Author: Frank Schuler

CBD Increases Psychotropic Effects Of THC According To New Study

Written by Frank Schuler on September 10, 2024. Posted in Science.

The cannabis plant contains a number of different cannabinoids, with the two most well-known cannabinoids being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). A growing number of medical and adult-use cannabis products contain both cannabinoids, leading to new questions about how THC and CBD interact with each other.

A team of researchers based in the Netherlands and the United States recently conducted a study examining the effects of combined THC and CBD usage. The researchers are affiliated with the Centre for Human Drug Research (Leiden), Verdient Science, Tomori Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont.

The results of the team’s study were published by the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

“This clinical trial investigated the hypothesis that CBD counteracts the adverse effects of THC and thereby potentially improves the tolerability of cannabis as an analgesic. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-way cross-over trial was performed in 37 healthy volunteers. On each visit, a double-placebo, THC 9 mg with placebo CBD, or THC 9 mg with 10, 30, or 450 mg CBD was administered orally. Psychoactive and analgesic effects were quantified using standardized test batteries. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects model.” the researchers stated.

“Co-administration of 450 mg CBD did not reduce, but instead significantly increased subjective, psychomotor, cognitive, and autonomous effects of THC (e.g., VAS “Feeling High” by 60.5% (95% CI: 12.7%, 128.5%, P < 0.01)), whereas THC effects with 10 and 30 mg CBD were not significantly different from THC alone. CBD did not significantly enhance THC analgesia at any dose level.” the researchers also stated.

“In a future study, we aim to learn more about the potential phenotypical differences between neuropathic pain patients who respond to cannabinoid-induced analgesia vs. patients for whom cannabinoid-based treatments do not work well.” the researchers concluded.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Canada, and South Africa, in addition to being legal at the state level in the United States as well as in the District of Columbia.

CBD Associated With Decreased Daytime Fatigue In Croatian Clinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on September 10, 2024. Posted in Science.

It’s fairly common for someone to feel fatigued as the day goes on, especially when it comes to suffering patients who may already struggle with fatigue due to their health condition(s). Even for non-suffering patients, the ‘two-thirty feeling’ can be real when tiredness sets in around the middle of the afternoon.

A number of products and services profess to boost energy throughout the day, with varying levels of effectiveness. Many energy-boosting products contain large amounts of added sugar and other additives that are not always healthy.

Researchers in Croatia recently conducted a clinical trial to determine if cannabidiol (CBD) can be effective at reducing daytime fatigue. Below is more information about the results of the clinical trial via a news release from NORML:

Split, Croatia: CBD administration is associated with decreased daytime fatigue and improved psychological well-being, according to randomized placebo-controlled data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

A team of Croatian researchers assessed the use of CBD versus placebo on participants’ quality of life. Subjects consumed either CBD or placebo for five-week intervals.

“Five-week administration of CBD, but not of placebo, resulted in improvement of ESS [Epworth sleepiness scale] score as well as fatigue/vitality and psychological well-being,” investigators concluded. Although subjects reported reduced incidents of daytime sleepiness, they did not similarly report improvements in their overall sleep quality.

Prior studies have reported that CBD dosing before bedtime is associated with improved sleep quality in patients with a history of sleep disturbances.

Full text of the study, “Chronic cannabidiol administration mitigates excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue in patients with primary hypertension: insights from a randomized crossover trial,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

German Endometriosis Patients Report Quality Of Life Improvements Following Cannabis Use

Written by Frank Schuler on September 10, 2024. Posted in Science.

Endometriosis is a serious health condition involving tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the patient’s uterus. Endometriosis can cause severe pain in the patient’s pelvis. The condition can make it difficult for the suffering patient to become pregnant. Patients can start experiencing symptoms of the condition during their first menstrual period and the symptoms can last up until menopause.

International researchers estimate that roughly 5-10% of women of reproductive age around the globe suffer from endometriosis. Unfortunately, very little is known about what causes endometriosis.

A team of researchers in Germany recently conducted a study involving endometriosis patients and reported quality of life improvements following cannabis use. Below is more information about the results of the study via a news release from NORML:

Berlin, Germany: Nearly one in five patients with endometriosis report using cannabis to effectively manage their pain or other related symptoms, according to survey data published in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

German investigators surveyed over 900 patients with endometriosis. Consistent with prior analyses, a significant percentage of respondents acknowledged using cannabis products and most said that they were highly effective at mitigating their symptoms.

