Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a principal psychoactive extract of Cannabis sativa and has been traditionally used as palliative medicine for neuropathic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of hemp species, has recently attracted increased attention as a cancer treatment, but Δ9-THC is also requiring explored pharmacological application. This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of Δ9-THC in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. We inves-tigated whether Δ9-THC treatment induces cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Colorectal-cancer-1.jpg17251380Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-18 04:22:502024-06-09 23:46:21Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol
The present study sought to determine the effects of cannabinol (CBN) alone and in combination with cannabidiol (CBD) on sleep quality. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted between May and November 2022. Participants were randomized to receive either (a) placebo, (b) 20 mg CBN, (c) 20 mg CBN + 10 mg CBD, (d) 20 mg CBN + 20 mg CBD, or (e) 20 mg CBN + 100 mg CBD for seven consecutive nights. Participants were 18–55 years of age who self-rated sleep quality as “very poor” or “poor.” The primary endpoint was sleep quality, while secondary endpoints included sleep onset latency, number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset (WASO), overall sleep disturbance, and daytime fatigue
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-16 05:00:002023-10-16 05:00:00A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Effects of CBN With and Without CBD on Sleep Quality
In the absence of safety data in humans, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is not recommended during pregnancy. Yet >50% of pregnancies in women with epilepsy are unintended, making fetal exposure to CBD possible. As a small-molecule, highly lipid-soluble drug, CBD is likely to distribute into the placenta and cross it. To estimate the placental distribution profile of CBD and its potential short-term placental effects, we conducted an ex vivo perfusion study in human placentas.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-16 04:53:052023-10-16 04:53:05The placental disposition of cannabidiol: an ex vivo perfusion study
Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are qualifying psychiatric conditions for medical marijuana (MM) treatment in Pennsylvania. This study examined baseline prevalence and changes in prescription anxiety medication use three months following MM treatment initiation among individuals with these qualifying conditions. The study sample was comprised of 108 adults with anxiety or PTSD as a referring condition; they were enrolled in a longitudinal study evaluating biopsychosocial outcomes in new MM patients. Consenting participants completed an assessment battery at baseline and Month 3 (n = 94, 87 % follow-up rate) that included a measure of anxiety severity and questions about current anxiety medication prescription and desired (baseline) and actual (Month 3) reductions in medication use.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-14 19:34:432023-10-14 19:34:43Anxiety severity and prescription medication utilization in first-time medical marijuana users
Cannabis sativa L. produces a wide variety of volatile secondary metabolites that contribute to its unique aroma. The major volatile constituents include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivates. In particular, the compounds ß-myrcene, D-(+)-limonene, ß-caryophyllene, and terpinolene are often found in greatest amounts, which has led to their use in chemotaxonomic classification schemes and legal Cannabis sativa L. product labeling. While these compounds contribute to the characteristic aroma of Cannabis sativa L. and may help differentiate varieties on a broad level, their importance in producing specific aromas is not well understood. Here, we show that across Cannabis sativa L. varieties with divergent aromas, terpene expression remains remarkably similar, indicating their benign contribution to these unique, specific scents.
