Marijuana Lowered Eye Pressure, but Only in Users Who Felt Relaxed ↗
Marijuana reduced eye pressure only in users who experienced relaxation and a substantial high, suggesting an indirect mechanism rather than a direct drug effect.
Medical Cannabis research
Explore published research on medical cannabis, including study methods and limitations.
THC Worked as an Anti-Nausea Drug for Cancer Chemotherapy Patients in a Landmark 1975 Trial ↗
In a landmark NEJM trial, oral THC prevented chemotherapy vomiting in 80% of completed courses versus 0% for placebo, with no vomiting during subjective highs.
A 1978 Medical Review Found Cannabis Had Both Therapeutic Promise and Health Risks ↗
A 1978 medical review identified cannabis as promising for glaucoma and asthma but flagged cardiovascular risks during exercise and preliminary concerns about lung and immune effects.
Early Evidence Showed THC Reduced Chemotherapy Nausea but Raised Safety Questions ↗
A 1981 critical review found THC showed promise against chemotherapy nausea but identified significant gaps in safety and pharmacological knowledge.
California Launched a Large-Scale Program to Study THC for Cancer Patients Across Ages ↗
California designed a four-protocol statewide program to study THC dosing for cancer nausea across ages, involving over 200 investigators and including children and elderly patients.
Cannabis Tolerance Developed Rapidly and Withdrawal Symptoms Appeared After Just One Week of Use ↗
Data from 120 subjects showed cannabis tolerance develops and fades quickly, while withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, irritability, and tremor appeared after as few as 7 days of use.
THC Eye Drops Did Not Lower Eye Pressure in Glaucoma Patients Despite Working in Animals ↗
THC eye drops lowered eye pressure in animals but not in six glaucoma patients. Researchers concluded THC likely reduces eye pressure systemically, not locally.
THC Significantly Reduced Muscle Spasticity in Patients With Neurological Conditions ↗
A double-blind trial found 10 mg oral THC significantly reduced muscle spasticity. Tonic spasms responded well, but cerebellar disease did not.
How THC Went From Illegal Drug to Active Medical Research Subject in the United States ↗
A historical review traced how federal laws, patient reports, and 25 state research acts moved THC from prohibition into active medical investigation by 1981.
A Cannabis-Derived Drug Was No Better Than Standard Medication for Radiation Therapy Nausea ↗
A cannabis derivative performed similarly to standard medication for preventing radiation-induced vomiting. Both drugs were well tolerated with no clear winner.
THC and a Standard Antiemetic Were Equally Effective Against Chemotherapy Nausea in 214 Patients ↗
In 214 cancer patients, THC and prochlorperazine were equally effective against chemotherapy nausea. THC had more side effects, but patients tolerated them and those effects correlated with nausea relief.
A Comprehensive Review Found THC and Synthetic Cannabinoids Outperformed Placebo for Chemotherapy Nausea ↗
A 1983 review found THC outperformed placebo and standard drugs for chemotherapy nausea, with effectiveness linked to the "high." Synthetic cannabinoids nabilone and levonantradol offered additional options.
Testing 32 Cannabinoids Revealed Some Were More Effective Than THC at Lowering Eye Pressure ↗
A screening of 32 cannabinoids in rabbits found that certain THC derivatives outperformed THC itself at lowering eye pressure, and non-THC compounds also showed activity.
A 1985 Review Assessed Cannabis for Nausea, Glaucoma, and Muscle Spasticity ↗
A 1985 review assessed medical cannabis evidence for nausea, glaucoma, and MS spasticity, noting that barriers to use were primarily moral and ethical rather than scientific.
CBD Improved Dystonia Symptoms by 20-50% but Worsened Parkinson's Features ↗
Five dystonia patients improved 20-50% on oral CBD up to 600 mg/day, but two with coexisting Parkinson's features experienced worsened tremor and slowed movement.
A Single Cannabis Cigarette Measurably Improved Both Spasticity and Tremor in an MS Patient ↗
Smoking cannabis measurably improved both muscle spasticity and hand tremor in an MS patient, confirmed by clinical rating, EMG, and electromagnetic recording.
High-Dose CBD Was Neither Effective Nor Toxic for Huntington's Disease in a Controlled Trial ↗
CBD at approximately 700 mg/day for six weeks showed no significant benefit for Huntington's Disease symptoms in 15 patients, but was well tolerated with no toxicity.
44% of Oncologists Had Recommended Illegal Marijuana to Cancer Patients for Nausea ↗
A survey of over 1,000 oncologists found 44% had recommended illegal marijuana to chemo patients, with a majority favoring prescription availability. They rated smoked marijuana more effective than oral dronabinol.
By 1994, Oncologists Ranked Marijuana Ninth for Nausea and Most Would Not Prescribe It Even If Legal ↗
A 1994 oncologist survey ranked marijuana ninth among antiemetics, with estimated 50% efficacy and 25% adverse effects. Only 6% would prescribe more even if it were legal.
Delta-8-THC Completely Prevented Vomiting in Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment With Negligible Side Effects ↗
Delta-8-THC completely prevented vomiting in eight children aged 3-13 across 480 cancer chemotherapy treatments over up to eight months, with negligible side effects.
MS Patients Reported Cannabis Improved Spasticity, Pain, Tremor, and Up to 11 Other Symptoms ↗
The first survey of cannabis use in MS found 112 patients reported improvement in up to 14 symptoms, with spasticity and chronic pain most commonly improved.
Modifying One Position on THC Created Compounds That Preferentially Targeted the CB2 Immune Receptor ↗
Modifications at the C-1 position of THC-like compounds produced modest selectivity for the CB2 immune receptor over the CB1 psychoactive receptor, with one compound achieving a 4.5-fold preference.
A 1997 Review Supported Pharmaceutical THC for Nausea and Appetite but Opposed Prescribing Raw Marijuana ↗
A 1997 Annals of Internal Medicine review supported pharmaceutical THC for nausea and appetite but concluded evidence did not support reclassifying crude marijuana as prescribable medicine.
Pharmaceutical THC (Marinol) Showed No Evidence of Abuse, Diversion, or Street Market Demand ↗
Prescription THC (dronabinol) showed no evidence of abuse, diversion, or street demand. Its slow onset and dysphoric effects made it unappealing even to cannabis-dependent individuals.
Some Bipolar Patients Reported Cannabis Was More Effective Than Conventional Mood Stabilizers ↗
Case histories described bipolar patients who found cannabis useful for mania, depression, or both, with some reporting it more effective than conventional mood stabilizers.
A Commentary Called for Better Evidence Before Expanding Medical Cannabis Access ↗
A commentary acknowledged cannabis showed therapeutic promise for nausea and appetite but emphasized that controlled studies were lacking and risks must be weighed against benefits.
A Physician Called for Removing Research Barriers While Noting Cannabis Has a Narrow Therapeutic Window ↗
A 1998 review called for removing research barriers to medical marijuana while noting the narrow therapeutic window as a major limitation, supporting pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid development.
Mechoulam Called for Cannabis Clinical Trials, Noting the UK and US Took Opposite Positions on MS Research ↗
Endocannabinoid discoverer Mechoulam highlighted a UK-US divide on cannabis MS research, with Britain recommending "high priority" clinical trials while the US MS Society did not support cannabis use.
CB1 Receptors Were Concentrated in the Part of the Eye That Controls Fluid Pressure ↗
CB1 receptors were concentrated in the rat ciliary body, the eye structure controlling fluid pressure, providing a molecular basis for cannabinoid-based glaucoma treatment.
A Pharmacist's Review Found Cannabis Had Low Addiction Potential and Clinical Promise for Multiple Conditions ↗
A pharmaceutical review found marijuana causes dependence but has less addictive power than cocaine, alcohol, heroin, or nicotine, and shows therapeutic promise for six conditions.
Whole Cannabis May Work Better Than THC Alone for Cancer Wasting Because CBD Counteracts Psychoactive Side Effects ↗
Cannabis cachexia affects two-thirds of advanced cancer patients. Whole cannabis may be better tolerated than THC alone because CBD reduces psychoactive effects without blocking appetite stimulation.
Mechoulam Reviewed 35 Years of Cannabinoid Research From THC Isolation to Endocannabinoid Discovery ↗
Mechoulam reviewed 35 years from isolating THC to discovering endocannabinoids, noting a synthetic cannabinoid in clinical trials for brain injury while most medical use remained illegal.
Cannabinoid Receptors in Movement Control Centers Suggested Therapeutic Potential for Tics, Dyskinesia, and Tremor ↗
Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in brain movement centers. Limited clinical evidence suggested cannabis may help Tourette tics, Parkinson's dyskinesia, and some forms of tremor and dystonia.
A Pharmacologist Mapped Out the Full Therapeutic Landscape for Cannabinoid Drugs ↗
A pharmacological roadmap identified clinical potential for CB1 agonists (spasticity, pain), CB1 antagonists (appetite, cognition), CB2 ligands, and endocannabinoid-boosting drugs.
Cannabis Compounds Reduced Spasticity and Tremor in an MS Mouse Model, Published in Nature ↗
Published in Nature, this landmark study showed cannabinoids reduced spasticity and tremor in MS mice, while blocking cannabinoid receptors worsened symptoms, revealing an active endocannabinoid control system.
An Ethics Review Argued Denying Patients Medical Marijuana Violates Their Dignity and Rights ↗
An ethics review applied the principle of double effect to IOM evidence and concluded that denying medical marijuana to seriously ill patients violates their dignity and right to effective therapy.
A Prominent Researcher Proposed a Legal Marijuana Program for Patients While Gathering Clinical Data ↗
A respected pharmacologist proposed a six-month legal marijuana access program for patients with four conditions while collecting structured clinical data, bridging the gap between patient need and evidence.
CBD Blocked Arthritis Progression in Mice When Given After Symptoms Started, Published in PNAS ↗
Published in PNAS, CBD blocked arthritis progression in mice when given after symptoms started, protected joints, and worked through multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms at an optimal oral dose of 25 mg/kg.
The Landmark 1999 Institute of Medicine Report: Medical Marijuana Has Promise but Smoking Is Not the Answer ↗
The landmark IOM report found therapeutic promise for cannabinoids in pain, nausea, and appetite, recommended against smoking in favor of an inhaler, called for research investment, and found limited gateway and addiction risks.
The Endocannabinoid System May Be Involved in Huntington's, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia, and Tremor ↗
The endocannabinoid system is disrupted in Huntington's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and tremor, offering both pathological insights and therapeutic targets including agonists, antagonists, and endocannabinoid modulators.
Should Doctors Be Allowed to Recommend Cannabis? An Australian Perspective ↗
Australian editorial arguing for prosecution exemptions for patients using cannabis medicinally, noting that while cannabinoid drugs were not registered, patient need warranted a compassionate policy response.
From Plant to Patient: What Scientists Were Learning About Cannabis Medicine in 2001 ↗
Conference report showing whole cannabis extracts outperformed single cannabinoids for spasticity in animal models, while UK clinical trials for pain and multiple sclerosis were underway.
What Science Actually Knew About Medical Cannabis in 2001 ↗
Comprehensive review finding solid evidence for cannabinoids in nausea and appetite, emerging evidence for pain and spasticity, and weak evidence for glaucoma and asthma, while advocating for non-smoked delivery methods.
A Pioneer's Overview of Cannabinoids: From Ancient Use to Modern Medicine ↗
A review by THC discoverer Raphael Mechoulam tracing cannabinoids from ancient use to modern clinical applications in nausea, appetite, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and neuroprotection.
Does THC Treatment for Tourette Syndrome Cause Cognitive Problems? ↗
A small randomized trial found that single-dose THC (5-10 mg) for Tourette syndrome did not impair cognition across multiple domains, unlike findings from recreational cannabis use studies.
A Synthetic Cannabinoid Eye Drop Lowered Eye Pressure in Treatment-Resistant Glaucoma ↗
A synthetic cannabinoid eye drop reduced eye pressure by up to 31% in 8 glaucoma patients who had not responded to conventional treatments, working through CB1 receptors in the eye.
How Well Do Cannabinoids Control Chemotherapy Nausea? A Systematic Review of 30 Trials ↗
Systematic review of 30 trials finding cannabinoids outperformed conventional antiemetics for chemotherapy nausea (NNT 6) and vomiting (NNT 8), but with notable side effects including dizziness and dysphoria.
What Happened When California Let Glaucoma Patients Try THC ↗
A California compassionate access program found that all 9 glaucoma patients given THC or marijuana discontinued within 9 months due to tolerance and side effects, despite initial pressure reduction.
THC and Cannabis Extract Did Not Reduce Spasticity in This MS Trial ↗
Randomized trial in 16 MS patients found neither oral THC nor cannabis extract reduced spasticity, and both worsened patients' overall impression compared to placebo.
The First Controlled Trial of THC for Tourette Syndrome Tics ↗
First RCT showing THC significantly reduces tics and OCD symptoms in Tourette syndrome, with effects linked to the 11-OH-THC metabolite rather than THC itself.
What Was Known About Cannabis for MS Spasticity and Pain in 2002 ↗
Review of 9 clinical trials and animal research finding cannabinoids reduced spasticity, pain, tremor, and bladder symptoms in MS, with elevated endocannabinoid levels in spastic conditions.
Are Cannabinoids Better Than Existing MS Treatments for Pain and Spasticity? ↗
Review finding cannabinoids can reduce MS spasticity and pain but questioning their superiority over existing treatments, with too few controlled trials for definitive conclusions.
The Birth of Sativex: How GW Pharmaceuticals Developed Cannabis Medicine ↗
GW Pharmaceuticals developed Sativex and other cannabis medicines, with phase III trials showing significant neuropathic pain reduction in MS, leading to licensing with Bayer AG.
Cannabis Compounds May Have Untapped Medical Potential Beyond What Patients Already Report ↗
Lancet Neurology review arguing that cannabinoid therapeutic potential extends beyond MS symptoms to neuroprotection, and that the field was only beginning to appreciate the possibilities.
A Comprehensive Map of What Cannabinoids Could Treat in the Brain ↗
Comprehensive review cataloging cannabinoid therapeutic potential across MS, Parkinson's, neuroprotection, pain, and appetite, highlighting non-psychoactive cannabinoids as potentially offering benefits without psychoactivity.
How Drugs of Abuse Including Cannabis Affect the Immune System and Infection Risk ↗
Review documenting that cannabis and other drugs of abuse suppress immune function through receptor-mediated mechanisms, increasing infection susceptibility, with implications for HIV/AIDS.
The Complete Guide to How Cannabis Moves Through Your Body ↗
Comprehensive pharmacokinetics review: inhaled THC peaks in minutes and lasts 2-3 hours; oral THC takes 30-90 minutes and lasts 4-12 hours, with therapeutic applications across pain, nausea, and neuroprotection.
Medical Marijuana Laws: Are They Justified and Can They Work? ↗
Policy review finding THC moderately effective for nausea, appetite, and pain, comparing medical cannabis approaches across US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
The First Long-Term Trial: THC Reduced Tourette Tics Over 6 Weeks ↗
First long-term controlled trial showing THC (up to 10 mg/day) significantly reduced Tourette syndrome tics over 6 weeks in 24 patients with no serious adverse effects.
What MS Patients Said About Their Cannabis Use: A Survey of 420 ↗
Survey of 420 MS patients finding 96% aware of cannabis therapeutic potential, 16% using it medicinally with reported improvements in anxiety, spasticity, and chronic pain.
Cannabinoids Protected Against Brain Damage in an MS Animal Model ↗
Animal study showing CB1 receptor knockout mice suffered worse neurodegeneration in MS model, while CB1 activation provided neuroprotection, suggesting cannabis could slow MS disease progression.
Cannabis Extracts Helped Neurological Pain and Symptoms That Standard Treatments Could Not ↗
Controlled trial showing sublingual cannabis extracts (THC and CBD) significantly improved pain and bladder symptoms in 24 patients with treatment-resistant neurological conditions.
What Could Cannabinoids Do for Cancer Patients Beyond Nausea Relief? ↗
Review of cannabinoid applications in oncology: proven for chemotherapy nausea and appetite loss, with potential for pain, antitumor effects, mood, and sleep in cancer patients.
Cannabis Extracts Worked Better Than Pure THC for MS and Epilepsy in Lab Tests ↗
Preclinical study showing whole cannabis extracts produced faster spasticity relief and more potent anticonvulsant effects than pure THC, with THC-free extracts also showing anticonvulsant activity.
The Landmark CAMS Trial: 667 MS Patients Test Cannabis for Spasticity ↗
Landmark trial of 667 MS patients found cannabis did not improve clinician-rated spasticity but showed significant patient-reported improvements in spasticity (p=0.003) and pain.
Cyclic Vomiting and Hot Showers in Heavy Cannabis Users. An Early Signal ↗
Early case series: vomiting stopped in most after stopping cannabis and returned on rechallenge, with hot bathing reported by nearly all.
Cannabis Sprays Reduced Nerve Pain from Brachial Plexus Injury ↗
Randomized trial in 48 patients finding cannabis sprays produced statistically significant neuropathic pain and sleep improvements, though below the predefined clinical significance threshold.
Cannabis Extracts Helped Bladder Problems in Advanced MS Patients ↗
Open-label pilot finding cannabis extracts significantly improved bladder urgency, incontinence, frequency, and nocturia in 15 MS patients with treatment-resistant symptoms.
Medical Marijuana for Brain Disorders: A Rehabilitation Medicine Perspective ↗
Review from rehabilitation medicine documenting seven therapeutic properties of cannabinoids applicable to neurological disorders: antioxidation, neuroprotection, analgesia, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, glial modulation, and tumor regulation.
How Many MS Patients in Nova Scotia Use Cannabis? A Survey of 220 ↗
Survey of 220 MS patients finding 14% currently using cannabis for symptoms, with stress, sleep, mood, spasticity, and pain reported as most effectively relieved.
The Case For and Against Cannabis Treatment in MS: Where Did the Evidence Stand in 2004? ↗
Review noting strong animal and patient-report evidence for cannabinoids in MS but acknowledging that objective clinical evidence remained lacking across 10 published reports with 78 patients.
A Complete Guide to How Cannabinoids Work as Medicine ↗
Pharmacology review mapping CB1 and CB2 receptor distribution and cataloging 13 therapeutic properties of cannabinoids including analgesia, neuroprotection, and antitumor effects.
Can Oral THC Pills Ease Marijuana Withdrawal? A Controlled Study Says Yes ↗
Controlled study showing oral THC relieved marijuana withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, craving, appetite loss) without intoxication, while divalproex worsened mood and cognition.
Do Cannabinoids Actually Work for MS? A Skeptical Assessment of 2004 Evidence ↗
Critical review noting that despite exciting receptor research, only 10 clinical reports with 78 MS patients existed, and better-designed studies failed to show objective spasticity improvement.
Cannabis Sprays for Chronic Pain: Lessons from 34 Individual Patient Trials ↗
34 individual patient trials of sublingual cannabis extracts for chronic pain found THC-containing formulations most effective, with wide dosing needs and acceptable side effects.
The Theory That Named What Patients Already Knew: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency ↗
The hypothesis that migraine, fibromyalgia, and IBS share underlying endocannabinoid deficiency. Now supported by CSF studies (reduced anandamide, p < 0.0001), platelet data, neuroimaging, and genetics — but still awaiting definitive clinical trials.
Cannabis Extracts for MS Spasticity: What the Latest Trials Showed in 2004 ↗
Critical review distinguishing between oral THC (failed to reduce spasticity objectively) and sublingual THC:CBD (showed more promise) for MS treatment.
Cannabis Extract Capsules Reduced Spasticity in MS Patients Who Took Enough of the Medication ↗
Crossover trial of 57 MS patients found cannabis extract capsules significantly reduced spasm frequency and improved mobility in the 37 patients who took at least 90% of their dose.
Sativex Spray Significantly Reduced MS Spasticity But Not Other Symptoms in 160-Patient Trial ↗
Trial of 160 MS patients found Sativex spray significantly reduced spasticity (P = 0.001) but the primary composite symptom measure did not reach significance.
Review of 15 Clinical Trials Found Cannabinoids Most Promising for Spasticity, Tics, and Nerve Pain ↗
Review of 15 randomized clinical trials found the strongest evidence for cannabinoids treating MS spasticity, Tourette's tics, and neuropathic pain, while trials for cachexia and Parkinson's were negative.
Review of How Cannabinoids Interact With the Immune System and Their Potential for Treating Inflammation ↗
Review of how cannabinoids interact with immune cells, showing they can modulate cytokine secretion and immune function with potential applications for inflammatory disease treatment.
Review of How the Endocannabinoid System Works and Its Potential for New Treatments ↗
Review of the endocannabinoid signaling system describes how it maintains physiological balance and identifies therapeutic potential for pain, epilepsy, spasticity, eating disorders, and inflammation.
Comprehensive Review of Cannabinoid Pharmacology, Receptor Systems, and Therapeutic Applications ↗
Comprehensive review of 15 years of cannabinoid research catalogs receptor distribution across the body and identifies therapeutic potential for pain, neurological disorders, obesity, and addiction.
Lancet Review Examines Three Cannabis-Cancer Links: Causing, Fighting, and Treating Cancer Symptoms ↗
Lancet Oncology review examined cannabis-cancer relationships across three dimensions: inconsistent evidence for causing cancer, mixed lab results for fighting cancer, and positive evidence for managing cancer symptoms.
How the Body's Endocannabinoid System Drives Appetite, Food Motivation, and Weight Regulation ↗
Review shows endocannabinoids stimulate appetite by making food more attractive and more pleasurable, acting through CB1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus.
How Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids May Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis Through Immune Modulation ↗
Review shows cannabinoids may benefit MS by shifting immune responses from harmful Th1 to protective Th2 patterns and providing neuroprotection, with animal model support for endocannabinoid-based therapies.
CBD Partially Blocks THC Metabolism in the Liver, With Women Showing Higher THC Blood Levels Than Men ↗
Double-blind crossover study of 24 volunteers found CBD partially inhibits THC liver metabolism, though the effect was small relative to natural variation, and women achieved significantly higher THC blood levels than men.
How the Endocannabinoid System Drives Obesity Through Both Brain Appetite Circuits and Fat Cell Activity ↗
Review shows endocannabinoids promote obesity through dual mechanisms: stimulating brain appetite circuits and directly promoting fat storage in adipose tissue, with CB1 blockers showing promise for both.
Sativex Spray Approved for MS Neuropathic Pain, With Trials Showing Benefit for Spasticity and Sleep ↗
Five RCTs of Sativex (THC:CBD spray) in 368 neurological patients showed significant benefits for neuropathic pain, spasticity, and sleep, leading to approval in Canada for MS pain.
Historical Review: Cannabis Medicine Has Thousands of Years of History But Modern Clinical Research Is Just Beginning ↗
Review found that despite thousands of years of medicinal use, clinical cannabis research remained in its infancy, with studies hampered by small sizes, poor controls, and inconsistent formulations.
Cannabis-Based Spray Significantly Reduced MS Central Pain and Sleep Problems in Rigorous Trial ↗
Randomized trial of 66 MS patients found THC:CBD spray significantly reduced central neuropathic pain (P = 0.005) and sleep disturbance (P = 0.003) with 97% completion rate.
Cannabis-Based Medicines for MS Have Mild Side Effects But Raise Concerns for Psychosis-Prone and Pregnant Patients ↗
Review found cannabis-based MS medicines had mild side effects in trials but urged caution for psychosis-prone and pregnant patients, noting therapeutic benefits remained modest.
CB1 Receptor Blockers Show Promise for Obesity: Early Trial Results Show Weight Loss and Metabolic Improvement ↗
Review confirmed CB1 receptors drive appetite and fat storage. The CB1 blocker rimonabant showed significant weight loss and metabolic improvement in early Phase III obesity trials.
Largest MS Cannabinoid Trial Found Small But Significant Spasticity Benefit After 12 Months ↗
12-month follow-up of 630 MS patients found oral THC produced a small but significant spasticity reduction (P = 0.01), suggesting a longer-term treatment effect not seen in the initial 15-week study.
Brief Review of Cannabinoid Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Diseases Including MS, Pain, and Glaucoma ↗
Brief review outlines therapeutic potential of cannabinoid agonists for spasticity, pain, and inflammation, and CB1 antagonists for Parkinson's disease.
Blocking Endocannabinoid Breakdown Could Treat Anxiety, Cancer, and Neurodegenerative Diseases ↗
Review identifies FAAH and MAGL enzymes as key therapeutic targets. Blocking endocannabinoid breakdown could treat anxiety, cancer, and neurodegeneration by boosting the body's own cannabinoid system.
Sativex Clinical Review: Typically 8-12 Sprays Daily, Effective for MS Spasticity and Neuropathic Pain ↗
Clinical review of Sativex shows patients typically use 8-12 sprays daily (22-32 mg THC + 20-30 mg CBD), with positive trial results for MS spasticity and neuropathic pain.
Clinical Experience: 15 of 20 Chronic Pain Patients Reported Improvement With Synthetic Cannabinoid Nabilone ↗
Clinical case series of 20 chronic pain patients found 75% reported improvement with nabilone, with sleep and nausea benefits being the primary reasons for continued use.
Cannabis Extract and THC Both Significantly Reduced Urinary Incontinence in MS Patients ↗
CAMS substudy found cannabis extract reduced MS urinary incontinence by 38% and THC by 33%, both significantly better than placebo (18%), despite the main study finding no spasticity benefit.
Rimonabant Clinical Trials Show Weight Loss, Better Lipids, and Smoking Cessation Benefits ↗
Four large trials of CB1 blocker rimonabant showed significant weight loss, improved lipids and blood sugar, and increased smoking quit rates. Later withdrawn due to psychiatric side effects.
Cannabis Extract for Post-Surgical Pain: Clear Dose-Response But Trial Stopped Over Safety Concern ↗
Dose-escalation trial showed cannabis extract produced clear dose-related pain relief (NNT comparable to standard analgesics) but was terminated after a serious vasovagal event at the highest dose.
How Cannabinoids Suppress Immune Responses Through Antigen-Presenting Cells ↗
Review shows cannabinoids suppress immune function by affecting antigen-presenting cells and cytokine production, suggesting therapeutic potential for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Endocannabinoid System Modulation Shows Promise for MS, Arthritis, IBD, Asthma, and Autoimmune Diabetes ↗
Review of endocannabinoid system modulation identifies therapeutic potential for MS, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, atherosclerosis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune diabetes based on cell and animal studies.
CB2 Receptor on Immune Cells Offers Path to Anti-Inflammatory Treatments Without Cannabis-Like High ↗
Review highlights CB2 receptor on immune cells as a target for anti-inflammatory treatments without psychoactive effects, with evidence in autoimmune disease and bone metabolism models.
Comprehensive Review: Endocannabinoid System Controls Hormones, Stress Response, Reproduction, and Metabolism ↗
Major endocrinology review describes the endocannabinoid system as a regulator of hormonal axes, stress response, reproduction, and energy balance through both brain and peripheral tissue mechanisms.
Sativex Review: Effective Across Multiple Pain Conditions Without Tolerance or Withdrawal ↗
Review of Sativex clinical development shows efficacy across multiple pain conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS symptoms, with no significant intoxication, tolerance, or withdrawal reported.
THC Temporarily Lowered Eye Pressure for Glaucoma While CBD Had No Effect or Raised It ↗
Small crossover trial found sublingual THC (5 mg) temporarily lowered eye pressure in glaucoma patients for 2 hours, while CBD had no benefit and higher doses transiently raised eye pressure.
Raw Cannabis Acid (THCa) Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects Through Different Pathways Than THC ↗
Cell study found raw cannabis acid (THCa) has anti-inflammatory effects through different pathways than THC, with sustained TNF-alpha inhibition versus THC's paradoxical induction with prolonged exposure.
Long-Term Sativex Study: Benefits Maintained Over 434 Days With No Consistent Withdrawal Syndrome ↗
Long-term open-label study of 137 MS patients found Sativex maintained its effects over 434 days without tolerance, and planned 2-week interruption showed no consistent withdrawal syndrome.
Medical Cannabis Users Preferred Higher-THC, Higher-Humidity Product in Quality Assessment Trial ↗
Small crossover trial found medical cannabis users could distinguish between preparations and preferred highest THC, humidity, and grind size, informing clinical trial product design.
CBD Reduced Diabetes Incidence From 86% to 30% in Mice by Shifting Immune Response ↗
CBD reduced autoimmune diabetes incidence from 86% to 30% in mice by shifting the immune response from harmful Th1 to protective Th2 patterns and reducing pancreatic inflammation.
Survey: 92% of Medical Cannabis Users Who Tried It for Morning Sickness Rated It Effective ↗
Survey of 84 medical cannabis users found 65% used cannabis during pregnancy, with 92% of those who used it for morning sickness rating it effective. Fetal safety was not assessed.
Cannabinoids May Slow MS Progression Through Both Immune and Neuroprotective Mechanisms, But Dose Limits Apply ↗
Review finds cannabinoids could modify MS through immune and neuroprotective mechanisms, but dose constraints prevent achieving immunosuppressive benefits clinically. Neuroprotection may be more achievable.
Endocannabinoids Can Block Tumor Blood Supply and Spread in Multiple Cancer Types ↗
Review shows endocannabinoids can inhibit tumor blood vessel formation, cancer cell migration, and metastasis across multiple cancer types, with a favorable safety profile compared to standard chemotherapy.
Cannabis-Based Mouth Spray Reduced Spasticity in People With Multiple Sclerosis ↗
A randomized trial of 189 MS patients found that a THC/CBD mouth spray significantly reduced spasticity, with 40% of patients achieving meaningful relief.
A Review of THC's Therapeutic Potential and the Challenges That Limit Its Medical Use ↗
Review found THC has wide therapeutic potential but psychoactive effects and dependence risk limit clinical use; whole cannabis extracts sometimes outperformed isolated THC.
A Q&A Overview of Marijuana's Potential Role in Pain Management ↗
Patient-oriented Q&A article that briefly covered marijuana for pain alongside topics like fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, and hypnosis.
A Review of How Cannabinoids Could Help With Pain, Nausea, and Symptoms in Serious Illness ↗
Review found cannabinoids showed promise for managing pain, appetite loss, nausea, and other symptoms in serious illness, with potential to complement and reduce opioid use.
Sativex Significantly Reduced Neuropathic Pain and Allodynia in a Controlled Trial ↗
Sativex reduced neuropathic pain nearly three times more than placebo in 125 patients, with benefits lasting a full year in an extension study without dose escalation.
Spasticity Relief From Cannabinoids Works Through CB1 Receptors, Not CB2, in MS Mouse Models ↗
Gene-knockout mouse study proved cannabinoids control MS-like spasticity through CB1 receptors, not CB2, meaning therapeutic and psychoactive effects are inherently linked.
Two Years of Sativex Use for MS Pain Showed Sustained Relief With No Tolerance ↗
Two-year open-label follow-up of 28 MS patients found sustained Sativex pain relief without tolerance or dose escalation, though 25% of all participants dropped out due to side effects.
A Pharmacist's Guide to Medical Marijuana: Uses, Risks, and Legal Complexity ↗
Review for pharmacists covered medical marijuana's five main therapeutic uses, known drug interactions, adverse effects, and the complex legal landscape as of 2007.
By 2007, Clinical Trials Were Beginning to Show Cannabinoids Help With MS Pain and Spasticity ↗
Review of clinical trials found growing consensus that cannabinoids help at least some MS patients with pain and spasticity, with generally mild side effects compared to alternatives.
How the Endocannabinoid System Could Both Treat MS Symptoms and Slow Disease Progression ↗
Review proposed that the endocannabinoid system could both relieve MS symptoms and slow disease progression, with local endocannabinoid enhancement as a strategy to minimize psychoactive side effects.
MS Patient With Tics, Dystonia, and Marijuana Dependence Improved on Prescription THC ↗
Case report of an MS patient with tics, dystonia, and marijuana dependence who improved across all symptoms on prescription dronabinol without experiencing the "high."
CB2 Receptors on Immune Cells Can Directly Suppress the Autoimmune Attack in MS ↗
Review showed that the CB2 cannabinoid receptor on immune cells can directly suppress the autoreactive T cells that cause MS nerve damage, offering a potential non-psychoactive therapeutic target.
Meta-Analysis of 30 Trials Found Cannabinoids More Effective Than Standard Anti-Nausea Drugs for Chemotherapy ↗
Meta-analysis of 30 trials found cannabinoids significantly outperformed older anti-nausea drugs for chemotherapy, with nearly half of 1,138 patients preferring cannabinoids despite more side effects.
Three Cannabinoids, Three Completely Different Pharmacologies — Why THC, CBD, and THCV Don't Work the Same Way ↗
The definitive pharmacological characterization of THC, CBD, and THCV — showing that three molecules from the same plant have completely different, sometimes opposite, effects at cannabinoid receptors.
A Comprehensive Review of Cannabinoids for Difficult-to-Treat Pain ↗
Comprehensive review found strong trial evidence for cannabinoid analgesics in neuropathic, cancer, and inflammatory pain, with Sativex already approved in Canada for two pain indications.
The Theory That Some Conditions Are Caused by an Endocannabinoid Deficiency ↗
Proposed that migraine, fibromyalgia, and IBS may share a common cause: clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, providing a rationale for cannabinoid-based treatments.
The Long History and Emerging Science of Medical Cannabis in the United States ↗
Historical review traced medical cannabis from ancient times through US criminalization (1937, against AMA advice) to modern endocannabinoid science supporting pain, spasticity, and inflammation applications.
Chart Review of 139 Medical Cannabis Patients Revealed Complex Pain and Major Access Barriers ↗
Chart review of 139 medical cannabis patients found 88% had multiple pain conditions (most commonly myofascial and neuropathic pain) and 37% faced significant access barriers despite legal authorization.
Sativex Did Not Cause Psychiatric Problems or Cognitive Decline in Cannabis-Naive MS Patients ↗
Crossover trial of 17 cannabis-naive MS patients found Sativex caused no psychiatric problems or cognitive decline at therapeutic doses, though higher THC blood levels correlated with subtle psychological symptom scores.
How Cannabinoids Fight Inflammation: A Review of Recent Research ↗
A review found that all classes of cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory activity, potentially through promoting inflammation resolution rather than blocking its initiation.
Sativex Did Not Improve Spasticity Measures or Endocannabinoid Levels in MS Patients ↗
In 20 MS patients, Sativex did not improve spasticity on clinical or neurophysiological measures and did not alter endocannabinoid system markers in peripheral blood.
Can Cannabinoids Work as Pain Relievers? A Review of the Evidence ↗
A review found that cannabinoids show analgesic potential in preclinical and clinical studies, with particular promise as opioid-sparing agents that could reduce opioid dose requirements.
Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids: What They Are and How They Might Be Used as Medicine ↗
A review of 2003-2007 patents documented growing interest in cannabinoid isolation, synthesis, and therapeutic applications beyond existing FDA-approved uses of synthetic THC.
THC Improved Insulin Sensitivity and Reduced Fat Cell Growth in Lab-Grown Cells ↗
A cell culture study found that a cannabis extract containing THC increased glucose uptake, reduced fat cell formation, and restored insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant cells.
Combined THC/CBD Extracts for MS Spasticity: What the Clinical Trials Show ↗
A systematic review of six RCTs found combined THC/CBD extracts showed a trend toward reduced MS spasticity, with significant subjective improvement but no significant changes on objective clinical measures.
The Future of Endocannabinoid Research After the CB1 Blocker Rimonabant Was Pulled from Market ↗
After rimonabant was pulled from the market due to psychiatric side effects, this commentary argued for continuing endocannabinoid research with better safety measures rather than abandoning the therapeutic potential of the system.
The Endocannabinoid System: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Role Across the Body ↗
A comprehensive review described the endocannabinoid system's role across nearly every organ system, from brain signaling and metabolism to immunity and reproduction.
A Paralyzed MS Patient Experienced Daily Out-of-Body Experiences Triggered by Cannabis ↗
A tetraplegic MS patient experienced daily out-of-body experiences triggered by cannabis treatment for spasticity, with measurable changes in mental body imagery after consumption.
Five Strategies to Make Cannabinoid Medicines Work Without the High ↗
Published three months after rimonabant's withdrawal, this review by Roger Pertwee proposed five strategies for developing cannabinoid medicines without psychoactive side effects — from peripheral restriction to cannabinoid-opioid synergy.
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists in Cancer: Beyond Palliative Care to Potential Anti-Tumor Effects ↗
A review found that cannabinoids showed predominantly inhibitory effects on tumor growth, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis in preclinical studies, though immunosuppressive properties could complicate in vivo effects.
Many Medical Cannabis Patients Used It as a Substitute for Alcohol, Prescription Drugs, or Illicit Drugs ↗
Among 350 medical cannabis patients, 66% used cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs, 40% for alcohol, and 26% for illicit drugs, citing fewer side effects and better symptom control.
Cannabinoids for MS Spasticity: Objective Measures Say No, Patients Say Yes ↗
RCTs found no objective Ashworth scale improvement with cannabinoids for MS spasticity, but patients reported significant improvement in spasticity (p=0.01), spasms, sleep, and pain.
Why Cannabinoids Can Both Prevent and Cause Vomiting: The Hyperemesis Paradox ↗
A review explored why cannabinoids paradoxically cause vomiting in chronic users despite being established anti-nausea drugs, proposing mechanisms including receptor desensitization, metabolite accumulation, and differential brain vs gut effects.
Cannabis Mouth Spray Helped Cancer Patients With Nausea That Standard Drugs Could Not Control ↗
In a small pilot trial, 71% of cancer patients receiving a THC/CBD spray achieved complete response for delayed chemo nausea versus 22% on placebo, added to standard anti-emetic therapy.
Cannabis Medicines: Balancing Therapeutic Benefits Against Side Effects and Abuse Potential ↗
A review noted that THC-based medicines have established therapeutic uses but significant side effects and abuse potential, driving interest in endocannabinoid system modulators as safer alternatives.
The Immune System Effects of Cannabinoids Should Be Considered With Every Prescription ↗
A review argued that the potent immunological effects of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists are clinically relevant and should be considered in every prescribing decision for cannabinoid medicines.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Reported for the First Time in a Psychiatric Patient ↗
The first case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in a psychiatric patient highlighted that the condition may be underrecognized in mental health settings where cannabis use is common.
THC/CBD Spray Reduced Cancer Pain That Opioids Could Not Fully Control ↗
In 177 cancer patients with opioid-refractory pain, THC/CBD spray significantly reduced pain (43% responders vs 21% placebo), while THC alone did not reach significance, highlighting CBD importance in the formulation.
Cannabinoids and Cancer: A New Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Effects Beyond Direct Tumor Killing ↗
A review highlighted a new focus on cannabinoids' anti-inflammatory effects in cancer treatment, arguing that their ability to reduce chronic inflammation could be as important as direct anti-tumor effects.
How cannabinoids suppress the immune system by triggering immune cell death ↗
Review identified four mechanisms of cannabinoid immunosuppression through CB2 receptors: cell death, proliferation block, cytokine suppression, and regulatory T cell induction.
Cannabis-based medicines showed subjective improvement in MS spasticity despite mixed results on clinical scales ↗
Review found cannabis-based medicines improved patient-reported MS spasticity but often did not show effects on the Ashworth clinical scale.
The prescription synthetic cannabinoid nabilone showed extremely rare abuse potential after nearly 30 years of use ↗
Comprehensive search found extremely rare nabilone abuse after nearly 30 years of availability, with no street value and minimal law enforcement concern.
Nabilone was better than amitriptyline for improving sleep in fibromyalgia patients ↗
Crossover RCT of 29 fibromyalgia patients found nabilone improved sleep quality more than amitriptyline, though neither affected pain in two-week treatment periods.
Medical marijuana showed effectiveness for chronic pain, chemo nausea, AIDS wasting, and MS spasms despite federal prohibition ↗
Review argued that evidence supported medical marijuana for chronic pain, chemo nausea, AIDS wasting, and MS spasms, making federal prohibition ethically unjustifiable.
Sativex (THC+CBD) was as effective as baclofen for MS spasticity in a mouse model ↗
Review found Sativex (THC+CBD) matched baclofen effectiveness for MS spasticity in mice, with endocannabinoid levels altered in both MS animal models and patient cerebrospinal fluid.
Fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported significant pain and stiffness relief within 2 hours ↗
Fibromyalgia cannabis users reported significant pain and stiffness relief within 2 hours and better mental health scores compared to non-users.
MS patients who used cannabis performed worse on cognitive tests and were twice as likely to be cognitively impaired ↗
MS patients who used cannabis performed significantly worse on cognitive tests across multiple domains and were twice as likely to be globally cognitively impaired.
Sativex (THC+CBD) and oral THC alone produced similar effects at therapeutic doses, with no evidence CBD reduced THC side effects ↗
In 9 cannabis smokers, Sativex and oral THC at equivalent doses produced similar mild effects with no evidence that CBD attenuated THC's side effects at therapeutic doses.
CBD did not change how the body absorbs or processes THC at therapeutic doses ↗
THC blood levels were nearly identical whether given as Sativex (with CBD) or as pure oral THC, ruling out pharmacokinetic interaction at therapeutic doses.
CBD reduced MS-like disease severity in mice by suppressing harmful immune cells and brain inflammation ↗
CBD reduced MS-like disease severity in mice by suppressing pathogenic T cells and microglial activation through mechanisms independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
About half of inflammatory bowel disease patients had used cannabis, with one-third to half using it for symptom relief ↗
About half of IBD patients reported lifetime cannabis use, with 33-50% of users specifically using it for symptom relief, especially those with prior surgery and chronic pain.
Review for family doctors: cannabis helps chronic and nerve pain but carries addiction risk and psychotropic side effects ↗
Review for family doctors found cannabis helped chronic/neuropathic pain with addiction risk, and highlighted cannabinoid-opioid synergy that could reduce opioid dependence.
15 of 18 high-quality trials found cannabinoids significantly reduced chronic pain compared to placebo ↗
Systematic review found 15 of 18 high-quality trials showed significant analgesic effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain, with no serious adverse effects.
How cannabinoids control nausea and vomiting in the body ↗
Review of how cannabinoids regulate nausea and vomiting, finding both THC and CBD effective through different brain mechanisms.
Pilot test of whether cannabis extract helps breathlessness in COPD patients ↗
Tiny pilot found cannabis extract may change how COPD patients perceive breathlessness without affecting standard measurements.
Does Sativex (THC/CBD spray) have abuse potential? Evidence says low risk ↗
Review of Sativex clinical data found low intoxication, 2.2% euphoria rate, no tolerance, and no withdrawal, suggesting low abuse potential.
The Paper That Gave Cannabis Its Most Powerful Idea — and Its Most Abused One ↗
The most cited paper in cannabis science: Russo's comprehensive review mapping potential terpene-cannabinoid synergies. Coined the framework for the 'entourage effect' as applied to plant medicine. THC-CBD synergy is confirmed; terpene interactions remain debated.
THC and CBD combination protected brain cells in a Huntington's disease rat model ↗
Rat study showed 1:1 THC:CBD combination protected brain cells from Huntington's disease-like damage through antioxidant mechanisms.
Review of Sativex for multiple sclerosis spasticity ↗
Review of Sativex clinical trials for MS spasticity showing reduced symptom severity with manageable side effects.
Head-to-head comparison of Sativex abuse potential versus pure synthetic THC ↗
In 23 cannabis users, Sativex showed similar or slightly less abuse potential than equivalent doses of dronabinol (pure synthetic THC).
Three Nights Without Cannabis Disrupted Sleep. Extended-release Zolpidem Blunted Much of It. ↗
Three nights off cannabis cut sleep efficiency and total sleep time and shifted REM. Extended-release zolpidem restored efficiency but did not shorten time to fall asleep.
Overview of Sativex for MS spasticity: three pivotal clinical trials ↗
Three pivotal trials totaling over 1,000 MS patients showed Sativex consistently reduced spasticity with mild, transient side effects and no abuse potential.
Comprehensive review of cannabinoids for MS symptoms and disease progression ↗
Review supporting cannabinoid benefits for MS spasticity, pain, and sleep, with emerging preclinical evidence for disease-modifying neuroprotection.
UK drug bulletin evaluates the place of Sativex in MS spasticity treatment ↗
UK drug bulletin reviewed Sativex as add-on therapy for MS spasticity when other treatments have failed, requiring demonstration of initial response.
The biology behind why cannabis-based medicines work for MS spasticity ↗
Review explaining the biological rationale for why cannabis-based medicines work for MS spasticity, based on the endocannabinoid system's role in neurotransmission.
Medicinal THC impaired real-world driving in both occasional and heavy users ↗
On-road driving study showed medicinal THC impaired driving in both occasional and heavy users beyond the 0.05% BAC threshold, but field sobriety tests missed it.
The complex intersection of medical marijuana, recreation, and science ↗
Comprehensive Mayo Clinic review of cannabis therapeutics, addiction, psychosis, and policy, noting the gap between public approval and scientific evidence.
Smoked cannabis significantly reduced MS spasticity and pain in a placebo-controlled trial ↗
Smoked cannabis significantly reduced MS spasticity and pain compared to placebo in 30 patients, but also impaired cognitive performance.
Nurses face ethical dilemmas when patients with terminal illness use cannabis for quality of life ↗
Review of ethical challenges nurses face when terminally ill patients use cannabis for quality of life, navigating between patient care and legal restrictions.
Clearing away the smoke: clinical evidence for medical marijuana with a prescribing guide ↗
Review of medical cannabis evidence supporting neuropathic pain and spasticity, with a practical physician algorithm for prescribing decisions.
Over 100 controlled clinical trials supported therapeutic potential of cannabinoids ↗
Review noting over 100 controlled trials since 1975 supporting cannabinoid therapeutics, with three approved medicines and manageable side effects.
