Articles tagged with Cannabinoids
Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association warns that schizophrenia and psychiatric issues may be triggered by marijuana use, especially among young people. Physicians are advised to counsel patients on dosing and risks, as well as consider a family history of mental illness.
Researchers are struggling to develop a reliable roadside test for marijuana intoxication, as THC levels can vary greatly depending on factors such as consumption method and pairing with alcohol. New biomarkers and tests are being explored to improve safety on the roads and address the complexities of cannabis use.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have synthesised four variants of THC that can be altered with light, offering a potential tool for controlling and influencing CB1 receptors. These light-sensitive THC derivatives were tested in living cell cultures and found to activate and deactivate the receptors using specific wavelengths of light.
Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, finding initial impairments in neurocognitive function and subjective feelings of high. The results suggest that common use scenarios may not be fully represented by the low drug concentrations used in the trial.
A review of cannabinoids' therapeutic antitumor potential highlights their ability to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells. While promising, the evidence is currently based on limited human studies and animal models, emphasizing the need for further research.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered an antidote that rapidly stops the intoxicating effects of synthetic cannabinoids like 'Spice'. The study used mice to test a molecule called AM251, which blocks cannabinoid receptors and leads to a loss of behavioral effects within minutes.
Researchers warn of the dangers of cannabinoid abuse, particularly seizures, caused by synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-018. A potential treatment with CB1R antagonist AM-251 has been proposed for cases of cannabinoid overdose.
A roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Daniele Piomelli, U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, and Lori Ajax explored the intersection of medicine, law, and society regarding cannabis. The panelists shared their perspectives on topics including addiction risk, business operations, and cancer pain relief.
Researchers found an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into potent anti-inflammatory molecules, which bind to receptors in the immune system. This discovery demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce medicinal qualities similar to marijuana without a psychotropic effect.
A commentary in CMAJ argues that a two-streamed structure is necessary to keep patients safe and support research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. This structure would provide incentives for research, educational resources for healthcare practitioners, and reduce risk to patients.
A special issue of Epilepsy & Behavior evaluates the benefits of medical marijuana for treating epilepsy, highlighting gaps in knowledge and education. Key findings include anecdotal data on cannabis use for epilepsy treatment and potential effects on brain function.
A new mass spectrometry-based screening method enables quick turnaround of drug screens and can be used in emergency rooms to detect lethal compounds. The low-cost cartridges are estimated to cost less than $10 each, making them accessible to health facilities of any size.
Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.
Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.
New research examines how genetics contribute to the metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids, increasing risk for severe effects. Understanding this connection could lead to targeted treatments and antidotes.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found that cannabinoids may be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. Topical cannabinoid drugs with little psychotropic effect could provide relief for patients with itchy skin conditions.
A Vanderbilt study found that increasing the supply of a natural chemical called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain promotes resilience to acute stress exposure. The study suggests that boosting this signaling system could represent a new treatment approach for mood and anxiety disorders, including PTSD.
A prospective study found that symptoms of depression, drinking alcohol, or using marijuana increased the risk of synthetic marijuana (SC) use one year later. SCs are potent chemicals similar to THC, often sold as potpourri or incense and appealing to adolescents due to ease of access and affordability.
Researchers found synthetic marijuana compounds are chemically distinct from marijuana, activate different receptors, and pose health risks. Studies reported acute and long-term adverse effects, including seizures, psychosis, dependence, and death.
Research suggests that cannabinoids in medical marijuana could alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings. A specific compound, cannabidiol, shows promise in reducing anxiety related to cravings and restoring neurobiological damage.
Researchers have identified a non-addictive pathway to pain relief by targeting endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. The study suggests that selective activation of CB2 receptors can contribute to the medicinal benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.