“Seventeen percent of the respondents used cannabis or cannabis-related products as a self-management method,” they determined. “Cannabis was rated as the most effective self-management strategy to reduce symptom intensity (self-rated efficacy 7.6 out of 10). Additionally, ~ 90 percent of the participants were able to decrease their pain medication intake. The greatest improvement was observed in sleep (91 percent), menstrual pain (90 percent), and non-cyclic pain (80 percent). Apart from increased fatigue (17 percent), side effects were infrequent (≤ 5 percent).”

The study’s authors concluded: “The use of cannabis [has] a significant impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of women with endometriosis. … The study indicates that there is a significant interest and demand for additional therapeutic options, and cannabis can potentially become an important part of a multimodal therapy approach for treating endometriosis.”

The study’s findings are consistent with those from Canada and Australia, which have similarly reported that cannabis relieves endometriosis-related pain and other symptoms. According to a recent scientific review, “The use of cannabis for endometriosis-related pain holds promise for addressing the often-debilitating discomfort experienced by those with this condition.”

Full text of the study, “Cannabis use in endometriosis: the patients have their say – An online survey for German-speaking countries,” appears in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Cognitive Performance Is Unaffected By Nightly CBD Use Per Australian Study

Written by Frank Schuler on September 5, 2024. Posted in Science.

Insomnia is a major issue around the world, with an estimated one-third of adults worldwide having symptoms of insomnia, and roughly ten percent of adults globally are diagnosed with insomnia. Insomnia occurs when the sufferer has difficulty falling asleep and/or remaining asleep.

The negative effects of suffering from insomnia are significant – increased chances of depression, fatigue, memory issues, mood issues, and weight gain (among many other problems). Many insomnia patients do not respond well to pharmaceutical drugs.

Cannabidiol is a form of medication that many insomnia patients are increasingly turning to. A major question that often comes up between patients and doctors is whether or not CBD causes any lasting cognitive performance issues. According to a recent study conducted in Australia, the answer to that question is no.

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly used as a sleep aid for insomnia; yet neurocognitive and subjective state effects following daily therapeutic use are unclear.” the researchers stated. The researchers who conducted the study were all affiliated with Swinburne University of Technology.

The primary objective of the study was to “measure the effect of daily CBD use on neurocognitive performance and daily subjective mood in a population with primary insomnia.”

“This study used a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel design incorporating a single-blind placebo run-in week followed by a two-week double-blind dosing period, during which participants consumed 150 mg CBD (N = 15) or placebo (N = 15) sublingually 60-minutes daily before bed.” the researchers stated about their study’s methodology. “Attention, executive function, reasoning, information processing, working and episodic memory were assessed using the CogPro system at the beginning of the placebo run-in, after 1-week and 2-weeks of dosing. Subjective states using visual analogue scales and side effects were recorded daily.”

“Cognitive performance was unaffected by nightly CBD supplementation (all p > 0.05). From baseline to trial conclusion, those receiving CBD reported greater experience of calmness, clear-headedness, coordination and were more likely to report side-effects of dry mouth relative to placebo (all p < 0.05).” the researchers stated about the study’s findings.

“Relative to placebo, daytime cognitive functioning following nightly supplementation as a therapeutic aid for primary insomnia was preserved under trial conditions. Results suggested an overall favourable safety profile, with larger controlled trials and thorough analyses of varying insomnia phenotypes necessary to corroborate these findings.” the researchers concluded.

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Analysis: THC Blood Concentrations Are Not Correlated With Impairment

Written by Frank Schuler on September 5, 2024. Posted in Science.

How much THC in a person’s system is too much when it comes to safely operating a motor vehicle? Due to the complexities of human biology, that question is far more difficult to answer than many policymakers would lead the public to believe.

An infrequent user can consume very little cannabis and be significantly impaired, and a frequent consumer can refrain from consumption for multiple days and yet still have a considerable amount of metabolized THC in their system. There is no ‘one size fits all’ THC threshold that automatically equates to impairment.

