Cannabinoids & the People #121: cannabis for fibro, cancer & chronic pain + negatives for fertility

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 121^st 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.

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On the new Cannabis & Health Research Initiative for integrating cannabis into healthcare
The Cannabis and Health Research Initiative
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03288-w
And oh yes, you better believe I pitched them with my services. Let me newsletter, science archive, video edu & podcast for you!

In an observational study of people beginning medical cannabis, after one year they had significant reductions in pain scores, less interference of pain on daily function & improvements to sleep & mental health (depression, anxiety, stress)
Changes in Pain and Mental Health Symptoms Associated with Prescribed Medicinal Cannabis Use: A One-Year Longitudinal Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15360288.2024.2414898
And in an economic analysis of treating chronic pain, because cannabinoid based medicines had similar efficacy to other treatments but were less expensive, they were found to be “significantly more cost-effective”
An early economic analysis of medical cannabis for the treatment of chronic pain
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14737167.2024.2412248

In people with fibromyalgia, analysis of different cannabis products found improvements in anxiety, sleep, fibromyalgia symptom severity & quality of life with no differences across the formulations
Comparison of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Product Formulations for Fibromyalgia: A Cohort Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15360288.2024.2414073

For improving sleep, a company-sponsored analysis found their oral CBN products (at 25 to 100 mg) to be as effective as melatonin, with the 100 milligrams of CBN also causing a significant decrease in stress
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Melatonin and Three Formulations of Floraworks Proprietary TruCBN™ for Improving Sleep
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204082/

In people being treated with CBD for their drug-resistant focal epilepsy, they also experienced improvements to their psychiatric comorbidities, depression & anxiety
Psychiatric comorbidities before and after cannabidiol treatment in adult patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525505024004141
And in a rat model of seizures, vaporized CBD & oral THC reduced their seizure-induced increases in anxiety & fear responses, probably via serotonin receptors
Phytocannabinoids restore seizure-induced alterations in emotional behaviour in male rats
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-024-02005-y

In humans smoking cannabis, an analysis of their THC exposure via their blood concentrations
Dose Estimation Utility in a Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Inhaled Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Cannabis Market Products in Occasional and Daily Users
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39235358/

In public health data, cannabis use in early pregnancy not associated with childhood autism
Maternal Prenatal Cannabis Use and Child Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825075

To mimic the benefits of fasting in healthy young adults, a mixture of PEA, spermidine, nicotinamide & oleoylethanolamide (the anti-hunger endocannabinoid found in the PlusCBD ReShape products)
Absorption, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Cardioprotective Impacts of a Novel Fasting Mimetic Containing Spermidine, Nicotinamide, Palmitoylethanolamide, and Oleoylethanolamide: A Pilot Dose-Escalation Study in Healthy Young Adult Men
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531724001416

In six cases of dogs with accidental THC ingestion, they were primarily treated with transmucosal CBD & their clinical signs resolved with 45 minutes
Case Report: Treatment of non-medical tetrahydrocannabinol toxicosis with transmucosal cannabidiol-infused dissolving sheets in six dogs
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1448123/abstract

(for reproductive harms, there’s so many this week that they’re all grouped together below in the ‘Reproduction & Hormones’ section)

For developing psychosis, a review of the role of cannabis
The Role of Cannabis in the Development of Psychosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39224996/

In public health data, more respiratory symptoms were found in people smoking cannabis or cigarettes but not for people vaping nicotine or cannabis
Assessing the Association between Respiratory Symptoms, Nicotine and Cannabis Use via Traditional and E-product Devices in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773065424001093

For cancer risk, a review with suggestive evidence of the link between cannabis use & testicular cancer
Cancer risk and legalisation of access to cannabis in the USA: overview of the evidence
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(24)00223-8/fulltext
“The cancer type most closely linked to cannabis use is non-seminoma testicular cancer. However, evidence is emerging of an increased risk of other types of cancer (eg, lung squamous cell carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and oral, breast, liver, cervical, laryngeal, pancreatic, thyroid, and childhood cancer).”
There’s been some quite solid public health data out of Europe confirming the small but real link between cannabis use & cancer, most especially testicular.
(so when I found a lump earlier this year, whew, you can know that I got the fears. But it turned out to be nothing)

For prenatal cannabis exposure, a review of the alterations to neurodevelopment
Implications of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Childhood Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Summary of the Clinical Evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39437378/
“Limited data have shown associations between intrauterine cannabis exposure and (1) increased startles and difficulty with consolation in the neonatal period, (2) memory challenges, verbal reasoning challenges, and diminished academic performance during early childhood, and (3) inattention, hyperactivity, and aggression during early childhood.”

