Cannabinoids & the People #44: CBD for the skin, the brain, the honeybees & the aging horses
Hello everyone,
The good news is that the reason I missed last week’s newsletter was because it was my 40th birthday &, after a surprise visit from a number of friends, I was kidnapped to Amsterdam by a best friend for a few days.
And in even better news, in a moment of remarkable bibliosynchronicity, my first cannabis graphic novel was republished & arrived on the day of my 40th birthday. Called ‘SUNset’, it’s about the AIDS crisis, Reagan’s War on Drugs & the birth of the modern medical marijuana movement by the heroic Queers of San Francisco. For my birthday, you can buy it here.
(leaving reviews & spreading the word are much appreciated)
Or to check the book out for free, the PDFs of all 3 of my cannabinoid graphic novels are here.
Welcome to the 44th edition of Cannabinoids & the People. This newsletter collects all the new cannabinoid science each week. You can check out last week’s issue here & if you haven’t subscribed yet, please do.
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My educational video of the week: Autism & CBD, THC & PEA
Also, every weekday on my YouTube Shorts, I post a new 1-minute video on a piece of cannabis research or answers to your questions.
#AskMeAnything
In my last 2 EU segments for Weed Talk News on Pro Cannabis Media:
Greece opens first cannabis plant + Norway’s first ever medical cannabis meeting
Germany plans slow & Basel begins adult use trials
[sponsorship slots open: 10k+ subscribers]
And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week &
The Living Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms.
This week…
A lot on cannabinoids for epilepsy & neurodegenerative diseases
Indoor plants vs outdoor plants: “sun kissed” plants have more unusual cannabinoids & more of the delicate terps
On why CBD is so good for the skin
Newsflash: the hotter you find someone, the more likely you’ll smoke with them
For brain nerds: astrocytes, gliotransmission & the CB1 receptor
CBD for elderly horses! (again) CBD for honeybees! (again)
Striking study of how much water is used by the illegal grows of California
Hemp for hangman’s nooses
China pioneers drug sniffing squirrels
A request to spread the word
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LinkedIn, Twitter & my TikTok
Sponsor: PlusCBD & a commitment to education & research
One sign of a great CBD company is when they go to the next level for educating their customers. PlusCBD has articles for all levels of knowledge, videos about how CBD works & a YouTube channel of great educational content.
(Plus, they even sponsored two seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’)
In addition, they’ve done more peer-reviewed research than any other company other there. They put their money down to advance the field.
Check out this (partial) bibliography:
· A GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) study on hemp extracts to prove their safety
· A clinical trial on healthy people to show that hemp extracts helped their cholesterol, sleep quality, stress response & perceived life pleasure
· A post-marketing safety study where experts went over 2 years of PlusCBD’s adverse event reports to find the high safety levels
· A case series of using CBD to treat PTSD
· And funding me to create the extensive cannabinoid science archive at CVResearch.info
PlusCBD takes their commitment to education & research to the next level. And they do the same with their products.
Buy excellent CBD products today from PlusCBDoil.com.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
From the historian/scientist Dr. John McPartland & the leading researcher Dr. Saoirse E O'Sullivan, an interdisciplinary study of the history of cannabis in Ireland
Origins of Cannabis sativa in Ireland and the Concept of Celtic Hemp: An Interdisciplinary Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36695660/
Clinical
Excellent writeup on CBD & sleep by Gleb Oleinik
https://cbdthinker.com/cbd-for-sleep
You can also read or watch my How-To Guide here.
In a study of smoking indica versus sativa, they found indica to cause more couch-lock (“low arousal”). Plus, the plants with more of the terpene caryophyllene were better at controlling pain
An Ecological Examination of Indica Versus Sativa and Primary Terpenes on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis: A Preliminary Investigation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36648357/
“After controlling for covariates, findings revealed that cultivars classified as indica dominant were associated with greater low-arousal (e.g., sluggish, slow) effects relative to the unweighted mean of all cannabis cultivars... Cultivars with primary caryophyllene were associated with greater pain ratings… and negative effects… relative to the mean of all other terpene types. Cultivars with primary pinene were associated with less negative effects.”
