Author Archives: David Worrell

Lower Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Observed Among Cannabis Users: A Population-Based Study

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“Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The association between HCC and cannabis has been identified in mice; however, to our knowledge has not been identified in humans. Therefore, we aim to investigate the relation between HCC and cannabis use in humans.

Methods: Using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2002 and 2014, we identified the patients with HCC and cannabis use diagnosis using the International Classification of Disease 9th version codes (ICD-9). Then, we identified patients without cannabis use as the control group. We adjusted for multiple potential confounders and performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between cannabis abuse and HCC.

Results: A total of 101,231,036 patients were included in the study. Out of the total, 996,290 patients (1%) had the diagnosis of cannabis abuse versus 100,234,746 patients (99%) in the control group without cannabis abuse. We noticed that patients with cannabis abuse were younger (34 vs 48 years), had more males (61.7% vs 41.4%) and more African Americans (29.9% vs 14.2%) compared with the control group (P<0.001 for all). Besides, patients with cannabis use had more hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and smoking, but had less obesity and gallstones, (P<0.001 for all). Using multivariable logistic regression, and after adjusting for potential confounders, patients with cannabis abuse were 55% less likely to have HCC (adjusted Odds Ratio {aOR}, 0.45, 95% Confidence Interval {CI}, 0.42-0.49, P<0.001) compared with patients without cannabis abuse.

Conclusion: Based on our large database analysis, we found that cannabis use patients were 55% less likely to have HCC compared to patients without cannabis use. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the role of cannabis use on HCC.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35651376

“Our analysis revealed that cannabis users were 55% less likely to have HCC compared to non-cannabis users.” 

https://www.cureus.com/articles/90568-lower-rates-of-hepatocellular-carcinoma-observed-among-cannabis-users-a-population-based-study#!

Essential Oils from Seed-Depleted Infructescences of Industrial Hemp: Chemical Diversity and Biological Potential

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“Industrial hemp is a chemically rich plant increasingly explored within sustainable production systems aimed at the full utilization of all plant fractions. While hemp inflorescences have been extensively investigated, the biological potential of seed-depleted infructescences remains largely underexplored.

This study compared essential oils (EOs) distilled from inflorescences and seed-depleted infructescences of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. cv. Futura 75).

Their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, effects on blood coagulation, and antibacterial activity against a panel of 11 Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and microaerophilic bacterial strains were evaluated.

The major EO constituents included α-Pinene, (E)-Caryophyllene, Myrcene, α-Humulene, Caryophyllene oxide, and Cannabidiol.

EOs obtained from seed-depleted infructescences exhibited distinct chemical profiles, low cytotoxicity toward BJ human skin fibroblasts, minimal haemolytic activity, no significant effects on blood coagulation, and, in most cases, stronger antibacterial activity than inflorescence-derived EOs. Particularly high activity was observed against skin- and oral-associated bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes and Streptococcus species.

These findings demonstrate that seed-depleted infructescences represent underutilized post-harvest biomass and a valuable and sustainable source of biologically active EOs, supporting their further investigation for potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and oral healthcare applications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42653967

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13365-026-01338-2


Impact of cannabis use on white matter hyperintensities in adults with and without chronic HIV disease

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“White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), even with sustained viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy. This study investigated whether cannabis use contributes to additional WMH load among PLWH and its association to neurocognitive function.

A total of 296 adult participants, stratified by HIV and cannabis status (74 control, 73 cannabis-only, 76 HIV-only and 73 HIV+cannabis) were enrolled. High resolution anatomical MRI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were collected, along with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Periventricular (pvWMH) and deep (dWMH) WMH loads were quantified using an automated pipeline. Statistical tests were employed to examine the main and interaction effects of HIV and cannabis use on WMH, and to explore the association of WMH loads with neuropsychological performance. The cohort had a mean age of 39.84 years, and all PLWH had sustained viral suppression.

pvWMH loads were higher in the cannabis-only and HIV-only groups compared to controls. A significant interaction effect of HIV by cannabis was found for pvWMH load, such that participants with co-occurring HIV and cannabis use had similar pvWMH load compared to controls. In addition, increased pvWMH load significantly correlated with lower cognitive performance.

