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Cannabinoids & the People #117: CBD for kids with Zika + canna for fibro, lower back pain & acne

cocaine shark

This week…

  • Positive parenting with cannabis!
  • Cannabis for fibromyalgia (again)
  • CBD for children with seizures from Zika
  • For lower back pain, cannabis edibles
  • For acne, a cannabis topical & for acne inversa, cannabis
  • For knee osteoarthritis, a topical hemp seed oil
  • Good news for cannabis heart health
  • Skin reactions to topical cannabis
  • The weed killers CBD & CBDV
  • Cannabis for killing ticks & your dog’s worms
  • Two film clips (African Queen & Fight Club – can you find them?)
  • Cocaine sharks detected in Brazilian waters

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the 117th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. On the cannabinoids, ask me anything.

Editor’s note:
I’m still looking for a partner to sponsor this newsletter. With 6k+ subscribers, including many CEOs, healthcare practitioners & patients, it’s an excellent place to feature your goods & services as well as support an educational project that’s giving back to the community.

Here in Bordeaux on the 26th of October, Science in the City will be a wonderful gathering of plant-based executives & healthcare leaders from around the world. You can attend virtually or join us in person at the lovely Cité du Vin (City of Wine) on the Garrone River.

This full-day event offers networking opportunities, open forum educational sessions & clinical exchanges with professionals from across the globe. With a focus on integrative & functional medicine as well as plant-based medicines, you can see their great array of speakers here & buy tickets here.

Free resources

For more from Lex… (my Linktree)

  • Buy ‘SUNset’, my Queer cannabis history graphic novel or ‘The CROWN’, the story of the hunt for the structure of CBN. To see more about this series of canna-graphic novel series based on Moby Dick, see lexpelger.com
  • Listen to the first 2 seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’ on cannabinoids, psychedelics & spirituality
  • Work with my company White Whale Creations to produce content for cannabis & psychedelic companies: writing, science archives, social media content, newsletters & podcasts: my portfolio

My work this week:

CV Sciences Canna-Edu Vids:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)

My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)

(I’m working hard lately & not much time for making these personal videos)

Best Of Cannabinoid Science...

A big tranche of cannabis research abstracts from the 2024 Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Marijuana
Abstracts from the 2024 Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Marijuana July 19th -21st, 2024
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/296

Clinical

Parents tend to do more positive parenting when using cannabis (he says with gusto!)
Examining the Context of Cannabis Use and Parenting: An Exploratory Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15295192.2024.2394656
I am not the emotionally intelligent parent in the house (my wife is a therapist), but if I ‘go to the basement’, I can slow down & better process my kid’s overwhelming feelings with them & keep my own patience while they’re acting out a big emotional discharge.
And on the related topic of marriage, sometimes when I am being … more than my usually ornery self, my wife will ask me, ‘don’t you want to go to the basement?’.

In children with seizures from Zika virus syndrome, CBD reduced seizures, increased motor skills & improved quality of life
Evaluation of The Therapeutic Use of Cannabidiol in Children With Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome
https://rgsa.openaccesspublications.org/rgsa/article/view/8815

In patients with fibromyalgia, a low dose of cannabis lowered pain intensity & improved mental state (also includes a review of 10 previous clinical trials)
Is a Low Dosage of Medical Cannabis Effective for Treating Pain Related to Fibromyalgia? A Pilot Study and Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39064128/
And in a mouse model of fibromyalgia, electroacupuncture altered the CB1 receptor levels & reduced the hypersensitivity to pain
Electroacupuncture alters cannabinoid receptor 1 and transient receptor potential V1 expression on individual brain regions in a mouse fibromyalgia model
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4653222/v1

In people with Alzheimer's disease, 3 months of CBD oil reduced their neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as caregiver distress
Treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease with a cannabis-based magistral formulation: An open-label prospective cohort study
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000541364/4277119/000541364.pdf

