“Aim: Currently, there exist no curative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of medicinal cannabis to improve neurological conditions.
Methods: A 12-month, open label, dose-finding, safety and efficacy study was conducted including 48 subjects with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders.
Results: In our participants, we observed a reduction in pain, improved sleep, enhanced well-being and less agitation.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that medicinal cannabis might be useful in patients with neurodegenerative disorders in controlling pain, enhancing sleep, reducing difficult behaviors, controlling unusual and complex symptoms when other treatments have failed – this offers medicinal cannabis a role in palliation.”
“Introduction Existing data suggest an association between primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and cannabis consumption, although evidence remains controversial.
Methods This study used the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample Database to examine inpatients with PSP, categorizing them as cannabis users and non-users. Multivariate regression analyzed continuous variables, chi-square assessed categorical variables, and logistic regression models were built. Propensity score matching (PSM) mitigated the confounding bias.
Results A total of 399,495 patients with PSP were admitted during the study period (13,415 cannabis users and 386,080 non-cannabis users). Cannabis users were more likely to be younger (p<0.001) and male (p<0.001) with a lower risk of baseline comorbidities than non-users. Cannabis users had a lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest, vasopressor use, the development of acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, the requirement for invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the need for a tracheostomy. Cannabis use was associated with a 3.4 days shorter hospital stay (p<0.001), as confirmed by PSM analysis (2.3 days shorter, p<0.001). Additionally, cannabis users showed a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001), a trend maintained in the PSM analysis (p<0.001).
Conclusions Our study revealed correlations suggesting that cannabis users with PSP might experience lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications than non-cannabis users.”
“Our study makes a significant contribution to understanding the association between cannabis use and PSP outcomes. It reveals correlations suggesting that cannabis users with PSP might experience lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications compared to non-cannabis users.”
“The endocannabinoid system (ECs) is composed of multiple signaling compounds and receptors within the central and peripheral nervous system along with various organs, including the gut, liver, and skeletal muscle.
The ECs has been implicated in metabolism, gut motility, and eating behaviors. The ECs is altered in disease states such as obesity. Recent studies have clarified the role of the gut microbiome and nutrition on the ECs. Exogenous cannabinoid (CB) use, either organic or synthetic, stimulates the ECs through CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, the role of CBs is unclear in regard to nutrition optimization or to treat disease states.
This review briefly summarizes the effect of the ECs and exogenous CBs on metabolism and nutrition. With the increased legalization of cannabis, there is a corresponding increased use in the United States. Therefore, nutrition clinicians need to be aware of both the benefits and harm of cannabis use on overall nutrition status, as well as the gaps in knowledge for future research and guideline development.”
“In recent years, the medical use of cannabinoids has attracted growing attention worldwide. In particular, anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids led to their emergence as potential therapeutic options for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Recent studies have also shown that cannabinoid receptors are widely expressed and have endogenous ligands in the skin, suggesting that the skin has its own endocannabinoid system. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases.
Following an overview of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids in skin health and disease. We then review the clinical studies of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases including systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM), psoriasis (Pso) and atopic dermatitis (AD). A primary literature search was conducted in July 2023, using PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 15 articles were included after excluding reviews, non-human studies and in vitro studies from 389 non-duplicated articles.
Available evidence suggests that cannabinoids may be beneficial for SSc, DM, Pso and AD. However, further studies, ideally randomized controlled trials, are needed to further evaluate the use of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases.”
“The available data support the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in SSc, DM, Pso and AD, as well as highlight the need for further studies to confirm their therapeutic use. In conclusion, available evidence suggests that cannabinoids have the potential therapeutic benefit with good tolerability in SSc, DM, Pso and AD. “
“Introduction: A significant gap exists in the understanding and utilization of medical marijuana and its effects on a patient’s quality of life. This is largely attributed to Cannabis’ sp. Schedule 1 classification, which has impeded the scientific investigation of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and quality of life. Additionally, conflicting results from previous studies highlight the need for more research to provide guidance to both patients and clinicians regarding the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana.
Methods: Patients over 18 years of age who were members of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program (PAMMP) were recruited from regulated Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries. Eligible patients were enrolled through informed consent, following a study design that received approval from the LECOM Institutional Review Board (IRB). Over 90 days, participants were remotely administered an electronic survey every 30 days to collect medical marijuana use patterns and assess changes in quality of life.
