C&P#108: MS, gynecological cancers & lung harms of dabbing
This week…
- CBD/THC sprays for MS
- Gynecological cancers & using cannabis for the symptoms
- On vaping & dabbing harming the lungs via ketene formation
- Deliver more CBD to your brain with a rabies virus?!
- Data from the Nuclear Medicine Society Meeting
- For long COVID, MDMA & psilocybin
- First sitting president to ever discuss ayahuasca use
- #DinosaursGottaDinosaur
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 108th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates. On the cannabinoids, ask me anything.
Editor’s note:
Next week we’ll be at the beach (unless the other kid gets sick too) & then visiting family in the Netherlands. So inshallah, this newsletter will be back in August. Enjoy your summer.
Free resources (my Linktree)
- See the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences at CVResearch.info
- Read my free How-To Guides or watch my 3-Minute Cannabinoid Science videos on YouTube or read my canna-science journalism here
- As always, here’s the Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms & at the bottom is the album of the week
For more…
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Sponsor:
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My work this week:
My TikToks:
(@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
- Mafalda: A Social and Political History of Latin America's Global Comic
- Genocide by AI in China
- 'The Dream of the Celt' by Vargas Llosa
- 'The Gulag Archipelago' by Solzhenitsyn
- Sciencemancy: Glutamate neurotransmitter
- 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury
The Canna-Science Writeup: Analysis of the week's best papers, sponsored by CV Sciences
#MS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38792448/
In this Swiss study of multiple sclerosis, they treated 95 patients with Sativex, a 1:1 CBD:THC spray. Over the 12 weeks of this multi-center observational study, the patients worked with their physicians to find their best dosage and this averaged out to 6 sprays per day (that’s ~15 mg of each cannabinoid, a rather low amount). The effects included…
· Decreased spasticity scores
· Improved ratings for pain, gait, and urinary symptoms
· High “overall treatment satisfaction” scores
Of the patients, 93% decided to continue using cannabinoid sprays. For more research, see the Multiple Sclerosis page of CVResearch.info.
#Pain
For pain, public health data from the UK showed cannabis helped many aspects
Prescribed Medicinal Cannabis for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Comorbid with Depression: Real World Evidence from Project Twenty21
https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-09-02-032
Project Twenty21 is one of the largest observational studies on medical cannabis in the UK. This public health data is often mined to learn more about how people respond to cannabinoids. In the case of this study, they focused on chronic pain and to look for differences in response rates for people with and without comorbid depression. Of the 1,058 patients with 3 months of data, 23% reported also having depression. For the people with depression, while they reported the same levels of pain, they had a higher baseline of pain interference with their life. Overall, “prescribed cannabis was associated with marked reductions in pain severity and interference and with improvements in aspects of general health and quality of life.” Sleep scores also improved as well as scores for mood/depression. For the people with comorbid depression, they responded to the cannabinoids about as equally well as people without depression. So the authors concluded that “comorbid depression should not be a barrier to accessing treatment with CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] for chronic pain patients.” More studies can be seen on the Pain & Inflammation page of CVResearch.info.
#Cancer
In people with gynecological cancers, they reported using cannabis for many reasons
Factors Affecting the Decision on Cannabis Use in Gynecologic Cancer Patients After the Legalization of Cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38874388/
This paper is a series of interviews with 240 people with gynecological cancer. Roughly 30% were current or former users of cannabis during their treatments. There were two significant factors for predicting cannabis use: being in an advanced stage of cancer and “receiving information on cannabis, regardless of the information source” (so tell your friends). The users of cannabis reported that “the satisfaction derived from cannabis was due to the enhancement of mood and physical activity, improvement in sleep quality, stimulation of appetite, and mitigation of adverse events associated with cancer treatment.” In addition, 60% of the people using cannabis were hoping it would also help cure the cancer itself (which there is certainly evidence for at high doses – but we don’t talk about that out loud because the ‘C word’ is what the FDA rightly watches the most). The main reasons for people stopping to use cannabis was because they were unable to source it anymore or because their treatment symptoms had gone away.
