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IACM Monthly Meeting for Professionals June 2024

South Africa: A new law legalizes cannabis possession and cultivation by adults

On 28 May President Cyril Ramaphosa gave his approval to Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA). The National Assembly had passed the legislation last November, and the National Council of Provinces signed off in February.

The reform has been years in the making, with lawmakers well past a deadline following a Constitutional Court ruling in 2018 that deemed the prohibition on simple possession and cultivation of cannabis to be unlawful, mandating legislative change within two years.

News Weed of 29 May 2024

Science/Human: Long-term use of low doses of THC may improve chronic pain and related symptoms

METHODS: Adult Israeli patients licensed to use cannabis oil extracts for chronic pain were followed prospectively for 6 months. 

RESULTS: The study included 218 patients at baseline, and 131 at 6 months. At 6 months, the mean daily doses of CBD and THC were 22 mg and 21 mg respectively. Pain decreased from 7.9 at baseline to 6.6 at 6 months. Of the 218 participants, 24% were "responders", who improved by at least 30% in pain.

CONCLUSION: This prospective cohort demonstrated a modest overall long-term improvement in chronic pain and related symptoms and a reasonable safety profile with the use of relatively low doses of individually titrated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. 

Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel. 

Pud D, Aamar S, Schiff-Keren B, Sheinfeld R, Brill S, Robinson D, Fogelman Y, Habib G, Sharon H, Amital H, Boltyansky B, Haroutounian S, Eisenberg E. Cannabis oil extracts for chronic pain: what else can be learned from another structured prospective cohort? Pain Rep. 2024;9(2):e1143.

Science/Human: Cannabis use may be associated with a reduced risk for prostate cancer

Researchers undertook a cross-sectional study using National Survey on Drug Use and Health data from 2002 to 2020, involving 2503 participants in the USA.

Prostate cancer prevalence was lower among current cannabis users and former users compared to non-users.

These findings from a large national survey provide additional data to link cannabis use with lower ppstate cancer prevalence. 

Department of Hematology-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA.

Mohammed T, Yu J, Qiao Y, Kim Y, Mortensen E, Swede H, Wu Z, Zhang . Marijuana Use May Be Associated with Reduced Prevalence of Prostate Cancer: A National Survey on Drug Use and Health Study from United States of America. Biomedicines. 2024;12(5):1008.

Science/Human: The cannabis spray Sativex is effective and safe in a large multicentre study

Methods: To investigate the effectiveness, tolerability and satisfaction of nabiximols in a real-life multicentre Swiss cohort as monotherapy or with stable doses of other antispastic medications, and explore clinical features which may predict treatment response.

Results: Ninety-five patients were included. From baseline to week 12, median Modified Ashworth Scale score decreased from 3.0 to 2.0. 

Conclusions: Our first Swiss, multicentr, observational, real-life study supports and enhances previous finding of nabiximols as monotherapy and as add-on therapy, being an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment option for resistant MS spasticity and spasticity-related symptoms (pain, bladder dysfunction and gait).

Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland. 

Sacco R, Riccitelli GC, Disanto G, Bogousslavsky J, Cavelti A, Czell D, Kamm CP, Kliesch U, Ramseier SP, Gobbi C, Zecca C. Effectiveness, Safety and Patients' Satisfaction of Nabiximols (Sativex(®)) on Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity and Related Symptoms in a Swiss Multicenter Study. J Clin Med. 2024;13(10):2907.

Science/Human: Nanodispersible oral CBD solution may be helpful in anxiety disorders

METHODS: This phase 3 prospective, randomized, double blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, 15-week cohort study took place at multiple sites across India. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms (CBD or placebo) in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS: 178 participants were randomized to receive CBD (n=89) or placebo (n=89). There were improvements in anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Nanodispersible CBD was therapeutically safe with no serious adverse events, well tolerated, and effective for the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety disorders, as well as associated depression and sleep quality disturbances. 

Asha Hospital, Venkat Nagar, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Gundugurti PR, Banda N, Yadlapalli SSR, Narala A, Thatikonda R, Kocherlakota C, Kothapalli KS. Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150 mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double blind multicenter randomized clinical trial. Asian J Psychiatr. 2024;97:104073.

