Journal of cannabis research最新文献

{"title":"Mode matters: exploring how modes of cannabis administration affect THC plasma concentrations and subjective effects.","authors":"Margy Y Chen, Ashley Brooks-Russell, Angela D Bryan, L Cinnamon Bidwell","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00282-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-025-00282-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As cannabis products become increasingly accessible and novel modes of administration like dabbing and vaping gain popularity, understanding how these modes impact use experiences and abuse liability is crucial. Existing studies primarily utilized laboratory settings with lower-potency research-grade cannabis, failing to capture common modes among individuals who use higher-potency legal market products. This study investigated how modes of administration impact plasma tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations and subjective effects using naturalistic administration of legal market products. We conducted a secondary analysis of two quasi-experimental studies involving 252 participants (46.4% female). Participants completed a baseline assessment where they reported demographics, substance use, and medical history and an experimental assessment where they administered their products via their preferred modes. These modes were categorized into four general modes of use: dabbing, vaping, bong-like, and joint-like. Primary outcomes included plasma THC concentrations and subjective drug effects, both of which varied significantly across modes. Compared with modes typically associated with flower products (i.e., bong-, joint-like modes), dabbing was associated with higher plasma THC concentrations and subjective effects, indicating greater THC exposure when using this mode and its associated products. Interestingly, dabbing and vaping exhibited more rapid reductions in levels of subjective intoxication over time, suggesting that higher levels of intoxication may not be sustained for these modes. This study underscores the significant impact of modes of administration on THC exposure and subjective drug effects among individuals who regularly use legal market cannabis. Results demonstrate the need for future research to better characterize and account for modes of administration and their associated products.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"28"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12100805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144133405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation.","authors":"Navneet Kaur, Anil Kumar, Tabarak Malik, Madhuri Girdhar, Manbir Singh, Reenu Singh, Mohd Tariq, Anand Mohan","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Industrial hemp has experienced a resurgence in global cultivation due to its diverse applications in textiles, food, bioplastics, biofuels, and environmental benefits such as phytoremediation and carbon sequestration. However, optimizing hemp production remains challenging, particularly in weed management, where limited approved herbicides and varying regional weed pressures pose significant obstacles. Weed dynamics across different regions highlight the prevalence of problematic species like Chenopodium album and Amaranthus spp. While hemp's rapid canopy closure and high planting densities can reduce herbicide dependence, early-season weed competition can significantly impact crop establishment and yield. This review explores the current state of weed management in hemp cultivation, highlighting cultural, mechanical, and chemical strategies. Additionally, it evaluates the efficacy and phytotoxicity of pre- and post-emergent herbicides. Recent trials indicate that pre-emergent pendimethalin is consistently safe across multiple studies, while post-emergent grass herbicides like quizalofop, clethodim, and fluazifop provide effective control with minimal crop injury. For broadleaf control, clopyralid and bromoxynil show relative safety, though varietal responses vary. The limited availability of registered herbicides underscores the need for continued research and regulatory advancements. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps, including limited understanding of variety-specific herbicide tolerance and regional weed dynamics. Current research priorities include systematic herbicide screening across varieties and regions, optimizing cultural practices, and developing herbicide-tolerant cultivars. By integrating these strategies, hemp can fulfil its potential as a sustainable and profitable crop, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural systems. This review provides a foundation for future research and policy decisions to optimize weed management in hemp production.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"27"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12083118/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disparities in use modalities among adults who currently use cannabis, 2022-2023.","authors":"Meman Diaby, Osayande Agbonlahor, Bethany Shorey Fennell, Joy L Hart, Delvon T Mattingly","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00283-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-025-00283-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Following the legalization of cannabis in several U.S. states, the cannabis market has expanded, leading to a wider range of products including smoked, edible, and vape products which have variable health effects. This proliferation highlights the need for more research on patterns of current cannabis use among U.S. adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used combined data on adults who currently use (i.e., past 30-day use) cannabis (n = 16,999) from the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We analyzed whether seven cannabis use modalities including smoking, vaping, dabbing, consuming edibles, taking pills, applying topicals, and absorbing sublingually/orally varied by age, sex, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, income, geographic location, and state medical cannabis laws status by generating weighted proportion estimates and conducting multivariable logistic regression. Additionally, in a subanalysis, we examined differences in blunt use among U.S. adults who reported current cannabis use (n = 12,355), employing similar methods to explore associations with demographic and socioeconomic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among