On the use of the Cerium canna-educational platform for healthcare professionals by friend of the newsletter Dr. Jahan Marcu
EMPOWERING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PARTICIPATION IN CANNABIS & HEMP DATA COLLECTION THROUGH THE BUDSINFO™ CERIUM™ EDUCATION PLATFORMS
https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/Suppl_1/1213.1
12% of pain doctors would not accept new patients who are using cannabis
Access to care for patients with chronic pain receiving prescription opioids, cannabis, or other treatments
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38938271/
#DinosaursGottaDinosaur
Clinical
In people with post-infection olfactory disorders, the usual treatment of olfactory training may be supplemented with PEA & luteolin (a flavonoid commonly paired with PEA)
Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin for postinfectious olfactory disorders: How clinically meaningful is its effect?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38861957/
In older Canadians, an industry survey of their cannabis usage patterns
Age-related Patterns of Medical Cannabis Use: A Survey of Authorized Patients in Canada
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/208
“Among older patients, pain was the most common symptom, while anxiety was the most common symptom reported by younger patients. Older patients exhibited a significant preference for oral administration over inhalation of medical cannabis when compared to younger patients, respectively (p>0.05). Among patients taking prescription opioids, most of whom were older patients, 54% reported a decrease in use concurrent with medical cannabis.”
Why are Canadian workers using cannabis?
(because work sucks, I know)
Cannabis use motives and associations with personal and work characteristics among Canadian workers: a cross-sectional study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38872177/
“Use for relaxation (59.3%), enjoyment (47.2%), social reasons (35.3%), coping (35.1%), medical reasons (30.9%), and sleep (29.9%) were the most common motives. Almost 40% of respondents reported one or more of their cannabis use motives were work-related, with coping (19.9%) and relaxation (16.3%) most commonly reported as work-related.”
Harms
For dabbing & vaping, it seems like even at low temperatures there can be the formation of ketenes (toxic to the lungs)
Mechanistic Rationale for Ketene Formation during Dabbing and Vaping
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38938801/
Using data from ReLeaf, the characteristics of people who experience negative mental emotions after cannabis use
Characterization of Cannabis users and products and the experience of negative mental emotions following Cannabis use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38861239/
A case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome leading to severe hypophosphatemia (low phosphorous levels, which can lead to muscle weakness, comas & respiratory or heart failure)
Severe and rapidly changing hypophosphatemia in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38860017/
In human lung cells, THC exposure decreased cell viability possibly via the NRF-2 signaling pathway & ferroptosis (a newly discovered form of cell death involving iron)
Transcriptional Alterations in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Associated with Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Cytotoxicity: Involvement of Ferroptosis Pathway
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381367816_Transcriptional_Alterations_in_Human_Bronchial_Epithelial_Cells_Associated_with_Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol_Cytotoxicity_Involvement_of_Ferroptosis_Pathway
Reviews
For vasospastic & vaso-occlusive disorders (disorders of blood flow), a review of 32 studies on using cannabinoids
Vasoactive and Antifibrotic Properties of Cannabinoids and Applications to Vasospastic/Vaso-Occlusive Disorders: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38857012/
“Studies were grouped by effect type: hemodynamic [blood flow] (n = 17, 53%) and antifibrotic [scarring] (n = 15, 47%). Vasodilatory effects including reduced perfusion pressure, increased functional capillary density, inhibition of vessel contraction, and increased blood flow were reported in 82% of studies. Antifibrotic effects including reduced dermal thickening, reduced collagen synthesis, and reduced fibroblast migration were reported in 100% of studies.”