In people with rheumatic diseases, switching them to cannabis from their current medications was associated with higher symptom improvements (including pain, sleep, anxiety, and joint stiffness) & fewer adverse effects
Substituting Medical Cannabis for Medications Among Patients with Rheumatic Conditions in the United States and Canada
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39236308/

In people in palliative cancer care, two weeks of CBD made them feel better & THC reduced their pain scores
CLINICAL STUDIES OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS IN PALLIATIVE CARE – THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESEARCH PROGRAM
https://spcare.bmj.com/content/bmjspcare/14/Suppl_3/A36.1.full.pdf

In people with lower back pain, two weeks of cannabis edibles led to pain relief with higher THC levels linked to greater pain reduction
Edible cannabis for chronic low back pain: associations with pain, mood, and intoxication
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1464005/full

In people with knee osteoarthritis, a topical hemp seed oil for 2 months improved pain, physical function & perceived knee stiffness
Effect of Topical Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1524904224002297

In people using medical cannabis for the first time, after three months they reported rapid & significant improvements on quality of life measurements including “physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, emotional well-being, role limitations due to emotional problems, bodily pain, social functioning, energy/fatigue & general health”
Changes in health-related quality of life over the first three months of medical marijuana use
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-024-00245-9

In rare good heart news, public health data showed that for people admitted to the hospital with a heart attack, “cannabis use was associated with lower risks of cardiogenic shock [inadequate blood flow to the organs], acute ischaemic stroke, cardiac arrest, PCI use [percutaneous coronary intervention, a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked coronary arteries], and in-hospital mortality”
Unmasking the cannabis paradox: in-hospital outcomes of cannabis users admitted with acute myocardial infarction over a 20-year period in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39086618/

In public health data, areas with medical & recreational cannabis access saw significant reductions in benzodiazepine dispensing
Cannabis Laws and Utilization of Medications for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2823248

In people with acne, a CBD acne cream with benzoyl peroxide performed as well as the standard treatment of clindamycin gel with benzoyl peroxide
Comparative Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of 0.13% CBD Acne Cream with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide versus 1% Standardized Clindamycin Gel with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)01695-5/fulltext

In patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa – skin lesions & painful nodules), this review of 6 studies & 34k patients found “efficacy in pain management, sleep, anxiety relief, itch relief, and improved quality of life”
Evaluation of Cannabis-Related Product Use Among Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Narrative Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39082368/
And an analysis of their misuse of cannabis, opioids & alcohol is locked behind a paywall
JAAD Game Changers: Opioid, alcohol, and cannabis misuse among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A population-based analysis in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39047983/

In youth at a high risk for psychosis, occasional cannabis use was associated with higher IQ & social functioning
Occasional cannabis use is associated with higher premorbid functioning and IQ in youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis: Parallel findings to psychosis cohorts
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39084107/

For chronic pain in a frail dog, a combination of PEA & quercetin improved pain & quality of life
Combining co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide and quercetin with physical therapy and acupuncture for chronic pain in a frail patient: a case report in a dog
https://www.cureus.com/abstracts/1323-combining-co-ultramicronized-palmitoylethanolamide-and-quercetin-with-physical-therapy-and-acupuncture-for-chronic-pain-in-a-frail-patient-a-case-report-in-a-dog

Harms

In a study that made headlines, a higher risk for head & neck cancer among people with a cannabis-related disorder
Cannabis Use and Head and Neck Cancer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39115834/

In vaping devices, the conditions leading to ketene formation (a highly poisonous gas & a potential culprit in the e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak)
Conditions Leading to Ketene Formation in Vaping Devices and Implications for Public Health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39078936/
“Our results confirmed the formation of ketene when VEA [vitamin E acetate] was vaped. The production of ketene increased with repeat puffs and showed a correlation to temperatures (200 to 500 °C) measured within vaping devices. Device battery power strength, which affects the heating temperature, plays an important role in ketene formation. In addition to ketene, the organic oxidant duroquinone was also obtained as another thermal degradation product of VEA.”