In youth exposed to cannabis prenatally, public health data of brain scans found an association with psychotic-like experiences & blunted neural response to reward anticipation (a predictor of psychosis symptomatology)
Altered neurobehavioral reward response predicts psychotic-like experiences in youth exposed to cannabis prenatally
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39228696/

In genetic studies, a genetic prediction for cannabis use disorder was associated with an increased risk of stroke, migraines with aura & Alzheimer's disease, with a possible involvement of the brain-gut axis
Cannabis use disorder increases risk of large-artery atherosclerotic stroke and migraine with aura through mendelian randomization study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74754-1

In France, an analysis of the negatives of cannabis from their medical cannabis experiment
The contribution of addictovigilance data to the French medical cannabis experimentation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040595724001768

In people having carpal tunnel release surgery, those with a cannabis-related disorder had greater rates of post-operative opioid prescriptions & emergency department visits
Cannabis-Related Disorders Are Associated with Increased Early Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions and Delayed Emergency Department Visits Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15589447241284788

A case report of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958824001289

In oncology, a review of the anti-tumor effects & patient benefits of cannabis (sexy cancer charts)
The Efficacy of Cannabis in Oncology Patient Care and Its Anti-Tumor Effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199679/
And a review of using cannabis for the pain of cancer
Harnessing Cannabis: Pain Management Strategies for Oncology Patients – A Narrative Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385175457_Harnessing_Cannabis_Pain_Management_Strategies_for_Oncology_Patients_-_A_Narrative_Review

In Alzheimer's disease, a review of 22 studies on how CBD disrupts the formation of the Aβ plaques, reduced the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, prevented the formation of reactive oxygen species, inhibited oxidation of lipids & protected the neurons from apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
A systematic study of molecular targets of cannabidiol in Alzheimer’s disease
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/25424823241284464

For psoriasis, a review of treating with CBD oil
Exploring the Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil as an Adjunct Therapy for Psoriasis: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Regulatory Challenges
https://www.cmjpublishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/exploring-the-potential-of-cannabidiol-cbd-oil-as-an-adjunct-therapy-for-psoriasis-efficacy-mechanisms-and-regulatory-challenges.pdf

A review of the benefits of PEA
Palmitoylethanolamide, an endogenous fatty acid amide, and its pleiotropic health benefits: A narrative review
http://www.jbr-pub.org.cn/en/article/pdf/preview/10.7555/JBR.38.20240053.pdf
Or read my article from last year on ProjectCBD: PEA: Anti-Inflammatory Superstar

For organ fibrosis (scarring), a review on targeting the CB2 receptors (with two great charts!)
Therapeutic potential of agents targeting cannabinoid type 2 receptors in organ fibrosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39425446/

For brain development, a review of the endocannabinoid systems involvement from embryogenesis to adolescence (nice charts)
Cannabis, Endocannabinoids and Brain Development: From Embryogenesis to Adolescence
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202410.1488/v1

For stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (protein processing center of the cell), a review paper on utilizing the endocannabinoid system
Exploring Endocannabinoid System: Unveiling New Roles in Modulating ER Stress
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1284

In a mouse safety study of vaping CBD & propylene glycol, there were no negative effects until the highest doses were used (well over the typical levels found in over-the-counter vape products)
Biological Response after 14-Day Cannabidiol and Propylene Glycol Inhalation in Sprague–Dawley Rats
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2023.0132

In a mouse model of fever, CBD suppressed fever & pro-inflammatory cytokine levels via the HPA axis & inflammatory reflex
Cannabidiol exerts antipyretic effects by downmodulating inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced fever
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027858462400246X

In a mouse model of depression, cannabis extract improved depressive behaviors & reduced systemic inflammation probably via the mast cells (immunoregulatory cells)
Antidepressant-like Effects of Cannabis sativa L. Extract in an Lipopolysaccharide Model: Modulation of Mast Cell Activation in Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes and Dura Mater
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/10/1409

In the offspring of mice with maternal obesity, CBD helped to lessen the associated neuroinflammation, anxiety, social disturbances & endocannabinoid signaling
Cannabidiol partially rescues behavioral, neuroinflammatory and endocannabinoid dysfunctions stemming from maternal obesity in the adult offspring
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390824003654

In a mouse model of opioid tolerance, PEA delayed the formation of tolerance & potentiated its painkilling effects via downregulation of VEGF-A & sFLT-1
New insights in the mechanisms of opioid analgesia and tolerance: Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide down-modulates vascular endothelial growth factor-A in the nervous system
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661824004171

In a mouse model of alcohol use disorder, oleoylethanolamide (the “anti-hunger” endocannabinoid) reduced alcohol self-administration, addiction cue behaviors & the number of sessions needed for the extinction of alcohol seeking
Region-Specific Gene Expression Changes Associated with Oleoylethanolamide-Induced Attenuation of Alcohol Self-Administration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39201687/

In a tissue & mouse model of asthma, CBD extracts inhibited inflammation & down regulated proinflammatory & pro-asthmatic cytokines as well as modulating immune cell behavior
High-CBD Extract (CBD-X) in Asthma Management: Reducing Th2-Driven Cytokine Secretion and Neutrophil/Eosinophil Activity
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/10/1382

In skin stem cells, CBD enhanced their antioxidant properties to protect from UVB radiation
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Cannabigerol in Modulating the Phospholipid Metabolism of Keratinocytes
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1285

For candida, the antifungal effects of CBD
Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis plant derivative, against Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjm-2024-0034
As someone with a wife & firstborn child with an annoying candida infection in their mouth right now, I'm glad to be sharing this research.