adults who currently use cannabis, smoking was the most common cannabis use method (77.33%), followed by edibles (37.31%), vaping (34.75%), dabbing (15.01%), applying topicals (5.93%), absorbing sublingually/orally (4.53%), and taking pills (2.11%). Edibles were popular among adults aged 35-49 years (29.57%), whereas vaping was most common among young adults aged 18-25 years (29.80%). Females (vs. males) had lower odds of smoking cannabis (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.57-0.75) and higher odds of applying topicals (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.23-3.83). Non-Hispanic Black (vs. non-Hispanic White) respondents had higher odds of smoking cannabis (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.51-2.74) and lower odds of consuming edibles (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77). Adults aged 50 + years (vs. 18-25) had greater odds of absorbing sublingually/orally (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.59-3.76). In the subanalysis, we found that Non-Hispanic Black (vs. non-Hispanic White) adults had higher odds of blunt use (OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 4.23-6.65).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Use modality disparities among adults who currently use cannabis highlight the need for tailored public health education and interventions, given the distinct health risks associated with each method of use.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12082860/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of industrial hemp byproducts in ruminants: a review of the nutritional profile, animal response, constraints, and global regulatory environment.","authors":"Agung Irawan, Hunter Buffington, Serkan Ates, Massimo Bionaz","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00279-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00279-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The legalization of industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., which contains < 0.3% ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆⁹-THC), in many countries, has led to a significant rise in its cultivation. Consequently, byproducts derived from industrial hemp processing have resulted in numerous emerging potential feed ingredients, including hempseed byproduct (HSB; hempseed cake or hempseed meal) from seed processing, hemp hurds, and hemp stalk from fiber processing, and spent hemp biomass (SHB) from cannabinoids extraction. Research to assess the potential use of these byproducts as animal feed is progressing.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We provide an overview of the nutritional characteristics of the various hemp byproducts and provide a meta-analysis of 26 empirical studies investigating the use of hemp byproducts on ruminants. Using those studies, we delved into a comprehensive assessment regarding the effects of HSB and SHB on the health and performance of the animals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, HSB and SHB possess excellent nutritional profiles due to their high protein content and, particularly for HSB, desirable fatty acids profile can partially replace protein-source ingredients such as soybean meal, dried distillers' grains with soluble, canola meal, and alfalfa in the diets of ruminants. These byproducts contain diverse phytochemicals with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Data do not reveal any significant concern for the health of the animals fed hemp byproducts and, with few exceptions, the data do not indicate a substantial effect on performance; dietary inclusion of HSB, however, has a deleterious impact on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility when given as raw HSB without dehulling, reducing the growth performance of meat-producing ruminants. On the other hand, SHB has low palatability overall but does not impair production performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although they can be promising feed ingredients for ruminants, their present use as feed ingredients is limited by the residuals of THC and CBD. Our comprehensive review of the current legal status of hemp byproducts worldwide highlighted a complex scenario with some countries allowing the use of hemp byproducts as feed ingredients, some with no clear regulations, and some countries where a path for the regulation has started, such as the US. Still, no hemp byproducts are yet legal as a feed ingredient for ruminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12076842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144082550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the hype: a comprehensive exploration of CBD's biological impacts and mechanisms of action.","authors":"Karli Swenson","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00274-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00274-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Consumption of CBD is increasing rapidly as it is federally legal and widely available in the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and Asia. CBD is gaining traction in medical and biochemical research, though a comprehensive classification of CBD receptor interactions is yet to be elucidated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified studies reporting cannabidiol (CBD) interactions with receptors, enzymes, and biological processes. Eligible articles included cell culture, animal model, biochemical, and clinical studies. Findings were thematically synthesized by body system, emphasizing mechanisms and implications for health and disease.