For sickle cell disease, a review of the risks & benefits of using cannabis for pain control
Risks and benefits of cannabis as a pain control modality in patients with sickle cell disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38817956/
For Alzheimer’s disease, a review of the research on the interplay between the cannabinoid system & orexin system (a regulator of arousal, wakefulness, energy homeostasis, appetite, cognition & mood whose neurons are sometimes referred to as “multi-tasking” neurons)
Cannabinoid and Orexigenic Systems Interplay as a New Focus of Research in Alzheimer's Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38791416/
One of the keys here is that cannabinoid receptors form heteromeric complexes with orexin receptors. This ability of receptors to join together in heteromer complexes, act differently & pass on different messages has only recently been discovered.
A review of the data on using cannabinoids to treat autism, ADHD & Alzheimer's disease
Endocannabinoid System Changes throughout Life: Implications and Therapeutic Potential for Autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38928592/
A review of how cannabinoids generally (but not always) lower the levels of inflammatory cytokines while nicotine increases their levels
The Effects of Nicotine and Cannabinoids on Cytokines
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38859790/
For cannabis use disorder, a review of treatment with prescribed medical cannabis
Is there anything beyond addiction psychotherapy in patients with cannabis use disorder? A rationale for prescribing medical marihuana as a harm reduction strategy
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379084634_Is_there_anything_beyond_addiction_psychotherapy_in_patients_with_cannabis_use_disorder_A_rationale_for_prescribing_medical_marihuana_as_a_harm_reduction_strategy
For Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare childhood epilepsy), a review of the efficacy of the cannabinoids & their effects on the endocannabinoid system
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, the Endocannabinoid System, and Therapeutic Applications of Known Cannabinoids
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381280829_Lennox-Gastaut_Syndrome_the_Endocannabinoid_System_and_Therapeutic_Applications_of_Known_Cannabinoids
A review of research project progress on olivetolic acid (a key precursor for the cannabinoids)
Biosynthesis and Research Progress of Olivetolic Acid
https://manu60.magtech.com.cn/biotech/EN/10.13523/j.cb.2311002
Preclinical
In a mouse model of colitis, PEA reduced clinical signs of colitis, lowered injury to the mucosal surfaces & suppressed white blood cell recruitment, suggesting its utility for controlling symptoms during the acute phase of intestinal inflammation
Amelioration of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice through Oral Administration of Palmitoylethanolamide
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38790962/
In a rat model of arthritis, CBG improved clinical scores & reduced the genetic expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines
CANNABIGEROL IN THE TREATMENT OF COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS
https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/Suppl_1/722.2
In a neuronal model of aging, the impaired delivery of cholesterol from the astrocytes (brain support cells) can be rescued by endocannabinoids or CBD
Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in aged astrocytes impairs cholesterol delivery to neurons and can be rescued by cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38856177/
For pain, intriguing receptor analysis found that CBD caused profound inhibition of nociceptors (pain receptors) in the pain signaling pathway
Physiological profiling of cannabidiol reveals profound inhibition of sensory neurons
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38815194/
Using liver cells to find the most common breakdown products from CBC
Identification and Characterization of Cannabichromene's Major Metabolite Following Incubation with Human Liver Microsomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38921465/
In oral diseases caused by fine dust, hemp stem extracts suppressed inflammatory genes, activated anti-inflammatory genes & modulated cellular differentiation
Preventive Functions of Hemp-Derived Biomaterials Against Periodontal Deterioration Caused by Fine Dust
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381309915_Preventive_Functions_of_Hemp-Derived_Biomaterials_Against_Periodontal_Deterioration_Caused_by_Fine_Dust
On using germinated hemp seeds to produce biomaterials for alopecia (genetic hair loss) & immune system modulation
Effects of biomaterials derived from germinated hemp seeds for stressed hair stem cells and immune cells
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380894333_Effects_of_biomaterials_derived_from_germinated_hemp_seeds_for_stressed_hair_stem_cells_and_immune_cells
