Browse more cannabis research, findings, methods, and limitations.
Comprehensive profiling of the CB1 allosteric probe GAT100 across multiple signaling pathways confirmed it as superior to existing modulators, with identification of a critical binding residue for drug design.
First rigorous study shows THC acutely reduces motivation temporarily, while cannabis dependence is associated with impaired reward learning but preserved overall motivation when sober.
Lipidomics study of mice missing key endocannabinoid enzymes revealed sweeping effects on lipid signaling across eight brain regions, extending far beyond endocannabinoids to prostaglandins and dozens of related lipids.
Clinical guidance article helps providers navigate marijuana conversations with patients using motivational interviewing, evidence-based informed consent, and balanced discussion of benefits and risks.
A rigorous trial of 122 cannabis-dependent adults found that combining synthetic THC (dronabinol) with lofexidine was no more effective than placebo for achieving cannabis abstinence, though both groups improved with behavioral therapy.
Endogenous cannabinoid peptides slowed gut movement through CB1 receptors in mice, but with lower potency than classical cannabinoids, suggesting potential for pain relief with fewer GI side effects.
A year-long systematic study of drug-related ER visits in a Swiss hospital found cannabis was the most commonly detected substance (33%), though novel psychoactive substances were rarely involved.
Oregon dispensary staff primarily learn through on-the-job training and personal experience, advising patients on product selection but rarely discussing drug interactions or referring to healthcare providers.
Two weeks of CB1 receptor blockade reversed age-related insulin resistance in aged mice but had no metabolic effect in young mice, suggesting the endocannabinoid system becomes pathologically overactive with aging.
MRI study found cannabis use was associated with thinner frontal cortex in young adults, with distinct brain structure patterns emerging in cannabis users who also had persistent ADHD.
International survey data shows synthetic cannabinoid use affects 0.2-4% of the population, peaks in late teens, is mostly experimental and curiosity-driven, with users overestimating how common it is.
An inpatient study found dronabinol provided modest opioid withdrawal relief at higher doses, but with concerning side effects including rapid heart rate and sedation, making it an unlikely clinical candidate.
Systematic review of 13 brain imaging studies found adolescent cannabis users showed altered frontal-parietal brain function during cognitive tasks while maintaining normal performance, suggesting compensatory mechanisms.
Review argues that peripherally restricted and neutral CB1 receptor blockers can provide rimonabant's metabolic benefits for obesity and diabetes without the psychiatric side effects that ended its clinical use.
Comprehensive review of the endocannabinoid system — the brain's built-in cannabinoid network that THC hijacks when you use cannabis.
A survey of 473 Canadian medical cannabis patients found 87% used cannabis as a substitute for other substances, with 80% replacing prescription drugs, 52% replacing alcohol, and 33% replacing illicit substances.
Review examines hemopressin peptides, naturally occurring molecules that modulate cannabinoid receptors, highlighting their potential for pain relief, appetite control, and blood pressure regulation.
A practical oncology guide describes how cannabinoid therapies can address pain, nausea, and appetite loss in cancer patients at all disease stages, potentially reducing the need for multiple other medications.
Systematic review of 48 studies found smoked marijuana is associated with lung cancer risk, emphysema, COPD, and respiratory symptoms including wheezing, cough, and phlegm.
Review of dronabinol for chemotherapy-induced nausea found it most useful as a second-line or add-on option when standard antiemetics fail, with evidence supporting combination with ondansetron or prochlorperazine.
First systematic analysis of online forums found 25% of posts claim cannabis helps ADHD versus 8% saying it is harmful, despite zero clinical evidence supporting cannabis as an ADHD treatment.
First controlled comparison found adolescents felt less stoned and had fewer memory problems from cannabis than adults, but showed impaired impulse control and no feeling of having had enough, potentially driving escalated use.
Review of THC detection methods across blood, urine, saliva, and hair highlights growing challenges for drug testing programs as legal medical cannabis products like Sativex produce positive results.
A treatment-resistant epilepsy patient experienced dramatic seizure reduction with cannabis, and lab experiments suggest the rare cannabinoid CBDV may contribute through effects on the brain's inhibitory GABA system.
