Thailand introduced medical cannabis in February 2019. This study aims to monitor cannabis-related healthcare utilisation after this introduction. A three-year surveillance system was established in 2021, comprising: (1) monitoring cannabis-related healthcare visits within the medical cannabis-service system and (2) assessing cannabis use outside of this system in psychiatric hospitals, youth detention centres, and emergency departments. During the first surveillance year (June 2021–May 2022), the Thai healthcare system rapidly expanded cannabis services, with 90.4
Persistent chronic pain remains a major unmet need in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), even when inflammatory disease activity is low. Evidence for cannabinoid-based treatment in inflammatory rheumatic disease is limited. We investigated the efficacy and safety of low-dose cannabidiol (CBD) for chronic pain in RA and AS and explored the effects of adjunctive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in non-responders. In this multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 66 patients with RA or AS and persistent pain despite low inflammatory disease activity were randomized 1:1 to oral CBD or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was a reduction of at least 20 points on the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) at week 12. After the blinded phase, non-responders entered a 12-week open-label phase: non-responders in the placebo group switched to CBD, while non-responders in the CBD group received add-on THC. Secondary outcomes included continuous pain VAS, sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), cognitive performance assessed by the Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), disease activity measures, and safety. At week 12, the primary endpoint was achieved by 9/32 patients (28
As rates of cannabis use and recreational access increase, it is imperative that recreational cannabis products have clear, consistent, and standardized labeling practices. The current study assessed labeling accuracy for standardized labeling requirements of 480 (n = 277 flower; n = 203 concentrate) recreational cannabis products purchased from across Colorado. Each product label was assessed for the presence of the following required regulatory components: universal symbol, driving warnings, pregnancy warnings, expiration dates, ideal storage conditions, and THC potency. Observed compliance with warning labels was compared to expected proportions for each regulatory labeling component, and Chi-square was used to assess if these observed proportions were different between cannabis flower and concentrate products. Only the universal symbol met the expected proportion by being present on 99.2
South African law treats different activities involving cannabis in distinct ways. Prince protects an adult's private use, possession, and cultivation for personal consumption, but the law still prohibits dealing and other activities. Parliament enacted the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024, which currently awaits a presidential proclamation to take effect. This review assesses whether this legal framework causes every cannabis-related invention to fall under s 25(4)(a) of the Patents Act 57 of 1978. This review doctrinally analyses s 25(4)(a) of South Africa's Patents Act. It compares that provision with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the European Patent Convention (EPC), and materials from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). It also uses selected public patent records to test what available databases disclose. The analysis separates the moral controversy over cannabis, the legality of particular conduct, and the statutory effect of publishing or exploiting the claimed invention. The Prince decision addresses only part of this legal context. However, its privacy holding makes blanket criminality an unviable basis for refusing all cannabis patents. Section 25(4)(a) directs the inquiry into whether publishing or exploiting a particular invention would generally be expected to encourage offensive or immoral behaviour. The review also considers agrarian participation, genetic resource disclosure, and South Africa's unfinished move from depository registration to substantive search and examination. Partial decriminalisation does not automatically entitle a cannabis invention to patent protection. Conversely, moral debate or strict regulation surrounding cannabis does not justify an automatic refusal. Standard patentability requirements perform most of the screening work. However, s 25(4)(a) remains available if publishing or exploiting a specific invention would generally encourage offensive or immoral conduct. Patent administration requires simultaneous improvement through rigorous examination, clear public records, and dependable safeguards for biodiversity, origin disclosure, and benefit sharing.