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

For trans people who want to develop their breasts, an argument for using cannabinoids to induce gynecomastia (the process of male breast tissue development due to hormone imbalance)
Th e escamotages to maintain glamour and turgidity e escamotages to maintain glamour and turgidity in breast of MtF transexual individuals by the aids of n breast of MtF transexual individuals by the aids of cannabinoids and unripe tomatoes annabinoids and unripe tomatoes
http://www.odermatol.com/odermatology/2024e/E565.escamotages-MartiniL.pdf
This one seems like a stretch, but it’s too fascinating not to share.

In a diary study of relationships, while the light use of cannabis had no effect on relationship satisfaction, heavy users & those who co-used alcohol & cannabis had reductions in their next-day relationship satisfaction
Dyadic cannabis use, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction: A daily diary study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624013917
Surprisingly, alcohol-only use was significantly associated with increased next-day satisfaction.

In Colorado commercial cannabis, the levels of heavy metal contamination
Levels and Distribution of Health-Relevant Heavy Metals in Commercially Grown Cannabis in Colorado
https://www.astm.org/jte20240073.html

An analysis of 500k US cannabis product listings & their flavors
Cannabis-Derived Product Types, Flavors, and Compound Types From an E-Commerce Website
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825141
And in San Diego, what derived cannabinoid products can be bought from vape shops
Derived cannabinoid product availability among online vape shops
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524003255

In cannabis stems & roots (which were quite widely used in world history), a computer analysis of the pathways most likely to be activated by their components
A Study of the Predictive Effectiveness of Stem and Root Extracts of Cannabissativa L. Through Network Pharmacological Analysis
https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO202410280869448.pdf

In steers, characterizing their endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system in bovine tissues: characterization of transcript abundance in the growing Holstein steer
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12917-024-04319-x

My election take:
Well, this election cycle was about as bad as it can get for cannabis:
Florida voted no for legal cannabis. As did North & South Dakota.
Trump considers cannabis to be a state’s rights issue & so probably no federal changes will occur such as tax relief from the dreaded 280E. And rescheduling probably won’t move forward, not that it ever mattered much anyway (In fact, a DEA judge just delayed the rescheduling hearing until early next year).
The only good news is that Nebraska voted yes for medical. So thanks to all the hardworking activists who made that happen & allowed the people of the Cornhusker state to get their medicine.

Allegations against Curaleaf of sexual harassment by former Senior Vice President Khadijah Tribble
https://www.greenmarketreport.com/former-curaleaf-svp-alleges-sexual-harassment-death-threat-racist-comments
“Tribble’s lengthy list of grievances includes:
- Learning that she was making “significantly less” than “white male peers” at the company.
- Enduring sexual harassment from another company vice president while in the presence of her own subordinates.
- Hearing Executive Chairman Boris Jordan use “racist” language to describe those with criminal cannabis convictions and immigrants.
- Receiving a death threat from a vendor, which led directly to serious mental health issues for Tribble.
- Retaliation by Curaleaf executives against her for reporting the above problems to human resources or other company leaders”

According to NORML, FBI cannabis-related arrest made up 40% of all drug arrests in a dozen states in 2023
https://norml.org/blog/2024/10/21/fbi-marijuana-related-arrests-comprised-over-40-percent-of-all-drug-arrests-in-more-than-a-dozen-states-in-2023/

A record number of banks now working with cannabis businesses according to new data from the federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/a-record-number-of-banks-are-working-with-marijuana-businesses-as-rescheduling-looms-new-federal-data-shows

In Florida, the large MSOs have largely stopped producing low-THC/high-CBD products for the medical market to focus on high-THC market for the legal market (which got voted down), leaving patients in need of their preferred medicine
https://link.greenmarketreport.com/view/6601cf128d1d2209bd877a5em6eej.7x6/d19c68e6

The workers most likely to be using cannabis are in food service, entertainment & construction according to a new federal report
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/which-workers-are-most-likely-to-use-marijuana-food-prep-creatives-and-construction-workers-cdc-study-finds
“Among those least likely to report marijuana use, meanwhile, were law enforcement, health care providers and workers in libraries and education.”

