UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An Updated Analysis of Inflammatory Arthritis

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A new analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry reports sustained improvements in pain, sleep, and health-related quality of life among patients with inflammatory arthritis who were prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products.

The study followed 192 patients for up to 24 months. Improvements were reported across multiple pain measures at every follow-up point, including pain severity, pain interference, and overall pain scores. Sleep quality and general quality of life also improved compared with baseline.

Notably, many patients were prescribed THC-containing products, including dried cannabis flower and oils. The findings add long-term real-world evidence that prescribed cannabis medicines may help some people living with inflammatory arthritis.

“Aim: Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are an emerging therapeutic option for pain in inflammatory arthritis, yet clinical evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate changes in pain-specific and general health-related outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis treated with CBMPs and to characterize the safety profile by examining the incidence and nature of adverse events.

Methods: Patients treated with CBMPs for inflammatory arthritis-associated pain for ⩾24 months were identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes included changes in patient-reported measures: Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (Pain VAS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2 (SF-MPQ-2), EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months vs baseline. Adverse events were recorded and analysed. Statistical significance was set at P < .050.

Results: A total of 192 patients met inclusion criteria. The CBMP initiation was associated with improvements in BPI Interference, BPI Severity, Pain VAS, SF-MPQ-2, SQS, and EQ-5D-5L index values at all follow-up time points (P < .010) and in GAD-7 scores up to 3 months (P < .001). Twenty-seven patients (14.06%) reported 296 adverse events: 126 (42.57%) mild, 132 (44.59%) moderate, and 38 (12.84%) severe. No life-threatening events occurred.

Conclusion: The CBMP therapy was associated with reductions in pain and improvements in health-related quality of life among individuals with inflammatory arthritis. Although causality cannot be inferred from this observational design, these findings support the need for randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy of CBMPs for inflammatory arthritis-related pain.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42724108

“Overall, results of this study demonstrate reductions in pain severity and improvements in HRQoL for patients receiving CBMP treatment for chronic pain linked to inflammatory arthritis over a period of 24 months of follow-up. The CBMPs were generally well-tolerated, although the risk of AE and individual responses should be considered before commencing CBMP treatment.”

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/11795441261480709

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces apoptosis in C6 glioma cells

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Researchers investigated whether Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could directly affect the survival of C6 glioma cells, a laboratory model of brain cancer. THC produced a dramatic, dose-dependent decline in cell metabolism and triggered apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The researchers confirmed this through several markers, including loss of membrane symmetry and the characteristic fragmentation of DNA seen during apoptosis.

The study also found that THC stimulated sphingomyelin breakdown, a process linked to ceramide signaling and cell death. Importantly, THC induced apoptosis in several transformed neural cell types but did not produce the same apoptotic effect in primary astrocytes or neurons. Even though the glioma cells expressed CB1 receptors, blocking CB1 did not prevent THC-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the effect occurred through a CB1 receptor-independent mechanism.

The authors concluded that THC’s antiproliferative effect could provide a basis for exploring new therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, particularly because normal primary astrocytes and neurons were resistant to THC-induced apoptosis in this model.

“delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, induced apoptosis in C6.9 glioma cells, as determined by DNA fragmentation and loss of plasma membrane asymmetry. THC stimulated sphingomyelin hydrolysis in C6.9 glioma cells. THC and N-acetylsphingosine, a cell-permeable ceramide analog, induced apoptosis in several transformed neural cells but not in primary astrocytes or neurons. Although glioma C6.9 cells expressed the CBI cannabinoid receptor, neither THC-induced apoptosis nor THC-induced sphingomyelin breakdown were prevented by SR141716, a specific antagonist of that receptor. Results thus show that THC-induced apoptosis in glioma C6.9 cells may rely on a CBI receptor-independent stimulation of sphingomyelin breakdown.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9771884

“In the course of our studies on the metabolic effects of cannabinoids on C6 glioma cells we have observed that cannabinoids inhibit the growth of these cells.”

“The antiproliferative effect of THC described in the present report might provide the basis for a new therapeutic application of cannabinoids, especially since primary astrocytes and neurons are resistant to the apoptotic action of THC.”