Compost and cover crops enhance soil health and crop productivity in agricultural systems, yet their integration as soil management strategies in floral hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production remains underexplored. Understanding these effects is critical for optimizing cannabidiol yield while building soil health. In a two-year field study in north-central North Carolina, USA, we evaluated the effects of compost, cover crops, and their combination, and a non-fertilized control on soil health and cannabidiol yield in two floral hemp cultivars, Spectrum and Therapy. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block split-plot design with soil health indicators and agronomic parameters measured across multiple growth stages. Treatment effects varied substantially by year and cultivar. In 2021, compost produced the highest cannabidiol yields for both cultivars–1.1 to 2.6 times greater than control and cover crop treatments. By 2022, compost-cover crop treatment had the highest yields for Spectrum, while Therapy responded minimally to amendments. Organic amendments increased soil organic carbon by 15
Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids with therapeutic potential, yet their effects on host physiology and interactions with the gut microbiome remain poorly defined. Here, we used a translational mouse model colonized with human-associated microbiotas to investigate the effects of oral CBD and CBG intervention on microbial composition, endocannabinoid signaling, and intestinal protein expression. While neither phytocannabinoids altered overall gut microbiome diversity, both induced sex-specific shifts in bacterial taxa associated with mucin utilization and short-chain fatty acid production. Circulating concentrations of CBD were higher than those of CBG, and females exhibited higher plasma phytocannabinoid concentrations than males. Males treated with CBD had elevated anandamide (AEA) levels, potentially reflecting inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase, consistent with upregulation of serine protease inhibitors observed in ileal proteomes. Females also accumulated more subcutaneous adipose tissue with both CBD and CBG treatment resulting in greater total CBD storage in this depot. Collectively, these findings suggest sex-specific interactions between phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and the gut microbiome, underscoring the importance of considering biological sex in cannabinoid research and informing personalized therapeutic strategies.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Existing pharmacological and psychosocial treatments offer limited long-term effectiveness. At present, there is a critical need for novel AUD treatments. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) may offer some therapeutic promise for AUD, given that it appears to play a role in alcohol use motivation, while alcohol alters ECS function. Since craving and withdrawal are key AUD symptoms and represent important treatment targets, the role of the ECS in mediating craving and withdrawal should be fully explored. Exploitation of the ECS may have potential as a treatment target for AUD. This review synthesizes results from preclinical investigations into the impact of cannabinoid (CB) receptor modulation on measures of craving and withdrawal since the discovery of the CB1 receptor. Researchers identified studies published between 1988 and 2026 involving direct CB receptor modulation, measuring outcomes pertaining to craving or withdrawal, and containing a control group were included in qualitative synthesis. Studies focused on alcohol consumption were not analyzed unless craving or withdrawal-related outcomes were reported. Risk of bias was examined using the SYRCLE tool for preclinical studies. Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, all preclinical. Overall, CB1 activation generally increases craving-related behaviors, while antagonism tends to attenuate craving and some withdrawal-related outcomes, although dose-dependent effects were also reported. CB2 may mediate reinforcing effects of alcohol, but direction of effects is inconsistent. Evidence regarding withdrawal is limited and inconsistent. Preclinical evidence suggests that cannabinoid receptor modulation influences alcohol craving and withdrawal-related behaviors. Integration of these behavioral findings with the broader ECS literature suggests that CB1-mediated reward and motivational processes, and CB2-mediated neuroimmune signaling may represent important mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. Greater methodological standardization and clinical investigation are needed to confirm these mechanisms and determine their translational potential for AUD treatment. The protocol was pre-registered through Prospero (registration CRD42022309872) on 5/31/22.
Cervical cancer is among the major causes of cancer-related mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to effective screening and treatment is limited. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), non-classical targets (TRPV1, GPR18 and GPR55), endogenous ligands, and metabolic enzymes, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in several malignancies, including cervical cancer. Cannabis sativa (C. sativa)–derived phytocannabinoids, notably cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), interact with ECS components and may modulate key cancer-related pathways. This review aims to critically assess in vitro evidence on the effects of C. sativa phytochemicals in cervical cancer and to examine the underlying mechanisms associated with endocannabinoid system modulation. A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Relevant peer-reviewed English-language studies investigating Cannabis sativa, cannabinoids, or ECS components in cervical cancer models were included. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 5 studies were eligible for this study. Available in vitro evidence indicates that C. sativa extracts and phytocannabinoids exhibit cytotoxic and mechanistic effects in cervical cancer cell lines. These effects involve both ECS-dependent and independent pathways, including TRPV1 activation, modulation of MAPK signaling, induction of TIMP-1, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. However, evidence also suggests context-dependent and potentially opposing roles of ECS signaling, including cytoprotective effects mediated by CB1/CB2 receptors. Current evidence is limited to a small number of in vitro studies and remains insufficient to support conclusions regarding therapeutic efficacy. The observed effects are exploratory and highly context-dependent. Further research, including in vivo validation and studies in HPV-driven models, is required to determine the biological and clinical relevance of ECS modulation in cervical cancer.