Science/Human: CBD may improve pain in hand osteoarthritis

In this open-label feasibility trial, participants with symptomatically active hand osteoarthriis applied a novel transdermal CBD gel three times a day for four weeks to their most painful hand. 

Eighteen participants were consented and 15 completed the trial. Pain ratings were significantly reduced over time from pre-treatment baseline including current pain and maximum pain. There were significant improvements in three quality of life measures: fatigue, stiffness and anxiety. 

In summary, pain, grip strength and quality of life measures, using smartphone technology, was shown to improve over time following transdermal CBD.

The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Australia.

Bawa Z, Lewis D, Gavin PD, Libinaki R, Joubran L, El-Tamimy M, Taylor G, Meltzer R, Bedoya-Pérez M, Kevin RC, McGregor IS. An open-label feasibility trial of transdermal cannabidiol for hand osteoarthritis. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):11792.

Science/Human: Cannabis use may not be associated with reduced physical activity

Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014. We included adults in the United States who responded to a cannabis questionnaire and had at least 4 days of activity data from an accelerometer, which comprised participants from 18 to 59 years. 

Results: Of 4666 included adults, 14% reported recent cannabis use. After covariate adjustment, recent cannabis use was not associated with daily sedentary time or daily physical activities

Conclusion: Recent cannabis use in young to midlife adults was not associated with accelerometer-measured sedentary or physical activity time.

Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. 

Xue Y, Diep C, Zhao HJ, Wijeysundera DN, Clarke H, Ladha KS.Recent Cannabis Use and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among Young-to-Midlife Adults: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2024 May 13. [in press]

Science/Human: Cannabis may be helpful in women with orgasm difficulties or dysfunction

METHODS: This observational study evaluated responses from female study participants relating to their demographics, sexual activities, mental well-being, cannabis usage, and orgasm-related questions from the Female Sexual Function Index. 

RESULTS: Of the 1037 survey responses, 410 were valid and complete. Of the valid surveys, most women reported difficulty achieving orgasm during sexual activity with a partner. These women were primarily between 25 and 34 years of age. 

Among participants who experienced challenges in achieving orgasm, 73% reported that cannabis use before partnered sex increased orgasm frequency, 67% stated that it improved orgasm satisfaction, and 71% indicated that cannabis use made orgasm easier. 

International Institute of Clinical Sexology, Miami Shores, USA. 

Mulvehill S, Tishler J.Assessment of the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without orgasm difficulty. Sex Med. 2024 ;12(2):qfae023.

Science/Human: THC increases parasympathetic activity in neuropathic pain patients

METHODS: Twelve male patients with chronic radicular neuropathic pain  participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. 

RESULTS: THC significantly reduced the low frequency/high frequency heart rate variability ratio compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS: THC shifts the autonomic balance towards increased parasympathetic  tone and improves inhibitory pain mechanisms in chronic pain. The increase in  vagal tone correlates with connectivity changes in higher-order regulatory brain  regions, suggesting THC exerts top-down effects. 

Sagol Brain Institute, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky  Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. 

Weizman L, Sharon H, Dayan L, Espaniol J, Brill S, Nahman-Averbuch H, Hendler T, Jacob G.Oral Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Increases Parasympathetic Activity and  Supraspinal Conditioned Pain Modulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain Male  Patients: A Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 0. CNS Drugs. 2024;38(5):375-385.

Science/Human: Palmitoylethanolamide may help in irritable bowel syndrome

METHODS: This was a multicenter trial conducted at three Italian pediatric  gastroenterology centers, employing a double-blind, placebo-controlled,  parallel-arm design. Participants were ages 10 to 17 years and met criteria  for pediatric irritable bowel syndrome. They received either a placebo or the endocannabinoid-like substance palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin.

RESULTS: The study involved 70 children with irritable bowel syndrome. As compared with the  placebo group, the co-micronized therapy group had significantly more patients  achieving complete remission after 12 weeks, with particular benefit in  the diarrhea subtype. The treatment group also experienced a  significant reduction in abdominal pain intensity and frequency compared with  the placebo group. 

Sapienza University of Rome, NESMOS Department, Pediatric Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy. 

Di Nardo G, Bernardo L, Cremon C, Barbara G, Felici E,  Evangelisti M, Ferretti A, Furio S, Piccirillo M, Coluzzi F, Parisi P, Mauro A, Di Mari C, D'Angelo F, Mennini M. Palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome: A  multicentric randomized controlled trial. Nutrition. 2024;122:112397.