Two epilepsy patients had dramatic seizure increases after stopping marijuana ↗
Two epilepsy patients with seizures controlled by marijuana experienced dramatic seizure increases upon stopping, documented by continuous video-EEG monitoring.
Review of cannabinoid biology and clinical evidence for MS spasticity treatment ↗
Review confirming clinical trial evidence for Sativex in MS spasticity, with biological rationale from endocannabinoid system science.
Sativex for MS spasticity was effective but unlikely to be cost-effective in the UK ↗
Economic modeling found Sativex cost 49,300 pounds per QALY for MS spasticity, exceeding the UK's 30,000-pound cost-effectiveness threshold.
Growing evidence that cannabis could reduce reliance on prescription opiates for chronic pain ↗
Review finding cannabis enhanced opiate pain relief, prevented tolerance, and potentially reduced opiate dependence, positioning it as a harm-reduction strategy.
GPs Screen for Cannabis Problems More Than Nurses, but Both Face Barriers ↗
GPs screened for cannabis problems more than nurses, but both groups reported barriers including time, skills, and uncertainty about their role.
Sativex Shows Promise for Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity in Clinical Trials ↗
Review of clinical trial data found Sativex (THC/CBD spray) reduced MS spasticity symptoms and improved patients' ability to perform daily activities.
Five Strategies for Making Cannabinoid Medicines More Effective With Fewer Side Effects ↗
Review identified five strategies for making cannabinoid medicines more effective while reducing psychoactive side effects, covering applications from pain to neurodegeneration.
Nabiximols (Sativex) for MS Spasticity, Pain, and Bladder Problems: What the Trials Show ↗
Review found nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) effectively treated spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction in MS, though long-term data were limited.
Cannabis May Both Relieve MS Symptoms and Protect Nerve Cells From Damage ↗
Review found cannabinoids may both relieve MS spasticity symptoms and protect nerve cells from disease-related damage.
Cannabinoids Show Promise for Slowing Huntington's Disease Progression in Lab Studies ↗
Preclinical evidence showed cannabinoids, especially the THC/CBD combination in Sativex, had neuroprotective properties relevant to Huntington's disease.
Injecting Cannabinoids Directly Into Muscles Reduced Pain in Rats ↗
Cannabinoid agonists injected directly into muscles reduced pain in rats, with local administration outperforming systemic in one of two models tested.
Fibromyalgia Patients Using Cannabis Had More Mental Health Problems and Drug-Seeking Behavior ↗
Among 457 fibromyalgia patients, 13% used cannabinoids, with herbal cannabis use linked to mental illness, opioid drug-seeking, and male sex.
A THC/CBD Combination Protected Brain Cells in a Huntington's Disease Model ↗
A THC/CBD combination reduced brain cell death and inflammation in a rat Huntington's disease model, working through both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Sativex Safety Review: Well-Tolerated With No Evidence of Dependence or Dose Escalation ↗
Safety review found Sativex was well-tolerated for MS spasticity with no evidence of dependence, dose escalation, or significant withdrawal upon stopping.
Patients in Sativex Trials Did Not Become Unblinded, Confirming Reliable Results ↗
Analysis of 666 patients in three Sativex trials found no evidence of unblinding, confirming the validity of self-reported efficacy results.
Cannabis Extract Nearly Doubled the Rate of Muscle Stiffness Relief in Multiple Sclerosis ↗
Phase III trial found oral cannabis extract nearly doubled muscle stiffness relief compared to placebo in 279 MS patients, with benefits for pain and sleep.
Medical Cannabis Patients Reported High Psychological Distress and Stress From Drug Law Enforcement ↗
Survey of 37 medical cannabis patients found elevated psychological distress and widespread exposure to drug law enforcement tactics.
Nabilone Produced Sustained Positive Effects in Cannabis Smokers and May Be Better Than Dronabinol for Dependence Treatment ↗
In regular cannabis smokers, nabilone showed more dose-related and sustained effects than dronabinol, supporting its potential as a cannabis dependence medication.
Medical Cannabis Review: Pain and Spasticity Have the Best Evidence, but Safety Concerns Remain ↗
Review found medical cannabis has the best evidence for pain and spasticity, with dizziness as the most common side effect and adolescent psychosis risk as the main safety concern.
Long-Term THC/CBD Spray Was Well Tolerated for Cancer Pain With No Loss of Effect Over Time ↗
Long-term THC/CBD spray for cancer pain showed sustained relief without dose escalation or tolerance, with improved sleep, pain, and fatigue scores.
THC/CBD Spray for MS Nerve Pain Showed Mixed Results but Prevented Relapse When Stopped ↗
THC/CBD spray for MS pain failed its primary endpoint at 14 weeks (50% vs 45% placebo), but withdrawal showed clear benefit: 57% lost control on placebo vs 24% on spray.
Oral Fluid Testing Could Detect Sativex Use and Distinguish It From Smoked Cannabis ↗
Oral fluid testing distinguished Sativex use (high CBD/THC ratios) from oral THC and smoked cannabis, enabling medication compliance monitoring and relapse detection.
Oral Fluid THC Levels Were Highly Variable and Influenced by Smoking, With Metabolite Ratios More Stable ↗
Oral fluid THC varied up to 350-fold due to smoking contamination, while the THCCOOH/THC metabolite ratio was far more stable and reliable for drug testing.
Cochrane Review Found Limited Evidence That Cannabis Helps HIV/AIDS Patients Despite Regulatory Approval ↗
Cochrane review of 7 trials found limited evidence for cannabis/cannabinoid benefits in HIV/AIDS, despite regulatory approval of dronabinol for AIDS-related anorexia.
Cannabis Had a Long History as a Headache Treatment Before Prohibition, With No Controlled Studies Since ↗
Cannabis was a standard migraine treatment before prohibition. Patients continue to use it for headaches, but no controlled studies exist due to Schedule 1 classification.
THC Significantly Reduced Tics in Two Controlled Trials for Tourette Syndrome ↗
Two controlled trials found THC significantly reduced tics in Tourette syndrome without major side effects, and experts recommend it for treatment-resistant adults.
Cannabis Produced Clinical Response in 10 of 11 Crohn's Disease Patients Who Had Failed All Other Treatments ↗
In treatment-resistant Crohn's disease, cannabis produced clinical response in 90% vs 40% placebo (p=0.028), with 3 patients weaned off steroids.
Sativex Patients and Caregivers Reported Improved Daily Function and Reduced Need for Other Medications ↗
Survey of 124 Sativex patients found majority reported improved daily function, reduced use of other anti-spasticity medications, and fewer healthcare visits.
Norwegian Cannabis Users Used Medical Language to Justify Their Use, Blurring Medical and Recreational Lines ↗
Qualitative study of 100 Norwegian cannabis users found blurred medical-recreational boundaries and strategies using medical language to gain social acceptance.
Current Marijuana Users Had 16% Lower Fasting Insulin and Smaller Waist Circumferences ↗
NHANES analysis of 4,657 adults found current marijuana users had 16% lower fasting insulin, 17% lower insulin resistance, and smaller waist circumferences.
84% of Parents Reported Reduced Seizures in Children Using CBD-Enriched Cannabis for Severe Epilepsy ↗
Parent survey found 84% of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy had reduced seizures with CBD-enriched cannabis, after trying an average of 12 medications.
Sativex Spray Provided Meaningful Spasticity Relief for MS Patients Who Failed Other Treatments ↗
Sativex spray reduced MS spasticity by 30%+ in three-quarters of initial responders, with continued benefit over a year and no dose escalation needed.
FAAH Inhibitors Reduced MS-Like Spasticity in Mice Without Cannabis-Like Side Effects ↗
Three FAAH inhibitors reduced MS-model spasticity in mice without psychoactive side effects, definitively confirmed using genetic knockout mice.
12% of IBD Patients Actively Used Marijuana, With Most Finding It "Very Helpful" for Pain, Nausea, and Diarrhea ↗
12.3% of IBD patients used marijuana, driven by chronic pain (OR=4.7), with most rating it "very helpful" for pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Hemp Seed Oil Combined With a Special Diet Improved Clinical Scores and Immune Markers in MS Patients ↗
RCT found hemp seed + evening primrose oils improved MS disability, relapse rates, and inflammatory markers (IL-17, IFN-gamma, IL-4) over 6 months.
CBD-Enriched Cannabis Was Among Promising Plant-Based Medicines for Anxiety Disorders ↗
Comprehensive review identified CBD-enriched cannabis among 21 plant medicines with clinical anxiety evidence, alongside kava, chamomile, passionflower, and others.
Sativex Was Safe and Effective for MS Spasticity Over Nearly a Year With No Tolerance Development ↗
Sativex for MS spasticity over 334 days average showed no tolerance, no psychosis, no withdrawal symptoms, and maintained spasticity benefit.
How THC and CBD from an oral spray move through the body ↗
A Phase I trial found that THC/CBD oral spray produced peak blood levels well below those from smoking, with no buildup after nine days of repeated dosing.
Oral THC (dronabinol) suppressed cannabis withdrawal in a dose-dependent manner ↗
Oral THC (dronabinol) up to 120 mg/day dose-dependently reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms in daily users with no significant cognitive impairment.
THC/CBD spray improved quality of life in a patient with stiff-person syndrome ↗
A patient with treatment-resistant stiff-person syndrome showed quality of life improvement across all measured dimensions after 14 months of THC/CBD oral spray.
THC/CBD spray helped about 10% of MS patients who failed standard anti-spasticity drugs ↗
Independent review found THC/CBD oral spray provided meaningful spasticity relief for about 10% of MS patients not adequately helped by standard medications.
THC/CBD spray reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms in a clinical trial ↗
A clinical trial found nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) significantly reduced cannabis withdrawal and improved treatment retention, but provided no long-term advantage over placebo for reducing cannabis use.
Clinical evidence for cannabis in cancer care was limited but growing ↗
Review found clinical evidence for cannabis in cancer symptom management was only partial, with lab-based anti-cancer findings having no clinical research support.
Most Canadian therapeutic cannabis users accessed it outside the legal system ↗
Survey of 628 Canadian therapeutic cannabis users found only 7% accessed it exclusively through legal sources, with physician reluctance, cost, and program complexity as major barriers.
Evidence review of medical marijuana for neurological conditions ↗
Expert review found clinical evidence for cannabinoids in MS spasticity, refractory pain, and nausea, with emerging evidence for epilepsy, dystonia, tics, and other neurological conditions.
Making the scientific case for testing CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy ↗
Leading epilepsy researchers outlined the case for clinical trials of pure CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy, citing strong preclinical evidence and apparent tolerability.
Comprehensive review of CBD for epilepsy, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction ↗
Landmark review found CBD showed anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anti-addictive properties but lacked well-powered trials, setting the stage for the clinical program that led to FDA approval.
Real-world data confirmed THC/CBD spray effectiveness for MS spasticity without driving impairment ↗
Post-marketing data from the UK, Germany, and Spain confirmed THC/CBD spray effectiveness for MS spasticity (41% response rate) with no abuse signal or driving impairment.
Clinical trials confirmed THC/CBD spray works for one-third of treatment-resistant MS spasticity patients ↗
Phase III trials confirmed THC/CBD spray helped about one-third of treatment-resistant MS spasticity patients, with no cognition or mood effects after 50 weeks of use.
Review of cannabinoid potential for treating neurological diseases ↗
Review found cannabinoids showed potential for multiple neurological diseases, with established uses in MS, nausea, and appetite stimulation, and emerging evidence for neurodegenerative conditions.
Oral THC produced psychoactive effects comparable to smoking marijuana in chronic pain patients ↗
In chronic pain patients, oral THC at 10-20 mg produced psychoactive effects comparable in peak intensity to smoking marijuana, peaking at 2 hours vs. 30 minutes for smoking.
American Academy of Neurology systematic review: what medical marijuana evidence actually shows ↗
The AAN systematic review found oral cannabis extract effective for MS spasticity and pain, but ineffective for tremor and of unknown efficacy for epilepsy (pre-CBD trials).
Nabilone successfully treated severe nausea from cannabis withdrawal ↗
A 20-year-old woman with protracted nausea and vomiting from cannabis withdrawal was successfully treated with the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone.
Charlotte's Web: How a Dying Girl Changed Cannabis Medicine Forever ↗
Charlotte Figi: 50 seizures/day to 2-3/month on CBD cannabis extract. Single case that launched a movement, a drug approval, and a national policy shift.
Many Everyday Activities and Medications May Boost the Body's Own Cannabinoid System ↗
Systematic review found that exercise, massage, acupuncture, several medication classes, and lifestyle factors all upregulate the endocannabinoid system, relevant to conditions like migraine and fibromyalgia.
How Oral THC (Dronabinol) Affects Blood Cannabinoid Levels in Daily Cannabis Smokers ↗
Study of 11 daily cannabis smokers found that oral THC (dronabinol) increased blood cannabinoid levels dose-dependently, but smoked cannabis was only distinguishable from oral THC for about 1 hour.
Patients Using Sativex Spray Could Test Positive for THC in Roadside Drug Tests ↗
Pilot study found Sativex patients had oral fluid THC over 5,356 ng/mL shortly after dosing, remaining detectable for 2+ hours, with primary roadside test often giving false negatives.
Cannabis Showed Promise for Crohn's Disease, but Evidence Remains Limited ↗
Review of early clinical data found cannabis improved Crohn's disease activity scores in small trials, but low-dose CBD alone did not work, and larger controlled studies are needed.
MS Patients Who Used Cannabis Showed More Cognitive Impairment and Altered Brain Activity ↗
MS patients who used cannabis showed worse cognitive performance and more diffuse brain activation on fMRI, suggesting cannabis disrupts compensatory brain mechanisms already strained by MS.
How GW Pharmaceuticals Grows Cannabis to Make Consistent Prescription Medicine ↗
Review describes how GW Pharmaceuticals manages cannabis variability in genetics, growing, harvesting, and processing to produce Sativex, the first UK-approved cannabis medicine.
New Data on Sativex for MS Spasticity: No Cognitive Decline and No Driving Impairment ↗
Review of data from 1,000+ MS patients found Sativex did not cause cognitive decline at 12 months, did not impair driving, and maintained effectiveness at lower real-world doses.
CBD Could Be a New Approach to Treating Schizophrenia Through Non-Dopamine Pathways ↗
Review presents evidence that CBD could serve as an antipsychotic agent through non-dopamine mechanisms, potentially augmenting standard medications and addressing metabolic and inflammatory components of schizophrenia.
Overview of Cannabinoid Medicine: From MS Spasticity to Epilepsy to Addiction Treatment ↗
Broad review of cannabinoid medicine covered therapeutic potential in MS spasticity, pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychosis, and addiction, contrasting THC and CBD pharmacology.
THC/CBD Spray Helped Some Patients with Treatment-Resistant Nerve Pain ↗
RCT of 246 neuropathic pain patients found THC/CBD spray achieved significant 30% pain response rates (p=0.034) and improved sleep quality versus placebo.
Cannabis Use Similarly Affected Immune Markers in MS Patients and Healthy Controls ↗
Cannabis use reduced inflammatory markers CCL2 and IL-17 similarly in MS patients and healthy controls, while anandamide was elevated in MS patients regardless of cannabis use.
Revisiting the Theory That Some Chronic Conditions Stem from Endocannabinoid Deficiency ↗
Ten-year review of the clinical endocannabinoid deficiency hypothesis argues growing evidence supports low endocannabinoid tone as a factor in migraine, fibromyalgia, and IBS.
Cannabis Relieved IBD Symptoms but Was Linked to Higher Surgery Risk in Crohn's Disease ↗
Survey of 313 IBD patients found 83.9% reported cannabis improved pain, but Crohn's patients who used cannabis >6 months had 5x higher odds of requiring surgery.
How Cannabinoids Interact with the Liver Enzymes That Process Most Medications ↗
Systematic review mapped cannabinoid metabolism by liver enzymes (THC via CYP2C9/3A4, CBD via CYP2C19/3A4) and found generally low drug interaction risk at typical doses.
Comprehensive Review of Sativex for MS Spasticity: How It Works and What the Trials Show ↗
Comprehensive drug review confirmed Sativex significantly reduces MS spasticity in patients who respond to an initial 4-week trial, with early dizziness and fatigue as main side effects.
From Cannabis Receptors to Clinical Response: The State of CBD for Epilepsy ↗
Review of CBD for epilepsy found strong preclinical support for endocannabinoid system involvement in seizure control and growing anecdotal evidence for CBD, but called for rigorous clinical trials.
The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for New Pain Medications ↗
Review of endocannabinoid-based pain therapy highlights FAAH and MAGL inhibitors as promising approaches that boost natural pain-modulating molecules locally, potentially avoiding psychoactive effects.
AAN Guidelines: Cannabis Extract Effective for MS Spasticity Symptoms and Pain ↗
AAN guidelines gave Level A (highest) recommendation for oral cannabis extract for MS spasticity symptoms and pain, while noting ineffectiveness for objective spasticity measures.
AAN Official Guideline: Cannabis for MS Spasticity, Pain, and Urinary Symptoms ↗
Official AAN guideline recommends oral cannabis extract for MS spasticity symptoms and pain (Level A), with Sativex for symptoms/pain/urinary frequency (Level B).
Cannabis in Cancer Care: From Nausea Control to Potential Tumor-Fighting Properties ↗
Review of cannabis in cancer care covers established uses (chemotherapy nausea, wasting) and emerging potential for cancer pain (possibly synergistic with opioids) and preclinical antitumor effects.
Using Sativex as a Replacement Therapy for Cannabis Dependence ↗
Review proposes nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) as cannabinoid replacement therapy for cannabis dependence, analogous to methadone for opioid dependence, with controlled dosing and pharmaceutical standardization.
Can cannabinoids help with tremor from Parkinson's, MS, and other movement disorders? ↗
Review of cannabinoid potential for tremor in Parkinson's, MS, and other motor disorders found high receptor density in motor brain regions but inconclusive clinical evidence.
A comprehensive history and science review of medical cannabis, with a focus on headache and migraine ↗
Comprehensive review of cannabis in medicine found deep historical roots in headache treatment and relevant pharmacology, but almost no controlled clinical trial evidence for migraine.
For most conditions that qualify for medical marijuana, there isn't enough evidence to support it yet ↗
Review of evidence across 13 state-approved medical marijuana conditions found insufficient evidence for most, with the strongest support for chronic pain and muscle spasticity.
Military veterans with PTSD are using cannabis for symptom relief, but controlled evidence is scarce ↗
Review of 11 studies found veterans with PTSD use cannabis for coping, with small studies suggesting sleep and nightmare improvements, but controlled trials are needed.
Boosting the body's own cannabinoids reduced tic-like behaviors in mice across four genetic strains ↗
The endocannabinoid-boosting drug URB597 reduced tic-like behaviors in all four mouse strains tested, suggesting a potential treatment approach for tic disorders with fewer side effects than THC.
The placebo effect in cannabis trials for MS spasticity may mask real treatment benefits ↗
Review of THC/CBD spray trials for MS spasticity found ~1.27-point improvement over placebo on a 10-point scale, with carryover effects potentially underestimating true treatment benefit.
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans described cannabis as more effective and less complicated than alcohol or prescriptions for PTSD ↗
Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan described cannabis as more effective and less problematic than alcohol or prescriptions for PTSD, with coping patterns ranging from approach to avoidance.
Cannabis may further impair thinking speed and memory in people with MS who already have cognitive problems ↗
Review found preliminary evidence that smoked cannabis may worsen processing speed and memory in MS patients, who already face cognitive challenges from the disease itself.
Prescription cannabinoids showed effectiveness for MS spasticity and pain, but herbal marijuana coverage remains unlikely ↗
Commentary on AAN review found prescription cannabinoids effective for MS spasticity and pain with insurance coverage justified, while herbal marijuana remains federally illegal and uncovered.
A CBD cream applied to the skin reduced paralysis and brain inflammation in mice with MS-like disease ↗
Topical 1% CBD cream reduced EAE clinical scores from 5.0 to 1.5, recovered paralysis, and decreased brain inflammation, demyelination, and immune cell infiltration in mice.
A review for pediatricians on medical marijuana found limited evidence and significant brain development concerns for children ↗
Review for pediatricians found limited evidence for medical cannabis in developmental conditions and well-documented risks to the developing adolescent brain from regular cannabis use.
THC/CBD spray maintained pain relief for 38 weeks in neuropathic pain patients without dose escalation ↗
THC/CBD spray maintained neuropathic pain relief (6.9 to 4.2 on 10-point scale) over 38 weeks in 380 patients without dose escalation, with 62% completing the study.
Parents reported 85% seizure reduction in children with epilepsy treated with CBD, but the survey has major limitations ↗
Parent survey of 117 children with epilepsy reported 85% seizure reduction with CBD products, but the study authors explicitly warned of severe participation bias and lack of controls.
Cyclic Vomiting ER Visits Nearly Doubled After Colorado Marijuana Liberalization ↗
Colorado ER visits for cyclic vomiting nearly doubled after medical marijuana liberalization, with affected patients 3.6 times more likely to report marijuana use.
What the Science Says About Cannabinoids for Movement Disorders ↗
Review of cannabinoid research for movement disorders found possible benefit for tics, potential neuroprotection in animal models, but no clear benefit for Parkinson's symptoms, tremor, or dyskinesias.
What the Evidence Actually Shows About Medical Marijuana for Cancer ↗
Clinical review found strongest evidence for cannabinoid pharmaceuticals in chemotherapy-induced nausea and AIDS-related appetite loss, with more limited cancer pain data.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: When Marijuana Causes the Vomiting It Usually Prevents ↗
Clinical review of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a paradoxical condition where long-term marijuana use causes severe recurrent vomiting that resolves only with cannabis cessation.
50 Years After THC: How the Endocannabinoid System Works Throughout the Body ↗
Landmark review by endocannabinoid research pioneers mapped the system's roles across reproduction, bone, skin, immunity, and gut function, establishing it as one of the body's most widespread signaling networks.
Case Report: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Treated with Lorazepam and Hot Showers ↗
Case report of a 32-year-old man with 19 years of daily cannabis use who developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, successfully treated with lorazepam and hot showers.
How Cannabinoids Regulate Nausea, Vomiting, and Gut Pain ↗
Review found cannabinoid receptors throughout the GI tract regulate nausea and vomiting, but clinical evidence for visceral pain relief in conditions like IBS was lacking.
How Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids Like CBD Fight Cancer in Lab and Animal Studies ↗
Review found CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids inhibited multiple cancer types in animal models through diverse mechanisms and enhanced standard chemotherapy drug activity.
What the Evidence Says About Medicinal Cannabis in Australia ↗
Australian review found limited evidence for medicinal cannabis in MS spasticity, cancer nausea, and pain, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks as access expands.
Unusual Case of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis with Bradycardia and Cold-Water Relief ↗
Case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with atypical features including bradycardia and cold-water relief instead of the classic hot-water relief pattern.
Blocking Anandamide Breakdown Eliminated Migraine-Like Pain in Mice ↗
Mice lacking the FAAH enzyme were completely protected from migraine-like pain, and FAAH-inhibiting drugs reproduced this protection through CB1 receptors.
Cannabinoids May Counter Multiple Side Effects of Chemotherapy ↗
Review found cannabinoids may counter chemotherapy-induced nausea, bone loss, kidney damage, heart damage, pain, and insomnia, based on preclinical and early clinical evidence.
Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid CBG Reduced Bladder Contractions in Mice and Humans ↗
CBG was the most effective non-psychoactive cannabinoid at reducing bladder contractions in mice and human tissue, working through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism.
Plant-Derived Cannabinoids as Potential Cancer Treatments: Targets and Mechanisms ↗
Review mapped non-psychoactive cannabinoid strategies for cancer treatment, including CB2-selective agents and enzyme inhibitors from both cannabis and non-cannabis plants.
From Lab to Clinic: Therapeutic Opportunities in Cannabinoid Receptor Research ↗
Review highlighted CB1's potential in brain protection and addiction, CB2's potential in ALS, HIV neuroinflammation, and osteoporosis, emphasizing the need for receptor-selective cannabinoid drugs.
Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and ALS: From Symptom Relief to Neuroprotection ↗
Review found cannabinoids relieve MS spasticity and showed neuroprotective potential in animal models of both MS and ALS, suggesting possible disease-modifying effects.
Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids Showed Neuroprotective Effects in MS Animal Models ↗
Synthetic CBD slowed MS-related disability in mice possibly via sodium channels, while THC slowed progression without suppressing relapses. A clinical trial subgroup also showed THC benefit.
Targeting Pain Nerves Outside the Brain Could Make Cannabinoid Pain Drugs Practical ↗
Review found targeting cannabinoid receptors on peripheral nerves could provide pain relief without psychoactive effects, with promise for diabetic and chemotherapy neuropathy.
MS Patients Who Smoke Cannabis Show More Widespread Brain Volume Loss and Cognitive Impairment ↗
MS patients who smoked cannabis had more widespread cognitive deficits linked to brain volume loss in the thalamus, basal ganglia, and prefrontal regions compared to non-using MS patients.
How to Sterilize Medical Cannabis for Immunocompromised Patients ↗
Study identified sterilization methods for medical cannabis that eliminate dangerous mold contamination with minimal cannabinoid activity loss, protecting immunocompromised patients.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Takes Nearly 20 Months to Diagnose on Average ↗
Ten CHS patients went nearly 20 months before diagnosis and were frequently misdiagnosed. All who resumed cannabis use relapsed, while abstainers remained symptom-free.
Could Nutritional Supplements and Cannabis Compounds Modify Multiple Sclerosis? ↗
Review found cannabis constituents and FAAH inhibitors could complement MS treatment through dual symptom relief and anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective mechanisms.
Cochrane Review: Cannabinoids May Help Chemotherapy Nausea but Have Significant Side Effects ↗
Cochrane review of 23 trials found cannabinoids better than placebo for chemotherapy nausea (RR 5.7) and preferred by patients, but no comparison with modern anti-emetics exists.
Why Marijuana Is Not a Practical Treatment for Glaucoma ↗
Review found marijuana lowers eye pressure for only 3-4 hours, requiring 6-8 daily doses that would cause significant side effects, making it impractical for glaucoma treatment.
Is Vaping Cannabis Actually Better for Your Lungs Than Smoking It? ↗
Vaping cannabis reduces toxic smoke exposure, but the lung health advantage over smoking may be smaller than the benefit e-cigarettes offer over tobacco.
People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Were More Likely to Have Used Cannabis and Started Younger ↗
A national survey found that people with IBD had higher rates of cannabis use (67.3% vs. 60%), started younger, and used more per session than matched controls.
The Most Comprehensive Review of Medical Cannabis Evidence Found Modest Benefits for Pain, Spasticity, and Nausea ↗
79 RCTs: strong signal for chemo nausea, but pain relief averaged under 0.5 points on a 0-10 scale.
What Emergency Nurses Need to Know About Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
A nursing guide describes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, characterized by severe vomiting in regular cannabis users that responds to hot bathing and cessation but not standard antiemetics.
Who Uses Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in Rhode Island and Why ↗
A survey of 200 Rhode Island dispensary patients found most were male, college-educated, and insured, using cannabis primarily for chronic pain, with 20% reporting a substance use history.
What Germany Can Learn from Israel and Canada About Medical Cannabis Regulation ↗
A comparison of medical cannabis programs in Israel and Canada found both countries maintain strict regulations, specific approved conditions, and no insurance coverage for raw marijuana.
How Cannabis Fits Into Cancer Care: Symptom Management and Beyond ↗
A clinical review found cannabis helps cancer patients with pain, nausea, appetite, and neuropathy, with preclinical data hinting at possible anti-tumor effects that lack clinical trial confirmation.
What the Evidence Says About Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease ↗
A review found that cannabis may relieve IBD symptoms but lacks evidence of anti-inflammatory effects, with animal models showing promise that human trials have not yet confirmed.
How Cannabis, Tobacco, and Smoking Cessation Products Interact With Other Medications ↗
Cannabis and tobacco smoke both induce CYP1A2 (additively), THC and CBD are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, and CBD may inhibit CYP2C19, all with implications for drug interactions.
One in Five Canadians With MS Uses Cannabis, and Half Would Use It If Legal ↗
A survey of 225 Canadian MS patients found 19.5% currently use cannabis (mainly for sleep, pain, anxiety, spasticity), with half saying they would use if legal.
New Treatment Approaches for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Its Link to Cannabis ↗
A review explored novel CVS treatments and challenged the assumption that cannabis straightforwardly causes hyperemesis, suggesting the endocannabinoid system itself may be a treatment target.
The State of Evidence on Medical Marijuana in Cancer Care ↗
A review found medical marijuana shows promise for cancer symptoms with preclinical anticancer signals, but evidence-based dosing is lacking and legal barriers hinder research.
Medical Cannabis Patients Reported 64% Less Opioid Use After Starting Cannabis ↗
A survey of 244 chronic pain patients at a Michigan dispensary found medical cannabis use was associated with 64% less opioid use, fewer medication side effects, and 45% better quality of life.
How THC and CBD Work Differently in the Brain and Why It Matters ↗
A pharmacology review explained how CBD can reduce some of THC's psychoactive effects, a relationship that led to the development of the THC/CBD drug Nabiximols.
A Severe Case of Cannabis Hyperemesis That Worsened With Prescription THC ↗
A case of severe cannabis hyperemesis worsened with prescription THC, providing direct evidence that THC drives the condition. Symptoms resolved after 12 months of cannabis abstinence.
Beyond THC: New Drug Strategies That Boost the Brain's Own Cannabinoids ↗
A review examined alternatives to direct cannabinoid receptor activation, including FAAH, MAGL, and COX-2 inhibitors that boost the brain's own cannabinoids for potentially better therapeutic profiles.
Cannabinoids for MS Spasticity and Pain: What the Clinical Trials Show ↗
Randomized trials provide Class 1-2 evidence for cannabinoids treating MS spasticity and pain, but cognitive side effects are a particular concern in this already-impaired population.
It Takes Nearly 6 Months for New Jersey Patients to Get Their First Medical Marijuana Treatment ↗
New Jersey medical marijuana patients waited nearly 6 months on average to get treatment, with chronic pain and spasticity as the top conditions and half referred by physicians.
The Evidence on Cannabinoids for Cancer Symptoms and Potential Anti-Tumor Effects ↗
Cannabinoids modestly reduce cancer pain and are useful backup antiemetics, dronabinol improves taste disturbances, and preclinical data show anticancer potential through multiple mechanisms.
Could Cannabis Treat Psoriasis? Early Theoretical Evidence ↗
A theoretical review proposed cannabinoids as potential psoriasis treatments based on the endocannabinoid system's intersection with immune and nervous system pathways involved in the disease.
The Trial That Made CBD a Medicine: From Desperate Parents to FDA Approval ↗
The clinical program that turned CBD into the first FDA-approved cannabis-derived drug. Open-label trial: 214 patients, 36.5% seizure reduction. NEJM RCT: 120 Dravet patients, seizures dropped from 12.4 to 5.9/month vs placebo (p=0.01). Epidiolex approved June 2018.
CB2 Receptor Drugs Behave Very Differently Depending on Which Cellular Pathway Is Measured ↗
CB2 receptor ligands showed extreme functional selectivity, with drugs behaving as agonists, antagonists, or having no effect depending on which cellular pathway was measured.
Real-World Data on Sativex (THC:CBD Spray) for MS Spasticity Across Three Countries ↗
Real-world registry and observational data from over 1,100 patients across four European countries showed the THC:CBD spray Sativex had strong continuation rates and no evidence of addiction during long-term MS spasticity treatment.
Systematic Review Finds Insufficient Evidence for Cannabinoids in Rheumatic Pain ↗
A systematic review found only four small, short trials of cannabinoids for rheumatic pain, with inconsistent results. The evidence was insufficient to support clinical recommendations despite some potential for pain and sleep benefits.
Review Confirms Very Limited Evidence for Cannabinoids in Rheumatic Disease Pain ↗
A systematic review of four trials with 203 patients found limited evidence for cannabinoids in rheumatic pain, with nearly half of patients experiencing side effects and one osteoarthritis trial terminated for futility.
Very Low Doses of a CB1 Blocker Correct Key Features of Fragile X Syndrome in Mice ↗
A CB1 receptor blocker at doses 30-300 times lower than those causing side effects in humans normalized memory and brain signaling in a Fragile X syndrome mouse model, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
THC:CBD Spray for MS Spasticity Is Cost-Effective, and Saves Money When Carer Costs Are Included ↗
A 30-year health economics model found that adding the THC:CBD spray Sativex to standard MS spasticity care was cost-effective, and saved money overall when the reduced need for home caregivers was factored in.
Most Dispensary Staff Give Medical Advice Despite Limited Training, With Some Recommendations Inconsistent with Evidence ↗
A survey of 55 dispensary staff found nearly all gave specific medical cannabis recommendations despite only 20% having medical training, with some recommendations inconsistent with available evidence.
Sativex Works for MS Spasticity Even in Patients Who Have Failed Other Treatments ↗
Post hoc analysis of a clinical trial showed Sativex improved MS spasticity regardless of whether patients had failed one or both standard antispasticity medications.
Australian Pharmacists Support Legal Medical Cannabis Through Pharmacies but See Barriers ↗
Interviews with 34 Australian pharmacists found broad support for medical cannabis legalization through pharmacy settings, but identified stigma, safety concerns, and training gaps as key barriers to implementation.
THCV Lowered Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in a Groundbreaking Pilot Trial ↗
In a 13-week pilot trial, the minor cannabinoid THCV significantly lowered fasting blood sugar and improved beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients, while CBD had more modest effects and combinations were ineffective.
How the Endocannabinoid System Controls Insulin-Producing Cells and What This Means for Diabetes ↗
Review shows the endocannabinoid system controls insulin-producing beta-cell function through local mechanisms, and peripheral CB1 receptor blockade improves glycemic control in diabetes models.
The Endocannabinoid System as a Drug Target: A Comprehensive Review of Therapeutic Potential and Setbacks ↗
Comprehensive review of the endocannabinoid system's therapeutic potential across dozens of conditions, addressing both approved drugs and major setbacks in cannabinoid drug development.
Older Medical Cannabis Patients and Those Treating Anxiety Spend More Per Dispensary Visit ↗
A pilot survey of 132 medical marijuana patients found average spending of $41 per dispensary visit, with older patients and those treating anxiety/sleep spending significantly more than chronic pain patients.
Medical Cannabis in Canada: Evidence for Neuropathic Pain and Practical Barriers to Use ↗
Review of medical cannabis in Canada found strong evidence for neuropathic pain relief but identified significant barriers including cost, stigma, and physician reluctance from both patient and provider perspectives.
Cannabinoids May Protect Retinal Neurons in Glaucoma and Diabetic Eye Disease Beyond Just Lowering Eye Pressure ↗
Review presents evidence that cannabinoids may protect retinal neurons in glaucoma and diabetic eye disease through neuroprotection mechanisms beyond the known effect of lowering eye pressure.
Dronabinol Successfully Treated Severe Spasticity in Children With Complex Neurological Conditions ↗
In 16 children with severe treatment-resistant spasticity, synthetic THC (dronabinol) abolished or markedly improved spasticity in 75% of cases over months of treatment with minimal side effects.
A Clinical Guide for Discussing Marijuana With Patients in the Age of Legalization ↗
Clinical guidance article helps providers navigate marijuana conversations with patients using motivational interviewing, evidence-based informed consent, and balanced discussion of benefits and risks.
Oregon Dispensary Staff Rely on On-the-Job Training and Personal Experience to Advise Patients ↗
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.
Blocking CB1 Receptors Reverses Age-Related Insulin Resistance in Mice ↗
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.
Peripherally Restricted and Neutral CB1 Blockers May Safely Treat Obesity and Diabetes Without Psychiatric Side Effects ↗
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.
87% of Medical Cannabis Patients Report Using It as a Substitute for Prescription Drugs, Alcohol, or Illicit Substances ↗
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.
A Clinical Guide to Using Cannabinoid Therapies for Cancer Patients at Every Stage of Disease ↗
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.
Dronabinol for Chemotherapy Nausea: Where It Fits Among Anti-Nausea Options ↗
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.
How Sativex Complicates Drug Testing: A Review of THC Detection Methods Across Blood, Urine, Saliva, and Hair ↗
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.
Cannabis for Glaucoma: Still Effective but Still Impractical After Decades of Research ↗
Cannabis effectively lowers eye pressure but may undermine the benefit through cardiovascular side effects that reduce blood flow to the optic nerve.
Nearly Half of HIV-Positive Adults Over 50 Used Illicit Drugs in the Past Year ↗
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.
What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know When Patients Ask About Medical Marijuana ↗
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.
Medical Cannabis for Children: Limited Evidence Supports Only Specific Cases Under Close Supervision ↗
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.
Activating CB2 Receptors Reduced Nausea and Vomiting Without Psychoactive Effects ↗
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.
Twelve Years of Evidence: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Gains Objective Support ↗
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.
Sativex Did Not Impair Cognitive Function in MS Patients Over 6 Months ↗
40 cannabis-naive MS patients showed no significant cognitive or behavioral decline after 6 months of Sativex treatment for spasticity.
Medical Implications of Cannabinoids: What the Evidence Supports and Where Caution Is Needed ↗
Comprehensive review finds strong evidence for cannabinoids in chronic pain and MS symptoms, emphasizes careful patient selection and informed consent about cognitive, behavioral, and health risks.
Cannabis Users Consistently Had Equal or Lower Diabetes Risk Despite Known Metabolic Effects ↗
Review finds cannabis users consistently have equal or lower diabetes and obesity rates despite cannabis activating the same system that controls fat storage and appetite.
A Practical Guide for Physicians on Cannabinoids in Medical Practice ↗
Clinical review outlines cannabinoid evidence for physicians: strongest for chemo nausea, HIV appetite, pain, and MS spasticity, with practical guidance for patient conversations.
Cannabinoids for Chemotherapy Nausea: Effective but Less Tolerated Than Modern Anti-Nausea Drugs ↗
Systematic review of reviews finds moderate evidence cannabinoids reduce chemo nausea but are less tolerated than modern antiemetics, positioning them as third-line therapy for treatment-resistant cases.
Surveying Patients at Marijuana Dispensaries Produces Representative Data With Minimal Bias ↗
UCLA study validates that surveying medical marijuana patients at dispensaries produces representative data with minimal selection or respondent bias.
Sativex Markedly Reduced Severe Tics in a Treatment-Resistant Tourette Syndrome Case ↗
A treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome patient showed marked improvement in motor and vocal tics after starting Sativex, confirmed by blinded objective video assessment.
THC:CBD Spray Improved MS Spasticity in Real-World Italian Clinics at Lower Doses Than Clinical Trials ↗
Large Italian observational study finds MS patients achieve spasticity improvements with THC:CBD spray at one-third the clinical trial dose and one-third the adverse event rate in real-world practice.
89% of Children With Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy Had Fewer Seizures With CBD Oil ↗
Multicenter Israeli study found 89% of 74 children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy (failed 7+ drugs) had seizure reduction with CBD-enriched cannabis oil, with 18% achieving 75-100% reduction.
Cochrane Review Found No Convincing Evidence That Cannabinoids Help Fibromyalgia ↗
Cochrane review found only 2 small studies (72 patients) of cannabinoids for fibromyalgia, all with very low quality evidence, concluding no convincing support for their use.
Chronic THC Did Not Worsen SIV Infection in Monkeys and May Have Reduced Mortality ↗
Long-term THC administration in SIV-infected monkeys did not enhance viral replication, reduced IgE+ B cells, and showed a non-significant trend toward lower mortality compared to placebo.
Marijuana Legalization: What Doctors and Public Health Need to Know ↗
Annual Review of Medicine assessment finds limited medical cannabis evidence (4 conditions), notes pre-legalization high use in legal states, and identifies key public health concerns for physicians.
Cannabinoids show promise as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic drugs through mechanisms different from traditional painkillers ↗
Review showing cannabinoids reduce inflammation through mechanisms different from NSAIDs, with several compounds in clinical development for chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
ACOG's Official Position in 2017: Pregnant Women Should Stop Using Cannabis ↗
ACOG's 2017 committee opinion formally recommended against cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation based on neurodevelopment concerns and insufficient safety data.
Why Quitting Cannabis Wrecks Your Sleep — and Why It Gets Better ↗
Review of cannabis and sleep research through 2017 found CBD promising for insomnia, THC mixed (faster onset but worse quality), and the whole field still in its infancy.
Scientists found a cannabinoid-inspired drug that controls muscle spasticity without causing sedation ↗
A cannabinoid-inspired compound (VSN16R) controlled spasticity in MS mice by opening neuronal potassium channels rather than through cannabinoid receptors, achieving a 1,000-fold therapeutic window without sedation.
Parkinson's patients reported significant improvements in falls, pain, depression, tremor, and sleep with medical cannabis ↗
Survey of 47 Parkinson's patients found large self-reported improvements in falls, pain, and tremor with medical cannabis, but 17% experienced confusion or hallucinations.
Review of clinical studies finds some evidence that cannabis-based medicines reduce cancer pain ↗
Review of five clinical studies found some evidence that THC and CBD formulations reduce cancer pain, with effective doses as low as 2.7mg THC plus 2.5mg CBD, but the evidence base remains small.
The endocannabinoid system may offer new approaches to managing endometriosis pain ↗
Review identifying the endocannabinoid system as a promising pharmacological target for the complex, multi-mechanism pain of endometriosis.
How researchers grow medical-grade cannabis for clinical trials, from breeding to extraction ↗
Review of how GW Pharmaceuticals and the University of Mississippi produce consistent, medical-grade cannabis for clinical research, covering breeding, cultivation, and extraction.
First randomized trial of cannabinoids for ADHD found trends toward improvement in hyperactivity and impulsivity ↗
First RCT of cannabinoids (Sativex) for ADHD found trends toward improvement in hyperactivity and impulsivity in 30 adults, but results did not reach significance after multiple testing correction.
46% of cannabis users reported replacing their prescription medications — mostly opioids, anxiety meds, and antidepressants ↗
Nearly half of 2,774 cannabis users reported substituting cannabis for prescription drugs — opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants most commonly replaced. Medical users were 5x more likely to substitute.
First large Italian study of cannabis for chronic pain found 76% of patients continued treatment after initial follow-up ↗
First large Italian study of medical cannabis for chronic pain found 76% of 614 patients continued treatment, with no severe side effects reported.
Cannabis had the strongest clinical evidence among all medicinal plants reviewed for multiple sclerosis symptom management ↗
Among 10 medicinal plants reviewed for MS, cannabis had the strongest clinical evidence, with demonstrated efficacy for spasticity, fatigue, urinary symptoms, and tremor.
The cannabinoid system interacts with toll-like receptor signaling in multiple sclerosis, revealing how Sativex might work ↗
Review revealing novel interplay between toll-like receptor immune signaling and the cannabinoid system in MS, potentially explaining how Sativex reduces inflammation and symptoms.
The endocannabinoid system shows promise for treating digestive disorders including IBD, IBS, and motility problems ↗
Review showing the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target for IBD, IBS, and digestive motility disorders, though clinical efficacy needs further confirmation.
Medical marijuana patients showed improved brain function and executive performance after 3 months, opposite to recreational cannabis effects ↗
Medical marijuana patients showed improved executive function and more normal brain activation patterns after 3 months, along with decreased opioid and benzodiazepine use.
Using Cannabis Compounds to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Where the Science Stands ↗
Expert review finding that cannabinoids may help IBD symptoms like pain and diarrhea, but clinical evidence remains insufficient for evidence-based treatment guidelines.
How Cannabis Use Patterns Differ by Age Among Medical Dispensary Patients ↗
Dispensary study of 217 patients finding younger medical cannabis users consume more and show more problematic use than older users, with early initiation as a key risk factor.
What High-Quality Reviews Say About Cannabis for Pain and Palliative Care ↗
Umbrella review of 11 systematic reviews finding limited evidence for THC/CBD spray in neuropathic pain and inadequate evidence for cannabinoids in cancer pain, rheumatic pain, or anorexia.
How Cannabinoids Affect the Immune System During Infections ↗
Review finding that the endocannabinoid system helps fight infections, but cannabis use generally increases infection susceptibility by suppressing immune responses.
Medical Cannabis for Pain: Separating Evidence From Misconceptions ↗
Narrative review identifying chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and MS spasticity as the three conditions with strongest evidence for medical cannabis, while highlighting the gap between patient expectations and science.
Cannabis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children: What Pediatric Doctors Need to Know ↗
Pediatric gastroenterologists from Colorado review the challenges of caring for children with IBD as cannabis acceptance grows, highlighting biological plausibility but insufficient evidence and developmental concerns.
Haloperidol Successfully Treated a Severe Case of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
Case report of haloperidol successfully treating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome when standard treatments failed, highlighting a potential new option for this increasingly recognized condition.
Cannabis Use Among Older Americans: Public Health Concern or Useful Alternative? ↗
Essay examining rising cannabis use among Americans 65+, arguing cannabis may be a viable alternative to opioids for pain but calling for more research on this understudied population.
Could Cannabis Be a Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases? ↗
Review finding cannabis compounds modulate immune function by reducing inflammation, with early clinical evidence for MS, IBD, and fibromyalgia and preclinical promise for rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
Who Gets Medical Cannabis in Switzerland? A Look at 1,193 Approved Patients ↗
Analysis of 1,193 Swiss patients approved for medical cannabis showing 52% growth in one year, with chronic pain and spasticity as primary conditions and 91% paying out of pocket.
Cannabis for Pain and Headaches: What Physicians Need to Know ↗
Physician-focused primer reviewing cannabis compounds for pain and headaches, covering FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and the emerging role of terpenes and flavonoids.