In a 5 year study of first-episode psychosis, the relationship with cannabis was complex & varied significantly but “persistent and severe cannabis use was associated with worse outcomes”
Joint-trajectories of clinical severity, social functioning and cannabis use in first-episode psychosis: A 5-year longitudinal study in 2 urban early intervention services
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124004694

Clinical guidelines on the potential liver harms from CBD
Clinical guidance for cannabidiol-associated hepatotoxicity: A narrative review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39228144/

A review of skin reactions from cannabis, classic psychedelics & MDMA
Trips Through the Skin: Reviewing Cutaneous Drug Reactions to Psychedelics and Hallucinogens
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)02425-3/fulltext
“Among cannabis-related reactions, the most common reaction was type I hypersensitivity (n=8), with contact urticaria occurring in 3 cases, and an additional 3 cases that mimicked contact dermatitis. Three patients reported type IV hypersensitivity reactions to cannabis or cannabis-derived oils, all of whom experienced vesicular contact dermatitis. Two additional patients presented with an erythema-multiforme-like reaction and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.”

A review of severe presentations of cannabis toxicity in a pediatric intensive care unit
Severe Presentations of Cannabis Toxicity in a PICU
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00099228241278581

In calming herb blends labeled as “blue lotus” or “valerian root”, 65 toxicology cases are linked to them actually containing synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic Cannabinoid Identification in Cases Associated with Blue Lotus and Valerian Root
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39082147/

Case Reports

A fatal case report of a young woman with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome who died from a cardiac arrhythmia brought on by the vomiting
Death of a young woman with cyclic vomiting: a case report
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12024-021-00410-z

A case report of intense cannabis use leading to acute eosinophilic pneumonia with symptoms of acute chest pain, cough & shortness of breath
A rare discovery of acute eosinophilic pneumonia associated with intensive cannabis use: Case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043324008343

A case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome when someone switched from cannabis to CBD
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Presumed Secondary to CBD Use: A Case Report
https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/cannabinoid_hyperemesis_syndrome_presumed.375.aspx
And another case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Emesis Ad Nauseum: A Case Report of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Urgent Care
https://www.jucm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-181113-18-Case-Report.pdf

A case report of someone with alcohol use disorder & cirrhosis who developed sudden onset shortness of breath while smoking cannabis, probably due to lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid levels)
Possible cannabinoid-induced lactic acidosis requiring emergent dialysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39071201/

A case report of synthetic cannabinoid use leading to seizures & elevated levels of troponin (evidence of heart muscle damage)
Elevated Troponin Levels and Seizures Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use: A Case Report
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2024/talks/12/

A case of rat poisoning from a contaminated batch of synthetic cannabinoids
Management of Rodenticide Poisoning Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://www.mdedge9-ma1.mdedge.com/content/management-rodenticide-poisoning-associated-synthetic-cannabinoids

Reviews

For THC & terpenes, a review of their synergies
White Paper on Maximizing Therapeutic Outcomes: Synergistic Effects of Terpenes and THC in Medical Cannabis
https://bazelet-tech.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bazelet.Whitepaper_Max.Therp_.Outcomes_AUG24.pdf

A review of CBD for dentistry
Unleashing the therapeutic role of cannabidiol in dentistry
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212426824001258

For drug-resistant pathogens, a review of the cannabinoids
Cannabinoids from C. sativa L.: Systematic Review on Potential Pharmacological Effects against Infectious Diseases Downstream and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9879/4/3/33
“Findings revealed that cannabinoids, especially CBD, demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria like MRSA, Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, various Candida species, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV. Additionally, CBD showed efficacy against parasitic infections like Echinococcus granulosus and Leishmania species. These results suggest that cannabinoids may represent a new class of antimicrobial agents with unique and diverse mechanisms of action, potentially effective in broad-spectrum therapies.”
Relatedly, against MRSA (the antibiotic-resistant staph infection), cannabis essential oil worked better when it also contained the terpene beta-caryophyllene
Cannabis sativa L. essential oil: chemical characterisation and antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2024.2398733