Despite extensive research on CBD, a comprehensive analysis of its rapidly evolving molecular understanding, clinical validation across diverse fields such as oncology and neurology, safety concerns, and dynamic global regulatory changes remain fragmented. This review addresses a critical translation gap by integrating quantitative molecular polypharmacology with the most recent global regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, it evaluates how pharmacogenomic modeling and advanced nanocarrier delivery systems based on artificial intelligence can actively resolve the pharmacokinetic limitations of CBD and dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, establishing a clear, data-driven design for personalized cannabinoid medicine. CBD acts as a broad-spectrum modulator through multiple molecular targets, including cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors, contributing to its pharmacological effects. Clinical evidence strongly supports its efficacy in pediatric seizure disorders and symptom management in oncology, while topical applications show promise in pain and dermatological conditions. However, systemic CBD use for chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and as a primary anti-tumor agent still requires reliable clinical validation. Regulatory frameworks are changing globally in response to emerging safety concerns, particularly hepatotoxicity and drug interactions mediated by CYP450 inhibition. Future research priorities should include large-scale trials to clarify the inter-entourage effect, long-term safety assessments, metabolic interventions and precision delivery systems. This review highlights the necessity of evidence-based approaches to unlock the full clinical potential of CBD within a controlled, scientific-based approach.
Cannabis use is common among adolescents and young adults, yet motives, especially self-medication, remain poorly understood in non-legalized contexts. This study explored differences among recreational, self-medicated, and dual (recreational + self-medicated) cannabis users in sociodemographic, substance use, and mental health characteristics within a large Spanish sample of adolescents and young adults. Data were collected from 1,078 participants aged 16–30 who reported past-year cannabis use. Based on motives, users were categorized into three groups. Validated measures assessed cannabis use severity, concurrent substance involvement, nicotine dependence, alcohol-related consequences, and mental health. Bivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of group membership. Dual users comprised most participants (53.2
Morocco is one of the world's leading suppliers of cannabis, primarily cultivated in its northern region. Smoked cannabis has been reported in the literature to relieve suffering. Pain is a prevalent symptom in hemodialysis patients, leading to decreased quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of smoking cannabis in male patients undergoing hemodialysis and to explore the sociodemographic, biological and chronic pain characteristics, and quality of life between users of recreational cannabis and non-users. A total of 186 male patients on hemodialysis were recruited from four dialysis centers in the northern Morocco region. The Numeric Rating scale was used to assess pain severity and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was adopted to evaluate the quality of life. The Brief Pain Inventory was used to locate the painful sites. Data collection utilized medical files and a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic, clinical and dialysis-related variables. The prevalence of cannabis use was 18.2
Fibrosarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with limited therapeutic options and poor outcomes in advanced disease. Family with sequence similarity 111 member B (FAM111B) has emerged as a pro-tumorigenic factor associated with dysregulated cell survival and proliferation. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, exhibits anticancer activity in multiple malignancies, but its effects on FAM111B expression and downstream pathways in fibrosarcoma remain unclear. The effects of CBD were evaluated in human fibrosarcoma (HT1080) cells and non-cancerous human fibroblasts (FG0). Cell metabolic activity was assessed using an MTT assay. Gene and protein expression were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) and PI staining alone, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using an unpaired Student’s t-test or a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Šídák’s post hoc multiple comparisons test, as appropriate. CBD reduced metabolic activity in both HT1080 and FG0 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with comparable IC₅₀ values (28.95 ± 3.15 µM and 30.75 ± 9.12 µM, respectively), indicating limited selectivity based on metabolic activity alone. CBD significantly reduced FAM111B mRNA expression by approximately 3-fold in HT1080 cells and 2-fold in FG0 cells; however, a significant reduction in FAM111B protein expression was observed only in HT1080 cells, CBD treatment was associated with marked downregulation of BAG3 and Cyclin B1 proteins, increased apoptosis (Annexin V-positive cells: 3.55 ± 0.78
