PMS pain & CBDA vaginal suppositories + #CancerWeek + CHS & hot water bathing harms
DEA not moving forward on rescheduling
Cannabinoids & The People,
or; Drugs & Drug Wars
[this newsletter will be on vacation the next 2 weeks due to the ICBC conference & travel back to PA with the kids for the wedding of my 80+ year old uncle (#younglove)]
🌟 #ThisWeek 🌟
(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)
For PMS pain, vaginal CBDA suppositories
#CancerWeek: cannabis for cancer pain, nausea & sex + results from the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Conference
Medical cannabis from workers’ comp: Colorado says thumbs up!
On allergies, 2 strange case reports (#allergies)
For your rescued horse with open wounds, topical & oral THC & CBD
#CHS: 2 case reports of severe problems from the hot water bathing
Preclinical: CBG for arthritis & depression + CBD & BDNF for Alzheimer’s + THC & CBD for Parkinson’s
THC & CBD discovered on an exoplanet!!! (this year’s best #AprilFools)
Taoism & drugs special interest unlocked! (#taoism)
Products: 2 on hemp in body armor (#bullets)
(Numbers for C&P#184: ~6.8k words, ~17 minutes reading time, 127 papers)
📌 Editor’s notes 📌:
Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey from last week. As you can see above, I decided to create a hashtag system to help you quickly find the articles referenced at the top. Let me know if it’s too confusing or hard to read (#WorkInProgress). I’m also going to experiment more with breaking out more sections in the ‘best of cannabinoid science’ when a week happens to get several papers on one topic, like this week with cancer & prenatal cannabis use.
Also, hello to all the new subscribers! I don’t know what happened or where online I got referenced, but there is a flood of new people this week. So besides welcome, I just wanted to reiterate to everyone that my science archives are open to anyone. If there is a specific organ system or disease where you want the data on cannabinoids for sharing to loved ones or healthcare practitioners, I have it all organized in docs. Just reach out & I’ll send it over.
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 184th 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.
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‘The Busy Man’s Prayer’ from Buber’s ‘Tales of the Hasidim’
‘White Malice: The CIA and the Covert Recolonization of Africa’ by Susan Williams
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: Jamaican vocal heroes, The Maytals
💖 Ways to support this work 💖
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PayPal: donate here
📣 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)
The only #AprilFools joke you need: An exoplanet detected with THC & CBD in the atmosphere
First Detection of Exoplanetary Cannabinoids: Evidence for THC and CBD in the Atmosphere of K2-18b
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2603.29700
And oh man, did they put in their work. 15 pages of 420 jokes & Cosmic Humor.
Plus, check out the author list…
⚕️ Clinical ⚕️
In humans with premenstrual pain & in a rat model, a vaginal suppository of both CBD & CBDA relaxed contractions & lowered pain, with CBDA being more potent
CBDA and CBD Diminish Spontaneous Contractions of the Myometrium in vitro and Significantly Ameliorate Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea
https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/23/Supplement_3/qdag063.150/8614438
In people with osteoarthritis of the thumb, topical CBD caused greater functional gains than a topical NSAID (diclofenac)
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Topical Cannabidiol to Topical Diclofenac for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Thumb
https://www.ors.org/wp-content/uploads/AM26/571.pdf
For Colorado’s medical cannabis reimbursement in workers’ compensation, participants reported meaningful reductions in pain & improvements in function, quality of life & psychosocial stability as well as a modest reduction in opioid use
Medical Cannabis Reimbursement in Workers’ Compensation: Insights from a Program Evaluation in Colorado
https://journals.lww.com/joem/abstract/9900/medical_cannabis_reimbursement_in_workers_.1107.aspx
In active female CBD users, a survey found lower resting energy expenditure, shorter sleep duration & lower quality of life measurements
Health Characteristics of Recreationally Active Female Cannabidiol Users: A Real-World Cross-Sectional Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1823307/abstract
For a rescued horse with an open wound & chronic pain, a case report on the combination of oral & topical THC-rich & CBD-rich full-spectrum oils found sustained improvements in appetite, body condition, pain & mobility as well as marked wound improvement
Case Report: Oral and Topical Chronic Administration of THC-Rich and CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil as Palliative Care in a Rescued Horse with Open Wound, Sarcoid and Chronic Pain
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1794084/abstract
#CancerWeek
(The interesting human studies are here. The animal & tissue studies are in the ‘Cancer & Chemotherapy’ section at the bottom. And you can search “aacrjournals.org” to see all the results from the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research conference)
For cancer pain & symptoms, the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found cannabis-based medicinal products improved all health outcomes measured
Cannabis-based medicinal products for cancer pain: a two-year prospective analysis from the UK medical cannabis registry
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09699260.2026.2650901
For people using cannabis during cancer treatment, a survey found the majority reported cannabis helping with pain, appetite loss, insomnia, irritability, anxiety & nausea, with 20% saying it revived their interest in sexual activities
Cannabis use during cancer treatment: Patterns and perceptions of cannabis use among cancer survivors at a Wisconsin cancer center
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/1242/776834
In cancer survivors, a meta-analysis of 27 studies found 15% to have used cannabis in the last month, though they had lower odds of use than people who never had cancer
Cannabis use among cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13690-026-01911-5
In people with a brain tumor, 600 mg of CBD isolate per day for 3 weeks did not reduce anxiety or depression symptoms