“These observations thus indicate that THC-induced glioma cell death is a process that differs from necrotic death and displays several features characterizing an apoptotic, programmed cell death event.”

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/S0014-5793%2898%2901085-0

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Cannabis as a source of novel therapeutics: A computational study combining LBDD and structure-based docking/dynamics to identify novel drug-like compounds for colorectal cancer

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Cannabis continues to provide researchers with chemical starting points for the development of new cancer therapies. In this 2026 study, scientists examined 33 cannabis-derived compounds with reported antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells, then used computational modeling to investigate their potential interactions with CDK2, an enzyme involved in cell-cycle regulation and cancer-cell proliferation.

Using those cannabis compounds as a foundation, the researchers designed 20 new drug-like molecules. Several were predicted to have stronger antiproliferative activity than the most active compound in the original cannabis-derived dataset, with four candidates — V2, V5, V7 and V8 — also showing favorable predicted pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties.

V7 and V8 emerged as the strongest candidates. Molecular docking and 100-nanosecond molecular-dynamics simulations indicated stable interactions with the active site of CDK2, with V8 showing particularly favorable behavior. The findings suggest that compounds inspired by cannabis chemistry could provide promising leads for the development of new therapeutics targeting colorectal cancer.

“Cannabis represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential, thanks to its rich phytochemical profile, making it a prime candidate for cancer research.

Our study investigates the potential of cannabis-derived compounds to inhibit cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a crucial regulator of cell-cycle progression and colorectal cancer cell proliferation.

A comprehensive computational workflow integrating 3D-QSAR modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, drug-likeness assessment, and ADMET prediction was employed to investigate a dataset of 33 cannabis-derived compounds. The robustness and predictive performance of the generated CoMFA and CoMSIA models were confirmed through internal and external validation, leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), and Y-randomization tests, yielding excellent statistical parameters for CoMFA (Q2=0.651, R2=0.986, SEE=0.069) and CoMSIA (Q2=0.665, R2=0.985, SEE=0.071).

Using contour map analysis, twenty new molecules (V1-V20) with enhanced antiproliferative activity against the HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line were developed, and outperformed the original dataset’s most active one. Following drug-likeness screening and ADMET profiling, compounds V2, V5, V7, and V8 emerged as the most promising candidates, exhibiting favorable pharmacokinetic properties and drug-like characteristics.

Molecular docking studies revealed that V7 and V8 exhibit high stability within the CDK2 active site and possess stronger binding affinity than the reference compound. Furthermore, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that both protein-ligand complexes reached stable conformational states, as confirmed by converged backbone RMSD profiles, low residue fluctuations (RMSF), persistent protein-ligand interactions, and complementary structural descriptors including radius of gyration (Rg), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), and molecular surface area (MolSA).

Collectively, these analyses confirmed the structural stability and compactness of the investigated complexes throughout the simulation period, with V8 exhibiting the most favorable dynamic behavior.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42749433

 “Overall, the present study establishes a robust computational framework for the rational identification and optimization of promising cannabis-derived CDK2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X26001071?via%3Dihub

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Hemp Leaves and Inflorescences as Potential Functional Feed Ingredients for Canine Nutrition

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Hemp may have value far beyond its traditional uses. A 2026 study examining hemp leaves and inflorescences found that both plant parts contain bioactive compounds with potential nutritional value, while extracts from the plants also demonstrated antibacterial activity against several important bacterial species.

Researchers found that hemp flowers were especially rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, while the leaves offered a favorable fatty-acid profile. In laboratory testing, hemp extracts showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting another potential use for compounds naturally produced by the cannabis plant.

The researchers suggest that hemp leaves and flowers deserve further investigation as functional ingredients in canine nutrition. The findings add to growing evidence that parts of the cannabis plant often treated as agricultural byproducts may contain valuable nutritional and biologically active compounds.

“Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences have been extensively characterized for their bioactive compounds, whereas less information is available on hemp leaves despite their potential as a source of nutrients and phytochemicals.