Our findings suggest that cannabis use does not contribute additively to WMH burden in PLWH and may potentially be associated with a reduced WMH burden. However, future work is warranted to substantiate this finding, particularly with respect to type and levels of circulating cannabinoid metabolites.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42658415

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13365-026-01338-2


Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in Dysbiosis-Related Oral Biofilm Diseases: Antibiofilm, Antivirulence and Host Response Evidence

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“Dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal diseases, pose major global health challenges because ecological shifts within oral microbial communities enhance biofilm virulence, resilience, and host inflammatory responses. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, has attracted increasing interest as an investigational, ecology-oriented adjunct for oral health applications. This narrative review evaluates current antibiofilm, antivirulence, and host response evidence for CBD in dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases, with emphasis on dental caries and periodontal diseases and selected supportive evidence from other oral biofilm-associated conditions. Current evidence suggests that CBD can inhibit biofilm formation, attenuate cariogenic and fungal virulence traits, modulate periodontal inflammation and immunity, and support tissue-protective responses. However, most evidence remains preclinical and model-dependent, particularly in caries research, and CBD’s hydrophobicity, limited stability, uncertain dose windows, and incomplete microbiome-level evidence remain major barriers to translation. Future studies should clarify CBD’s ecological effects on oral microbial communities, define clinically relevant dosing and exposure timing, and develop oral-retentive delivery systems.”

“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid with multi-target pharmacological properties, including rebalancing gut microbial homeostasis, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant effects, has garnered attention in dentistry, particularly regarding dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases.”

“Accumulating evidence supports further investigation of CBD in dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal diseases.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/8/1221

The Potential of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Psychosis: Endocannabinoid Regulation of Serotonergic Neurotransmission via Serotonin 5-HT1A/2A Receptors

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“Cannabis, widely used for both medical and non-medical purposes, primarily contains Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

This review aims to clarify how the molecular and receptor-level mechanisms of CBD, compared with Δ9-THC, shape its distinct therapeutic profile and low liability for addiction, thereby informing the safer clinical application of CBD-containing interventions to schizophrenia.

CBD exerts sedative and therapeutic effects, including in treatment-resistant epilepsy, and acts in part via CB1 and CB2 receptors that also mediate Δ9-THC actions. While Δ9-THC activates these receptors as an agonist, triggering Gi-coupled signaling cascades such as MAPK pathways and suppressing presynaptic monoamine release, CBD functions as a non-competitive negative allosteric CB1 modulator and non-competitive antagonist of Δ9-THC. These distinct intracellular signaling mechanisms are considered to underlie the markedly different pharmacological profiles and abuse liabilities of Δ9-THC and CBD.

CBD also engages multiple CNS targets beyond CB1 and CB2, including GPR55, TRPV1 and ENT1, which are implicated in anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective actions. Although GPR55 pharmacology remains controversial and Δ9-THC shows inconsistent activity at this receptor, converging evidence indicates that CBD can antagonize CB1/CB2 and modulate atypical cannabinoid-sensitive proteins. Excessive activation of certain serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1A/2A, are thought to underlie some symptoms of psychosis.

These diverse molecular actions are thought to underlie CBD’s broad therapeutic potential across seizures and other CNS disorders, providing a mechanistic rationale for exploring CBD as a treatment option for psychosis in schizophrenia and stimulant-induced psychotic states.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42658346/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11064-026-04860-1

Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Medical Potential of Cannabidiol in Mental and Neurological Disorders

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“Background/Objectives: Mental and neurological disorders contribute substantially to the global burden of disease, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. As their prevalence increases with age, their overall impact is expected to grow in the coming decades. Although psychological and pharmacological treatments are available, many patients fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes, underscoring the need for improved therapeutic strategies. Cannabis sativa L. has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and cannabidiol (CBD) has attracted increasing attention because of its broad therapeutic potential. Scientific studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial in several mental and neurological disorders. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify articles investigating the therapeutic potential of CBD and cannabis in selected disorders. 