Medical Cannabis Patients Use More Cannabis But Fewer Prescription Drugs Than Recreational Users ↗
Study of 366 young adults finding medical cannabis patients used more frequently and spent more than recreational users, but also vaped more and showed trends toward less prescription drug misuse.
Cannabis for Brain Tumor Patients: Symptom Relief and Possible Anti-Tumor Effects ↗
Review showing cannabinoids provide established palliative benefits for brain tumor patients (pain, nausea, anxiety) and demonstrated 50-95% tumor regression in animal glioma studies, with synergistic effects in combination therapies.
How Cannabinoid Signaling Works Throughout the Body: An Overview ↗
Overview of the endocannabinoid system's roles across physiological processes including emerging cardioprotective potential, noting that psychoactive side effects and incomplete mechanistic understanding limit therapeutic development.
63% of Medical Cannabis Patients Said They Used It as a Substitute for Prescription Drugs ↗
Survey of 271 Canadian medical cannabis patients finding 63% used cannabis as a substitute for prescriptions (30% opioids, 16% benzodiazepines), with 42% also buying from illegal sources.
Where Cannabinoid Medicine Stands After Five Years of THC/CBD Spray Use ↗
Expert review confirming THC/CBD spray efficacy for MS spasticity after five years of clinical use and cataloging expanding research into cannabinoids for pain, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and epilepsy.
Marijuana Users Had Lower Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels in a National Study ↗
NHANES study of 5,280 adults finding recent marijuana use independently associated with lower TSH levels but not thyroid dysfunction or autoimmunity, suggesting a subtle modulatory effect.
Cannabis Use Did Not Affect Immune Cell Counts in HIV-Hepatitis C Co-Infected Patients ↗
Longitudinal study of 955 HIV-HCV co-infected patients finding no effect of cannabis use on CD4 T-cell counts or percentages, providing reassurance for immunocompromised patients.
Meta-Analysis: Cannabinoids Provide Small Pain Relief for Chronic Neuropathic Pain ↗
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs finding selective cannabinoids provide a small but significant reduction in neuropathic pain (-0.65 on 0-10 scale), with improvements in sleep and quality of life.
Low-Dose CBD Did Not Help Active Crohn's Disease in This Small Trial ↗
Small RCT of 20 Crohn's patients finding CBD 10 mg twice daily was safe but no more effective than placebo, possibly due to insufficient dosing.
The Anti-Inflammatory Power in Cannabis Comes From THCA, Not CBD, for Colon Disease ↗
Study identifying THCA (not CBD) as the primary anti-inflammatory compound in cannabis for colon cells, working through GPR55 receptors, with effects confirmed in IBD patient tissue.
What Randomized Trials Say About Medical Marijuana for Psychiatric and Neurologic Conditions ↗
Review of randomized trials of plant-based cannabis (excluding synthetics) for psychiatric and neurologic conditions finding limited evidence across conditions, highlighting the gap between policy approval and clinical evidence.
What Works for Abdominal Pain in IBD? Relaxation and Cannabis Show Promise ↗
Systematic review finding few tested treatments for IBD abdominal pain, with relaxation/CBT showing the most consistent benefit and one controlled cannabis trial showing promise.
CBD for Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: From Ancient Use to Modern Clinical Trials ↗
Review of CBD for treatment-resistant epilepsy showing Phase 3 RCT evidence of efficacy for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, while highlighting the gap between pharmaceutical CBD and unvalidated dispensary products.
How Cannabinoids Control the Immune System: Opportunities and Challenges ↗
Review of how the endocannabinoid system controls immunity, finding widespread expression in immune cells with generally immunosuppressive effects that create both therapeutic opportunities and safety considerations.
CBD-Rich Hemp Oil Improved Quality of Life in Girls with Chronic Symptoms After HPV Vaccination ↗
Small observational study found CBD-rich hemp oil improved physical functioning, vitality, and pain in young women with chronic symptoms after HPV vaccination, though one-third of participants dropped out.
The Case For and Against Using Cannabinoids to Treat Glaucoma ↗
Review examining arguments for (pressure reduction, neuroprotection) and against (short duration, side effects, delivery challenges) using cannabinoids to treat glaucoma.
Trained Dispensary Budtenders Interact Differently with Patients Than Untrained Ones ↗
Survey of 158 California budtenders found that formally trained budtenders were more experienced and digitally connected but less likely to prioritize patient-centered medical decision-making.
Nabilone, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, Offers an Underused Option for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting ↗
Review of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid antiemetic that offers a unique mechanism for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea, particularly the delayed form that other drugs fail to control.
CBD for Epilepsy Finally Has Hard Evidence, but a Drug Interaction Complicates the Picture ↗
Review marking a turning point: three controlled trials confirmed CBD reduces seizures in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, but a drug interaction with clobazam complicates interpretation of how much benefit is directly from CBD.
Most Medical Cannabis Patients Reported Reducing Their Use of Opioids, Sleep, and Anxiety Medications ↗
Survey of 1,513 medical cannabis patients found over 75% reduced opioid use and 65-72% reduced sleep and anxiety medications, though their primary care doctors often did not know.
What Chronic Pain Patients Like and Dislike Most About Medical Cannabis ↗
Survey of 984 dispensary members found patients rated medical cannabis 74.6% effective for their conditions, with cost, side effects, and stigma as the main drawbacks.
Cannabis Is One of Many Herbs That Can Interact with IBD Medications in Older Patients ↗
Review of herbal medicine use in elderly IBD patients identifies cannabis among many supplements with potential drug-herb interactions, emphasizing the need for provider awareness.
97% of Medical Cannabis Patients Said They Could Reduce Their Opioid Use When Using Cannabis ↗
Survey of nearly 2,900 medical cannabis patients found 97% reported being able to reduce opioid use with cannabis, and 81% found cannabis alone more effective than the combination.
Cannabis Pharmacology Beyond THC and CBD: How Terpenes and Lesser-Known Compounds Contribute to the Plant's Effects ↗
Major pharmacology review arguing that cannabis's therapeutic potential involves far more than THC and CBD, with terpenes and lesser-known compounds providing meaningful synergistic pharmacological activity.
Using Cannabinoid Medications to Treat Addiction: What the Clinical Trials Actually Show ↗
Review of clinical trial evidence finding THC-containing medications effective for cannabis withdrawal, promising for opioid withdrawal, and identifying rimonabant's failed potential for smoking cessation.
Parents Using Cannabis for Their Children's Epilepsy See Themselves as Scientific Experimenters, Not Alternative Medicine Rebels ↗
Qualitative study of 25 parents using cannabis for pediatric epilepsy found they viewed themselves as scientific experimenters who wanted biomedical legitimacy, not alternative medicine rebels.
Cannabis for PTSD: Promising Biology, Very Little Proof It Actually Works as Treatment ↗
The biology linking the endocannabinoid system to PTSD was strong, but clinical evidence for cannabis as treatment was weak. Nabilone showed real promise for nightmares specifically.
Australian Epilepsy Survey: More Failed Medications Predicted Cannabis Use, and 90% of Adults Reported Seizure Reduction ↗
Australian survey of 976 epilepsy patients found 15% had tried cannabis, 90% of adults reported seizure reduction, and more failed medications predicted cannabis use.
Medical Cannabis for Brain Disorders: Benefits for Some Conditions, Clear Risks for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder ↗
Review finding cannabis showed benefits for MS, Parkinson's, ALS, and late-stage Alzheimer's, but increased positive symptoms in schizophrenia and worsened bipolar disorder.
71% of Pediatric Epilepsy Patients Stopped Using Cannabis Extracts, and Perceived Benefit Was the Only Factor That Kept Them Going ↗
Chart review of 119 pediatric epilepsy patients found 71% discontinued cannabis extracts, with only 13% achieving greater than 50% seizure reduction and perceived benefit the sole predictor of continued use.
Cannabis in Cancer Care: Best Evidence for Nausea and Pain, Emerging Evidence for Appetite, Sleep, and Anxiety ↗
Review finding the strongest evidence for cannabis in cancer care is for nausea and pain, with emerging evidence for appetite, sleep, and anxiety, plus preclinical anti-cancer effects.
A Sativex-Like THC+CBD Combination Partially Protected Against Brain Deterioration in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease ↗
Mouse study of Huntington's disease found a Sativex-like THC+CBD combination reduced dystonia and partially reversed metabolic brain changes, though motor coordination did not improve.
The evidence for medical cannabis in children and adolescents is still limited ↗
Systematic review of 22 studies found strongest pediatric evidence for chemotherapy-induced nausea, increasing evidence for epilepsy, and insufficient evidence for other conditions.
Taking cannabis with fatty foods dramatically increases cannabinoid levels in the immune system ↗
Taking cannabinoids with fats boosted CBD levels in the lymphatic system 250-fold above blood levels, reaching concentrations that suppressed immune cell activity, especially in MS patients.
Vaporized cannabis did not help breathing or exercise endurance in people with severe COPD ↗
Randomized trial of 16 adults with severe COPD found vaporized cannabis had no meaningful effect on breathlessness, exercise capacity, or lung function.
Major national report found strong evidence that cannabis treats chronic pain, nausea, and spasticity ↗
NASEM review of 10,000 abstracts found conclusive evidence for cannabis treating chronic pain, chemo nausea, and MS spasticity, with moderate evidence for sleep.
Evidence for medical cannabis in palliative care remains inconclusive despite patient interest ↗
Review finds strong public support but inconclusive clinical evidence for medicinal cannabis in palliative care, recommending clinical trials and careful off-label prescribing for refractory symptoms.
Cannabis can interact with many common medications through shared liver enzymes and transporters ↗
Review identifies multiple pathways through which cannabinoids can interact with common medications via shared liver enzymes and membrane transporters.
A new oral CBD capsule delivered more CBD into the bloodstream than the Sativex mouth spray ↗
New oral CBD formulation (PTL101) delivered 34% more CBD into the bloodstream than Sativex spray, with safe and efficient delivery in healthy volunteers.
Dronabinol (synthetic THC) is approved for appetite loss in AIDS and shows promise in cancer ↗
Review of dronabinol (synthetic THC) for appetite loss: FDA-approved for HIV/AIDS since 1985, new oral solution since 2016, but no cancer indication despite clinical need.
Non-medical marijuana use was linked to worse depression and higher suicidal thoughts over time ↗
Over 12 months, depressed outpatients who used marijuana non-medically showed less improvement in depression and suicidal ideation and attended fewer psychiatry visits.
Most migraine patients using medical cannabis chose high-THC hybrid strains and many replaced opioids ↗
Survey of 2,032 medical cannabis patients found 88% of headache patients had probable migraine, preferred high-THC hybrids, and 41-60% replaced prescriptions, most often opioids.
A comprehensive guide to the medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis ↗
Comprehensive review catalogues medicinal properties of individual cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, explaining the entourage effect and building the case for strain-specific cannabis medicine.
CBD oral solution was FDA-approved for severe childhood epilepsies alongside other emerging antiepileptic drugs ↗
Conference report documents FDA approval of CBD oral solution for Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, the first cannabis-derived FDA-approved medication.
Whole-plant cannabis extract was more effective against breast cancer cells than pure THC alone ↗
Whole-plant cannabis extract outperformed pure THC against three breast cancer subtypes in lab and animal models, with different mechanisms suggesting a genuine entourage effect.
Two competing paths for cannabis medicine: whole-plant extracts versus single-molecule drugs ↗
Commentary examines two cannabinoid drug development paths: whole-plant extracts offering entourage effects versus single-molecule drugs offering precision, with legalization complicating both.
Only 7 randomized trials have tested smoked cannabis, and the evidence for most conditions was limited ↗
Review of only 7 randomized trials of smoked cannabis found no pain benefit, impractically brief glaucoma relief, but consistent appetite stimulation.
Medical cannabis in Europe is mostly limited to the spray Sativex, with little whole-plant use ↗
Survey of 17 European countries found medical cannabis mostly limited to Sativex spray, with little whole-plant use and no personal growing allowed, contrasting sharply with the US.
Nearly half of young multiple sclerosis patients used marijuana, most for symptom relief despite recognizing memory effects ↗
Survey of 52 young MS patients found 48% used marijuana for relaxation and symptoms, with 64% of users acknowledging negative memory and focus effects.
CBD shows promise for severe epilepsy but faces challenges with drug interactions and inconsistent absorption ↗
Review confirms CBD efficacy for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes but highlights practical challenges including drug interactions, variable absorption, and unclear mechanisms.
Cannabis and CBD product exposure in dogs and cats is rising as legalization expands ↗
Veterinary review documents rising pet exposures to marijuana, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids, with dogs especially sensitive to THC due to higher cerebellar CB1 receptor density.
Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system may play roles in several ear, nose, and throat conditions ↗
Review finds the endocannabinoid system is involved in several ENT conditions, with therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, and head/neck cancers alongside known risks from cannabis smoking.
A 4-year study found no evidence that cannabis improved pain or reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients ↗
Four-year study of 1,514 chronic pain patients on opioids found cannabis users had worse pain, more anxiety, and lower self-efficacy, with no evidence of opioid reduction.
Sativex spray for MS spasticity did not impair driving and most patients reported driving improvement ↗
Review found no increase in accidents from Sativex spray in MS patients, with most reporting improved driving after treatment, though blood THC may exceed legal limits in some countries.
Three patients with a rare blistering skin disease reported faster healing and less pain using topical CBD oil ↗
Three patients with the rare blistering condition epidermolysis bullosa reported faster wound healing, less blistering, and pain relief from topical CBD, with one stopping opioids completely.
The endocannabinoid system in MS could address both symptoms and disease progression ↗
Comprehensive review finds clinical evidence for cannabinoids managing MS symptoms (spasticity, pain) and preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects that could slow disease progression.
Medical marijuana dispensary customers did not match the demographics of their surrounding neighborhoods ↗
Survey of 132 patients at 4 dispensaries found customer demographics differed significantly by location and did not match surrounding neighborhoods, suggesting market segmentation.
CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties across multiple conditions ↗
Translational review of CBD research identifies established anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties with emerging evidence across epilepsy, PTSD, depression, and other conditions.
Nearly 70% of Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for first-trimester morning sickness ↗
Mystery caller study found 69% of 400 Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for first-trimester nausea, mostly based on personal opinion, with only 32% voluntarily suggesting medical consultation.
Comprehensive review of endocannabinoid system targets for treating inflammatory and neuropathic pain ↗
Major review found endocannabinoid system targets produce reliable pain relief in preclinical models with opioid-sparing potential, though clinical translation for enzyme inhibitors lags behind.
Comprehensive review of approved and emerging medical uses of cannabinoids across multiple conditions ↗
Comprehensive review cataloged six approved cannabinoid medications and evidence across pain, epilepsy, cancer, neurodegeneration, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction, spanning the full endocannabinoid system.
Medical marijuana patients who used more frequently and for more conditions reported lower general health ↗
Survey of 312 LA dispensary patients found more frequent marijuana use and more medical conditions correlated with lower health, though sicker patients likely use more rather than use making them sicker.
Purified CBD reduced seizures in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes and received FDA approval ↗
Review documents FDA-approved purified CBD (Epidiolex) significantly reducing seizures in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, with key drug interactions identified for clobazam and valproate.
Cannabinoids show preclinical promise for inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer but clinical evidence is lacking ↗
Review found cannabinoids show preclinical anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects relevant to IBD and colorectal cancer, but clinical evidence remains limited to questionnaires and small studies.
94% of fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported pain relief, though most were not medically licensed ↗
Israeli survey of 383 fibromyalgia patients found 84% used cannabis with 94% reporting pain relief, though only 44% were medically licensed and most smoked rather than using other methods.
All 26 fibromyalgia patients improved on every measure after starting medical cannabis, with half stopping other medications ↗
Small study of 26 fibromyalgia patients found all improved on every measure after medical cannabis, with 50% stopping all other medications and only mild adverse effects in 30%.
56% of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy had at least 50% seizure reduction with CBD-enriched cannabis oil ↗
Observational study found 56% of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy achieved 50%+ seizure reduction with CBD-enriched cannabis oil (20:1 ratio), with younger age and higher doses predicting better response.
70% of people with spinal cord or brain injuries used cannabis before injury, and about half continued after ↗
Colorado survey found 70% of SCI/TBI patients used cannabis before injury and 48% after, with spasticity reduction (SCI) and recreation/stress relief (TBI) as primary reasons.
Cannabis-based medicines may be cost-effective for MS spasticity, but evidence is uncertain and industry-influenced ↗
Systematic review found cannabis-based medicines potentially cost-effective for MS spasticity in European analyses, but evidence limited to 10 studies (all MS), mostly industry-sponsored, with uncertain quality of life benefits.
A review found cannabis has not been proven to cause lung cancer but evidence remains limited ↗
Review found smoking cannabis has not been proven to cause lung cancer, while noting emerging therapeutic potential for chemo-related nausea and cancer pain. Better studies needed.
Patient surveys and chemical analysis identified specific cannabis terpenes linked to anxiety relief ↗
Chemical analysis of strains rated most and least effective for anxiety found THC and the terpene trans-nerolidol correlated with anxiety relief, while six other terpenes correlated with reduced effectiveness.
A review found emerging but insufficient evidence for cannabinoids in treating rheumatic diseases ↗
Nature Reviews Rheumatology review found emerging evidence for cannabinoid immunomodulatory effects relevant to rheumatic diseases, but concluded evidence is insufficient to recommend cannabis treatment for these conditions.
Most IBD patients using marijuana reported benefits but also had worse symptoms and mental health than non-users ↗
Survey of 1,666 IBD patients found marijuana users reported high perceived benefits (80.7%) but also had more depression, anxiety, and pain than non-users, likely reflecting harder-to-treat disease.
A European survey found striking differences between countries in cannabis medicine availability, approval, and insurance coverage ↗
European survey found dramatic country-by-country differences in cannabis medicine availability, with THC/CBD spray approved in 21 countries but broader medical cannabis access limited to a few.
A meta-analysis of 550 patients confirmed CBD reduces seizures in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes but increases adverse events ↗
Meta-analysis of 550 patients found CBD reduced seizures by ~20 percentage points in severe childhood epilepsies. The lower dose (10 mg/kg) was similarly effective but safer than the higher dose (20 mg/kg).
CBD-enriched cannabis oil improved spasticity, pain, and sleep in children with complex motor disorders ↗
Pilot study of 25 children with complex motor disorders found CBD-enriched cannabis oil improved spasticity, dystonia, sleep, pain, and quality of life over 5 months, with rare adverse effects.
Clinical guidelines recommended limiting THC to 30 mg/day, starting low, titrating slowly, and combining with CBD ↗
Practical dosing review recommended medical cannabis THC be limited to 30 mg/day, combined with CBD, started low and titrated slowly over two weeks, with guidance for special populations and drug interactions.
Heavy cannabis use was linked to reduced immune activation and inflammation in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy ↗
Study of 198 HIV-positive patients found heavy cannabis use was associated with reduced immune activation and inflammatory markers, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits in treated HIV infection.
A provincial survey found 43% of cancer patients had used cannabis, with 18% using it recently, mostly for pain and nausea ↗
Survey of 1,987 cancer patients found 43% had ever used cannabis and 18% used it recently, mostly for pain and nausea. Only 10% got it from medical dispensaries; 80% got it from friends.
A CBD/THC cannabis oil reduced seizures by 70.6% in children with Dravet syndrome in an open-label trial ↗
Open-label trial of 20 Dravet syndrome children found CBD/THC cannabis oil achieved 70.6% median seizure reduction and 63% responder rate, with significant quality of life improvement over 20 weeks.
THC lowered eye pressure by 28% in male mice, but CBD counteracted this effect and showed sex-dependent differences ↗
THC lowered mouse eye pressure by 28% via CB1 and GPR18 receptors, with stronger effects in males. CBD had opposing effects on eye pressure and blocked THC's beneficial IOP reduction.
A Cochrane review of 16 trials found cannabis-based medicines provide modest pain relief for neuropathic pain but with significant side effects ↗
Cochrane review of 16 trials (1,750 patients) found cannabis-based medicines provide modest neuropathic pain relief (NNT 20 for 50% relief) with significant side effects (61% nervous system AEs, 17% psychiatric AEs). Harms may outweigh benefits.
A review of reviews found cannabinoids may have modest effects on MS pain and spasticity, but evidence for other symptoms is lacking ↗
Review of 11 systematic reviews found cannabinoids may have modest benefits for MS pain and spasticity, but evidence for other symptoms is insufficient and no studies compare cannabinoids to existing treatments.
CBD-rich cannabis extracts appeared more effective than purified CBD for epilepsy, requiring lower doses with fewer side effects ↗
Meta-analysis of 670 epilepsy patients found CBD-rich whole-plant extracts outperformed purified CBD (71% vs 46% improvement) at lower doses (6 vs 25 mg/kg/day) with fewer side effects, supporting the entourage effect.
A survey of 455 medical cannabis patients found strain preferences were highly dispensary-specific, with many using sativa by day and indica at night ↗
Survey of 455 medical cannabis patients found 1,987 strains available, with preferences highly dispensary-specific and many patients using sativa by day and indica at night.
Artisanal CBD preparations reduced seizures by 50% or more in 39% of children with epilepsy, with increased alertness in 14% ↗
Retrospective study of 108 children found artisanal CBD oil achieved >50% seizure reduction in 39%, with 10% seizure-free, 14% showing improved alertness, and minimal side effects.
Cannabis Shows Promise for Managing Symptoms in Advanced Kidney Disease ↗
Review suggests cannabinoids could help manage pain, nausea, appetite loss, and itching in advanced kidney disease patients, but direct evidence in this population remains limited.
Strong Evidence Supports Cannabinoids for MS Spasticity and Pain ↗
Strong evidence from systematic reviews shows cannabinoids (nabiximols, oral cannabis extract, synthetic THC) are probably effective for MS-related spasticity and pain at doses of 20-40 mg THC daily.
Medical Cannabis Users Were More Common in Construction and Mining Than Recreational-Only Users ↗
Analysis of employed Americans found medical and recreational cannabis users were more similar than different after controlling for health factors, except medical users were more concentrated in construction and mining.
Cannabis-Using HIV Patients Had Lower Levels of Inflammatory Immune Cells ↗
HIV patients who used cannabis had lower levels of inflammatory monocytes and markers linked to brain inflammation, and THC directly suppressed these markers in lab experiments.
Cannabis Compounds Show Promise Against Five Currently Untreatable Brain Diseases ↗
Review argues cannabis compounds (THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA, terpenes) show promise for five currently hard-to-treat neurological conditions including Parkinson, Alzheimer, and brain tumors.
Four Cannabis Compounds Are Being Tested as Epilepsy Treatments ↗
CBD has proven benefit for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, and three other cannabinoids (CBDV, THCV, THCA) are in the epilepsy research pipeline.
Cannabinoids Significantly Reduced Dystonia in Seven Huntington's Disease Patients ↗
Seven early-onset Huntington's disease patients showed significant improvement in motor symptoms after cannabinoid treatment, with dystonia scores dropping by 35% and additional benefits in gait, behavior, and weight.
Cannabinoids Show Anticancer Properties in Lab and Animal Studies, But Clinical Evidence Is Limited ↗
Review of preclinical evidence shows cannabinoids can kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth through multiple mechanisms, but also notes cases of cancer stimulation and the need for clinical trials.
Medical Cannabis Patients Stopped Using Dangerous Prescription Drugs at High Rates ↗
After joining New Mexico's medical cannabis program, 34% of chronic pain patients stopped all scheduled prescription medications, with significant monthly decreases across all measures compared to non-enrolled patients.
Large Meta-Analysis Found Cannabis Provides Only Modest Pain Relief With Significant Side Effects ↗
Meta-analysis of 104 studies (9,958 patients) found cannabinoids provide a statistically significant but clinically small pain reduction (3 mm on a 100 mm scale), with 1 in 6 patients experiencing adverse events.
Systematic Review Confirmed CBD Reduces Seizures in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy ↗
Systematic review of 36 studies confirmed CBD reduces seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy (NNT=8 for 50% reduction), with 8.5% achieving complete seizure freedom, though serious adverse events increased.
Medical Cannabis Patient Stories in Media Made People More Positive About Recreational Cannabis ↗
Experiment found that watching medical cannabis patient testimonials indirectly increased positive attitudes toward recreational cannabis, especially when patients were portrayed as not responsible for their illness.
The Endocannabinoid System Plays a Major Role in Gut Health and Disease ↗
Review reveals the GI tract has a fully functional endocannabinoid system controlling motility, sensation, and barrier function, with therapeutic potential for IBS, IBD, and colorectal cancer.
Medical Cannabis Laws Were Linked to Fewer Opioid Deaths and Lower Healthcare Costs ↗
Systematic review of 10 studies found medical cannabis laws associated with decreased opioid use, fewer opioid hospitalizations, lower overdose deaths, and reduced healthcare costs.
No Evidence Cannabis Enhances Athletic Performance, but Pain and Recovery Benefits Deserve Study ↗
Review found no evidence cannabis enhances athletic performance, limited evidence of serious harms in athletes, and promising but unconfirmed potential for pain management and concussion symptom relief.
Long-Term Care Facilities Face Growing Challenges Accommodating Medical Marijuana ↗
Review examines the growing challenge of accommodating medical marijuana in long-term care, where 30-state legalization collides with federal prohibition and complex regulatory requirements.
Oncologist Makes the Case That Cancer Doctors Should Recommend Cannabis to Patients ↗
Oncologist argues cancer doctors should recommend cannabis for its ability to simultaneously address pain, nausea, appetite, mood, and sleep - a rare multi-symptom intervention in palliative care.
What does the research actually say about cannabis for autism? ↗
A review of cannabis evidence for autism found only five small studies and mixed results for all conditions except epilepsy, highlighting a major gap between anecdotal reports and scientific evidence.
THC plus CBD together reduced MS-like brain inflammation in mice through changes in immune cell gene activity ↗
In a mouse MS model, THC plus CBD together (but not alone) reduced paralysis and brain inflammation by suppressing inflammatory immune cells and altering microRNA gene regulation.
THC plus CBD reduced MS-like symptoms in mice by reshaping gut bacteria ↗
THC+CBD reduced MS-like symptoms in mice partly by reshaping gut bacteria, as confirmed by fecal transplant experiments showing the microbiome changes were causally involved in the therapeutic effect.
A cannabinoid-free hemp variety from Benin actually improved sperm quality in rats ↗
A cannabinoid-free hemp variety from Benin Republic improved sperm quality in rats by reducing prolactin and boosting antioxidant activity, contrasting with the fertility-harming effects of THC-containing cannabis.
Cannabis hyperemesis patients had similar hair THC levels as recreational users without vomiting ↗
Hair analysis found cannabis hyperemesis patients had similar THC levels as recreational users without symptoms, suggesting the condition is idiosyncratic rather than purely dose-dependent.
CBD showed similar effectiveness to standard epilepsy drugs in severe childhood epilepsies ↗
Three randomized controlled trials showed CBD reduced seizures by 38-41% in severe childhood epilepsies, performing comparably to established anti-epileptic drugs with manageable side effects.
Only 18% of prescribed cannabinoid patients in Manitoba were still using them after one year ↗
A study of 5,452 cannabinoid prescription users in Manitoba found only 18% continued use at one year, with median duration of 31 days varying by diagnosis and medication type.
Cannabis shows promise for IBD symptoms in the lab but has not yet delivered in clinical trials ↗
Despite strong evidence that cannabinoids improve colitis in animal models, clinical trials in human IBD have not shown meaningful benefit, with THC tolerance limiting the largest study.
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program reported significant symptom improvement across the board ↗
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program reported significant improvement across all 8 tracked symptoms, with 27-50% achieving lasting clinically meaningful reductions and only 10.5% reporting side effects.
CBD-rich cannabis improved severe behavioral problems in 61% of children with autism ↗
In 60 children with autism and severe behavioral problems, CBD-rich cannabis improved behavioral outbreaks in 61% with mostly mild side effects, supporting feasibility of controlled trials.
Could the endocannabinoid system hold clues for treating bipolar disorder? ↗
A review found the endocannabinoid system may contribute to bipolar disorder pathophysiology, with CB2 receptor activation emerging as a potential mood-stabilizing target, though evidence remains limited.
Women with endometriosis rated cannabis as their most effective self-management strategy for pain ↗
In a survey of 484 women with endometriosis, cannabis was rated the most effective self-management strategy for pain (7.6/10), ahead of heat, CBD oil, and dietary changes.
Cannabinoids show promise for Tourette syndrome but rigorous evidence is nearly nonexistent ↗
A systematic review found strong biological rationale and patient reports supporting cannabinoids for Tourette syndrome, but only two small trials exist, leaving efficacy and safety largely undetermined.
About 2% of the general population meets criteria for functional nausea and vomiting disorders, with cannabis use amplifying hot-bath seeking ↗
A survey of nearly 6,000 adults found 2.2% had functional vomiting disorders, with all cannabinoid hyperemesis cases in the US and hot water bathing for symptom relief augmented by cannabis use.
Most adult-use dispensary customers reported using cannabis for pain or sleep and cutting back on other medications ↗
A survey of 1,000 Colorado recreational dispensary customers found 65% used cannabis for pain and 74% for sleep, with most reporting they reduced or stopped using other medications including opioids.
A comprehensive profile of THC: from ancient medicine to modern controversy ↗
A comprehensive review of THC covers its pharmacology as a CB1 partial agonist, approved uses for pain and nausea, and ongoing debates about psychosis risk, cognitive effects, and addiction potential in 192 million users worldwide.
84% of autism patients reported improvement after six months of CBD-rich cannabis treatment ↗
In a prospective study of 188 autism patients treated with CBD-rich cannabis oil for six months, 84% of those assessed reported improvement, with mostly mild side effects and high treatment continuation.
CBD shows early promise for both psychosis and addiction, especially in early-stage illness ↗
A systematic review found CBD improved schizophrenia symptoms (especially early-stage) and reduced cannabis withdrawal when combined with THC, with blood anandamide levels as a potential biomarker.
A cannabis compound reduced bladder inflammation and pain in mice better than the standard treatment ↗
Beta-caryophyllene, a cannabis compound with GRAS safety status, reduced bladder inflammation and pain in mice better than the FDA-approved treatment DMSO through CB2 receptor activation.
Cyclic vomiting hospitalizations jumped 46% in Colorado as cannabis use rose with legalization ↗
Cyclic vomiting hospitalizations in Colorado rose 46% from 2010-2014 alongside rising cannabis use after legalization, with CVS patients 8-10x more likely to use cannabis than other patients.
Epidiolex became the first CBD medication approved by a national regulator for severe childhood epilepsy ↗
Epidiolex became the first CBD medication approved by a national regulator, earning FDA approval for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes based on Phase III clinical trials.
A major Lancet review found little evidence that cannabinoids help mental disorders and increased side effects ↗
A Lancet meta-analysis of 83 studies found scarce evidence that cannabinoids help depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental disorders, with THC products doubling adverse event rates versus placebo.
Older adults in Colorado want more cannabis education from doctors but feel stigma prevents open conversations ↗
Focus groups with 136 Colorado adults over 60 found older adults want cannabis education from providers but stigma and lack of research prevent meaningful conversations about use.
About 80% of medical cannabis users with chronic pain reported substituting it for traditional pain medications ↗
A survey of 1,321 chronic pain patients found 80% substituted cannabis for traditional pain meds, including 53% for opioids, citing fewer side effects and better symptom control.
Women, medical-only users, and cannabis novices prefer lower-THC products and edibles over smoking ↗
A survey of 1,321 chronic pain patients found wide variability in cannabis preferences by sex and experience, with only 2.6% receiving medical professional guidance on product selection.
Very little is known about how cannabis is absorbed and metabolized in cancer patients ↗
A systematic review of cannabis pharmacology in cancer found only 18 relevant studies and virtually no absorption data, revealing a critical gap in dosing knowledge for this patient population.
Decades of research show cannabis affects brain structure and cognition, raising questions for medical use ↗
A review found substantial evidence that cannabis affects brain structure and cognition, particularly during adolescence, while paradoxically some cannabinoid compounds are approved for medical use in children.
CBD shows therapeutic potential across a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders with few side effects ↗
A review found CBD shows therapeutic potential across autism, anxiety, psychosis, pain, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, with mainly diarrhea and somnolence as side effects.
Cannabis use did not reduce hepatitis C cure rates in patients on opioid substitution therapy ↗
In nearly 8,000 hepatitis C patients, cannabis use had no effect on cure rates regardless of opioid substitution therapy status, removing a barrier to treating substance-using patients.
Cannabis carries both real risks and real therapeutic potential, but causal evidence is still largely missing ↗
A balanced review found cannabis is associated with multiple health harms but causal evidence is largely missing, while cannabinoid-based drugs show legitimate therapeutic potential across many conditions.
Most Italian cancer patients know about medical cannabis but almost none learned about it from their doctors ↗
Among 232 Italian cancer patients, 81% knew about medical cannabis but only 2% learned from healthcare professionals, while 34% had considered using it, revealing a clinician communication failure.
Cannabis-based treatments show promise for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, a devastating childhood epilepsy ↗
A review found growing evidence for cannabis-based treatments in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, including an open-label trial showing seizure reduction, building on proven CBD efficacy in similar severe epilepsies.
MS patients who use cannabis for symptoms face stigma that prevents open conversations with nurses ↗
A review found MS patients commonly use cannabis for symptoms but avoid discussing it with nurses due to stigma, highlighting a communication gap that undermines person-centered care.
THC blocks nausea signals by activating CB1 receptors in the brain ↗
Animal study showing THC and synthetic cannabinoids suppress substance P-induced vomiting through CB1 receptor activation, helping explain why cannabinoids work against nausea resistant to standard treatments.
Veterans with both opioid and cannabis use disorders had fewer opioid prescriptions but more psychiatric hospitalizations ↗
Large veteran study found co-occurring opioid and cannabis use disorders linked to fewer opioid prescriptions but higher psychiatric admissions and homelessness compared to opioid use disorder alone.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: what doctors need to know about cannabis-related cyclic vomiting ↗
Literature review describing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, an under-diagnosed condition causing cyclic vomiting in chronic cannabis users, with complete cessation as the only known cure.
Cannabis allergy is real: lipid transfer protein Can s 3 identified as the main culprit ↗
Study of 120 patients identifies Can s 3 as the main cannabis allergen in up to 72% of anaphylaxis cases, with cross-reactivity to other plant foods, and evaluates five diagnostic approaches.
Cannabis users hospitalized with inflammatory bowel disease had shorter stays and lower bills ↗
National propensity-matched study of over 7,000 IBD hospitalizations found cannabis users had shorter stays, lower charges, and lower colorectal cancer rates, though some complications were higher.
Colorado sleep aid sales dropped sharply when recreational cannabis dispensaries opened nearby ↗
Colorado grocery store data shows OTC sleep aid sales dropped sharply after recreational dispensaries opened, with a 236% trend reversal driven by substitution away from antihistamine-based sleep products.
CBD probably reduces seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, systematic review confirms ↗
Systematic review of 23 studies finds moderate-certainty evidence that pharmaceutical CBD reduces seizure frequency by about 20% in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, with diarrhea as the main side effect.
CB1 receptor blockers caused diarrhea so consistently they might actually treat constipation-dominant IBS ↗
Meta-analysis of 18 trials shows CB1 receptor blockers consistently caused diarrhea and GI symptoms, suggesting potential repurposing for constipation-predominant IBS if psychiatric side effects can be avoided.
Young adults who said they used cannabis medically were less likely to use illicit drugs ↗
Study of 366 young LA cannabis users found self-reported medical use linked to less illicit drug use, while concentrate and edible use predicted more other drug use, regardless of frequency.
MS patients who quit cannabis for 28 days showed significant cognitive improvement on every test ↗
Controlled study of 40 MS patients found 28 days of cannabis abstinence produced significant improvements in every cognitive measure tested, with corresponding increases in brain activation on fMRI.
Canadian rheumatology group says no evidence supports medical cannabis for joint diseases but offers pragmatic guidance ↗
Canadian Rheumatology Association finds zero clinical trials and insufficient evidence for cannabis in joint diseases, but issues pragmatic guidance acknowledging widespread patient use.
CBD-rich cannabis extract improved symptoms in most of 18 autism spectrum disorder patients ↗
Observational study of 18 autism patients found CBD-rich cannabis extract (75:1 CBD:THC) improved symptoms in 14 of 15 who completed 6-9 months of treatment, with strongest gains in seizures, ADHD, sleep, and social interaction.
Comprehensive review of CBD pharmacology for epilepsy, from mechanisms to drug interactions ↗
Comprehensive review of FDA-approved CBD for epilepsy details its efficacy in severe childhood epilepsies, complex pharmacokinetics including a 4x food effect, and important drug interaction with clobazam that may partly explain its benefits.
Lancet review finds strong evidence for CBD in severe epilepsy but not for other neurological disorders ↗
Lancet Neurology review finds strong RCT evidence for CBD in severe childhood epilepsies and some cannabis treatments for MS, but no demonstrated benefit for Huntington's, ADHD, or dementia.
Cannabinoid-based medications show promise for treating addiction to other substances ↗
Review of cannabinoid-based addiction treatments finds promising newer strategies including neutral CB1 antagonists, CB2 agonists, and CBD after the rimonabant setback, with some entering clinical trials.
New Zealand experts argue cannabis products should meet the same standards as other medicines ↗
New Zealand pharmacologists argue that medicinal cannabis is not a single entity and all cannabis products should meet the same quality and evidence standards as other pharmaceutical medicines.
Marijuana use did not affect HIV prevention pill adherence among gay and bisexual men ↗
Study of 104 PrEP-using gay men over 9,532 days found marijuana use and heavy drinking did not affect HIV prevention pill adherence, while club drugs increased missed doses by 55-60%.
Half of Danish MS patients have used cannabis, mostly illegally, reporting high efficacy for pain and spasticity ↗
Largest MS cannabis survey finds 49% of 2,009 Danish patients have used cannabis, mostly illegally, reporting high efficacy for pain and spasticity with mild side effects, while 44% of non-users would consider it if legalized.
Cannabis might help pediatric IBD symptoms but evidence is far too limited to recommend use ↗
Review finds cannabis shows anti-inflammatory potential for IBD, but evidence is insufficient to recommend use in pediatric patients, calling for pediatric-specific safety and efficacy studies.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome shares features with cannabinoid hyperemesis but has deeper roots in migraine and mitochondrial disorders ↗
Review of cyclic vomiting syndrome highlights its overlap with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and connections to migraine and mitochondrial disorders, proposing a multicenter registry for future research.
CBD helped manage chronic pain and mood disorder in a patient with neurofibromatosis ↗
Case report of CBD use for chronic pain and mood disorder in neurofibromatosis type 1, suggesting potential but requiring controlled trials for validation.
Cannabis from ancient medicine to modern concern: the developing brain is most at risk ↗
Review for fetal/neonatal specialists covers how the endocannabinoid system guides brain development and why exogenous cannabinoids during pregnancy, infancy, or adolescence can disrupt normal neural development.
Cannabis medicines improved some mental disorder symptoms but achieved no remissions in systematic review ↗
Systematic review of 14 RCTs (1,629 participants) finds cannabis-based medicines improved symptoms across multiple mental disorders as adjuncts but achieved no remissions, with larger trials needed.
Young IBD patients are using cannabis oil, mostly for sleep, nausea, and appetite ↗
Study of young IBD patients found 15 cannabis oil users had similar clinical profiles to 67 non-users but reported perceived benefits for sleep, nausea, and appetite, with most also using other cannabis forms.
Cannabis hyperemesis in a dying patient: symptoms may improve with dose reduction rather than complete cessation ↗
Case of cannabis hyperemesis in a patient with terminal ALS shows atypical presentation without hot bath behavior, and suggests dose reduction rather than cessation may manage symptoms in palliative care.
Finnish adult ADHD patient found medical cannabis more helpful than Ritalin over five years ↗
Five-year case report of Finnish adult ADHD patient who found medical cannabis (THC-dominant plus THC/CBD blend) more effective than Ritalin for emotional regulation, anger, and concentration.
Cannabis research is dangerously behind the reality of legalization, and the field needs new study designs ↗
Review finds cannabis science dangerously behind the legalization reality, with 63% of Americans accessing medicinal cannabis markets while research barriers create critical knowledge gaps.
Half of MS patients use cannabis medicinally, but neurologists have limited prescribing guidance ↗
Clinical review for neurologists notes about half of MS patients use cannabis medicinally, while practitioners lack prescribing guidance and pharmaceutical-grade products remain restricted.
Most epilepsy patients using marijuana in Oregon did so for seizures and believed it helped, but almost none knew their dose ↗
Oregon survey of 39 cannabis-using epilepsy patients found 87% used for seizures and 82% said it helped, but only 2 could specify their dose, highlighting the gap between self-medication and medical-grade use.
Can cannabis help people reduce their opioid use for pain? ↗
Review of evidence on cannabis as a potential substitute or complement to opioids for pain management, finding promising but preliminary support.
Benzodiazepines resolved cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in four patients ↗
Case series of four CHS patients who failed standard antiemetics but responded to benzodiazepines.
Cannabis shows promise for cancer symptom management but evidence gaps persist ↗
Review finds reasonable evidence for cannabis in cancer-related nausea, appetite loss, and pain, with promising data for neuropathy and sleep issues.
New CBD delivery system dramatically improved absorption compared to standard oil ↗
RCT in 16 volunteers found a self-emulsifying CBD formulation achieved 4.4x higher peak levels and 3x greater absorption than standard CBD oil.
Artisanal cannabis extracts helped only 24% of children with epilepsy, matching placebo rates from pharmaceutical trials ↗
Prospective study found only 24% of children with refractory epilepsy responded to artisanal cannabis extracts, matching placebo rates from pharmaceutical CBD trials.
THC reduced gut inflammation and prevented lymph node scarring in SIV-infected monkeys ↗
THC suppressed gut inflammation, preserved intestinal barrier integrity, and prevented lymph node fibrosis in all treated SIV-infected macaques.
Scoping review maps what is known about cannabis use around surgery ↗
Scoping review identifies altered pain processing, anesthetic requirements, and withdrawal risk as key perioperative concerns for cannabis users, but notes limited evidence.
Daily cannabis use associated with 50% lower odds of daily illicit opioid use among people with chronic pain ↗
Longitudinal study of 1,152 people with chronic pain found daily cannabis use associated with 50% lower odds of daily illicit opioid use.
Long-term CBD treatment sustained seizure reductions for up to 96 weeks in children and adults with severe epilepsy ↗
Expanded access program showed add-on CBD reduced major motor seizures by 50% at 12 weeks, sustained through 96 weeks, in patients with LGS or Dravet syndrome.
Droperidol cut ER stays in half for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome patients ↗
Retrospective study found droperidol halved ER stay duration for CHS patients (6.7 vs. 13.9 hours) and reduced overall antiemetic use.
Cannabis dispensaries make widespread unsubstantiated dermatology claims ↗
Survey finds dispensaries in three countries advertise cannabis for at least 12 skin conditions, with most claims lacking clinical evidence.
Veterans with free cannabis access chose high-THC products and used cannabis as a substitute for other drugs ↗
Survey of 93 veterans with free cannabis access found most used it to substitute for other substances, but chose high-THC products without clinical guidance.
Large survey of Canadian medical cannabis patients reveals widespread substitution for prescription drugs, opioids, and alcohol ↗
Survey of 2,032 Canadian medical cannabis patients found 69% substituted for prescription drugs, with 59% of opioid substituters reporting complete cessation.
Cannabis-related intractable vomiting hospitalizations increased significantly from 2010 to 2014 ↗
Nationwide analysis found cannabis-related intractable vomiting hospitalizations increased significantly from 2010-2014, with rising anxiety and high tobacco co-use.
Post-approval trials confirm THC:CBD spray is safe and effective for resistant MS spasticity ↗
Post-approval trials confirm THC:CBD spray (Sativex) effectively treats resistant MS spasticity without cognitive or mood side effects through 50 weeks.
SAVANT trial: Add-on Sativex significantly outperformed optimized standard treatment for MS spasticity ↗
SAVANT RCT found 77% of MS patients on add-on Sativex achieved meaningful spasticity improvement vs 32% on optimized standard treatment (p<0.0001).
Systematic review finds capsaicin data for CHS is promising but low quality ↗
Systematic review of capsaicin for CHS finds positive case reports but no significant benefit in retrospective cohort studies, highlighting low evidence quality.
Medical cannabis patients describe it as having fewer side effects than prescriptions but face stigma and dosing confusion ↗
Qualitative study of 25 medical cannabis cardholders found patients prefer cannabis over prescriptions but face stigma, cost, and lack of clinical dosing guidance.
Systematic review maps CBD doses across 13 medical conditions, finding effective range from 1 to 50 mg/kg/day ↗
Systematic review of 35 CBD clinical studies finds effective doses from 1-50 mg/kg/day across 13 conditions, with epilepsy best supported and negative results potentially due to underdosing.
Cannabis-based medicines improved tics in 85% of Tourette syndrome patients, with THC-rich strains preferred ↗
Study of 98 Tourette syndrome patients found 85% reported tic improvement with cannabis-based medicines, with patients preferring THC-rich medicinal cannabis over pharmaceutical alternatives.
Review examines cannabinoids for chemo-induced nausea with a focus on CBD's non-psychoactive antiemetic potential ↗
Review of cannabinoids for chemotherapy nausea highlights CBD's non-psychoactive antiemetic potential through serotonin inhibition, alongside THC's established efficacy.
Cannabis terpenoids enhanced cannabinoid anti-cancer effects, but only when naturally co-occurring in the same strain ↗
Study of 17 cannabis strains found terpenoids enhanced cannabinoid anti-cancer activity only when naturally co-occurring in the same strain, supporting strain-specific entourage effects.