In a long term study, cannabis use does not appear to be related to lung function even after years of use (unless you're smoking tobacco with it)
Do tobacco and cannabis use and co-use predict lung function: A longitudinal study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36682602/
A study of how different CBD formulations get delivered to the various regions of the brain
Oral lipid-based formulations alter delivery of cannabidiol to different anatomical regions in the brain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36720447/
“The highest CBD delivery was observed in the olfactory bulb and striatum, and the medulla pons and cerebellum the lowest. The lipid-free vehicle led to the highest levels of CBD in the whole brain. However, when each anatomical region was assessed individually, the long chain triglyceride-rich rapeseed oil formulation commonly showed optimal performance. The medium chain triglyceride-rich coconut oil formulation did not result in the highest CBD concentration in any brain region.”
In this study of surgery patients, they found no differences in vital signs or anesthetic requirements between those who use cannabis & those who did not
Is Recreational Marijuana Use Associated With Changes in the Vital Signs or Anesthetic Requirements During Intravenous Sedation?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746375/
Interviews with formerly incarcerated gay Black men find that they consider cannabis to be their safest option as well as it fulfilling social & emotional needs
“I feel like marijuana is the only drug that wouldn’t kill me”: perceptions of cannabis use in previously incarcerated Black men who have sex with other men
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-023-00744-7
An occupational therapy take on how people relate cannabis use to their occupation
Revealing the Meaning of Cannabis Use as an Occupation: A Scoping Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36685720/
For me, I simply decided to make this plant my entire identity. #easypeasy
On delta-8 THC, a review of the FDA data on adverse events includes dyspnea (labored breathing), respiratory disorder & seizures
Delta-8, a Cannabis-Derived Tetrahydrocannabinol Isomer: Evaluating Case Report Data in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36742440/
A strange study on how the attractiveness of an opposite-gender person alters how likely you are to smoke pot with them
Social influence and the likelihood of using cannabis: Role of source physical attractiveness
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-37121-001
“The likelihood of participating in both drug and nondrug activities increased as a function of the relative physical attractiveness of the other individual (i.e., the source); however, notable gender differences were observed in the likelihood of using cannabis. Women were less likely to use cannabis in the presence of less attractive men relative to using cannabis alone, whereas men were more likely to use cannabis in the presence of more attractive women than using cannabis alone. These data suggest the presence of an opposite-gender person can either inhibit or facilitate drug use depending on the physical attractiveness of the source and gender of the subject.”
In elderly horses, CBD reduced their production of inflammatory cytokines with no negative side effects
The effects of cannabidiol on immune function and health parameters in senior horses
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016524272300003X
Reviews
A review of using cannabinoids for neuroinflammatory disorders like MS, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s
Cannabinoids in neuroinflammatory disorders: Focusing on multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, and Alzheimers diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36637897/
And a review of using CBD for brain diseases
Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Brain Disorders: Therapeutic Potential and Routes of Administration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36635488/
If you know anyone with a neurodegenerative disease, they should be experimenting with cannabinoids. See my How-To Guide here.
In patients with brain tumors, a review of using CBD oil & cannabis
Therapeutic and Supportive Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients with Brain Tumors (CBD Oil and Cannabis)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36633803/
“While the literature on this matter is young, published and anecdotal evidence imply that cannabis could be useful in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, reducing pain, and managing seizures. It may also decrease inflammation and cancer cell proliferation and survival, resulting in a benefit in overall patient survival. Current literature poses the challenge that it does not provide standardized guidance on dosing for the above potential indications and cannabis use is dominated by recreational purposes.”
The scientific literature may not have the answers on dosing for cancer, but the practitioners do. I always recommend Aunt Zelda’s (Mara Gordon) out of California for the best treatments I know using cannabinoids for cancer. But the main answer is, use a lot.
I believe I might make an educational video about this soon if you would be interested.
A review of using the cannabinoids for pain, especially CBD
Beyond Pain Relief: A Review on Cannabidiol Potential in Medical Therapies
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/2/155
See my How-To Guide on pain.
A review of the widespread antioxidant effects of CBD & THC as well as the many diseases this relates to
Cannabinoids in the Modulation of Oxidative Signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36768835/
And in this study on honey bees, CBD supports their health by activating their antioxidant system
Cannabidiol (CBD) Supports the Honeybee Worker Organism by Activating the Antioxidant System
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/2/279
A review of exercise & the endocannabinoid system with a focus on the runner’s high
The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36768332/
“A runner's high is an ephemeral feeling some sport practitioners experience during endurance activities, such as running. The release of eCBs during sustained physical exercise appears to be involved in triggering this phenomenon. The last decades have been characterized by an increased interest in this emotional state induced by exercise, as it is believed to alleviate pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoric levels, and have anxiolytic effects.”