For treating pain, a review of the cannabinoids & next-generation drugs for modulating endocannabinoid signaling
Analgesic properties of next generation modulators of endocannabinoid signaling: leveraging modern tools for the development of novel therapeutics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39060165/

For Parkinson's disease, a review of the neuroprotective effects via the endocannabinoid system
Potential Neuroprotective Effect of the Endocannabinoid System on Parkinson's Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39104613/

And in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, activation of the CB2 receptor was necessary for the neuroprotective effects (though not on the peripheral immune cells)
Activation of central cannabinoid type 2 receptors, but not on peripheral immune cells, is required for endocannabinoid-mediated neuroprotection in Parkinson´s disease
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4752464/v1/645d9cfa-6898-4ff1-ba87-5f7b94cb7f11.pdf?c=1725825063

For stress, nausea & vomiting, the signaling of the endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid signaling in stress, nausea, and vomiting
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39223918/

A review of the CB2 receptor in inflammatory disease (with great charts!)
The Impact of the CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor in Inflammatory Diseases: An Update
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39064959/
And a review of targeting the CB2 receptor for nervous system diseases
Emerging roles of cannabinoid receptor CB2 receptor in the central nervous system: therapeutic target for CNS disorders
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-024-06683-w
And a patent review of modulators of the CB2 receptor
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) modulators: A patent review (2016–2024)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045206824006801

On opportunities & research gaps and cannabinoid signaling by the head of NIDA Dr. Nora Volkow (the granddaughter of Trotsky)
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Signaling: Research Gaps and Opportunities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39060161/
And a review of protein chaperones for regulating the levels of cannabinoid & opioid receptors
Regulation of cannabinoid and opioid receptor levels by endogenous and pharmacological chaperones
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39103231/

Preclinical

In a rat model of bone loss due to menopause, CBD increased the bone mineral density, increased the bone matrix & improved the mechanical properties
Effects of Cannabidiol on Bone Quality in Ovariectomized Rats
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00223-024-01281-6
And in bone stem cells, activation of the CB1 receptor enhanced their differentiation potential towards bone growth
CB1 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by Enhancing Mitochondrial Transfer of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39221983/

In a mouse model of chronic pain, the combination of CBD & the terpene beta-caryophyllene worked synergistically to reduce their hypersensitivity to mechanical & thermal pain
Phytocannabinoids in Combination: Chronic Pain
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2024/talks/7/

In a mouse model of neuropathic pain, CBD improved the pain & associated depression via changes to five core genes
Neuromolecular and behavioral effects of cannabidiol on depressive-associated behaviors and neuropathic pain conditions in mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390824003228

In a mouse model of asthma, high-CBD extracts reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion & white blood cells infiltrating lung tissues
CBD-X Extracts in Asthma Management: Reducing Th2-Driven Cytokine Secretion and Neutrophil/Eosonophil Activity
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202409.0963/v1#
And in a mouse model of lung damage from silica, CBD lessened the inflammation & fibrosis (scarring) via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Cannabidiol suppresses silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis through regulating NLRP3/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576924016096

In a rat model of traumatic brain injury, CBD protected their testes from the usual inflammation & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol inhibits the express of apoptosis-related proteins in the testis of rats with traumatic brain injury
http://wprim.whocc.org.cn/admin/article/articleDetail?WPRIMID=1047125&articleId=1068178

In a mouse model of schizophrenia, CBD reversed behaviors & prevented abnormalities to the hippocampus & prefrontal cortex
Multi-level therapeutic actions of cannabidiol in ketamine-induced schizophrenia psychopathology in male rats
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-024-01977-1

In a rat model of inflammatory pain, PEA combined well with NSAIDs to reduce pain & to allow for a 10x reduction in NSAID levels
Synergistic effect of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide and NSAIDs in inflammatory pain
https://www.cureus.com/abstracts/1324-synergistic-effect-of-ultramicronized-palmitoylethanolamide-and-nsaids-in-inflammatory-pain