This study compared leaves and inflorescences of four organically grown hemp cultivars (Finola, Futura 75, Dioica, and Kompolti) in terms of cannabinoid, terpene, and fatty acid profiles, lipid quality indices, and in vitro antibacterial activity.

Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated using MIC, MBC, and time-kill assays. Total cannabinoid content was approximately 2.7-fold higher in inflorescences than in leaves, which were also generally richer in terpenes. Leaves showed a more favorable fatty acid profile, with higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio.

All extracts exhibited antibacterial activity. Among the tested bacteria, S. aureus was the most susceptible to the hemp extracts, with both growth inhibition and bactericidal activity observed at the lowest tested concentration (MIC/MBC = 0.005%), compared with 0.625% for E. coli and 1.25-2.5% for P. aeruginosa, depending on the extract. Finola and Kompolti inflorescence extracts showed the fastest bactericidal activity against S. aureus. 

These findings demonstrate distinct and complementary characteristics of hemp leaves and inflorescences and provide a basis for further investigation of their potential relevance to canine nutrition.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42738424

“The pet food industry is increasingly looking for natural ingredients that can improve both the nutritional value and microbiological safety of dog diets while making better use of agricultural resources. Industrial hemp cultivation generates large amounts of leaves that are often underutilized, although they contain valuable natural compounds. This study compared hemp leaves and inflorescences from four industrial hemp cultivars to determine whether these plant materials could be useful in canine nutrition.

The results showed that leaves provide a favorable fatty acid profile, whereas inflorescences are richer in naturally occurring plant compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. Extracts from both plant parts also inhibited the growth of bacteria under laboratory conditions. These findings suggest that different hemp plant parts may have complementary roles as functional ingredients in dog foods while supporting more sustainable use of hemp biomass. Further studies in complete diets and feeding trials are needed before practical application.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/17/2635

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced apoptosis in Jurkat leukemia T cells is regulated by translocation of Bad to mitochondria

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Researchers found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human Jurkat leukemia T cells by disrupting a major survival-signaling pathway and causing the pro-death protein Bad to move to the mitochondria. The study showed that this movement of Bad played an important role in THC-induced leukemia-cell death.

The authors also connected these findings with earlier work showing that THC and other cannabinoids induced apoptosis in transformed mouse and human T cells, including primary acute lymphoblastic human leukemia cells. They further reported that THC treatment cured approximately 25% of mice bearing T-cell leukemia.

Together, the findings support further investigation of THC and other cannabinoids as potential anticancer agents

“Plant-derived cannabinoids, including Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), induce apoptosis in leukemic cells, although the precise mechanism remains unclear.

In the current study, we investigated the effect of THC on the upstream and downstream events that modulate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) module of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways primarily in human Jurkat leukemia T cells.

The data showed that THC down-regulated Raf-1/mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK)/ERK/RSK pathway leading to translocation of Bad to mitochondria. THC also decreased the phosphorylation of Akt. However, no significant association of Bad translocation with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and protein kinase A signaling pathways was noted when treated cells were examined in relation to phosphorylation status of Bad by Western blot and localization of Bad to mitochondria by confocal analysis.

Furthermore, THC treatment decreased the Bad phosphorylation at Ser(112) but failed to alter the level of phospho-Bad on site Ser(136) that has been reported to be associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal pathway. Jurkat cells expressing a constitutively active MEK construct were found to be resistant to THC-mediated apoptosis and failed to exhibit decreased phospho-Bad on Ser(112) as well as Bad translocation to mitochondria. Finally, use of Bad small interfering RNA reduced the expression of Bad in Jurkat cells leading to increased resistance to THC-mediated apoptosis.

Together, these data suggested that Raf-1/MEK/ERK/RSK-mediated Bad translocation played a critical role in THC-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16908594

“Interestingly, we also found that THC and other cannabinoids could induce apoptosis in transformed murine and human T cells, including primary acute lymphoblastic human leukemia cells, and furthermore that the treatment of mice bearing a T-cell leukemia with THC could cure ∼25% of the mice.