Cannabidiol for anxiety and depressive symptoms in primary brain tumors: results from an early-terminated placebo-controlled crossover randomized clinical trial
https://watermark02.silverchair.com/npag025.pdf
For cancer, a review on the interactions among cannabinoids & flavonoids
Cannabis sativa Phytochemicals in Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1768210/abstract
Prenatal cannabis use
For cannabis use during pregnancy, a survey found the most common reason was for insomnia
Sleep Motives and Expectancies for Cannabis Use in Pregnancy
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/372
For prenatal cannabis use, public health data found that it was not associated with increased risk of offspring anxiety or depression
Prenatal Cannabis Use and Child Diagnoses of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/362
For prenatal cannabinoid exposure, a review of the effects on the offspring’s heart & lungs
Cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy: Cardiorespiratory effects and offspring outcomes
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1113/JP289280
📑 Reviews 📑
For autism, a review of 13 studies suggested “that cannabis, especially cannabidiol, may result in improvements in ASD symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, stereotypic behaviors, social interaction, and emotional regulation”
Efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis use in autism spectrum disorder: an integrative review
https://residenciapediatrica.com.br/Content/pdf/en_v16n1e1427.pdf
For the effects of CBD & hemp oil on drug test results, a review of 12 studies found that positive test results might occur & that there’s a potential for CBD to convert to THC during manufacturing or in the human body (that last part is hotly debated)
Impact of CBD and hemp oil use on drug test results: a systematic review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00414-026-03790-5
In neurodegenerative diseases, a review of the various drugs that target the endocannabinoid system
The role of cannabinoid ligands in neurodegenerative diseases: Emerging anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation and disease-modifying perspectives
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661826001003
For neurodegenerative diseases, a review on the benefits of CBD
Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa: A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Diseases
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sreenivasulu-Sura/publication/403422001_Tropical_Journal_of_Natural_Product_Research_Cannabidiol_from_Cannabis_sativa_A_Potential_Therapeutic_Agent_for_Neurodegenerative_Diseases/links/69cdbff7ac381228756598ef/Tropical-Journal-of-Natural-Product-Research-Cannabidiol-from-Cannabis-sativa-A-Potential-Therapeutic-Agent-for-Neurodegenerative-Diseases.pdf
For muscle preservation in people with muscular dystrophy, this review found limited clinical data but promising potential on the combination of exercise & CBD
Muscular Dystrophy Muscle Preservation: A Comparative Systematic Review of Exercise and Cannabidiol (CBD) Interventions
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre-Aabedi-2/publication/403332713_Muscular_Dystrophy_Muscle_Preservation_A_Comparative_Systematic_Review_of_Exercise_and_Cannabidiol_CBD_Interventions/links/69cbfccb3c61894306728a73/Muscular-Dystrophy-Muscle-Preservation-A-Comparative-Systematic-Review-of-Exercise-and-Cannabidiol-CBD-Interventions.pdf
⚠️ Harms ⚠️
In people with ADHD, both cannabis use disorder & alcohol use disorder were associated with reduced odds of a clinical response to pharmacological treatment
Factors Associated with Reduced Clinical Response in Adult ADHD: The Role of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/7/2688
For peanut allergies, a case report of a 2-year-old whose peanut, mugwort & cannabis allergies might have been sensitized via passive cannabis smoke exposure (#allergies)
The Evolving Contribution of Cannabis Exposure to Peanut Allergy Development: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/461403/20260331-138308-7f5oxg.pdf
For tomato allergies, a case report where cannabis might have been a primary sensitizer for a strong tomato allergy reaction
Dual Anaphylaxis Triggered by Cannabis and Tomato: A Case Report
https://megajournalsofcasereports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MJCR-93-2419.pdf
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of a prolonged hot bath leading to hypothermia & cardiac arrest (#CHS)
The Near‐Fatal Bath: A Case Report With Literature Review of Diagnosis and Management of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
https://www.proquest.com/openview/9f566a4afe68959c8307be5d977fc108/1
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of someone found unresponsive in the shower with scalding burns
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis, Burn Injury and Nutritional Support: A Case Report and Clinical Implications
https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/47/Supplement_1/S249/8607480
In people with cyclical vomiting syndrome, public health data showed cannabis use associated with increased healthcare utilization & poorer outcomes
Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Healthcare Utilization and Poorer Outcomes in Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome—A Propensity Matched Analysis of 34,988 Individuals
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nmo.70263
In US adults using synthetic cannabinoids, public health data on their demographics
Disparities in Synthetic Cannabis Use Among U.S. Adults, 2022–2024
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/2/9
For kush (synthetic cannabinoid) poisonings in Sierra Leone, on the clinical presentations, including 9 deaths
Clinical presentation and risk factors for severe outcomes in suspected kush poisoning, Sierra Leone, June–November 2025
https://afenet-journal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Article-33-Vol9.pdf
In people exposed to the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-CHMINACA, a case series of their clinical presentations, with the most common symptoms being panic attacks, tachycardia, agitation, vomiting & seizures
Acute toxicity of ADB‐CHMINACA ‐ a case series of patients with pronounced central nervous symptoms including the posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bcp.70538