Nevada athletic officials to stop punishing boxers & MMA fighters over cannabis use
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nevada-officials-adopt-rule-to-stop-penalizing-boxers-and-mma-fighters-over-marijuana

An interview with the journalist Chris Faraone of Talking Joints Memo
https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/p/q-and-a-with-chris-faraone-unraveling

Ha! An economic analysis between Colorado & Utah found an increased household expenditure of $898 post-legalization
Evaluating the Economic Impact of Marijuana Legalization: A Difference-in-Differences and Regression Analysis of Household Expenditures in Colorado and Utah
https://www.ewadirect.com/proceedings/aemps/article/view/15883
The best money spent!
My wife would be miserable if I never spent money down by the river.

In Thailand, interviews with unlicensed medical cannabis providers
Views and practices on medical cannabis of unlicensed providers in Thailand: a qualitative study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39221024/
“Overall, six reasons were identified to answer why unlicensed/illicit providers were still popular, including: 1) easy accessibility; 2) familiarity with the unlicensed providers before the legal scheme became available; 3) favorable characters (kind, supportive, non-judgmental) of unlicensed providers; 4) affordable treatment fees; 5) trust in the quality of the medicines; and 6) lack of knowledge and negative attitudes towards cannabis from healthcare professionals. Most providers started their career as medical cannabis providers by using it themselves or with their relatives and being satisfied with the results. They used cannabis products to treat all diseases, including skin, eyes, HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases and all kinds of cancers.”

A German study finds high level of contamination in underground cannabis
https://www.eucannajobs.com/employment/study-finds-german-cannabis-contaminated-with-dangerous-pesticides-cocaine-feces-article-358.aspx
“Of over 253 samples tested, only 74 were deemed safe and clean. The remaining samples contained harmful contaminants, including human and animal feces, Covid-19, salmonella, influenza, and dangerous levels of illegal pesticides known to cause cancer and infertility, such as Pymetrozin, Paclobutrazol, Chlorfenapyr, Trifloxystrobin, and even hair spray.”

On the Indonesian island of Aceh, interviews on their perspectives on cannabis
Pandangan Masyarakat Aceh tentang Penggunaan Ganja
https://jurnalsyntaxadmiration.com/index.php/jurnal/article/view/1540

In New Zealand, an analysis of their medical cannabis scheme
Implementation of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand: six emerging trends
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39418607/

In Switzerland, an analysis of the social forces around the cannabis pilot trials
Social forces shaping evidence production: A study of the swiss cannabis pilot trials
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395924003074

In Belgium, an analysis of the CBD food products market
THE MARKET OF CBD FOOD PRODUCTS IN BELGIUM: INSIGHTS INTO PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND BEHAVIOUR
https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/003/211/192/RUG01-003211192_2024_0001_AC.pdf

Among first-time arrestees in 25 county jails, an analysis of their drug use
Who’s Using What? An Investigation of Drug Use Among First-Time Arrestees from 25 County Jails Across the United States in 2023
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4965463/v1/6d3bca93-0af4-45f8-90a1-77700ebe8c40.pdf
“Of the 43,553 UDS cases comprising the final sample (28.8% of total arrestees), 74.8% were positive for one or more drugs, and 25.2% of UDS cases were negative for all drugs. Positivity was 69.0% for cannabis, 54.8% for stimulants, 29.6% for opioids, and 12.4% for sedatives. Arrestees were positive for multiple drugs half the time, with combinations of cannabis, stimulants, and opioids most common”

Massachusetts voters rejected a proposal to legalize psychedelic plant medicines
https://www.wuft.org/2024-11-06/massachusetts-voters-reject-proposal-to-legalize-certain-psychedelic-drugs

Sexual abuse scandal with a head of the Santo Daime ayahuasca church, the psychologist & padrinho of the Céu do Mar temple in Rio de Janeiro, Paulo Roberto Souza e Silva
https://chacruna.net/santo-daime-paulo-roberto-faces-accusation-of-sexual-harassment/
And an open letter from Jonathan Goldman, a church leader in Ashland, Oregon
https://chacruna.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024_11_05_Jonathan-Goldman-Letter.pdf

Mattha Busby on the death of a client at a neoshaman iboga psychedelic retreat in Costa Rica
https://www.vice.com/en/article/iboga-death-soul-centro-psychedelic-retreat-costa
And Mattha Busby on psychedelic mushrooms getting stronger with new breeding techniques & genetic technologies
https://www.wired.com/story/breeding-stronger-magic-mushrooms/

The Synaptic Institute, a training program for psychedelic facilitators, shut down after a glut of graduates couldn’t find employment
https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/10/18/glut-of-shroom-guides-leads-to-hold-on-training

A history of cannabis in central India across the Holocene (the last ~12k years)
Understanding the presence of Cannabis across the Holocene in Central India
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950236524000306

A protocol for aging cannabis to study cannabinoid stability
Development of an accelerated ageing protocol for the study of phytocannabinoid stability in Cannabis sativa L
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39197204/
Just show it the election results.