In a mouse model of psoriasis, a CBD topical reduced inflammation, skin cell hyperproliferation & psoriasis scores
Cannabidiol Alleviates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis by Inhibiting JAK2–STAT3 in a Mouse Model
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/9/2084

In a mouse model of the mitochondrial disease Leigh syndrome, CBD extended lifespan, delayed motor decline & neurogeneration, improved social deficits & breathing abnormalities, decreased thermally induced seizures & improved neuropathology via the PPAR receptors (regulators of genetic transcription)
Cannabidiol ameliorates mitochondrial disease via PPARγ activation in preclinical models
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51884-8

In a mouse model of fentanyl addiction, the inhalation of CBD lowered their neuroinflammatory response & protected the cells
Cannabidiol reverses fentanyl-induced addiction and modulates neuroinflammation
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.20.604441v1.abstract
And in a mouse model of opioid use disorder, negative allosteric modulation of the CB1 receptor (also a function of CBD) by the drug GAT358 decreased intravenous morphine self-administration & relapse
Negative allosteric modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor signalling decreases intravenous morphine self-administration and relapse in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39109814/

In a tissue model of Alzheimer's disease, cannabis extracts caused neuroprotection & inhibition of plaque aggregation
Medicinal cannabis extracts are neuroprotective against Aβ1-42-mediated toxicity in vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39243211/

Novel Studies

(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)

In the projected hand illusion for measuring space-time effects (with a potential relationship to schizophrenia), nabilone (a synthetic pharmaceutical analogue of THC) increased the binding window for some but widened it for others
Multi-modal and bi-directional effects of a synthetic Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analogue, Nabilone, on spatio-temporal binding windows: Evidence from the projected hand illusion
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309614
To be honest, I don’t quite know what they mean here & didn’t care enough to dig very deep, but unsurprisingly, people’s sense of embodiment & time sensation get altered in different ways from cannabinoids.

In a rat model of aggressive behavior & dental health, the more cannabis they received, the more aggressive & the greater plaque accumulation & gum inflammation
Effects of Cannabis on Aggressive Behaviour and Dental Health An Animal Model
https://esutjss.com/index.php/ESUTJSS/article/view/223
Whoever thought to combine these two research questions?

Against the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei, a carrier of various diseases), immersing them in cannabis extract erupted their salivary glands
Cannabis sativa (Linnaeus, 1753): The use of its extract against Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826) ticks
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401724002036

For deworming animals, on the potential of cannabis
Perspectives on the Deworming Effect of Cannabis sativa in Companion and Production Animals
https://uniquescientificpublishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/traditional-medicine/174-179.pdf

As bioherbicides (weed killers), CBD & CBDV showed the most promise
Discovering Novel Bioherbicides: The Impact of Hemp-derived Phytocannabinoid Applications on Zea mays L. and Relevant Weeds
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10343-024-01011-w

The medical leech has the endocannabinoid enzyme FAAH! (maybe that’s why we used them to bleed people for so long?)
Characterization of a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) in Hirudo Verbana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39093361/
“If there's anything in the world I hate, it's leeches. Oooh, the filthy little devils.” - Charlie Allnut

Are cannabinoids produced by the Jamaican nettle tree (Trema micranthum)? Probably not, but the controversy continues
Does Trema micranthum (L.) Blume Produce Cannabinoids?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39065478/

the Headlines & Fav Articles

Against the unpopular new California rule banning any cannabinoid products with a detectable amount of THC, a number of hemp industry members filed a lawsuit to overturn the regulation
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/cheech-and-chongs-company-sues-to-overturn-new-california-hemp-product-ban-that-took-effect-this-week

Georgia restricts the sale of CBD & intoxicating hemp derivatives to those 21+
https://hemptoday.net/georgia-law-that-restricts-cbd-and-intoxicating-hemp-products-goes-into-effect-oct-1

