabinoids and Cocaine on Outcomes of Trauma Patients
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666262026000240
In a mouse model of neuropathy from chemotherapy, this in-depth thesis project found significant reductions from the inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) & the blocking of the TRPV1 channel as well as their combination
Investigation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-related behaviour in male and female rats: a role for the endocannabinoid system
https://researchrepository.universityofgalway.ie/entities/publication/6f0cecb8-f5f0-4c08-8cfa-dcae084bd225
In a mouse model of muscle wasting due to immobilization, blocking the CB1 receptor with Rimonabant lessened the muscle mass loss, but surprisingly, Rimonabant amplified the decrease in muscle protein synthesis more in younger mice than in older mice
Rimonabant treatment partly attenuates skeletal muscle loss following immobilization in young and in old, sarcopenic male mice
https://repository.uantwerpen.be/docman/irua/ec9809motoM9d
🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️
For CBD massage creams, an industry-sponsored study found that their own product had the best organoleptic (sensory) properties
Perceptual qualities of Physiorelax® CBD cream compared to three other topical cannabidiol creams for musculoskeletal health care: an organoleptic approach by an expert panel: Application properties of Physiorelax® CBD compared to other CBD-containing creams
https://scientificeditorial.com/index.php/JAC/article/view/Perceptual-qualities-of-Physiorelax-CBD-cream
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
For CBD & leukemia, network analysis found 88 overlapping targets “with enrichment in the neuroactive ligand-receptor pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and membrane function pathways”
Integrative lipidomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanisms of cannabidiol in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia
https://journal.stemfellowship.org/doi/pdf/10.17975/sfj-2026-007
In colorectal cancer cells, CBN & THCA caused anticancer effects
Cannabinoids Characterization and the Anti-cancer Activity of Cannabis sativa Stem Extracts against Colorectal Cancer Cell
https://lafiascijournals.org.ng/index.php/ljsir/article/view/808
For gliomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), a dissertation on CBD’s antitumor effects
CBD as therapeutic agent for malignant glioma
https://edoc.ub.uni-muenchen.de/36698/1/Richter_Sven.pdf
For reversing T cell exhaustion in tumors, blocking the CB1 receptor reduced markers of exhaustion
Targeting CB1 and TRPM8 receptors to counteract CD8+ T cell exhaustion
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46794-2_reference.pdf
In lung cancer, a review on the antitumor mechanisms used by the cannabinoids
Cannabinoid-Driven Rewiring of GPCR and Ion Channel Signaling in Lung Cancer
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/4/856
In oral cancer cells, a review on the ability of CBD to exert antitumor effects via the modulation of the secretion of extracellular vesicles
Inhibition of extracellular vesicle secretion by cannabidiol: A promising approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma therapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295226002819
🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬
On the design of new drugs to activate the CB1 receptor with reduced side effects
Rational design of Gi-biased CB1 agonist with reduced side effects
https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(26)00287-4
For inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide), on searching for chimeras to break it down
Rational design, molecular characterization and dissociation mechanisms of PROTACs targeting hFAAH
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/cp/d5cp04715c/unauth
When using microalgae to produce cannabinoids, the enzymes for synthesis can be inserted but something keeps them from actually producing cannabinoids
Functional Expression of the Aromatic Prenyltransferase NphB in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Highlights Challenges in Cannabinoid Biocatalysis
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/16/4/346
On the electronic properties of CBD, THC & CBN, using density functional theory to analyze their reactivity potentials & quantum parameters
Investigation of quantum chemical parameters of hemp (Cannabis sativa) components (CBD, CBN, THC) using density functional theory (DFT)
https://pdf.journalagent.com/pajes/pdfs/PAJES-85833-RESEARCH_ARTICLE-KARTALOGLU.pdf
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s King of the Clarinet, the 1959 album ‘Pete Fountain’s New Orleans’. Born in the Bayou St. John neighborhood of New Orleans, Pete Fountain’s family came to the city in the French migrations of the 1800s. With weak lungs as a child & frequently sick, a local doctor advised his father to have the youngster take up some instrument that required blowing. With the choice of anything at the local music store, Pete chose a clarinet. It took him a while until he had the lung strength to make any sound, but eventually he improved the health of his lungs by playing along with records of Benny Goodman & by his teen years, he was regularly playing on Bourbon Street. He shared that “when I was a high school senior, my history teacher asked me why I didn’t study more... I answered that I was too busy playing clarinet every night, and when I told him I was making scale — about $125 a week — he said that was more than he made and I should play full time. I guess I was a professional from that point on.”
Fountain played widely in New Orleans across the 1950s but his big break was going to Los Angeles for a string of appearances on the Lawrence Welk show from 1957 to 1959, though he eventually left because “champagne and bourbon don’t mix.” He was then hired by Decca where he went on to produce 42 albums. Fountain returned to New Orleans & founded a freelance marching unit known as the Half-Fast Walking Club (though the original name was The Half-Assed Walking Club, which parade organizers didn’t love). In the 60s & 70s, he owned his own club in the French Quarter where a string of stars would appear like Frank Sinatra, Carol Lawrence & Robert Goulet, Robert Mitchum & Brenda Lee. The club remained open until 2003 & Pete Fountain continued playing until soon before his death 10 years ago from heart problems.
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