These findings are consistent with studies showing that THC and other cannabinoids can induce apoptosis in a variety of tumor cell lines, thereby raising the possibility of the use of cannabinoids as novel anticancer agents.”

https://aacrjournals.org/mcr/article/4/8/549/233034/9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced-Apoptosis-in-Jurkat

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The Endocannabinoid System is No Longer the Limiting Factor: Why Policy and Stigma Continue to Delay Cannabinoid-Based Medicine

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The science of the endocannabinoid system has advanced dramatically, but cannabinoid-based medicine is still being held back by forces outside the laboratory. This new Clinical Therapeutics commentary argues that the biological understanding of the endocannabinoid system is no longer the main limiting factor. The larger barriers are now policy, regulation, funding, access, and stigma.

According to the authors, restrictive and fragmented rules make cannabinoid research harder to conduct, while limited access to standardized products complicates rigorous clinical trials. At the same time, stigma within medicine can discourage research, education, prescribing, and open discussion with patients.

The message is simple: the remaining evidence gaps are not purely scientific. They are also structural. If cannabinoid-based medicine is going to move forward, policy and medical culture will have to catch up with what researchers already understand about the endocannabinoid system.

“Purpose: To examine whether the persistent gap between the extensive mechanistic knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and the limited number of high-quality randomized clinical trials of cannabinoid-based therapies primarily reflects scientific uncertainty or, instead, structural regulatory, economic, and social barriers.

Methods: This commentary critically synthesizes historical, regulatory, and contemporary evidence on cannabinoid research, integrating data from regulatory documents, international policy reports, clinical and observational studies, systematic reviews, and qualitative investigations. Particular emphasis is placed on barriers affecting access to standardized products, conduct of randomized clinical trials, public funding, product standardization, and healthcare professionals’ perceptions.

Findings: Although the ECS has been extensively characterized for more than three decades and cannabinoids demonstrate plausible pharmacological mechanisms across multiple therapeutic areas, clinical translation remains disproportionately limited. Persistent regulatory restrictions, inherited from prohibition policies, continue to delay access to standardized research material, increase the cost and complexity of clinical trials, and shift evidence generation toward observational designs. Regulatory fragmentation further compromises product standardization and study reproducibility, whereas persistent social and professional stigma reduces research activity, medical education, prescribing confidence, and patient disclosure, perpetuating a self-reinforcing cycle between limited evidence generation and clinical distrust.

Implications: The principal obstacle to cannabinoid-based medicine is no longer the biological understanding of the ECS but the structural environment surrounding cannabinoid research. Progress toward evidence-based clinical implementation will depend on regulatory harmonization, greater public investment in randomized clinical research, standardized pharmaceutical-quality products, and educational initiatives capable of reducing stigma among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the structural rather than scientific origin of the evidence gap is essential for informing future research priorities, editorial policies, and international regulatory strategies.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42728140

“The ECS is no longer the main obstacle to cannabinoid therapeutics. Stigma and regulation continue to delay clinical translation. Standardized clinical research requires international regulatory reform. Medical education is crucial for evidence-based cannabinoid therapies.”

https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(26)00317-6/fulltext

Combined Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Modulate Inflammation and Nociceptive Signaling in Human Dental Pulp Cells

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A new study using human dental pulp cells found that combining cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produced stronger anti-inflammatory effects than either cannabinoid alone. The combination reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

CBD and THC together also influenced important pathways involved in pain signaling and healing. Researchers reported increased expression of the cannabinoid receptors CNR1 and CNR2, modulation of TRPV1, and enhanced cell proliferation and migration. The combination also promoted mineralized nodule formation and increased markers associated with odontogenic differentiation and new blood-vessel formation.

The researchers concluded that combined CBD and THC show promise for promoting dental pulp healing by simultaneously influencing inflammation, nociceptive signaling, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and cell migration. The findings provide new evidence that cannabinoids may have potential applications in future vital pulp therapies designed to preserve and regenerate living dental tissue.

“Introduction: Dental pulp inflammation, caused by caries, trauma, or restorative operations, produces pain and slows regeneration. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa, have effects on inflammation and pain relief. However, the impact of these factors on dental pulp healing is not understood. This study investigated the combined effects of CBD and THC in controlling inflammation and nociception during dental pulp repair.

