Category Archives: THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The psychedelic effects of cannabis: A review of the literature

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“Cannabis and classic psychedelics are controlled substances with emerging evidence of efficacy in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Cannabis has largely not been regarded as having psychedelic effects in contemporary literature, despite many examples of historical use along with classic psychedelics to attain altered states of consciousness.

Research into the “psychedelic” effects of cannabis, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in particular, could prove helpful for assessing potential therapeutic indications and elucidating the mechanism of action of both cannabis and classic psychedelics.

This review aggregates and evaluates the literature assessing the capacity of cannabis to yield the perceptual changes, aversiveness, and mystical experiences more typically associated with classic psychedelics such as psilocybin. This review also provides a brief contrast of neuroimaging findings associated with the acute effects of cannabis and psychedelics.

The available evidence suggests that high-THC cannabis may be able to elicit psychedelic effects, but that these effects may not have been observed in recent controlled research studies due to the doses, set, and settings commonly used. Research is needed to investigate the effects of high doses of THC in the context utilized in therapeutic studies of psychedelics aimed to occasion psychedelic and/or therapeutic experiences.

If cannabis can reliably generate psychedelic experiences under these conditions, high-THC dose cannabis treatments should be explored as potential adjunctive treatments for psychiatric disorders and be considered as an active comparator in clinical trials involving traditional psychedelic medications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947321/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811231209194

“Psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37615227/

Improved Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Related Sleep Disturbances after Initiation of Medical Marijuana Use: Evidence from a Prospective Single Arm Pilot Study

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“Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder experienced by a subgroup of individuals following a life-threatening trauma. Several US states have passed laws permitting the medical use of marijuana (MMJ) by individuals with PTSD, despite very little scientific indication on the appropriateness of marijuana as a therapy for PTSD. This prospective pilot study of adults with confirmed PTSD in Florida (FL) investigated whether PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, affect, and general physical and mental health/well-being improved post-initiation of MMJ treatment.

Methods: Participants, N = 15, were recruited from two MMJ clinics in Gainesville and Jacksonville, FL. To be eligible, participants had to be 18 years of age or older, not currently on MMJ, and willing to abstain from recreational marijuana, if using any, until the State Medical Cannabis Card was obtained, screen positive for PTSD. Participants were assessed at baseline (pre-MMJ initiation) and 30 and 70 days post-MMJ initiation using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), PROMIS Global Health V1.2, and semi-structured marijuana and other substance use assessment.

Results: PTSD symptom severity as measured by total PCL-5 score improved significantly at 30- and 70-day follow-ups. Similarly, statistically significant reductions in nightmares were reported at 30- and 70-day follow-ups. Corresponding improvements in sleep were noticed with participants reporting increased duration of sleep hours, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and total PSQI score. Likewise, negative affect and global mental health improved significantly at follow-up. According to the post hoc analyses, the most statistically significant changes occurred between baseline and 30-day follow-up. The exception to this pattern was nightmares, which did not show significant improvement until day 70.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the potential of MMJ in improving patient outcomes for those with PTSD, particularly concerning sleep disturbances, which often do not respond to currently available treatments.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37965569/

https://karger.com/mca/article/6/1/160/869732/Improved-Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder-Symptoms

Effects of Two Cannabidiol Oil Products on Self-Reported Stress Relief: A Quasi-Experimental Study

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“Introduction: Estimated rates of past-month cannabidiol (CBD) use in the general public are 13-26% and emerging research examines CBD as a potential adjunct treatment for several medical conditions, including stress-related disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, and chronic pain). However, little is known about the effects of different CBD products on self-reported stress. The present study compared the effects of two delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free CBD tincture products – (1) an isolate CBD oil and (2) a broad spectrum CBD oil – on self-ratings of effectiveness of the product and ability to manage stress.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study reports on a total of 374 participants who completed either a 30- or 60-day regimen. Participants were instructed to use a 1,000 mg CBD isolate product at will, and then switch over to a 1,000 mg broad spectrum product for the remainder of the regimen (i.e., next 15 or 30 days). Self-reported effectiveness of the product and its ability to help manage stress was compared between the isolate and broad spectrum products. We also examined overall impression, quality, taste, and adverse effects of each product.

Results: Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management. Participants reported that the broad spectrum product’s effectiveness (p < 0.001) and ability to reduce stress (p < 0.001) as greater than the isolate product across both regimens. However, participants preferred the taste of the isolate product over that of the broad spectrum across regimens (p < 0.05). For the 30-day regimen, participants reported a more positive overall impression of the isolate as compared to the broad spectrum (p < 0.001); however, overall impression did not differ between the products in the 60-day regimen. There was no difference in adverse effects or quality between the products, across both regimens.