CANCUR: A combination of CBD, THC, curcumin & piperine (from black pepper) for treating a variety of conditions
CURCUMIN, CANNABIDIOL, PIPERINE, THC (CANCUR) AS A BENEFICIAL MEDICINAL PRODUCT THROUGH ITS ANTI-EPILEPSY, ANTI-PARKINSON’s, ANTI-ANXIETY, ANTI-DEPRESSANT, AND PAIN MANAGEMENT
https://e-nnovate.eu/image_upload_2024/1835486960.pdf
In people with post-stroke depression, the treatment gastrodin (from traditional Chinese medicinal herb Gastrodia elata) seems to work via the CB1 receptor
Gastrodin Ameliorates Post-Stroke Depressive-Like Behaviors Through Cannabinoid-1 Receptor-Dependent PKA/RhoA Signaling Pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38856794/
One more for our theme of ‘traditional remedies using the ECS’…
the Headlines & Fav Articles
Federal judge agrees with the Justice Department & dismiss a case brought by the big cannabis companies that wanted to block the government from enforcing prohibition against legal in-state cannabis operations (though they already appealed)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-court-dismisses-marijuana-companies-lawsuit-challenging-prohibition-but-says-cannabis-laws-warrant-reexamination
And a legal take from Matt of On Drugs
https://ondrugs.substack.com/p/boies-suit-dismissed
The judge was sympathetic but honest. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the federales can interfere at the state level when it comes to regulating controlled substances & that the Commerce Clause still prevails. But he agreed there were “persuasive reasons for a reexamination.”
I do miss NYC. The Manhattan cannabis dispensary Housing Works (where I used to book shop before a meal at the Pakistani taxi driver place next door after a hard day’s bike messenger work) is pioneering an “illegal cannabis buyback” promotion that gives you a free membership to their premium “co-conspirator program” (usually this is $25 & gives you 25% off your first purchase & 10% off everything for the following year) if you show proof of membership with an illicit operator (whose name is now Legion)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-york-dispensary-launches-illegal-cannabis-buyback-program-enticing-consumers-to-transition-to-legal-market-with-discounts
Plus, HousingWorks has been doing good work in the community for 30 years & 100% of the profits from this dispensary (NY’s first!) go back to their programs.
Anyway, I’ll see you all back in the City in ~15 years when these kids fly the coop.
In a move that should be the law everywhere, Delaware allows doctors to prescribe cannabis for any condition & for anyone over the age of 65, they’re allowed to self-certify for a cannabis prescription with no doctor needed
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/delaware-medical-marijuana-expansion-takes-effect-as-state-prepares-for-adult-use-market-launch
As someone who’s first real piece of canna-journalism was titled ‘The War on Weed is a War on the Elderly’ (now lost to the sands of time & publications going under), I think anyone over 65 should also have their cannabis paid for by their insurance.
An analysis of the impact of state’s social equity policies in cannabis licensing
Building the Prison to Legal Drug Dealing Pipeline: A Comparative Analysis of Social Equity Policies in Recreational Cannabis Licensing
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/6/88
An analysis of the significant difference in environmental impact between indoor & outdoor cannabis production
Environmental Impact of Outdoor Cannabis Production
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00054
“Results show that outdoor cannabis agriculture can be 50 times less carbon-emitting than indoor production.”
Business school-types analyze the taxation of cannabis over the last 10 years
Examining the Tax Landscape of Recreational Cannabis: Trends and Considerations from the Past 10 Years of Policy
https://mds.marshall.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1034&context=acct_faculty
For combat sports, the association of ringside physicians recommends cannabis not be used before fights for safety reasons but also that widespread testing is not very useful because cannabis doesn’t improve performance & that concentrations in body fluids correspond poorly to clinical effects
CANNABIS IN COMBAT SPORTS POSITION STATEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RINGSIDE PHYSICIAN
https://ringsidearp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cannabis_PP.pdf
Recommended for You
International
On the case for a Moroccan terroir for cannabis & hashish by Dr. Pierre-Arnaud Chouvy
International property rights for Cannabis landraces and terroir products. The case of Moroccan Cannabis and hashish
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38875878/
Also, the photos by this researcher of cannabis & opium around the world are lovely.