Science/Human: There was no specific preference of certain cannabis strains depending on the disease

METHODS: This was an online survey conducted in Germany in 2020. Patients were allowed to participate only if they received a  cannabis-based treatment from pharmacies in the form of cannabis flowers  prescribed by a physician. 

RESULTS: The survey was completed by 1,028 participants. Most participants  (58%) have used medical cannabis for more than 1 year, on average, 5.9 different strains. Overall, the mean patient-reported effectiveness was  80%. A regression model revealed no association between the  patient-reported effectiveness and the variety. 

CONCLUSIONS: Patients self-reported very good efficacy and tolerability of cannabis.  There was no evidence suggesting that specific strains are superior depending  on the disease to be treated.

Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. 

Szejko N, Becher E, Heimann F, Grotenhermen F, Müller-Vahl KR. Medicinal Use of Different Cannabis Strains: Results from a Large Prospective  Survey in Germany. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2024;57(3):133-140.

Science/Human: Cannabis improves quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

METHOD: Patients prescribed cannabis based medicines for multiple sclerosis symptoms for longer than one month were  identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. 

RESULTS: 141 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. There was an  improvement in the following subscales of a quality of life questionnaire at 6 months: change in  health scale, cognitive function, mental health composition, physical health,  role limitations due to physical limitation and due to emotional problems, as  well as social and sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary analysis demonstrates a possible association with  improved general health-related quality of life in those prescribed CBMPs for MS. 

Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.

Murphy M, Kaur V, Bui HL, Yang T, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Weatherall MW, Sodergren MH. Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis - Analysis from  the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2024;87:105665.

News in brief

Science/Animal: CBD shows protective effects on the liver

Cannabidiol alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China. 

Ma R, et al. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2024;249:10141.

Science/Human: The use of cannabis in Canada increased in people aged 65 and older.

Cannabis use in a Canadian long-term care facility: a case study.

College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.  

Balneaves LG,et al. BMC Geriatr. 2024;24(1):467.

Science/human: Cannabis use was associated with minimal changes in sleep architecture

The impact of cannabis use proximal to sleep and cannabinoid metabolites on sleep architecture.

Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA. 

Althoff MD, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024 May 28. [in press]

Science/Cells: Phytocannabinoids show anticancer effects in neuroblastoma cells

Effect of Cannabis sativa L. extracts, phytocannabinoids and their acetylated derivates on the SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells' viability and caspases 3/7 activation.

Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile.

Tapia-Tapia E, et al. Biol Res. 2024;57(1):33.

Science/Animal: A CBD rich cannabis extract improved social interaction in mice

Cannabis Sativa Oil Promotes Social Interaction and Ultrasonic Communication by Acting on Oxytocin Pathway. 

Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy. 

Premoli M, et al. 27. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2024 May 27. [in press]

Science/Animal: Cannabidiol may attenuate psychological comorbidities in pain such as depression 

Cannabidiol in the dorsal hippocampus attenuates emotional and cognitive  impairments related to neuropathic pain: Role of prelimbic neocortex-hippocampal  connections.

Multi-User Center of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Medeiros AC, et al. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024:111039.

Science/Human: CBD may not enhance subjective experience in endurance exercise

The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A  Randomised Controlled Trial.

Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Australia.

McCartney D, et al. Sports Med Open. 2024;10(1):61.

Science/Animal: The systemic bioavailability of CBD may be increased by 2 fold in bovine milk as well as infant formula

Infant formula as a solid lipid dose form for enhancement of the oral bioavailability of cannabidiol for paediatric patients.

Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 

Huang S, et al. Int J Pharm. 2024:124257.

Science: CBD analogues may be beneficial in triple negative breast cancer

Identification of Genes Hub Associated with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Cannabidiol Analogs Potential Inhibitory Agents: An In-silico Study.

GINUMED, Rafael Núñez University Corporation, Cartagena, Colombia.

Contreras-Puentes N, Alviz-Amador A, Zabaleta-Guzman JA, Pineda Aleman R, Tarón Dunoyer A. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2024;25(5):1649-1661.