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men in the world today. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and develop from gland cells. We used the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, which is well studied and derived from a bone metastasis of a grade IV prostatic adenocarcinoma. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is a cannabinoid with anti-tumor properties but its effects on prostate cancer cells are not studied in detail. Here, we found cannabidiol decreased prostate cancer cell (PC3) viability up to 37.25% and induced apoptotic cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner. We found that CBD activated the caspases 3/7 pathways and increased DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, we observed an increase of pro-apoptotic genes Bax, an increased level of reactive oxygen species, lower reduced glutathione level, and altered mitochondrial potential in response to CBD treatment leading to lower cellular ATP. Overall, our results suggest that CBD may be effective against prostate cancer cells.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-12 14:49:382023-10-12 14:49:38Anti-proliferative effect of Cannabidiol in Prostate cancer cell PC3 is mediated by apoptotic cell death, NFκB activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower reduced glutathione status
From the Himalayan mountains to the South American coast, Cannabis, a general term for plants of the
genus Cannabis, with thousands of years of contact with humankind, shows its versatility as food tools
such as hemp, religious and hedonistic input, and other purposes through the millennia, according to the
populations in question. In this paper, a review of the context of the use of Cannabis and its place in world
history is presented, from ancient Mesopotamian relics, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, to
the reasoning behind the isolation and structural elucidation of three phytocannabinoids and the spread
of Cannabis throughout the world.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-12 14:41:462023-10-12 14:41:46From ancient Asian relics to contemporaneity: A review of historical and chemical aspects of Cannabis
Medical cannabis and individual cannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are receiving growing attention in both the media and the scientific literature. The Cannabis plant, however, produces over 100 different cannabinoids, and cannabigerol (CBG) serves as the precursor molecule for the most abundant phytocannabinoids. CBG exhibits affinity and activity characteristics between Δ9-THC and CBD at the cannabinoid receptors but appears to be unique in its interactions with α-2 adrenoceptors and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A). Studies indicate that CBG may have therapeutic potential in treating neurologic disorders (e.g., Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis) and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as having antibacterial activity. There is growing interest in the commercial use of this unregulated phytocannabinoid. This review focuses on the unique pharmacology of CBG, our current knowledge of its possible therapeutic utility, and its potential toxicological hazards.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-09 09:15:372023-10-09 09:15:37The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol
Cannabis-based biomaterials have the potential to deliver anti-inflammatory therapeutics specifically to desired cells, tissues, and organs, enhancing drug delivery and the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatment while minimizing toxicity. As a major component of Cannabis, Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained major attention in recent years because of its potential therapeutic properties, e.g., for restoring a disturbed barrier resulting from inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that CBD has beneficial effects under normal and inflammatory conditions in the established non-transformed intestinal epithelial cell model IPEC-J2.
We sought to analyze the association between cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings and self-reported changes in stimulant use among structurally marginalized people who use unregulated drugs (PWUD). The data for this secondary analysis was collected from a cross-sectional questionnaire administered to people who concurrently use cannabis and unregulated stimulants in Vancouver, Canada. We used logistic regression models to analyze the association between cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings and self-reported changes in the frequency of stimulant use.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-04 17:46:292023-10-04 17:46:49Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings among people who use unregulated drugs
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to signals of tissue damage or infection caused by pathogens. However, when it becomes imbalanced, it can lead to various disorders such as cancer, obesity, cardiovascular problems, neurological conditions, and diabetes. The endocannabinoid system, which is present throughout the body, plays a regulatory role in different organs and influences functions such as food intake, pain perception, stress response, glucose tolerance, inflammation, cell growth and specialization, and metabolism. Phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa can interact with this system and affect its functioning. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of three minor phytocannabinoids including tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN) using an in vitro system. We pre-treated THP-1 macrophages with different doses of phytocannabinoids or vehicle for one hour, followed by treating the cells with 500 ng/mL of LPS or leaving them untreated for three hours.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-04 17:40:052023-10-04 17:40:05Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages