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
The US Sentencing Commission releases data on cannabis trafficker arrests
https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/quick-facts/Marijuana_FY23.pdf
It's unsurprising to note that only 3% of all US drug trafficking cases involved cannabis. It’s just not a focus, but that still means 561 cases last year, a majority of them Hispanic or Black. 65% had little to no prior criminal history. The amount involved was usually between 100 to 400 kilograms & the average sentence was 37 months. But 36 of those cannabis-trafficking individuals got over 10 years.
#EndtheFuckingDrugWar
An analysis of how easy it was to buy hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids online
Online Retail of Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Products: Age and Shipping Restrictions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38864789/
The risk management strategies of illegal cannabis growers
Coming out of the closet Risk management strategies of illegal cannabis growers
link
In Malaysia, a death sentence for 345 kg of cannabis commuted to 30 years & 12 strokes of the rotan
https://cannabislaw.report/malaysia-death-sentence-communted-to-30-years-12-strokes-of-the-rotan-for-trafficking-in-345kg-of-cannabis
And Joe Biden hashish found in Mozambique
https://cannabislaw.report/mozambique-sernic-arrests-four-in-possession-of-14-kilos-of-hashish-check-the-packaging-joe-biden-brand/
‘Police Dogs: A Useful Tool or Expensive Legal Nightmare’
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1130&context=themis
How to better trace & control medical cannabis to prevent leakage from legal circulation
Traceability and control as levers to prevent leakage from legal circulation when legalizing medical cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38865615/
Nail sample analysis not very good for measuring cannabis use
Sensitivity, specificity, and discordance with self-report of nail sample testing for alcohol and cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38943713/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
Colombian President Gustavo Petro becomes perhaps the first-ever international leader to publicly discuss his use of ayahuasca
https://doubleblindmag.com/colombias-president-admits-to-drinking-ayahuasca
The Psychoactive Research
A pilot study of group psilocybin leading to more psychological flexibility
A pilot study of the effect of group-administered psilocybin on psychological flexibility and outcomes
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2024.00295/article-10.1556-2054.2024.00295.xml
A case report of long COVID being helped by MDMA & psilocybin
Long-COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy: A case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38813452/
A survey of first responders showed an interest in psychedelic therapy
Are first responders interested in psychedelics? Assessing previous use, interest, and willingness to participate in psychedelic-assisted therapy
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2024.00318/article-10.1556-2054.2024.00318.xml
A review of psilocybin for anorexia nervosa
Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38659049/
A thesis project on ensuring psychedelic access for Black, Indigenous & peoples of color communities
Health Care Matters: Ensuring Access to New and Emergent Psychedelic Alternatives for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Communities
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/xp68kr04m?locale=en
A review & meta-analysis of using psychedelics for treating mental disorders
Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38574699/
A Swiss review of psychedelic psychiatry
Psychedelic psychiatry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38572715/
Unsurprisingly, people who use cannabis or read psychedelic-related media have more positive treatment-outcome expectancies with psychedelics
Who believes psychedelic-assisted therapies work? Risky cannabis use and other factors are associated with positive treatment-outcome expectancies
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381337373_Who_believes_psychedelic-assisted_therapies_work_Risky_cannabis_use_and_other_factors_are_associated_with_positive_treatment-outcome_expectancies
In mice, MDMA enhanced their empathy by making them party together & then ending up in a cuddle puddle where they really listened to each other as they processed their feelings.
JK, it released serotonin in their nucleus accumbens (an emotional processing part of the brain)
MDMA enhances empathy-like behaviors in mice via 5-HT release in the nucleus accumbens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38657057/
One wonders if the only people who ever see these jokes are my mom & maybe my kids in 20 years.