An analysis of how different extraction techniques alter the cannabinoid & terpenoid content
Effect of Hemp Extraction Procedures on Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Composition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204658/
“Hydrodistilled extracts contained the most variety and abundance of terpenes with β-caryophyllene to be the most concentrated terpene (25-42 mg/g). Supercritical CO2 extracts displayed a minimal variety of terpenes, but the most variety and abundance of cannabinoids with CBD ranging from 12.8-20.6 mg/g. Ethanol extracts contained the most acidic cannabinoids with 3.2-4.1 mg/g of CBDA along with minor terpene levels.”

From Japan, a new species of leaf spot pathogen on hemp: Septoria cannabis
Septoria cannabicola, a new species on Cannabis sativa from Japan
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39234512/

In germinated hemp seeds, their metabolic & cannflavin profiles
Metabolic and cannflavin profiles of germinated hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502224001768

Using near-infrared & AI to analyze THC acid levels in cannabis flowers before harvest
Rapid In Situ Near-Infrared Assessment of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid in Cannabis Inflorescences before Harvest Using Machine Learning
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204779/

On a scalable regeneration tissue culture method for cannabis
Development of efficient and scalable regeneration tissue culture method for Cannabis sativa
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168945224003236

On mining of the cannabis genome
Research Progress in Genome Sequencing and Functional Gene Mining of Cannabis
https://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab/article/view/3948

In meat products, replacing animal fat & sodium nitrate with hemp seed oil improved the fatty acid composition & lipid quality nutritional index while maintaining other food parameters
Substitution of Animal Fat and Sodium Nitrite with Hemp Seed Oil: Effect on the Nutritional Value, Sensory Characteristics, and Shelf Life of Fermented Salami
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39200511/

In dairy products, using CBD to slow the growth of listeria bacteria
ANTILISTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CBD FOR THE PREVENTION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN DAIRY PRODUCTS
https://office2.jmbfs.org/index.php/JMBFS/article/view/10659

In grazing goats, hemp hay significantly increased milk production & changed the fatty acid profile
The Effects of Hemp Hay (Canapa sativa L.) in the Diets of Grazing Goats on Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199907/

In broiler chickens, feed supplementation with cannabis sativa has a “remarkable impact on the growth rate & development”
The effect of feed Supplementation with Cannabis sativa on the Growth rate and Development of Broiler Chicks
https://nijournals.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NIJRMS-5329-33-2024-Z.pdf

In rabbits, adding hempseed cake to their food caused no negative effects on their reproduction or health status
The Effects of Adding Hempseed Cake on Sperm Traits, Body Weight, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbit Males
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/11/10/509

For hemp seeds, different extraction & dehydration methods & their effects
Effects of protein variations by different extraction and dehydration approaches on hempseed protein isolate: Protein pattern, amino acid profiling and label-free proteomics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39047496/

On extracting hemp seed oil with supercritical CO2
Ultrasound and low-pressure supercritical CO2 extraction: A synergistic approach to hemp seed oil extraction
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214786124000688

To analyze cannabinoid levels in meat products & animal feeds, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Determination of Cannabinoids in Meat Products and Animal Feeds in Singapore Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39200508/

An analysis of hempseed cake waste
EXPLORING THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RECOVERED INDUSTRIAL HEMP SEED (CANNABIS SATIVA L.) CAKE WASTE
https://rjas.ro/paper_detail/4008

On making a green adhesive from hemp shiv
Experimental Assessment of Hemp Shiv and Green Adhesives to Produce a Biocomposite Material
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39203077/

Aerogels & cryogels from hemp waste
Hemp cellulose-based aerogels and cryogels: From waste biomass to sustainable absorbent pads for food preservation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861724011135

On contrasting the environmental impacts of bacterial versus thermochemical retting
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Bacterial and Thermochemical Retting of Hemp
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39203342/
“This work has demonstrated the advantages of the bacterial retting method from an environmental standpoint. The result of our research shows about a 24% gate-to-gate reduction in CED [cumulative energy demand] for bacterial retting and 20-25% lower environmental impacts relating to global warming, smog formation, acidification, carcinogenics, non-carcinogenics, respiratory effects, ecotoxicity, and fossil fuel depletion when compared to that of thermochemical retting.”