A review of how cannabis alters learning, consolidation & memory retrieval
Effect of Cannabis on Memory Consolidation, Learning and Retrieval and Its Current Legal Status in India: A Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36671547/
In general, the thing to note is that while THC may not be good for your short term memory (you won’t remember as much of that move if you watch it stoned), overall, enhancing your endocannabinoid signaling helps to protect the brain.
And in this related study in mice, we look at how the CB1 receptor works with GABA (the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the hippocampus (memory center) to cause long term potentiation (a strengthening of the connection between neurons involved in memory)
Underlying mechanisms of long-term potentiation during the inhibition of the cannabinoid CB1 and GABAB receptors in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36635629/
A review of why the cannabinoids are worth trying for psoriasis & other autoimmune skin disorders (a nice chart of CBD’s many effects)
Phytocannabinoids in the Pharmacotherapy of Psoriasis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36770858/
On the possibility of using CBD for sickle cell anemia
Is CBD ready for prime time in sickle cell disease?
https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/141/2/132/494014/Is-CBD-ready-for-prime-time-in-sickle-cell-disease
A review of 40 studies on cannabis & sleep found exactly what you'd expect: mixed results
Cannabis and sleep disorders: not ready for prime time? A qualitative scoping review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36692176/
As you can see in my How-to guide, cannabinoids affect everybody's sleep differently. To know whether it will help you, the only thing you can do is give it a try.
Plus, here’s a clinical trial on the effects on sleep from various formulations of CBD, CBN, CBC & melatonin
The safety and relative effectiveness of non-psychoactive cannabinoid formulations for the improvement of sleep: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2023/01/23/2023.01.20.23284842.full.pdf
A solid review on the biochemical & biological basics of the endocannabinoid system (nice charts)
Endocannabinoid System: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/2/148
Preclinical
In a mouse model of fetal alcohol syndrome, CBD helped with their emotional & cognitive disturbances
Cannabidiol repairs behavioral and brain disturbances in a model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36642113/
In a rat model of depression, CBD modulates changes in the prefrontal cortex to the microRNAs (cellular control machinery of protein production) & that this help for depression is mediated by a serotonin receptor
Cannabidiol Modulates Alterations in PFC microRNAs in a Rat Model of Depression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36768376/
On skin, CBD & CBG kill harmful microbials while sparing the skin’s microbiome
Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Exert Antimicrobial Activity without Compromising Skin Microbiota
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36768709/
And in skin stem cells, a look at the pathways CBD uses to enhance the skin barrier & reduce oxidative stress
Cannabidiol mediates epidermal terminal differentiation and redox homeostasis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36725458/
On how CBD regulates the calcium channels that underlie the mechanism of pain
Differential regulation of Cav 3.2 and Cav 2.2 calcium channels by CB1 receptors and cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36647671/
I mostly want to highlight this paper because if you don't know about Sonic Hedgehog signaling, you should know about Sonic hedgehog signaling
The endocannabinoid system's involvement in motor development relies on cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36636759/
One of the hardest problems in biology is how organisms develop from single cell fertilized eggs into the complexity of something like a mammal or a fish. And any student who's had developmental biology remembers that there is a signaling pathway called Sonic Hedgehog. genes & pathways often get their name from what the organism looks like when it gets screwed up. So if you disable Sonic Hedgehog, you get something that looks like a hedgehog (not a good thing).
We've known for quite awhile that the endocannabinoid system is intimately involved in the processes of development. Now this paper shows that it does so partially via our friend Sonic Hedgehog.
Magnolia seeds contain compounds that bind to the cannabinoid receptors
In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Neolignans from Magnolia grandiflora L. Seeds against Human Cannabinoids and Opioid Receptors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36770918/
Another medicinal plant whose effects might just be mediated by the endocannabinoid system.
An evergreen note on reading restricted paper:
First stop for seeing if there’s a free version of a paper, use the Google Scholar Chrome extension (Mac version), Google Scholar itself or try ResearchGate.
3 other helpful browser extensions are: Unpaywall, Open Access Button & PaperPanda
For the infamous backdoor, use Sci-Hub – the pirated papers repository (Chrome extension here). This works better for older paper than the stuff that just came out.