California was among the earliest U.S. states to legalize non-medical cannabis use by adults, with retail availability beginning January 1, 2018. This study describes changes in cannabis use prevalence, frequency, and methods among adults in California from 2017 through 2024, spanning the year before and seven years after the onset of retail availability. Data were drawn from 178,836 adults aged ≥18 years in the California Health Interview Survey (2017–2024). Survey-weighted logistic regression models with year as a categorical predictor were used to estimate year-specific prevalence, with Tukey adjustment for pairwise comparisons. All analyses accounted for survey weights, strata, and primary sampling units. Past-year and past-month cannabis use were reported by 24.7
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical and increasingly prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent vomiting in people with chronic cannabis use. Despite its growing clinical impact, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Genome-wide RNA sequencing was used to characterize transcriptomic differences and identify potential pathways involved in CHS pathogenesis. In this pilot study, whole blood RNA sequencing was performed on 7 patients with suspected CHS and 7 matched controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, annotated and analyzed by automated and manual analysis. RNA sequences were further analyzed by digital isotyping for HLA Class I and II allele usage. Suspected CHS was associated with marked activation of the adaptive immune system, including upregulation of B-cell related immunoglobin transcripts and altered expression of T cell, monocyte, and neutrophil-related transcripts. DEGs also suggested increased matrix degradation, and reduced adhesion and protease inhibitor transcripts. Digital HLA isotyping revealed increased MHC Class I expression, Class II allele restriction, and down-regulation of IgE receptor transcripts, a known response to elevated IgE levels in allergic hypersensitivity. Together, these preliminary findings identify immune-related signals in ED patients with suspected CHS, and lay the groundwork for future studies with larger, prospectively phenotyped cohorts to identify biomarkers, clarify immune triggers, and develop targeted therapies.
Cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and early parenting raises important public health concerns due to potential impacts on fetal and child development as well as parental health. However, individuals who use cannabis during these periods remain underrepresented in research. This study examines perceptions, behaviours, and decision-making related to cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early parenthood in Canada. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thirty-one women aged 18–55 years were recruited across Canada. Eligible participants had used cannabis at least once in the past 10 years and reported experience with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under three years of age. Participants represented five Canadian regions and included English- and French-speaking individuals. Interviews were conducted online between April and May 2025, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis identified key themes related to: motivations for cannabis use, product types and modes of consumption, perceived health effects and benefits, interactions with healthcare providers, knowledge gaps, information sources, and experiences of stigma. Participants described having to weigh known benefits of cannabis against uncertain risks to unborn or young children in the context of receiving limited and inconsistent clinical guidance. Challenges disclosing cannabis use to healthcare providers contributed to seeking information from informal or non-clinical sources of information. This study addresses critical gaps in understanding cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early parenting in Canada. Findings highlight the need for clear, evidence-informed, and non-judgmental public health messaging and clinical communication to support informed decision-making and harm reduction among those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and parenting young children.
Cannabinoids have attracted increasing scientific interest due to their diverse activities and therapeutic potential. However, cannabinoids suffer from limited physicochemical properties, including low melting point, low aqueous solubility, and stability issues. Cocrystal formation offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations. In this study, we investigate the solid-state stability of cannabinoids, namely cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG), and their cocrystals under thermal, pH-dependent, oxidative, and photolytic degradation stress conditions, with a focus on exploring the structure-stability relationships. The results revealed distinct stability trends. We observed that 4,4’-bipyridine improved the thermal stability compared to the pure cannabinoids, highlighting the role of coformer selection. pH-dependent studies generally showed higher degradation rates at intermediate pH values, whereas photostability experiments showed negligible instability in most samples. Oxidative stressing indicated that radical-mediated oxidation had a stronger impact on stability than peroxide-mediated oxidation. Overall, the results indicate that coformer choice and surface exposure of heteroatoms are key factors influencing the stability of cannabinoid cocrystals.