Conclusion: These results fit with prior studies suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in nonclinical and clinical populations.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37942294/

https://karger.com/mca/article/6/1/138/869446/Effects-of-Two-Cannabidiol-Oil-Products-on-Self

Cannabis Use Linked to Enhanced Empathy

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Cannabis Use Linked to Enhanced Empathy

“Summary: A new study suggests regular cannabis users may have a heightened ability to understand others’ emotions. Psychological assessments coupled with brain imaging revealed that users show stronger connectivity in brain regions associated with empathy. The research, involving 136 participants, could have implications for treating social interaction deficits.

Key Facts:

  1. Regular cannabis users may have a greater empathetic understanding of others compared to non-users.
  2. Brain imaging indicates enhanced connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region related to empathy, among cannabis users.
  3. The study’s findings may inform potential treatments for social interaction deficits in various psychological conditions.”

https://neurosciencenews.com/empathy-cannabis-use-25173/

Neuro-Gastro-Cannabinology: A Novel Paradigm for Regulating Mood and Digestive Health

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“The maintenance of homeostasis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is ensured by the presence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates important physiological activities, such as motility, permeability, fluid secretion, immunity, and visceral pain sensation. Beside its direct effects on the GI system, the ECS in the central nervous system indirectly regulates GI functions, such as food intake and energy balance. Mounting evidence suggests that the ECS may play an important role in modulating central neurotransmission which affects GI functioning. It has also been found that the interaction between the ECS and microbiota affects brain and gut activity in a bidirectional manner, and a number of studies demonstrate that there is a strong relationship between GI dysfunctions and mood disorders. Thus, microbiota can regulate the tone of the ECS. Conversely, changes in intestinal ECS tone may influence microbiota composition. In this mini-review, we propose the concept of neuro-gastro-cannabinology as a novel and alternative paradigm for studying and treating GI disorders that affect mood, as well as mood disorders that imbalance GI physiology. This concept suggests the use of prebiotics or probiotics for improving the tone of the ECS, as well as the use of phytocannabinoids or endocannabinoid-like molecules, such as palmitoylethanolamide, to restore the normal intestinal microbiota. This approach may be effective in ameliorating the negative effects of GI dysfunctions on mood and/or the effects of mood disorders on digestive health.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37920559/

“In particular, the use of cannabis-derived compounds that decrease the impact of stress, regulate circadian rhythm, and improve mood may represent a winning strategy in case of functional GI diseases.”

https://karger.com/mca/article/6/1/130/868373/Neuro-Gastro-Cannabinology-A-Novel-Paradigm-for

Cannabis Use Is Associated With Fewer Filled Opioid Prescriptions After Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures

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“The purpose of this study was to use a large claims database to determine if there is a difference in opioid use after operative intervention for proximal humerus fractures in patients with known cannabis use compared with those who do not report cannabis use. The PearlDiver database was queried to find all patients who underwent proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation. A group of patients with reported cannabis use or dependence was matched to a cohort without known cannabis use. Between the two groups, differences in the number of opioid prescriptions filled in the postoperative period (within 3 days), the morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed in total and per day, and the number of opioid prescription refills were explored. There were 66,445 potential control patients compared with 1260 potential study patients. After conducting the propensity score match, a total of 1245 patients were included in each group. The patients in the cannabis group filled fewer opioid prescriptions (P=.045) and were prescribed fewer total MMEs (P=.044) in the first 3 days postoperatively. Results of this study indicate that patients who use cannabis products may use fewer opioids after proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37921529/

https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/01477447-20231027-07

Rationalizing a prospective coupling effect of cannabinoids with the current pharmacotherapy for melanoma treatment

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“Melanoma is one of the leading fatal forms of cancer, yet from a treatment perspective, we have minimal control over its reoccurrence and resistance to current pharmacotherapies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently been accepted as a multifaceted homeostatic regulator, influencing various physiological processes across different biological compartments, including the skin. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of melanoma, current pharmacotherapy used for treatment, and the challenges associated with the different pharmacological approaches. Furthermore, it highlights the utility of cannabinoids as an additive remedy for melanoma by restoring the balance between downregulated immunomodulatory pathways and elevated inflammatory cytokines during chronic skin conditions as one of the suggested critical approaches in treating this immunogenic tumor.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37920964/