Science/Review: A review outlines mechanisms of action of CBD that may be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation by Cannabidiol (CBD):  Promising Targets for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Canada. 

Hickey JP, Collins AE, Nelson ML, Chen H, Kalisch BE. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2024;46(5):4379-4402.

Science/Human: Researchers present Germany’s new cannabis act as a possible beginning of a new generation of European cannabis policies

Germany's cannabis act: a catalyst for European drug policy reform?

Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.

Manthey J, et al. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2024;42:100929.

Science/Animal: Different cannabis cultivars may modulate different inflammatory mediators and pathways

Selected cannabis cultivars modulate glial activation: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. 

Fleisher-Berkovich S, et al. J Cannabis Res. 2024;6(1):25. 

Science: CBD may be helpful in liver cancer treatment in combination with other agents

Cannabidiol and Aza-BODIPY Coencapsulation for Photodynamic Therapy Enhancement in Liver Cancer Cells.

Suranaree University of  Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Kampaengsri S, et al. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2024 May 22. [in press]

Science/Animal: Repeated treatment with CBD favoured neuronal maturation of newborn nerve cells in the hippocampus in Parkinsonian rats

Cannabidiol improves nonmotor symptoms, attenuates neuroinflammation and favors hippocampal newborn neuronal maturation in a rat model of Parkinsonism.

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.

Mattos BA, etal. Acta Neuropsychiatr. 2024:1-30.

Science/Human: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery  treated with THC were able to reduce opiate use by 40%

Perioperative Cannabinoids Significantly Reduce Postoperative Opioid  Requirements in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, GBR. 

Kumar U, et al. reus. 2024;16(4):e58566.

Science/Animal: In studies with mice the effects of electroacupuncture involved the CB1 receptor

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC6) on pain and brain orexin 1 receptor in mice with inflammatory pain.

Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.

Ma NQ, et al. Yan Jiu. 2024;49(5):441-447.

Science/Review: Investigators discuss the possible mechanisms involved in the antidepressant effects of CBD

New insights into the involvement of serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in  cannabidiol's antidepressant effect.

Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Guldager MB, et al. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024:111029.

Science/Animal: Both the CB2 receptor as well as the PPAR-Gamma receptor mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in a model of inflammation

Cannabidiol prevents LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the NLRP3  inflammasome and iNOS activity in BV2 microglia cells via CB2 receptors and  PPARγ.

Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Rodrigues FDS, et al. Neurochem Int. 2024;177:105769.

Science/Cells: Several phytocannabinoids including cannabigerol,  cannabichromene and cannabinol showed anticancer effects in multiple myeloma

Anticancer effect of minor phytocannabinoids in preclinical models of multiple  myeloma.

School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.

Aguzzi C, et al. Biofactors. 2024 May 17. [in press]

Science/Animal: Cannabis extracts may be helpful in the treatment of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel

The Potential Antinociceptive Effect and Mechanism of Cannabis sativa L. Extract  on Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats Uncovered by Multi-Omics  Analysis.

National Key Laboratory of Lead Druggability Research, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China. 

Xu Y, et al. Molecules. 2024;29(9):1958. 

Science/Animal: In studies with mice CBD was helpful in post-traumatic stress disorder by reducing inflammation of the nerve cells

Cannabidiol ameliorates PTSD-like symptoms by inhibiting neuroinflammation  through its action on CB2 receptors in the brain of male mice.

Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China. 

Xie G, et al. Brain Behav Immun. 2024;119:945-964. 

Science/Human: There was no next day impairment of 10 mg THC and 200 mg of CBD  in simulated driving

Evaluating possible 'next day' impairment in insomnia patients administered an  oral medicinal cannabis product by night: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Woolcock Institute of Medical Research,  Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Suraev A, et al. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2024 May 17. [in press]

Science/Human: According to a large survey doctors noted an improvement of symptoms by cannabis-based products  in at least 75% of patients suffering from different conditions

Cannabinoid Drugs in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders - Data from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices]. [Article in German; Abstract available in German from the publisher.

Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite Mitte, Berlin, Germany.

Wülfing F, et al. Psychiatr Prax. 2024 May 15. [in press]

Science/Animal:The phytocannabinoids cannabidivarin and Cannabigerol may interfere with placentation and pregnancy outcomes

Cannabidivarin and cannabigerol induce unfolded protein response and  angiogenesis dysregulation in placental trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells.

Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, University of Porto, Portugal. 

Alves P, et al. Arch Toxicol. 2024 May 15. [in press]

Science/Cells: So-called policosanols in hemp may be useful against inflammation

Extraction, purification and in vitro assessment of the antioxidant and  anti-inflammatory activity of policosanols from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa  L.

Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

Caroli C, et al. Heliyon. 2024;10(9):e30291. 

Science/Animal: In a study with rats transdermal delivery of CBD was improved by a new drug delivery system

Nanosuspension-Loaded Dissolving Microneedle Patches for Enhanced Transdermal  Delivery of a Highly Lipophilic Cannabidiol.

Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. 

Cheng A, et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2024;19:4061-4079. 

Science/Animal: Nutrition during pregnancy had an effect on the endocannabinoid system in rats

Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy decreases liver endocannabinoid system and lipogenic markers in newborn rats exposed to maternal high-fat diet.

Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. 

Fassarella LB, et al. Eur J Nutr. 2024 May 10. (in press]

Science/Cells: In a study with breast cancer cell lines researchers found a novel mechanism of cannabinoid-induced cell death

Mitochondrial calcium overload contributes to cannabinoid-induced paraptosis in  hormone-responsive breast cancer cells.

Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

de la Harpe A, et al. Cell Prolif. 2024:e13650.

Science/Animal: In studies with mice CBD induced toxicity in pancreatic cancer cells involving ceramide

Cannabidiol's cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer is induced via an upregulation  of ceramide synthase 1 and ER stress.

Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK. 

Mangal N, et al. J Cannabis Res. 2024;6(1):22.

Science/Human: The combination of cannabis and nicotine in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of infant death

Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes After Combined Prenatal Cannabis and Nicotine  Exposure.

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.

Crosland BA, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2410151.

Science/Cells: CBD upregulates so-called Stress granules in glioblastoma cells causing anti-cancer effects

Altering biomolecular condensates as a potential mechanism that mediates  cannabidiol effect on glioblastoma.

DCG Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation (CERSI), Augusta University, Augusta, USA. 

Wang LP, et al. Med Oncol. 2024;41(6):140.

Science/Animal: In a study with rats CBD and THC showed no inhibitory effects on bone healing

The effect of cannabinoids on single-level lumbar arthrodesis outcomes in a rat model.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. 

Fogel H, et al. Spine J. 2024:S1529-9430(24)00217-1.

Science/Animal: In a study with mice terpenes of the cannabis plant have analgesic effects

Terpenes from Cannabis sativa induce antinociception in a mouse model of chronic  neuropathic pain via activation of adenosine A2A receptors.

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States. 

Schwarz AM, et al. Pain. 2024 May 2. [in press]

Science/Animal: In a study with nematodes cannabinoids were shown to lengthen lifespan

Cannabinoids and healthy ageing: the potential for extending healthspan and  lifespan in preclinical models with an emphasis on Caenorhabditis elegans.

Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia. 

Wang Z, Arnold JC. Geroscience. 2024 May 2. [in press]

Science/Animal: A cannabis extract showed beneficial effects in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Medicinal cannabis oil improves anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in  CCS mice via the BDNF/TRPC6 signaling pathway.

School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.

Shen B, et al.Behav Brain Res. 2024;467:115005.

Science/Animal: The CB2 receptor agonist beta--caryophyllene may reduce heroin self administration

β-caryophyllene inhibits heroin self-administration, but does not alter  opioid-induced antinociception in rodents.

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Colgate University, Hamilton, USA. 

Galaj E, et al. Neuropharmacology. 2024;252:109947.

Science/Animal: CBD may reduce cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease

Cannabidiol improves the cognitive function of SAMP8 AD model mice involving the  microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Basic Medical and Forensic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China. 

Ma BQ, et al. 8. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2024;87(11):471-479.

Science/Human: CBD had no effects on exercise

Influence of short-term chronic oral cannabidiol application on muscle recovery  and performance after an intensive training protocol - a randomized double-blind  crossover study.

German Sport University Cologne, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Cologne, Germany.

Isenmann E, et al. 4. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2337252.