The Plant & the History
Growing, Farming & Processing
The effects of soil & weed management on cannabinoid yield
Soil and weed management effects on floral hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production and cannabinoid content
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/agj2.21593
A rugged handheld near-infrared sensor for in-field THC content analysis
Sensor for Rapid In-Field Classification of Cannabis Samples Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794042/
The effects of supercritical CO2 on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers
Effect of Supercritical CO2 Fluid on Mechanical Properties of Hemp Fibers
http://editor.journal7sub.com/id/eprint/2837/
An EU-centric review of the opportunities & challenges for hemp crops
Opportunities, Challenges, and Scientific Progress in Hemp Crops
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38792258/
Flower development regulated by the gene CsMIKC1
CsMIKC1 regulates inflorescence development and grain production in Cannabis sativa plants
link
Food & Nutrition
A thesis project on making hemp ice cream taste less hempy
Flavor mitigation of hemp extract-infused ice cream
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/src/2024/completepresentationlist/147/
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A bibliometric analysis of cannabis research published since 2010
A Bibliometric Analysis of Cannabis-Related Research from 2010 To 2022
https://pmpj.najah.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&context=journal
Results from the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging 2024 Meeting
In people with PTSD, using radioactive tracers to determine the average level of FAAH (the enzyme that breaks down anandamide)
Population-based AIF for the quantification of fatty acid amine hydrolase density in PTSD by [11C]CURB PET
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/supplement_2/241456.abstract
And in people with social anxiety disorder
Imaging Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Levels in Social Anxiety Disorder: A Replication Study with the PET Tracer [11C]CURB
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/supplement_2/242060.abstract
In mouse models of psychosis & Alzheimer’s disease, using radioactive tracers for measuring the levels of CB1 receptors & the MAGL enzyme
PET imaging of the endocannabinoid system using [18F]FMPEP-d2 and [18F]MAGL-2102 in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and psychosis
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/supplement_2/242272.abstract
Radioactive imaging to determine CB1 levels in mice
PET Imaging of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor with [18F]FMPEP-d2 in Mice: Image Quantification with Population-based Input Function in Dopamine Transporter Knockout Mice
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/supplement_2/242113.abstract
Testing a radioactive tracer for MAGL (the enzyme that breaks down 2-AG)
Evaluation of 11C-YH168 as a novel radiotracer for monoacylglycerol lipase and comparison with 18F-T401 in non-human primates
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/supplement_2/242296.abstract
Public Health
In a survey of Australian cannabis patients seven years after legalization, the most common conditions were for pain, mental health & sleep
Medical cannabis use in Australia seven years after legalisation: findings from the online Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2022-2023 (CAMS-22)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38807133/
In rural American adults, a survey found low emotional support & low social engagement were associated with higher odds of cannabis use
Cannabis use, social support and social engagement among working-age adults in rural America
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524002092
Adolescents & Young Adults
In adolescents, high-potency cannabis use was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety & auditory hallucinations
Association between cannabis potency and mental health in adolescence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38896946/
In college students, serious psychological distress is associated with tobacco & cannabis use
Serious psychological distress and higher associations with tobacco and cannabis use among college students in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38866211/
2022: How one's peer group alters onset of cannabis use & patterns of abuse
Tell me who your friends are?! The mediating role of friends' use in cannabis abuse
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34800359/
The Brain
For neurological disorders, a review of CBD's many targets with a focus on Apo-lipoprotein
Unveiling the Relationship between Cannabidiol, Apo-lipoprotein and Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Targets and Current Findings
https://jourdata.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/jyp/PDF/JYoungPharm-16-2-155.pdf
In a neuronal tissue model of neurodegeneration, a new drug that activates both the orthosteric & allosteric binding sites of CB2 (FD22a – a bitopic/dualsteric ligand) protected glial cells (support cells of the brain) via the reduction of inflammation & and protection of autophagy (cellular recycling) via the master transcriptional regulator TFEB
A Proteomic Approach Identified TFEB as a Key Player in the Protective Action of Novel CB2R Bitopic Ligand FD22a against the Deleterious Effects Induced by β-Amyloid in Glial Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38786097/
In rat brains, cannabis leaf extract improved their oxidative stress