For Twitter users, send a Tweet of the paper’s title with the hashtag #icanhazpdf. It works because people are beautiful(ish).
Finally, email the author. They’re almost always happy to oblige because, thanks to the predatory academic publishing system, they don’t make a dollar off of their papers.
the Headlines & Fav Articles
A Senate committee approves a cannabis research bill for the PTSD & pain of military vets. And sadly, this is the first time ever that a standalone cannabis bill passed a Senate panel
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-senate-committee-approves-bipartisan-marijuana-research-bill-focused-on-military-veterans-with-ptsd-and-pain
California pushing forward on the interstate commerce of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/interstate-cannabis-commerce-on-the-horizon-thanks-to-california
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-02-13/california-pot-laws-in-2023-may-allow-interstate-commerce
The DEA declared that it considers delta-8 THCO & delta-9 THCO (two rare cannabinoids used for psychoactive purposes sometimes called the acetates) to be illegal controlled substances even when synthesized from legal hemp plants
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-classifies-novel-cannabinoids-delta-8-and-9-thco-as-controlled-substances-even-when-synthesized-from-legal-hemp
And comments from the lawyer Rod Knight who pushed the DEA to declare their official position
https://cannabusiness.law/thco-is-a-schedule-1-controlled-substance-says-dea
Yes, Twitter took the step of allowing brands to talk about CBD, THC & cannabis – but despite all the cheering, they’re still not allowing anyone to run ads for cannabis-related products
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/twitters-new-marijuana-advertising-policy-still-doesnt-allow-ads-for-marijuana-product-sales
This much-touted announcement basically just legitimizes the status quo of brands being able to talk about cannabis on Twitter – but not treat it like another product that they can sell.
A public health analysis of states with legalized cannabis finds a 10% increase in motor vehicle deaths, no change in suicides & an 11% reduction in opioid overdose deaths
The impact of recreational cannabis markets on motor vehicle accident, suicide, and opioid overdose fatalities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36764087/
That all sounds about right to me.
A federal judge struck down a ban on gun possession by cannabis users
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-court-strikes-down-gun-ban-for-people-who-use-marijuana-calling-governments-justification-concerning
Oh man. Colorado rolls out the first cannabis vending machine
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/colorado-governor-promotes-states-first-ever-marijuana-vending-machine
‘Has GW Pharmaceuticals – Now Jazz Pharmaceuticals – Knee-Capped The CBD Industry?’ by Peter McCusker
https://www.cannabisbusinessexecutive.com/2023/02/has-gw-pharmaceuticals-now-jazz-pharmaceuticals-knee-capped-the-cbd-industry
New York’s influx of counterfeit cannabis
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-02-06/fake-vapes-counterfeit-cannabis-products-threaten-new-york-legal-weed
A roundup of the social consumption situation across North America
https://ericcasey.substack.com/p/issue-32-social-consumption-round
In May, Amsterdam’s red light district will ban cannabis use on the street & tighten the availability of alcohol to improve liveability for the residents
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64591394
As someone who visited this weekend, I can report that the use of cannabis on the street was noticeable but not overwhelming.
But I might have a different opinion if I lived there.
Norway hosts first ever meeting on considering the idea of medical cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/norway-hosts-first-public-meeting-on-medical-cannabis-amid-early-first-steps-towards-potential-reform
The Land of the Vikings may be more scared of ye olde cannabis plant than any other country in Europe.
The trans/weed/12 steps joke of the week:
https://twitter.com/eschadiol/status/1619384651860291586
Hattip to Kat Villaverde.
And to help solve it, hrt = hormone replacement therapy
The War on Drugs & Prohibition
In an excellent statement from the head of NIDA, Dr. Nora Volkow, “Pregnant people with substance use disorders need treatment, not criminalization”
https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/08/addiction-pregnancy-treatment-not-criminalization
Dr. Volkow has been a refreshing breath of humanity at the federal agency charged with studying drug addiction. Also, as we will forever note, she is the granddaughter of Trotsky.
A paper on the limits of social justice & equity provisions in cannabis laws
Bounded Equity: The Limits of Economic Models of Social Justice in Cannabis Legislation”
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00914509221147133
Unfortunately, this one is behind a paywall but I will e-mail the author.
Drug decriminalization endorsed by the historically prohibitionistic American Society of Addiction Medicine
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/top-addiction-doctors-group-backs-drug-decriminalization-and-expungements-in-another-departure-from-prohibitionist-roots
They referenced the "structural racism and stigma that are entrenched in U.S. drug policy."
