Cure-All cannabidiol? The cannabidiol content of commercial products

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The recent easing of regulations around the world regarding Cannabis sativa and its main active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD), led to an explosion in the number of over-the-counter consumer products. The number of product types is surpassed by the vast quantity of products of each type, but even this is exceeded by the associated health claims which range from the benign, such as ‘fighting inflammation’, to the completely asinine such as ‘fighting the tyranny of the urgent’ or ‘shedding light on your inner darkness’. Any health claim should in the first instance be supported by the product containing the correct actives at the correct dosage.

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Therapeutic use of medical Cannabis in neurological diseases: a clinical update

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The use of medical Cannabis has increased in recent years due to changing legal circumstances in many countries. Approval exists only for a few neurological conditions such as rare forms of epilepsy or spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Beyond that, however, medical Cannabis is used for a wide range of neurological conditions and symptoms. In Germany, in parallel with new legislation that has simplified the prescription of medical Cannabis, an accompanying survey has been implemented for which initial data are now available. In this context, our review provides an overview of the evidence for the therapeutic use of medical Cannabis in neurology, the potential benefits, and side effects.

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Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in immunotherapy: helpful or harmful?

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Numerous studies in various cancer models have demonstrated that ingredients of cannabis can influence tumor growth through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of molecules (mediators, receptors, transporters, enzymes) that maintains homeostasis and protection in many tissues. The main constituents of the ECS are the classical cannabinoid (CB) receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and the endocannabinoids’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes. The role of the ECS in cancer is still unclear and its effects often depend on the tumor entity and the expression levels of CB receptors. Many studies have highlighted the tumor cell-killing potential of CB1 agonists. However, cannabis is also known as an immunosuppressant and some data suggest that the use of cannabis during immunotherapy worsens treatment outcomes in cancer patients.

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In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cannabichromene Isolated from Hemp

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Cannabichromene (CBC), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, has recently been shown to possess several medicinal properties. However, how CBC produces anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms of this remain poorly studied. Therefore, we extracted and purified the CBC from the Cannabis sativa cv. pink pepper (hemp cultivar). The efficacy of CBC in reducing inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and a λ-carrageenan-induced mouse model was then evaluated. CBC had no cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 20 μM and inhibited nitric oxide production by approximately 50% at a concentration of 20 μM.

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Targeting Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: The Role of Cannabis Compounds

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The development and progression of cancer are associated with the dysregulation of multiple pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival, as well as dysfunction in redox balance, immune response, and inflammation. The master antioxidant pathway, known as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, regulates the cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, making it a promising cancer prevention and treatment target. Cannabinoids have demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, affecting signaling pathways, including Nrf2. Increased oxidative stress following exposure to anti-cancer therapy prompts cancer cells to activate antioxidant mechanisms. This indicates the dual effect of Nrf2 in cancer cells—influencing proliferation and apoptotic processes and protecting against the toxicity of anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the complex role of cannabinoids in modulating Nrf2 might shed light on its potential implementation as an anti-cancer support.

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Implications and quantifications of marijuana use regarding neonatal outcomes

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Legalization of marijuana is increasingly steadily which supports more widespread use and a growing perception of less risk of harm, however study of its effects on newborns when used by pregnant women is still lacking. Current physicians and health care practitioners are not fully informed to advise best practice regarding marijuana use during pregnancy. Additionally, methods to measure marijuana usage and effects are still limited and require further development, therefore assessment of whether not pregnant women should use marijuana products is timely and important.

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Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study

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Cannabis use, be it either cannabidiol (CBD) use and/or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use, shows promise to enhance exercise recovery. The present study aimed to determine if individuals are using CBD and/or THC as a means of recovery from aerobic and/or resistance exercise, as well as additional modalities that might be used to aid in recovery.

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Improved Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Related Sleep Disturbances after Initiation of Medical Marijuana Use: Evidence from a Prospective Single Arm Pilot Study

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder experienced by a subgroup of individuals following a life-threatening trauma. Several US states have passed laws permitting the medical use of marijuana (MMJ) by individuals with PTSD, despite very little scientific indication on the appropriateness of marijuana as a therapy for PTSD. This prospective pilot study of adults with confirmed PTSD in Florida (FL) investigated whether PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, affect, and general physical and mental health/well-being improved post-initiation of MMJ treatment.

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Neuroinflammation and status epilepticus: a narrative review unraveling a complex interplay

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Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency resulting from the failure of the mechanisms involved in seizure termination or from the initiation of pathways involved in abnormally prolonged seizures, potentially leading to long-term consequences, including neuronal death and impaired neuronal networks. It can eventually evolve to refractory status epilepticus (RSE), in which the administration of a benzodiazepine and another anti-seizure medications (ASMs) had been ineffective, and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE), which persists for more than 24 h after the administration of general anesthesia. Objective of the present review is to highlight the link between inflammation and SE. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown that neuroinflammation can contribute to seizure onset and recurrence by increasing neuronal excitability. Notably, microglia and astrocytes can promote neuroinflammation and seizure susceptibility. In fact, inflammatory mediators released by glial cells might enhance neuronal excitation and cause drug resistance and seizure recurrence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation could be crucial for improving SE treatment, wich is currently mainly addressed with benzodiazepines and eventually phenytoin, valproic acid, or levetiracetam.

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The holistic effects of medical cannabis compared to opioids on pain experience in Finnish patients with chronic painional study

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Medical cannabis (MC) is increasingly used for chronic pain, but it is unclear how it aids in pain management. Previous literature suggests that MC could holistically alter the pain experience instead of only targeting pain intensity. However, this hypothesis has not been previously systematically tested.

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Medical cannabis for refractory cancer-related pain in a specialised clinical service: a cross-sectional study

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Cancer-related pain management in advanced stages presents a significant challenge that often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Although advancements in pharmacological and interventional therapies, a considerable number of patients still suffer from refractory pain, leading to unmet clinical needs. This study shares our experience with medical cannabis (MC) as a potential therapy for this specific population of patients with cancer-related refractory pain.

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Empathy-related differences in the anterior cingulate functional connectivity of regular cannabis users when compared to controls

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It has been reported that cannabis consumption affects the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a structure with a central role in mediating the empathic response. In this study, we compared psychometric scores of empathy subscales, between a group of regular cannabis users (85, users) and a group of non-consumers (51, controls). We found that users have a greater Emotional Comprehension, a cognitive empathy trait involving the understanding of the “other” emotional state. Resting state functional MRI in a smaller sample (users = 46, controls = 34) allowed to identify greater functional connectivity (FC) of the ACC with the left somatomotor cortex (SMC), in users when compared to controls. These differences were also evident within the empathy core network, where users showed greater within network FC. The greater FC showed by the users is associated with emotional representational areas and empathy-related regions. In addition, the differences in psychometric scores suggest that users have more empathic comprehension. These findings suggest a potential association between cannabis use, a greater comprehension of the other’s affective state and the functional brain organization of the users. However, further research is needed to explore such association, since many other factors may be at play.

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