Why the first anti-obesity cannabis blocker failed and what researchers are trying instead ↗
The first cannabis receptor blocker worked for obesity and quitting smoking but caused depression and suicidal thoughts. Researchers are now developing safer alternatives.
Three deaths linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
Three young adults with chronic cannabis use and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome died, with CHS determined as the cause of death in two cases.
Cannabis for PTSD in 2019: The Systematic Evidence Was Still Thin Despite Growing Interest ↗
Systematic review of cannabis for PTSD through 2019 found promising signals for nabilone and nightmares, but most evidence remained low-quality and the broader case unproven.
A nausea drug called aprepitant helped when standard treatments failed for cannabinoid hyperemesis ↗
A patient with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome responded to aprepitant after standard anti-nausea drugs failed.
Systematic review finds cannabis may negatively affect male fertility ↗
A systematic review found that cannabis may reduce sperm count, motility, and fertilizing capacity, though effects on testosterone remain unclear.
A clinical overview of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
CHS causes severe cyclic vomiting in chronic cannabis users, is uniquely relieved by hot showers and capsaicin, and resolves with cessation.
Cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease: animal models are promising but human trials have not shown efficacy ↗
Cannabis shows promise in animal IBD models but has not demonstrated anti-inflammatory efficacy in human trials. It may help manage symptoms like pain and nausea.
THC alone did nothing for treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome, but adding CBD produced rapid improvement ↗
A patient with Tourette syndrome resistant to antipsychotics and pure THC showed rapid improvement when treated with a THC + CBD combination.
CBD as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder: promising but unproven ↗
CBD is theoretically promising for autism spectrum disorder, but at the time of this review, no convincing evidence of efficacy or safety in ASD patients existed.
A review of 72 reviews on medical cannabis found mixed results and mostly low-quality evidence ↗
A review of 72 systematic reviews on medical cannabis found mostly inconclusive results, frequent mild harms, and overwhelmingly low-quality evidence.
Cannabis products can interfere with many common medications through liver enzyme interactions ↗
Cannabis components inhibit multiple liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing common medications, creating potential for significant drug interactions.
Cannabis and turmeric for IBD: promising but not ready to replace standard treatment ↗
Cannabis and turmeric show potential for IBD symptom management, but neither has been compared to standard treatment and should not be used as a substitute.
Medical cannabis states had lower opioid prescription rates in adults under 55 ↗
Medical cannabis states had 24-44% lower opioid prescription rates in adults under 55, but recreational cannabis and decriminalization laws showed no effect.
Medical marijuana programs in Canada, Germany, and Thailand show industry pressure outpacing evidence ↗
Analysis of medical marijuana programs in Canada, Germany, and Thailand shows industry pressure and self-medication driving adoption faster than evidence.
Should medical cannabis use disqualify someone from receiving a kidney transplant? ↗
A 20-year-old was denied a kidney transplant listing due to medical cannabis use, highlighting ethical tensions as legal medical cannabis collides with transplant policy.
Medical cannabis significantly reduced pain scores in fibromyalgia patients over six months ↗
In 367 fibromyalgia patients, medical cannabis reduced median pain from 9 to 5 over six months, with 81% responding and mostly mild side effects.
Cannabinoids for rheumatic diseases: anti-inflammatory potential but lacking rigorous evidence ↗
Cannabinoids have theoretical benefits for rheumatic diseases, but reviews are outpacing actual trials and evidence remains insufficient.
About 1 in 4 multiple sclerosis patients at a Canadian clinic used cannabis products ↗
About 1 in 4 MS patients at a Canadian clinic used cannabis products, with oral and smoked/vaporized being the most common routes.
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids protected neurons in an Alzheimer's drug screening model ↗
Nine of 11 cannabinoids protected neurons in an Alzheimer's drug screening model, removed amyloid, and worked through both receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms.
Your dispensary's strain names are genetically unreliable ↗
Genetic analysis found no basis for sativa/indica/hybrid labels and significant inconsistencies in the same strain from different dispensaries.
Cancer patients in Georgia struggle to access medical cannabis despite having legal authorization ↗
Cancer patients in Georgia with legal medical marijuana cards reported cannabis as helpful for pain but struggled with access (68%) and legality concerns (64%).
Canadian university students using cannabis medicinally do so mostly for mental health conditions with little evidence ↗
Among Canadian university students, 11% used cannabis medicinally (mostly for mental health), 38% replaced prescribed medications, and 14% met criteria for cannabis use disorder.
What the evidence says about cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease ↗
Cannabis may improve IBD symptoms and quality of life, but no evidence yet shows it reduces underlying inflammation or heals the gut.
12-year-old with severe Tourette syndrome treated with vaporized cannabis ↗
A 12-year-old boy with severe Tourette syndrome experienced near-complete tic remission with vaporized cannabis and oral THC, with no adverse effects reported.
Most Tourette patients report benefit from medical cannabis in real-world use ↗
Survey of 42 Tourette patients found most reported benefit from medical cannabis, rating efficacy 3.85 out of 5, though 10 eventually stopped treatment.
Cannabis in cancer care: what works, what might work, and what we don't know yet ↗
Review confirms cannabis helps with cancer symptoms like nausea and pain but notes that promising antitumor effects in lab studies remain unproven in humans.
Current and upcoming cannabis-based pharmaceuticals for pain ↗
Review of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals for pain, including nabiximols for MS and cancer pain and newer synthetic cannabinoids targeting neuropathic pain.
Single cannabis inhalation showed limited pain relief in fibromyalgia patients ↗
Rigorous crossover trial in 20 fibromyalgia patients found single cannabis inhalation had limited pain effects, with a surprising finding that CBD reduced THC's analgesic benefit.
Untangling cyclic vomiting syndrome from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
Review examines whether cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is distinct from cyclic vomiting syndrome, finding the evidence unclear and proposing revised diagnostic criteria.
More than a third of MS patients used cannabis in a state where it's legal ↗
Survey found 38% of MS patients in Colorado used cannabis, mostly for pain and sleep, reporting over 60% relief with minimal side effects.
Adding medical cannabis to standard pain treatment improved outcomes in fibromyalgia patients ↗
In 31 fibromyalgia patients, adding medical cannabis to standard analgesics improved pain, function, and range of motion beyond what standard treatment alone achieved.
Medical cannabis dispensary users had high rates of mental illness when properly assessed ↗
Structured clinical interviews of 100 dispensary users found high rates of anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with many endorsing psychological symptoms.
Cannabis in cancer: helpful for symptoms, but could it interfere with immunotherapy? ↗
Review finds cannabis helps cancer symptoms but raises concern that its immune-dampening effects could interfere with immunotherapy and bone marrow transplants.
Medical cannabis in children: what we know about epilepsy, autism, and safety ↗
Review finds strong evidence for pure CBD in specific childhood epilepsies but notes most pediatric use involves artisanal products with less evidence.
How Australia's medical cannabis prescribing system works in practice ↗
Australia issued over 28,000 medical cannabis approvals by 2019, mostly for chronic pain and anxiety, with 100+ products available but many doctors still hesitant.
What geriatricians need to know about cannabinoids for older patients ↗
Review found cannabinoids may help older adults with pain and nausea, with moderate risks, but few studies have specifically included elderly patients.
Most Australian gastroenterologists don't support cannabis for IBD despite patient demand ↗
Survey of 93 Australian gastroenterologists found only 21% support cannabis for IBD, despite 39% having patients using it and ranking it safer than standard IBD drugs.
Cannabis for fibromyalgia: surveys look promising but rigorous trials are few ↗
Review of cannabis for fibromyalgia finds patient surveys suggest significant benefit, but randomized trial evidence remains limited and questioned.
Critical review finds cannabinoid evidence for fibromyalgia pain is promising but methodologically limited ↗
A critical review of five studies (827 participants) found cannabinoid treatments showed promise for fibromyalgia pain, but significant methodological limitations in the research prevent definitive conclusions about efficacy.
CBD added to standard medications reduced seizures in 80% of children with drug-resistant epilepsy ↗
A prospective study of 49 children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Argentina found 80% responded to add-on CBD therapy, with a median 66% seizure reduction and mild side effects.
Italy's accidental CBD liberalization led to significant drops in prescriptions for anxiety, sleep, pain, and psychiatric medications ↗
When Italy accidentally liberalized CBD products in 2017, prescription sales of anxiolytics, sedatives, opioids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics dropped significantly in provinces where the products became available.
Review finds cannabis may improve IBD symptoms but standardized treatment protocols are lacking ↗
A review found cannabis associated with improved IBD symptom scores and quality of life, but the lack of standardized preparations, doses, and routes of administration prevents establishing treatment guidelines.
Review finds weak but suggestive evidence for cannabinoids in anxiety and PTSD, with depression potentially worsened by cannabis ↗
A review found suggestive evidence that CBD may reduce anxiety and fear responses in PTSD, but cannabis use may worsen depression. Well-designed randomized trials remain largely absent across these conditions.
THC-rich cannabis oil significantly improved fibromyalgia symptoms in a small RCT ↗
A small RCT found THC-rich cannabis oil significantly improved fibromyalgia scores in 17 women over 8 weeks, with gains in pain, fatigue, ability to work, and overall well-being.
Critical analysis challenges the scientific basis for the cannabis "entourage effect" ↗
A critical review found that the cannabis "entourage effect," widely used to market whole-plant products, rests on poorly defined and largely unsubstantiated pharmacological claims, with the original literature commonly overinterpreted.
Review explores cannabis as potential treatment for PTSD and co-occurring substance use disorders ↗
A review found preliminary evidence that cannabis may help PTSD patients and reduce use of more harmful drugs, but rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish whether cannabis-based medicines should be integrated into treatment.
Case study and review consolidates clinical features and treatment approaches for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
A case study and literature review found cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is becoming more common as cannabis use increases but remains frequently unrecognized, with no standardized diagnostic or treatment protocols.
Major review maps the expanded endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential across neurological diseases ↗
A Nature Reviews Neurology article describes the expanded "endocannabinoidome" beyond CB1/CB2 and reviews its involvement in neurological diseases, noting approved therapies for MS and epilepsy and potential applications across neurodegeneration.
Review provides nuanced assessment of CBD for epilepsy: modest benefits, notable drug interactions, and a gap between evidence and public belief ↗
A review found purified CBD shows modest but significant seizure improvement in severe epilepsy, but important drug interactions, a 1-in-23 serious adverse event risk, and a wide gap between evidence and public belief complicate clinical use.
Daily cannabis users with sickle cell disease had fewer hospital admissions despite reporting worse pain ↗
Daily cannabis users with sickle cell disease reported worse pain but had nearly 2 fewer annual hospital admissions and similar opioid use compared to matched non-users, suggesting cannabis may help manage pain outside of hospitals.
Slow CBD titration in children with severe epilepsy achieved comparable efficacy with better tolerance ↗
A multicenter study of 125 children found slow CBD titration achieved 38% with 50%+ seizure reduction at 6 months with better tolerability than previous faster protocols. Clobazam did not add efficacy but increased some side effects.
Large VA study found cannabis did not substantially reduce opioid use or improve PTSD in veterans ↗
A nationwide VA study of 1,413 veterans found cannabis co-use was not associated with meaningful reductions in opioid use or PTSD symptoms, challenging policy rationales for cannabis as a PTSD treatment or opioid substitute.
Topical capsaicin cream showed promising nausea relief for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in a pilot RCT ↗
A pilot RCT of 30 CHS patients found topical capsaicin cream significantly reduced nausea at 60 minutes vs. placebo, with 29% achieving complete resolution compared to 0% with placebo.
Meta-analysis finds extremely limited evidence for marijuana in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis ↗
A meta-analysis found only 3 eligible trials (71 patients) testing marijuana for IBD, with no significant benefit over placebo for remission or response and very low quality evidence overall.
Endocannabinoids can shut down virulence programs in gut bacteria ↗
Mouse study found that the endocannabinoid 2-AG directly blocks virulence programs in gut bacteria by targeting the bacterial receptor QseC, protecting against enteric infections.
Parents of children with drug-resistant epilepsy face significant barriers accessing medical cannabis in Canada ↗
Qualitative study found parents of children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Canada face neurologist resistance, lack of insurance coverage, and costs up to $2,000/month when accessing medical cannabis.
Updated review confirms cannabidiol likely reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy ↗
Systematic review of 35 studies found cannabidiol likely reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, though it did not achieve seizure freedom more than placebo and increased GI side effects.
Daily THC reduced pain, shrank cysts, and restored memory in a mouse model of endometriosis ↗
Mouse study found daily low-dose THC reduced endometriosis pain, restored memory, and inhibited endometrial cyst growth, suggesting potential disease-modifying effects beyond symptom relief.
Medical cannabis patients showed a brief spike then slight decrease in healthcare visits over 6 months ↗
Matched cohort study of nearly 28,000 people in Ontario found medical cannabis patients had a brief initial increase in healthcare visits that faded over 6 months, with a slight decrease in ED visits.
Young adult cannabis users who reported medical use were less likely to use other illicit drugs ↗
Longitudinal study of 301 young adult cannabis users found self-reported medical use was linked to lower illicit drug use, while concentrate and edible use was linked to higher drug use trajectories.
Review explores whether terpenes combined with cannabinoids could treat mood and anxiety disorders ↗
Review examines the theoretical basis for combining cannabis terpenes with cannabinoids to treat mood and anxiety disorders, finding preclinical support but limited clinical evidence.
Pregnant woman diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome after chronic cannabis use ↗
Case report of a 29-year-old pregnant woman with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome caused by chronic cannabis use, highlighting the need to consider CHS in the differential diagnosis of pregnancy-related vomiting.
Expert review finds nabiximols effective for MS spasticity when first-line drugs fail ↗
Expert review of 33 studies and 7,500+ patients finds nabiximols safe and effective for MS spasticity when first-line drugs fail, but no scientific evidence supports smoked marijuana for MS.
Systematic review finds cannabinoids may improve behavioral symptoms and sleep in people with autism ↗
Systematic review of 10 studies found cannabinoids may improve behavioral symptoms, sleep, and hyperactivity in autism, while reducing seizures in those with comorbid epilepsy, though evidence on core ASD symptoms is limited.
Medical cannabis preparation showed acceptable safety in 10 young patients with drug-resistant epilepsy ↗
Pilot study of 10 young epilepsy patients found a THC/CBD cannabis preparation was generally safe, with blood levels correlating to dose, supporting the feasibility of therapeutic drug monitoring.
Adding medical cannabis to fibromyalgia treatment improved sleep and reduced other pain medications ↗
Observational study of 102 fibromyalgia patients found adding medical cannabis improved sleep in 44%, overall symptoms in 33%, and allowed 47% to reduce other pain medications over 6 months.
Cannabis may interact with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs through liver enzyme competition ↗
Review identifies potential cannabis interactions with blood thinners: THC may increase warfarin levels (bleeding risk) and CBD may reduce clopidogrel activation (stroke risk) through liver enzyme inhibition.
Oral THC/CBD capsules improved chemo nausea when standard anti-nausea drugs failed ↗
Phase II crossover trial found oral THC:CBD capsules nearly doubled complete response for refractory chemo nausea (25% vs 14%), with 83% of patients preferring cannabis to placebo despite more side effects.
IBD patients who self-medicated with cannabis showed more depression, impulsivity, and substance misuse risk ↗
Survey of 201 IBD patients found those self-medicating with cannabis had higher impulsivity, more depression, and greater substance misuse vulnerability compared to recreational cannabis users.
Cannabis use among Canadian cancer patients increased 26% after recreational legalization, but access problems also grew ↗
Canadian cancer patient surveys found cannabis use increased 26% after recreational legalization, but access problems also doubled, mainly because preferred products like edibles were not legally available.
Medical cannabis patients who reduced alcohol use tended to have anxiety, PTSD, and used cannabis for sleep ↗
Exploratory study of 112 dispensary patients found those who reduced alcohol after starting cannabis were more likely to have anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders, suggesting a substitution pattern.
Higher doses of the minor cannabinoid CBN were associated with lower ADHD symptom scores in medical cannabis patients ↗
Small study of 59 ADHD patients using medical cannabis found higher CBN consumption was associated with lower ADHD symptom scores, and higher-dose users more often stopped ADHD medications.
MS patients in states with legal cannabis were 4.5 times more likely to use it for symptom relief ↗
Survey of 548 MS patients found cannabis use for symptoms was 4.5 times more likely in recreationally legal states, more common in men and those with severe disability.
Systematic review finds cannabinoids may help PTSD symptoms, especially sleep and nightmares, but evidence is low quality ↗
Systematic review of 10 studies found cannabinoids may reduce PTSD symptoms, especially sleep disturbances and nightmares, but all evidence was of low quality with only one controlled trial.
CBD absorbed significantly better in oil or nano-emulsion than as dry powder in healthy volunteers ↗
Crossover study of 12 volunteers found oral CBD absorbed much better in oil or nano-emulsion than powder, with nano-emulsion providing the most consistent absorption profile.
What does the evidence say about THC and CBD for treating multiple sclerosis? ↗
Critical review found moderate evidence for THC:CBD spray (Sativex) reducing MS spasticity and pain, but limited evidence for other MS symptoms.
What does early evidence say about medical cannabis for children and pregnant women? ↗
Review found early evidence that medical cannabis may help behavioral symptoms in children with autism or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and severe nausea in pregnancy, but data remain very limited.
Veterans with PTSD describe their experiences using medical cannabis ↗
Focus group of 7 veterans with chronic PTSD found they used medical cannabis for symptom management (especially sleep), not intoxication, with stigma as a major barrier.
Does cannabis use during opioid addiction treatment affect outcomes? Review of 41 studies says mostly not ↗
Systematic review of 41 studies found cannabis use during opioid addiction treatment was mostly unrelated to opioid use, treatment adherence, or retention outcomes.
Cannabis use linked to higher detectable viral loads in HIV patients on treatment ↗
Study of 1,010 HIV patients found cannabis use was linked to twice the odds of detectable viral load but no differences in immune cell counts or body weight.
CBD showed motor improvement in Parkinson patients but caused liver enzyme elevations ↗
Open-label study of 13 Parkinson patients found high-dose CBD improved motor scores by 25% but caused liver enzyme elevations in 38.5% and 85% had diarrhea.
Activating CB2 receptors reduced bladder inflammation in mice ↗
CB2 agonist JWH-133 reduced bladder pain, inflammation, and urinary frequency in mice with cystitis through an autophagy-dependent mechanism.
High-dose CBD reduces THC absorption when both are inhaled together ↗
Randomized crossover study found co-inhaled high-dose CBD significantly reduced THC systemic availability, with frequent users showing higher levels of both compounds.
44% of medical cannabis patients reported drinking less alcohol after starting cannabis ↗
Survey of 973 regular drinkers among Canadian medical cannabis patients found 44% reduced drinking frequency and 8% stopped entirely after starting medical cannabis.
Cannabis and vaping may affect sedation and pain management during surgery ↗
Review found cannabis users may need more sedation and pain medication during surgery, with THC vaping adding respiratory risks from potential lung injury.
THC:CBD spray consistently reduced MS spasticity regardless of disability level or duration ↗
SAVANT trial subgroup analysis showed nabiximols halved MS spasticity and pain scores consistently across all disability levels, with severe patients showing the most significant gains.
What does early evidence say about cannabis for autism spectrum disorder? ↗
Review plus clinical experience found early evidence that cannabis and CBD may help ASD symptoms and comorbidities, but large controlled trials are needed.
First study finds elevated endocannabinoid levels in the spinal fluid of Tourette syndrome patients ↗
First CSF study found significantly elevated endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG) in Tourette syndrome patients, with 2-AG correlating to ADHD severity.
Cannabis improved Crohn disease symptoms in small trials but did not reduce inflammation markers ↗
Three small trials (93 subjects) showed cannabis improved Crohn disease symptoms but mostly did not reduce inflammation markers, raising questions about symptomatic versus disease-modifying effects.
Medical cannabis may reduce opioid doses by 64-75% for chronic pain, but evidence is weak ↗
Systematic review of 9 studies (7,222 patients) found 64-75% opioid dose reduction with medical cannabis for chronic pain, but all studies had high bias risk.
Cannabis use disorders linked to fewer digestive problems in schizophrenia patients but not in healthy people ↗
Danish study of 21,066 schizophrenia patients found cannabis use disorders associated with 16% lower risk of gut-brain disorders and 30% lower IBD risk, with no such association in healthy controls.
American Heart Association statement: cannabis has cardiovascular risks that outweigh uncertain benefits ↗
AHA first scientific statement on cannabis concluded cardiovascular harms (arrhythmia, MI, stroke) outweigh uncertain benefits, calling for Schedule 1 reclassification to enable research.
CB2 receptors on immune cells could be a drug target for HIV-related brain inflammation ↗
Review proposes CB2 receptors as drug targets for HIV brain inflammation, noting cannabis-using HIV patients have lower inflammatory monocyte levels.
Only 8 studies exist on cannabis use during radiation therapy, with some benefits but high bias risk ↗
Scoping review found only 8 studies on cannabis during radiation therapy, with possible benefits for anxiety and long-term symptoms but 6 of 8 at high bias risk.
Medical cannabis improved pain, quality of life, and reduced opioid use over 12 months in 751 patients ↗
Twelve-month study of 751 chronic pain patients found sustained improvements in pain, quality of life, and opioid dose reduction with medical cannabis.
First clinically-focused systematic review found CBD promising for social anxiety and possibly schizophrenia, but evidence is embryonic ↗
First clinically-focused systematic review found CBD tentatively supported for social anxiety and adjunctive schizophrenia, with high-THC showing no depression benefit.
Systematic review found insufficient evidence for cannabinoids as sleep treatments, but promising leads for several disorders ↗
Systematic review of 26 studies found insufficient evidence for cannabinoids as routine sleep treatments but promising leads for sleep apnea, insomnia, and PTSD nightmares.
Over 80% of neurologists, nurses, and pharmacists support medical cannabis but 40-50% feel unfamiliar with it ↗
Survey of 451 healthcare professionals found over 80% support medical cannabis but 40-50% lack knowledge of cannabinoid pharmacology and clinical applications.
Medical cannabis significantly improved severe, treatment-resistant OCD in a 22-year-old man ↗
Case of severe treatment-resistant OCD markedly improving with medicinal cannabis, adding to 3 total case reports supporting a cannabinoid hypothesis of OCD.
Synthetic cannabinoid poisonings were more severe than cannabis, with more cardiovascular and GI symptoms ↗
Analysis of 615 cannabinoid poisonings found synthetic cannabinoids caused more cardiovascular/GI symptoms than cannabis, while medical cannabis cases were milder.
40% of chronic pain patients fully stopped opioids after starting medical cannabis, with 87% reporting improved quality of life ↗
Survey of 525 chronic pain patients found 40% completely stopped opioids after starting medical cannabis, with 87% reporting improved quality of life.
CB2 receptor activation promoted gut healing markers in tissue from IBD patients ↗
A CB2 receptor agonist increased epithelial cell growth and reduced inflammatory markers in colon tissue from IBD patients, suggesting cannabinoid receptors could help promote gut healing.
Chemotherapy-treated mice had lower endocannabinoid levels in their paws, and restoring them relieved pain ↗
Mice with chemotherapy-induced nerve pain had depleted endocannabinoid levels in their paw tissue. Restoring 2-AG locally reversed pain sensitivity through both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Polymer microdepots delivered full-spectrum cannabis extract over two weeks and reduced seizures in mice ↗
Implantable polymer microdepots provided sustained release of full-spectrum cannabis extract for 14+ days in mice, reducing seizure incidence by 40% and improving survival by 50% compared to a single injection.
Most patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome who used cannabis said it helped, and few met criteria for cannabinoid hyperemesis ↗
Among 140 CVS patients, 41% used cannabis with most reporting symptom relief. Only 1 of 57 cannabis users met formal criteria for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
A precision cannabis inhaler allowed hospitalized patients to use far less cannabis while achieving pain relief ↗
A metered-dose cannabis inhaler reduced daily consumption by 95% (1,000 mg to 51 mg) while providing significant pain relief and high satisfaction in hospitalized patients.
Topical capsaicin for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome reduced medication use and opioid requirements in the ER ↗
Topical capsaicin for CHS in the ER did not shorten visits significantly but reduced additional medication use by 25% and lowered opioid requirements by more than half.
GPR55 knockout mice had worse glucose tolerance, and the receptor partly mediated weight effects of rimonabant and THCV ↗
GPR55 knockout mice had impaired glucose tolerance on any diet, and the weight-reducing effects of rimonabant and THCV were partly dependent on this receptor.
Half of Colorado marijuana dispensaries recommended cannabis for glaucoma, but few eye specialists did ↗
Half of Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for glaucoma, compared to only 7.6% of glaucoma specialists, highlighting a dangerous information gap in legalized cannabis markets.
About 39% of surveyed families used cannabis for children with a rare neurodegeneration causing severe dystonia ↗
A survey of families with children who have PKAN found 39% used cannabis products after other treatments failed, with most reporting improvements in dystonia, pain, and sleep.
Online health questions about cannabis in pregnancy revealed gaps in provider responses about safety ↗
Analysis of online health Q&A found nearly half of provider responses about perinatal cannabis did not discourage use, and 8.8% described it as safe, revealing significant gaps in safety messaging.
After Legalization, Cannabis Got Stronger, ER Visits Rose, and Risk Perception Dropped ↗
Review found legalization increased cannabis potency and ER visits while decreasing risk perception, arguing for health-focused regulation beyond market economics.
Athletes' attitudes about cannabis shaped whether their knowledge translated into use ↗
A survey of 1,161 athletes found that attitudes about cannabis mediated the relationship between knowledge and use, with liberal-attitude athletes showing more knowledge and higher current use.
Most chronic pain patients in Ohio were willing to try medical marijuana and wanted to reduce opioid use ↗
A survey of 242 chronic pain patients in Ohio found 84% willing to try medical marijuana, 68% wanting to reduce opioids, and 94% willing to follow their specialist's guidance on concurrent use.
The Endocannabinoid System May Suppress Neuroinflammation and Fight Tumors — A Review of the Mechanisms ↗
Review of how the endocannabinoid system modulates immune function — suppressing inflammation and showing anti-tumor effects in preclinical models.
Targeting the endocannabinoid system showed promise for HIV-related nerve pain in preclinical studies and two clinical trials ↗
A systematic review found consistent preclinical evidence and two positive clinical trials supporting endocannabinoid system modulation for HIV-associated neuropathic pain.
CBD Raised Citalopram Blood Levels by 50% in Anxiety Patients — a Drug Interaction That Needs Attention ↗
Adding CBD (200-800 mg/day) to stable SSRI treatment increased citalopram blood levels by ~50% in anxiety patients — a clinically significant drug interaction.
Other cannabinoids in cannabis extract dramatically increased CBDA blood levels by blocking a drug transporter ↗
CBDA blood levels were 14 times higher from cannabis extract than from isolated CBDA, because other cannabinoids (CBG, THC) blocked the intestinal efflux pump BCRP that normally limits CBDA absorption.
THC and CBD killed pediatric brain tumor cells in the lab but did not improve survival in mouse models ↗
THC and CBD synergistically killed pediatric brain tumor cells in the lab through multiple mechanisms, but failed to improve survival in mouse brain tumor models, highlighting the gap between lab and clinical results.
A cannabis extract reduced COVID-related inflammatory markers in lung cells but increased inflammation in immune cells ↗
A CBD-rich cannabis extract reduced inflammatory markers in lung cells but increased them in macrophages, highlighting the cell-type-specific and potentially contradictory effects of cannabinoids on inflammation.
Half of New Zealand IBD patients had used cannabis, with most reporting symptom improvement ↗
A New Zealand survey found 51% of IBD patients had used cannabis, with most medicinal users reporting improvements in pain, nausea, and appetite, and 54% would request it if legally available.
New Zealand women with endometriosis report using cannabis to manage pain and reduce other medications ↗
A New Zealand survey of 213 women with endometriosis found 81% reported cannabis made their pain "much better." Over three-quarters reduced their use of other medications, and 40% of stopped pain medications were opioids.
The pancreas has its own endocannabinoid system that influences insulin, inflammation, and beta cell health ↗
The pancreas has its own endocannabinoid system that helps regulate insulin secretion. Preclinical research suggests CB1 receptor blockers could protect beta cells from obesity-related inflammation and damage.
Young adult cannabis users fall into three distinct pain profiles that shape how and why they use cannabis ↗
Young adult cannabis users fall into three pain groups: low pain (56%), multiple pain conditions (27%), and nonspecific pain (16%). Those with more pain were more likely to use cannabis medically and consume edibles.
Genetic analysis finds no causal link between cannabis use and type 2 diabetes risk ↗
A large genetic study found no causal relationship between cannabis use and type 2 diabetes risk. The analysis used genetic data from nearly one million people to separate causation from correlation.
Medical cannabis for nerve pain has documented side effects but safety data remains incomplete for most products ↗
Only nabiximols is approved and safety-monitored for neuropathic pain. The many other cannabis products widely used for nerve pain lack adequate safety data, making it impossible to establish correct risk-benefit profiles.
A THC-based combination treatment reduced tic severity by over 20% in adults with Tourette's syndrome ↗
A pilot trial of 16 adults with treatment-resistant Tourette's found a THC/PEA combination reduced tics by over 20% within one week. Twelve of 16 participants chose to continue treatment in the extension phase.
Medical cannabis patients increased their use of alcohol, sleep aids, and other substances during COVID-19 ↗
A COVID-19 survey of 353 medical cannabis users found over half increased use of alcohol, sleep aids, or other substances. About 40% attributed this to changed cannabis access during the pandemic.
Cannabis shows promise for managing abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease but not the underlying inflammation ↗
A review found cannabis does not appear to treat the underlying inflammation in IBD but consistently reduces abdominal pain in both animal and human studies, offering potential symptom relief alongside standard therapy.
First placebo-controlled trial of smoked cannabis for PTSD found no treatment outperformed placebo ↗
The first placebo-controlled trial of smoked cannabis for PTSD in 80 veterans found all groups improved, but no cannabis preparation outperformed placebo over three weeks. The strong placebo response complicates interpretation.
Cochrane review finds insufficient evidence to determine if cannabinoids help or harm people with dementia ↗
A Cochrane review of four trials (126 participants) found very low to low certainty evidence that cannabinoids have little or no meaningful effect on cognition or behavioral symptoms in dementia. The evidence base is too small for conclusions.
NCI workshop finds conclusive evidence for cannabis treating chemo nausea but notes significant risks for cancer patients ↗
An NCI workshop found strong evidence for cannabinoids treating chemo nausea and some evidence for cancer pain, but highlighted underappreciated risks including infections, drug interactions, and the challenge of Schedule I research barriers.
Cannabis has real therapeutic uses but exposure to high THC causes adverse effects across nearly every body system ↗
Cannabis has established medical uses for pain, nausea, spasticity, and epilepsy. However, high-THC exposure causes adverse effects across nearly every body system, with children at particular risk for serious neurological toxicity.
Increasing THC dose caused a dangerous spike in blood-thinning medication levels ↗
A medical cannabis patient experienced a dangerous spike in warfarin blood-thinning levels (INR 5.2) after increasing his THC dose by just 7.35 mg, likely because both drugs compete for the same liver enzymes.
A practical guide for clinicians on cannabis use by IBD patients, including clinical vignettes ↗
A practical clinician guide finds cannabis may help some IBD symptoms but does not reduce inflammation. Clinicians should discuss dosing inconsistencies, dependence, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with IBD patients who use cannabis.
Cannabis generally does not enhance athletic performance, but CBD may help with recovery, sleep, and pain ↗
Cannabis and THC show no benefits for athletic performance and may impair cardiovascular function during exercise. CBD shows more promise for recovery, potentially aiding sleep, pain management, and mild traumatic brain injury recovery.
BMJ guideline gives a weak recommendation to try non-inhaled medical cannabis for chronic pain ↗
A BMJ clinical guideline weakly recommends trying non-inhaled medical cannabis for chronic pain when standard treatments fail. The recommendation balances small improvements in pain, function, and sleep against mostly minor, temporary side effects.
A daily cannabis user had a dangerous aspiration risk during surgery from delayed stomach emptying he did not know about ↗
A daily cannabis user with no symptoms of gastroparesis had 500 mL of stomach contents during surgery despite proper fasting, raising concerns about hidden aspiration risks in cannabis users undergoing anesthesia.
No conclusions can be drawn about medical cannabis for head and neck cancer due to extremely limited research ↗
A systematic review found only five studies on cannabis and head and neck cancer, none with standardized dosing. No conclusions about benefits or harms could be drawn from this extremely limited evidence base.
Over a third of Argentine MS patients use cannabis, but most never discuss it with their neurologist ↗
A survey of 281 MS patients in Argentina found over a third use cannabis, but most never discussed it with their neurologist. Chronic pain and younger age were the strongest predictors of use.
Nearly a quarter of women with chronic pelvic pain use cannabis, and 96% of users report symptom improvement ↗
Among 113 women with chronic pelvic pain, 23% used cannabis as an adjunct therapy. Nearly all users (96%) reported symptom improvement, and over a third reduced their healthcare visits as a result.
Healthcare providers are generally positive about medical cannabis for older patients but face significant barriers ↗
Rural Australian healthcare providers were generally positive about medical cannabis for older patients but identified stigma, complex regulations, limited rural access, and restrictive driving laws as major barriers to prescribing.
Nabilone may help agitation in dementia but there is no convincing evidence that cannabinoids help cognition ↗
A systematic review of five trials found the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone may reduce agitation in dementia, but natural THC showed no benefit. No studies have tested cannabinoids for cognitive decline in dementia.
Many CBD lab findings may be false positives caused by the substance forming particles in test solutions ↗
A perspective piece warns that many reported CBD lab activities may be false positives caused by the substance forming tiny particles in solution, rather than genuine drug interactions. This could reshape cannabinoid research.
Cancer patients who seek medical cannabis use it differently than other patients ↗
Survey of 1,485 medical cannabis patients in Michigan found that the 72 with cancer used less cannabis, less often, and were less likely to smoke it than non-cancer patients.
Cannabis-using IBD patients received more opioids during hospitalization ↗
Retrospective study of 423 IBD patients found that preadmission cannabis use was associated with higher inpatient opioid doses, even after adjusting for disease severity and prior opioid use.
Nearly 1 in 4 osteoarthritis patients had tried CBD products, but they reported worse pain than non-users ↗
Survey of 200 osteoarthritis patients found 24% had tried CBD products, but CBD users reported significantly worse pain scores than non-users at their initial orthopedic evaluation.
Six children in palliative care saw fewer seizures and less pain with medical cannabis ↗
Case series of six children in Italian palliative care found medical cannabis reduced seizure frequency and pain over one year with only mild, transient side effects.
12 Cannabinoids Tested Against 6 Liver Enzymes: CBD and THC Were the Strongest Inhibitors ↗
Comprehensive screen of 12 cannabinoids against 6 liver enzymes found CBD and THC were the strongest inhibitors, with minor cannabinoids in full-spectrum products adding additional risk.
Medical cannabis patients showed no cognitive impairment 4 hours after THC use across all studies reviewed ↗
Scoping review of seven controlled trials found medical cannabis patients showed THC dose-dependent cognitive decline that fully resolved within 4 hours in every study.
Medical cannabis may be cost-effective for MS spasticity and Dravet syndrome, but evidence is limited ↗
Systematic review of 12 economic evaluations found medicinal cannabis may be cost-effective for MS spasticity and Dravet syndrome, but results varied widely by product, indication, and setting.
First 129 UK medical cannabis patients showed improved quality of life at 1 and 3 months ↗
The first 129 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry showed significant improvements in anxiety, sleep, pain, and quality of life at 1 and 3 months, with 24% reporting adverse events.
Most gynecologic cancer patients on medical marijuana reported symptom improvement, especially for nausea ↗
Chart review of 45 gynecologic cancer patients on medical marijuana found 71% reported symptom improvement, with nausea responding much better (>70%) than pain (36%).
Austrian medical students knew little about CBD vs. THC differences and were skeptical of medical cannabis ↗
Survey of 404 Austrian students found medical students struggled to tell CBD from THC apart and were more skeptical of medical cannabis than non-medical students, despite more university education on the topic.
Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian fibromyalgia patients had tried medical cannabis after legalization ↗
Survey of 1,000 Canadian rheumatology patients found 24% of fibromyalgia patients had tried medical cannabis, with 61% continuing use and reporting 7/10 symptom relief.
CBD shows strong anti-inflammatory effects in animal MS models but clinical evidence is still limited ↗
Systematic review found CBD effective in rodent MS models but clinical results in humans were limited and usually negative, possibly because doses tested were too low.
Cannabis oil improved pain, anxiety, and depression in 17 patients with burning mouth syndrome ↗
Pilot study of 17 burning mouth syndrome patients found cannabis oil improved pain, anxiety, and depression over 4 weeks, with benefits lasting through 24-week follow-up.
Cannabis use among women with pelvic pain jumped from 13% to 22% after Canadian legalization ↗
Among 3,426 women with pelvic pain, cannabis use jumped from 13% to 22% after Canadian legalization, with newer users being more educated and taking fewer daily opioids.
Parents pursued medical cannabis for seriously ill children despite obstacles and lack of medical guidance ↗
Interviews with 10 parents revealed families pursued medical cannabis for children with cancer or epilepsy out of desperation, relying on social media and peers rather than healthcare providers for information.
About 20% of rheumatology patients actively use cannabis, and meta-analysis shows pain improvement ↗
Meta-analysis of 10,873 rheumatology patients found 40% had used cannabis and 15% were current users, with significant pain reduction among users, especially in fibromyalgia.
COPD patients who used cannabis had lower odds of dying in hospital and getting pneumonia ↗
Analysis of 6 million COPD hospitalizations found cannabis users had 37.6% lower odds of in-hospital death and 11.8% lower odds of pneumonia compared to non-users.
Medical cannabis reduced pain and improved sleep across rheumatology conditions ↗
Survey of 319 rheumatology patients found self-reported pain reductions of 57-83% and sleep improvements of 71-87% with medical cannabis, with neuropathic pain patients reporting the greatest benefit.
Medical cannabis may shift oral bacteria levels without changing saliva flow ↗
Small study of 16 patients found medical cannabis use significantly increased oral Lactobacillus levels within one week, while saliva flow and pH remained stable.
Cannabis use showed no detectable effect on IVF outcomes in this cohort ↗
Retrospective study of 722 IVF patients found no significant differences in implantation, pregnancy, or embryo quality between cannabis users and non-users.
CBD sublingual wafer achieved comparable blood levels to oil and nabiximols spray ↗
Phase I trial in 12 volunteers found CBD sublingual wafer achieved equivalent blood levels to oil solution and nabiximols spray, with mild drowsiness as the main side effect.
The endocannabinoid system shows promise as a drug target for inflammatory bowel disease ↗
Systematic review found multiple endocannabinoid system components show anti-inflammatory potential for IBD in preclinical studies, identifying CB1, CB2, FAAH, and MAGL as therapeutic targets.
Olanzapine resolved treatment-resistant cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in four patients ↗
Case series of 4 patients found olanzapine resolved treatment-refractory cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, suggesting a new option for cases not responding to standard treatments.
Autistic adults in the UK were more than three times as likely to use CBD as non-autistic adults ↗
UK survey found autistic adults were 3.5 times more likely to use CBD than matched non-autistic adults, while reporting significant barriers to seeking cannabinoid-related healthcare support.
CBD reduced seizures by 50% or more in 40% of highly treatment-resistant epilepsy patients ↗
Italian expanded access program found purified CBD achieved 50%+ seizure reduction in 40% of 82 patients with highly treatment-resistant Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who had failed a median of 8 prior drugs.
A man developed manic symptoms after self-medicating COVID-19 with cannabis ↗
Case report of a 52-year-old man with no psychiatric history who developed first-episode mania after self-medicating COVID-19 with cannabis-containing home remedies.
Systematic review found medical cannabis shows promise for fibromyalgia pain but evidence gaps remain ↗
Systematic review of 22 studies found medical cannabis shows promise for fibromyalgia pain, with different THC/CBD ratios affecting different symptoms, though dosing and long-term data remain limited.
Nearly 90% of MS patients using cannabis for bladder symptoms reported improvement ↗
Survey of 775 MS patients found 37.5% used cannabis, with users reporting twice the odds of improvement in urinary frequency, urgency, leakage, and bladder emptying.
Denmark's medical cannabis pilot showed both potential benefits and potential harms ↗
Denmark's medical cannabis pilot found users had higher treatment satisfaction and lower depression but higher pain scores compared to matched controls, showing both benefits and potential harms.
Topical capsaicin helped more CHS patients in the emergency department than standard treatment alone ↗
Study of 201 CHS patients found topical capsaicin achieved symptom relief in 55% vs. 21% without, and shortened time to discharge by over 2 hours.
Systematic review found medical cannabis may benefit some fibromyalgia patients with mild side effects ↗
Systematic review of 10 studies found medical cannabis was safe and potentially beneficial for fibromyalgia, with only mild side effects and no serious adverse events.
Over half of medical cannabis users reported substituting it for prescription drugs ↗
Survey of 2,841 medical cannabis users found over half used cannabis to replace prescriptions, with 38% stopping and 46% reducing their prescription drug use, primarily pain medications.
Expert panel created consensus guidelines for managing cannabis users before and after surgery ↗
Expert panel of 17 developed consensus guidelines for managing cannabis users during surgery, emphasizing screening, potential weaning, extra nausea prevention, and higher pain medication needs.
Purified CBD showed promise for epilepsy conditions beyond the ones it was approved for ↗
Systematic review of 42 studies found purified CBD effective for epilepsy beyond its approved indications, with preliminary evidence for CDKL5, Dup15q, Doose, and other rare syndromes.
Medical cannabis authorization was associated with slightly increased motor vehicle crash-related healthcare visits ↗
Cohort study of 29,153 medical cannabis patients found authorization associated with a small but significant increase in motor vehicle crash-related healthcare visits, primarily emergency department visits.
Medical cannabis authorization linked to reduced opioid use in high-dose patients ↗
A study of 5,373 matched patient pairs in Alberta found that medical cannabis authorization was associated with reduced opioid use, with the largest reductions seen in patients on the highest opioid doses.
Medical students in Israel held more permissive views on medical cannabis than those in Thailand ↗
A survey of 430 medical students across Israel and Thailand found cultural and legal context shaped attitudes toward medical cannabis, with a notable gap between permissiveness and clinical preparedness.
Medical cannabis patients reduced opioid use by 78% over six months ↗
A prospective study of 1,145 Canadian medical cannabis patients found opioid use dropped from 28% to 11% over six months, with a 78% reduction in daily dosage, alongside quality-of-life improvements.
Nearly half of medical cannabis patients who used tobacco reported reducing or quitting ↗
A survey of 2,102 Canadian medical cannabis patients found that among 650 tobacco/nicotine users, 49% reported reducing use and 25% reported quitting after starting medical cannabis.
Cannabis legalization made it harder to keep patients enrolled in medical cannabis research ↗
A Canadian study found that after recreational cannabis legalization, the odds of patients staying in a medical cannabis research study dropped by 72%, raising concerns about the validity of ongoing cannabis research.
Medical cannabis improved pain in fibromyalgia patients who failed other treatments ↗
A case series of 38 fibromyalgia patients found medical cannabis significantly improved pain and disability, but nearly half stopped treatment due to side effects like mental confusion.
Meta-analysis of 31 RCTs found limited evidence for cannabinoids treating psychiatric disorders ↗
A meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled trials found only limited evidence that cannabinoid products help with certain psychiatric symptoms short-term, and no evidence for mid- to long-term effectiveness for any psychiatric disorder.
Dispensary staff rely on personal experience and customer reports more than clinician input ↗
A US survey of 434 dispensary workers found most based cannabis recommendations on customer experience rather than clinical evidence, and few counseled about serious risks like cannabis use disorder or psychotic reactions.
One in four high-risk drug users in Vancouver reported using cannabis to reduce harm from other substances ↗
About 25% of marginalized drug users in Vancouver reported using cannabis to reduce harm from other substances, most commonly as a substitute for stimulants and opioids.
Marijuana use not associated with worse kidney disease in adolescents, unlike cigarettes ↗
A study of 441 adolescents with chronic kidney disease found cigarette smoking worsened proteinuria, but marijuana, alcohol, and e-cigarette use were not associated with kidney disease progression.
Cannabis and Sleep: THC May Promote Deep Sleep, but the Picture Changes With Dose, Strain, and Delivery Method ↗
Review of whole-plant cannabis and sleep found effects depend on dose, strain, and delivery — with vaporized high-THC cannabis promoting deep sleep in animals.
THC reduced eye pressure by 16%, but only up to a plasma threshold ↗
Inhaled cannabis reduced eye pressure by 16% in healthy adults, with the effect strongly correlated to plasma THC levels up to 20 ng/ml but plateauing beyond that threshold.
Most IBD patients using cannabis in Puerto Rico had limited knowledge and did not tell their doctor ↗
A survey of 100 IBD patients in Puerto Rico found 27% used cannabis, most had limited knowledge, 78% had not told their doctor, and 68% reported symptom improvement.
CBD-rich cannabis oil improved Crohn's symptoms and quality of life but not gut inflammation ↗
A double-blind trial of 56 Crohn's patients found CBD-rich cannabis oil improved symptoms and quality of life but did not change endoscopic scores or inflammatory markers, raising questions about symptom masking.
German IBD patients using cannabis reported benefits but most obtained it from the black market ↗
A survey of 417 German IBD patients found 4.3% used cannabis for their condition, with most reporting benefits but over half obtaining cannabis from the black market rather than through medical channels.
Does adding medical cannabis to opioids reduce opioid use for chronic pain? ↗
Meta-analysis of 17 studies finds uncertain evidence for cannabis reducing opioid use, with RCTs showing little effect on pain and increased nausea and vomiting.