In the past decade, significant advancements have been made in understanding the brain regions and neuronal circuits regulating neurological behaviors. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, which is ubiquitously distributed in the brain and extensively involved in synaptic modulation, has been believed to play potential roles in neuronal circuit processes and related disorders. Although eCB-based pharmacological studies have made some clinical achievements, they still often encounter conflicting reports or undesired effects due to global manipulation of manifold brain regions and neuronal circuits, which impede the therapeutic application of eCB-based medications. In this review, we are devoted to discussing the versatile forms of eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity and dissecting currently well-studied specific cannabinoid circuits involved in behavioral domains which are closely linked to the organism’s survival and life quality, such as pain perception and stress-related emotion disorders. By gaining new insights into selective cannabinoid control in circuits, we can potentially mitigate the drawbacks of traditional pharmacology and facilitate the development of precision medicine with novel therapeutic strategies and drug discoveries.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-10-02 14:41:372023-10-02 14:41:37Cannabinoid modulations of pain and stress related circuits
Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a principal psychoactive extract of Cannabis sativa and has been traditionally used as palliative medicine for neuropathic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of hemp species, has recently attracted increased attention as a cancer treatment, but Δ9-THC is also requiring explored pharmacological application. This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of Δ9-THC in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. We inves-tigated whether Δ9-THC treatment induces cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Effects of CBN With and Without CBD on Sleep Quality
The present study sought to determine the effects of cannabinol (CBN) alone and in combination with cannabidiol (CBD) on sleep quality. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted between May and November 2022. Participants were randomized to receive either (a) placebo, (b) 20 mg CBN, (c) 20 mg CBN + 10 mg CBD, (d) 20 mg CBN + 20 mg CBD, or (e) 20 mg CBN + 100 mg CBD for seven consecutive nights. Participants were 18–55 years of age who self-rated sleep quality as “very poor” or “poor.” The primary endpoint was sleep quality, while secondary endpoints included sleep onset latency, number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset (WASO), overall sleep disturbance, and daytime fatigue
The placental disposition of cannabidiol: an ex vivo perfusion study
In the absence of safety data in humans, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is not recommended during pregnancy. Yet >50% of pregnancies in women with epilepsy are unintended, making fetal exposure to CBD possible. As a small-molecule, highly lipid-soluble drug, CBD is likely to distribute into the placenta and cross it. To estimate the placental distribution profile of CBD and its potential short-term placental effects, we conducted an ex vivo perfusion study in human placentas.
Anxiety severity and prescription medication utilization in first-time medical marijuana users
Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are qualifying psychiatric conditions for medical marijuana (MM) treatment in Pennsylvania. This study examined baseline prevalence and changes in prescription anxiety medication use three months following MM treatment initiation among individuals with these qualifying conditions. The study sample was comprised of 108 adults with anxiety or PTSD as a referring condition; they were enrolled in a longitudinal study evaluating biopsychosocial outcomes in new MM patients. Consenting participants completed an assessment battery at baseline and Month 3 (n = 94, 87 % follow-up rate) that included a measure of anxiety severity and questions about current anxiety medication prescription and desired (baseline) and actual (Month 3) reductions in medication use.
Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis
Cannabis sativa L. produces a wide variety of volatile secondary metabolites that contribute to its unique aroma. The major volatile constituents include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivates. In particular, the compounds ß-myrcene, D-(+)-limonene, ß-caryophyllene, and terpinolene are often found in greatest amounts, which has led to their use in chemotaxonomic classification schemes and legal Cannabis sativa L. product labeling. While these compounds contribute to the characteristic aroma of Cannabis sativa L. and may help differentiate varieties on a broad level, their importance in producing specific aromas is not well understood. Here, we show that across Cannabis sativa L. varieties with divergent aromas, terpene expression remains remarkably similar, indicating their benign contribution to these unique, specific scents.
Anti-proliferative effect of Cannabidiol in Prostate cancer cell PC3 is mediated by apoptotic cell death, NFκB activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower reduced glutathione status
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men in the world today. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and develop from gland cells. We used the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, which is well studied and derived from a bone metastasis of a grade IV prostatic adenocarcinoma. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is a cannabinoid with anti-tumor properties but its effects on prostate cancer cells are not studied in detail. Here, we found cannabidiol decreased prostate cancer cell (PC3) viability up to 37.25% and induced apoptotic cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner. We found that CBD activated the caspases 3/7 pathways and increased DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, we observed an increase of pro-apoptotic genes Bax, an increased level of reactive oxygen species, lower reduced glutathione level, and altered mitochondrial potential in response to CBD treatment leading to lower cellular ATP. Overall, our results suggest that CBD may be effective against prostate cancer cells.