Meta-analysis of 37 studies found one-third of first-episode psychosis patients use cannabis, with regular use typically starting 6.3 years before psychosis onset and declining by nearly half after treatment.
CB2 cannabinoid receptors can break apart cellular protein complexes simply by being present, without needing to be activated by any cannabinoid.
Persistent ADHD and frequent cannabis use each independently associated with thinner cortex in a key impulse control brain region in young adults.
Controlled trial shows smoking and vaping deliver cannabis identically to blood, identifies potential biomarkers for recent use, and proposes detection cutoffs under 8 hours.
ADHD medication (mixed amphetamine salts) was associated with more marijuana-free weeks in people with co-occurring ADHD and cocaine dependence.
Cannabis effectively lowers eye pressure but may undermine the benefit through cardiovascular side effects that reduce blood flow to the optic nerve.
Among HIV-positive adults over 50 in care, marijuana was the most commonly used illicit drug (32.6%), and more than a third of users had never received substance use treatment.
Animal study shows two synthetic cannabinoids found in "spice" products produce dangerous effects even at individually sub-threshold doses when combined, suggesting synergistic toxicity.
Mouse study shows a CB1 receptor blocker produced antidepressant effects that were mediated through the opioid system, revealing a mechanistic link between cannabinoid and opioid pathways in depression.
Case report and literature review of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, where chronic cannabis use paradoxically causes severe cyclical vomiting resolved only by cessation.
Review of 68 studies finds medical marijuana shares uses with approved cannabis medications (mainly pain and nausea) but evidence for marijuana itself remains limited, with moderate support only for pain and seizures.
Animal research shows the endocannabinoid system stabilizes NREM sleep bouts but does not drive the homeostatic need to sleep, helping explain cannabis's complex effects on sleep.
French pilot study shows a specialized addiction team in the ED identified 7 CHS cases in 7 months, with 5 of 7 patients entering addiction follow-up care.
Study of 7,672 inmates finds DSM-5 and ICD-10 agree on severe and no-diagnosis cannabis cases but disagree on moderate disorders, with half mapping to dependence and half to harmful use.
Large clinical trial finds cannabis-using tobacco smokers quit tobacco at the same rate as tobacco-only smokers when given standard cessation treatment.
Controlled trial shows cannabis and cocaine increase impulsivity and reduce brain connectivity, but only in people with a genetic variant predisposing to higher dopamine levels.
Study of 101 opioid-dependent people in India found cannabis became the most commonly used substance during imprisonment (35%), overtaking opioids (19%), with 65% using drugs while incarcerated.
fMRI study finds ADHD reduced impulse control brain activation regardless of cannabis use, while cannabis-using controls recruited compensatory brain regions that ADHD participants could not.
Chronic cannabis use reduced attention-related brainwave responses in healthy people but not in those with schizophrenia, suggesting pre-existing endocannabinoid differences in schizophrenia.
Literature review finds cannabis smoking causes bronchitis symptoms but, unlike tobacco, is associated with increased lung capacity, possibly due to cannabis's bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical review finds insufficient evidence for medical cannabis in children overall, but acknowledges exceptional cases like refractory epilepsy may warrant carefully supervised, research-based use.
First demonstration that a selective CB2 receptor agonist reduces both vomiting and nausea in animal models, offering a non-psychoactive alternative to THC-based anti-nausea treatments.
Comparative genomics reveals important differences between baboon and human endocannabinoid system genes, particularly in CB2 receptors and metabolic enzymes, with implications for translating primate drug studies to humans.
Critical review finds CBD demonstrated antipsychotic effects comparable to standard medication in a clinical trial, with a side effect profile similar to placebo, potentially working through endocannabinoid system modulation.
Study of 238 adolescent cannabis users found more lifetime use was linked to higher BMI and greater obesity risk, regardless of decision-making ability.
The 2016 evidence update that moved CECD from speculation to supported hypothesis: CSF anandamide reduced in migraineurs (p < 0.0001), PET imaging shows CB1 changes in PTSD, platelet studies confirm altered endocannabinoid levels, genetic associations identified.