Methods: Human dental pulp cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with CBD (2.5 μg/mL), THC (0.6 μg/mL), and their combination. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12 and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were analysed using qPCR and ELISA, while anti-nociceptive markers (CNR1, CNR2, and TRPV1) were evaluated by qPCR and Western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration assays were performed to evaluate treatment effects on cellular behaviours associated with pulpal repair and regenerative potential.

Results: Compared with either treatment alone, the CBD/THC combination more effectively attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β, enhanced CNR1 and CNR2 expression, modulated TRPV1, and increased IL-10 expression. Viability assays determined optimal non-cytotoxic concentrations for treatment. The combination enhanced cell proliferation and migration, promoted mineralized nodule formation, and significantly upregulated markers associated with tissue repair, odontogenic differentiation (DMP1), and angiogenesis (VEGF and bFGF).

Conclusion: Combined CBD and THC show promise for promoting dental pulp healing by modulating inflammation and nociceptive signaling, while supporting odontogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, and cell migration in human dental pulp cells. These findings provide in vitro evidence supporting combined cannabinoid treatment as a therapeutic strategy for vital pulp therapies.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42722230

https://www.jendodon.com/article/S0099-2399(26)00500-5/abstract

Phytocannabinoids and bone health

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A 2026 review published in Current Osteoporosis Reports examines growing evidence that phytocannabinoids may support bone health by influencing bone remodeling, inflammation, fracture healing, and bone loss.

The review highlights the endocannabinoid system as an important regulator of bone metabolism. Research involving CBD and THC shows that cannabinoids can affect osteoblasts, which build bone, and osteoclasts, which break bone down.

The review also discusses early human research showing that medical cannabis products containing THC and CBD reduced a blood marker associated with bone resorption. Together, the findings point to cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system as promising areas for further bone-health research.

“Purpose of the review: Phytocannabinoids have received attention for their therapeutic properties, however, it is unclear how they affect bone homeostasis. Additionally, increased use of cannabis and hemp-derived products have raised questions about their impact on musculoskeletal health. This review summarizes recent studies that investigate the impact of phytocannabinoids on bone.

Recent findings: The most well studied phytocannabinoid in relation to bone health is cannabidiol (CBD). In vitro data suggests CBD inhibits osteoclasts and promotes osteoblast activity. Rodent studies have demonstrated CBD may be useful for managing bone loss associated with osteoporosis and periodontitis, as well as reducing fracture pain and promoting healing. Recent studies suggest other phytocannabinoid isolates and extracts containing multiple phytocannabinoids have varying effects on bone. The first clinical study in this area reported that a medical cannabis product reduced markers of bone turnover in healthy adults. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system which is involved in regulation of bone metabolism. Phytocannabinoids may improve bone health; however, additional work is required to determine factors such as the optimal dose, timing, and route of administration.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42709344

“Due to their diverse pharmacological properties, phytocannabinoids may have therapeutic value for bone-related disorders.”

 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11914-026-00982-1

Induction and sustainable production of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. callus cultures using Yarrowia lipolytica biogenic silver nanoparticles

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Researchers have demonstrated a novel way to stimulate THC and CBD production in cannabis tissue using biologically produced silver nanoparticles. In untreated Cannabis sativa callus cultures, THC and CBD were undetectable. But after treatment with biogenic silver nanoparticles produced using the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, the cultures accumulated 0.31% THC and 0.26% CBD while also increasing expression of the THCAS and CBDAS genes involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis.

The findings demonstrate that cannabinoid production can be induced in undifferentiated cannabis tissue that lacks the specialized glandular trichomes normally associated with cannabinoid production. Researchers say the technique could contribute to climate-independent, sustainable production systems for cannabinoids and other medicinal plant compounds.

“Cannabis sativa L. produces cannabinoids as high-value secondary metabolites within the specialized glandular trichomes of mature inflorescences. Large-scale cannabinoid production in conventional agriculture is limited due to extensive land requirements, irrigation requirements, pests and diseases, and reliance on agrochemicals. In vitro platforms offer a reliable and climate-independent alternative for the production of plant-derived compounds. However, cannabinoid biosynthesis in undifferentiated callus tissues remains poorly understood because these tissues lack specialized morphological structures. This study presents an innovative strategy to induce and sustainable production of cannabinoids in C. sativa callus cultures using biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized via Yarrowia lipolytica.