From ancient Asian relics to contemporaneity: A review of historical and chemical aspects of Cannabis
From the Himalayan mountains to the South American coast, Cannabis, a general term for plants of the
genus Cannabis, with thousands of years of contact with humankind, shows its versatility as food tools
such as hemp, religious and hedonistic input, and other purposes through the millennia, according to the
populations in question. In this paper, a review of the context of the use of Cannabis and its place in world
history is presented, from ancient Mesopotamian relics, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, to
the reasoning behind the isolation and structural elucidation of three phytocannabinoids and the spread
of Cannabis throughout the world.
The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol
Medical cannabis and individual cannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are receiving growing attention in both the media and the scientific literature. The Cannabis plant, however, produces over 100 different cannabinoids, and cannabigerol (CBG) serves as the precursor molecule for the most abundant phytocannabinoids. CBG exhibits affinity and activity characteristics between Δ9-THC and CBD at the cannabinoid receptors but appears to be unique in its interactions with α-2 adrenoceptors and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A). Studies indicate that CBG may have therapeutic potential in treating neurologic disorders (e.g., Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis) and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as having antibacterial activity. There is growing interest in the commercial use of this unregulated phytocannabinoid. This review focuses on the unique pharmacology of CBG, our current knowledge of its possible therapeutic utility, and its potential toxicological hazards.
Cannabidiol attenuates inflammatory impairment of intestinal cells expanding biomaterial-based therapeutic approaches
Cannabis-based biomaterials have the potential to deliver anti-inflammatory therapeutics specifically to desired cells, tissues, and organs, enhancing drug delivery and the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatment while minimizing toxicity. As a major component of Cannabis, Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained major attention in recent years because of its potential therapeutic properties, e.g., for restoring a disturbed barrier resulting from inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that CBD has beneficial effects under normal and inflammatory conditions in the established non-transformed intestinal epithelial cell model IPEC-J2.
Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings among people who use unregulated drugs
We sought to analyze the association between cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings and self-reported changes in stimulant use among structurally marginalized people who use unregulated drugs (PWUD). The data for this secondary analysis was collected from a cross-sectional questionnaire administered to people who concurrently use cannabis and unregulated stimulants in Vancouver, Canada. We used logistic regression models to analyze the association between cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings and self-reported changes in the frequency of stimulant use.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to signals of tissue damage or infection caused by pathogens. However, when it becomes imbalanced, it can lead to various disorders such as cancer, obesity, cardiovascular problems, neurological conditions, and diabetes. The endocannabinoid system, which is present throughout the body, plays a regulatory role in different organs and influences functions such as food intake, pain perception, stress response, glucose tolerance, inflammation, cell growth and specialization, and metabolism. Phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa can interact with this system and affect its functioning. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of three minor phytocannabinoids including tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN) using an in vitro system. We pre-treated THP-1 macrophages with different doses of phytocannabinoids or vehicle for one hour, followed by treating the cells with 500 ng/mL of LPS or leaving them untreated for three hours.
Cannabinoid modulations of pain and stress related circuits
In the past decade, significant advancements have been made in understanding the brain regions and neuronal circuits regulating neurological behaviors. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, which is ubiquitously distributed in the brain and extensively involved in synaptic modulation, has been believed to play potential roles in neuronal circuit processes and related disorders. Although eCB-based pharmacological studies have made some clinical achievements, they still often encounter conflicting reports or undesired effects due to global manipulation of manifold brain regions and neuronal circuits, which impede the therapeutic application of eCB-based medications. In this review, we are devoted to discussing the versatile forms of eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity and dissecting currently well-studied specific cannabinoid circuits involved in behavioral domains which are closely linked to the organism’s survival and life quality, such as pain perception and stress-related emotion disorders. By gaining new insights into selective cannabinoid control in circuits, we can potentially mitigate the drawbacks of traditional pharmacology and facilitate the development of precision medicine with novel therapeutic strategies and drug discoveries.