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cannabis sativa Leaf on the Oxidative Stress Markers in the Brain of Male Wistar Rats
http://info.paperdigitallibrary.com/id/eprint/1696/1/Demshimeno1532024AJACR117869.pdf
Enhancing the brain delivery of CBD with a rabies virus exosome
Enhanced brain-targeting and efficacy of cannabidiol via RVG-Exo/CBD nanodelivery system
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38878760/
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
In Europe, public health data showed an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for cannabis use problems & suggested about 3 in 100 frequent users seek treatment
Treatment demand for cannabis use problems: analyses of routine data from 30 European countries
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38867084/
4 profiles of cannabis users & how their profile had an impact on their cannabis cessation
Profiles of cannabis users and impact on cannabis cessation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38861510/
In women with alcohol use disorder, a complex genetic analysis of repeats in the CB1 receptor gene & their relationship to alcohol use, anxiety & openness
Correlations of the CNR1 Gene with Personality Traits in Women with Alcohol Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38791212/
A genetic analysis finds variants of the serotonin & endocannabinoid system involved in the association between childhood trauma & job burnout
Genetic polymorphisms in the 5-HT and endocannabinoid systems moderate the association between childhood trauma and burnout in the general occupational population
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38879068/
In young mice, dysregulation of their 2-AG impaired adult brain function
Neonatal dysregulation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol induces impaired brain function in adult mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38885736/
Pain, Inflammation & Surgeries
For osteoarthritis, a review of 10 studies says there’s not enough evidence
Evidence for the use of cannabis-based medicines in osteoarthritis: a scoping review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38853226/
In a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis, hemp seed oil regulated metabolic abnormalities & improved the gut microbiome
Hemp seed oil ameliorates CFA-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats by improving metabolic abnormalities and gut microflora
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624002913
In a rat model of migraine pain, a drug that inhibits both the FAAH & MAGL enzyme (raising the levels of anandamide & 2AG) reduced inflammation & hypersensitivity to pain but not via the endocannabinoid system
Effects of the Dual FAAH/MAGL Inhibitor AKU-005 on Trigeminal Hyperalgesia in Male Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38786051/
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain, a combination of cannabinoid & opioid drugs reduced the mechanical hypersensitivity to pain
Peripherally restricted cannabinoid and mu-opioid receptor agonists synergistically attenuate neuropathic mechanical hypersensitivity in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38815196/
The Guts & Metabolism
In a study of the Mediterranean diet, it did improve participant's cognitive performance but the effect size was small & it worked less well in females but it did cause alterations in endocannabinoid levels
Relationship between sex, APOE genotype, endocannabinoids and cognitive change in older adults with metabolic syndrome during a 3-year Mediterranean diet intervention
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38862960/
In a blood immune cell model of insulitis (a hallmark of inflammation preceding type 1 diabetes), activating the CB1 receptor upregulated CB1 levels & and an inverse agonist of CB1 arrested the initiation of insulitis
Pharmaceutical targeting of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor impacts the crosstalk between immune cells and islets to reduce insulitis in humans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38864887/
The Heart
For Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (a group of rare genetic heart disorders), anandamide is an early blood biomarker of the heart scarring of the disease
Anandamide is an Early Blood Biomarker of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Pulmonary Fibrosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38798603/
The Eyes
In microglial cells (support cells of the neurons of the eyes & brain), damage from exposure to UVB radiation was reduced by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which raises the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide)
Protective effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition in UVB-activated microglia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38857757/
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In glioblastoma cells (the most aggressive brain cancer), the target of CBD acid is Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A (EIF2A) whose activation caused a host of protein changes
Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A activation by cannabidiolic acid alters the protein homeostasis balance in glioblastoma cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38871097/
“Consequently, following glioblastoma cells incubation with CBDA we observed an enhanced neosynthesis of proteins involved in the stress response, nucleic acid translation and organization, and protein catabolism. These changes in gene expression resulted in increased levels of ubiquitinated proteins and accumulation of the autophagosome.”
