Comprehensive cannabinoid profiling of acid-treated CBD samples and Δ8-THC-infused edibles

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Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is increasingly popular as a controversial substitute for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in cannabinoid-infused edibles. Δ8-THC is prepared from cannabidiol (CBD) by treatment with acids. Side products including Δ9-THC and other isomers that might end up in Δ8-THC edibles are less studied. In this paper, three orthogonal methods, namely reversed-phase (RP)-UHPLC-DAD/HRMS, normal-phase/argentation (silica-Ag(I))-HPLC-DAD/MS, and GC-FID/MS were developed for analysis of cannabinoid isomers, namely Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC, CBD, Δ8-iso-THC, Δ(4)8-iso-THC, and hydrated THC isomers. Eight acid-treated CBD mixtures contained various amounts of Δ8-THC (0–89%, w/w%), high levels of Δ9-THC (up to 49%), Δ8-isoTHC (up to 55%), Δ(4)8-iso-THC (up to 17%), and three hydrated THC isomers. Commercial Δ8-THC gummies were also analyzed, and issues like overclaimed Δ8-THC, excessive Δ9-THC, undeclared Δ8-iso-THC, and Δ(4)8-iso-THC were found. These findings highlight the urgency of improving regulations towards converting CBD to Δ8-THC for use as food ingredients.

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Cannabinoids as therapeutic agents for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: Involvement of aromatase and hormone receptors

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Despite the success of endocrine therapy, resistance development demands the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC). Several studies revealed that cannabinoids exert crucial anti-cancer effects in these tumors. In fact, we showed that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) decrease ER+ BC cell viability, modulating aromatase and ERs. Considering this and the fact that Cannabis has several minor phytocannabinoids whose therapeutic effects are still unknown, the actions of cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC) in sensitive and resistant ER+ BC models were explored.

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Weight loss and improved mood after aerobic exercise training are linked to lower plasma anandamide in healthy people

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Anandamide, a major endocannabinoid, participates in energy metabolism homeostasis and neurobehavioral processes. In a secondary analysis of an open-label, randomized controlled trial, we investigated the long-term effect of aerobic exercise on resting plasma anandamide, and explored its relationship with changes in body weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, and mood status in healthy, physically inactive individuals. Participants recruited between March 2013 to August 2015 at the UNIFESP’s Neurology/Psychobiology Department were randomly allocated into a 12-weeks supervised moderate exercise program, or into waitlist, control condition.

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Weight Loss and Therapeutic Metabolic Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)-Infused Mucoadhesive Strips

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Metabolic syndrome is due to dysregulation that starts with fat accumulation, causing inflammatory response, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. The endocannabinoid system, via cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), has been shown to be involved with energy homeostasis and regulation of appetitive behavior via activity in the hypothalamus, limbic forebrain and amygdala and in the peripheral tissues including adipose, liver and muscle. Therefore, two phytocannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a CB1 neutral antagonist, and cannabidiol (CBD), a negative allosteric modulator of CB1, are expected to have therapeutic metabolic benefits, including weight loss.

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What is the evidence for using antidepressants to reduce anxiety for people with dementia?

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Antidepressants are frequently prescribed to alleviate the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including anxiety. However, their therapeutic value is uncertain. This review sought to clarify the evidence for the efficacy of antidepressants in reducing anxiety for people with dementia.

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Cannabis-Containing Cream for CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial

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This study aims to compare the efficacy of a cannabis cream and a placebo in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus.

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Cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for patients with neuropathic pain and other pain disorders: Nationwide register-based pharmacoepidemiologic comparison with propensity score matched controls

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Neuropathic pain and other pain disorders have received attention as potential indications for use of cannabis-based medicines or medical cannabis (CBM/MC). Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CBM/MC for pain disorders is, however, insufficient. Denmark introduced a pilot programme of medical cannabis in January 2018. We aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and non-specific effects of CBM/MC used under the pilot programme compared with controls.

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Cannabis use while trying to conceive: a prospective cohort study evaluating associations with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss

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Is cannabis use assessed via urinary metabolites and self-report during preconception associated with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss? Preconception cannabis use was associated with reduced fecundability among women with a history of pregnancy loss attempting pregnancy despite an increased frequency of intercourse. Cannabis use continues to rise despite limited evidence of safety during critical windows of pregnancy establishment. While existing studies suggest that self-reported cannabis use is not associated with fecundability, self-report may not be reliable. Prospective cohort study was carried out including 1228 women followed for up to six cycles while attempting pregnancy (2006 to 2012), and throughout pregnancy if they conceived.

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Cannabis Use is Associated With Reduced 30-Day All-cause Readmission Among Hospitalized Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Medical cannabis has been increasingly used in Canada after being sanctioned by Health Canada in 2001. Insomnia and sleep disorders are among the most common conditions for which patients report using cannabis. Current research shows cannabis may have a beneficial effect in sleep disorders and may improve patient-reported sleep scores.

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Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: Retrospective chart review

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Medical cannabis has been increasingly used in Canada after being sanctioned by Health Canada in 2001. Insomnia and sleep disorders are among the most common conditions for which patients report using cannabis. Current research shows cannabis may have a beneficial effect in sleep disorders and may improve patient-reported sleep scores.

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Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life

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Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients.

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Cannabis use for medical symptoms: Patterns over the first year of use

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As greater numbers of states in the United States and countries in the world continue to legalize cannabis for medical use, it has become increasingly important to assess patterns of cannabis use in individuals using cannabis for medical symptoms over time. A public health concern is that, like recreational cannabis, some individuals using cannabis for medical reasons may develop detrimental patterns of use, leading to the development of a cannabis use disorder (CUD).

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