Cannabis sativa is among the earliest domesticated plants and has been widely utilized for nutritional, industrial, and medicinal purposes. While its aerial parts, particularly the leaves and inflorescences, have been extensively studied due to their recreational and therapeutic applications, the roots remain comparatively neglected, despite their long-standing use in traditional medicine for treating wounds, burns, and inflammation. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of C. sativa roots, with emphasis on their pharmacological potential. The roots of C. sativa contain a diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phytosterols, alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive constituents have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. In vivo studies further demonstrate nociceptive and antispasmodic effects, with no evidence of cytotoxicity. C. sativa roots represent an underexplored pharmacognostic resource with significant potential for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Their chemical diversity and biological activities provide a strong rationale for renewed scientific attention, supporting future research into this underestimated part of a species of growing medical and economic relevance.
Geographical variation in the phenolic composition and bioactivity of Moroccan Beldia (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds remains insufficiently characterized, limiting their rational valorization as bioactive resources. This study investigated aqueous extracts from defatted seeds collected in Ketama, Taounate, and Ouazzane using HPLC–DAD phenolic profiling, antioxidant and antimicrobial assays, and molecular docking. Data are reported as mean ± SD (n = 3), and regional differences were evaluated by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test when applicable. Clear regional discrimination was observed. Ouazzane gave the highest extraction yield (8.08 ± 0.24
Cannabis sativa L. produces a chemically diverse array of over 150 phytocannabinoids, of which cannabichromene (CBC) represents the fourth most abundant constituent in many chemovars, yet remains profoundly underexplored relative to its structural congeners delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and its precursor cannabigerol (CBG). Unlike THC, CBC is non-psychoactive and lacks the intoxicating central effects associated with THC, positioning it as a particularly attractive candidate for therapeutic development. This comprehensive review critically examines the current state of knowledge on CBC, encompassing its biosynthetic origin through the polyketide and mevalonate/methylerythritol phosphate pathways, the enzymatic conversion of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) by CBC synthase (CBCAS), and subsequent spontaneous and thermally accelerated decarboxylation. We survey the natural occurrence and distribution of CBC across Cannabis chemovars, the genetic and environmental determinants of its accumulation, and the advanced extraction, isolation, and analytical methodologies employed for its characterization. The pharmacokinetic profile of CBC, including absorption, distribution, hepatic metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes, and elimination, is discussed in the context of its notably low oral bioavailability. The molecular pharmacology of CBC is examined in depth, highlighting its unique receptor interaction profile: minimal direct engagement with CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors, potent agonism at transient receptor potential channels (TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPV3, TRPV4), and indirect modulation of endocannabinoid tone through inhibition of anandamide reuptake. We evaluate the preclinical evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and dermatological activities, and contextualize these findings within the entourage effect framework. The toxicological safety profile, drug–drug interaction potential, and regulatory landscape are critically assessed. Finally, we identify translational challenges, including formulation limitations, the absence of clinical trials, and regulatory fragmentation, and propose future research directions encompassing nanotechnology-based delivery systems, synthetic biology platforms for sustainable production, multi-omics integration, and precision medicine approaches. This review establishes CBC as a high-potential but critically understudied phytocannabinoid deserving of accelerated preclinical and clinical investigation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound of high pharmacological interest, requiring accessible analytical methods for its identification and measurement. This study proposes the transformation of the classic Beam reaction, traditionally a qualitative colorimetric test, into a robust, low-cost quantitative technique using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The method is based on the formation of a specific chromophore between CBD/CBDA and a 5
