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

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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Rapid treatments for depression: Endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target

Current first-line treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD), i.e., antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy, show delayed onset of therapeutic effect as late as 2–3 weeks or more. In the clinic, the speed of beginning of the actions of antidepressant drugs or other interventions is vital for many reasons.

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An investigation of cannabis use for insomnia in depression and anxiety in a naturalistic sample

Little is known about cannabis use for insomnia in individuals with depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety. To develop a better understanding of distinct profiles of cannabis use for insomnia management, a retrospective cohort study was conducted on a large naturalistic sample.

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Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol medicines for chronic pain and mental health conditions

Combination tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) medicines or CBD-only medicines are prospective treatments for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. THC and CBD increase signaling from cannabinoid receptors, which reduces synaptic transmission in parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems and reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors from immune and glial cells.

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Cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation of cannabidiol (CBD) product use and health among people with epilepsy

Recent approval of Epidiolex® (pharmaceutical cannabidiol/CBD) for the treatment of Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome highlights a therapeutic efficacy of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy. However, a large number of patients with epilepsy elect to use alternative artisanal CBD products due to cost or access constraints. Despite widespread availability and variety of these artisanal CBD products, studies evaluating their safety or efficacy are rare, making conclusions about clinical utility uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of artisanal CBD product use with quality of life, mental health, healthcare utilization, and epilepsy-specific outcomes within a large, observational cohort of people with epilepsy.

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