The Reason Foundation released a framework for the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoids
https://reason.org/policy-brief/a-framework-for-federal-and-state-hemp-derived-cannabinoid-regulation/

International

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Justice proposed allowing for the personal cultivation of cannabis
https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/domaci-vypestovat-si-tri-kytky-konopi-bude-legalni-navrhlo-ministerstvo-40490138

On the Nepali push towards cannabis decriminalization
Current Status of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization Efforts in Nepal
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/SAR.S466728

On the considerations of legalizing cannabis in Iran
Considerations before the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis in Iran
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201824003307

A look at the current state of Switzerland’s cannabis-based medicine where any general practitioner may now be a prescriber
Cannabis-based medicines and medical fitness-to-drive: current legal issues in Switzerland
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39054993/

On the history of marketing cannabis-based food in Sweden
Hemp for Health: A Historical Perspective on the Marketing of Cannabis-Based Foods in Sweden
https://oro.open.ac.uk/99739/

The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition

The epidemiology of drug arrests in the US & the structural racism
Epidemiology of drug arrests in the United States: Evidence from the national survey on drug use and health, 2015–2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743524002135

FBI reports 200k arrested in the US for cannabis last year (and that number likely understated)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-200000-people-were-arrested-over-marijuana-last-year-in-the-u-s-the-vast-majority-for-possession-new-fbi-report-shows

For driving safety, an analysis of three different cannabis policy designs (pharmaceutical, permissive & fiscal) showed that while permissiveness did not correlate with traffic fatality rate increases, that medicalization & fiscal operations do
Cannabis policy bundles and traffic fatalities in the American States over time
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39107991/

Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives

A review of the contested Stoned Ape theory (psychedelics playing a key role in the evolution of human consciousness)
Hallucinogenic mushrooms (Psilocybe, Hymenogastraceae) in the evolutive development of man's consciousness
https://www.sidalc.net/search/Record/rev-lilloa-ar-article-1889/Description

Cocaine sharks detected in Brazilian waters (movie surely coming soon…)
“Cocaine Shark”: First report on cocaine and benzoylecgonine detection in sharks
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724049477
Aha, of course, the movie already exists. And it looks ever worse than you’d imagine…

The Psychoactive Research

For people with depression, a comparison of psilocybin versus escitalopram (an SSRI) showed greater improvement in the psilocybin patients for psychosocial functioning, meaning in life & psychological connectedness
Effect of psilocybin versus escitalopram on depression symptom severity in patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder: observational 6-month follow-up of a phase 2, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00378-X/fulltext

For naturalistic psychedelic therapy, how the antidepressant response is linked to relaxation & subjective drug effects
Naturalistic psychedelic therapy: The role of relaxation and subjective drug effects in antidepressant response
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02698811241278873

For processing death, the differences between ayahuasca users & non-users on impermanence acceptance
Embracing Change: Impermanence Acceptance Mediates Differences in Death Processing Between Ayahuasca Users and Non-users
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/tmeb3

A review of treating Alzheimer's disease with psilocybin
Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1420601/full

For people with severe headache attacks, low doses of psilocybin had limited effects on headache duration & severity but did decrease attack frequency by 50% in two participants
Low-dose psilocybin in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks: results from an open-label phase Ib ascending dose study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39301810/

On DMT peak experiences & increases in well-being
Autonomic nervous system activity correlates with peak experiences induced by DMT and predicts increases in well-being
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811241276788

A small clinical study on the effects of oral harmine
A Phase 1 single ascending dose study of pure oral harmine in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39301926/

A review of how classic psychedelics modulate the immune system
The immunomodulatory effects of classical psychedelics: A systematic review of preclinical studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39251080/

For a case report of canine anxiety, low doses of 1cp-LSD decreased anxiety
Single-dose 1cp-LSD administration for canine anxiety: a pilot study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39287896/

A hypothesis of Haitian zombification being the result of tetrodotoxin intoxication
Is tetrodotoxin intoxication the cause of "zombi voice" in Haiti?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39093422/