Early release for Luke Scarmazzo who had a 21 year sentence for running a state-legal medical cannabis dispensary
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-judge-releases-man-who-served-14-years-over-california-medical-marijuana-dispensary-in-light-of-evolving-policy-landscape
On legalizing cocaine to save the Amazon
https://www.talkingdrugs.org/legalise-cocaine-to-save-the-amazon
In Nigeria, a man given 18 months of hard labor for cannabis possession
https://wakeandbakedaily.com/nigeria-man-jailed-18-month-with-hard-labour-over-possession-of-cannabis
In Paris, right wing protests temporarily closed a harm-reduction drug consumption room
https://www.talkingdrugs.org/right-wing-protest-%E2%80%9Ccloses%E2%80%9D-parisian-drug-consumption-room
Look at these bunch of shitheads. France is as infested with fascist cockroaches as the US.
Hong Kong makes its first CBD arrest
https://cannabislaw.report/hong-kong-makes-first-cbd-arrest-based-on-danish-parcel
China is training drug-sniffing squirrels
https://cannabislaw.report/chinese-police-enlist-drug-sniffing-squirrels
A new podcast on the War on Drugs by Americans for Prosperity begins with two excellent guests: Johan Hari & Erik Sterling
https://americansforprosperity.org/lessons-from-the-war-on-drugs
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
The always excellent Don Latin interviews a Christian pastor on the mystical use of psychedelics
https://www.lucid.news/psychedelics-mystics-path-to-mystery
And an article on the rise of psychedelic churches in the US
https://apnews.com/article/psychedelic-churches-ayahuasca-5101fe47fe9a6e28de686272ed96ff46
On military veterans using psychedelic therapy
https://www.lucid.news/vets-psychedelic-therapy-research-outside-clinic
A thread on the shadow side of psychedelic history from conversion therapy to Wasson to OneTaste
https://twitter.com/FatherMcKennaa/status/1625673087017684994
‘Living with Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)’ – a disorder where the psychedelic experience does not end
https://ecstaticintegration.substack.com/p/living-with-hallucinogen-persisting
On psychedelics & dreams by Kat Lubiano
https://tripsitter.com/psychedelics/dreams
On mescaline as the understudied psychedelic for mental health by Katie McBride
https://www.inverse.com/health/mescaline-psychedelic-mental-health
Amongst psychonauts, mescaline is often seen as the most enjoyable & welcoming of the classic psychedelics. It’s less likely to send you into the tailspins possible from LSD, psilocybin or DMT.
For the best visual depiction, see Homer Simpson’s experience with his chili-induced hallucination & the Space Coyote.
On the pharmacology of the ‘mad honey of Nepal’ & its effects on sodium channels by Andrew Gallimore
https://alieninsect.substack.com/p/the-pharmacology-of-mad-honey-aka
He’s just one of my favorite science communicators.
And here’s his piece on kambo: the warrior frog medicine of the Amazon
https://alieninsect.substack.com/p/kambo-the-complex-pharmacology-of
I’ve done this once & it’s one of the most intense yet rewarding experiences of my life.
A nice review of iboga by Julia Blum
https://juliablum.substack.com/p/iboga-the-godfather-of-all-plant
A chart of the current psychedelic industry
https://twitter.com/DillanDiNardo/status/1625892762494042112
Psychedelic science
[This isn’t a deep dive into all of the science of psychedelics like I do for the cannabinoids. If a newsletter with all the new psychedelic science would be of interest to your org, reach out to me]
No association found between lifetime psychedelic use & being absent from work
Recruitment discrimination of lifetime classic psychedelic users is unjustified: Evidence from employees' motivation-based workplace absenteeism
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/6/3/article-p203.xml
I find these results to be slightly disappointing.
#takethedayoffandeatsomemushrooms
#saysthepapawhoalmostnevertakesadayofftoeatmushrooms
A review of 33 papers on the toxicity of the classic psychedelics & related psychoactives
Hofmann vs. Paracelsus: Do Psychedelics Defy the Basics of Toxicology?—A Systematic Review of the Main Ergolamines, Simple Tryptamines, and Phenylethylamines
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/2/148
“Despite having different molecular structures and different mechanisms of action, psychedelics are effective at very low doses, are not addictive, and are harmful at extremely high doses. For LSD and psilocybin, no dose has been established above which the lives of users are endangered. In contrast, MDMA appears to be the most dangerous substance, although reports are biased by recreational missuses. It seems that it is not only the dose that makes the poison. In the case of psychedelics, the set and setting make the poison.”