A study by UC Riverside researchers shows that a western diet leads to overeating and obesity due to elevated peripheral endocannabinoid signaling. This therapeutic approach targets cannabinoid receptors in the periphery, holding promise as a safe treatment for overeating and diet-induced obesity.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that retraction of early thalamocortical connections, driven by cannabinoids, can help form L4-L2/3 connections. This finding may contribute to understanding neuronal circuit mechanisms and prevention of cannabis abuse.
A new study found that only 20% of cannabis dispensary staff have medical or scientific training, despite recommending treatments to patients. The lack of training is concerning, as some recommendations may be ineffective and worsen patient conditions.
A study found that cannabis users in Australia recommended package warnings that focused on driving ability, mental health, and addiction risk, mirroring some expert warnings. However, users also suggested unconventional warnings not typically recommended by experts, highlighting the need for caution in packaging cannabis products.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have reported a high-resolution structure of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), which binds to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is responsible for marijuana's high. This detailed structure should lead to a better understanding of how cannabinoids initiate signals in the brain.
Researchers found that cannabinoids inhibit neurotransmitter release and reduce mitochondrial energy, leading to memory loss. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach by targeting specific CB1 receptors in the brain.
A new study reveals the detailed structure of the human CB1 receptor, a key target for cannabinoids. The findings provide clues to mechanisms by which certain chemicals produce longer-lasting effects and offer guidance for designing novel medications that specifically target portions of the receptor.
The study provides a three-dimensional image of cannabinoid receptor 1, which is found to be embedded in the surface of many nerve cells. This discovery could explain how pain medications meant to mimic cannabis use without the 'high' can cause unintended side effects.
A team of biologists has identified a cannabinoid receptor, GPR18, in spermatozoa that plays a crucial role in the acrosome reaction and fertilization process. The receptor is sensitive to NAGly and THC, and its activation triggers the acrosome reaction.
Researchers found that activating cannabinoid signaling increases activity in retinal ganglion cells, allowing tadpoles to detect dimmer objects in low light. This discovery challenges previous understanding of cannabinoids' role in vision and provides a potential mechanism for their therapeutic use.
A new study suggests that oral cannabidiol may convert to the psychoactive compound THC in the stomach, potentially leading to adverse effects. The research found that gastric fluids can convert CBD into THC, which could explain why some children treated with CBD for epilepsy experienced unexpectedly high rates of sleepiness and fatigue.
The Journal announces a new collaboration with IACM to increase published clinical research on clinical cannabis, cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system. The partnership aims to further the science of clinical cannabis for potential therapeutic applications.
A growing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids have therapeutic potential for treating various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and gastrointestinal illnesses. The development of new pain therapies is crucial due to demographic changes and increasing life expectancy, which will lead to more patients with chronic pain.
Researchers found that the CB2 receptor regulates nerve cell activity in the hippocampus, adjusting communication processes. The discovery could lead to novel medications for schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease.
A roundtable discussion explores the addictive potential of cannabis, its symptoms, risks, and health consequences. The discussion also examines current research efforts to identify effective treatments for cannabis addiction and ongoing clinical trials testing investigational agents.
A recent French study found that a drug tested on paid volunteers resulted in one death and five hospitalizations but did not contain cannabis or cannabinoids. The drug, an FAAH inhibitor, may have interacted with another protein responsible for the toxicity.
A new review found scant scientific evidence supporting cannabinoid use in rheumatic diseases, citing only four small studies with limited information. Rheumatologists cannot recommend cannabinoids as a therapeutic option due to high side effects and limited long-term efficacy data.
Scientists discovered that cannabinoid receptors in the brain exclusively control aversive memories, excluding neutral and positive ones. This finding has significant implications for treating diseases associated with emotional processes like depression and anxiety.
Researchers found that THC delayed skin graft rejection in mice due to suppressed immune response, potentially leading to new antirejection therapies for humans. Further studies are necessary to confirm benefits in humans.
A review of 79 randomized trials involving 6,500 participants found moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain and lower-quality evidence for nausea and vomiting. However, the effectiveness of cannabis for other conditions remains unclear, with increased risk of adverse effects.