Are Maryland medical marijuana dispensaries concentrated in wealthy, white neighborhoods? ↗
Analysis of 85 Maryland dispensaries found no racial or income disparities in geographic placement, with dispensaries located in racially diverse, retail-dense areas.
What does the evidence say about cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease? ↗
Scoping review of 6 studies finds preliminary positive signals for cannabis in IBD, but evidence is too limited for clinical recommendations.
How does cannabis use complicate heart transplantation? ↗
Review finds cannabis metabolic pathways overlap with transplant drugs, creating risks of unstable immunosuppression, graft failure, and infection in heart transplant recipients.
What do Colombian psychiatrists think about prescribing medical cannabis? ↗
Survey of 145 Colombian psychiatrists finds strong support for medical cannabis availability but low confidence in legal access knowledge, with most disapproving its use for psychiatric conditions.
Can activating CB2 receptors protect against chemotherapy-induced lung damage? ↗
Rat study finds CB2 receptor activation with AM1241 protects against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Can specific cannabis compound combinations kill glioblastoma cells? ↗
Lab study finds specific cannabis extract fractions kill glioblastoma cells, inhibit migration and invasion, and prevent colony formation in multiple cancer models.
Should medicinal cannabis patients face zero-tolerance drug driving laws? ↗
Australian policy analysis finds zero-tolerance THC driving laws harm medicinal cannabis patients without evidence of greater road risk compared to other impairing prescription drugs.
Does medical marijuana improve quality of life for people using it for pain? ↗
Prospective study of 181 medical marijuana patients finds improved quality of life, pain, and anxiety over 6 weeks, but a decline in self-care measures.
Can medical cannabis reduce autism-like behaviors in a genetic mouse model? ↗
Mouse autism model shows medical cannabis reduces repetitive behavior by 70% and anxiety, with THC appearing more important than CBD for core symptom improvement.
Does topical capsaicin cream work for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? ↗
Meta-analysis of 7 studies (106 patients) finds topical capsaicin provides symptom relief for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with mean resolution time around 5.4 hours.
THC Stimulated Dental Pulp Cells to Form Bone-Like Tissue in a Lab — a Surprising Finding for Tooth Repair ↗
THC promoted mineralization and bone-like tissue formation in human dental pulp cells through CB1/CB2 receptors — an unexpected finding with potential for dental regeneration research.
What treatments work for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in children and teens? ↗
Systematic review finds benzodiazepines, capsaicin, and haloperidol most effective for pediatric CHS, while traditional antiemetics frequently fail.
How common is cannabis use among people with multiple sclerosis? ↗
Survey of 1,000 MS patients finds 30% currently use cannabis, with most using multiple routes and perceiving benefit, particularly among younger, lower-income, and more disabled patients.
Why are Florida patients using medical marijuana and is it working? ↗
Survey of 157 Florida medical marijuana patients finds anxiety and pain are top uses, with 65% reducing or stopping other medications.
Is haloperidol better than ondansetron for treating cannabis hyperemesis syndrome? ↗
Triple-blind RCT finds haloperidol superior to ondansetron for CHS, with better symptom relief, fewer rescue medications, and 2.5-hour shorter ED stays.
Are low-dose cannabis oils safe and effective for MS symptoms? ↗
Prospective study of 28 MS patients finds low-dose cannabis oils (4 mg THC, 7 mg CBD) significantly reduce pain, spasticity, and sleep problems without impairing function.
What Florida's Medical Marijuana Doctors Actually Do in Practice ↗
Survey of 116 Florida medical marijuana physicians found wide practice variation, with only half providing specific THC:CBD ratio recommendations and many relying on anecdotal information alongside research.
One in Five People with MS Uses Cannabis for Symptom Relief ↗
Survey of 3,249 MS patients found 20% currently use cannabis for symptoms like spasticity (80%), pain (69%), and sleep (61%), while many non-users cited insufficient data on safety and efficacy.
Low-Dose THC Reduced Anxiety in Female Rats but Not Males — and CBD Blocked the Anxious Response at Higher Doses ↗
Female rats showed biphasic THC anxiety responses that males didn't — anxiolytic at low doses, anxiogenic at high. CBD blocked the anxiety and enhanced the calm.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Drives Higher Healthcare Costs ↗
Study found patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome consumed more healthcare resources than non-users, driven by repeated evaluations before correct diagnosis, though cost differences were not consistently statistically significant.
Cannabis Users with Schizophrenia Respond Similarly to Treatment but Relapse More ↗
Study of 98 first-episode schizophrenia patients found cannabis users responded similarly to antipsychotic treatment over 24 months, but more frequent use predicted higher relapse risk.
Medical Cannabis Users Report Better Quality of Life Than Non-Users ↗
Study of 1,276 participants found medical cannabis users reported better quality of life, less pain and anxiety, and fewer ER visits, with longitudinal data suggesting cannabis use may contribute to the differences.
Cannabis-Based Spray Reduced Tourette Tics by Over 90% ↗
A 25-year-old with Tourette syndrome saw over 90% tic reduction using nabiximols spray as needed, after standard medication failed.
Medical Cannabis Helped a Heart Patient Whose Pain Didn't Respond to Morphine ↗
A 63-year-old with inoperable coronary artery disease and unstable angina unresponsive to morphine experienced pain reduction and improved exercise capacity after starting edible medical cannabis.
Cannabis Helped Endometriosis Pain, Especially When Inhaled ↗
Study of 252 endometriosis patients tracking over 16,000 cannabis sessions found inhaled forms more effective for pain while oral forms worked better for mood and GI symptoms.
Cannabis Use Linked to Less Fentanyl Exposure in Opioid Treatment Patients ↗
Prospective study of 819 people on opioid therapy found cannabis users were 9% less likely to test positive for fentanyl, suggesting a potential harm-reduction role during the opioid crisis.
Massive Review Confirms Cannabinoids Reduce Pain in Animal Studies ↗
Meta-analysis of 374 animal studies confirmed that cannabinoid receptor agonists consistently reduce pain behaviors, though CBD showed mixed results for inflammatory pain and most studies used only male animals.
People with Epilepsy Using Artisanal CBD Reported Better Quality of Life ↗
Study of 418 epilepsy patients found artisanal CBD users reported better quality of life, fewer psychiatric symptoms, and reduced healthcare utilization compared to non-users, though seizure control was similar.
Cannabinoid Receptor Changes in HIV-Positive Brains May Explain Cognitive Problems ↗
Brain tissue analysis found altered cannabinoid receptor expression and distribution in HIV-associated cognitive disorders, with CB1 levels correlating with memory and processing speed deficits.
Cannabis Treatment Preserved Endocannabinoid Levels in Ulcerative Colitis Patients ↗
In UC patients, endocannabinoid levels dropped in the placebo group but remained stable with cannabis treatment, and changes correlated with symptom improvements in bowel movements and quality of life.
Cannabis Use in Veterans Is Mostly Linked to Negative Health Outcomes ↗
Review of 86 studies found cannabis use in veterans consistently linked to other substance use, psychiatric disorders, and self-harm, with almost no studies testing therapeutic benefits.
Cannabis Users on Buprenorphine Had 2.7x Higher Drug Levels — a Clinically Significant Interaction ↗
Cannabis users on buprenorphine maintenance had 2.7x higher drug levels than non-users at the same dose — a significant CYP3A4-mediated drug interaction.
Nanoparticle CBD oral spray was safe and well-tolerated in a small pilot trial ↗
Small randomized trial found a nanoparticle CBD oral spray was safe and achieved comparable plasma levels to other formulations, with peak absorption at 60 minutes and no adverse effects.
Vomiting-related ER visits increased 29% in Colorado after cannabis legalization ↗
Vomiting-related ER visits in Colorado rose 29% from 2013 to 2018, with each additional recreational dispensary linked to a 3% increase, though areas with existing medical dispensaries saw slower growth.
The Most Rigorous Meta-Analysis of Cannabis for Chronic Pain Shows Real but Modest Benefits ↗
Most rigorous meta-analysis of cannabis for chronic pain: 32 trials, 5,174 patients. Real but modest benefit — NNT ~24 with manageable side effects.
Medical cannabis for chronic pain was linked to reduced pain, anxiety, and improved sleep over 3 months ↗
Prospective study of 46 adults using real-time smartphone assessments found medical cannabis reduced pain intensity, anxiety, depression, and improved sleep over 3 months.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome affected 1.6% of patients with unexplained abdominal pain in French ERs ↗
Prospective study found CHS in 1.6% of patients with unexplained abdominal pain at two French EDs. CHS patients spent 70% more time in the ED and visited nearly twice as often.
Most older adults using cannabis started after age 60 and used it primarily for pain and sleep ↗
Survey of 568 adults 65+ found 15% used cannabis, with most starting after 60 for medical purposes (mainly pain), yet only 41% told their healthcare provider.
Capsaicin cream did not shorten ER stays for cannabinoid hyperemesis, but earlier application helped ↗
Study of 55 CHS patients found capsaicin cream did not shorten ER stays overall, but patients receiving it within the first two treatment rounds were discharged significantly faster (4.8 vs. 7.1 hours).
Cannabis use was linked to 6 times higher odds of medication overuse headache in chronic migraine patients ↗
Study of 368 chronic migraine patients found cannabis users had 6.3 times higher odds of medication overuse headache, with 81% of cannabis users affected vs. 41% of non-users.
Adolescent cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presents similarly to adults but may be more common in females ↗
Systematic review of 21 studies found adolescent CHS follows adult diagnostic patterns but may be more common in females, with 21% having comorbid mood disorders and cannabis cessation as the only effective treatment.
Medical cannabis patients had 44% higher risk of ER visits or hospitalization for heart attack or stroke ↗
Large Canadian cohort study found medical cannabis patients had 44% higher risk of ER visits or hospitalization for heart attack or stroke, with the association strongest in males (77% higher risk).
Pilot trial found medical cannabis feasible and potentially helpful for pain in stage IV cancer patients on opioids ↗
Pilot RCT of 30 stage IV cancer patients found medical cannabis via state program was feasible, well-tolerated, and showed trends toward reduced opioid use and better pain control.
CBD/THC sublingual spray improved cholesterol and blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients ↗
Small RCT of 50 type 2 diabetes patients found a CBD-dominant sublingual spray significantly reduced total cholesterol and HbA1c over 8 weeks with no serious adverse effects.
Cannabis use in type 1 diabetes can mimic diabetic ketoacidosis but shows distinctly different lab values ↗
Study of 68 type 1 diabetes patients found cannabis users presenting with apparent DKA had dramatically different labs (pH 7.42 vs. 7.09), suggesting CHS-related ketosis rather than true DKA.
Expert cancer group found insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for nausea, appetite, or taste problems in cancer patients ↗
Systematic review of 36 RCTs found cannabinoids better than placebo but not superior to other antiemetics for chemo-induced nausea, leading MASCC to find insufficient evidence for recommending cannabinoids for GI symptoms in cancer.
Scientists identified the mechanism behind cannabis-induced dry mouth: CB1 receptors on salivary gland nerves ↗
Researchers identified that THC causes dry mouth by activating CB1 receptors on nerve fibers in salivary glands, and CBD dose-dependently reverses this effect.
CHS emergency visits doubled after cannabis legalization and rose further during COVID-19 ↗
CHS emergency visits in Alberta doubled after legalization and rose further during COVID-19 (15 to 32 per 100,000). All surveyed CHS patients met criteria for cannabis use disorder.
Medical cannabis reduced tic severity by 38% in adults with Tourette syndrome over 12 weeks ↗
Open-label study of 18 Tourette patients found medical cannabis reduced tic severity by 38% over 12 weeks, but 40% experienced cognitive side effects and 80% preferred smoking.
Review explores medical cannabis and CBD potential for Malawi, including possible neuroprotective role in malaria ↗
A review of CBD science following Malawi's cannabis legalization highlights epilepsy treatment, neuroprotective potential, and a novel proposal for malaria-related brain injury.
Survey of 505 Australian GPs finds growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis but widespread knowledge gaps ↗
A survey of 505 Australian GPs found growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis since 2017, but most felt they lacked adequate knowledge to prescribe confidently.
Review of medicinal cannabis for anxiety finds CBD has anxiolytic evidence while THC effects are mixed ↗
A review finds CBD has evidence for reducing anxiety, but THC effects are mixed. Despite limited evidence, anxiety cannabis prescriptions are rising rapidly in Australia.
Open-label trial finds CBD reduced anxiety by 43% in young people who did not respond to standard treatment ↗
An open-label trial of 31 young people with treatment-resistant anxiety found 12 weeks of add-on CBD (up to 800 mg/day) reduced anxiety severity by 42.6%.
Vaporized CBD produces much higher blood levels than oral CBD, and pure CBD does not convert to THC in the body ↗
A controlled study found vaporized CBD reached 8-12x higher blood levels than oral CBD at the same dose, and pure CBD did not produce THC in the body.
Novel oral delivery system for cannabis produces faster, higher blood levels than standard oil, with effects shaped by use history ↗
A novel oral cannabis delivery system (Solutech) produced faster, higher blood levels of THC and CBD than standard oil, and cannabis use history significantly shaped pharmacokinetic profiles.
Long-term observational studies of cannabis for chronic pain show modest benefits but very low evidence quality ↗
A meta-analysis of six long-term studies found cannabis produced modest pain reduction (1.75 points on a 0-10 scale) for chronic pain, but evidence quality was very low and nearly half of patients stopped treatment.
Edible and flower cannabis users showed similar intoxication and memory impairment despite different blood THC levels ↗
A naturalistic study found flower and edible cannabis users reached similar levels of intoxication and memory impairment despite flower users having higher blood THC levels.
Major meta-analysis of 152 RCTs finds cannabinoid effectiveness varies dramatically by specific drug and condition ↗
A meta-analysis of 152 RCTs found CBD has high-grade evidence for epilepsy, while dronabinol and nabiximols show moderate evidence for pain, spasticity, and other conditions.
Survey of 1,087 chronic pain patients finds those using both inhaled and oral cannabis report the most benefit ↗
A survey of 1,087 chronic pain patients found those using both inhaled and oral cannabis reported greater health improvements and more medication substitutions than single-route users.
Survey of 878 fibromyalgia patients finds most use low-dose CBD with no clear dose-response relationship ↗
A survey of 878 fibromyalgia patients found typical CBD doses under 50 mg/day, with no relationship between dose and reported benefit, and most patients guided by personal research rather than doctors.
Review finds endocannabinoid system alterations in fibromyalgia and some promise for cannabinoid treatments ↗
A review finds fibromyalgia patients have altered endocannabinoid systems and that cannabinoid treatments show promise, but methodological gaps prevent clinical recommendations.
Updated review finds haloperidol, benzodiazepines, and capsaicin cream most effective for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
A review finds standard antiemetics often fail for CHS, while haloperidol, benzodiazepines, and capsaicin cream are the most effective treatments. Only cannabis cessation resolves the condition completely.
Spanish ER study finds CHS incidence of 4.4 per 10,000 visits, with capsaicin resolving vomiting in about 18 minutes ↗
A Spanish ER study found CHS at 4.4 per 10,000 visits, with 50% recurrence and topical capsaicin resolving vomiting in about 18 minutes.
Long-term CBD-enriched cannabis reduced seizures by 71% in children with drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies ↗
A 20-month study of 59 children with drug-resistant epilepsy found CBD-enriched cannabis reduced seizures by 71% on average, with 12% achieving seizure freedom.
Most systematic reviews of cannabis use disorder treatments had authors with conflicts of interest, but results were not biased ↗
Most systematic reviews on cannabis use disorder treatments had authors with conflicts of interest (78%), but no significant relationship was found between COIs and biased results.
Systematic review reveals healthcare professionals feel underprepared to guide patients on medicinal cannabis for chronic pain ↗
A review of 26 studies found healthcare professionals see medicinal cannabis as a viable pain option but consistently feel underprepared to prescribe it, citing lack of education and clinical guidelines.
Survey finds 86% of patients with psychosis willing to try CBD as treatment ↗
A survey of 70 psychosis patients found 86% willing to try CBD treatment, with most expecting symptom improvement and fewer side effects than antipsychotics.
Review argues CBD could be ideal for early-phase psychosis where minimizing side effects is a clinical priority ↗
A review argues CBD's antipsychotic effects and low side effect profile make it potentially ideal for early-phase psychosis, where minimizing adverse experiences is crucial.
National survey of 44,000 older adults finds cannabis users have more ER visits but medical-only users drive the pattern ↗
A study of 44,007 adults aged 50+ found cannabis users had more ER visits but not more hospitalizations, with medical-only users driving the increased ER utilization.
Pilot study of nanoparticle THC/CBD spray shows safety and early pain relief signals in advanced cancer patients ↗
A pilot study of nanoparticle THC/CBD spray in 25 advanced cancer patients showed acceptable bioavailability, general safety, and preliminary pain relief, especially for bone metastases.
IBD patients who use cannabis report more symptoms but do not have worse underlying disease ↗
Among 383 IBD patients, cannabis users reported more pain, gas, and joint symptoms but did not have worse underlying disease, suggesting non-luminal factors drive their symptom burden.
Pharmaceutical CBD achieves higher blood levels than artisanal CBD in children with epilepsy ↗
Pharmaceutical CBD achieved 2.4x higher blood levels than artisanal CBD in children with epilepsy, with more side effects but a trend toward better seizure control.
Review argues multi-cannabinoid combinations may treat Alzheimer's more effectively than CBD or THC alone ↗
A review argues that combining CBD and THC may treat Alzheimer's more effectively than either alone, based on preclinical evidence of complementary neuroprotective mechanisms.
Cannabinoids for Parkinson's and Dementia in Older Adults: Promising Biology, Almost No Clinical Proof ↗
Preclinical evidence for cannabinoids in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is promising, but older adults are using them off-label despite almost no clinical trial data.
Survey of terminally ill medical cannabis patients finds cannabis may serve as an alternative to hospice care ↗
A survey of 342 terminally ill medical cannabis patients found very low hospice enrollment, suggesting cannabis may serve as an alternative rather than complement to end-of-life care.
Clinical guideline recommends atomoxetine for ADHD with cannabis use disorder but finds it does not reduce cannabis use itself ↗
A clinical guideline recommends atomoxetine for ADHD symptoms in patients with cannabis use disorder but finds it does not reduce cannabis use. Both atomoxetine and stimulants are considered safe in SUD patients.
Survey of 258 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women finds 79% using cannabis for menopause symptoms, especially sleep and anxiety ↗
A survey of 258 menopausal women found 79% using cannabis for symptoms, most commonly sleep and anxiety, with perimenopausal women reporting worse symptoms and more anxiety-motivated use.
Medical cannabis patients showed improved brain white matter structure after 3-6 months of treatment, with CBD exposure linked to improvements ↗
Medical cannabis patients showed improved brain white matter coherence on MRI over 6 months, contrasting with impairments in recreational users, with CBD exposure linked to improvements.
Open-label trial finds full-spectrum CBD reduced anxiety significantly within one week, with cognitive improvements ↗
An open-label trial of full-spectrum CBD in 14 anxiety patients showed rapid response within one week, with improvements in anxiety, cognition, mood, and sleep over 4 weeks.
Can cannabis or THC help ease opioid withdrawal symptoms? ↗
A systematic review of 11 studies found inconsistent evidence that cannabis or THC alleviates opioid withdrawal, with a potentially narrow therapeutic window.
Could boosting natural endocannabinoids help treat migraine pain? ↗
Blocking the enzymes that break down natural endocannabinoids could offer a new approach to migraine pain without cannabis-related psychoactive effects.
High-CBD cannabis extract suppressed human immune cell activity in the lab ↗
A high-CBD cannabis extract suppressed human T cell activity in the lab without killing cells, working mainly through CB2 and TRPV1 receptors.
Rare cannabinoids altered the endocannabinoid system in skin cells ↗
Four rare cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, THCV, CBGA) each uniquely modulated the endocannabinoid system in human skin cells but shared common effects on receptor binding.
CBD shows early promise for neurodevelopmental disorders in children ↗
Review finds early evidence that CBD may safely improve symptoms of autism, intellectual disability, tics, and ADHD in children and adolescents.
Social network norms predicted cannabis use frequency in young adults ↗
Social networks influenced how often young adults used cannabis, with stronger effects for recreational than medicinal users, but no link to problematic use.
What does the evidence say about cannabis in palliative care? ↗
Systematic review of 52 studies found some positive cannabis effects on palliative care symptoms, but all evidence was rated very low to low quality.
Could CBD help treat schizophrenia symptoms? ↗
Narrative review found emerging evidence that CBD may address positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia with fewer side effects than standard antipsychotics.
Could cannabis reduce opioid use in gynecology and obstetrics? ↗
Review found cannabis may reduce opioid use for gynecological pain but noted unclear risks during pregnancy due to lack of controlled trials.
Cannabis extract triggered cancer cell death in 3D pancreatic tumor models ↗
A CBD-rich cannabis extract killed human pancreatic cancer cells in 3D models through apoptosis pathways that the standard drug gemcitabine alone did not activate.
Cannabis-based medicines improved quality of life for autism patients in UK registry ↗
UK registry data showed 74 ASD patients had significant improvements in quality of life, sleep, and anxiety after starting cannabis-based medicines.
Acidic cannabinoids, especially CBGA, blocked a key inflammatory pathway in immune cells ↗
Minor acidic cannabinoids, especially CBGA, potently blocked a key calcium-driven inflammatory pathway in immune cells, while CBD and THC did not.
How young adults' cannabis use patterns changed after California legalized recreational use ↗
Longitudinal study tracked how young adults' cannabis use and medical patient status shifted after California legalized recreational use.
Broad-spectrum cannabis oil reversed fibromyalgia-like symptoms in mice ↗
Low-THC broad-spectrum cannabis oil reversed pain, thermal sensitivity, and depression in a mouse fibromyalgia model at doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg.
Cochrane review: nabiximols probably reduces MS spasticity, but pain evidence is uncertain ↗
Cochrane review of 25 trials found nabiximols probably reduces MS spasticity (moderate certainty) but uncertain evidence for chronic pain, with modestly increased side effects.
Early reports on medicinal cannabis for childhood autism look positive but evidence is very limited ↗
Scoping review found 61-93% of children with autism showed improvement with medicinal cannabis in small studies, with up to 80% reducing other medications.
Arthritis patients reported less pain and reduced medication use with CBD ↗
Survey of 428 arthritis patients found CBD was associated with 44% average pain reduction, and 60% reduced or stopped other medications including opioids.
CBD combined with ginseng compound in nanoparticles achieved 82% tumor inhibition in breast cancer mice ↗
CBD combined with a ginseng compound in nanoparticles achieved 82% tumor inhibition in breast cancer mice with good tolerability.
Cannabinoids showed limited benefit for chronic primary pain in short-term studies ↗
Meta-analysis of 8 small trials found cannabinoids showed limited short-term pain benefit, but treatment beyond 4 weeks significantly reduced chronic primary pain.
Getting a medical cannabis license did not reduce opioid prescription use in Rhode Island ↗
Population-based study found obtaining a medical cannabis license in Rhode Island was not associated with any change in opioid prescription filling patterns.
Most published case reports claiming cannabis fights cancer provide insufficient evidence ↗
Review of 77 published case reports found only 14% provided strong evidence for cannabis anticancer effects, with 81% rated weak and no supporting clinical trial data.
Canadian pediatric clinicians weigh the ethics of prescribing medical cannabis to children ↗
Pediatric clinicians in Canada support medical cannabis under harm reduction principles but face authorization barriers and want more neurodevelopmental research.
CBD may promote hair growth, but other cannabinoids could cause hair loss ↗
Topical CBD may promote hair growth at low concentrations but cause loss at high concentrations. One trial saw a 93.5% increase in hair count over 6 months.
Three months of medical cannabis did not change metabolic markers in chronic pain patients ↗
In 28 chronic pain patients, three months of medical cannabis produced no significant changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin, cortisol, or body weight.
Most Canadian healthcare providers feel uncomfortable with their cannabis knowledge ↗
Among 70 Canadian healthcare providers, 56% felt uncomfortable with their cannabis knowledge, and uncertainty about dosing was the top barrier to prescribing.
CBD-rich cannabis showed significant social communication improvements in children with autism ↗
82 children with autism who completed 6 months of CBD-rich cannabis showed significant improvements in social communication on both clinical and parent-reported measures.
Cannabis-based treatments show the strongest evidence for MS pain and spasticity ↗
Cannabis-based treatments, especially nabiximols spray and oral cannabinoids, consistently helped with MS pain and spasticity but showed only slight improvement for other MS symptoms.
Why people with ADHD may use cannabis therapeutically and what research says about it ↗
People with ADHD may use cannabis to manage self-regulation deficits, but evidence for therapeutic benefit is limited and the risk of problematic use is elevated.
Medical cannabis for autism compared to standard medications: what the evidence shows ↗
Standard ASD medications often cause side effects that mimic ASD symptoms. Early evidence suggests CBD-rich cannabis may be effective and better tolerated, but controlled trials are needed.
Cannabinoids in rheumatology: potential pain benefits weighed against drug interactions and side effects ↗
Cannabinoids show some pain benefits for rheumatic conditions but carry drug interaction risks with common rheumatology medications, leading the review to conclude they are more foe than friend.
Could cannabinoids help fight COVID-19? A review of anti-inflammatory and antiviral evidence ↗
Cannabinoids including CBD and CBGA have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that could theoretically help with COVID-19, but no clinical evidence exists.
Cannabis use did not reduce mortality in veterans on opioids, and increased risk in older adults ↗
Among 297,620 veterans on opioids, cannabis use did not reduce mortality. In adults 65+ on long-term opioids, cannabis was associated with 55% higher 90-day mortality.
Review concludes cannabinoids are not ready as medicines except for rare epilepsy and MS spasticity ↗
After 30 years of research, only two formal medical cannabis indications are supported by evidence: CBD for rare childhood epilepsy and CBD/THC for MS spasticity.
How the endocannabinoid system could be a therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis ↗
Beyond relieving MS symptoms, cannabinoids and ECS modulators may promote oligodendrocyte survival and myelination, suggesting potential disease-modifying effects.
CBD reduced seizures in 27% of children with severe epilepsy but did not improve quality of life ↗
CBD reduced seizures by 50%+ in 27% of 41 children with severe epilepsy, but quality of life and adaptive behavior did not improve over six months.
Anxiety is the top reason patients use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania ↗
Anxiety was the top reason for medical cannabis use among 207 Pennsylvania patients, with 95% reporting no side effects and more than half reporting improvement.
A two-hour cannabis education module significantly improved nurse practitioner knowledge and willingness to discuss cannabis ↗
A 2-hour cannabis education module improved NP test scores by 39%, with 92% reporting willingness to discuss cannabis with patients at 3-month follow-up.
One in five people who use illicit opioids intentionally substitute other substances, with cannabis being common ↗
Among 1,527 people who use illicit opioids in Vancouver, 22% intentionally used other substances to reduce opioid use, with cannabis being the second most common substitute at 28%.
Comprehensive review finds cannabis has minimal to no benefit for sleep disorders ↗
Cannabis products showed minimal to no benefit for sleep disorders in this review, and cannabis withdrawal itself causes significant insomnia that can drive relapse.
Despite decades of use, the best cannabis approach for chronic pain remains unknown ↗
Most evidence supports cannabis for pain, but no head-to-head comparison exists between preparations. The entourage effect lacks systematic support for pain.
Detailed look at what medical cannabis products patients actually buy in New York ↗
Study characterized actual medical cannabis product purchases in New York State, providing rare objective data on patient product selection in a regulated market.
Topical CBD oil cleared both skin cancer and chronic skin condition in a 64-year-old woman ↗
Topical 20% CBD oil resolved both biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma and lichen simplex chronicus on a 64-year-old woman's hands.
Capsaicin Cream for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in the ER ↗
The largest retrospective study of capsaicin cream for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome found modest pain relief and that 42% of patients needed no additional treatment afterward.
Cannabis Lowered Eye Pressure but Was Linked to Earlier Glaucoma Diagnosis ↗
UK Biobank analysis found cannabis lowered eye pressure but was associated with glaucoma diagnosis about 10 years earlier in heavy users, challenging the idea that cannabis protects against glaucoma.
Cannabis Use Linked to Earlier Cataract Development in UK Biobank Study ↗
UK Biobank analysis found cannabis users developed cataracts 4-5 years earlier than non-users, independent of cigarette smoking, though overall cataract risk was not increased.
A Specific Gene May Explain How Cannabis Lowers Eye Pressure ↗
UK Biobank genetic analysis found cannabis lowers eye pressure through the GAS7 gene in humans, while the receptors responsible in mice (CB1, GPR18) are not involved in people.
Not All High-THC Cannabis Extracts Are Equal for Cancer or Inflammation ↗
Lab testing of 25 high-THC cannabis extracts found huge variation in anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, with specific terpenes like terpinene and p-cymene predicting better outcomes.
Systematic Review: Cannabis for Gynecologic Pain Shows Promise but Lacks Standardization ↗
Systematic review found 61-95.5% of women reported pain relief from cannabis for gynecologic conditions, and PEA-combination studies showed a 3.35-point pain reduction, but inconsistent formulations limit conclusions.
CB2 Receptors in Skin Cells Suppressed Chemo-Induced Nerve Pain in Mice ↗
Mouse study identified CB2 cannabinoid receptors in skin immune cells as the mechanism for suppressing chemotherapy-induced nerve pain, working through a peripheral pathway that avoids psychoactive effects.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents: Diagnosis and Treatment Guide ↗
Review found the best evidence for treating pediatric cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is IV rehydration plus haloperidol 0.05 mg/kg, with cannabis cessation as the only long-term cure.
How TRPV1 Channels Explain Both Cannabis Pain Relief and Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
Review identified the TRPV1 ion channel as the common mechanism behind both cannabis pain relief and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, explaining why capsaicin and hot showers treat CHS.
A Clinical Framework for Assessing Cannabis Impairment Risk in Patients ↗
Researchers created a practical clinical framework for assessing cannabis-related impairment risk in patients, designed especially for those with safety-sensitive work duties.
Medicinal Cannabis for Sleep Disorders: Where Does the Evidence Actually Stand? ↗
Despite widespread use, clinical evidence doesn't yet support cannabis as a reliable treatment for insomnia, sleep apnea, or other specific sleep disorders — but early results are promising.
One in Four Canadians Surveyed Had Used Cannabis Topically ↗
Canadian survey found nearly one in four respondents used cannabis topically, most commonly for joint stiffness, headaches, and skin conditions, with dispensaries as the primary information source.
Topical CBD for Skin Conditions: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-itch, and Wound Healing Effects ↗
Review found topical CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, wound healing, and anti-proliferative effects on skin through cannabinoid receptors, positioning it as a potential corticosteroid alternative.
Medical Cannabis in Pediatric Cancer: Safety Evidence for Nausea, Emerging Anti-Cancer Potential ↗
Review found published cases supporting cannabis safety for chemotherapy nausea in children and preclinical evidence of anti-cancer effects on pediatric tumors, but called for more research.
Three Young Men with ADHD Report Improvements After Adding Cannabis to Treatment ↗
Three young men with ADHD showed measurable improvements in depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and inattention after adding cannabis, with plasma levels confirming cannabinoid presence.
CBD Oil Achieved Seizure Freedom in 19% of Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy Patients ↗
Standardized CBD oil reduced seizures by 50%+ in 73% of treatment-resistant epilepsy patients and achieved seizure freedom in 19% over 40 months, with few side effects.
Nabiximols Did Not Reduce Spasticity After Stroke but Appeared Safe for Heart Patients ↗
Double-blind RCT found nabiximols did not reduce spasticity after stroke compared to placebo, but demonstrated cardiovascular safety in this high-risk population, encouraging further research.
Antipsychotic Medications for People with Both Psychosis and Substance Use Disorders ↗
Review of 41 studies found cannabis was the most commonly abused substance in dual diagnosis patients with psychosis, and aripiprazole was the most studied second-generation antipsychotic treatment.
Cannabis-Based Products for Inflammatory Skin Diseases Show Promise but Need Trials ↗
Review found topical cannabinoid products show promise for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis based on skin endocannabinoid system biology, but large clinical trials are still needed.
CBD for Epilepsy: What the Clinical Trial Evidence Shows for Epidiolex ↗
Epidiolex (pharmaceutical CBD) is the only cannabis-derived drug with FDA and EMA approval for epilepsy, specifically proven for Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
Oral Cannabinoids Appeared Safe in People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy ↗
Pilot trial of oral cannabinoids in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy found them generally safe with stable CD4 counts and viral suppression, supporting larger studies.
Cannabis Terpene Myrcene Reduced Arthritis Pain and Inflammation in Rats ↗
Cannabis terpene myrcene reduced chronic arthritis pain and inflammation in rats through cannabinoid receptors, but did not synergize with CBD, challenging "entourage effect" assumptions.
How Cannabis Affects Hormones: Thyroid, Adrenal, Reproductive, and Metabolic Effects ↗
Review found cannabis affects nearly every endocrine system: reduced fertility, altered thyroid function, blunted stress response, paradoxical diabetes effects, and modestly increased fracture risk.
One in Three Australians Using Cannabis Medically Met Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
Survey of 905 Australian medical cannabis users found 32% met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with inhaled use, mental health indications, and frequent use as key risk factors.
Counseling Plus Nabiximols Worked Best for Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment ↗
Analysis of a CUD treatment trial found counseling attendance was the strongest predictor of abstinence, while nabiximols reduced dropout and improved engagement, supporting combined treatment.
CBD for Endometriosis: Preclinical Promise but Not Enough Evidence to Recommend ↗
Systematic review found mostly lab-based evidence for cannabis in endometriosis with conflicting results. Few human studies exist, and UK guidance currently cannot recommend cannabis for this condition.
Cannabis Clinical Trials Have Tripled Since 2013, Reaching 834 Registered Studies ↗
Review of 834 cannabis clinical trials found registrations tripled since 2013, with chronic pain and mental health as the most studied areas and growing pharmaceutical industry involvement.
An Endocannabinoid-Boosting Drug Reduced Tics in Tourette Syndrome ↗
Phase 1 crossover trial found a single dose of an endocannabinoid-boosting drug (MAGL inhibitor) significantly reduced tics and premonitory urges in 20 adults with Tourette syndrome.
Cannabis Did Not Reduce Opioid Use or Real-Time Pain in Chronic Pain Patients ↗
Real-time monitoring of 46 chronic pain patients found no pain reduction or opioid-sparing effect from cannabis co-use, though retrospective reports suggested greater perceived relief, highlighting recall bias.
Cannabis Hyperemesis ER Visits Rose 13-Fold in Ontario, Driven by Commercialization ↗
CHS emergency visits rose 13-fold in Ontario over 7.5 years, with legalization having no immediate effect but cannabis commercialization (more stores, products) associated with a 49% jump.
Adolescents with Cannabis Hyperemesis Also Developed Dangerously Low Phosphorus ↗
Three adolescents with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome developed recurrent dangerously low phosphorus levels, highlighting the need for close electrolyte monitoring in young CHS patients.
CBD May Reduce Early Nerve Damage Symptoms from Chemotherapy ↗
Cancer patients taking 300 mg/day CBD showed reduced early peripheral neuropathy symptoms during chemotherapy, with particular benefit seen in vibrometry scores and cold sensitivity.
17% of Danish Cancer Patients Reported Peripheral Neuropathy, Higher in Cannabis Users ↗
Survey of 2,839 Danish cancer patients found 17% had significant neuropathy. Cannabis users were nearly twice as likely to report high symptom burden, though directionality is unclear.
Cannabinoids Showed Opioid-Sparing Potential in Animal Studies but Not in Human Trials ↗
Meta-analysis found cannabinoids reduced effective morphine dose 3.5x in animals but human RCTs showed no opioid-sparing effect. Observational studies were more positive, highlighting a research-design gap.
Anti-Nausea Medications for Cannabis Hyperemesis Did Not Cause Dangerous Heart Rhythm Changes ↗
Review of 282 CHS emergency cases found anti-emetic medications did not significantly prolong QTc. Only low potassium (below 3.0) predicted dangerous QT prolongation.
Cannabis for Rheumatic Disease Pain: Growing Interest, Limited Clinical Evidence ↗
Review found growing interest in cannabis for rheumatic disease pain but noted the literature skews toward reviews over original research, with very few randomized trials completed.
Long-Term Cannabis Oil Therapy Was Linked to Fewer Patients Using Opioids for Chronic Pain ↗
Italian pain clinic data showed opioid non-users rose from 32% to 55% after long-term cannabis oil therapy. No changes seen in other pain medication classes.
Most Pediatric Oncologists See a Role for Cannabis in Children's Cancer Symptom Management ↗
Survey of 122 Canadian pediatric oncologists found 86% saw cannabis potential for nausea, 72% for pain, and 67% for appetite in children with cancer. Nearly all wanted more research.
RCTs on Cannabinoids for Movement Disorders Show Mixed Results Across Conditions ↗
Systematic review of RCTs found cannabinoids improved Tourette tics and some Parkinson's symptoms but showed no benefit for dystonia. Evidence is limited by small, heterogeneous trials.
84% of New Zealand Oncology Doctors Had Patients Ask to Prescribe Cannabis ↗
Survey of 45 NZ oncology doctors found 84% had patients request cannabis prescriptions. 98% knew of patients using illicit cannabis. All were willing to prescribe properly developed products.
THC/CBD for Severe Dementia Behavioral Symptoms: A Two-Year Safety Pilot ↗
Two years of THC/CBD treatment in 19 elderly dementia patients showed good safety and reduced behavioral symptoms, but without a control group, the benefits remain unproven.
CBD for Autism: Promising Preclinical and Early Clinical Signals, but Evidence Is Still Thin ↗
Review found CBD shows biological plausibility and early promise for ASD symptoms through the endocannabinoid system, but clinical evidence is limited and the authors caution against premature use.
U.S. Cannabis Markets Are Overshooting Therapeutic THC:CBD Ratios ↗
Analysis of U.S. dispensary products found medical cannabis THC:CBD ratios are nearly identical to recreational products — most would produce significant intoxication rather than therapeutic benefit.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: How the Same System That Prevents Nausea Can Also Cause It ↗
Review explained how chronic cannabis use flips the endocannabinoid system from antiemetic to proemetic, causing CHS, and provided key differences from cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Phase 1 Trial of CBD-Dominant Cannabis Oil Found It Safe with Dose-Proportional Absorption ↗
Phase 1 trial of CBD-dominant cannabis oil in 43 healthy adults found dose-proportional CBD absorption, mostly mild side effects, and recommended starting doses no higher than 240 mg CBD daily.
Phase 1 Trial of THC Softgels: Safe up to 20 mg Daily but Better Tolerated After First Day ↗
Phase 1 trial of THC softgels in 41 healthy adults found all side effects mild-moderate, mostly on Day 1. Subjective effects only noticeable at the highest dose (20 mg). Recommended starting at 10 mg daily.
Cannabis Patients with Advanced Bile Duct Cancer Survived Nearly 7x Longer Than Standard Care Alone ↗
Advanced bile duct cancer patients in Thailand receiving medical cannabis survived 5.7 months vs. 0.8 months with standard care — dramatic but needs randomized trial confirmation.
79% of Florida Medical Cannabis Patients Reported Reducing or Stopping Pain Medications ↗
Survey of 2,183 Florida medical cannabis patients found 79% reported reducing or stopping pain medications after starting cannabis, with improvements in pain and physical functioning.
Cannabis Use Linked to Shorter Hospital Stays and Lower Costs for IBD Patients After Legalization ↗
After recreational legalization in CO and WA, cannabis use among IBD inpatients tripled. Cannabis-using patients had shorter stays and $8,418 lower hospital charges.
Lurasidone Showed Promise for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis in Four Young Patients ↗
Four patients with first cannabis-induced psychosis improved on lurasidone (74-128 mg/day) with symptom remission, functional recovery, and no significant side effects.
Umbrella Review: Cannabinoids Have Moderate Evidence Only for Chemo Nausea and Ulcerative Colitis QoL ↗
Umbrella review of 68 systematic reviews found no high-certainty evidence for cannabinoids in any condition. Moderate evidence supported chemotherapy nausea benefit; no benefit found for chronic non-cancer pain.
Clinical Guideline: Cannabis Effects on Women's Fertility, Contraception, Menopause, and Pelvic Pain ↗
Canadian clinical guideline provided GRADE-based recommendations on cannabis effects on fertility, contraception, menopause, and pelvic pain, emphasizing non-stigmatizing care.
THC Worsened Absence Seizures in Epileptic Rats While CBD Cut Them in Half ↗
In epileptic rats, THC doubled seizure activity while CBD halved it — and smoked high-THC cannabis increased seizures too, highlighting the importance of cannabinoid ratios.
Nabiximols Did Not Affect Blood Pressure or Heart Rate in Post-Stroke Patients ↗
Randomized crossover trial in 34 post-stroke patients found nabiximols caused no blood pressure changes, no heart rate changes, and no cardiovascular events during treatment.
First Survey of CBG Users: Most Reported It Worked Better Than Conventional Medications ↗
First CBG patient survey found users reported it effective for anxiety (51%), pain (41%), and depression (33%), with 74-80% rating it superior to conventional medications and 44% reporting no side effects.
UK Medical Cannabis Registry Shows Improved Health in First 678 Patients ↗
UK's first medical cannabis registry enrolled 678 patients (mostly chronic pain and anxiety). Preliminary 3-month data showed significant self-reported health improvement with moderate-to-large effect size.
Nearly Two-Thirds of Canadian MS Patients Have Tried Medical Cannabis ↗
Survey of 344 Canadian MS patients found 65% had tried medical cannabis, primarily for sleep (84%), pain (80%), and spasticity (68%). 74% learned about it outside the healthcare system.
CBD-rich cannabis did not improve sleep better than placebo in children with autism ↗
Placebo-controlled trial of 150 children with autism found CBD-rich cannabis treatment was not better than placebo for any aspect of sleep.
Cannabis formulations reduced tamoxifen effectiveness against breast cancer cells in lab ↗
Lab study found cannabinoid formulations diminished tamoxifen's effectiveness against breast cancer cells, with recreational cannabis ratios showing the largest effect.
Veterans with bipolar disorder who currently used cannabis had better working memory and functioning ↗
Study of 254 veterans with bipolar disorder found current cannabis users had better working memory and functioning than past or non-users, but also higher rates of PTSD and suicidal ideation.
A palliative care patient developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome from prescribed nabilone ↗
Case report of a 70-year-old cancer patient who developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome from prescribed nabilone, resolving after the drug was stopped.
Systematic review identified multiple treatments for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
Systematic review of 17 studies found cannabis cessation is the best CHS treatment, with capsaicin, haloperidol, hot baths, and other options providing symptom relief.
Systematic review found cannabis may help reduce several autism-related symptoms ↗
Systematic review of 9 studies found cannabis products reduced hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep problems, and irritability while improving cognition and social interaction in autism.
Meta-analysis confirmed CBD reduces seizures by 33% in treatment-resistant epilepsy ↗
Meta-analysis of 6 trials with 1,034 patients confirmed CBD reduces seizure frequency by 33% in Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
Most endometriosis patients using cannabis obtained it illicitly despite legal access ↗
Survey of 237 endometriosis patients found 72-88% used illicit cannabis despite legal access, with over 60% reporting more than 50% reduction in pain medication use.
Australian women with period pain want medicinal cannabis but face major access barriers ↗
Focus groups with 26 Australian women found interest in medicinal cannabis for period pain was high, but cost, stigma, drug driving laws, and prescriber bias blocked access.
THC improved memory and movement recovery after traumatic brain injury in mice ↗
Mice given THC for 3 days after brain injury recovered working memory and motor function, with increased brain repair factors BDNF, GDNF, and G-CSF.
More than a third of medical cannabis patients also used nicotine products ↗
Survey of 697 medical cannabis patients found 39.3% also used nicotine, with nicotine delivery method predicting cannabis consumption method.
CBD-rich cannabis oil showed no significant blood chemistry changes in 59 children with autism ↗
Phase III interim analysis of 59 children with autism found CBD-rich cannabis oil (20:1 CBD:THC) produced no clinically significant blood chemistry changes over 3 months.
Students with ADHD reported cannabis helped with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and medication side effects ↗
Survey of 1,738 students found those with ADHD reported cannabis helped with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and medication side effects, with frequent use moderating executive dysfunction.
CBD improved blood sugar, energy use, and bone density in menopausal mice while boosting gut bacteria ↗
Menopausal mice treated with CBD for 18 weeks had improved blood sugar, bone density, and energy expenditure, along with increased gut Lactobacillus.
Growing evidence supports cannabis-based medicine for Tourette syndrome tics and comorbidities ↗
Review found growing evidence for cannabis-based medicine in Tourette syndrome, with two small RCTs showing THC safety and efficacy for tics, though larger trials are ongoing.
Systematic review of 58 CBD trials found it works for anxiety but has inconsistent results for other conditions ↗
Systematic review of 58 CBD trials found consistent anxiolytic effects but highly variable results for psychosis, substance use, and other non-seizure conditions.
Measuring Exactly How Much THC You Actually Smoke: A New Field Testing Method ↗
A portable potency tester combined with real-time tracking created the first practical standard THC unit measure — higher milligram doses correlated with greater intoxication.
CBD-enriched cannabis oil reduced seizures in 73% of children with drug-resistant epilepsy over at least one year ↗
Retrospective study of 114 children with drug-resistant epilepsy found 73% improved with CBD-enriched oil, with 59% achieving over 50% seizure reduction over at least one year.
CBD did not reduce pain in hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis compared to placebo ↗
Rigorous RCT of 136 arthritis patients found synthetic CBD 20-30 mg daily showed no pain benefit over placebo after 12 weeks.