Science/Animal: The activation of the CB1 and the CB2 receptor may be beneficial in frontoparietal dementia

Involvement of CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in neuroprotective effects of  cannabinoids in experimental TDP-43 related frontotemporal dementia using male  mice.

Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.

Gonzalo-Consuegra C, et al. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024;174:116473. 

Science: CBD may enhance the anti-cancer effects of platinum drugs and overcome drug resistance

Platinum (IV) drugs with cannabidiol inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and  synergistically enhancing anti-tumor effects.

Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China.

Wei T, et al. J Inorg Biochem. 2024;254:112515.

Science/Animal: Agonists of cannabinoid receptors exert antileukaemic effects

Cannabinoids induce cell death in leukaemic cells through Parthanatos and  PARP-related metabolic disruptions.

Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS/CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.

Medrano M, et al. Br J Cancer. 2024;130(9):1529-1541. 

Science/Animal: CBD exhibits therapeutic potential for traumatic brain injury related dysfunction

Purinergic Astrocyte Signaling Driven by TNF-α After Cannabidiol Administration  Restores Normal Synaptic Remodeling Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

Department of Anatomy and Histology/Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical  Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.

Ling T, et al. 1. Neuroscience. 2024;545:31-46.

Science/Animal: In studies with mice sleep deprivation causes pain, which may be reduced by CBD

Exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol for sleep deprivation-induced  hyperalgesia.

Hebei Medical University, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.

Zhu K, et al. Neuropharmacology. 2024;249:109893.

Science/Animal: A certain Chinese herb  activates the CB1 receptor  and reduces pain in zebrafish

Therapeutic potential of CB(1)R activation by Qingyangshen glycoside M1 for  seizure relief.

Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China.

Mu X, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024;327:117982.

Science/Animal: CBD may reduce the cellular uptake of lead and reverses inflammation induced by lead

Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol on the THLE-2 liver cell line exposed to  lead.

Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok  University, Yozgat, Turkey. 

Şahin S, et al. 5. Sci Total Environ. 2024;923:170901.

Science/Animal: In a study with rats CBD was able to mitigate MTX induced lung damage

The effects of cannabidiol against Methotrexate-induced lung damage.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey.

Ozmen O, et al. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2024;134(5):695-703. 

Science/Animal: According to studies with mice a certain CBD derivative may be helpful in alleviating symptoms of schizophrenia

Therapeutic-like activity of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester in the MK-801 mouse  model of schizophrenia: Role for cannabinoid CB1 and serotonin-1A receptors.

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

Richardson B, et al. Eur J Neurosci. 2024;59(9):2403-2415.

Science/Animal: According to studies with rats CBD may have different functional effects in the fetal compared to the adult brain

Entry of cannabidiol into the fetal, postnatal and adult rat brain.

Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 

Fitzpatrick G, et al. Cell Tissue Res. 2024;396(2):177-195.

Science/Human: According to a study with about 48,000 patients regular cannabis use was associated with an increased preoperative opioid use

Risks associated with chronic cannabis use on opioid use, length of stay, and  revision rate for patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA. 

Brenne J, et al. 3. Spine J. 2024;24(5):851-857.

Science/Animal: According to studies with mice CBD may be helpful in insomnia

Cannabidiol Exerts Sedative and Hypnotic Effects in Normal and Insomnia Model  Mice Through Activation of 5-HT(1A) Receptor.

Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China. 

Liu YM, et al. 7. Neurochem Res. 2024;49(5):1150-1165.

Science/Human: Cannabis use may have different effects on neurocognitive functioning: reduced attention and verbal memory, but improved working memory, visual memory and emotional recognition

Does cannabis affect cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia?

Laboratory of Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.

Rachid H, et al. Schizophr Res Cogn. 2023;36:100299.

Science/Human: Nightly supplementation with 150 mg CBD did not cause effects on sleep compared to placebo

Cannabidiol for moderate-severe insomnia: a randomized controlled pilot trial of  150 mg of nightly dosing.

Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia.

Narayan AJ, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):753-763.

Science/Animal: The endocannabinoid system is involved in the analgesic effects by acupuncture

Electroacupuncture Exerts Analgesic Effects by Restoring Hyperactivity via  Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Chronic  Inflammatory Pain.

Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.

Wu J, et al. 3. Mol Neurobiol. 2024;61(5):2949-2963.