For hemp fiber, the effects of water and moisture absorption on performance
An overview of the effects of water and moisture absorption on the performance of hemp fiber and its composites
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385095852_An_overview_of_the_effects_of_water_and_moisture_absorption_on_the_performance_of_hemp_fiber_and_its_composites

On the fiber properties of combining hemp with a polypropylene resin
Mechanical Properties of Natural Composites: Hemp Fiber and Polypropylene Resin
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/2837/1/012002/pdf

An Algerian review of the science of phytocannabinoids & their regulatory challenges
Phytocannabinoïds: Therapeutic potential, mechanism of action, and regulatory challenges
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385077891_Phytocannabinoids_Therapeutic_potential_mechanism_of_action_and_regulatory_challenges

A Korean review on breakthroughs in medical cannabis & shifting public perceptions
Medical Cannabis: From Research Breakthroughs to Shifting Public Perceptions and Ensuring Safe Use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221342202400074X

A German review on the health effects of cannabis
Health effects of cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210134/

Public health data on the most popular routes of cannabis administration in US adults & adolescents
The many forms of cannabis use: Prevalence and correlates of routes of administration among nationally representative samples of U.S. adult and adolescent cannabis users
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39222559/

In Mexico, a survey on the opinions about medical & recreational cannabis use
Opinions on the Medical and Recreational Use and Legalization of Marijuana in Mexico: Results of a National Survey
https://revistasaludmental.gob.mx/index.php/salud_mental/article/download/SM.0185-3325.2024.025/5145/17957

On developing a behavioral economic measure of cannabis use
Lessons Learned in Developing a Behavioral Economic Measure of Cannabis Use Using a Predominantly White Sample
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39206733/

A call to action for professional communication researchers on better labeling for cannabis edibles
The Packaging and Labeling of Cannabis Edibles: Opportunities for Professional Communication Researchers
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10723103

Intro to the implications for public health of current cannabis use in the US
Closing Gaps Between Cannabis Policy and Scientific Understanding
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307883
Current Cannabis Use in the United States: Implications for Public Health Research
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11499687/

For children with accidental cannabis poisonings, lessons from monitoring adverse events for edible packaging policies
Monitoring Cannabis Adverse Events: Lessons From Edible Packaging Policies and Child Poisonings
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39442029/

Monitoring adverse events from cannabinoid hemp products
The Food and Drug Administration’s Safety Surveillance of Adverse Event Cases Involving Cannabinoid Hemp Products, 2019–2023
https://discovery.researcher.life/article/the-food-and-drug-administration-s-safety-surveillance-of-adverse-event-cases-involving-cannabinoid-hemp-products-2019-2023/2ecfc3b81bbb3cf58037e577fad5222c

In Medicare beneficiaries, there's been an increase in cannabis related disorders
Trends in Medical Encounters Involving Cannabis-Related Disorders Among US Medicare Beneficiaries, 2017–2022
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307729

For cannabis warning labels, the US regulatory landscape
Regulatory Landscape of Cannabis Warning Labels in US States with Legal Retail Nonmedical Cannabis, 2024
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307722

On a model for understanding cannabis risks & promoting harm reduction
A Social-Ecological Model for Understanding Cannabis Risks and Promoting Harm Reduction
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307742

On the US public health data on medical cannabis patients in state registry reports
Data Quality in State Registry Reports of Medical Cannabis Patients in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39442022/

On how to improve studying the health effects of high-concentration THC products
Enhancing Methodological Approaches for Studying Health Effects of High-Concentration THC Products
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307724

On how to improve cannabis policy research
Improving Cannabis Policy Research at a Pivotal Time for Policy Development
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307799

In US workers in 15 states, a study of the prevalence of cannabis use
Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among US Workers in 15 States, 2016–2020
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307788

Contrary to expectations, higher levels of drug-related crime in a community were not associated with an increase in adolescent use of cannabis, tobacco or alcohol
Higher Neighborhood Crime Rates Don't Always Predict Early Initiation of Tobacco, Marijuana, and Alcohol
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11493410/

In young adults who use nicotine & cannabis, an analysis of their routes of administration
Nicotine and cannabis routes of administration and dual use among U.S. young adults who identify as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524003279

In young adults, using momentary mindfulness or distraction coping messages to reduce cannabis cravings
Momentary mindfulness versus distraction coping messages to reduce cannabis craving among young adults: A microrandomized trial
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-36227-001

In the country of Georgia, the decriminalization of cannabis in 2018 caused only a minimal shift of cannabis use in young adults
Post-legalization shifts in cannabis use among young adults in Georgia—A nationally representative study
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.16688

In California, more protective cannabis policies and & less retail availability were associated with a lower prevalence of adolescent cannabis use & problematic cannabis use
Association of Local Cannabis Policy and Retail Availability With Cannabis Use and Problematic Cannabis Use Among Adolescents in Northern California
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385450943_Association_of_Local_Cannabis_Policy_and_Retail_Availability_With_Cannabis_Use_and_Problematic_Cannabis_Use_Among_Adolescents_in_Northern_California