Results: Of the 103 participants who completed the study, significant improvements were observed in physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, and energy levels within the first 30 days. Participants reported significant decreases in emotional limitations, fatigue, and pain levels. Notably, participants who used inhaled or vaped products (defined as vape cartridges and concentrates) were younger and exhibited a significantly higher increase in emotional well-being scores compared to those who used flower products (defined as dry leaf only). Participants who consumed medical marijuana for opioid use demonstrated significantly higher THC consumption compared to those seeking treatment for anxiety, chronic pain, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Improvements in the first 30 days also remained constant for the remainder of the study.
Discussion: This study contributed valuable insights into the effects of medical marijuana on quality of life and highlighted potential benefits associated with its use. Moreover, ongoing research aims to assess the observed sustained improvements beyond 90 days, investigating potential long-term trends. While further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and long-term effects of medical marijuana, clinicians and patients can gain a better understanding of medical marijuana’s therapeutic potential, enabling more informed decisions regarding its use in clinical settings.”
“This research looks at the effects of medical marijuana on a patient’s quality of life. The study involved 103 participants from Pennsylvania who were using medical marijuana for various health conditions. They answered four surveys over 90 days, reporting on their experiences with marijuana and their well-being.
The results showed that many participants experienced improvements in their physical and social functioning, energy levels, and emotional well-being within the first 30–60 days of using medical marijuana.
Interestingly, the study found that how often someone used medical marijuana could affect their overall health. Those who used it once a day tended to have better general health scores compared to those who used it more frequently. Alcohol use seemed to have an impact too. People who used both alcohol and medical marijuana had lower energy levels and emotional well-being, suggesting that the combination might not be ideal. The study also looked at how people consumed medical marijuana, whether by inhaling it or using it as a flower, and found differences in THC consumption and emotional well-being. However, the study had some limitations, like relying on self-reported data and having a small sample size. Still, it provides valuable insights into how medical marijuana can affect people’s lives and highlights the need for personalized approaches to its use.”
“Background: The survey of Copeia captured early 2022 patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in Germany under cannabis medicinal product (CAM) therapy, with particular attention to symptoms, symptom changes, indications, side effects, dosages, and cost bearers.
Goal: This study investigated the question of whether associations emerge from the results that could play a role in the indication and treatment monitoring of CAM in chronically ill patients.
Materials and methods: A standardized questionnaire was administered online nationwide in dialogue form over a 15-week period to collect itemized symptoms and PRO. Recruitment was supported by pharmacies, prescribing physicians, and patient associations. Inclusion criteria included physician-prescribed CAM therapy.
Results and discussion: Of 1582 participants, 1030 data sets (65%) could be completely analyzed. There was a heterogeneous patient population, whose common feature was disease chronicity. The frequency distribution of symptoms showed a homogeneous pattern for the respective indications, in which the most frequent six (pain 71%, sleep disturbance 64%, stress/tension 52%, inner restlessness 52%, depressive mood 44% and muscle tension 43%) seem to have a special significance.
According to subjective assessment, quality of life improved significantly in 84% of all participating patients.
Conclusion: A symptom matrix (SMX) composed of different symptoms seems to play a special role in CAM therapy to improve the quality of life of chronically ill patients, regardless of the underlying disease. The SMX could contribute to the identification of an indication and to targeted treatment monitoring.”
“A well-known effect of cannabis is the promotion of appetite. However, the neurobiological mechanism behind this stimulation is still unknown. A study in Scientific Reports demonstrates that neurons within the mediobasal hypothalamus, particularly in the arcuate nucleus, have a role in stimulating rat feeding behavior linked to cannabis exposure. When compared with animals exposed to air, rats exposed to cannabis exhibited an increase in food intake and locomotion in the presence of food. Additionally, these rats showed an increase in the activity of mediobasal hypothalamic neurons when exposed to cannabis vapors. Chemically inducing the activation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 in mice, located in the arcuate nucleus region, attenuated the inhibition of hunger-promoting mediobasal hypothalamic neurons. By contrast, inhibition of arcuate nucleus neurons decreased appetite, showing the important role of these neurons in hunger behavior. These data provide a mechanistic insight into how cannabis impacts appetite, offering potential treatment avenues for eating disorders.”