That fact is demonstrated in a recent analysis conducted by researchers in Norway which found that THC blood concentrations are not correlated with behavioral impairment. Below is more information about the analysis and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Oslo, Norway: The presence of THC in blood is poorly correlated with behavioral impairment, according to data published in the Forensic Science International.

Norwegian researchers assessed the relationship between drug concentrations and impaired psychomotor performance in a cohort of over 15,000 individuals suspected of drugged driving and 3,684 drug-free controls. Driving performance was assessed by participants’ performance on a clinical test of impairment (CTI).

Consistent with prior literature, “The correlation between drug concentration was high for ethanol, … but low for THC.”

Specifically, authors determined, “For THC, the median drug concentrations changed little between drivers assessed as not impaired and impaired.”

They concluded, “The lack of a close relationship between drug concentration of THC and degree of impairment at the individual level is in accordance with several observations from experimental studies [where participants engaged in the] controlled intake of cannabis.”

The authors’ findings are consistent with those of numerous studies reporting that neither the detection of THC nor its metabolites in blood or other bodily fluids is predictive of impaired driving performance. As a result, NORML has long opposed the imposition of per se THC limits for motorists and has alternatively called for the expanded use of mobile performance technology like DRUID.

Full text of the study, “The relationship between clinical impairment and blood drug concentrations: Comparison between the most prevalent traffic relevant drug groups,” appears in Forensic Science International. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Marijuana and Psychomotor Performance.’

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Cannabis Extracts Effective For Treating Refractory Nausea Per Clinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on September 5, 2024. Posted in Science.

Anyone who has battled cancer or has a loved one who has battled cancer knows firsthand how awful it can be. Undergoing chemotherapy treatment is often necessary but is also very difficult for cancer patients to have to endure.

A common side effect of chemotherapy treatments is refractory nausea. Refractory nausea is a condition that occurs when nausea and vomiting don’t respond to treatment. When a cancer patient experiences it, it makes a difficult situation even worse.

According to a recent clinical trial conducted in Australia, the use of plant-derived cannabis extracts is a safe and effective treatment for refractory nausea. Below is more information about the trial via a news release from NORML:

Sydney, Australia: The administration of cannabis extracts containing equal percentages of THC and CBD safely and effectively relieves refractory nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to randomized clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Australian investigators assessed the use of standardized cannabis extracts versus placebo in 147 patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy. (Australian law permits physicians to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.) Participants in the study all suffered from nausea and vomiting despite taking standard antiemetic medications. Patients consumed either extracts or placebo three times a day in addition to their prescription medications.

Compared to placebo, cannabis extracts significantly reduced vomiting frequency and improved patients’ quality of life.

Researchers concluded: “An oral formulation of THC:CBD was an effective adjunct to standard antiemetics for prevention and treatment of refractory CINV, with adverse effects including sedation and dizziness, but no increase in serious adverse events. Our data support the claim that oral THC:CBD is an effective and safe option for the prevention of refractory CINV [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting].”

In an accompanying editorial, authors opined, “For patients receiving moderate- or high-emetic-risk chemotherapy, THC:CBD may be considered as an option for secondary prophylaxis of CINV for patients who had refractory nausea in a previous cycle despite guideline-concordant treatment.”

Both cannabis and THC are well-established anti-nauseants. An oral formulation of synthetic THC (aka dronabinol) has been FDA-approved in the United States as an antiemetic since 1985.

Full text of the study, “Oral cannabis extract for secondary prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Final results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase II/III trials,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Canadian Patients Turning To Cannabis To Treat Chronic Skin Condition

Written by Frank Schuler on August 13, 2024. Posted in Science.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic autoinflammatory skin condition that results in the suffering patient developing painful bumps or boils, tunnels, and abscesses under their skin. The condition is often referred to as ‘acne inversa.’

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa. Common treatments include using skin care products such as antiperspirants, antiseptic washes, and retinoids. In severe cases, pain management therapies and medications are also incorporated.

A team of researchers in Canada recently conducted a scientific literature review and found that a growing number of suffering hidradenitis suppurativa patients are turning to medical cannabis products to treat their condition. Below is more information about the review and its findings via a new release from NORML:

Vancouver, Canada: Patients diagnosed with the skin condition Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS aka acne inversa) frequently consume cannabis products and report that they improve their quality of life, according to a literature review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. HS is a chronic skin condition characterized by the reoccurring formation of small painful lumps under the skin, typically in the armpit and groin.

Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota reviewed data from six studies, encompassing 34,435 patients.

They reported, “Findings show higher cannabis use among HS patients, demonstrating efficacy in pain management, sleep, anxiety relief, itch relief, and improved quality of life.”

The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabis may play a role in analgesia, improved quality of life, pain, itch, and overall mental health in patients with HS and healthcare providers including dermatologists should increase their familiarity in appropriate use of cannabis-related products. … Efforts to reduce the stigma of utilizing cannabis-related products for medical purposes, education, and open discussion about the harms of illicit substances with patients are highly encouraged.”

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of cannabis-related product use among patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A narrative review,” appears in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

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Cannabis-Infused Tea Mitigates Fibromyalgia Pain In Italian Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on August 5, 2024. Posted in Science.

The cannabis plant is arguably the most dynamic plant on earth, possessing tremendous wellness benefits for suffering patients. Researchers are slowly but surely unlocking the cannabis plant’s full potential, including which delivery methods are best for certain conditions.

One form of cannabis consumption involves drinking it via cannabis-infused tea preparations. Many patients prefer cannabis-infused tea when available because it is a smoke-less cannabis delivery method.

Researchers in Italy recently conducted a clinical trial involving cannabis and fibromyalgia patients. Patients reported decreases in pain after consuming cannabis-infused tea. Below is more information about the trial and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Potenza, Italy: The daily consumption of cannabis-infused tea is associated with decreased pain and improved quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) patients, according to clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Italian scientists assessed the efficacy of cannabis flower (22 percent THC | 1 percent CBD) steeped in tea in a cohort of 30 patients with refractory FM. Patients consumed the infused tea daily for six months.

Patients’ median pain ratings fell from 8 (on a numerical scale of 1 to 10) to 4 during the trial. Study participants also reported improvements in physical and mental health. None of the patients who completed the trial reported any adverse side effects from cannabis.

The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabinoids may represent an effective alternative to conventional pharmacological therapy for reducing pain and mind disorders in FM subjects. Further investigations like randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to corroborate these findings.”

Fibromyalgia patients frequently self-report using cannabis to successfully manage symptoms of the disorder. Observational data published last year reported that FM patients who consume medical cannabis preparations reduce their need for prescription opioids.

Full text of the study, “Is a low dose of cannabis effective for treating pain related to fibromyalgia? A pilot study and systematic review,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Additional information on cannabis and fibromyalgia is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Medical Cannabis Mitigates Symptoms Of Autism In Israel Clinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on August 5, 2024. Posted in Science.

International researchers estimate that roughly 1 out of every 100 children has autism. Autism is often characterized by the patient experiencing some degree of difficulty with social interactions and communication, as well as difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, focusing, and unusual reactions to sensations.

It is still largely unknown what causes autism. People diagnosed with autism battle the condition for their whole lives, although various treatments and therapies can help with the development, health, well-being, and quality of life of autistic people.

Health experts in Israel recently conducted a clinical trial involving medical cannabis therapies and autistic trial participants. Below is more information about the study and its results via a news release from NORML:

Haifa, Israel: Preparations of CBD-rich cannabis reduce anxiety and other autistic symptoms in children, according to data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Israeli scientists assessed the efficacy of CBD-dominant cannabis extracts in a cohort of 65 children (ages 5-12 years) with autism. Study participants consumed customized doses of cannabis extracts for six months.

Researchers reported: “We observed significant differences in the autistic children’s overall anxiety and in some anxiety subtypes. Significant improvements were observed in RRBI [restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests], including the total score, and specifically in compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness behaviors.”

The study’s authors concluded: “Our study suggests positive implications for CBD-rich cannabis treatment in alleviating anxiety and RRBI symptoms in autistic children. … We strongly recommend further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using standardized assessments to validate these findings.”

The findings are consistent with those of numerous other studies showing that cannabinoid treatment provides symptom improvements in children with autism. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits to adults with autism.

Full text of the study, “Effects of medical cannabis treatment for autistic children on anxiety and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests: An open-label study,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Additional information on cannabinoids and ASD is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.