Results: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, together with findings from the broader cannabis literature, indicates that CBD may offer therapeutic benefits in a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Emerging data also support its potential use as an adjunctive therapy for COVID-19. Current research has improved understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders and the molecular pathways through which CBD may exert its effects. CBD has demonstrated good tolerability, with predominantly mild adverse effects and a favorable safety profile. 

Conclusions: Despite promising findings, many available studies are preclinical or involve small patient cohorts, and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of CBD remain incompletely understood. Further well-designed, randomized, controlled, multicenter trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of CBD and support its integration into clinical practice.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42653735

“The Cannabis plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with therapeutic indications mentioned in the medical texts of ancient civilizations.”

“These findings support the safety and clinical applicability of CBD and further suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent.”

“CBD is a promising therapeutic candidate for several mental and neurological disorders.”,

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/8/1238


Cannabigerol improves MK-801-induced long-term recognition memory deficit in male rats through cortical TrkB-R signaling independently of changes in BDNF.

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“Interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychotomimetic cannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has increased recently. However, preclinical studies examining its effects on cognitive impairment, a core symptom domain of schizophrenia, remain limited.

Based on the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia, MK-801, a potent NMDA-R antagonist, is widely used as a pharmacological model of schizophrenia that replicates the cognitive impairments observed in patients.

This study investigated whether repeated systemic administration of CBG (10 mg/kg/i.p.) could reverse long-term recognition memory (LTM) impairment induced by a single dose of MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg/i.p.) in male rats, using the novel object recognition paradigm. Additionally, we evaluated whether these effects were associated with changes in BDNF/TrkB receptor (TrkB-R) signaling.

ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed to evaluate BDNF protein levels and BDNF and TrkB-R mRNA expression in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).

MK-801 significantly impaired LTM compared with control group, whereas co-administration of CBG prevented this deficit.

MK-801-induced memory impairment was associated with reduced hippocampal and cortical BDNF protein levels, without changes in BDNF or TrkB-R mRNA expression. CBG and MK-801 combined treatment did not restore BDNF mRNA expression and protein levels although it significantly increased TrkB-R mRNA expression in the mPFC.

These results suggest that activation of TrkB-R signaling through a BDNF-independent mechanism may contribute to the preservation of LTM by CBG.

Our results provide relevant evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of CBG for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42648374

“Results support CBG therapeutic potential for cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305726001152?via%3Dihub

Cannabis sativa-mediated biosynthesis of copper-zinc-selenium nanocomposites: phytochemical profiling, antioxidant properties, and molecular docking insights

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“Background: Nanotechnology is an emerging field widely applied across various disciplines, including medicine, to develop cost-effective and innovative therapies by delivering therapeutic compounds to targeted sites. The integration of multiple metals can yield synergistic multifunctional properties.

Aims: This study focuses on the green synthesis of copper-zinc-selenium (Cu-Zn-Se) nanocomposite, which is a straightforward and reliable method compared to chemical, physical, and mechanical techniques. Cannabis sativa, a dioecious plant from the Cannabinaceae family, has garnered significant attention due to its pharmacological properties and global cultivation.

Methods: In this research, Phytochemical analysis of extracts was carried out using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). After that, a trimetallic copper-zinc-selenium (Cu-Zn-Se) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using the floral biomass extract of Cannabis sativa and characterized by using UV-Vis spectral analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. Further, the potential applications of the synthesized trimetallic nanoparticles were evaluated by assessing their antioxidant activities through DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Assay, Ferric Reducing Power Assay, and Phosphomolybdate Antioxidant Activity. In addition, Molecular docking studies were used to investigate the drug target interactions for antioxidant behaviour.