Large Australian registry showed medicinal cannabis was safe and effective for at least two years ↗
Australian registry of 3,961 patients found medicinal cannabis was safe and showed sustained improvements in pain, mental health, and insomnia over 2+ years.
Spanish expanded access program showed CBD reduced seizures by 48% in treatment-resistant epilepsy ↗
Spanish expanded access program of 102 patients found CBD reduced seizures by 48%, with 45% achieving over 50% reduction at 6 months in highly refractory epilepsy.
Scoping review found cancer patients use medical cannabis mainly for nausea, pain, and appetite ↗
Scoping review of 163 studies found cancer patients use medical cannabis mainly for nausea, pain, and appetite, with oils as the most common form.
Systematic review found nabiximols and CBD more promising than THC-based drugs for treating cannabis use disorder ↗
Systematic review of 8 RCTs found nabiximols, CBD, and PF-04457845 outperformed dronabinol and nabilone for cannabis use disorder, covering more treatment outcomes.
42% of breast cancer patients used cannabis, most during active treatment, and few told their doctors ↗
Survey of 612 breast cancer patients found 42% used cannabis, mostly during active treatment, with only 39% telling their doctors and half believing cannabis could treat cancer.
Eczema patients were enthusiastic about medical cannabis but rarely discussed it with dermatologists ↗
Survey of 76 eczema patients found universal support for medical cannabis and 94% interest in learning more, but 93% had never discussed it with their healthcare provider.
Most Evidence Suggests Medical Cannabis Has Minor Effects on Thinking Skills ↗
Systematic review of 23 studies (917 participants) found most high-quality evidence suggests medical cannabis has minor cognitive effects at low to moderate THC doses.
THC May Weaken the Immune System's Ability to Fight Cancer, Mouse Study Finds ↗
Mouse study found THC weakened PD-1 immunotherapy by suppressing T-cell function through the CB2 receptor. In human cancer patients, higher endocannabinoid levels were linked to worse survival.
Cannabis Extracts Reduced Gut Inflammation Better Than Pure THC or CBD Alone in Mice ↗
Mouse study found cannabis extracts reduced gut inflammation better than pure THC or CBD alone, with each treatment producing a distinct immune response pattern.
Adverse Events Are Common With Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain, but Serious Harms Are Rare ↗
Review of 39 studies (12,143 patients) found about 26% of medical cannabis users for chronic pain experience adverse events, but serious harms occur in fewer than 5% of patients.
Cannabis Poisoning and Mental Health Crises Were Rare Among Medical Cannabis Patients in Ontario ↗
Among 23,091 medical cannabis patients in Ontario, cannabis poisoning ER visits occurred at 8 per 10,000 person-years and mental health crises at 15 per 10,000, with prior substance use being the strongest predictor.
Medical Cannabis Patients Had Higher Rates of ER Visits for Drug Poisoning Than Matched Controls ↗
Medical cannabis patients in Ontario had 2.45x the risk of drug poisoning ER visits and 2.27x the risk of substance-related mental health ER visits compared to matched controls.
Cannabis Reduced Tic Urges but Not Tic Severity in Small Tourette Syndrome Trial ↗
Pilot trial of 12 adults with Tourette syndrome found vaporized THC reduced tic urges and distress but did not significantly improve video-rated tic severity compared to placebo.
87% of Parkinson's Patients Reported Symptom Improvement With Medical Cannabis ↗
Chart review of 69 Parkinson's patients found 87% reported symptom improvement with medical cannabis, with 56% of opioid users reducing or stopping opioid medications.
Hidden Cannabis Use Caused Repeated Diabetic Emergencies in Type 1 Diabetes Patient ↗
A type 1 diabetes patient was hospitalized for DKA 6 times in one year before clinicians discovered cannabis-induced hyperemesis syndrome was triggering the repeated episodes.
Medical Cannabis Legalization Did Not Increase ADHD Stimulant Prescriptions ↗
Analysis of DEA data from 2006-2021 found medical cannabis legalization did not increase ADHD stimulant prescriptions, contradicting concerns about cannabis-related cognitive effects.
28% of Australian Medical Cannabis Users Reported Driving Under the Influence ↗
Survey of 1,063 Australian medical cannabis users found 28% reported driving under the influence, with half typically driving within 6 hours of use and low perception of impairment.
Prescribed Medical Cannabis Had Minimal Impact on Cognitive Performance in Patients ↗
Trial of 40 medical cannabis patients found no cognitive impairment after standard prescribed doses, with some test scores actually improving, though vaporized flower felt more impairing subjectively.
26% of Cancer Patients Used Cannabis, Reporting Benefits for Sleep, Nausea, and Pain Despite Feeling Worse Overall ↗
Survey of 267 cancer patients found 26% used cannabis, reporting benefits for sleep, nausea, and pain but worse overall symptoms compared to non-users.
States that legalized medical marijuana saw reduced opioid use among cancer patients ↗
JAMA Oncology study of 58,000+ cancer patients found medical marijuana legalization was associated with reduced opioid dispensing and fewer pain-related hospital visits.
Cannabis extracts produced different pain relief than pure THC-CBD blends at the same ratio ↗
Animal study found a whole cannabis extract and a pure 1:1 THC:CBD mix produced different pain-relief patterns and engaged different brain receptors, despite matching THC:CBD ratios.
Most pregnant people who kept using cannabis said their reasons shifted to symptom control ↗
Survey of 105 pregnant cannabis users found 62% continued after pregnancy recognition, with those viewing use as medical four times more likely to continue.
Standard diagnostic criteria both overestimate and underestimate cannabis use disorder in chronic pain patients ↗
Study found standard DSM-5 criteria flagged 30% of medical cannabis patients for cannabis use disorder, but adjusted scoring accounting for therapeutic use dropped the rate to 2%.
More than a third of gynecologic cancer patients used cannabis, mostly without a prescription ↗
Survey of 46 gynecologic cancer patients found 37% used cannabis for pain, anxiety, and insomnia, mostly without prescriptions or doctor involvement.
Older veterans use medical cannabis as a substitute for opioids and benzodiazepines with little guidance ↗
Interviews with 32 older veterans found they use medical cannabis to replace opioids and benzodiazepines, but face inconsistent VA policies and minimal physician guidance.
Dispensary staff broadly view medical cannabis as beneficial and low-risk ↗
National survey of 434 dispensary staff found overwhelming positive views of medical cannabis benefits and minimal concern about risks, raising questions about balanced patient guidance.
Colorado county-level cannabis access showed mixed effects on opioid prescribing ↗
Colorado county-level analysis found recreational cannabis access reduced opioid prescription fills and inpatient visits but not total opioid consumption or ED visits.
Anxiety disorders drive most of Australia's 300,000 medical cannabis prescriptions for psychiatric conditions ↗
Australia's ~300,000 medical cannabis approvals showed one-third were for psychiatric conditions, dominated by anxiety disorders, often for conditions with limited clinical evidence.
Prenatal care providers avoid cannabis conversations to maintain patient trust ↗
Qualitative study of 10 maternal health providers found they often avoid cannabis conversations with pregnant patients to maintain therapeutic relationships, despite recognizing this leaves patients without guidance.
Cannabis for childhood cancer symptoms showed promise but rigorous dosing data is lacking ↗
Systematic review of 19 studies (1,927 pediatric cancer patients) found cannabinoids commonly used for chemotherapy nausea with no serious adverse events, but dosing evidence remains insufficient.
Medical cannabis improved quality of life for inflammatory bowel disease patients in a UK registry ↗
UK registry study of 76 IBD patients found medical cannabis improved disease-specific quality of life, anxiety, and sleep at 1 and 3 months.
One-third of fibromyalgia patients used medical cannabis despite limited evidence-based guidance ↗
Survey of 63 fibromyalgia patients found 35% using medical cannabis, alongside widespread use of opioids and NSAIDs that contradict clinical guidelines.
No high-quality evidence supports cannabis for anxiety, depression, or insomnia in cancer patients ↗
MASCC systematic review of 15 RCTs found no high-quality evidence for cannabis treating anxiety, depression, or insomnia in cancer, though sleep showed some promise.
THC was prescribed only to severely ill children in Vienna, with significant documentation gaps ↗
Vienna study found only 32 severely ill children received THC over 3 years, with significant gaps in prescribing documentation despite the high-stakes clinical context.
Cannabis Users Lost Just as Much Weight After Bariatric Surgery as Non-Users ↗
Cannabis users who had bariatric surgery lost equivalent weight to non-users at all time points through 2 years — the 'munchies' didn't undermine surgical outcomes.
How Older Adults Use Cannabis for Sleep: Patterns from a Geriatrics Clinic ↗
Geriatrics clinic survey found elderly cannabis users treating sleep problems prefer THC over CBD, use daily, and take it right before bed — often without clinician guidance.
CBG Reduced Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Cells Through a Pain-Sensing Channel ↗
CBG reduced key inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis cells through the TRPA1 pain-sensing channel, with selectivity for inflamed over healthy tissue.
CBD and the Immune System: Extensive Preclinical Evidence, Zero Clinical Trials ↗
CBD consistently suppressed immune responses across animal and cell studies, but zero clinical trials have tested whether this helps humans with inflammatory diseases.
What New Medical Cannabis Patients Say After One Month: Most Report It Helps Their Chronic Pain ↗
After one month, 63% of new medical cannabis patients reported effective pain relief, plus reduced medication use, less anxiety, and better sleep — though finding the right product was a common struggle.
28% of Inpatients Using Medical Cannabis Met Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder, Rising to 51% Among Dual-Use Patients ↗
Among 125 addiction treatment inpatients using medical cannabis, 28% of medical-only users and 51% of dual-use patients met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with very high psychiatric comorbidity.
Prescription CBD Without Clobazam Reduced Seizures in 30% of Lennox-Gastaut Patients at 12 Months ↗
Real-world European data showed plant-derived CBD without clobazam reduced seizures by 50%+ in 30% of LGS patients at 12 months, with 63% still taking it at one year.
A Young Woman With Diabetes Was Misdiagnosed With Gastroparesis for Two Years Before Cannabis Was Identified as the Cause ↗
A woman with type 1 diabetes had two years of monthly ER visits for vomiting misdiagnosed as gastroparesis, resolved completely when cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was identified and cannabis use stopped.
Medical Cannabis Did Not Significantly Improve Pain, Nausea, or Sleep Scores in Elderly Cancer Patients ↗
A chart review of elderly cancer patients found no significant improvement in pain, nausea, appetite, insomnia, or anxiety scores after starting medical cannabis.
CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil Reduced Seizures by 84% in Adults With Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy ↗
An open-label study found CBD-rich cannabis oil reduced seizures from 11 to 2.5 per month in adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, with 80% achieving 50%+ reduction.
Systematic Review Finds Cannabinoids Show Promise for IBD Symptoms but Optimal Dose and Delivery Remain Unknown ↗
Systematic review found most studies report cannabinoid benefits for IBD symptoms, but heterogeneous methods prevent determining optimal dose, formulation, or delivery.
Cannabis Clinic Websites Promote 20 Medical Uses but Cite Low-Quality Evidence and Rarely Mention Harms ↗
Ontario cannabis clinic websites promoted cannabis for 20 conditions using mostly low-quality evidence, and only 4 of 29 clinics mentioned any harms.
Medical Cannabis Side Effects Like Sedation and Dizziness Could Increase Workplace Injury Risk ↗
Review of 31 systematic reviews found medical cannabis commonly causes sedation, dizziness, and euphoria, all of which could reduce workplace safety.
Cannabis Use Was Linked to 2.5x Higher 30-Day Hospital Readmission for Ulcerative Colitis but Not Crohn's Disease ↗
Cannabis use linked to 2.5x higher 30-day readmission for UC but not Crohn's among 1,021 IBD patients.
Scoping Review Finds Preclinical Promise but Limited Clinical Evidence for Cannabis in Rheumatoid Arthritis ↗
Scoping review found preclinical support for cannabinoids in rheumatoid diseases but scarce and mixed clinical evidence.
Machine Learning Identified Distinct THC and CBD Biomarker Signatures in Saliva of Children With Autism Receiving Medical Cannabis ↗
Machine learning found medical cannabis shifted salivary biomarkers in autistic children toward typical levels, with THC and CBD producing distinct metabolic signatures.
Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy for Complex PTSD with Dissociation: A Groundbreaking Case Report ↗
First case report of cannabis-assisted psychotherapy for dissociative PTSD showed dramatic improvement over 10 sessions, drawing parallels to psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Medical Cannabis Improved Pain and Spasticity in Most MS Patients and Reduced Opioid Use ↗
A retrospective review of 141 MS patients found 72% reported pain relief with medical cannabis, and opioid use dropped significantly.
Low-Dose Oral Cannabis Reversed Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats Through Different Mechanisms at Different Fat Sites ↗
Low-dose oral cannabis reversed insulin resistance in diabetic rats, with different fat depots responding through distinct mechanisms.
A Comprehensive Review of CBD (Epidiolex) for Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy in Children and Adults ↗
Review of CBD (Epidiolex) clinical evidence shows efficacy for seizures in Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex, with unresolved dosing and interaction challenges.
A Scoping Review Found Very Little Research on Cannabis Use Among ICU Patients ↗
Scoping review of 2,589 articles found only 22 studying cannabis in ICU settings, revealing major research gaps and inconsistent findings on outcomes.
A Cannabis Oil With THC and CBD Improved Sleep in 60% of Insomnia Patients in a Placebo-Controlled Trial ↗
Placebo-controlled crossover trial found THC/CBD cannabis oil helped 60% of insomnia patients no longer qualify as clinical insomniacs, with increased melatonin and sleep duration.
Emergency Department Visits for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Increased Significantly After Oklahoma Medical Legalization ↗
Oklahoma ED visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome increased significantly after medical cannabis legalization, with prevalence far higher than previously reported.
A Review of Cannabis in Brain Tumor Care Found Promise for Symptom Management but Major Gaps in Dosing Evidence ↗
Review found cannabis may help brain tumor patients with nausea, pain, appetite, and seizures, but standardized dosing guidance and clinical trials are lacking.
A Review of Cannabis in GI Medicine Found Potential Benefits for Multiple Conditions but Significant Safety Concerns ↗
Review for gastroenterologists found cannabis has potential GI benefits through the endocannabinoid system but risks include hyperemesis, dependency, and cognitive effects.
Cannabis Use Disorder Was Linked to Double the Complication Risk and Longer Hospital Stays After Bariatric Surgery ↗
Among 713,290 bariatric surgery patients, cannabis use disorder was linked to 2.24x higher complication risk and 1.3 days longer hospital stays.
A Review of Cannabinoids for Spine Surgery Pain Found Potential Promise but Very Few Studies and Major Knowledge Gaps ↗
Review of cannabinoids for spine surgery pain found mechanistic promise through endocannabinoid receptors but very few clinical studies with variable results.
Salivary Lipid Biomarkers Shifted Toward Typical Levels in Children With Autism After Medical Cannabis Treatment ↗
In 15 ASD children on medical cannabis, 22 salivary lipid biomarkers shifted toward typically developing levels, suggesting inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
Salivary Metabolomics Found 65 Cannabis-Responsive Biomarkers in Children With Autism Treated With Medical Cannabis ↗
Metabolomics analysis found 65 salivary biomarkers shifted toward typical levels in 15 ASD children on medical cannabis, including inflammation and neurotransmitter markers.
Cannabis for Gynecological Pain: Growing Patient Use, Limited Clinical Evidence ↗
Women increasingly use cannabis for endometriosis, pelvic pain, and period cramps, with retrospective data suggesting benefit — but clinical trials are nearly nonexistent and barriers to medical access persist.
A safety review of CBD as an anti-inflammatory agent ↗
Review examines CBD safety profile as an anti-inflammatory agent, noting general tolerability but flagging liver effects, drug interactions, and gaps in long-term data.
What the evidence says about cannabis for multiple sclerosis symptoms ↗
Review of cannabinoids for multiple sclerosis finds preclinical promise and some clinical support for spasticity relief, but limited trial data overall.
A small case series found topical hemp extract promoted hair regrowth ↗
Case series reported hair regrowth with topical hemp extract containing CBD, THCV, and CBDV over 6 months. No control group.
Massive umbrella review maps the strength of evidence for cannabis risks and benefits ↗
Umbrella review of 101 meta-analyses found strong evidence for cannabis-psychosis and crash links, moderate therapeutic evidence for select conditions, and weak evidence for most other claims.
Fibromyalgia patients who slept better and felt less anxious on medical cannabis also reported less pain ↗
12-month study of 323 fibromyalgia patients found medical cannabis reduced pain partly through improvements in sleep and anxiety/depression symptoms.
Systematic review finds limited but promising evidence for cannabis in fibromyalgia ↗
Systematic review of 9 studies (564 patients) found low-quality evidence supporting short-term pain reduction with cannabis in fibromyalgia.
THC:CBD oil reduced chemo-induced nausea in a crossover trial of gynecologic cancer patients ↗
Crossover RCT found 1:1 THC:CBD oil significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea in 54 gynecologic cancer patients, though dizziness was common.
Medical cannabis patients filled slightly fewer opioid prescriptions over 6 months ↗
Retrospective study of 68 chronic pain patients found a small reduction in opioid prescriptions after starting medical cannabis, with no changes in other healthcare use.
Historical review traces cannabis use for gut problems from ancient medicine to modern science ↗
Historical and pharmacological review traces cannabis use for gastrointestinal disorders from ancient medicine to modern endocannabinoid system research.
Cannabis Extracts Can Interfere with Blood Thinners Like Warfarin — And Different Strains Vary Widely ↗
Cannabis extracts from four different plant varieties all inhibited liver enzymes that metabolize warfarin and other blood thinners — with interaction strength varying by chemotype.
Open-label trial compared cannabis, oxycodone, and their combination for fibromyalgia pain ↗
Proof-of-concept RCT compared cannabis alone, oxycodone alone, and cannabis+oxycodone for fibromyalgia pain to test opioid-sparing potential.
National survey data linked cannabis use to lower odds of some GI illnesses but the picture is complex ↗
NHANES analysis of 18,000+ adults found cannabis use associated with lower odds of some GI illnesses, contrasting with hyperemesis reports in heavy users.
A new cannabis chemovar index linked specific THC-terpene combinations to different patient outcomes ↗
Novel cannabis chemovar index classified products by cannabinoid-terpene profiles and found different combinations associated with distinct patient outcomes in 204 users.
High-CBD Cannabis Extracts Suppressed Gut Inflammation Through microRNA Pathways ↗
Five high-CBD cannabis extracts reduced gut cell inflammation through microRNA pathways, suppressing COX-2, IL-6, and IL-8 — but high doses also slowed cell growth.
UK medical cannabis registry showed improvements in fibromyalgia patients' quality of life ↗
UK Medical Cannabis Registry analysis found fibromyalgia patients improved on quality-of-life measures after at least one month of cannabis-based treatment.
Medical cannabis patients showed changes in prescription controlled substance use over time ↗
Observational study found medical cannabis associated with changes in controlled substance prescriptions, including opioid-sparing effects and sedative hypnotic pattern changes.
Scoping review maps what is known about cannabis effects in older adults ↗
Scoping review finds growing cannabis use among older adults but limited evidence on age-specific safety, efficacy, and drug interaction concerns.
Most Pennsylvania clinicians felt unprepared to discuss medical cannabis with patients ↗
Survey of 344 Pennsylvania clinicians found most felt insufficiently trained and uncomfortable discussing medical cannabis with patients.
Cannabinoids for Psoriasis: How Plant Compounds Might Calm an Overactive Skin Immune System ↗
Cannabinoids — especially CBD — show biological rationale for treating psoriasis through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, but clinical evidence in human patients remains minimal.
Many Americans still believe marijuana effectively treats glaucoma despite limited evidence ↗
Survey reveals widespread public belief that marijuana effectively treats glaucoma, contrasting with ophthalmological consensus that it is impractical for this use.
Medical cannabis authorization was linked to higher risk of emergency visits for depression ↗
Propensity-matched study found medical cannabis authorization associated with increased ED visits and hospitalization for depressive disorders.
Review examines the evidence for medical cannabis in hand surgery pain management ↗
Review finds growing interest in medical cannabis for hand surgery pain but limited specific evidence, with opioid-sparing potential as the main driver.
Cannabis use increased among Americans with various disabilities and health conditions from 2015-2019 ↗
Analysis of 214,505 US adults found cannabis use rising from 2015-2019 across disabilities and health conditions, exceeding general population rates.
Clinical trial tested how CBD changes THC effects when taken together orally ↗
Randomized trial found CBD dose-dependently altered THC blood levels and effects when co-administered orally in healthy adults.
Review covers how plant and body-made cannabinoids affect brain diseases ↗
Review examines how plant and endogenous cannabinoids affect CNS diseases, finding diverse pharmacological activities with varying levels of clinical evidence.
CBD did not significantly improve gastroparesis symptoms over placebo in a controlled trial ↗
Randomized trial found 4 weeks of pharmaceutical CBD did not significantly improve symptoms in idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis versus placebo.
Randomized trial tested THC, CBD, and their combination for peripheral neuropathic pain ↗
Four-arm randomized trial compared CBD, THC, CBD/THC combination, and placebo capsules for peripheral neuropathic pain.
Many older California adults hesitated to tell their doctors about medical cannabis use ↗
Mixed-methods study found many older California adults hesitated to disclose medical cannabis use to doctors due to stigma and fear of judgment.
Cannabis use linked to higher complication rates after breast implant reconstruction ↗
In a study of 243 breast reconstruction patients, 12 active cannabis users had significantly more infections, reoperations, and ER visits, though the small sample size limits conclusions.
How cannabis affects the gut: from antiemetic benefits to cannabinoid hyperemesis ↗
Review of cannabis and GI health found FDA-approved antiemetic benefits but also links to hyperemesis syndrome in heavy users, questioning whether CHS is truly distinct from cyclic vomiting.
Systematic review finds cannabis entourage effect from terpenes remains unproven ↗
Systematic review found individual cannabis terpenes have exploratory therapeutic benefits, but the synergistic entourage effect with cannabinoids remains unproven.
Review of cannabinoid treatments for autism spectrum disorder symptoms ↗
Review of cannabinoid treatments for autism found encouraging but mixed evidence from clinical trials, with good safety profiles but not enough data to recommend CBD for ASD.
Cannabis hyperemesis triggered dangerous blood pressure spikes in a patient with adrenal tumor ↗
Case report described how cannabis hyperemesis caused violent retching that compressed a patient's adrenal tumor, triggering dangerous blood pressure spikes requiring ICU care.
Canadian medical cannabis registrations declined after recreational legalization ↗
After Canada legalized recreational cannabis, medical registrations dropped but remaining patients bought more per purchase, suggesting casual users left while committed patients stayed.
Black cancer patients more likely to view cannabis as more effective than opioids for pain ↗
Survey of 1,220 cancer patients found Black patients less likely to use opioids and 2.5x more likely to view cannabis as more effective, though socioeconomic factors partly explained the difference.
Three patterns of medicinal cannabis use emerged among young LA adults after recreational legalization ↗
Study of LA young adults found 40% of medical cannabis patients used recreationally, with these groups showing increasing mental health symptoms and problematic use over time.
Little evidence that cannabis harms cognition in people with HIV ↗
Systematic review found little evidence that cannabis harms cognition in people with HIV, with potential anti-inflammatory benefits and effects varying by cognitive domain.
Canadian medical cannabis patients who kept authorization had better outcomes than unauthorized users ↗
Survey of 5,433 Canadians found medical cannabis authorization associated with fewer side effects, better dosing knowledge, more regulated sources, and more professional guidance.
Medical marijuana cardholders had less antiemetic overuse during cancer chemotherapy ↗
Arkansas data showed cancer patients with medical marijuana cards had 24% lower odds of antiemetic overuse during chemotherapy, suggesting cannabis may support more appropriate prescribing.
How cancer patients use cannabis during active treatment ↗
Survey found 41% of cancer patients used cannabis during active treatment, with depression and pain as top reasons, and 13% unsure what cannabinoid they were consuming.
Medical cannabis improved quality of life and comorbidities in Tourette's syndrome patients ↗
Registry study of 70 Tourette's patients found medical cannabis improved quality of life and sleep but did not significantly reduce tics, with mild side effects.
Cannabis extract relieved neuropathic pain in rats comparably to gabapentin ↗
Two cannabis extracts matched gabapentin for neuropathic pain relief in rats, with complex effects on brain cannabinoid receptors that varied by region and dose.
Health system developed method to track medical marijuana use in patient records ↗
Pennsylvania health system found medical marijuana documentation captured conditions and products well (93%) but dosage poorly (31%), highlighting gaps in clinical cannabis tracking.
Clinical guidelines for using cannabis in chronic pain management ↗
Evidence-based guidelines found moderate support for cannabinoids in chronic pain, with benefits for sleep, anxiety, and conditions like MS and fibromyalgia. Emphasize patient education and collaborative dosing.
Medical cannabis patients reported mixed effects from recreational legalization ↗
Survey of 505 medical patients found recreational legalization reduced stigma and legal stress but increased prices, with mixed effects on product accessibility.
US medical cannabis registries rarely track safety outcomes or patient demographics ↗
Analysis found US medical cannabis registries focus on patient counts and sales data while largely failing to track safety outcomes, demographics, or therapeutic benefits.
63% of medical cannabis users with rheumatic conditions substituted it for other medications ↗
Survey of 763 rheumatic disease patients found 63% substituted medical cannabis for other medications, most commonly NSAIDs and opioids, reporting fewer side effects.
US medical cannabis enrollment grew 33% but declined in states with recreational access ↗
US medical cannabis grew to 4.1 million patients by 2022 but declined in recreational states, with increasing use for conditions without strong evidence support.
Review of how cannabis affects the eyes: adverse effects and possible treatments ↗
Review found cannabis causes several adverse eye effects including impaired night vision and corneal changes, while debunking its use for glaucoma and identifying potential treatments for blepharospasm and dry eye.
Emergency department guidelines for managing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ↗
First GRADE-based emergency department guidelines for CHS recommend haloperidol/droperidol and topical capsaicin alongside standard antiemetics, though evidence certainty remains very low.
ASCO guideline on cannabis use for adults with cancer ↗
First ASCO guideline on cannabis in cancer advises against using it as a cancer treatment outside trials, but notes it may help with chemotherapy nausea that does not respond to standard antiemetics.
Cannabis-positive spine surgery patients used more opioids postoperatively ↗
Among 353 spine surgery patients, those who tested THC-positive preoperatively consumed more opioids over 90 days than THC-negative patients, with the highest consumption in multi-drug users.
Pregnant cannabis users and clinicians want the same conversation but rarely have it ↗
Interviews with 75 clinicians and pregnant women in Canada found both groups want open, evidence-based cannabis counseling, but patients reported that real-world clinical encounters consistently fell short.
Trauma patients who tested positive for THC used more than twice the opioids during hospitalization ↗
Trauma patients with pre-hospital THC exposure used 2.5 times more opioids during hospitalization than THC-negative patients, though they also had higher injury severity and more co-occurring substance use.
Hospital breastfeeding policies for cannabis-using mothers are highly inconsistent across the US ↗
Survey of 69 US hospitals found highly variable breastfeeding policies for cannabis-using mothers, with 16% restricting breastfeeding and no consistent link between policies and state legalization or provider knowledge.
Cannabis side effects in cancer patients most commonly affect the nervous system and mind ↗
Scoping review of 152 studies found nervous system, psychiatric, and GI effects were the most common cannabis-related adverse events in cancer patients, with significant under-reporting across the literature.
Medical cannabinoids in children linked to more side effects, especially liver enzyme elevation and drowsiness ↗
JAMA Pediatrics meta-analysis of 23 RCTs with 3,612 young patients found medical cannabinoids associated with 3x more treatment withdrawals, 5.7x higher liver enzyme elevations, and 2.3x more drowsiness versus placebo.
Droperidol plus diphenhydramine rapidly improved CHS symptoms in the emergency department ↗
Prospective study of 47 CHS patients found droperidol plus diphenhydramine reduced nausea scores from 8.3 to 1.4 and pain from 7.8 to 1.7 within 2 hours, with 12.9% returning to the ED within a week.
Medicinal cannabis did not improve depression or anxiety in cancer patients but did help appetite ↗
Meta-analysis of 15 studies found medicinal cannabis had no effect on depression, anxiety, or stress in cancer patients, but increased appetite 12-fold. Higher THC doses doubled the likelihood of anxiety events.
Mood and anxiety disorder patients reported both benefits and worsening from cannabis, rarely consulting doctors ↗
Qualitative interviews with 36 cannabis-using mood/anxiety patients found most continued for symptom relief despite recognizing cognitive dysfunction and worsening mood over time, rarely consulting doctors about their use.
75% of autistic children stayed on CBD-rich cannabis treatment for 6 months with substantial reported benefits ↗
Mixed-methods study of 87 autistic children found 75% adhered to 6-month CBD-rich cannabis treatment with mild side effects and substantial reported benefits, though dosing complexity and unrealistic expectations were barriers for some families.
Cannabis use disorder was linked to more complications after spine fusion surgery but also less opioid dependence ↗
Analysis of 177,636 spine fusion patients found cannabis use disorder was linked to higher neurological, wound, and cardiac complications but also decreased opioid dependence after surgery.
Meta-analysis found cannabis use disorder linked to more complications and higher costs after hip and knee replacements ↗
Meta-analysis of nearly 18 million joint replacement patients found cannabis use disorder associated with 33-106% higher odds of various surgical complications including cardiac events, infections, and implant failure.
Medical cannabis patients had a 38% higher risk of psychosis-related ER visits compared to matched controls in Ontario ↗
Ontario study matching 54,006 medical cannabis patients to 161,265 controls found a 38% higher risk of psychosis-related ER visits, increasing to 63% for those with no prior psychosis history.
Medical cannabis reduced symptoms throughout the day in older adults but the relief pattern may drive problematic use ↗
An EMA study of 106 older adults found medical cannabis reduced pain, mood, nausea, and trauma symptoms throughout the day, but the use-then-relief pattern was linked to developing cannabis use disorder symptoms.
Most primary care providers did not routinely ask older adults about medical cannabis despite completing cannabis education courses ↗
A survey of 575 cannabis-educated providers found most did not routinely ask older adult patients about medical cannabis, significantly less often than they asked about alcohol or tobacco.
An estimated 1.8 million UK adults use illicit cannabis to self-treat chronic health conditions despite legal medical options ↗
UK survey estimated 1.77 million adults use illicit cannabis to self-treat chronic health conditions, despite legal medical cannabis being available since 2018, highlighting barriers to accessing prescribed products.
Researchers created an 8-item questionnaire to screen for problematic medical cannabis use focused on negative consequences ↗
A new 8-item screening tool for problematic medical cannabis use was developed from 390 chronic pain patients, focusing on negative consequences rather than dependence criteria, with excellent reliability.
CBD oil extract reduced anxiety symptoms in most patients over 12 months in a Colombian clinic ↗
A Colombian case series of 24 patients found 12 months of CBD oil (100-120 mg/day) reduced significant anxiety from 100% to 37.5% and improved sleep disturbances from 47% to 12.5%, with no significant adverse effects.
Low-dose medical cannabis as a tea reduced fibromyalgia pain from 8 to 4 on a 10-point scale over 6 months ↗
Pilot study of 30 fibromyalgia patients found low-dose cannabis tea (100 mg/day Bedrocan) reduced pain from 8/10 to 4/10 over 6 months with improvements in physical and mental health quality of life.
About 1 in 6 Italian MS patients used unprescribed cannabis, mostly for medical reasons, often without telling their doctor ↗
Italian survey of 2,024 MS patients found 15.5% used unprescribed cannabis (often for medical reasons), but only 36% disclosed use to their doctor, with 41% of non-users expressing willingness to try it.
Cannabis use in IBD patients was linked to more ER visits, hospitalizations, and opioid use but not more surgeries or deaths ↗
Population study found IBD patients who used cannabis had 2x more ER visits, 1.9x more hospitalizations, and higher opioid use than non-users, but no increase in surgery or death.
Most neurologists treating Parkinson's patients were unaware of contaminants in medical cannabis products ↗
Survey found 65% of neurologists treating Parkinson's patients were unaware of contaminants in cannabis products, despite PD patients using cannabis at rates 1.5-2x higher than the general population.
Oral THC:CBD capsules tripled the rate of complete response for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a randomized trial ↗
Phase II/III RCT of 147 cancer patients found THC:CBD capsules tripled complete response for chemotherapy nausea from 8% to 24% versus placebo, with manageable side effects.
UK medical cannabis patients with inflammatory bowel disease reported improvements over 18 months ↗
An 18-month UK registry study of 116 IBD patients found cannabis-based products were associated with improvements in disease-specific quality of life, anxiety, and sleep.
How THC and CBD capsules move through the body in multiple sclerosis patients with pain ↗
A pharmacokinetic substudy of 23 MS patients found oral THC and CBD capsules showed wide individual variation in blood levels, with profiles similar to healthy volunteers.
Prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain linked to doubled arrhythmia risk in Danish nationwide study ↗
A Danish nationwide study found prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain was associated with doubled risk of new-onset arrhythmia within 180 days, though no link to heart attacks was found.
Most women with IBD were unsure about cannabis risks during pregnancy and rarely discussed it with doctors ↗
A survey of 102 women with IBD found nearly 19% used cannabis, but most were unsure about pregnancy risks and very few had discussed cannabis use with their doctors.
Cannabis use among IBD patients more than doubled after Canadian legalization ↗
A Canadian study found cannabis use among IBD patients more than doubled after legalization (41% of CD, 31% of UC), but users had worse symptoms and quality of life.
Heart transplant programs disagree on how to handle cannabis use, with state legality shaping policies ↗
A survey of 140 transplant clinicians revealed significant disagreement on cannabis policies for heart transplant listing, with state legality strongly influencing program practices.
Sativex prescriptions in England slowly increased over a decade but remain uncommon ↗
NHS prescribing data showed Sativex prescriptions for MS rose slightly from 2013 to 2022, but remained very low at about 5 per 100,000 people annually.
Older veterans using medical cannabis reported improved pain and sleep, with some reducing opioid use ↗
A longitudinal survey of older US veterans in a medical cannabis program found improved pain and sleep outcomes, with 44% of opioid co-users stopping opioids at follow-up.
Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients reported improved quality of life within 30 days ↗
A 90-day study of 103 Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients found rapid quality of life improvements in physical functioning, emotional well-being, and pain within the first month.
Cannabis use among CVS hospitalizations was linked to shorter stays and fewer readmissions, possibly due to CHS misclassification ↗
A nationwide study of 35,055 cyclical vomiting hospitalizations found cannabis use associated with shorter stays and fewer readmissions, likely because some cases were misclassified cannabinoid hyperemesis.
Only 10% of physicians had ever authorized medical cannabis, citing low knowledge and competence ↗
A physician survey found only 10% had authorized medical cannabis, with discussions heavily focused on risks (63%) rather than practical guidance like dosing (6%) or harm reduction (25%).
Short-term cannabis products may reduce a marker of bone breakdown in healthy adults ↗
Two Phase 1 trials of 83 healthy adults found one week of oral cannabis products reduced a marker of bone resorption, the first human evidence that cannabinoids may affect bone turnover.
Palliative care cancer patients interested in medical cannabis had very low risk of drug dependence ↗
Screening of 182 palliative care cancer patients found none met high-risk criteria for drug dependence, suggesting substance use screening may not be warranted in this population.
40% of Epidiolex prescriptions in the US were for off-label conditions, with common drug interactions ↗
Analysis of 4,214 US Epidiolex prescriptions found 40% were off-label (sleep, anxiety, mood, autism), with nearly half of patients co-prescribed interacting benzodiazepines.
Instagram posts about medical cannabis mostly focus on advertising, but personal stories get the most engagement ↗
Analysis of 1,466 Instagram posts found cannabis content dominated by advertising, with personal experience stories generating the highest engagement.
CBD/THC extract showed no clear benefit for Parkinson's motor symptoms in a short trial, and may have worsened sleep and cognition ↗
Two-week RCT of 61 Parkinson's patients found no significant motor benefit from high-CBD/low-THC cannabis extract vs. placebo, with possible worsening of cognition and sleep.
Where Things Stand With Synthetic Cannabinoid Pain Medications ↗
A review found that FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids dronabinol and nabilone show some analgesic promise but lack strong clinical evidence for pain treatment.
Does Recreational Cannabis Use Affect Bone Density? ↗
A systematic review found only four studies on recreational cannabis and bone density, with conflicting results.
A Clinical Trial Testing Whether a High-CBD Cannabis Oil Affects Thinking and Mood ↗
A placebo-controlled trial found that a single dose of a high-CBD medicinal cannabis oil mildly impaired some memory tasks while improving mood in 31 healthy adults.
CBD Dramatically Improved Seizures, Sleep, and Language in a Rare Genetic Epilepsy Case ↗
A woman with a rare genetic epilepsy experienced major improvements in seizures, sleep, mood, language, and motor skills after starting off-label CBD treatment.
What Preclinical Evidence Says About CBD for Alzheimer's Disease ↗
Lab and animal studies show CBD may protect against Alzheimer's-related neurodegeneration, but no controlled human trials have been conducted.
How Cannabis Adverse Events Changed After Canada Legalized Recreational Use ↗
A study of 18,285 Canadian cannabis users found similar adverse event rates before and after legalization, but ER visits increased while edible-related problems decreased.
Can Cannabinoids Help Treat Alcohol Use Disorder? ↗
A review found that the endocannabinoid system modulates alcohol reward, suggesting cannabinoids could help treat alcohol use disorder, but concurrent use carries additional risks.
Medical Cannabis Extracts Protected Brain Cells From Alzheimer's-Related Damage in Lab Tests ↗
Lab tests showed THC/THCA-dominant cannabis extracts protected brain cells from Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta toxicity, but not by preventing plaque formation.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Hospitalizations Rose After Massachusetts Legalization ↗
CHS hospitalizations increased fivefold after Massachusetts cannabis legalization, with hospital stays tripling and costs more than doubling per admission.
How CBD Fights Cancer Cells: A Review of the Molecular Mechanisms ↗
A review found CBD shows anti-cancer properties through multiple molecular pathways that trigger cancer cell death.
Can Cannabinoids Help With CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, a Severe Genetic Epilepsy? ↗
While CBD works for several genetic epilepsies, evidence for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder remains largely anecdotal.
CBD-Dominant Cannabis Extract Improved Multiple Symptoms in Children With Moderate to Severe Autism ↗
CBD-dominant cannabis extract improved communication, attention, and behavior while reducing aggression in 30 children with moderate-severe autism.
A Clinician's Guide to Diagnosing and Treating Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
A clinical review highlights that CHS is under-diagnosed, resists standard anti-nausea drugs, and requires abstinence for long-term resolution.
Nurses Feel Underprepared to Care for Patients Using Medicinal Cannabis ↗
Australian nurses want to discuss medicinal cannabis with patients but feel underprepared, highlighting education gaps.
Cannabinoid receptor complexes are elevated in the brains of people with multiple sclerosis ↗
First identification of cannabinoid receptor complexes (CB1-GPR55 and CB2-GPR55) in human brain tissue, with significant upregulation in multiple sclerosis patients.
Cannabis users are more physically active than non-users, especially in states with legal recreational cannabis ↗
Large national survey finds cannabis users are 24% more likely to be physically active, with the strongest association in states with legal recreational cannabis.
A single education session significantly improved hospital staff knowledge about medical marijuana ↗
A single educational session on medical marijuana significantly improved knowledge across all provider types, while chart review revealed 83% of marijuana-using patients had potential drug interactions.
Four weeks without cannabis reversed brain network changes and improved cognition in people with MS ↗
Four weeks of cannabis abstinence restored default mode network activity and improved cognition across multiple domains in people with MS who were frequent users.
Medical cannabis products show real benefits for chronic pain and spasticity with manageable side effects ↗
Narrative review finds strongest evidence for THC-based medical cannabis in chronic neuropathic pain and balanced THC/CBD products for MS spasticity, with manageable side effects and low dependence risk.
Surgeons need to know their patients use cannabis because it affects every phase of surgical care ↗
JAMA review finds cannabis use affects every surgical care phase from anesthesia dosing to wound healing and drug interactions, yet most patients do not disclose use to surgeons.
Cannabinoids have complex effects on kidneys, with synthetic versions posing the greatest danger ↗
Review finds natural cannabinoids may protect kidneys through CB2 activation and help prevent stones, while synthetic cannabinoids pose serious acute kidney injury risk.
CBD shows promise for gut and lung diseases but its poor absorption remains a major barrier ↗
Review finds CBD shows strong preclinical promise for gut and lung diseases, but its poor absorption and metabolism create a major gap between lab results and real-world clinical outcomes.
Comprehensive evidence map finds medical cannabis most effective for pain, spasticity, and seizures ↗
Evidence map of 194 studies found medical cannabis showed positive effects in 57% of treatment descriptions across 71 health outcomes, with strongest support for pain, seizures, and spasticity.
One in six Canadian adults uses cannabis for sleep, with young adults and men most likely to reach for it ↗
National Canadian survey finds 15.6% of adults use cannabis for sleep, surpassing prescription medication use, with young men most likely to choose cannabis.
A cannabis extract reduced inflammatory pain in rats without the behavioral disruption caused by THC alone ↗
A non-euphoric cannabis extract reduced inflammatory pain in rats without the behavioral impairment caused by THC or synthetic cannabinoids, supporting the entourage effect.
Cannabis-based medicine for tic disorders did not impair driving and may have actually improved it ↗
Randomized trial found nabiximols for tic disorders did not impair driving and improved it in 42% of patients who were initially unfit to drive.
Practical guide finds growing evidence for cannabinoids in autism, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD ↗
Clinical review finds growing evidence for cannabinoids in autism, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD, with practical dosing: start 1-2.5 mg THC/day, target 10-20 mg.
UK medical cannabis patients with MS reported improved quality of life across multiple domains over six months ↗
UK registry data from 141 MS patients found prescribed cannabis products improved quality of life across cognitive, physical, emotional, and social domains over six months.
Real-World Cannabis Drug Interactions: A Systematic Review Found 31 Documented Cases with Serious Medications ↗
Systematic review found 31 documented cases of serious drug interactions between cannabis and narrow-therapeutic-index medications — likely a vast undercount of the true burden.
Cannabis Legalization Showed No Clear Effect on Opioid Prescriptions or Overdose Deaths ↗
Rigorous 15-year analysis found cannabis legalization had no significant effect on opioid prescriptions or deaths overall.
Review of Cannabinoids for Multiple Sclerosis and the Emerging Field of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine ↗
Review examines cannabinoids' disease-modification potential in MS and nano-cannabinoid drug delivery.
Switzerland's Legal Tension Between Medical Cannabis and Zero-Tolerance Driving Laws ↗
Switzerland's 2022 medical cannabis deregulation conflicts with zero-tolerance THC driving laws, creating legal uncertainty for prescribed patients.
How the Endocannabinoid System Affects Liver Disease ↗
Review finds the endocannabinoid system has opposing effects in liver disease: CB1 promotes fibrosis while CB2 inhibits it, suggesting targeted cannabinoid therapies could help.
Most Online Cannabis Health Information Accessed by Thai Breast Cancer Survivors Is Poor Quality ↗
Study found most online cannabis health content accessed by Thai breast cancer survivors was poor quality, with alternative medicine providers producing the most misleading information.
Prescription CBD Helped About 1 in 4 Adults with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy, Regardless of Epilepsy Type ↗
Pharmaceutical CBD helped about 25-29% of adults with various drug-resistant epilepsies in French epilepsy centers, with no difference in response between epilepsy types.
Could Cannabinoids Help Recovery After Open-Heart Surgery? ↗
Review of preclinical evidence suggests cannabinoids, especially CBD, could help manage pain, inflammation, and tissue damage after open-heart surgery.
Arthritis Patients Who Used Cannabinoids Reported Less Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue ↗
Survey of 290 arthritis patients found about 15% used cannabinoids, reporting significant pain reduction with minimal side effects, though placebo effects cannot be ruled out.
Most Peruvian Medical Cannabis Patients Knew About Consumption Methods But Had Knowledge Gaps ↗
Survey of 86 Peruvian medical cannabis patients found reasonable knowledge about consumption but gaps in understanding risks, regulations, and safety.
Cannabis Shows Promise for Inflammatory Bowel Disease But Needs Larger Clinical Trials ↗
Review finds cannabis interacts with receptors throughout the gut to reduce inflammation and symptoms in IBD, but larger controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Systematic Review Finds Very Limited Evidence for Cannabinoids in Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Disorders ↗
Systematic review found only 18 studies (just 1 RCT) on cannabinoids for child/adolescent neuropsychiatric disorders across 4,466 screened.
First NHS-Reimbursed Cannabis Prescription for Cancer Chemotherapy Nausea ↗
A cancer patient who failed 5 standard antiemetics became the first known NHS-reimbursed recipient of cannabis flowers for chemotherapy nausea.
Systematic Review Finds Mixed Results for Cannabis in PTSD, With Possible Benefits for Specific Symptom Clusters ↗
Systematic review of 14 studies found mixed evidence for cannabis in PTSD overall, but possible benefits for re-experiencing and arousal symptoms. CUD patients consistently showed worse outcomes.
AGA Clinical Practice Update Provides Expert Guidance on Diagnosing and Managing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
The AGA issued its first clinical practice update on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, providing peer-reviewed expert guidance on diagnosis and management.
Systematic Review Finds Limited Evidence for CHS Treatments, With Dopamine Antagonists Showing More Promise Than Capsaicin ↗
Systematic review found mixed evidence for capsaicin and potentially beneficial evidence for dopamine antagonists (haloperidol, droperidol) in treating CHS in the emergency department.