Result

After treatment of C. sativa L. callus cultures with biogenic AgNPs, cannabinoids (THC and CBD) were quantified by HPLC and the expression of key biosynthetic genes (CBDAS and THCAS) was analyzed by qPCR. In the control samples, cannabinoids were not detectable. Treatment with 20 mg/L AgNPs led to accumulation of THC (0.31%) and CBD (0.26%). Results of qPCR confirmed upregulation of the biosynthetic genes CBDAS and THCAS. These green AgNPs acted as potent signaling triggers and induce a significant metabolic shift in the callus cultures.

Conclusion

This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of biogenic AgNPs in inducing cannabinoid biosynthesis in C. sativa L. callus cultures. These findings highlight a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for the industrial production of plant-derived medicinal compounds.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12896-026-01218-x

Cannabis Medicine 2.0: Nanotechnology-Based Delivery Systems for Synthetic and Chemically Modified Cannabinoids for Enhanced Therapeutic Performance

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Cannabinoid medicine is increasingly moving beyond conventional oils, capsules and extracts toward advanced drug-delivery technologies designed to improve how these compounds reach their targets in the body. This 2025 review examines how nanotechnology-based delivery systems may improve the solubility, stability, bioavailability and targeted delivery of synthetic and chemically modified cannabinoids.

Researchers reviewed nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, micelles, nanoemulsions and other nanoengineered systems being developed for cannabinoid-related therapies. These technologies have been investigated in preclinical research involving conditions including neuropathic pain, depression and cancer, with some formulations producing longer-lasting or more targeted effects while reducing systemic exposure.

The authors conclude that combining cannabinoid pharmacology with nanotechnology could help create a new generation of more precise cannabinoid medicines, although most of these approaches remain in the preclinical stage and will require additional testing and regulatory development before widespread clinical use.

“The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and other ligands of cannabinoid receptors attracts considerable attention due to their diverse pharmacological effects and utility in various medical applications. However, challenges such as low solubility, limited bioavailability, and potential side effects hinder their broad clinical use. Nanoformulation techniques offer a promising approach to address these issues and optimize the therapeutic effectiveness of cannabinoids and other cannabinoid receptor ligands.

This comprehensive review explores the advancements in nanoformulation strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety of synthetic cannabinoids and related compounds, such as CB13, rimonabant, and HU-211, which have been studied in a range of preclinical models addressing conditions such as neuropathic pain, depression, and cancer.

The review discusses various nanocarriers employed in this field, including lipid-based, polymeric, and hybrid nanoparticles, micelles, emulsions, and other nanoengineered carriers. In addition to formulation approaches, this review provides an in-depth analysis of chemical structures and their effect on compound activity, especially in the context of the affinity for the cannabinoid type 1 receptor in the brain, which is chiefly responsible for the psychoactive effects.

The provided summary of research concerning either chemical modifications of existing cannabinoids or the creation of new compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors, followed by the development of nanoformulations for these agents, allows for the identification of new research directions and future perspectives for Cannabis-based medicine.

In conclusion, the combination of nanotechnology and cannabinoid pharmacology holds promise for delivering more effective and safer therapeutic solutions for a broad spectrum of medical conditions, making this an exciting area of research with profound implications for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.”

“Nanotechnology-enabled delivery of synthetic and chemically modified cannabinoids offers a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic limitations of these compounds, positioning them as candidates for future precision therapeutics. Preclinical evidence supports their enhanced stability, bioavailability, and site-specific activity; however, translating these findings into clinical applications will require coordinated advances in innovation, manufacturing, and regulatory science. Nanoformulated cannabinoids have the potential to transform therapeutic strategies, but their clinical impact will depend on harmonized regulations, standardized testing, and robust translational research. With sustained international collaboration, these next-generation formulations may become a key component of personalized medicine in the coming decade.”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12388155/