In a mouse model of binge eating, a thesis project on the potential of LSD
The Potential of LSD in Treating Binge Eating: Findings from Two Different Experimental Designs in Mice
https://jyx.jyu.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/96982/URN%3ANBN%3Afi%3Ajyu-202409105863.pdf?sequence=1

The Plant & the History

Growing, Farming & Processing

A systematic review of cultivating cannabis
A systematic review of Cannabis sativa L. cultivation techniques: A comprehensive overview of tissue culture innovations and growth optimization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669024015164

How does cannabis pollen disperse across the US?
Cannabis pollen dispersal across the United States
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70633-x

Best trimming techniques for enhancing cannabinoid & terpene content
Optimization of Trimming Techniques for Enhancing Cannabinoid and Terpene Content in Medical Cannabis Inflorescences
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39015609/

Recommended for You

On the best solvents for hemp processing
Natural deep eutectic solvents for efficient recovery of bioactive compounds from by-product of industrial hemp processing: Pretreatment, modeling and optimization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669024015942

On changing plant growth by treatment with plasma-activated water, melatonin & nano-zinc
Changes on growth and secondary metabolite production in Cannabis sativa L. by simultaneous treatment of plasma activated water, melatonin and nano-zinc
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4898263/v1

In micropropagation, the number of accumulated mutations is proportional to the number of subcultures
Somatic Mutation Accumulations in Micropropagated Cannabis Are Proportional to the Number of Subcultures
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39065436/

On an Internet of Things platform for growing cannabis
SmartGrow DataControl: An IoT architecture for the acquisition of environmental physiological parameters in Cannabis sativa cultivations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352711024002504

Under salty conditions, the oxidative stress response of fiber hemp
Differential Oxidative Stress Management in Industrial Hemp (IH: Cannabis sativa L.) for Fiber under Saline Regimes
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/8/420

Flower development is mediated by the photoperiod & the hormone gibberellin
Inflorescence development in female cannabis plants is mediated by photoperiod and gibberellin
https://academic.oup.com/hr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/hr/uhae245/7748222

On mapping the most important elements in cannabis leaves
Elemental Analysis for the Optimization of Plant Secondary Metabolites Using Cannabis sativa as a Model Organism
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4921004/v1/aeddc18c-6c09-4ddb-a787-b5c4d1cc78db.pdf

An analysis of the growth properties of two THC-rich cultivars
Sink strength, nutrient allocation, cannabinoid yield and associated transcript profiles vary in two drug-type Cannabis chemovars
https://academic.oup.com/jxb/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jxb/erae367/7748251

Analysis of ten Moroccan landrace seeds
Genetic Characterization and Chemical Identification of Moroccan Cannabis sativa (L.) Seeds: Extraction, and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Evaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39065465/
And an analysis of South African landraces
Identification of Medicinal Cannabis landraces found in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
https://scholar.kyobobook.co.kr/article/detail/4010069795092

Genetic analysis of hemp for its cannabinoid biosynthesis genes
Genome-wide identification of cannabinoid biosynthesis genes in non-drug type Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivar
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-024-00246-8

From the 20th European Meeting on Supercritical Fluids:
https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/895
On improving terpene extraction by altering the parameters of supercritical CO2
A systematic supercritical CO2 extraction study to produce terpene-rich and terpene-depleted cannabidiol fractions from hemp flowers
And using machine learning to predict the solubility of cannabinoids in supercritical CO2 extraction
Machine learning for predicting solubility of cannabinoids in supercritical carbon dioxide

A genetic analysis of the lectin receptor-like kinases which are important for stress resistance & plant growth
Genome-wide screening and bioinformatics analysis of Cannabis sativa LecRLK gene family
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39099349/

Food & Nutrition

An updated risk assessment for CBD in foods
Updated Risk Assessment of Cannabidiol in Foods based on Benchmark Dose-Response Modeling
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383143666_Updated_Risk_Assessment_of_Cannabidiol_in_Foods_based_on_Benchmark_Dose-Response_Modeling
“This updated risk assessment confirmed the Health-based Guidance Value (HBGV) of 10 mg/day based on human LOAEL [Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level].”