Florida Medical Cannabis Patients Use It Primarily for Anxiety, Pain, and Depression, With Most Reporting Improvement ↗
Survey of 632 Florida medical cannabis patients found top uses were anxiety (61%), pain (44%), and depression (40%), with 95-98% reporting improvement, but many used it beyond qualifying conditions.
Canadian Doctors Feel Unprepared to Authorize Medical Cannabis ↗
Interviews with 12 Canadian primary care providers found significant knowledge gaps and low confidence in medical cannabis authorization, with lack of guidelines as the key barrier.
Medical Cannabis May Work Less Well for People With Nociplastic Pain ↗
Study of 1,213 medical cannabis patients found those with higher nociplastic pain scores reported less pain relief and more side effects from cannabis, despite substituting it for more other medications.
Cannabis-Based Medicine Reduced Tic Severity in Tourette Syndrome ↗
Meta-analysis of 9 studies (401 patients) found cannabis-based medicine significantly reduced tic severity and premonitory urges in Tourette syndrome, though evidence remains limited.
Cannabis Use Disorder Did Not Worsen Outcomes After ACL Surgery ↗
Matched-cohort study of 208 ACL reconstruction patients found no significant differences in opioid use or recovery outcomes between those with and without cannabis use disorder.
How Patients and Doctors Discuss Cannabis Through Hospital Messaging Systems ↗
Analysis of ~383,000 patient portal messages found cannabis discussions shifted from drug screening concerns to patients seeking medical marijuana access after Pennsylvania legalized medical use.
The Cannabis "Entourage Effect" Lacks Strong Scientific Evidence ↗
Critical review found the cannabis "entourage effect," widely promoted in marketing, lacks strong scientific evidence as a stable and predictable phenomenon, cautioning against premature acceptance.
Nearly Half of Fibromyalgia Patients at Mayo Clinic Had Used Cannabis for Symptoms ↗
Mayo Clinic survey of 1,336 fibromyalgia patients found nearly half used cannabis, primarily for pain (82% reported improvement), fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
Medicinal Cannabis for Sleep Did Not Impair Next-Day Driving or Cognition ↗
Crossover trial found no meaningful next-day impairment in cognition, psychomotor function, or simulated driving after adults with insomnia took 10mg THC + 200mg CBD oil the previous evening.
Oral THC Drug Tests Were Mostly Negative by Morning After Evening Medicinal Cannabis ↗
Trial found oral fluid THC tests were mostly negative just 30 minutes after oral medicinal cannabis (poor sensitivity) and completely negative by 10 and 18 hours, suggesting low next-morning detection risk.
CBD Oil Was Safe and Well-Tolerated for Long COVID Symptoms in Small Trial ↗
Small feasibility trial found CBD-dominant cannabis oil was safe and well-tolerated over 21 weeks in 12 long COVID patients, with no serious adverse events and 100% adherence.
Cannabis in Cancer Care: Strongest Evidence for Nausea and Vomiting ↗
Scoping review of 35 studies found cannabinoids in cancer care most studied for nausea/vomiting (77%), with far less evidence for appetite, pain, and tumor effects.
Adding Cannabis to Oxycodone for Fibromyalgia Offered No Advantage and Was Poorly Tolerated ↗
Fibromyalgia RCT found cannabis combined with oxycodone reduced opioid intake by 35% but offered no advantage in pain or side effects, with one-third of cannabis users dropping out.
Cannabinoid Medicines Are Generally Safe for Older Adults, With Dose-Dependent Side Effects ↗
Meta-analysis of 58 RCTs in adults 50+ found cannabinoid medicines increase common side effects dose-dependently but do not significantly increase serious adverse events, withdrawals, or deaths.
Medical Marijuana Patients Report Sustained Relief From GI Symptoms Over One Year ↗
Medical marijuana patients reported significant relief from gastrointestinal symptoms at every survey point over a 12-month period, with mild to moderate side effects.
Cannabis May Help Protect the Gut Lining During Cancer Treatment ↗
Review outlines how medicinal cannabis could protect gut mucosal barriers during cancer treatment, potentially addressing the cascade of symptoms from mucositis through the endocannabinoid system.
Adding Medical Cannabis to Opioids Reduced Pain in Hospice Patients With Few Side Effects ↗
Adding CBD-dominant cannabis to scheduled opioids in 66 hospice patients produced statistically significant pain reduction (p = .003) with only 4.5% experiencing minor side effects.
After Getting Medical Cannabis Certification, 41% of Pain Patients Never Actually Used It ↗
Among 225 chronic pain patients on opioids certified for medical cannabis, 41% never used it within 3 months, with race, pain distribution, and existing substance use predicting who followed through.
CBD for Tooth Extraction Pain: A Tiny Pilot Trial Shows It's Feasible to Study ↗
Pilot trial of oral CBD after tooth extraction (n=8) established that the trial protocol is feasible — setting up a larger study to determine whether CBD actually works for dental pain.
Medical Cannabis Has Passed Peak Hype and Is Moving Toward Realistic Clinical Application ↗
Review frames medical cannabis through the Hype Cycle: past peak enthusiasm, now moving toward selective use with realistic goals, standardized products, and head-to-head comparisons.
One in Six Eye Clinic Patients Used Cannabis Recently, and Nearly Half With Glaucoma Wanted to Try It ↗
Survey of 134 eye clinic patients found 15.7% used cannabis recently, with nearly half of glaucoma patients interested in trying it, raising concerns about IOP measurement accuracy.
10 'Minor' Cannabinoids Tested for Pain Relief: THCP and CBC Were the Most Potent ↗
Systematic testing of 10 minor cannabinoids on pain neurons found THCP and CBC most potent at reducing pain signaling — expanding the analgesic toolkit beyond THC and CBD.
High-CBD Extract Reduced Arthritis Severity in Two Mouse Models and Suppressed Human Immune Cell Inflammation ↗
High-CBD extract reduced inflammatory cytokines from human immune cells and lessened arthritis severity in two mouse models of RA — the most complete preclinical package yet for cannabinoids in rheumatoid arthritis.
Medical Cannabis and Drug Interactions in Seniors: Real-World Data from 12,599 Patients Shows Low but Real Risk ↗
Study of 12,599 Ontario seniors found those taking both medical cannabis and warfarin had higher bleeding rates — the first population-level evidence of clinical harm from cannabis drug interactions.
19 States Allow Medical Cannabis for Alzheimer's Agitation — Despite Almost No Evidence It Works ↗
19 U.S. states list Alzheimer's as a medical cannabis qualifying condition, but <1% of certifications are for AD, and clinical evidence supporting cannabis for dementia agitation is sparse.
Cancer Patients Have Lower Endocannabinoid Levels — and Exercise Boosts Them in Both Cancer Patients and Healthy Adults ↗
Cancer patients had lower baseline endocannabinoid levels, but 30 minutes of moderate exercise boosted endocannabinoids in both cancer patients and healthy controls — along with increased happiness.
Parents Are Giving Kids Unapproved CBD Products — Here's What Clinicians Need to Know ↗
Parents are increasingly giving children unregulated CBD products despite FDA approval only for specific epilepsy — with concerns about product quality, drug interactions, and absent pediatric evidence.
An Interdisciplinary Cannabis Training Program Improved Healthcare Trainees' Confidence ↗
345 healthcare trainees across four disciplines completed a cannabis education program; 96% reported improved ability to counsel patients.
Babies Exposed to Cannabis in the Womb Had Smaller Brain Volume in Their First Month of Life ↗
Neonatal MRI found lower total brain volume in infants exposed to cannabis in utero — in a carefully controlled study excluding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug exposure.
A Pilot Study Found Dronabinol for Sickle Cell Pain Is Feasible and Safe ↗
Pilot trial with 6 sickle cell patients showed dronabinol for pain is feasible and safe. A larger parallel trial is underway.
Low-Dose THC-CBD Extract Showed Cognitive Benefit in 26-Week Alzheimer's Trial ↗
Longest cannabinoid trial in Alzheimer's: 26 weeks of very low-dose THC-CBD extract showed significantly higher cognitive scores vs placebo.
Medical Cannabis Patients Are Widely Using Minor Cannabinoids Like CBG, CBN, and Delta-8 ↗
Survey of 1,721 medical cannabis patients shows widespread use of delta-8 THC, THCA, CBG, and CBN. Most reported stopping at least one pharmaceutical.
Cannabis Use Disorder Affects 1.1% of Privately Insured Epilepsy Patients, With Young Men at Highest Risk ↗
Among 63,713 insured epilepsy patients, 1.1% had cannabis use disorder. Young adults 18-24 were at 5x the risk.
CBD Combined With Low-Dose THC Was Most Effective Against Migraine-Like Symptoms in Rats ↗
In rat migraine models, CBD combined with 0.3% THC provided the longest pain relief and was the only treatment reducing light sensitivity.
Meta-Analysis: Cannabinoids Improve Sleep Quality, But CBD Alone Does Not ↗
Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (1,077 patients): cannabinoids improve sleep quality, but the effect is driven by non-CBD formulations. CBD alone showed no benefit.
43% of Cystic Fibrosis Patients Surveyed Use Cannabis, Mostly for Medical Reasons ↗
Survey of 110 Canadian CF patients: 43% use cannabis, 85% for medical reasons (stress, insomnia, anxiety). Most rate it effective. Legalization reduced stigma.
Frequent Cannabis Users Are Less Likely to Get Breast and Prostate Cancer Screenings ↗
Analysis of 229,711 adults: frequent cannabis use linked to 30% lower breast and 40% lower prostate cancer screening adherence. No effect on cervical or colorectal screening.
Could the Endocannabinoid System Help Treat Malignant Hyperthermia? ↗
Review proposes endocannabinoid system modulation as potential adjunctive therapy for malignant hyperthermia, based on CB1-mediated calcium regulation in muscle.
Medical Cannabis Patients With Sleep Problems Saw Greater Pain Improvements Over 12 Months ↗
1,139 UK chronic pain patients on medical cannabis: those with sleep problems showed greater pain improvements over 12 months than those without.
CBD-Rich Cannabis Reduced Family Accommodation Burden for Parents of Autistic Children ↗
Open-label study: CBD-rich cannabis for autistic children reduced family accommodation burden and parental distress at 3 and 6 months.
CBD-Rich Cannabis Reduced Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviors in Autistic Children Over 6 Months ↗
65 autistic children on CBD-rich cannabis for 6 months: reduced anxiety and repetitive behaviors. Anxiety reduction predicted subsequent behavior improvement.
Heavy cannabis use linked to higher risk of erectile dysfunction and low testosterone ↗
A large US claims database study found men with cannabis abuse/dependence diagnoses had nearly four times the short-term risk of erectile dysfunction and double the risk of low testosterone compared to matched controls, though effects attenuated over longer follow-up.
Systematic review finds early evidence that CBD may help with oral pain and inflammation ↗
A systematic review of 7 clinical studies found topical CBD showed promise for oral pain, gum inflammation, and mouth sores with no serious side effects, though evidence remains preliminary due to small study sizes and varying methods.
Systematic review: medicinal cannabis may offer short-term mental health relief but is not a cure ↗
A systematic review of 49 controlled studies across 11 mental health diagnoses found CBD may offer short-term anxiety relief and CBD/THC combinations helped with cannabis withdrawal and sleep, but THC worsened psychosis and no long-lasting benefits were found for any product.
Review explores potential of medicinal cannabis for sickle cell disease complications ↗
A narrative review examines how the endocannabinoid system's roles in pain, inflammation, and vascular function make medicinal cannabis a potential therapeutic option for sickle cell disease, though clinical evidence is still very limited.
Full-spectrum cannabis extract protected gut and organs after stroke in rats ↗
Full-spectrum cannabis extract improved neurological function, protected gut barrier integrity, and reduced oxidative stress and lung inflammation in rats after induced stroke, showing broad protective effects beyond the brain.
Different CBD:THC ratio oils showed distinct benefits for fatty liver disease in rats ↗
A rat study comparing five cannabis oils found THC-rich formulations best reduced liver fat and damage while CBD-rich oils better lowered blood pressure, with 1:1 and 2:1 CBD:THC ratios offering benefits across multiple metabolic syndrome features.
90-day CBD-rich hemp extract study in rats found no major toxicity but flagged kidney and liver signals ↗
A 90-day rat safety study of CBD-rich hemp extract found no organ damage or behavioral changes at doses up to 35 mg/kg/day, but detected sex-dependent kidney and liver biomarker shifts, with CBD accumulating most in muscle, skin, and kidneys.
Low-dose cannabis edibles impaired verbal memory but not other cognitive functions in regular users ↗
A lab study of 22 regular users found cannabis edibles (mean 7.3 mg THC) impaired verbal memory but left executive function and visual attention intact, with blood THC levels failing to predict cognitive effects.
Highly purified CBD resolved two cases of life-threatening status epilepticus that resisted standard treatments ↗
Two patients with life-threatening status epilepticus that failed standard treatments achieved seizure resolution after adding highly purified CBD via nasogastric tube, with continued benefit at 6 months and no adverse events.
Medical cannabis users in Illinois opioid alternative program had similar psychological well-being as non-users ↗
Among 860 enrollees in Illinois' opioid alternative program, medical cannabis users and non-users reported similar levels of psychological well-being, suggesting cannabis substitution for opioids neither improved nor harmed overall mental wellness.
Medical cannabis did not significantly affect quality of life in Illinois opioid alternative program ↗
Quality of life averaged between "good" and "fair" for all 860 enrollees in Illinois' opioid alternative program, with no significant difference between medical cannabis users and non-users.
Review highlights safety concerns for cannabis users: mood, suicidality, heart effects, and drug interactions ↗
A narrative review outlines four key cannabis safety concerns for healthcare professionals: mood effects, suicidal ideation associations, cardiovascular effects, and drug interactions, areas where clinical awareness lags behind expanding legal access.
First trial of medicinal cannabis for tics in teenagers with Tourette syndrome ↗
The first trial of medicinal cannabis in teenagers with Tourette syndrome found significant improvements in tics, behavior, and quality of life, with tiredness as the most common side effect.
How cannabis prescriptions differ based on medical condition and patient demographics ↗
An Israeli clinic study found cannabis prescriptions varied by condition and sex: GI patients got the highest doses, men received more cannabis and higher THC content than women.
A small placebo-controlled trial of medicinal cannabis for Tourette tics in teenagers ↗
The first placebo-controlled trial of medicinal cannabis for Tourette syndrome in teenagers found the protocol was feasible, with some signal of benefit and dizziness as the most common side effect.
How the body processes a hemp-derived product containing both raw and activated cannabinoids ↗
A controlled study found raw cannabinoids (CBDA, THCA) achieved 19-25x higher blood levels than activated forms (CBD, THC), and even 7.2mg of THC in a full-spectrum product caused noticeable intoxication.
Combining CBD-rich cannabis oil with fish oil prevented nerve pain in rats ↗
Combining CBD-rich cannabis oil with omega-3 fish oil prevented nerve pain and protected against nerve damage in rats, suggesting a potential combination therapy for neuropathic pain.
CBD reduced seizures by 60% in children with severe epilepsy syndromes in the UK ↗
A UK early access program found pharmaceutical CBD reduced motor seizures by a median 60% at 12 months in 26 children with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, with 67% achieving at least 50% improvement.
Osteoarthritis patients with recorded cannabis use were prescribed more opioids, not fewer ↗
UK data from 662 osteoarthritis patients with recorded cannabis use showed they were 2x more likely to be prescribed opioids than matched non-users, though confounding likely explains much of this association.
Most Canadian rehab doctors see value in medical cannabis but few feel comfortable prescribing it ↗
A survey of 109 Canadian physiatrists found most see value in medical cannabis but only 31% feel comfortable prescribing it, with insufficient medical education as the primary barrier.
Medical cannabis improved pain, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life in complex regional pain syndrome patients ↗
A UK registry study of 64 CRPS patients found cannabis-based medicines improved pain severity, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life over 6 months, though the uncontrolled design limits conclusions.
Full-spectrum cannabis extracts reduced chronic pain by 50% or more in most patients in an open-label study ↗
An open-label study of 88 chronic pain patients found 58% achieved at least 50% pain reduction with full-spectrum cannabis, and 26% reduced or stopped other pain medications.
Cannabis use was associated with 40% lower risk of alcohol-related liver disease among heavy drinkers ↗
Among 33,000+ matched people with alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder was associated with 40% lower risk of alcohol-related liver disease and 14% lower mortality.
Medical cannabis in a residential recovery program showed promise for reducing cravings and substance use ↗
A pilot in a residential recovery program found clients and staff reported medical cannabis reduced cravings and managed symptoms.
Occupational medicine guideline says cannabis is not recommended for common workplace injuries and conditions ↗
ACOEM guideline found no quality evidence supporting cannabis for common work-related pain conditions and recommended against use in safety-sensitive positions.
First Look at Cyclic Vomiting and Cannabis Hyperemesis in Mexican Patients ↗
First analysis of cyclic vomiting and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome in Mexican patients found CHS patients had higher tobacco and alcohol use than CVS patients.
Medical Cannabis Patients Cut Opioid Use From 40mg to Under 3mg Daily Over One Year ↗
Chronic pain patients on medical cannabis reduced opioid use from 40mg to under 3mg daily over a year, but nearly half couldn't tolerate the cannabis treatment.
Parents Using Medical Cannabis: Helps With Parenting, But Stigma Creates Stress ↗
Qualitative study found medical cannabis helped parents manage symptoms and be more patient, but stigma and legal fears created tension in their parenting identity.
CBD Reduced Joint Pain in Breast Cancer Patients on Aromatase Inhibitors ↗
Phase 2 trial found CBD reduced aromatase inhibitor joint pain in 44% of breast cancer patients, with an average 2.36-point improvement among completers.
Nearly Half of Breast Cancer Patients in This Survey Used CBD ↗
Survey found nearly half of breast cancer patients used CBD, mainly for pain and insomnia, with mixed self-reported results.
FDA Study: 5.6% of Healthy Adults on CBD Developed Significant Liver Enzyme Elevations ↗
FDA trial found 5.6% of healthy adults on consumer-level CBD doses developed significant liver enzyme elevations in 28 days.
Older Chronic Pain Patients Starting Medical Cannabis Were More Likely to Later Start Opioids ↗
Older chronic pain patients starting medical cannabis were 54% more likely to begin long-term opioids the following year.
Pediatric Palliative Care Cannabis Clinic Saw Reduced Hospital Days and Medication Use ↗
Pediatric palliative care cannabis clinic saw reduced hospitalizations and polypharmacy across 46 patients.
Cannabis Compassion Clubs Created Harm Reduction Through Access, Safety, and Quality ↗
BC cannabis compassion clubs created harm reduction through structural (access, safety, quality) and operational (compassion, low-threshold) dimensions.
Cancer survivors with childhood trauma are much more likely to use cannabis ↗
Cancer survivors with four or more adverse childhood experiences had four times the odds of cannabis use, pointing to early trauma as a key factor in substance use patterns during survivorship.
Thiazide blood pressure medications have been unknowingly targeting the endocannabinoid system for decades ↗
Thiazide blood pressure medications have been unknowingly targeting the endocannabinoid system for over sixty years through the enzyme NAPE-PLD, generating protective anandamide signaling.
How the endocannabinoid system may drive fibromyalgia symptoms ↗
Emerging evidence suggests endocannabinoid system dysregulation may underlie fibromyalgia symptoms, potentially opening the door to targeted cannabinoid-based treatments.
Cannabidiolic acid outperformed riluzole as a neuroprotective treatment in an ALS mouse model ↗
CBDA was the most effective of five cannabinoids tested in ALS mice, outperforming standard medication riluzole in preserving motor neurons and shifting brain immune cells toward an anti-inflammatory state.
A Culturally Tailored Phone App for Cannabis Use Disorder in Black Adults: Proof-of-Concept Trial ↗
Culturally tailored mobile app for Black adults with cannabis use disorder showed strong feasibility and acceptability plus preliminary efficacy signals in a 50-person proof-of-concept RCT.
Marijuana use was the strongest predictor of dry mouth across all age groups in a dental clinic study ↗
In 1,600 dental patients, marijuana use was the single strongest predictor of dry mouth across all age groups, with 3.1 times higher risk.
CBD combined with a minor cannabinoid reduced colitis severity in mice through a specific receptor pathway ↗
A CBD:CBDV combination reduced colitis in mice by suppressing immune cell trafficking through CB2 receptors, providing mechanistic evidence for the entourage effect.
CBD reduced rheumatoid arthritis in rats by reshaping gut bacteria and boosting protective metabolites ↗
CBD reshaped gut bacteria in arthritic rats, boosting butyric acid and L-carnitine levels that reduced inflammation in immune cells and joint tissue.
Australian patients face major barriers accessing legal medicinal cannabis, pushing many to illicit markets ↗
Australian patients seeking medicinal cannabis face practitioner reluctance, high costs, and supply shortages, driving many to unregulated illicit sources despite legalization.
THC outperformed CBD for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain in a large real-world study ↗
In 751 cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, THC-dominant cannabis products produced significantly better symptom relief, daily functioning, and quality of life than CBD-dominant products.
Oral CBD slowed disease progression and improved cognitive deficits in ALS mice differently by sex ↗
Oral CBD delayed disease progression (by weight) and improved specific cognitive and social deficits in ALS mice in a sex-dependent manner, but did not rescue motor function.
Medical cannabis improved quality of life and reduced opioid use in people with substance use disorder ↗
In 34 UK patients with substance use disorder, medical cannabis improved anxiety, sleep, and quality of life while reducing prescribed opioid doses over six months, with good tolerability.
Israeli patients describe complex coping strategies around both the benefits and stigma of medical cannabis ↗
Israeli patients using medical cannabis for pain or PTSD described elaborate coping strategies for adverse effects and social stigma, including concealment, identity management, and building patient communities.
Oral CBD/CBG hemp extract reduced ulcerative colitis severity and pain in mice ↗
Oral hemp extract high in CBG and CBD reduced colonic damage and pain in a mouse ulcerative colitis model, supporting further investigation of cannabinoid combinations for IBD.
CBD and THC show promise for endometriosis symptoms but human evidence is lacking ↗
Literature review finds CBD showed anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in experimental endometriosis models, but human clinical evidence for cannabinoid treatment of endometriosis is essentially absent.
Five cannabinoids protected insulin-producing cells from damage caused by excess sugar and fat ↗
Five cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCV, CBC, CBG) protected insulin-producing cells from metabolic stress-induced death, with most also preserving cell function, suggesting potential relevance for type 2 diabetes.
A specific cannabinoid-terpene combination reduced cancer-promoting damage from acid reflux in esophageal cells ↗
A 1:5 CBG:Phytol combination reduced bile acid-induced DNA damage and mutagenicity in esophageal cells, while CB1 receptor expression correlated with esophageal cancer progression in patient tissue.
Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to More Complications After Wrist Fracture Surgery ↗
Among 13,405 wrist fracture surgery patients, those with cannabis use disorder had double the ER visit rate and higher readmission rates within 90 days.
Cannabis Users May Need More Sedation for GI Procedures ↗
Review found cannabis users often need higher sedation doses for endoscopy, with inhalation users facing extra airway risks like bronchospasm.
Health Professionals Became the Top Cannabis Information Source as Traditional Media Declined ↗
Longitudinal study of 5,053 US adults found health professionals became the top source for cannabis information while traditional media declined sharply.
Marijuana Users Had Higher Hip Dislocation Rates After Hip Replacement Surgery ↗
Among 3,308 matched hip replacement patients, marijuana users had higher dislocation rates but no difference in opioid use after surgery.
27% of Women with HIV Used Cannabis, with Half Varying Their Use Frequency Over Time ↗
Study of 1,246 women with HIV found 27% used cannabis (twice the national average), with half changing their use frequency over 18 months.
Combining THC and Opioids Did Not Improve Pain Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis ↗
Controlled trial of 21 knee OA patients found no pain benefit from combining synthetic THC with an opioid, and the combination caused more side effects.
Oral Cannabis Did Not Help Chemotherapy-Induced Nerve Pain in a Small Pilot Trial ↗
Pilot trial of 12 women found oral cannabis capsules (100 mg CBD/5 mg THC TID) did not outperform placebo for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain.
Does Medical Cannabis Help With Cancer Symptoms? A Rigorous Trial Says Mostly No ↗
A double-blind trial of 144 cancer patients found THC:CBD oil didn't improve overall symptoms vs. placebo—but pain scores did improve specifically.
About 1 in 10 Chronic Opioid Patients Tested Positive for THC ↗
Review of 244 urine screens from chronic opioid patients found 9.8% tested positive for THC, with inconsistent provider responses to positive results.
Scientists Built a Better CBD for Epilepsy—From Spearmint, Not Cannabis ↗
Researchers created CBD-like molecules from spearmint compounds that showed stronger anti-seizure effects than natural CBD in mouse models of epilepsy.
Dispensary Staff Recommended Topicals for Pain and Edibles for Sleep, Often Based on Personal Experience ↗
Secret shopper study of 35 Bay Area dispensaries found budtenders consistently recommended topicals for pain and edibles for sleep, based on personal experience.
What German Family Doctors Think About Cannabis Legalization ↗
Survey of 239 German physicians found most expected more cannabis use after legalization, but few screened patients for it or wanted training.
CBD for Epilepsy Types Beyond Its Approved Indications ↗
Off-label CBD treatment across 108 patients with various refractory epilepsies achieved 38.9% responder rate at three months, with tolerability similar to approved indications.
Best Treatments for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
Systematic review of 63 CHS cases found capsaicin cream, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines more effective than standard anti-nausea medications, leading to a proposed treatment algorithm.
Do Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Opioid Use After Cancer Surgery? ↗
After medical marijuana dispensaries opened, cancer surgery patients were less likely to receive strong opioid prescriptions—but just passing the law wasn't enough.
Capsaicin Cream Helped Treat Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome During Pregnancy ↗
Case report of a pregnant woman with CHS unresponsive to standard anti-emetics who improved significantly with topical capsaicin cream.
Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to More Opioid Prescriptions After Carpal Tunnel Surgery ↗
Matched cohort study found patients with cannabis-related disorders received more opioid prescriptions and had more ER visits after carpal tunnel surgery, with lower outpatient follow-up rates.
Louisiana Medical Marijuana Patients Report Less Pain and Fewer Prescription Painkillers ↗
Survey of 2,000+ Louisiana medical marijuana patients found average pain reduction of 3.4 points and evidence that MM substitutes for prescription painkillers.
German Cannabis Patients Use Much Higher THC Doses Than Expected ↗
Survey of 1,030 German cannabis patients found flower users consumed an average of 336 mg THC daily, nearly 20x more than those using other preparations, with implications for driving safety.
THC from Hemp-Fed Dairy Cows Transfers to Milk but Clears After Two Weeks ↗
Study found THC from hemp-fed dairy cows transfers to milk above safe levels, but a 12-day withdrawal period eliminates the risk for consumers.
Legalizing Smokable Medical Cannabis in Florida Sharply Increased THC Per Patient ↗
After Florida legalized smokable medical cannabis, weekly THC dispensed per patient increased 42% and continued rising, exceeding recommended daily dose thresholds.
Opioid-Cannabis Co-Users Are Younger, Lower Income, and More Psychologically Distressed ↗
National analysis found 15.2% of adults using opioids and/or cannabis co-used both, with co-users being younger, poorer, and more psychologically distressed than single-substance users.
American College of Physicians Issues New Guidance on Cannabis for Chronic Pain ↗
The American College of Physicians issued best practice advice telling clinicians to discuss cannabis benefits and harms with chronic pain patients, while identifying youth, pregnant patients, those with substance use disorders, and frail patients as groups where harms likely outweigh benefits.
App-Based Tracking Shows Cannabis May Temporarily Reduce Autism-Related Symptoms by 73% ↗
Self-identified autistic adults using a tracking app reported an average 73% reduction in symptom severity after cannabis use, with more severe symptoms showing greater improvement and no dose escalation over time.
Phase 3 Trial: Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Significantly Reduces Chronic Low Back Pain ↗
A phase 3 trial of 820 adults in Nature Medicine found full-spectrum cannabis extract VER-01 significantly reduced chronic low back pain vs. placebo, with effects sustained over 12 months and no dependence signals.
When Cannabis Vomiting Gets So Bad It Causes Brain Damage ↗
A woman developed brain damage from thiamine deficiency after 8 weeks of uncontrolled vomiting caused by cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—but recovered rapidly with treatment.
The Evidence for Cannabis as an Epilepsy Treatment ↗
About 30% of epilepsy patients resist standard drugs—and the evidence for CBD and THC as anticonvulsants keeps growing, though access remains limited.
Low-THC Cannabis Extract Shows Promise for Rett Syndrome Symptoms in Girls ↗
An open-label trial of 11 girls with Rett syndrome found a low-THC cannabis extract improved communication, eye contact, attention, anxiety, and quality of life over 12 weeks.
Systematic Review Finds Cannabinoids May Help Chemo Nausea but Evidence Against Modern Standards Is Weak ↗
A systematic review of 32 studies found cannabinoids often outperformed outdated antiemetics and placebo for chemo nausea, but only one study compared them to modern standard-of-care treatment.
Cannabis Users with MS Show Poorer Processing Speed and Working Memory ↗
Among 847 people with MS, the 30% who used cannabis performed significantly worse on processing speed and working memory tests, even after adjusting for disease severity and other factors.
Does Smoking Cannabis Increase Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in Older Veterans? ↗
Among 4,285 veterans with heart disease, cannabis smoking was linked to higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—though confounders remain.
93% of Long-Term Medical Cannabis Users Say It Works for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain ↗
A prospective survey of 129 long-term medical cannabis users for chronic musculoskeletal pain found 93% reported symptom improvement, 72% had no cognitive effects, and 80% maintained stable usage over time.
Over a Quarter of Past-Month Cannabis Users Meet Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
A nationally representative survey found 26% of medical and 21% of recreational past-month cannabis users met CUD criteria, with daily users reaching 31-32%.
Survey Reveals Who Uses CBD for Self-Medication in Germany and Why ↗
A German survey of 702 CBD users found 38% self-medicate for sleep, pain, depression, and anxiety, with older and unemployed individuals most likely.
Cannabigerol Relaxes Human Pulmonary Arteries Through Multiple Pathways ↗
CBG relaxes human pulmonary arteries through endothelium-dependent mechanisms, modified by hypertension and high cholesterol.
Workers in Legal Cannabis States and High-Risk Jobs Are More Likely to Use Cannabis at Work ↗
A survey of 26,458 US workers found 7.4% used cannabis at or near work, with highest rates in legal states, high-risk jobs, and among medical cardholders.
Review Finds Insufficient Evidence for Cannabis in PTSD, While Polish Clinics Market It Aggressively ↗
A review found insufficient evidence for cannabis in PTSD treatment, while Polish medical marijuana clinic websites marketed it aggressively as a therapy.
Cannabinol (CBN) Shows Strongest Anti-Biofilm Activity Against MRSA Among Five Cannabinoids Tested ↗
Of five cannabinoids tested against MRSA biofilms, CBN was most effective at reducing biomass and viability, while each cannabinoid showed a different mechanism of action.
IBD Patients Report Cannabis Helps With Pain, Nausea, and Anxiety, With Some Reducing Opioid Use ↗
A survey of 93 IBD patients found 54% used cannabis, with over 50% reporting symptom relief and 19% reducing opioid use.
Cannabis Use in People With HIV Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Gut Health ↗
A review found cannabis use in people with HIV is associated with reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and unique microbiome changes, though HIV reservoir effects remain unclear.
Most Pediatric Cancer Patients Using Medical Cannabis Report Symptom Relief ↗
A survey of 24 pediatric cancer patients in a medical cannabis program found most reported symptom relief for nausea, appetite, and pain with minimal side effects.
Do People With Nerve Pain Use Cannabis Differently Than Those With Other Pain? ↗
Pain clinic patients with nerve pain used THC/CBD products more frequently than those with other pain types—possibly reflecting a gap in conventional treatment.
One in Four People With HIV Were High Cannabis Users Over a Decade, Linked to Depression and Tobacco ↗
A 10-year study of 3,299 people with HIV found 26% were consistently high cannabis users, associated with depression, tobacco use, and older age.
Adults With HIV Are 3.35 Times More Likely to Co-use Tobacco and Cannabis ↗
US national survey data found adults with HIV are 3.35x more likely to co-use tobacco and cannabis, with associations modified by race and state cannabis laws.
Medical Cannabis Reduced Pain and Improved Sleep in People on Opioid Addiction Treatment ↗
Adults with opioid addiction and chronic pain who added a daily THC:CBD capsule to their buprenorphine treatment reported less pain and better sleep after three months, though opioid cravings did not significantly change.
People With Opioid Addiction Described Pain Relief, Better Sleep, and Fewer Cravings After a Year of Medical Cannabis ↗
Year-long interviews with people on opioid addiction treatment found they reported less pain, better mood and sleep, and fewer drug cravings from medical cannabis, though cost and appetite changes were concerns.
Cannabinoids Showed Significant Neuroprotective Effects in Animal Models of Stroke ↗
A meta-analysis of 26 animal studies found cannabinoids significantly reduced brain damage after stroke, with CBD showing the most consistent benefits across multiple protective pathways.
Chronic Pain Patients Had Unanswered Questions About Medical Cannabis Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost ↗
Focus groups with 28 chronic pain patients found widespread uncertainty about medical cannabis effectiveness, dosing, safety, and cost, whether or not they had tried it.
Patients Were Less Satisfied With Specialized Cannabis Clinics Than With General Healthcare Settings ↗
A survey of nearly 2,400 Australian medical cannabis patients found those using specialized cannabis clinics were less satisfied than those treated in general healthcare settings, especially regarding consultation quality and costs.
Cannabis-Using IBD Patients Had Longer Procedures and More Inflammation on Endoscopy ↗
IBD patients who used cannabis had longer endoscopic procedures and more inflammation on evaluation compared to matched non-users, raising questions about whether cannabis masks symptoms without treating disease.
CBD/THC Capsules Did Not Reduce Essential Tremor in a Small Controlled Trial ↗
A small controlled trial of THC/CBD capsules found no evidence that cannabinoids reduced essential tremor amplitude, despite widespread anecdotal reports of cannabis helping.
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Openings Were Linked to Significant Drops in Opioid Prescribing for Cancer Patients ↗
A JAMA Health Forum study of 3 million cancer patients found medical cannabis dispensary openings linked to 41 fewer patients per 10,000 receiving opioid prescriptions and shorter supply durations.
What Cancer Patients Actually Think About Vaporizing Medical Cannabis for Appetite ↗
Advanced cancer patients vaporizing cannabis for appetite reported eating benefits and tolerated psychoactive effects well—some even enjoyed them.
Thai CBD Oil Showed Sustained Seizure Reduction in Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Over 12+ Months ↗
A Thai multicenter study found CBD-enriched oil reduced seizures in children who had failed an average of 7 medications, with benefits sustained over 12+ months and mostly mild side effects.
The Carrier Oil Used With Oral Cannabis Products Significantly Affected How Much CBD and THC Reached Different Tissues ↗
Mouse study found sesame oil delivered far more CBD and THC to tissues than omega-3 oils, and different carriers directed cannabinoids to different organs, with DHA oil favoring the brain.
25% of Medical Cannabis Patients Had Suicidal Thoughts at Treatment Entry, With Rates Declining Over 12 Months ↗
A study of nearly 3,800 medical cannabis patients found 25% had suicidal thoughts at treatment entry, with rates declining over 12 months, though the observational design limits causal conclusions.
CBD/THC Extract Did Not Improve Pain Outcomes After Knee Surgery in Dogs ↗
A controlled trial of 42 dogs found CBD/THC extract added to standard painkillers did not improve pain, mobility, or recovery after knee surgery compared to placebo.
71% of Arizona Budtenders Recommended Cannabis Products for Morning Sickness ↗
Mystery calls to 104 Arizona dispensaries found 71% of budtenders recommended cannabis for morning sickness, with only one-third proactively suggesting medical consultation first.
Rural Americans Are Less Likely to Tell Their Doctors About Cannabis Use ↗
Survey of 1,045 Pennsylvanians found rural residents were less likely to tell doctors about marijuana use, potentially harming medical care quality due to stigma.
A Gene Variant Affecting Dopamine Breakdown Influenced THC Blood Levels in Pain Patients ↗
Small study of 58 pain patients found a dopamine-related gene variant significantly influenced THC blood levels, with biomarker differences between inhaled and oral cannabis routes.
Medical Cannabis Laws Combined with Prescription Monitoring Reduced Chronic Pain Outpatient Visits ↗
Study of nearly 5 million Medicaid patients found that states with both prescription monitoring and medical cannabis laws saw 19% fewer chronic pain outpatient visits, suggesting cannabis substitution for some conventional treatments.
Cannabis Extracts Outperformed Individual Cannabinoids in Reducing Gut Inflammation in Lab Cells ↗
Lab study found cannabis extracts containing CBD and CBG were more effective than individual cannabinoids at reducing gut inflammation and restoring intestinal barrier function.
Cannabis Users Knew Less About Its Negative Effects Than Non-Users in an ER Survey ↗
ER survey found cannabis users scored significantly lower on knowledge of negative effects than non-users, with anxiety and pain the top reasons for use.
Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients Rose at the Same Rate as the General Population Regardless of State Laws ↗
Five waves of national data show cannabis use among cancer patients rose at the same rate as the general population (55-60%) from 2013-2019, regardless of state legalization status.
A Traditional Thai Medicine Containing Cannabis Protected Against Stress-Induced Memory Problems in Mice ↗
Traditional Thai medicine containing cannabis leaves reversed stress-induced cognitive impairment in mice through antioxidant pathways, with THC and THCA identified as active compounds.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Nabilone Was Poorly Tolerated for Obesity Treatment but May Affect Gut Bacteria ↗
Pilot RCT of nabilone for obesity was stopped early due to poor tolerability at 6 mg/day, but low-dose (2 mg/day) showed preliminary weight loss and gut microbiome changes in just 4 completers.
Marijuana Use Did Not Increase Complication Risk After Tibia Fracture Surgery ↗
Study of 388 tibia fracture patients found preoperative marijuana use was not associated with increased surgical complications, infections, or healing problems.
Medicinal Cannabis THC Concentrations Were Higher After Psychosis Than Before in Australian Patients ↗
Australian early psychosis service found medicinal cannabis THC concentrations nearly doubled in prescriptions written after psychosis onset, with 60% of patients experiencing attributed deterioration.
Educating Rheumatology Staff Quadrupled Medical Cannabis Referrals for Fibromyalgia Patients ↗
Educational intervention about medical cannabis for fibromyalgia quadrupled referral rates from 4% to 17% in a single rheumatology clinic.
A New CBD Formulation That Gets More Drug Into the Brain ↗
A novel drug delivery technology dramatically improved CBD absorption and brain levels in rats, showing anti-seizure effects at potentially lower doses than Epidiolex.
Cannabis Use Shifted From Smoking to Pharmaceutical Products After Stem Cell Transplant ↗
First study of cannabis use in stem cell transplant patients found use shifted from smoking to pharmaceutical products, with increased provider engagement post-transplant.
Cannabis-Related Hospitalizations Rose in Arizona Between 2016 and 2021 ↗
Arizona cannabis-related hospitalizations rose significantly from 2016 to 2021, spanning the pre- and post-recreational legalization period.
THCV May Help With Diabetes and Weight Management ↗
Review finds THCV, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, shows promise for appetite suppression and blood sugar regulation in preclinical and early human studies.
Cannabis Plant Extract Reduces Pain and Inflammation in Animal Models ↗
Cannabis plant extract reduces pain, inflammation, and menstrual cramp-like symptoms in animal models at low doses, with effects from a mix of cannabinoids and other plant compounds.
Polish Pharmacists Open to Medical Cannabis but Want More Training ↗
Survey of 422 Polish pharmacists finds broad openness to medical cannabis but significant confidence gaps in advising patients, highlighting the need for targeted education.
Daily Cannabis Use Amplifies Cognitive Problems in People With Chronic Conditions ↗
National survey of nearly 95,000 adults finds daily cannabis use associated with 145% higher cognitive difficulty in those with chronic conditions and 183% higher in those without.
Cannabis Shows Promise for Autoimmune Diseases, but Evidence Remains Thin ↗
Review finds cannabis shows therapeutic promise for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, but calls for rigorous clinical trials that legal and social barriers have so far prevented.
Medicinal Cannabis Users Drive More Cautiously After THC, but Can't Judge Their Own Impairment ↗
Medicinal cannabis users showed no hazard perception decline after oral THC and drove more cautiously, but none could accurately judge their own impairment level.
43% of Australian Medical Cannabis Users Met Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
Survey of 1,796 Australian medical cannabis users finds 43% met CUD criteria, with use frequency and mental health mattering more than whether cannabis was prescribed.
Regular Cannabis Use Linked to Better Decision-Making in People With Bipolar Disorder ↗
Surprising finding: regular cannabis use in bipolar disorder was linked to decision-making and functioning on par with healthy non-users, while cannabis impaired healthy participants.
Cannabis-Positive ER Tests in Israel Rose Modestly Despite Prescription Surge ↗
Israeli ER data shows cannabis-positive urine tests rose modestly from 15.4% to 17.6% over 8 years despite exponential growth in cannabis prescriptions.
Cannabinoids Show Promise for Dental Pain, but Clinical Evidence Is Lacking ↗
Review finds cannabinoids have properties relevant to dental pain and anxiety, but clinical evidence, standardized protocols, and regulatory clarity are all lacking.
CBD Oil for Knee Arthritis Pain: A Rigorous Trial Shows No Benefit Over Placebo ↗
A 60-day double-blind trial found CBD-rich cannabis oil (45 mg/day) did not reduce knee osteoarthritis pain more than placebo.
One in Five Black and Hispanic Men With Chronic Conditions Use Cannabis ↗
National survey finds 21% of Black and Hispanic men over 40 with chronic conditions use cannabis, driven by pain, stress, and disease burden.
CBD-Based Products Show Promise for Pets With Pain, Seizures, and Skin Problems ↗
Systematic review of 22 studies finds CBD-based products improve pain, seizures, and skin conditions in dogs with no serious side effects, but cat research is minimal.
CBD Boosts Anti-Inflammatory Lipid Production in Humans, THC Does Not ↗
Human clinical data shows CBD, but not THC, boosts anti-inflammatory lipid production through the 15-LOX pathway, providing molecular evidence for CBD's therapeutic potential.
Blocking Cannabis Receptor Reduced Weight and Improved Asthma in Obese Mice ↗
CB1 receptor blocker caused 27% weight loss in obese mice and improved airway function, identifying the endocannabinoid system as a link between obesity and asthma.
CBD Improved Walking Speed in MS Patients but Did Not Reduce Spasticity ↗
Randomized trial finds CBD improves walking speed and reduces pain in MS patients but does not directly reduce spasticity, suggesting CBD may help through alternative mechanisms.
Full-Spectrum CBD Reduced Alcohol Cravings in Preliminary Trial ↗
Pilot RCT finds full-spectrum CBD with trace THC reduced alcohol craving in people with AUD, while CBD without THC did not, suggesting the trace THC component matters.
How CBD Talks to Your Immune System: A Comprehensive Map ↗
CBD modulates immune function through multiple mechanisms with potential for autoimmune diseases, though most evidence remains preclinical. Nanotechnology may improve delivery.
CBD Paste Reduced Arthritis Pain in Cats, but Many Refused to Eat It ↗
Controlled study finds CBD/CBDA paste effectively reduces arthritis pain in cats, but nearly half dropped out due to refusal to eat the paste, highlighting a formulation challenge.
Cannabis Consistently Linked to Improved Female Orgasm Function ↗
Systematic review of 8,849 women finds consistent evidence that cannabis use before sex improves orgasm function, though quality evidence is limited.
Cannabis Pain Research May Be Measuring the Wrong Things, Experts Argue ↗
Experts argue cannabis pain trials measure the wrong things: patients value psychological coping, sleep, and opioid reduction more than direct pain relief.
Topical CBD Gel Reduced Pain During Sex for Women With Vestibulodynia ↗
A small RCT found that topical CBD plus myrcene gel significantly reduced pain during sex for women with vestibulodynia compared to placebo over 60 days.
Georgian Doctors Lack Training to Screen or Counsel Patients on Cannabis ↗
A mixed-method study found that only 36% of Georgian primary care physicians were familiar with cannabis laws, and 88% had never used diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorders, citing time constraints and stigma as key barriers.
What Does the Research Say About Cannabis, Aging, and Longevity? ↗
A systematic review of 18 studies found preclinical promise for cannabinoids in supporting healthy aging, but noted that human evidence remains too sparse to draw definitive conclusions.
Over 26,000 Cannabis Products Online Make Health Claims, Often Unverified ↗
An analysis of over 624,000 cannabis products on Leafly and Weedmaps found more than 26,000 listings making health benefit claims, with mood disorders, pain, and sleep being the most common.
Iranian Psychiatrists See Both Promise and Risk in Treating Cannabis Addiction Without Medical Labels ↗
Sixteen Iranian psychiatrists identified reduced stigma and patient empowerment as potential benefits of demedicalization of cannabis use disorder, while warning of treatment challenges and normalization risks.
Low-Dose Cannabis Oils Did Not Make Healthy Adults Sleepy or Change Their Sleep ↗
A crossover RCT of 20 healthy adults found that low-dose THC:CBD oils (1:1 and 1:16 ratios) did not cause daytime sleepiness or change night-time sleep compared to placebo.
Cannabis Use During Breastfeeding Changed Protein and Fat Levels in Breast Milk ↗
A study of 637 breast milk samples found that those with detectable cannabis metabolites had higher protein and 11% lower fat content, with no changes in calories or carbohydrates.