“Cannabinoids, including endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic agents, exert pharmacological effects on the skin by activating the specific cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Uniquely, the ECS system has been shown in vivo and in vitro to regulate the immune system through its immunomodulatory properties. They can attenuate chronic inflammatory disorders and subsequently enhance anti-tumor characteristics. In addition to their immunomodulatory effects, cannabinoids further mediate multiple anti-cancer pathways, including autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell motility, and cell adhesion; moreover, they regulate key inflammatory processes critical to the homeostatic regulation of the tumor microenvironment. “

https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsbm.1633

Lack of interactions between prenatal immune activation and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during adolescence in behaviours relevant to symptom dimensions of schizophrenia in rats

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“The causality in the association between cannabis use and the risk of developing schizophrenia has been the subject of intense debate in the last few years. The development of animal models recapitulating several aspects of the disease is crucial for shedding light on this issue. Maternal infections are a known risk for schizophrenia. Here, we used the maternal immune activation (MIA) model combined with THC exposure during adolescence to examine several behaviours in rats (working memory in the Y maze, sociability in the three-chamber test, sucrose preference as a measure, prepulse inhibition and formation of incidental associations) that are similar to the different symptom clusters of the disease. To this end, we administered LPS to pregnant dams and when the offspring reached adolescence, we exposed them to a mild dose of THC to examine their behaviour in adulthood. We also studied several parameters in the dams, including locomotor activity in the open field, elevated plus maze performance and their response to LPS, that could predict symptom severity of the offspring, but found no evidence of any predictive value of these variables. In the adult offspring, MIA was associated with impaired working memory and sensorimotor gating, but surprisingly, it increased sociability, social novelty and sucrose preference. THC, on its own, impaired sociability and social memory, but there were no interactions between MIA and THC exposure. These results suggest that, in this model, THC during adolescence does not trigger or aggravate symptoms related to schizophrenia in rats.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37918558/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584623001756?via%3Dihub

Successful Treatment of a Fibromyalgia Patient Using a Homeopathic Preparation of Cannabis sativa

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“Background: Homeopathy has been used in observational and controlled studies to treat patients with fibromyalgia (FM), but none has previously used the remedy Cannabis sativa.

Case history: A 51-year-old female patient presenting with diffuse pain and sleep disorder was diagnosed with FM using the relevant American College of Rheumatology criteria. She reported having 18 tender points, a pain score (visual analog scale, VAS) of 9.0, and a well-being VAS of 5.0. She was prescribed Cannabis sativa 6 cH, five drops sublingually thrice a day.

Results: After 2 months, she returned asymptomatic, with 0 tender points, pain VAS of 0, and well-being VAS of 9.0. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy score was equal to +9, suggesting the clinical outcome was causally attributable to the medicine prescribed.

Conclusion: This case study reveals the positive role of homeopathic treatment in FM. Studies using a randomized controlled design, including pragmatic trials to determine treatment effectiveness in real-world clinical practice, are indicated in this field.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37903591/

https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0043-1775815

Medical Cannabis Alleviates Chronic Neuropathic Pain Effectively and Sustainably without Severe Adverse Effect: A Retrospective Study on 99 Cases

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“Introduction: Medical cannabis may provide a treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain. However, empirical disease-specific data are scarce.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study including 99 patients with chronic neuropathic pain. These patients received medical cannabis by means of inhaling dried flowers with tetrahydrocannabinol content of <12-22% at a maximal daily dose of 0.15-1 g. Up to six follow-ups were carried out at intervals of 4-6 weeks. Pain severity, sleep disturbance, general improvement, side effects, and therapy tolerance at the follow-up consultations were assessed in interviews and compared with the baseline data using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: Within 6 weeks on the therapy, median of the pain scores decreased significantly from 7.5 to 4.0 (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with severe pain (score >6) decreased from 96% to 16% (p < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was significantly improved with the median of the scores decreased from 8.0 to 2.0 (p < 0.001). These improvements were sustained over a period of up to 6 months. There were no severe adverse events reported. Mild side effects reported were dryness in mucous tissue (5.4%), fatigue (4.8%), and increased appetite (2.7%). Therapy tolerance was reported in 91% of the interviews.

Conclusion: Medical cannabis is safe and highly effective for treating neuropathic pain and concomitant sleep disturbance.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37900896/

https://karger.com/mca/article/6/1/89/860557/Medical-Cannabis-Alleviates-Chronic-Neuropathic