Research in The FASEB Journal suggests that fenofibrate may become a viable treatment option for relieving pain, stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and preventing depression. The study found that fenofibrate activates cannabinoid receptors, which could lead to the development of new drugs targeting these receptors.
A Vanderbilt University study suggests replenishing 2-AG levels in the brain could alleviate mood and anxiety disorders. By restoring normal levels of 2-AG, researchers may have found a potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression and anxiety.
Researchers found that anandamide, a cannabinoid compound, directly causes Ca2+ influx and triggers an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The study discovered two independent mechanisms involving protein kinase C signaling pathway for anandamide's inhibitory effects on voltage-gated calcium channels.
Researchers identify cannabinoid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The discovery may help explain why marijuana users take the drug to reduce anxiety.
Researchers discovered that CB1 cannabinoid receptors control a circuit connecting the olfactory bulb to the olfactory cortex, increasing sensitivity to smell during hunger. This biological mechanism may be altered in obese or anorexic patients, enabling better management of these pathologies.
Researchers found that cortical type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) agonist trans-caryophyllene protected brain cells from ischemic effects. TC decreased cerebral infarct size and edema in animal models, with effects reversed by CB2R antagonist AM630.
Researchers report on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CH), a little-known but costly effect of marijuana use, characterized by cyclic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. CH can lead to expensive diagnostic tests and ineffective treatments, with some patients requiring multiple hospital visits and costing up to $30,000 in workups.
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan have discovered the chemical pathway used by cannabis to produce bioactive compounds called cannabinoids. This breakthrough could lead to the development of marijuana varieties for pharmaceutical use or cannabinoid-free industrial hemp.
A study in rats found that adolescent female rats exposed to marijuana-like cannabinoids through their mothers had a higher preference for morphine, suggesting increased risk of drug abuse in their male offspring. The findings support earlier reports on the negative effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on development and behavior.
Researchers at UCI found that blocking an endocannabinoid compound called 2-AG boosts fat burning and leads to weight loss in mice. The study suggests that this natural chemical plays a critical role in energy metabolism, and blocking its production may lead to new treatments for obesity.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which cannabinoids in cannabis affect working memory, involving decreased neural connections in the hippocampus. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly those in astroglial cells, modulate synaptic plasticity and impair spatial working memory.
Researchers found a link between genetic variants in cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and increased susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Specific CNR1 polymorphisms were more frequent in patients with alcohol dependence than those who abused alcohol.
Scientists have created new tests to identify the source of emerging designer drugs, such as 'bath salts' and synthetic cannabinoids. The tests use isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to trace the production of these substances, which can cause euphoria, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Researchers used molecular imaging to visualize changes in the brains of heavy marijuana smokers versus non-smokers, finding a decreased number of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Chronic cannabis smoking caused downregulation of these receptors, but they returned to normal when subjects stopped smoking.
A recent study by University of Western Ontario researchers has identified a critical brain pathway responsible for the effects of cannabinoid drugs on emotional processing. The findings suggest that activating cannabinoid receptors in the amygdala region can significantly impact emotional information and memory processes.
Researchers found that omega-3 deficient mice exhibited disturbed synaptic functions and emotional behaviors, including depression. The study suggests that chronic malnutrition during intrauterine development may influence synaptic activity involved in emotional behavior in adulthood.
Researchers have found that boosting brain levels of 2-AG, a natural painkiller, soon leads to loss of its therapeutic effect due to receptor downregulation. This discovery has implications for drug development and basic science, suggesting that more modest elevations in 2-AG may produce sustained pain relief.
A $4 million grant will be used to investigate the effects of THC on HIV, with a focus on anti-inflammatory and viral suppression mechanisms. The research aims to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to improve HIV disease progression.
Research suggests that THC induces autophagy-mediated cell death in human brain cancer cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. Administration of THC to mice with human tumors decreased tumor growth and induced autophagy in tumor cells.