Results: The UV-Vis spectrum displayed overlapping bands at 230, 290, and 327 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. FTIR analysis revealed peaks corresponding to various functional groups, notably a band at 1621.37 cm – 1 indicating C = O carbonyl stretching from amides, and a band at 1427.91 cm – 1 associated with C = C stretching (in-ring) from aromatic structures. SEM imaging showed spherical particles with an average size of 40 to 60 nm. A dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity for the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite, which surpassed that of the plant extract in all assays studied and was comparable to the standard ascorbic acid. Molecular docking studies supported the experimental findings by showing that the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite binds stably to the antioxidant target protein, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: This study is among the first to report the green synthesis of a Cannabis sativa-mediated Cu-Zn-Se trimetallic nanocomposite, highlighting its strong antioxidant potential and interaction pathways at the molecular level. These findings contribute novel insights into sustainable nanomaterial development and underscore the biomedical promise of phytogenic trimetallic nanocomposites as potent antioxidant agent.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41131581

“The present study successfully demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite using Cannabis sativa floral biomass extract. The GC-MS analysis effectively identified the presence of key cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and CBN) and terpenes in the cannabis extract. These compounds contribute to the overall effects and therapeutic potential of the cannabis sample.”

“These results signify the immense bioactive potential of the green synthesized Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite using Cannabis sativa extract, which can find applications in the pharmaceutical and industrial fields.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00320-9

Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Performance of Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Elium Biocomposites Modified with Activated Carbon Nanoparticles: Experiment and Simulation

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“This research examines the influence of various concentrations (0%, 1%, 1.4% and 1.8% by weight) of activated carbon nanoparticles (AC NPs) on the performance of Elium biocomposites reinforced with hemp fibers.

Unidirectional [0°/0°] laminates with 20% fiber volume fraction were fabricated via hand layup using two layers of 150 GSM hemp fabric and compression molded to achieve 0.9 mm cured thickness.

Quasi-static tensile testing (ASTM D3039, 2 mm/min, 100 mm gauge length) revealed a pronounced non-monotonic relationship between AC NPs loading and mechanical properties, with optimal performance at 1.0 wt.% fillers and catastrophic degradation at 1.8 wt.%. AC NPs filled composites, which were then characterized by their electrical and thermal behavior.

Electrically, it also achieved minimum resistivity (1.62 Ω·m) and maximum conductivity (0.62 S·m-1), in contrast to the elevated resistance (42.5 kΩ) found in samples with a higher filler content.

Thermal analysis showed a slight effect on the degradation of the onset temperature (300 °C) and a higher charring after addition of AC NP. Finite element analysis (FEA) provided a corroboration for these experimental findings, with simulations verification.

Microscopy revealed cohesive fractures in the 1.0 wt.% composite whereas voids and brittle failure were evident in samples with higher loading. Hence, the concentration of 1.0 wt.% AC NP offers the best trade off of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41516850

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/1/66


In Situ Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Soy Protein Isolate for Sustainable and Multifunctional Finishing of Hemp Fabrics

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“This study presents an environmentally sustainable finishing approach for hemp fabrics by combining soy protein isolate (SPI) pretreatment with an in situ infrared (IR)-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).

IR heating was employed to reduce energy consumption while promoting efficient nanoparticle formation compared to conventional thermal processing, while SPI acted as a bio-based stabilizer to enable uniform ZnO NP distribution on the fabric surface. Transmission electron microscopy revealed predominantly spherical to polyhedral ZnO NPs with minimal agglomeration, and X-ray diffraction confirmed their characteristic wurtzite crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping further verified the homogeneous deposition of ZnO NPs on hemp fibers.

The treated fabrics exhibited multifunctional performance, showing significantly enhanced ultraviolet (UV) protection with a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50+ compared with untreated hemp.

Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed by the AATCC TM147 test, while a quantitative AATCC TM100 assessment demonstrated an excellent antibacterial efficiency of 99.99% bacterial reduction against S. aureus. Additionally, the incorporation of 2 wt% SPI significantly improved fabric hydrophilicity and wettability.

Overall, this work demonstrates a green and effective strategy for producing antibacterial and UV-protective hemp textiles.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41516899

“This study successfully developed a novel antibacterial finishing process for hemp fabrics by combining SPI pretreatment with an IR-assisted in situ synthesis of ZnO NPs.”

“Consequently, this work provides a generalized and scalable framework for the development of eco-friendly antibacterial and UV-protective textile finishes.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/1/116