CBD Reduced Involuntary Movements from Parkinson's Medication in Rats Without Reducing Its Benefits ↗
CBD reduced involuntary movements caused by Parkinson's medication in rats without diminishing the drug's motor benefits, working through CB1, PPARy receptors, and endocannabinoid pathways.
Indonesia's Cannabis History Stretches Back Centuries, But Modern Law Remains Punitive ↗
A legal analysis traces Indonesian cannabis use from the 14th century to modern Constitutional Court battles, arguing that punitive policies conflict with human rights and centuries of cultural practice.
A Genetic Variant in the Body's Cannabis Receptor Was Linked to Higher Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk ↗
A study of 240 Iranians found that a genetic variant in the cannabinoid CB2 receptor gene was associated with more than 2.5 times the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
A Practical Guide to Prescribing CBD for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy ↗
A practical clinical guide to prescribing pharmaceutical CBD for drug-resistant epilepsy—covering dosing strategies, drug interactions, and the 'start low, go slow' approach.
What We Know (and Don't Know) About the Endocannabinoid System and PTSD Treatment ↗
A review found consistent preclinical evidence that endocannabinoid modulation can improve PTSD-related behaviors, but human research remains mixed and insufficient to support clinical cannabinoid therapy for PTSD.
Cannabis Mouth Spray Did Not Increase Calorie Intake in Older Adults With Poor Appetite ↗
A triple-blind crossover trial of 17 older adults with poor appetite found that a THC/CBD mouth spray did not increase caloric intake compared to placebo, though it was well tolerated.
Greek Patients See Potential in Medical Cannabis But Want Better Guidance ↗
A qualitative study of 24 Greeks found CBD-experienced patients reported benefits for pain and anxiety but wanted better guidance, while cannabis-naive patients were skeptical but open to regulated medical use.
91% of Cannabis Users With Chronic Conditions Used It Medicinally During COVID-19 ↗
Among 1,466 cannabis users with chronic conditions during COVID-19, 91% used cannabis medicinally for sleep, pain, and headaches, but most lacked medical guidance.
Adults With Disabilities Were More Likely to Vape Cannabis, Especially Those With Cognitive Disabilities ↗
US adults with disabilities were more likely to vape cannabis (4.6% vs 2.8%), with cognitive disability showing the highest rate at 8.2% and daily nicotine vaping as the strongest correlate.
A Synthetic Cannabinoid Rescued Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Mice ↗
A synthetic cannabinoid rescued memory deficits, reduced brain inflammation, and restored glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's mice without increasing anxiety.
Cannabis Users Hospitalized with Fatty Liver Disease Had Lower Mortality but Higher Heart Attack and Stroke Risk ↗
Large database study found cannabis use associated with 30% lower mortality and less cirrhosis in liver disease patients, but 42% higher heart attack risk.
Endocannabinoid Levels May Be Disrupted Early in Multiple Sclerosis ↗
Small study found a trend toward lower anandamide levels in newly diagnosed MS patients, with teriflunomide treatment linked to stronger endocannabinoid coordination.
CBD Use Is Far More Common Among Marijuana Users Than Non-Users ↗
National survey found 40.7% of current marijuana users also use CBD, compared to 5.1% of never-marijuana-users, suggesting substantial overlap between these populations.
Cannabis Use Was Independently Linked to More ER Visits and Hospitalizations in Gastroparesis Patients ↗
Study of 406 gastroparesis patients found cannabis use independently associated with more ER visits and hospitalizations.
Most Opioid Treatment Clinicians Lack Experience with Medicinal Cannabis But Want to Learn ↗
Survey of 102 opioid treatment clinicians found most lack medicinal cannabis experience but two-thirds would consider it for patients.
Opioid Treatment Clinicians See Both Harms and Benefits of Cannabis Use in Their Patients ↗
Clinician survey found over half of opioid treatment clients reportedly use cannabis, with recognized benefits for sleep and mental health alongside harms like dependence.
CBD Reduced Seizures by 45-87% Over Nearly Three Years in Treatment-Resistant Focal Epilepsy ↗
Long-term study found CBD reduced seizures by 45-87% through nearly 3 years in 140 patients with treatment-resistant focal epilepsies, regardless of epilepsy type.
Cannabis Policy Needs to Balance Psychosis Risk with Medicinal Potential ↗
British Journal of Psychiatry editorial argues cannabis policy should reduce psychosis harm while improving access to regulated medicinal products.
CBD Shows Promise for Anxiety and Sleep, But Evidence Quality Varies Widely ↗
Scoping review of 29 studies found CBD shows promise for both anxiety and sleep, but inconsistent methods and dosing across studies limit definitive conclusions.
How Well Does CBD Work for Severe Epilepsy in the Real World? ↗
In 107 patients with severe epilepsy syndromes, 69% achieved at least 50% seizure reduction with CBD—with genetic causes and LGS/TSC showing the best outcomes.
How CBD Fights Seizures Through the Brain's Inflammation System ↗
CBD fights seizures through multiple mechanisms including neuroinflammation reduction, modulation of several receptor systems, and oxidative stress reduction.
Cannabis Use Disorder in MS Patients Is Common but Treatment Options Are Nearly Nonexistent ↗
Pilot study found strong demand for cannabis use disorder treatment among MS patients, with over half using cannabis and up to 20% at risk for use disorder.
Cannabis Oil Showed Promise for Appetite in Systemic Sclerosis Patients ↗
Small RCT found cannabis oil significantly improved hunger scores in systemic sclerosis patients with wasting, with trends toward better appetite, weight, and quality of life, though most results did not reach statistical significance.
Canada's Post-Legalization Adverse Reaction Reports Reveal Patterns in Cannabis Side Effects ↗
Analysis of 698 adverse reaction reports since Canadian cannabis legalization found most came from older medical users of extracts, with different side effect profiles for THC- and CBD-dominant products.
Low-Dose THC Accelerated Wound Healing in Old Mice ↗
Low-dose THC given daily for three weeks improved wound healing in old mice by coordinating immune cell responses and reducing inflammation at the wound site.
Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Gut Microbial Diversity in Older Adults with HIV ↗
In 63 older adults with HIV, higher cannabis use was linked to reduced gut microbial diversity and dose-dependent decreases in Dialister, a bacterium important for mucosal health.
Cancer Survivors in Pain Are More Likely to Use Cannabis—But Less Likely to Drink ↗
Cancer survivors in pain were more likely to use cannabis and cigarettes but less likely to drink—suggesting pain drives specific self-medication choices.
One in Ten Older Veterans Used Cannabis, and Over a Third of Users Screened Positive for Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
JAMA study of 4,503 older veterans found 10.3% used cannabis monthly, with over a third of users screening positive for cannabis use disorder. Smoking was linked to 3.5x higher CUD odds than edibles.
Low-Dose THC Improved Gut Health and Reduced Inflammation in HIV-Positive Monkeys on Treatment ↗
In HIV-positive monkeys on ART, low-dose THC improved serotonin levels, gut health, cholesterol metabolism, and inflammation markers while maintaining viral suppression, published in Science Advances.
Review Argues Cannabis Abuse Risk Under Medical Supervision Is Comparable to Other Prescription Drugs ↗
Narrative review challenged five assumptions about cannabis abuse potential, arguing that medically supervised use carries abuse liability comparable to other prescribed medications.
15% of Cancer Patients Surveyed Believed Cannabis Can Cure Cancer ↗
Survey of 84 cancer patients found 15.5% believed cannabis can cure cancer, with Hispanic/Latino patients 6.5 times more likely to hold this belief. Patients wanted oncologist guidance but perceived them as unknowledgeable.
Pure CBD and THC Formulations Showed Moderate Benefits for Anxiety and PTSD in Meta-Analysis of 21 Trials ↗
Meta-analysis of 21 RCTs found pharmaceutical-grade CBD (SMD -0.61) and THC (SMD -0.65) showed moderate effects for anxiety disorders and PTSD, while CBD-THC mixtures did not reach significance.
Why Cancer Patients Should Help Design Cannabis Clinical Trials ↗
Including patients and carers in designing a cannabis trial for cancer anorexia improved study design, recruitment, and real-world relevance.
How to Actually Run a Cannabis Clinical Trial in Palliative Care ↗
Six unique challenges of running cannabis trials in palliative care—from legislation to product variability to compassionate access—drawn from real trial experience.
Which Cannabis Products Help Cancer Patients' Anxiety and Depression? ↗
Among 1,962 cancer patients, higher CBD doses and swallowed products were associated with the best anxiety improvement—while depression responded mainly to how cannabis was taken.
Higher CBD Doses Improved Sleep in Nearly 2,000 Cancer Patients in Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program ↗
Among 1,962 cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program, higher CBD doses were linked to better sleep improvement (1.87 points on 0-10 scale), while THC showed no consistent sleep benefit.
Review Found Early Evidence That CBD May Help Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Skin Aging ↗
Review found promising preclinical evidence and limited clinical support for CBD in acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin moisturizing, with several clinical trials ongoing.
Cost and Supply Concerns Drive Medical Cannabis Patients to Buy From Illicit Sources ↗
About 12% of Utah medical cannabis patients bought from illicit sources, primarily due to cost (79%) and supply concerns, with access barriers nearly 5x increasing illicit use odds.
Older Canadian Cannabis Users Want More Information From Healthcare Providers ↗
Focus groups with 72 Canadians aged 60+ found older adults use cannabis for pain and mental health but lack guidance from healthcare providers about risks and drug interactions.
CBG—The 'Minor' Cannabinoid That Fights Nerve Pain Through a Different Pathway ↗
CBG reduced nerve pain in rodent models through CB2 receptors and reduced spinal inflammation—a potential non-psychoactive alternative to THC for pain.
Cannabis for Autism: Systematic Review Finds Very Limited Evidence From Clinical Trials ↗
Systematic review of 11 RCTs finds very limited and low-certainty evidence for cannabis derivatives in autism, with only one trial showing potential benefit for global symptoms.
Can Medical Cannabis Help With Anxiety Disorders? A Systematic Review of 57 Studies ↗
Systematic review of 57 studies found that 70% of the highest-quality research reported improvements in anxiety disorders with medicinal cannabis, though reporting standards remain a major issue.
Inhaled Cannabis for Diabetic Nerve Pain: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study ↗
Five-year observational study of 52 patients found inhaled cannabis associated with dramatic pain reduction (9.0 to 2.0) in treatment-resistant diabetic neuropathy, plus opioid-sparing effects.
People With Eating Disorders Rate Cannabis and Psychedelics as Most Helpful for Their Symptoms ↗
Survey of 6,600+ people with eating disorders found cannabis and psychedelics rated highest for symptom relief, while most prescription antidepressants were rated ineffective for ED symptoms.
Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Inflammation Markers in People Who Use Methamphetamine or Have HIV ↗
Cross-sectional study found past-month cannabis use associated with lower inflammatory markers in blood, especially among people with methamphetamine use history.
What Do Patients Actually Think About Medical Cannabis? A Review of 40 Qualitative Studies ↗
Scoping review of 40 qualitative studies found patients generally report positive medical cannabis experiences but face stigma, costs, and a disconnect with cautious medical providers.
Two-Thirds of Danish Medical Cannabis Patients Report Moderate to Large Benefits ↗
Danish nationwide survey found 67% of medical cannabis patients report moderate to large benefits, but side effects are common and unrelated to perceived treatment effect.
Medical Cannabis Users Report Lower Quality of Life Than Non-Users With the Same Conditions ↗
Large Danish survey found medical cannabis users had lower quality of life (0.44) than non-users (0.74) with the same conditions, likely reflecting that sicker patients are more likely to try cannabis.
Pre-Transplant Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Immediate Opioid Needs But No Worse Liver Transplant Outcomes ↗
Study of 4,236 liver transplant patients found cannabis users needed slightly more opioids initially but had no differences in length of stay, readmission, or mortality.
CBD Oil Combined With Orphenadrine Dramatically Reduced Pain in a Patient With Mast Cell Activation Syndrome ↗
Case report shows 87% reduction in pain interference for a mast cell activation syndrome patient treated with CBD oil and orphenadrine over 20 weeks.
CBD in Skincare and Dermatology: What the Science Shows So Far ↗
Review finds CBD shows promise for acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions through the skin's endocannabinoid system, though formulation challenges remain.
Eating a High-Fat Meal Increases CBD Absorption by Nearly 10-Fold ↗
Crossover trial found eating a high-fat meal increases CBD absorption by nearly 10-fold, with peak blood levels 17 times higher compared to fasting.
How the Endocannabinoid System Influences Cancer: A Mini-Review ↗
Mini-review summarizes preclinical evidence that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth, trigger cancer cell death, and suppress blood vessel formation, though clinical translation faces major challenges.
Injectable CBD Liposomes Work Better Than Oral CBD in Dogs With Arthritis ↗
Injectable liposomal CBD provided sustained blood levels and pain relief in arthritic dogs—bypassing the poor oral absorption that limits current CBD products.
Sleep Quality Improved Early and Stayed Better Over 12 Months of Medical Cannabis Use ↗
12-month observational study of 137 new medical cannabis patients found early and sustained improvements in self-reported sleep quality across all measures, regardless of administration route or condition.
Review Finds Cannabinoids Offer Modest Pain Relief, Best for Neuropathic Pain ↗
Review of cannabinoid evidence for chronic pain found modest benefits (0.5-1.0 points on a 10-point scale), strongest for neuropathic pain, with notable side effects and regulatory challenges.
A New Drug That Stops CHS Vomiting Within an Hour When Nothing Else Works ↗
Two teens with treatment-resistant CHS vomiting (36–45 hours) improved within 1 hour of aprepitant—a potential game-changer for acute CHS management.
81% of Poles Support Medical Cannabis, but Only 4% Have Been Offered It by a Doctor ↗
Survey of 1,113 Polish adults found 81% support medical cannabis and 84% would try it, but only 4.2% have been recommended it by a doctor, highlighting a gap between public support and clinical implementation.
Most People Using Cannabis for Endometriosis Access It Illegally Despite Medical Options ↗
International survey of 889 people using cannabis for endometriosis found most accessed it illegally, nearly all planned to continue, and over 30% hid use from their doctors due to stigma and legal concerns.
Nearly Half of Australian Epilepsy Patients Using Cannabis Access It Illegally Despite Legal Options ↗
Survey of 126 Australian epilepsy patients and caregivers found nearly half used illicit cannabis despite legal options, with cost (69%) and THC driving restrictions as primary barriers to legal access.
Individually Tailored Cannabis Extracts Improved Pain and Quality of Life in 29 Women ↗
Retrospective study of 29 women with chronic pain found individually tailored full-spectrum cannabis extracts provided pain relief across all patients, with most reducing other medications and reporting broad quality-of-life improvements.
CBD-Rich Medical Cannabis Stopped Recurring Pancreatitis Flares After 24 Years of Conventional Treatment Failures ↗
Case report of a 54-year-old woman with 24 years of refractory chronic pancreatitis who achieved substantial pain relief and cessation of acute episodes after starting CBD-rich medical cannabis.
15% of Florida Medical Cannabis Patients Reported Buying Products They Believed Were Contaminated ↗
Florida medical cannabis patient survey found low contamination knowledge, 15% reporting suspected contaminated purchases, and 25% purchasing products they were uncomfortable consuming due to quality concerns.
Is There a Pill to Help You Quit Cannabis? The Cochrane Review Says Not Yet ↗
The Cochrane Review's second update confirms: no medication has strong evidence for treating cannabis use disorder or reliably reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Cannabis Products Improved Anxiety, Sleep, and Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Patients Over 12 Months ↗
UK registry study of 148 fibromyalgia patients found cannabis products improved anxiety, sleep, symptom severity, and quality of life over 12 months, with no differences between oils and dried flower formulations.
Thai Chronic Disease Patients Used Cannabis Tea Daily but Few Knew About Drug Interactions ↗
Mixed-methods study of 124 Thai chronic disease patients found most used cannabis tea daily as complementary medicine for diabetes or hypertension, but only 35% knew about potential drug interactions.
Vaporized Cannabis Improved Spasticity, Bladder Function, and Disability in 69 MS Patients ↗
6-month prospective study of 69 MS patients found vaporized CBD/THC (13%/9%) significantly improved disability scores, muscle spasticity, and bladder dysfunction.
Medical Cannabis Patients Lost About 0.5% Symptom Relief Per Session as Tolerance Built Up ↗
Analysis of 120,691 treatment observations from 16,395 medical cannabis patients found symptom relief decreased 0.5% per session due to tolerance, with patients compensating by increasing dose but not THC potency.
Dutch Medical Cannabis Users Avoid Prescriptions Due to Cost, Stigma, and Product Limitations ↗
Qualitative interviews with 33 Dutch non-prescribed cannabis users identified cost, limited products, physician barriers, and stigma as reasons patients avoid the 20+ year old medical cannabis program.
Dutch Survey Confirms Most Medical Cannabis Users Bypass the Prescribed System ↗
Survey of Dutch self-medicating cannabis users confirmed most bypass the 20+ year prescribed system, documenting use patterns, motivations, and barriers to formal access.
Medical Cannabis Patient with Tourette's Maintained Safe Driving Ability ↗
Case report of a 28-year-old with Tourette syndrome and ADHD found medical cannabis treatment did not impair driving fitness, contributing to evidence on tolerance and driving safety.
Most Cancer Patients Using Medical Cannabis Know the Evidence Is Weak ↗
Survey of 350 Australian cancer patients found 19% used medical cannabis, mostly for pain. Only 28% of users believed the evidence was high quality, and most got information from non-clinical sources.
What Happens to Babies Exposed to Cannabis Before Birth ↗
Evidence links prenatal cannabis to low birth weight, preterm birth, and lasting brain changes in children—with THC potency having risen from 5% to 30%.
High-Volume Medical Marijuana Doctors in Arkansas Show Little Evidence of Coordinating Patient Care ↗
Arkansas analysis found seven high-volume physicians certified over 1,000 patients each for medical marijuana with minimal evidence of prior patient contact, while low-volume certifiers showed care coordination.
Cannabis Expectancies Predict Use Patterns in Chronic Pain Patients More Than Pain Severity Does ↗
A survey of 258 chronic pain patients found positive expectations about cannabis, not pain severity, were the strongest predictor of use frequency and problematic use.
Most Oncologists Support Medical Cannabis But Few Feel Prepared to Discuss It With Patients ↗
A survey of 237 oncologists found 68% believed cannabis could benefit patients, but only 23% felt knowledgeable and 15% had formal training.
Pediatric Medical Cannabis Cohort Shows High Parent Satisfaction Despite Limited Objective Improvement ↗
A review of 142 pediatric medical cannabis patients found 73% parent satisfaction, with epilepsy patients showing the most measurable benefit (34% seizure reduction >50%).
Cannabis Oil Improved Behavioral Symptoms in 60% of Autistic Children in an Observational Study ↗
An observational study of 50 autistic children found 60% improved with CBD-rich cannabis oil, with aggression and self-injury showing the most benefit.
Partial Dopamine Agonists May Treat Both Schizophrenia and Cannabis Addiction Simultaneously ↗
A preclinical review suggests partial dopamine agonists like cariprazine could treat both schizophrenia and cannabis addiction by stabilizing dopamine signaling.
Review Finds Endocannabinoid System Present Throughout Urinary and Reproductive Organs ↗
The endocannabinoid system is present throughout urinary and reproductive tissues, with therapeutic potential for bladder disorders.
CBD Helps Bone Healing While Chronic THC Use Nearly Quadruples Spinal Fusion Failure Risk ↗
CBD and CB2 activation promote bone healing; chronic THC linked to 1.8-3.6x higher spinal fusion failure.
Medical Cannabis Patients Report Using Cannabis During Pregnancy Despite Stigma ↗
Medical cannabis patients used cannabis during pregnancy for symptoms and while parenting for stress, despite significant stigma.
People With Disabilities Were More Likely to Use Medical Cannabis, Regardless of Social Support ↗
Among 822 adults with anxiety or depression, social support reduced medical cannabis use for non-disabled individuals but not for those with disabilities, suggesting disabled individuals use cannabis for needs beyond what social support provides.
What Pharmacists Need to Know About Medical Marijuana's Effects on Developing Brains ↗
A pharmacist-focused review examines medical marijuana's therapeutic benefits alongside its effects on developing brains, highlighting the pharmacist's essential role in patient counseling.
The Largest Study Yet on How Adolescent Cannabis Affects Brain Development Over Time ↗
In 11,036 adolescents, cannabis use onset altered cognitive development trajectories—and hair testing showed THC and CBD had different effects on cognition.
Nearly 3% of U.S. Adolescents Have Been Given CBD by Parents or Doctors ↗
Nearly 3% of U.S. adolescents have been given CBD for health reasons, with large racial disparities and strong links to mental health symptoms and sleep problems in the ABCD Study.
What Happened When a Geriatrics Clinic Started Supervising Older Adults' Cannabis Use ↗
A geriatric primary care clinic embedded a medical cannabis program—providing 144 supervised visits to older adults navigating cannabis use with complex medical needs.
How CBD Might Treat Schizophrenia: Two Mechanisms Identified ↗
CBD reduced schizophrenia-like symptoms in animals through two pathways: reducing neuroinflammation and modulating serotonin-MAPK signaling.
How Cannabis Affects Fertility, Pregnancy, and Babies—A Complete Picture ↗
A review of 64 studies found cannabis disrupts reproduction at every stage—from sperm quality to ovulation to placental function to fetal development.
Your Genes May Determine How Your Body Processes Cannabis—and Most People Have Atypical Variants ↗
Among 71 older cannabis users, 86% had genetic variants altering cannabinoid metabolism—explaining why the same dose affects people so differently.
Cannabis Therapy Helped 91.5% of Nerve Pain Patients—and a Novel Biomarker Tracked Anxiety, Not Pain ↗
Cannabis therapy achieved 91.5% response in 200 neuropathic pain patients over 4 years—and a novel biomarker tracked anxiety 6x better than pain.
Canadian Nursing Students Report Major Knowledge Gaps About Cannabis ↗
Survey of 153 Canadian nursing students revealing 86-90% report knowledge gaps in cannabis regulations, effectiveness, and dosing practices.
A Clinical Review of Cannabis Therapeutics: What the Evidence Actually Supports ↗
Clinical review of cannabis therapeutics establishing strong evidence for 6 conditions while noting mixed evidence for pain, sleep, and psychiatric uses, alongside significant risks.
Should Teens with Tourette Syndrome Try Medical Cannabis? Experts Urge Caution ↗
Expert commentary urging caution about medical cannabis for adolescent Tourette syndrome, highlighting the gap between adult evidence and adolescent safety concerns.
Older Adults Using Cannabis for Chronic Pain Had More Depression and Pain Interference Over Time ↗
Among 353 older adults with chronic pain, the small minority using cannabis had more pain interference and depression over time—though the tiny sample size limits conclusions.
First Real-World Driving Study to Test Whether Medical Cannabis Impairs Patients ↗
Protocol for the first real-world on-track driving study testing whether medical cannabis patients are impaired at therapeutic doses, compared to alcohol at the legal driving limit.
The Cochrane Verdict on Cannabis for Nerve Pain: Modest Benefit, Significant Side Effects ↗
The Cochrane Review found cannabis provides modest neuropathic pain relief for a minority of patients, but side effects are common—the benefit-harm balance is delicate.
What Blood Tests Reveal About Adolescent Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome ↗
A pilot study of 10 adolescent CHS patients found universal cannabis use disorder and specific blood profiles that may help diagnose the condition.
CBD Reduced Opioid Self-Administration in Rats Without Reducing Pain Relief ↗
CBD reduced opioid self-administration in rats with nerve pain without reducing oxycodone's analgesic effects—a potential path to safer opioid prescribing.
New Standard Measurement Tools for Medical Cannabis and Polysubstance Use Research ↗
PhenX Toolkit releases 15 standardized measurement protocols for medical cannabis and polysubstance use research, enabling better data comparison and combination across studies.
CBD Changed Brain Waves and Improved Cognition in Boys With Severe Autism ↗
In a rigorous trial, pharmaceutical CBD altered brain waves and improved cognitive abilities in boys with severe autism—with blood CBD levels predicting the brain changes.
France's 3-Year Medical Cannabis Experiment: 3% Had Serious Side Effects ↗
France's 3-year medical cannabis program found 3% of 3,164 patients had serious adverse reactions — neurological, GI, and psychiatric dominant — with no psychosis and only 1 case of misuse.
Updated Review: Does Cannabis Actually Help Chronic Pain? ↗
Updated systematic review of 25 RCTs found THC products slightly reduce chronic pain but with significant side effects; CBD-dominant products showed no benefit.
What Do Clinical Trials Actually Show About Cannabis for Mental Health? ↗
Scoping review of RCTs found thin and mixed evidence for cannabis treating mental health conditions — CBD shows some anxiety promise but most psychiatric evidence remains inconclusive.
Medical Cannabis May Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Patients ↗
Review of 16 studies found medical cannabis may improve pain, sleep, appetite, mental health, and reduce opioid use in cancer patients — promising but in need of more rigorous clinical trials.
Australian Medical Cannabis Users Describe Easy Access But High Costs ↗
Interviews with 15 Australian medical cannabis users found telehealth access is easy but costs remain prohibitive, with many using cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes — blurring regulatory boundaries.
Cancer Survivor Replaced High-Dose Opioids With Medical Cannabis for Pain ↗
Case report: 27-year-old cancer survivor completely replaced 120mg/day opioids with medical cannabis within 4 weeks, maintaining pain control at VAS 2-3 with unexpected resolution of a chronic infection over 9 months.
How CBD Might Work Against Seizures: A Computational Study ↗
Computational study modeled CBD's interactions with five brain receptor types involved in seizures, finding multi-target binding that may explain its broad anti-epileptic activity.
Medical Cannabis Patients Had 15% Higher Risk of Heart Failure Events ↗
Large Canadian study of 215,000+ people found medical cannabis patients had 15% higher risk of heart failure ER visits and hospitalizations compared to matched controls — a modest but clinically meaningful signal.
Moroccan Cannabis Seed Varieties Show Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Reducing Properties ↗
Lab study of three Moroccan cannabis seed varieties found anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties from polyphenolic compounds, with Beldiya variety most active.
Pregnant Women With Medical Cannabis Cards Bought 137mg THC Daily on Average ↗
Population-level analysis of 73,000 Arkansas pregnancies found 1.6% involved medical cannabis purchases, with daily THC averaging 137mg — far exceeding therapeutic doses for non-pregnant adults.
78% of UK Medical Cannabis Patients Showed Quality of Life Improvement ↗
UK's largest medical cannabis registry study tracked 8,945 patients for 24 months — 78% showed quality of life improvement, with patient characteristics predicting response better than specific cannabis products.
Cannabis Use Rose 900% Among Rheumatology Patients With Major Racial Disparities ↗
NLP analysis of 2.6 million medical notes found cannabis use surged 900% among rheumatology patients, with Black and Hispanic patients disproportionately using for pain — highlighting both a treatment gap and health disparity.
Medical Cannabis Improved Pain and Quality of Life for Endometriosis Patients Over 18 Months ↗
UK registry study of 63 endometriosis patients found medical cannabis improved pain, quality of life, anxiety, and sleep over 18 months — the first longitudinal evidence for this common women's health condition.
A New Study Is Tracking How Vaping and Cannabis Affect Pregnancy in West Virginia ↗
New prospective cohort enrolled 417 pregnant women in West Virginia to track how e-cigarette and cannabis use in early pregnancy affects maternal-infant outcomes.
Eating Before Taking CBD Triples How Much Your Body Absorbs ↗
Pharmacokinetic trial of nanodispersible CBD solution found food tripled blood absorption levels compared to fasting, with significant implications for dosing consistency.
Did Opening Cannabis Stores in California Increase Emergency Room Visits? ↗
California city-level analysis found cannabis store authorization increased ER visits, hospitalizations, and poison center calls — with spillover effects into neighboring cities.
JAMA's Comprehensive Review of What Cannabis Can and Can't Treat ↗
JAMA review found strong evidence for cannabinoids treating nausea, appetite loss, and seizures, but guidelines recommend against inhaled or high-potency cannabis for most conditions.
What Motivates Chronic Pain Patients to Consider Medical Cannabis? ↗
Theory of Planned Behavior study finds current pain, past relief experience, and prior cannabis use explain 51% of chronic pain patients' intention to use medical cannabis.
A Smartphone-Based System Could Make Medical Cannabis Safer and More Effective ↗
Commentary proposes a 'Smart Cannabis' model integrating medical cannabis with smartphone digital therapeutics for real-time monitoring, personalized dosing, and evidence generation.
Nearly Half of Patients on Opioid Treatment Use Cannabis — Mostly to Manage Symptoms ↗
Study finds 47.5% of patients on opioid treatment medication use cannabis, mostly to self-manage stress, anxiety, pain, and insomnia, without apparent worsening of treatment outcomes.
Two Years of Medical Cannabis for Depression: UK Registry Shows Sustained Improvement ↗
UK registry study of 698 medical cannabis patients with depression shows sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life over 24 months, with 91% experiencing no adverse events.
Australia's Medical Cannabis System: Growth, Gaps, and Global Lessons ↗
Review of Australia's medical cannabis evolution shows explosive growth (231 to 1M+ prescriptions) but persistent barriers in cost ($200-600/month), access, provider training, and regulatory complexity.
Cannabis Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Americans Is Higher Than Previously Thought ↗
National study finds 18.5% of US adults 50-64 and 5.9% of those 65+ used cannabis in the past year, mostly by smoking and largely without medical oversight.
Only 19% of Older Cannabis Users Discussed Their Use With a Clinician ↗
Only 19% of older cannabis users discussed use with clinicians; Hispanic/Latine adults least likely to be screened.
Cannabis Used by Up to 95% of Endometriosis Patients for Pain, But No Controlled Trials Exist ↗
Up to 95% of endometriosis patients use cannabis for pain, but no controlled trials exist to confirm efficacy.
Among people with HIV, those who used cannabis for medical or emotional reasons also used more other substances ↗
Among people with HIV, cannabis users motivated by medical or emotional reasons had higher polysubstance use than recreational users.
Canadian survey finds cancer survivors prioritize symptom relief and daily functioning when considering medical cannabis ↗
Survey of 1,089 Canadians found symptom relief and daily functioning matter most when considering medical cannabis for cancer.
Finding the Right Antipsychotic Dose After Cannabis-Induced Psychosis ↗
Swedish nationwide study found moderate antipsychotic doses most effective for preventing psychotic relapse after cannabis-induced psychosis — higher doses added no benefit.
Medical cannabis improved sleep, fatigue, and pain for patients with muscle spasticity or spasms, but not physical functioning ↗
Medical cannabis improved sleep, fatigue, and pain for spasticity/spasm patients but not physical functioning.
How Cancer Patients Actually Navigate Medical Cannabis Products ↗
Qualitative study found cancer patients overwhelmed by dispensary product variety, using imprecise dosing and frequently switching between multiple administration routes.
Cannabis Oil Matched Lorazepam for Treating Chronic Insomnia in Head-to-Head Trial ↗
RCT with 60 chronic insomnia patients found cannabis oil matched lorazepam for sleep improvement over 4 weeks, with better quality-of-life outcomes and only mild side effects.
Cannabis Users Needed More Propofol During Dental Surgery Under General Anesthesia ↗
Prospective study of 49 dental surgery patients found heavy cannabis users needed significantly more propofol under IV general anesthesia, with a practical risk stratification system.
Cannabinoids Show Antitumor Activity Against Skin Cancer in Lab Studies ↗
Review finds preclinical evidence supporting cannabinoid antitumor activity against skin cancers through multiple mechanisms, with topical CBD formulations as a promising delivery approach.
Endocannabinoid System Genes Are Disrupted in Inflamed Bowel Disease Tissue ↗
Study of IBD patient biopsies found 6 of 10 endocannabinoid system genes dysregulated in inflamed tissue, with CB2 and GPR55 receptors upregulated.
How Medical Cannabis Could Help Patients With Head and Neck Cancer ↗
Review explores how medical cannabis could address the severe symptom burden in head and neck cancer, including pain, nausea, cachexia, and difficulty swallowing.
Veterans in Addiction Treatment Describe Using Cannabis to Manage Pain ↗
Qualitative study found veterans in addiction treatment used cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep — framing it as a harm reduction alternative to more dangerous substances.
Most Cancer Care Providers Think Cannabis Works but Feel Unprepared to Discuss It ↗
Survey finds 89% of cancer care providers believe cannabis manages symptoms but only 15% feel knowledgeable, revealing a critical education gap in oncology.
Can Cannabinoids Help With Pain in Older Adults? A Review of the Science ↗
Review explored how age-related endocannabinoid system changes and chronic inflammation ('inflammaging') create a rationale for cannabinoid pain therapy in older adults, though clinical evidence is limited.
Hemp's Potential for Brain Diseases: A Review of Seeds, Leaves, and Flowers ↗
Review found hemp-derived compounds from seeds, leaves, and flowers show neuroprotective potential across epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS — mostly in preclinical studies.
Nearly 9 in 10 Malaysians Surveyed Support Medical Cannabis Based on Clinical Evidence ↗
Web survey of 2,047 Malaysians found 88.4% support medical cannabis based on clinical evidence, with education and low risk perception as strongest predictors.
Cannabis Terpenes Directly Activate Cannabinoid Receptors, Supporting the Entourage Effect ↗
Study shows 16 cannabis terpenes selectively activate CB1 and CB2 receptors at THC-comparable potency, providing molecular evidence for the entourage effect.
How Cannabinoids May Fight the Deadliest Brain Cancer Through Autophagy ↗
Review details how cannabinoids activate autophagy-mediated cell death in glioblastoma, with promising preclinical evidence and early clinical safety data.
Veterans With PTSD Who Quit Cannabis Saw Major Symptom Improvement ↗
Pilot study found veterans with PTSD who achieved 12 weeks of cannabis abstinence saw 71% symptom reduction vs. 37% in those who continued using.
CBD Oil Did Not Improve Psoriasis Severity But Temporarily Relieved Itch and Sleep ↗
RCT finds oral CBD at 60 mg/day did not improve psoriasis severity versus placebo, though temporary benefits in itch and sleep onset were observed.
THC Drug Dronabinol Safely Reduced Agitation in Alzheimer's Patients in Clinical Trial ↗
Multicenter RCT finds dronabinol (THC) safely and effectively reduces Alzheimer's agitation over 3 weeks with a medium effect size and no cognitive decline.
CBD-THC Mixture Helped Brain Immune Cells Clear Alzheimer's Plaques in Mice ↗
CBD:THC (99:1) mixture enhanced microglial clearance of Alzheimer's plaques in mice but also worsened anxiety and depression behaviors, highlighting the therapeutic trade-off.
Only 1.2% of autistic individuals in Israel's largest health system were prescribed medical cannabis ↗
Among 36,610 autistic individuals in Israel's largest health system, only 1.2% were prescribed medical cannabis, mostly from higher socioeconomic backgrounds with more complex clinical profiles, and most prescriptions did not meet regulatory guidelines.
THC/CBD therapy nearly halved jaw pain scores and eliminated most functional limitations in TMD patients ↗
A crossover study of 20 TMD patients found 90 days of sublingual THC/CBD (1:1 ratio, 10 mg/day) halved pain scores, improved jaw function, and nearly eliminated pain sensitization, with large effect sizes and minimal placebo response.
Cannabis Use Didn't Derail Intensive PTSD Treatment for Veterans ↗
Two samples of veterans (N=741 total) showed that cannabis use didn't undermine intensive PTSD treatment — users and non-users improved similarly.
First RCT: vaporized THC+CBD was superior to placebo for acute migraine, with effects lasting 48 hours ↗
The first RCT of cannabis for acute migraine found vaporized THC+CBD significantly superior to placebo for pain relief (67% vs 47%), pain freedom, and symptom freedom at 2 hours, with sustained benefits to 48 hours, while CBD alone was ineffective.
Medical cannabis authorization did not significantly reduce opioid prescribing in a university pain clinic ↗
A university pain clinic study found medical cannabis authorization was associated with a non-significant 14 mg/day decrease in opioid doses, while long-term opioid use status dominated prescribing patterns regardless of cannabis access.
Preoperative cannabis use had no effect on pain or outcomes after cardiac surgery ↗
A prospective study of 73 cardiac surgery patients found no differences in postoperative morphine requirements, pain scores, extubation time, ICU stay, or complications between cannabis users and non-users.
CBD may protect bone by boosting bone-building cells and suppressing bone-breakdown cells, but human trials are still missing ↗
Scoping review of 24 studies finds CBD shows bone-protective effects in about half of preclinical models, enhancing bone-building cells and suppressing bone-breakdown cells through multiple molecular pathways.
Four small trials suggest cannabinoids may reduce diabetic nerve pain, but the evidence is too limited for firm conclusions ↗
Systematic review of four small RCTs found three showed significant pain reduction from cannabinoids in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with THC doses around 16-18 mg/day showing promise.
About a third of endometriosis patients using cannabis reported side effects, but some of those effects might actually be helpful ↗
International survey subset found 32% of endometriosis patients using cannabis reported side effects, but researchers argue some adverse effects may have therapeutic value in this population.
Acidic cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA show unique therapeutic potential but face major hurdles getting to clinical use ↗
Narrative review finds acidic cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA, CBGA, CBCA) have distinct therapeutic properties including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, but chemical instability and absent human trials limit clinical use.
Medical cannabis program participation was linked to reduced opioid prescriptions over 18 months in a New York study ↗
JAMA Internal Medicine cohort study of 204 chronic pain patients found New York medical cannabis program participation associated with 3.53 fewer daily morphine milliequivalents per month of full dispensation over 18 months.
THC absorption from mouth spray varied enormously among older patients, with some absorbing over 15 times more than others ↗
Pharmacokinetic study of oromucosal THC in 20 older patients with poor appetite found extremely large absorption variability (40-152% CV), with no patient characteristics predicting individual response.
CBD Suppositories Showed Promise for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men ↗
Pilot trial of rectal CBD/hyaluronic acid suppositories found 81% of men with chronic pelvic pain improved over 30 days, with significant reductions in symptom scores.
Cannabis Actually Reduced Sleep Time and Suppressed REM in People With Insomnia ↗
RCT found THC/CBD reduced total sleep time by 25 minutes and dramatically cut REM sleep by 34 minutes in insomnia patients — challenging the cannabis-aids-sleep belief.
Cannabis-based medicines show the strongest evidence for Tourette syndrome among movement and neurodegenerative disorders ↗
Review finds strongest evidence for cannabis-based medicines in Tourette syndrome (tic and comorbidity improvement), with limited but promising evidence for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.
Canadian veterans who used cannabis regularly had higher rates of chronic pain, mental disorders, and suicidal thoughts but were also more likely to seek help ↗
Study of 1,992 Canadian veterans found regular cannabis users had 2-4 times the odds of chronic pain, mental disorders, and suicidal ideation, but also 5.6 times the odds of seeking professional help.
Medicinal cannabis consistently improved quality of life across chronic conditions, with effects growing larger over time ↗
Meta-analysis of 64 studies found medicinal cannabis improved quality of life across chronic conditions, with effects growing from small (d=0.30 in RCTs) to moderate-large (d=0.74) in longer-term observational studies.
Older adults are the fastest-growing group of cannabis users, but research on how it affects aging brains and hearts is just beginning ↗
Review highlights that older adults are increasingly using cannabis for pain and insomnia, but research on cardiovascular risks, cognitive effects, and neurodegeneration in aging populations is just beginning.
THC/CBD combinations showed modest opioid-sparing potential after orthopedic surgery, but CBD alone had mixed results ↗
Scoping review of 14 studies found THC/CBD combinations showed modest opioid-sparing potential after orthopedic surgery, while CBD-only interventions had inconsistent results.
Research on cannabis and women's health is heavily focused on safety during pregnancy, with major gaps in understanding women-specific conditions ↗
Scoping review of 270 studies found cannabinoid research in women heavily focuses on pregnancy safety (80%), with major gaps in women-specific conditions, CBD, delta-8 THC, and motivations for use.
Psoriasis lesions showed major changes in endocannabinoid receptor expression compared to healthy skin, pointing to potential drug targets ↗
RNA analysis found psoriatic skin lesions show major endocannabinoid receptor changes including CB2 upregulation and PPARG downregulation, while unaffected skin appears normal, highlighting potential drug targets.
An international expert panel agreed on 40 key items for assessing cannabis use risk in rheumatology patients ↗
Delphi study with 12 international experts reached consensus on 40 items for a cannabis risk assessment tool in rheumatology, covering demographics, medical history, and consumption patterns.
Current evidence does not support cannabinoids for OCD, but psilocybin shows a stronger signal for treatment-resistant cases ↗
Scoping review finds no controlled evidence supporting cannabinoids for OCD, while psilocybin shows a stronger signal for treatment-resistant cases among the 40-60% of patients who do not respond to standard treatments.
Nearly 500 fibromyalgia patients in the UK saw improvements in pain, anxiety, and sleep after starting medical cannabis ↗
UK registry data from 497 fibromyalgia patients showed medical cannabis was linked to improved pain, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life, though nearly half reported side effects.
A pediatric case series shows cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is underdiagnosed in adolescents ↗
Case series documented underdiagnosed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in adolescents, showing it leads to unnecessary testing and increased healthcare use.
Kidney disease patients say cannabis helps manage overwhelming symptoms but face major barriers to accessing it legally ↗
Interviews with 17 kidney disease patients revealed they value cannabis for symptom relief but face financial barriers, stigma, and clinicians who lack knowledge about prescribed options.
Cannabis intoxication at admission did not affect nutritional status in burn patients with smaller injuries ↗
Matched study of 152 burn patients found cannabis intoxication at admission had no significant impact on nutritional markers like prealbumin and albumin.
Veterans say cannabis is an important health tool but are reluctant to discuss it with VA clinicians ↗
Interviews with 23 veterans revealed they value cannabis for health but get information from peers and dispensaries rather than clinicians, who they see as judgmental or uninformed.
Nearly 29% of North Americans have tried CBD, about double the rate in Europe ↗
First meta-analysis of CBD prevalence found nearly 29% lifetime use in North America vs. 13% in Europe, with opposite patterns for clinical vs. community use between continents.
In New Zealand, minorities, women, and lower-income people are less likely to get medical cannabis prescriptions and anticipate physician refusal ↗
Survey of 1,742 NZ medical cannabis users found Maori, Pacific Peoples, women, and lower-income users less likely to get prescriptions and more likely to expect physician refusal.
Canadian medical cannabis patients saw improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression over 6 months, but none reached clinically meaningful thresholds ↗
Canadian 24-week study found medical cannabis patients improved on pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life measures, but improvements fell below clinically meaningful thresholds.
THC killed the main cavity-causing bacteria in lab tests and blocked its ability to form harmful biofilms ↗
Lab tests showed THC inhibited the main cavity-causing bacterium at low concentrations and blocked 90%+ of its biofilm formation and acid production.
CBD Reduced Depression-Like Behavior in Mice by Repairing Cellular Power Plants ↗
CBD reversed depression-like behavior in mice by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and decreasing neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.
Adding CBG to CBD Cut the Anti-Seizure Dose Needed by Half ↗
Combining CBD with the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBG cut the anti-seizure CBD dose by over 50% in mice — the first detailed dose-response data for this combination.
Cannabinoid receptor activation reduced organ damage from chemotherapy drugs in preclinical studies ↗
Review found cannabinoid receptor agonists reduced chemotherapy-induced organ damage in preclinical studies by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.
A pilot trial found medical cannabis feasible and potentially helpful for pain, appetite, and insomnia in pancreatic cancer patients ↗
Pilot RCT of 32 pancreatic cancer patients found medical cannabis feasible through state program partnership, with promising but non-significant improvements in pain, appetite, and insomnia.
Topical THC and CBD balms were well tolerated for joint pain in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors ↗
Randomized trial found topical THC and CBD balms well tolerated for breast cancer treatment-related joint pain, with 86% reporting improvement and THC balm outperforming CBD.
12,000 Years of Cannabis: From Altai Mountain Nomads to the Endocannabinoid System ↗
A concise history of cannabis from 12,000-year-old Central Asian origins through ancient medicine, Victorian physicians, 20th-century prohibition, and the molecular discoveries that explained why the plant works.
The NEJM Study That Proved a Synthetic Cannabinoid Was Better Than Standard Anti-Nausea Drugs for Chemo Patients ↗
NEJM trial showing nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid) was dramatically superior to standard anti-nausea drug for chemo patients — 80% vs 32% response rate. Among the earliest RCTs of any cannabinoid, co-authored by cisplatin pioneer Larry Einhorn.
Five Cannabis Compounds Kill Drug-Resistant MRSA as Effectively as Last-Resort Antibiotics ↗
All five major cannabinoids killed MRSA as effectively as vancomycin — opening an unexpected new front in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Cannabis Improved Parkinson's Tremor and Movement Within 30 Minutes ↗
22 PD patients, open-label. UPDRS motor score improved 30% within 30 minutes of smoking cannabis. Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia all significantly improved. No control group limits interpretation.
CBD Oil Reduces Arthritis Pain in Dogs — The First Controlled Trial ↗
The first controlled trial of CBD for dog arthritis — from Cornell University — found significant pain reduction and activity improvement. Dogs can't placebo, making this unusually clean evidence.
The First Randomized Trial of THC + CBD for Brain Cancer: Encouraging Numbers, Tiny Sample ↗
First randomized trial of THC+CBD for brain cancer showed 83% vs 44% one-year survival — encouraging but from only 21 patients. The ARISTOCRAT follow-up trial with 230+ patients is actively recruiting.
The First Study of Cannabis and Sexual Function Specifically in Women ↗
First study of cannabis and female sexual function found that women who used cannabis before sex had 2.13x the odds of satisfactory orgasm, with the majority reporting improved desire and pleasure.