For detecting synthetic cannabinoids in dead bodies, on the demographics & limits of testing
Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Postmortem Samples: A Retrospective Toxicological Audit at Hyderabad, Pakistan
https://journal.hbs.edu.pk/volume5_issue2/volume_5_issue_2_complete.pdf
In people at the emergency department, public health data found that those with cannabis use disorder had higher rates of mortality within 3 years, but no significant differences in strokes
Cardiovascular Risks Associated With Cannabis Use Among ED Patients
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/459347/20260403-239653-47bfyc.pdf
For cannabis use disorder, a review on the difficulty of studying prevalence & the limited evidence for treatment benefits
Cannabis Use Disorder in the Era of Legalization: Implications for Addiction Treatment Systems
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/SAR.S581271
And for defining cannabis use disorder, a review of 56 studies on the large variability in definitions
Defining Cannabis Use Disorder in Administrative Health Data: A Systematic Review of Case Definitions and Validation Approaches
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125261437621
In a small study, cannabis smokers had a more proinflammatory & immunosuppressive state than non-smokers
Cannabis smoking increases systemic inflammation and reduces immunity
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/2844/780413
🐁 Preclinical 🐁
In mice taking CBD, the females had significantly higher exposure while males had a longer time of clearance
Sex differences in the disposition of cannabidiol and its metabolites in mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00427-7
In a mouse & tissue model of rheumatoid arthritis, CBG lowered the release of proinflammatory cytokines & improved arthritis scores
Cannabigerol (CBG) Modulates Neutrophil Activity and Ameliorates Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/4/560
In a mouse model of depression & cognitive dysfunction, CBG showed the most benefit compared to CBD & CBDV
Therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids in depression and cognitive dysfunction: Evidence from preclinical models
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332226003318
In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, THC & CBD reduced anxiety, improved cognition, increased brain serotonin levels & reduced neuronal damage
Effects of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Behavioral and Neurochemical Alterations in Experimental Parkinson’s Disease
https://hal.science/hal-05580337/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, CBD lowered inflammation & reactivity of the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain) but did not improve the impaired behaviors
The effects of chronic cannabidiol administration on brain pathology and behavioral deficits found in the tau P301s-line PS19 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877261421654
In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, a combination of CBD & the brain growth factor BDNF (a key brain growth factor) reduced levels of the amyloid plaques, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, lowered activation of the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain), promoted neurogenesis (birth of new brain cells) in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain) & eventually improved cognitive function
Cannabidiol and pBDNF Cotreatment Attenuates Pathological Symptoms and Improves Cognition in 3 month-Old 5XFAD Mice
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acschemneuro.5c01009
In human microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain), CBD inhibited inflammatory signaling
Cannabidiol Inhibits Interferon-γ-induced Inflammatory Signaling in C20 Human Microglia
https://openresearch.okstate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d52159b0-b0e3-4a65-991d-4d9e8ce6682c/content
🆕 Novel Studies 🆕
(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)
On drug use in Daoist practice, a review of the history (#taoism)
Psychoactive Substances in Daoist Practice: A Cultural and Historical Perspective
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/17/4/438
Two of my special interests aligned! As people who watch my book videos know, I inherited a large library from Uncle Buck (my friend’s dad who became an adopted grandparent to our oldest child, along with his wife Aunty J). Uncle Buck’s library included Daoist classics beyond the ones I already knew like the Tao Te Ching & the first Chinese alchemical text, The Seal of the Unity of the Three. These included the lovely 15th century teaching novel ‘7 Taoist Masters’ as well as the other 2 works of the Daoist trinity of sacred texts, the Lieh-tzu & the Chuang Tzu (here’s an excerpt on death & misery). This led me to works like the encyclopedic Huainanzi (which I’m still working through with its lessons on the dangers of anticipation & how to be a hero to the world) as well as the 18th century thinker Liu Yiming.
So with Daoism becoming more & more important to me over these last years, it was a joy to listen to this paper about the history of psychoactives in Daoist practice as I weeded my garden. This author talks about the history of Daoist psychoactive use, the careful guardrails about how they were used & how everything was in service of ethics & cultivation practices. Now I am searching for this elusive author so I can send her a gushing letter of appreciation.
And of interest to all you canna-seekers out there, here’s the most famous Daoist passage on cannabis from the ‘Tujing Yanyi Bencao [Illustrated Classic with Expanded Meaning Materia Medica]’: “Excessive consumption causes visions of ghosts and manic running. Prolonged ingestion leads to communion with divine spirits and bodily lightness.”
In the Adzagbe youth language along the Ghana/Togo border, here’s a study of their idioms including some about our favorite plant
Identity through idioms in Adzagbe, a Ghana-Togo border youth language
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14725843.2026.2650402
Special thanks to Dr. Cosmas Rai Amenorvi for sharing the PDF & letting me quote from his work:
“me aka = burn charcoal (smoke cigarret or marijuana)
tɔ dzo gbe = set bush on fire (smoke marijuana)
da zo ɖe zo dzi = put fire on fire (smoke marijuana)
zã dɔwɔnu = use tool (smoke marijuana)”
Personally, from now on, I am now only going to call it “putting fire on fire”.