In cannabis tea, how much cannabinoids could you be getting?
Tea Prepared from Dried Cannabis: What Do We Drink?
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c05940
“Phytocannabinoid acids were transferred generally in a higher extent compared to their counterparts; in the case of Δ9-THC, it was only in the range of 0.4–1.9% of content in the Cannabis used. A dramatic increase of phytocannabinoids, mainly of the neutral species, occurred when cream was added during steeping, and the transfer of Δ9-THC into “tea” achieved a range of 53–64%. Under such conditions, drinking a 250 mL cup of such tea by a 70 kg person might lead to multiple exceedance of the Acute Reference Dose.”

On making canna-beer & the effect of alcohol levels on cannabinoid extraction
Influence of Ethanol Concentration on the Extraction of Cannabinoid and Volatile Compounds for Dry-Hemped Beer
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/10/3/65

How two components in hemp hull fiber contribute to shaping the human gut microbiome
Hemp hull fiber and two constituent compounds , N-trans-caffeoyltyramine and N-trans-feruloyltyramine, shape the human gut microbiome in vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39113742/

In broiler chickens, adding 3% hemp seed oil to their diets offered critical health benefits
Performance and Some Blood Biochemical Parameters of Broilers Fed Diets Containing Hemp Seed Oil
https://psj.gau.ac.ir/article_6950.html

In grazing dairy goats, supplementing their diet with hemp led to milk with higher levels of a number of fatty acids as well as enhanced milk nutritional characteristics
Diet supplementation with hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences: effects on quanti-qualitative milk yield and fatty acid profile on grazing dairy goats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39118475/

A thesis project on hempseed cake & oil for laying hens
Evaluation of Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) Presscake and Oil on Production Performance, Amelioration of Fatty Liver Disease, and Feather Pecking in Laying Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/bitstream/handle/10222/84562/JessicaGill2024.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y

Industrial Use

The sound absorption properties of hemp fiber types
Evaluation and Analysis of Sound Absorption across Various Types of Hemp Fibre
https://intapi.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/rtuect-2024-0022

Creating recycled concrete reinforced with hemp fiber
Flexural Fatigue Performance of Hemp Fiber–Reinforced Concrete Using Recycled Concrete Aggregates as a Sustainable Rigid Pavement
https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-18367

On using hempcrete & hemp plaster in a Moroccan residential building
Study of The Energy, Economic, Environmental, and Thermal Comfort Impact of The Integration of Hemp Concrete and Hemp Plaster in a Residential Building Envelope in Morocco.
https://semarakilmu.com.my/journals/index.php/arnht/article/view/9816

CANNABINOID SCIENCE

A book on anandamide & health
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Anandamide_in_Health_and_Disease/dmMeEQAAQBAJ

Public Health

On reasons why people tend to prefer legal versus illegal cannabis
Cannabis consumers’ preferences for legal and illegal cannabis: evidence from a discrete choice experiment
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-024-19640-1
“The likelihood of choosing legal cannabis increased with a higher quality, the presence of lab test, a shorter distance to seller, a higher tetrahydrocannabinol level, and a lower price. The likelihood of choosing illegal cannabis increased with a higher quality, a shorter distance to seller, and a lower price.”

Cannabis legalization not linked to increased prescription stimulant use
Recreational Cannabis Legalization: No Contribution to Rising Prescription Stimulants in the USA
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39084319/

For pharmacy students, their knowledge of cannabis use disorder in recreational versus non-recreational states
Understanding of pharmacy students' knowledge of cannabis use disorders in recreational vs non-recreational use states
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1877129724002235

Adolescents & Young Adults

In adolescents with bipolar & cannabis use disorders, adding topiramate to their normal treatment (quetiapine & a Motivational Interview & Compliance Enhancement Therapy) caused a greater decrease in c