In Native American youth, characterizing their cannabis use
Frequency is not enough: Characterizing heterogenous patterns of cannabis use intensity among reservation-area American Indian youth
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395924003013

In Mississippi youth, the seven risky behaviors associated with cannabis use (“carrying weapons on school campuses, suicidal attempts, electronic vapor use, current smoking, current drinking, sexual behaviors & unsupervised children” [does this mean that they are unsupervised children or that they have unsupervised children?])
Cannabis Use and Associated Risk Behavior Factors among High School Students in Mississippi: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39200718/

In Uganda & Kenya, psychological distress among young people using alcohol or cannabis
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE WHO USE ALCOHOL OR CANNABIS IN UGANDA AND KENYA
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924977X24005017

In youth experiencing homelessness, using AI to identify their cannabis use behaviors
Identifying Marijuana Use Behaviors Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness Using a Machine Learning–Based Framework: Development and Evaluation Study
https://ai.jmir.org/2024/1/e53488/

In adolescents, an analysis of their internalizing & externalizing behaviors & alcohol or cannabis use
The Association of Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems and Prospective Self with Alcohol and Cannabis Use
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7051/4/4/32

In people with Parkinson's disease, those with decreased levels of CB1 receptors had more problems with gait, postural instability & rigidity
Impaired Gait, Postural Instability, and Rigidity in Relation to CB1 Receptor Availability in Parkinson's Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39435606/

In people with mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to Alzheimer's disease), a survey on why they would & would not be interested in a trial of CBD
The proof is in the pudding: Patient Engagement in Studying Cannabidiol in Mild Cognitive Impairment
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4984666/v1/391e86d1-f51e-481a-9c16-1ec7ead6bb92.pdf?c=1729499224

In mice with no CB1 receptors on a class of their interneurons, they had partial hearing loss & abnormal auditory brainstem response
Conditional deletion of CB1 receptor in parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic neurons results in partial hearing loss and abnormal auditory brainstem response in mice
https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.172919708.89671298

In mice without the enzyme DAGLα (which synthesizes 2-AG) in their cerebellum (motor & social behavior area), they had disrupted short-term synaptic plasticity, reduced activity during social exploration as well as alterations to their motor & social behaviors
Deletion of endocannabinoid synthesizing enzyme DAGLα from cerebellar Purkinje cells decreases social preference and elevates anxiety
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39211155/

In a rat model of poisoning by Bisphenol A, the terpene beta caryophyllene protected the brain from the oxidative stress damage
Neuroprotective Efficacy of β-caryophyllene on Cerebellar Changes Caused by Bisphenol A in Rats via Alleviating Oxidative Stress
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384985115_Neuroprotective_Efficacy_of_b-caryophyllene_on_Cerebellar_Changes_Caused_by_Bisphenol_A_in_Rats_via_Alleviating_Oxidative_Stress

In people with serious mental illness in Canada, one-third of them were using cannabis and it was associated with adverse clinical outcomes
Clinical and public safety risks associated with cannabis legalization and frequency of cannabis use among forensic mental health patients
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395924003062
“Frequency of use was lower in the pre-legalization period, and then gradually and significantly increased after legalization. Compared to patients with no cannabis use, those with one or more instances of use were more likely to be readmitted to hospital and had higher rated static risk factors for violence. However, there were no observed differences in the actual rate of violence between patients using and not using cannabis, nor differences in the rate of violence over time. Over half of the patients who used cannabis experienced a worsening of their mental health status in the week following use.”

All of this being said, as we see in so many diseases, the people most likely to be using cannabis are the ones in the worst shape. One might guess that it's because they are the most motivated to try anything that helps. But perhaps sometimes, especially for mental health, the cannabis is indeed making things worse.

On the potential of treating pain with positive allosteric modulators of the CB1 receptor (a property of CBD)
Could positive allosteric modulators of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor be efficacious and safe for the treatment of chronic pain?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471489224000651

In cats having a hysterectomy, CBD did not cause great changes to pain scores but decreased the need for fentanyl during the operation
Perioperative Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Cannabidiol in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199820/

In Arkansas public health data, people with medical cannabis cards were significantly less likely to experience the overuse of antiemetics (antinausea medications)
Association Between Medical Marijuana Cardholder Status and Antiemetic Overuse
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2024.0083

In people smoking cannabis, they had lower levels of neutrophils & a higher distribution in the size of their platelets
Effect of cannabis smoking on some hematological parameters among smokers in Khartoum city
https://www.iasj.net/iasj/article/323001

In women presenting to a fertility center, cannabis use was associated with a lower ovarian reserve
MARIJUANA SMOKING AND OVARIAN RESERVE AMONG FEMALES PRESENTING TO AN ACADEMIC FERTILITY CENTER
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(24)01308-6/pdf