For the plant Cannabaceae family (which includes cannabis & hops), a spirited defense on the other 11 genre & 100+ species in the family
A pharmacological roadmap for the Cannabaceae family: Prioritizing the therapeutic potential of neglected genera beyond Cannabis and Humulus
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X26001486
In sharks of the Bahamas, they were found to have cocaine, caffeine, acetaminophen & the NSAID diclofenac
Drugs in paradise: caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers detected in sharks from The Bahamas
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749126001880
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
Despite Trump’s executive order to reschedule cannabis, the DEA says they have no current plans for moving forward
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-rescheduling-appeal-process-remains-pending-despite-trumps-executive-order-dea-says-in-new-filing/
With Trump’s focus on immigration, the Department of Justice has stopped investigating a huge number of cases, including a 45% increase of drug case declinations (formal stopping of an investigation)
https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-doj-immigration-bondi-declinations-criminal-investigations
According to declassified FBI memos, agents are allowed to invest & work in hemp companies but not THC-rich cannabis companies
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fbi-says-agents-can-invest-and-work-in-hemp-companies-but-not-marijuana-industry-newly-declassified-memo-shows/
In Ohio prisons, on the deaths & overdoses from smoking paper (usually synthetic cannabinoids) & how hard it is to stop it
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2026/03/29/ohio-prisons-drugs-k2-overdose-deaths-prison-conditions
On a person with a two-year psychospiritual crisis triggered by AI & cannabis (“1/2 an ounce of cannabis vape-juice a day, or 500mg THC”)
https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/wrestling-with-the-angel-of-ai
History Corner: 1868: the first king of rolling papers, Saul David Modiano, opened his first shop in Trieste
https://hightimes.com/culture/saul-david-modiano-rolling-papers/
🌐 International Updates 🌐
In Thailand, as they backed away from adult-use cannabis sales, the public health minister said they plan to convert the ~11k licensed cannabis shops into regulated medical clinics
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/tech/2026/04/01/thailand-to-shift-cannabis-shops-into-medical-clinics/
And an excellent insider's look on the rise & fall of legal cannabis in Thailand by Kitty Chopak
https://parabolacenter.substack.com/p/for-one-week-it-was-basil-an-interview
In Nepal, a province & a region are moving towards legalizing cannabis cultivation
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/business/two-subnational-governments-in-nepal-on-the-path-to-legalizing-cannabis-cultivation/
On the Ukrainian front line, drug use rampant among Russian soldiers
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/12/drug-use-on-ukraines-front-lines-rampant-among-russian-troops
In Japan, a record number of cannabis cases last year with ~6,800 people arrested
https://cannabislaw.report/japan-times-japan-sees-record-cannabis-related-police-investigations-in-2025-6832-individuals-in-cannabis-related-cases/
In a Luxembourg hemp vending machine, buds found containing synthetic cannabinoids
https://cannabislaw.report/media-report-synthetic-cannabinoid-found-in-cannabis-buds-sold-legally-in-luxembourg/
Though even the legal buds are a farce. They contain cannabis with THC acid. And all you need to do with that is heat it with a lighter or put it in the oven for 10 minutes & that THC acid converts to good old regular delta-9 THC.
In South Africa, a thesis project on the hemp value chain
Assessing the Challenges and Opportunities in the South African Industrial Hemp Value Chain
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/fdf84022-03d4-4ace-adc4-0e1b201606b1/content
⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️
In the EU, an EFSA panel refused to rule on the safety of the CO2 extract of hemp made by Charlotte’s Web
Safety of carbon dioxide extract from Cannabis sativa L. as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10004
On a hemp & cannabis education initiative developed with the Illinois Hemp Coalition
OPUS Open Portal to University Scholarship - Research Days: Relational Teaching in the Age of AI : Promoting Hemp and Cannabis Literacy Through an Interdisciplinary Community Partnership Model
https://opus.govst.edu/research_day/2026/fri/21/
In young adults, on the effects of cannabis edible advertising & warnings
Effects of cannabis edible advertising messages and warnings on product perceptions among US young adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001341
🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓
On the impacts of the US strikes against Caribbean narcotrafficking boats, an excellent analysis by Insight on how the cartels shifted their lanes of transportation
https://insightcrime.org/investigations/did-us-military-strikes-impact-caribbean-drug-trafficking/
In Ecuador, troops on anti-narcotic campaigns were joined by American commandos
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-commandos-ecuador-joint-mission-alleged-narco-terrorists/
An InSight report on how Mexico’s fentanyl markets are being shaped by organized crime
https://insightcrime.org/investigations/how-organized-crime-shapes-mexicos-fentanyl-markets/
On Mexico’s Forever War on Drugs by a Mexican professor
https://www.theideasletter.org/essay/mexicos-forever-war-on-drugs/
In Morocco, on the “Narco-Architect” (aka “Tunnel Boss”) who designs the complex tunnels for smuggling hashish into the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta
https://cannabislaw.report/article-the-narco-architect-who-designed-tunnels-to-bring-hashish-from-morocco-into-spain/
In Colombia & Mexico, on punitive drug control leading to a new criminal oligarchy
Criminal governance and oligarchic rule in Colombia and Mexico: the role of punitive drug-control
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01436597.2026.2641780
In Brazil, on the colonial history of cannabis control
Colonial Legacies of Drug Policing in Brazil: The Cannabis Case in Historical Perspective
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/739588
In Sri Lanka, dozens of child drug couriers were arrested
https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260322/news/dozens-of-child-drug-couriers-arrested-raise-red-flags-635082.html
In a Vietnamese drug trafficking ring, 4 received death penalty sentences
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crime/4-get-death-penalty-in-ho-chi-minh-city-s-drug-trafficking-ring-5049883.html
In South Africa, 4 police officers arrested for trying to sell cannabis they had seized
https://www.cannabiz-africa.com/blog/four-mpumalanga-cops-nailed-for-trying-to-hijack-cannabis-seizure
On the racism of cannabis prohibition, a dissertation on the history & the need for remedies of the injustices
Cannabis Prohibition: Race, Equality, and the Case for Reform An Analysis of Democratic Equality Theory and the Disproportionate Impact of Cannabis Law & Policy on Black and Minority Ethnic Groups
https://bermudajournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BJAR_V1_No1_Publish-Ryan-Robinson-Final_1.pdf
🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️
In San Francisco, a rather negative take on their history of harm reduction trials & approval of their recent tightening of policy
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/opinion/san-francisco-drugs-decriminalization-fentanyl.html
Harm Reduction Research
For treating opioid use disorder, interviews on the best strategies
Strategies to Support Care Transitions for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder: Pathways and Partnerships for Success
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21501319251387820
“Experts ranked specialized addiction treatment programs, primary care clinics affiliated with hospitals, and harm reduction services as the top priorities for partnerships. Suggested strategies to support transitions clustered into 5 categories: (1) structured care transition programs within hospitals; (2) programs to address social and material needs; (3) data and reporting – internally and externally; (4) low-barrier policies shared among partners; and (5) creating community networks.”
🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄
On the decrease of cocaine consumption in the US
https://san.com/cc/why-america-is-falling-out-of-love-with-cocaine/
A takedown of Michael Pollan as a plagiarist & fake guru by writer Erica Rex, who claimed he ripped off her psychedelic story
https://erica-rex.medium.com/my-original-published-work-was-plagiarized-by-a-famous-white-male-writer-now-he-owns-the-topic-19d0e9f5391e
For kava, reports to the US National Poison Data System on liver injuries have been increasing & as has co-use with kratom
Increase in Poison Center Reports Linked to Kratom-Containing Kava Products — National Poison Data System, United States, 2000–2025
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7512a1.htm
Psychedelics & MDMA
In a survey of people after distressing psychedelic experiences, one-third met the criteria for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following psychedelic use: a naturalistic survey study
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/06C8542F2AD3B1FE07714AED587DE372/S0033291726103754a.pdf/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-symptoms-following-psychedelic-use-a-naturalistic-survey-study.pdf
For people coming to the emergency department after psychedelic use, a chart review of their clinical characteristics
Clinical Characteristics of Emergency Visits Related to Recreational Psychedelic Use
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-026-01620-x
“Common psychiatric symptoms included agitation (25.9%) and anxiety (24.6%). Common nonpsychiatric symptoms included nausea/vomiting (9.5%) and diaphoresis (5.2%). 11.2% of cases required psychiatric hospitalization. Factors associated with psychiatric hospitalization included concurrent cannabis use…, history of bipolar disorder…, and history of a primary psychotic disorder.”
For a mega analysis of psychedelics on brain circuits, a combination of 11 datasets across 5 drugs from 5 countries
An international mega-analysis of psychedelic drug effects on brain circuit function
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04287-9
On psilocybin for depression, a meta-analysis of 15 trials
A living systematic review, meta-analysis and open-data resource of randomized controlled trials of psilocybin treatment for symptoms of depression
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-026-00630-8
For music in psychedelic therapy, a review of the literature & practical considerations
Holding Space Between Notes: Music, Silence, and Cultural Attunement in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000081
For borderline personality disorder, review on the potential of psychedelics
Psychedelics as a potential treatment for borderline personality disorder: A narrative review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178126002131
For substance use disorders, a framework on using psychedelics, herbs & behavioral interventions
Stronger Together: Psychedelic, Herbal, and Behavioral Interventions as a Combined Framework for Addiction Recovery
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthew-Halma/publication/403514285_Stronger_Together_Psychedelic_Herbal_and_Behavioral_Interventions_as_a_Combined_Framework_for_Addiction_Recovery/links/69d1be12e8c973662964c61b/Stronger-Together-Psychedelic-Herbal-and-Behavioral-Interventions-as-a-Combined-Framework-for-Addiction-Recovery.pdf
For substance use disorders, a review on the use of ibogaine
The Efficacy and Safety of Ibogaine Treatment for Substance Use Disorders - A Narrative Review
https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/69942
On psychedelics for comorbid depression & chronic pain, a review of the mechanisms of action
Psychedelic Therapies for Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Pain: A Review of Putative Mechanisms of Action
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/prp2.70238
On synthesizing the top 5 natural psychedelics in a tobacco plant
Complete biosynthesis of psychedelic tryptamines from three kingdoms in plants
https://www.science.org/doi/pdf/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3034
Ketamine
For chronic pain, a review of 5 studies found ketamine caused significant short-term pain relief, especially for neuropathic conditions
Subanesthetic Ketamine for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review of Evidence from Randomized Trials over the Past Two Decades
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/2/10
For adolescent suicidal ideation, a single dose of IV ketamine did not alter their suicidal ideation
Single dose IV ketamine for adolescent suicidal ideation in the emergency department: a pilot randomized trial
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-026-08042-9
Kratom
On using kratom for pain, a review of the limited clinical data
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) for pain management: a systematic review of preclinical evidence and limited clinical data
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031326000291
Cathinones
In Ethiopia, on the regulation of khat
The regulation and control of khat use and access in Ethiopia
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/03B2B88B283D73BA64EFAB8C0CEAA59B/S2054425126101897a.pdf/the-regulation-and-control-of-khat-use-and-access-in-ethiopia-policy-brief.pdf
🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃
A great history of hemp processing in Italy with a special focus on thermal hot springs for accelerating the hemp retting process
An Unusual Use of Thermal-Mineral Water in the Euganean Area for Hemp Processing during the Time of the Serenissima
https://www.engramma.it/eOS/index.php?id_articolo=6173
🌱 Growing 🌱
For light spectra, on the ranges that most strongly enhanced photosynthetic activity & cannabinoid yield
Interval-Based LED Lighting Enhances Phytochemical Production in Cannabis under Greenhouse Conditions
https://www.ijagbio.com/pdf-files/25-776.pdf
In field-grown hemp, on the effects of density on biomass & yield
Effect of plant population on crop growth, floral biomass, and cannabinoid yield in field‐grown hemp
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/agg2.70348
For hemp seeds, treatment with Trichoderma fungi promoted growth
Seed Treatment with Selected Trichoderma Isolates Enhances Plantlet Growth and Proline Accumulation in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7140/6/2/17
On enhancing hemp fiber & cannabinoid content via helpful root fungi
Enhancement of fiber content and cannabinoids of hemp using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic fungi
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46869-0_reference.pdf
For efficient sex identification of cannabis, on using a high-resolution melting assay
Multiplex high resolution melting using MADC2 and SCAR markers for sex identification of Cannabis sativa L. cultivation
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46461-6_reference.pdf
For cannabis cultivars & metabolite correlations, on the related shifts in terpene profiles caused by domestication
Domestication-Driven Metabolite Correlations in Cannabis sativa: A Chemometric Data Fusion Approach
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266703132600028X
For trichome differentiation & cannabinoid synthesis, a genetic analysis of their regulatory mechanisms
A Novel CsYABBY3‐CsAS1 Feedback Loop Coordinates Trichome Differentiation and Cannabinoid Biosynthesis in Cannabis sativa L.