In colon cancer cells, 2AG caused anti-cancer effects via COX2
Novel anti-cancer effect of 2-arachidonoylglycerol via processing body formation in HCA-7 human colon cancer cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38876400/
Synthetic Cannabinoids
A Brazilian review on adolescent “zombie” behavior caused by synthetic cannabinoid abuse
The Rise of the inadvertently called Adolescent 'Zombie' Behavior: A Spotlight on Synthetic Cannabinoid Abuse
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38875494/
A case report & complete blood cell count in a person with methamphetamine & synthetic cannabis use disorder
Evaluation of Complete Blood Cell Count Parameters and Their Role in Inflammation in Patients with Methamphetamine and Synthetic Cannabis Use Disorder
https://psychiatry-psychopharmacology.com/Content/files/sayilar/1/PCP_20230803_nlm_new_indd.pdf
Cool Chemistry & Tools
For detecting cannabinoid levels in edibles & hemp contaminants in food, a review of recent advancements in methodology
Recent Advanced Methods for Extracting and Analyzing Cannabinoids from Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Detecting Hemp-Derived Contaminants in Food (2013-2023): A Comprehensive Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38857901/
A method for analyzing 25 cannabinoid levels in oral fluid & exhaled breath
Development and validation of a method for analysis of 25 cannabinoids in oral fluid and exhaled breath condensate
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38864915/
A comparison of different GC-MS methods for determining neutral & acidic cannabinoid levels
Comparative Study of Gas and Liquid Chromatography Methods for the Determination of Underivatised Neutral and Acidic Cannabinoids and Cholesterol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38792027/
How do pyrocannabinoids (which result from the combustion of CBD) interact with their targets
In silico exploration of pyrocannabinoid interactions with key protein targets
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/66635c55409abc0345e357d2/original/in-silico-exploration-of-pyrocannabinoid-interactions-with-key-protein-targets.pdf
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s inspirational female folk singer of the golden age, ‘When I Was A Young Girl’ by Barbara Dane. She began her career in high school by singing at demonstrations for racial equality & economic justice. She turned down an offer to tour with the bandmaster Alvino Rey to instead sing at factory gates & union halls. When she burst onto the wider music scene in the late ‘50s, she was called “Bessie Smith in stereo” with a voice that is “pure, rich ... [&] rare as a 20-carat diamond" & in the highest praise of all, when Louis Armstrong heard her at the Pasadena jazz festival he said, "Did you get that chick? She's a gasser!". He invited her to play on national television & soon Ebony magazine devoted 7 pages to her, their first-ever feature about a white woman. She soon appeared on a host of the most popular shows & played with a glittering array of the jazz & blues greats.
But she turned away from the lure of celebrity & fame. She refused to cut deals that would compromise her integrity or her views on race & social justice. As she wrote in these lines that should inspire any young artist, “I was too stubborn to hire one of the greed-head managers, probably because I'm a woman who likes to speak for herself. I always made my own deals and contracts, and after figuring out the economics of it, I was free to choose when and where I worked, able to spend lots more time with my three children and doing political work, and even brought home more money in the end, by not going for the 'bigtime.' I did make some really nice records, because I was able to choose and work with wonderfully gifted musicians.”
Dane forged her own path as “the People’s Singer” (as His Holiness Pete Seeger described her) & played at Washington peace rallies during the Vietnam War. With her husband Irwin Silber, she founded Paredon Records to be a label specializing in international protest music. They released over 50 albums & each album included a pamphlet about the protest movement involved & the ways you could support it. She had several children, all who ended up being musicians & artists. And she continued playing into her seventies, still being called “perhaps the finest living interpreter of the classic blues of the 1920s.” Still living in California at the age of 97, she inspires one to see what can be done with a life well lived.
You can read a recent profile of her from the NYTimes.
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