In people undergoing IVF treatment, while THC was not associated with changes to egg maturation or embryo development, it seemed to make there be fewer embryos available to transfer
CANNABIS CONSUMPTION REDUCES THE NUMBER OF EUPLOID EMBRYOS AVAILABLE FOR TRANSFER: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(24)02293-3/pdf

In couples with infertility using cannabis, they had a significantly higher reported rates of anxiety, depression & being on at least one psychiatric medication than couples not using cannabis
IS CANNABIS USE ASSOCIATED WITH A PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS IN COUPLES WITH INFERTILITY?
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(24)01006-9/pdf

In toddlers with prenatal tobacco or cannabis exposure as well as maternal anger & unpredictability, they had increased reactivity
Prenatal tobacco and tobacco-Cannabis co-exposure and unpredictability in maternal anger/hostility: Implications for toddler reactivity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892036224000813

In California since 2012, the levels of prenatal cannabis use have been increasing to 9% in 2022
Changes in Prenatal Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Individuals From 2012 to 2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39208448/

In human placental cells, THC lessened the process of syncytialization (formation of the syncytium that comprises the materno-fetal interface), reduced hormone production & lowered function of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts mitochondrial function and attenuates syncytialization in human placental BeWo cells
https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/openlb/publication/OLB-PM-32628362

In a rat model of erectile dysfunction induced by THC, extract of Kigelia Africana (the sausage tree) improved sperm production & enhanced libido
SPERMATOGENIC AND LIBIDO ENHANCING EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF KIGELIA AFRICANA IN ∆ 9 TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL INDUCED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN MALE WISTAR RATS
https://abjournals.org/ajbmr/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/journal/published_paper/volume-7/issue-4/AJBMR_PUZG3DRP.pdf

In people with carotid artery calcification, their usage of cannabis had no association with the prevalence of plaque on the carotid (key artery of head & neck)
Regular cannabis smoking and carotid artery calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1358863X241287690

In a rat model of loss of blood flow to the heart, CBD & β-adrenoceptor stimulation protected against the damages of reoxygenation
Comparison of Cardioprotective Potential of Cannabidiol and β-Adrenergic Stimulation Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Rat Atria and Ventricular Papillary Muscles
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/10/1379

In prostate cancer, CBD suppressed metastasis via modulation of tryptophan catabolism
Cannabidiol Suppresses Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression and Recurrence through Modulating Tryptophan Catabolism
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsptsci.4c00448

In liver cancer, the protective effects of CBD oil
Protective and therapeutic effects of Cannabidiol oil on Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DENA) in male rats
https://journals.ekb.eg/article_386968_a247af0255b6d31116536db479b46649.pdf

The anti-cancer effects of ring analogs of CBD
Discovery of Ring-Annulated Analogues of Cannabidiol as Potential Anticancer Agents: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00233
There has to be a Lord of the Rings joke to be made here but I’m on a deadline.

A case report of synthetic cannabinoid use disorder
Accelerated HD-tACS for craving and cognition in synthetic cannabinoid use disorder: A case report
https://essopenarchive.org/doi/full/10.22541/au.172919703.36559312

3rd generation synthetic cannabinoid metabolites
NPS metabolomics: Structure elucidation of third generation synthetic cannabinoid metabolites and fentanyl analogue metabolites
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1907755&dswid=8234

On making CBD & CBG conjugates & testing their antioxidative effects
Synthesis of cannabidiol and cannabigerol bixin conjugates and investigation of their antioxidative effect
https://ojs.emt.ro/chem/article/view/1819

On making new CBG derivatives using Mannich-type modifications
Biológiailag aktív kannabigerol származékok előállítása Mannich típusú reakcióval
https://ojs.emt.ro/chem/article/view/1774

For various analytical methods, an assessment of their environmental impact
Greenness assessment of analytical methods for determination of cannabinoids in oils using NEMI, Analytical Eco-Scale, AGREE and GAPI
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127641

Using HPLC to determine cannabinoid levels in commercial CBD oil
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Commercial CBD Oil
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202410.1788/v1

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For today’s legend of Cuban piano, Rubén González’s album ‘Introducing’. Helping to create the cha-cha style & said to have "forged the style of modern Cuban piano playing in the 1940s", González started the piano at 6 but always thought he’d be a doctor. He finally abandoned medical school because “music was in the blood”. He played with the most influential bands of the ‘40’s & spent the next 40 years touring & playing across Central & South America. But it wasn’t until after his supposed retirement in the ‘90s that he found worldwide fame. First recording with the Afro-Cuban All-Stars & then the phenomenon of the ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ album & film by Wim Winders, he made several more albums before his death, including ‘Introducing’. He recorded this album in two days with no overdubs. As he said, "If I can't take a piano with me to heaven, then I don't want to go."

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.