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/advs.75055
⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️
On creating profiles of cannabis chemovars that incorporate the minor cannabinoids
Hierarchical Chemotaxonomic Differentiation in Cannabis Chemovars Using Quantitative HPLC Cannabinoid Profiling and Multivariate Chemometrics
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/15/7/1077
For analyzing low-THC cannabis products, on the most helpful analytical techniques
An Integrated Analytical Approach for the Evaluation of Low-THC Cannabis sativa Products
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/14/7/1172
On increasing CBD bioavailability with nano lipid formulations
Solid Pro-Nano Lipid Oral Formulations for Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/436
🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞
In wheat-chia bread, adding hemp flour significantly increased protein, dietary fiber & polyunsaturated fatty acid content
Enrichment of Wheat–Chia Bread with Hemp, and Buckwheat Flours and Cistus incanus L. Infusion: Impact on Chemical Composition, Polyphenols, Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, and Consumer Acceptance
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/7/1198
In probiotic goat milk yogurt, adding hemp seed protein concentrate increased the viability of the bacteria during storage & gut transit
Probiotic goat milk yogurt with plant-based prebiotics: Probiotic survival during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal transit
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030226003152
For films for covering blackberries, on creating one with CBG to reduce mold growth, water loss & color degradation
Development and Characterization of Active Pectin–Curdlan Biopolymer Films with Cannabigerol (CBG) Oil as Innovative Materials with Plant Metabolism–Stimulating Properties and Potential to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Blackberries (Black Satin) Fruits
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/7/890
On green extraction methods of hemp seed protein
Green transformation of hemp seed protein: structural modification and functional enhancement with hydrogen-rich water
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181302601723X
In laying hens, dietary hemp seeds decreased intramuscular fat & improved fatty acid composition
Effects of dietary hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) on breast and thigh meat quality attributes, fatty acid profiles, and health lipid indices in laying hens
https://www.vetmedmosul.com/article_190486_2f6e1ef9edd353605cea3b32f7b73a63.pdf
🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️
For stopping bullets, on the best mix of Kevlar, hemp & carbon nanotubes (#bullets)
Response surface modelling of tensile and impact characteristics of Kevlar/Hemp/CNT reinforced polymer matrix composites
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40712-026-00435-8
For stopping bullets, on adding a flax/hemp composite to a metal mesh
Ballistic and drop-weight impact response of SS304 metal mesh embedded woven flax/hemp fiber hybrid composites
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44055-w
For saliva detection of the immune tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), on creating an immunosensor with gold nanoparticles, polyvinyl alcohol & hemp-derived nanocellulose
Non-invasive detection of salivary TNF-α enabled by hemp-derived nanocellulose nanocomposite electrochemical immunosensor for point-of-care diagnostics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567539426000824
For hemp textile coatings, on nanotreatment to improve flame resistance, UV protection, antibacterial activity & water resistance
Synergistic strategy of Nano-ZnO/DOPO/fluorinated silicone in waterborne polyurethane coating for multifunctional finishing of hemp fabric
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300944026002213
On creating fire-resistant panels with hemp insulation
ESTABLISHING PATTERNS IN THE FORMATION OF A FIRE-RESISTANT SIP PANEL WITH HEMP INSULATION
https://repositsc.nuczu.edu.ua/bitstream/123456789/28056/1/Tsapko.pdf
For pellets, on 3D printing composites of hemp, polyethylene glycol & polylactic acid
Rheological, Mechanical, and Life Cycle Assessment of 3D‐Printed PLA/Hemp/PEG Biocomposites
https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pen.70490
For concrete reinforcement, on 3D printing a hemp-polylactic acid composite
Performance Evaluation of Novel 3D Printed Hemp-PLA Composites for Sustainable Concrete Reinforcement
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710226008235
For bio-concrete, on combining gypsum & hemp shives
Thermal Recycling of Gypsum–Hemp Bio-Concrete: Experimental Evaluation of Dehydration Conditions and Properties Evolution
https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/11/4/71
For hemp-lime composites, on optimizing the addition of hemp fibers
Impact of Hemp Fiber Content and Length on the Hygrothermal, Mechanical, and CO2 Emission Performance of Hemp-Lime Composites
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710226008776
🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿
A book chapter on the history of cannabinoids in medicine
Phytocannabinoids: Chemistry and Medicine
https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-642-36202-6_147-1
An Indian review on cannabis therapy & regulation
Medical Marijuana: A Comprehensive Review on Therapeutic Use, Legal Bindings and Regulatory Perspectives
https://ijprt.org/index.php/pub/article/view/1680
For the endocannabinoid system, a review of targeting it for a range of disorders
Assessment on Coordinated Roles of Endocannabinoid System to Combat against Multidimensional Disorders in Human Body
https://hal.science/hal-05580325/
A Moroccan review on the history of cannabis & its modern industrial uses
The Multiple Uses of the Cannabis Plant and its Historical and Modern Development: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Iliass-Bouhlal/publication/403525250_The_multiple_uses_of_the_cannabis_plant_and_its_historical_and_modern_development_An_Analysis_of_Challenges_and_Opportunities/links/69d2deb43c6189430673f3da/The-multiple-uses-of-the-cannabis-plant-and-its-historical-and-modern-development-An-Analysis-of-Challenges-and-Opportunities.pdf
(I have a soft spot for crackpots with an axe to grind) A hypothesis on the fungus Candida co-evolving with humans to enable language via the oscillation of salt levels in African lakes
The Saline Oscillation Hypothesis: Endocannabinoid-Mediated Fungal Hominid Coevolution in the East African Rift Valley
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jim-Craddock/publication/403422153_The_Saline_Oscillation_Hypothesis_Endocannabinoid-Mediated_Fungal-_Hominid_Coevolution_in_the_East_African_Rift_Valley/links/69cdb6ede8c97366296350cb/The-Saline-Oscillation-Hypothesis-Endocannabinoid-Mediated-Fungal-Hominid-Coevolution-in-the-East-African-Rift-Valley.pdf
I don’t think the author is subscribed to this newsletter, which is good because I don’t want to hear more about this, but I am glad to know that this theory exists.
🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥
For drug harms in Canada, a panel of experts rated the worst to be alcohol, followed by tobacco, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine & cannabis at the bottom
Drug harms in Canada: A multi-criteria decision analysis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811251409147#table1-02698811251409147
For medical cannabis products with higher THC concentrations, this review found mixed outcomes & adverse events including psychiatric, nervous & gastrointestinal effects
Higher THC Concentration Medicinal Cannabis Products Efficacy and Safety Considerations: A Rapid Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/dar.70145
In Canadians engaging in higher risk cannabis behaviors, they tended to be younger, male, more poor & less educated
Higher risk cannabis use indicators among people living in Canada: a cross-sectional study examining the association with socio-demographic and socio-economic factors
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13011-026-00722-9
For healthcare providers treating Parkinson’s disease in France, a survey found they were more accepting of using CBD then cannabis
Healthcare providers’ acceptability of cannabis and cannabidiol to manage Parkinson’s disease in France
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011393X26000111
In Polish family physicians, a survey found only limited willingness to prescribe medical cannabis
Readiness to Use Medicinal Marijuana in the Practices of Polish Family Physicians
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/7/2670
🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒
For early cannabis use & the risk of opioid use disorder, public health data found that cannabis use prior to the age of 15 was robustly associated with later opioid use disorder
Early onset of cannabis use and risk for opioid use disorder across two decades in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001139
In Black & Latino youth, on the factors associated with later alcohol & cannabis use
Latent classes of substance use precursors predict positive alcohol and cannabis expectancies one year later in Black and Latino early adolescents in the ABCD study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001127
For cannabis use by college students, a review of 44 studies on outcomes
Systematic Review of College Students’ Perceptions of Cannabis: Trends, Risks, and University Implications
https://gexinonline.com/uploads/articles/article-jcssr-115.pdf
🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠
In a female adolescent rat model of neuropathic pain, a sciatic nerve injury caused an increased preference for both CBD & oxycodone, with each causing different changes in the cerebellum
Place preference in a female adolescent rat model of neuropathic pain: The effects of cannabidiol and oxycodone on cerebellum cell density
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07056-1
Someone got very excited about their new system for brain network analysis & cannabis use (#JargonWarning)
Large-scale nonlinear Granger causality enables robust cannabis-use classification through evidence-guided brain-network analysis
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/13929/139290L/Largescale-nonlinear-Granger-causality-enables-robust-cannabisuse-classification-through-evidenceguided/10.1117/12.3086330.short
Large-scale Granger causality analysis of cannabis-related network changes in the resting state with informed priors
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/13929/139290N/Largescale-Granger-causality-analysis-of-cannabisrelated-network-changes-in-the/10.1117/12.3086350.short
Large-scale extended Granger causality with knowledge-informed feature selection for cannabis-use classification
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/13929/139291V/Largescale-extended-Granger-causality-with-knowledgeinformed-feature-selection-for-cannabisuse/10.1117/12.3084099.short
Knowledge-driven large-scale augmented Granger causality for classifying cannabis dependence
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/13929/139290M/Knowledgedriven-largescale-augmented-Granger-causality-for-classifying-cannabis-dependence/10.1117/12.3086329.short
💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭
In people smoking very low-nicotine content cigarettes, this did not alter their frequency of alcohol or cannabis use
The impact of very low nicotine cigarettes on cannabis and alcohol use during a 12-week clinical trial
https://academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ntr/ntag070/8586492
In a mouse model of one-shot learning (forming a memory after a single brief event), the endocannabinoids mediated this learning in the striatum (decision making & reward)
Striatal endocannabinoids drive one-shot learning
https://hal.science/hal-05574724v1/file/Piette-et-al-Nature-Neurosci-revised2-17032026.pdf
In a rat model of anxiety & depression, there were gendered differences in the effects of the CB2 drug HU-910 & the endocannabinoid-like lipid Oleoyl Serine (OS)
Differential Effects of Oleoyl Serine and HU-910 on Anxiety-like and Depression-like Behaviors in Male and Female WKY Rats
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/7/3177
🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠
In hemp hurds, an analysis of the lignins & their antimicrobial effects
Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Lignin-Derived Compounds in Ground Hurd Tissue of Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) Cultivars
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X261436515
🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴
After knee surgery, 5 mg per day of dronabinol (pharmaceutical THC) did not alter opioid use, self-reported pain levels, sleep or nausea
A Synthetic Form of Cannabinoid Does Not Decrease Opioid Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883540326001944
In people who had surgery for spinal deformities, the cannabis users had no differences in complication rates
Impact of Preoperative Marijuana Use on Functional Recovery and Complications After Spinopelvic Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity
https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgpraconline/fulltext/2026/06000/impact_of_preoperative_marijuana_use_on_functional.8.aspx