The play in the title is based on the classic maxim of our alchemical hero Paracelsus: Sola dosis facit venenum – “The dose makes the poison”
In 24 healthy volunteers, a millidose of LSD (50 μg) changed their language production in a variety of ways
LSD and language: Decreased structural connectivity, increased semantic similarity, changed vocabulary in healthy individuals
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669231/
“LSD, compared to placebo, changed language structure, including decreased verbosity, lexicon, global and local connectivity (+1.5 h to +4 h); decreased semantic distances between neighbouring words and overall words (+2 h to +24 h); and changed vocabulary related to grammar, persons, time, space and biological processes (+1.5 h to +24 h). In conclusion, low to moderate LSD doses changed language over diverse production types, components and time points. While simpler and disconnected structure and semantic similarity might reflect cognitive impairments, changed vocabulary might reflect subjective perceptions.”
A COMPASS study finds that 25 mg of their psilocybin improved treatment-resistant depression in 233 participants
Single-dose psilocybin for a treatment-resistant episode of major depression: Impact on patient-reported depression severity, anxiety, function, and quality of life
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36740140/
Psychedelic science cartoon of the week:
https://twitter.com/PaulNoth/status/1624455657637175296
Business & Law
An excellent interview with Hirsch Jain of Ananda Strategy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/22fvGURkDeqSmQwpkwCxpM
On the company name, #swoon.
Also, the interviewer Dai Troung runs one of the most helpful newsletters I know, Highly Objective. Give it a follow.
Lies from RAW coming to light: heavy metals in their rolling papers & making up a nonexistent nonprofit to pretend to fund
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/republic-brands-obtains-injunction-federal-court-orders-hbi-international-to-change-its-raw-organic-hemp-rolling-paper-packaging-and-promotions-301743075.html
On the many scandals of Curaleaf by Project CBD’s Bill Weinberg
https://www.projectcbd.org/curaleaf-controversies
MedMen warns of possibly going broke
https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-mso-medmen-warns-about-cash-situation-ability-to-stay-afloat
The Plant & the History
In this striking study of water use in Northern California, if the illegal farms were brought into compliance & stopped diverting water from streams in the dry season, it would reduce dry season water extraction by 50%
Water demands of permitted and unpermitted cannabis cultivation in Northern California
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7620/acb6d5/pdf
In a study of the factors affecting cannabis growth, the main driver of cannabinoid content seems to be the genetics of the plant & not the harvest date or weather factors
Influence of Cultivar, Harvest Date, and Selected Weather Conditions on the Essential Oils Content in Inflorescences of Hemp Cannabis sativa L
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2022.2163332
A growers look at how a deficit of different elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) reduces vegetative growth & yield, with only the low levels of iron & manganese having no effect
Foliar Symptomology, Nutrient Content, Yield, and Secondary Metabolite Variability of Cannabis Grown Hydroponically with Different Single-Element Nutrient Deficiencies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36771506/
On using all the potentials tools to predict the yield from cannabis plants
Leveraging morphometric, biochemical, and spectral data to predict yields of high-cannabinoid hemp
https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.167365591.14894504
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In a comparison of indoor & outdoor growing, the indoor plants had more degraded & oxidized cannabinoids while the outdoor plants had significantly more unusual cannabinoids as well as a higher level of the sesquiterpenes like β-caryophyllene
Comparison of the Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles in Commercial Cannabis from Natural and Artificial Cultivation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36677891/
In clonal cannabis cuttings, light spectra has little effect on their rooting & vegetative growth
Light Spectra Have Minimal Effects on Rooting and Vegetative Growth Responses of Clonal Cannabis Cuttings
https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/58/2/article-p215.xml
In Georgia, the effects of planting date on yield & cannabinoid content
Role of Planting Date on Yield and Cannabinoid Content of Day-neutral and Photoperiod-sensitive Hemp in Georgia, USA
https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/33/1/article-p138.xml
A study on how many cannabinoids are found in the leaves of cannabis
Leaves of Cannabis sativa and their trichomes studied by DESI and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging for their contents of cannabinoids and flavonoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36654257/
A review of the various analytical forensic techniques you can use on cannabis
Analytical strategies for herbal Cannabis samples in forensic applications: A comprehensive review
https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wfs2.1479
In Alabama, the first reports of the parasitic roundworm Meloidogyne incognita infecting cannabis plants