“Background: The United States (US) continues to experience unprecedented rates of overdose mortality and there is increased need to identify effective harm reduction practices. Research from Canada describes cannabis donation through harm reduction agencies as an adjunctive strategy to mitigate the negative consequences of more harmful drugs. This case study describes the operational logistics, feasibility, and potential benefits of a cannabis donation program that was operated through a harm reduction program in rural Michigan.
Case presentation: We applied a community driven research approach to gather information from harm reduction program staff about the implementation and evolution of cannabis donation efforts in Michigan. We also examined 20-months (September 2021 through May 2023) of administrative data from a cannabis company to compare the sale and donation of cannabis products. Ten cannabis-experienced harm reduction clients received cannabis donations, with clinical staff determining client interest and appropriateness, and providing weekly pick-up or delivery. To expand product availability and sustainability, we examined administrative data from a commercialcannabis company that volunteered to provide donations. This administrative data suggests that while flower products constitute most of the adult and medical sales, edible, oil, and topical products predominated donations. Further, cost analysis suggests that donations represent only 1% of total gross sales and account for much less than the expected yearly donation amount.
Conclusions: Research suggests there is potential to reduce alcohol and drug use related harms of more dangerous substances through substitution with cannabis. This case study is the first to document cannabis donation as a harm reduction practice in the US and suggests potential for sustainability dependent on state laws. Findings from this case study provide a starting point for inquiry into cannabis donation as a harm reduction strategy in the US; future research is needed to fully understand the individual-level outcomes, public health impacts, necessary legal regulations, and best practices for cannabis donation programs through harm reduction organizations.”
“Despite billions spent at federal, state, and local levels, the US continues to face a drug overdose public health crisis. As illustrated in this case study, cannabis donation through harm reduction is happening in the US. While the policies surrounding the regulation and distribution of cannabis can still present barriers towards this practice, harm reduction staff working in the field see the potential benefits of cannabis, which include reduced premature death [17, 49], improved quality of life [50, 51], pain moderation [29, 52,53,54], increased recovery outcomes [10, 15, 55, 56], and improved safety for clients and community [57, 58]. Future research should focus on assessing whether this harm reduction practice is achieving any of these outcomes. Until then, given the ongoing overdose mortality stemming from illicitly produced fentanyl and other synthetic contaminants saturating the unregulated drug market, and the potential benefits of cannabis in reducing this unregulated substance use, harm reduction practitioners will continue to support client self-determination, and mutual aid in all forms, including available safe psychoactive substances, for persons who use drugs.”
“Cannabinoids have emerged as compelling candidates for medicinal applications, notably following the recent approval of non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) as a medicine. This endorsement has stimulated a growing interest in this class of compounds for drug discovery. Within the cannabis plant, a rich reservoir of over 125 compounds exists. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a member of the dibenzopyran class, is widely recognized for its psychoactive effects. Conversely, the furanoid class, represented by cannabielsoin-type (CBE) and cannabifuran-type (CBF) compounds, has not been reported with psychoactivity and demonstrates a spectrum of pharmacological potential. The transition from the pyran structure of THC to the furan structure of CBE seems to mark a shift from psychoactive to non-psychoactive properties, but a comprehensive examination of other members in this class is essential for a complete understanding. Building on these observations, our thorough review delves into the subject, offering a comprehensive exploration of furanoid cannabinoids, covering aspects such as their biosynthesis, classification, synthesis, and medicinal potential. The aim of this review is to encourage and catalyze increased research focus in this promising area of cannabinoid exploration.”
“Background and aims: Cannabis and its various derivatives are commonly used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is an important component of wound healing and the effect of cannabinoids on wound healing has become a recent topic of investigation. The objective of this article is to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the effects of cannabinoids on wound healing of the skin and to guide future avenues of research.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to evaluate the effects of cannabinoids on cutaneous wound healing.
Results: Cannabinoids appear to improve skin wound healing through a variety of mechanisms. This is supported through a variety of in vitro and animal studies. Animal studies suggest application of cannabinoids may improve the healing of postsurgical and chronic wounds. There are few human studies which evaluate the effects of cannabinoids on wound healing and many of these are case series and observational studies. They do suggest cannabinoids may have some benefit. However, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from them.
Conclusion: While further human studies are needed, topical application of cannabinoids may be a potential therapeutic option for postsurgical and chronic wounds.”