In a rat model of osteoarthritis, the combination of PEA & cucumber extract worked synergistically to improve pain thresholds & limb function
Synergistic modulation of nociceptive and inflammatory pain by palmitoylethanolamide and Cucumis sativus extract in a monosodium-iodoacetate induced osteoarthritic rat model
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10787-026-02197-3
For inflammation, on aryl-cyclohexanone as a potential activator of the CB2 receptor
Aryl-Cyclohexanone as a Potential CB2 Agonist: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence in Inflammatory Modulation
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08923973.2026.2655385
🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️
For reflux disease (acid into the throat), a combination of PEA, sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, Barbary fig, olives, bananas & ginger caused “notable reductions in regurgitation and heartburn”
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Nutraceutical Containing Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate, PEa, a Blend of Opuntia Ficus Indica, and Olea Europaea, Musa Paradisiaca, and Ginger in Patients with NERD
https://www.jnutraceutical.com/articles/evaluation-of-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-a-nutraceutical-containing-sodium-alginate-sodium-bicarbonate-pea-a-blend-of-i-opuntia-ficus-indica-i-and-i-olea-europaea-i-i-musa-paradisiaca-i-and-ginger-in-patients-with-nerd.pdf
In a mouse model of obesity, CB1 does not seem to be the primary driver of obesity associated with a deficit of the autophagy receptor P62 (cellular recycling)
Exploring cannabinoid receptor CB1 autophagy and the obesity phenotype of p62-deficient mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405580826001317
🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️
In Queer people with cancer, they had higher levels of cannabis, tobacco & alcohol use
Tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and alcohol use among LGBTQ+ patients with cancer: Real-world analysis at an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/7852/778119
In a mouse model of breast cancer, a THC-rich cannabis extract accelerated growth
MRI-Based Radiomics Reveals Cannabinoid-Associated Tumor Phenotypes in a Murine Breast Cancer Model
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/7/1154
In a mouse model of liver cancer, CBD inhibited tumor growth & maintained body weight
Enhanced antitumor efficacy and safety of cannabidiol-loaded O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanomicelles in hepatocellular carcinoma
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9212714/v1
In prostate cancer cells, a hemp extract caused anticancer effects
Dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity of a bioactive hemp-derived extract REPYR-SC1 against prostate cancer
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/3655/779656
In prostate cancer cells, the antitumor effects of activating CB2 were potentiated by vitamin D
Vitamin D (calcitriol) potentiates CB2-mediated anti-tumor responses in prostate cancer cell lines: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/3522/781001
In lung cancer cells, CBD enhanced the efficacy of the treatment drug etoposide
Cannabidiol enhances etoposide efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer by engaging a p53-mTOR-TFEB lysosomal death program
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/4474/777680
In melanoma cells, CBG regulated inflammation & oxidative stress but did not explicitly promote apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Metabolic responses of three distinct melanoma cell lines to UVA radiation and cannabigerol
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584926002893
In a mouse model of prostate cancer, activating both the CB2 & CXCR4 receptors lowered cancer growth & metastasis
Combined treatment with agonists for CXCR4 and CB2 receptors reduces prostate cancer growth and metastasis
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/2230/777600
In mice & tissue models of colon cancer, the terpene beta-caryophyllene reduced tumor size & induced apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
β-Caryophyllene induces apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesisin colon cancer models
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/86/7_Supplement/7084/782075
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For the pioneering vocals of Jamaica, the 1970 album ‘Monkey Man’ by the Maytals. Made up of frontman Frederick “Toots” Hibbert along with Henry “Raleigh” Gordon & Nathaniel “Jerry” Mathias, the 3 young vocalists recorded their first song “Hallelujah” in 1962 & in those heady early days of ska, it was a sensation. Within a few years, they recorded a string of classic hits, many being religious songs that appealed to the deeply religious people of the island (I especially like ‘Study War (No More)’). But their first producer started screwing them over, secretly licensing their hits to another label under pseudonyms & giving almost no money to the performers. They left & started recording with some of the best producers on the island as well as a backing group for Desmond Dekker (who was covered previously in C&P#136). By 1966, they recorded a flood of hits & won the island’s first Festival Song Competition with “Bam Bam”. But then Toots got caught with cannabis & received an 18-month jail term. His partners wouldn’t record without him & went on hiatus. Their first song upon his release was the triumphant “54-46 Was My Number”, based on his actual prison number. Then in their 1968 single ‘Do The Reggay’, they coined the term “reggae” & are now listed there in the Oxford English Dictionary. They added instrumentalists to the group & renamed themselves Toots & the Maytals, with the ‘Monkey Man’ album above becoming their first international hit record. With fiery live shows, they spent the ‘70s creating classic albums, touring with the likes of the Who, Jackson Browne, the Eagles & Linda Ronstadt, building up a listener base around the world, especially in the UK. The original group released their last album in 1981, though Toots did later relaunch the Maytals with new members. The group still holds the current Jamaican record for #1 hits: 31.
This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.