First report of Meloidogyne incognita infecting Cannabis sativa in Alabama
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33959722/
Hemp as a food
A review of what makes hempseeds such a good functional food
In Vitro Digestibility, Biological Activity, and Physicochemical Characterization of Proteins Extracted from Conventionally and Organically Cultivated Hempseed ( Cannabis sativa L.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36770583/
And another review with an analysis of the secondary metabolites
Hemp seed-based food products as functional foods: A comprehensive characterization of secondary metabolites using liquid and gas chromatography methods
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S088915752300025X
Hempseed peptides helped mice to swim longer
High Fischer ratio peptide of hemp seed: Preparation and anti-fatigue evaluation in vivo and in vitro
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996923000790
Industrial Uses
On water-retting cannabis for breaking it down into fiber
Preparation, Extraction, and Processing of Water Retted Cannabis Sativa L. Fibers
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2023.2166647?needAccess=true&role=button
Even though the use of cannabis for rope was so widespread, it was always a very difficult task to break it down. One of those common methods in human history was leaving hemp out in the field or in running water for a few months to make it easier to break the hard outer stalk & utilize the inner fibers to make your ropes, nets & hangman's nooses.
(hence the phrase, ‘give ‘em a hemp necklace’)
An experiment to use hemp to clean up soil contaminated with copper & polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the dreaded PAHs)
Phytoremediation of PAH- and Cu-Contaminated Soil by Cannabis sativa L.: Preliminary Experiments on a Laboratory Scale
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/1852
Using the leftover hemp shives (woody inner portion of stalk) to create a material that absorbs carbon
The Preparation of a Carbonaceous Adsorbent via Batch Pyrolysis of Waste Hemp Shives
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/3/1202
Animal Feed & Bedding
For your animal bedding, which type of hemp to use?
Physical Characterization of Ten Hemp Varieties to Use as Animal Bedding Material
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36670823/
In goats, adding hempseed cake to their feed improved their fatty acid profile, flavor & protein shelf-stability
Health value and keeping quality of chevon from goats fed finisher diets containing hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed cake
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36682284/
It looks like that you can grow hemp on land contaminated with heavy metals if you’re feeding it to animals used for textile production
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) field cultivation in a phytoattenuation strategy and valorization potential of the fibers for textile production
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36637648/
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A review of THC vs CBD
THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36638804/
CBD is one of the only molecules that activate your TRPV2 channels (electrical channels essential to cardiac & immune cells) & this study finds that it also enhances the binding power of the drug 2-ABP that also activates them
Cannabidiol sensitizes TRPV2 channels to activation by 2-APB
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36747846/
How the roots of cannabis have anti-inflammatory effects
Chemical constituents of industrial hemp roots and their anti-inflammatory activities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36642726/
The use of cannabis roots goes far back in human history, especially in Chinese medicine. This is one more area where those ancients were more advanced than us moderns.
I wanted to highlight this review of the flavonoid luteolin because it is so often paired with PEA (as in the study below)
Luteolin: A flavone with myriads of bioactivities and food applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429223000172
Clinical Studies & Surveys
In patients with Long COVID & smell dysfunctions, using PEA & the flavonoid luteolin enhanced the efficacy of olfactory training
Targeting Neuroinflammation to Alleviate Chronic Olfactory Dysfunction in Long COVID: A Role for Investigating Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT)?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36676175/
A study of public health data found no association between the legalization of medical cannabis & the expenditure on prescription drugs by health insurance companies
Does the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use impact private health insurer prescription drug expenditures?
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41288-022-00284-4
A review of all the methods & findings for detecting cannabinoid levels in biological specimens
Analysis of Cannabinoids in Biological Specimens: An Update
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36767678/
Ingestion, Bioavailability & Biochemical Effects
In a mouse drug discrimination study (where they test how well they can differentiate between drugs), their findings are that CBD lacks abuse potential & that it doesn't appear to modulate the endocannabinoid system (?)
Investigation of Cannabidiol in the Mouse Drug Discrimination Paradigm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36656312/
This study appears a bit screwy.
