Are blood and oral fluid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and metabolite concentrations related to impairment? A meta-regression analysis

Blood and oral fluid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations are often used to identify cannabis-impaired drivers. We used meta-analytic techniques to characterise the relationships between biomarkers of cannabis use, subjective intoxication, and impairment of driving and driving-related cognitive skills.

Cannabis as a Multifaceted Treatment Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease

Current treatments cannot stop or reverse the progression of the Alzhiemer’s disease. Learn how cannabis medicine may be a valid treatment option to alleviate the multitude of complex symptoms associated with this condition.

Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: A Review

Cultural and social misconceptions and roadblocks about the use of cannabinoids persist and represent an ongoing obstacle to increasing research and therapeutic use of these compounds. This review focuses on all these aspects and of the use of these cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy and seeks to offer a fairly comprehensive description of the facets of cannabinoid therapy for refractory epilepsy.

Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms

Cannabigerol (CBG), and its precursor before decarboxylation, cannabigerolic acid is sometimes labeled the “mother of all cannabinoids.” The purpose of the present study was to investigate reasons for use and self-reported therapeutic effects in CBG-predominant cannabis users. Usage patterns and adverse effects, including withdrawal symptoms were also explored.

Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms

The use of cannabis for symptoms of endometriosis was investigated utilising retrospective archival data from Strainprint Technologies Ltd., a Canadian data technology company with a mobile phone application that tracks a range of data including dose, mode of administration, chemovar and their effects on various self-reported outcomes, including pelvic pain.

Update and perspectives on minor plant-derived cannabinoids of biomedical interest

Recently, the first publically-funded Latin American cannabinoid research network (CannaLatan, www.cyted.org/es/cannalatan), formed by academic investigators and pharma companies of different countries, was launched. CannaLatan aims to promote and boost the results obtained by the different partners of the consortium developing collaborative research and educational projects. The CannaLatan network is devoted to tackle the potential therapeutic applications of under-investigated phytocannabinoids and novel cannabinoid-based molecules, as well to clarify their undesired actions. Here we discuss one of the ongoing projects initiated by CannaLatan with the financial support of Fundación Canna (www.fundacion-canna.es/) , in which we address the anti-psychotic and cognitive actions of acidic forms of phytocannabinoids, namely THCa

The Potential Use of Cannabis in Tissue Fibrosis

Numerous publications suggest that cannabinoids and extracts of Cannabis sativa have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties. In this review, we describe the types and mechanisms of fibrosis in various tissues and discuss various strategies for prevention and dealing with tissue fibrosis. We further introduce cannabinoids and their potential for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis, and therefore for extending healthy lifespan.

Cannabis Use Leads to Heart Attacks? Healthcare Providers Set the Record Straight

In an effort to set the record straight on the questionable conclusions presented in a recent cannabis and heart attack risk study, SCC Board Members Sherry Yafai, MD and Patricia C. Frye, MD weigh in with their observations and research evidence.

History, science, and politics of international cannabis scheduling, 2015–2021

On 21 April 2021, the herbal medicines “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” definitively ceased to appear in Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on narcotic drugs (C61), where they had been listed since the entry into force of that treaty in 1964. The process to scientifically review and reschedule Cannabis-related controlled drugs had been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 2 December 2016 and went through a number of hindrances until it finally got submitted to a unique voting process on 2 December 2020 at the United Nations Commission on narcotic drugs (CND).

The Effect of Cannabis-Based Medicine in the Treatment of Cachexia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cachexia is a prevalent condition associated with underlying chronic disease. Wasting of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue loss in cachectic patients is associated with higher rates of disability, reduced quality of life (QoL), and worse prognosis. There is a large unmet need to develop strategies to treat cachexia as there are currently no standardized guidelines in the management of cachexia. Activation of endogenous cannabinoid receptors, through exogenous cannabinoids, has demonstrated potential in increasing appetite, reducing catabolism, and has shown anti-inflammatory properties. Since no single pharmacological agent is currently recommended for use in cachexia, the potential of cannabinoids as an appetite stimulant warrants further research and assessment of current evidence.

Lung cancer patient who had declined conventional cancer treatment: could the self-administration of ‘CBD oil’ be contributing to the observed tumour regression?

Conventional lung cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these treatments are often poorly tolerated by patients. Cannabinoids have been studied for use as a primary cancer treatment. Cannabinoids, which are chemically similar to our own body’s endocannabinoids, can interact with signalling pathways to control the fate of cells, including cancer cells. We present a patient who declined conventional lung cancer treatment. Without the knowledge of her clinicians, she chose to self-administer ‘cannabidiol (CBD) oil’ orally 2–3 times daily. Serial imaging shows that her cancer reduced in size progressively from 41 mm to 10 mm over a period of 2.5 years. Previous studies have failed to agree on the usefulness of cannabinoids as a cancer treatment. This case appears to demonstrate a possible benefit of ‘CBD oil’ intake that may have resulted in the observed tumour regression. The use of cannabinoids as a potential cancer treatment justifies further research.

Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa

Decades of research have improved our knowledge of cannabis polypharmacy and contributing phytochemicals, including terpenes. Reform of the legal status for cannabis possession and increased availability (medicinal and recreational) have resulted in cannabis use to combat the increasing prevalence of pain and may help to address the opioid crisis. Better understanding of the pharmacological effects of cannabis and its active components, including terpenes, may assist in identifying new therapeutic approaches and optimizing the use of cannabis and/or terpenes as analgesic agents.