In this study of bioavailability, CBD in MCT oil or MCT/LCT oil had better absorption
Digestion behavior, in vitro and in vivo bioavailability of cannabidiol in emulsions stabilized by whey protein-maltodextrin conjugate: Impact of carrier oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36708645/
Tolerance to the effects of cannabinoids do not seem to be mediated by b-arrestin (a key signaling protein)
Cannabinoid tolerance in S426A/S430A x beta-arrestin 2 knock-out double mutant mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669876/
Using quantum & chemical studies to model how psychoactive 50 different cannabinoids would be
A PLS study on the psychotropic activity for a series of cannabinoid compounds
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36656418/
Mental Health & Addiction
A review of 10 studies finds that nabiximols (1:1 THC:CBD sprays) do not seem to harm cognition
The effect of tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol oromucosal spray on cognition: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36700997/
In US adolescents, the use of cannabis linked to increased suicidality
US trends in the association of suicide ideation/behaviors with marijuana use among adolescents ages 12-17 and differences by gender and race/ethnicity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36684023/
In a 10 year follow-up study of those with first episode psychosis, the use of cannabis was associated with more severe negative symptoms
The trajectory of two negative symptom dimensions in first-episode psychosis and the role of cannabis use: A 10-year follow-up study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36706477/
On the potential genetic underpinnings to cannabis associated psychosis
Genetic substrates of cannabis-associated psychosis
https://www.aesed.com/upload/files/v47n4_5-quattrone-en.pdf
In humans with psychosis, those using cannabis had lower levels of anandamide in their blood
Cannabis use is associated with low plasma endocannabinoid Anandamide in individuals with psychosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36633290/
In a genetic study, no link found between a certain variant of the CB1 receptor & suicidality
Lack of association between rs1049353 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene and suicide attempt frequency in Polish population
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36645680/
In a mouse model of cocaine addiction, activating the CB2 receptor lowered their reward seeking behavior, possibly via the lowering of inflammation & modulation by the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist attenuates cocaine-induced reinstatement of place preference in mice: Possible role for microglia immunometabolism
https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-2483808/v1/5ee73eb6-8bd3-482d-b29e-9df5a258a4c6.pdf?c=1674254117
In rats, oral THC & CBD caused decreased mental accuracy & impaired attention
Effects of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol combinations on a sustained attention task in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36634015/
In this rat model of schizophrenia, exposure to THC in the womb as well as during adolescence did not trigger or aggravate symptoms of schizophrenia
LACK OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PRENATAL IMMUNE ACTIVATION AND Δ9 -TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL EXPOSURE DURING ADOLESCENCE IN BEHAVIOURS RELEVANT TO SYMPTOM DIMENSIONS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN RATS
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.20.524884v1.full.pdf
In adolescent mice vaping cannabis, they had gender differences in how it altered their behavioral flexibility as well as changes to the functions of the prefrontal cortex
Sex differences in adolescent cannabis vapor self-administration mediate enduring effects on behavioral flexibility and prefrontal microglia activation in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36711651/
In a tissue study, the neurons & astrocytes (key brain support cells) reacted in different ways to activation of the CB1 receptor in regards to their goal directed behavior & working memory
Neuronal and astrocytic CB1R signaling differentially modulates goal-directed behavior and working memory by distinct temporal mechanisms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36694040/
The Brain & its Diseases
A huge multi-center study on the efficacy of using CBD for epilepsy
Real-world data on cannabidiol treatment of various epilepsy subtypes: A retrospective, multicenter study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36693811/
“Our study highlights that CBD has an antiseizure effect comparable to other antiseizure medications with a positive safety profile independent of the epilepsy subtype. Comedication with clobazam was not associated with a better outcome. Higher doses to achieve seizure frequency reduction were safe, particularly in children.”
And a review of using CBD for a rare childhood epilepsy
EFFECT OF THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL ON THE TREATMENT OF LENNOX-GASTAUT SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
https://periodicos.ufsm.br/revistasaude/article/view/68765
And a survey of how people with treatment resistant epilepsy are using cannabis & not finding it harmful in relation to their seizure related symptoms
Cannabis use patterns in drug-resistant and pharmacoresponsive epilepsy: Single tertiary referral center survey investigation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36706124/
And in a mouse model of seizures, both CBD alone & in conjunction with THC were useful treatments
The effects of cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, alone and in combination, in the maximal electroshock seizure model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36646020/