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Herein, I compile the literature to date of known interactions between CBD and various receptors, enzymes, and processes. I discuss the impact of CBD exposure on multiple processes, including endocannabinoid receptors, ion channels, cytochrome 450 enzymes, inflammatory pathways, and sex hormone regulation. I explain the potential effects of CBD on psychiatric disorders, seizure activity, nausea and vomiting, pain sensation, thermal regulation, neuronal signaling, neurodegenerative diseases, reproductive aging, drug metabolism, inflammation, sex hormone regulation, and energy homeostasis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Understanding how CBD functions and how it can interact with other recreational or pharmaceutical medications is necessary for proper clinical management of patients who consume CBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrostatic separator of cannabis trichomes: an innovative approach to extraction.","authors":"Charles MacGowan, Alex Martynenko","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00281-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00281-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Efficient separation of trichomes from plant material is critical for producing high-quality cannabis extracts. Traditional methods of separation, such as wet and dry fractionation, use the difference in mechanical properties (size, density, specific gravity) between cannabis trichomes and plant biomass. However, these methods were developed to process small quantities of raw material and are very much labor-intensive. On the other hand, the quickly growing cannabis industry requires fully automated, scalable technology for the efficient extraction of valuable trichomes from the large volume of plant biomass. Therefore, our research aimed to develop a scalable method and equipment for trichome separation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We have measured electrical properties of trichomes and plant biomass, namely electrical conductivity, dielectric permeability and particle charge, using a Keithley 6517B electrometer in a Faraday cage in controlled conditions. The fundamental forces acting on the charged particle in a strong electric field were analyzed using the theory of electrostatics.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>It was found that plant biomass had a positive electric charge, while trichomes had a negative electric charge. A difference in electric charge between trichomes and plant biomass suggested an electrostatic method of separation. This paper explores the application of electrostatic separation as a novel, sustainable, and efficient method for isolating cannabis trichomes. A new concept for a free-fall electrostatic separator for cannabis trichomes is proposed, and the prototype of the electrostatic separator is described. This method minimizes the need for manual labor, allowing the separation of cannabis trichomes to a desirable purity. The separator is scalable from 1 to 100 kg/hour and can be fully automated.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12051344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis use is not associated with altered levels of physical activity: evidence from the repeated cross-sectional Belgian Health Interview Survey.","authors":"Brent Vernaillen, Brecht Devleesschauwer, Stijn Vansteelandt, Lydia Gisle, Sabine Drieskens, Elena Damian","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00278-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00278-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Several studies have suggested a positive effect of occasional cannabis consumption on the frequency of leisure-time physical activity, possibly due to more motivation before, more enjoyment during, and better recovery after engaging in leisure-time physical exercise. While such an effect would contradict the stereotypical image of lower physical activity levels in cannabis users as compared to non-users, evidence has been mixed at best. The current study investigated this proposed association in a representative sample of the Belgian population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from four waves of the Belgian Health Interview Survey (HIS; repeated cross-sectional survey; 2001 - 2018) were used in a regression and propensity matching analysis to examine the association between past-month cannabis use and physical activity levels, while controlling for potentially confounding variables. A total of n = 19,936 individuals (48.9% female) aged 15-64 years were included in the analysis. We modelled physical activity in function of past-month cannabis use while adjusting for potential confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both the regression analysis and the propensity-matching analysis revealed no evidence in favor of a positive effect of past-month cannabis use on physical activity level (estimated OR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.74, 1.28] and estimated RR = 0.90, 95% CI = [0.70; 1.16] respectively). Descriptive analyses of baseline characteristics suggested some clear differences between users and non-users that were in line with previous studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There was no evidence suggesting that past-month cannabis users have better or worse physical activity levels compared to non-users in the Belgian population aged 15-64 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"22"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12023420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of cannabinoids on glutamate levels in the human brain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Berzenn Urbi, Vincent Sapaen, Ian Hughes, Maame Amma Owusu, Arman Sabet, Simon A Broadley","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00277-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00277-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Increased extracellular glutamate concentrations in the brain can cause neuronal injury. Cannabinoid use has been demonstrated to reduce extracellular glutamate levels in the brain in many animal models. However, there are no systematic reviews published evaluating the effect of cannabis on glutamate levels in the human brain. This review aimed to review studies that investigated the effect of cannabinoids on glutamate levels in the living human brain using neuroimaging methods and to provide evidence gathered from biomedical databases such as MEDLINE and EMBASE. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ten observational studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. The articles included in the meta-analyses had a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed cannabis intake has no effects on the glutamate levels in human brain. However, there is limited evidence indicating that oral cannabidiol and cannabidivarin increased the glutamate/glutamine ratio in the basal ganglia while intravenous and vaped tetrahydrocannabinol increased glutamate in the basal ganglia. There is also some evidence showing oral cannabidiol increased glutamate in the hippocampus. Most of the observational studies in this review demonstrated a reduction in glutamate in the brain of chronic cannabis users. However, these findings are not definitive and will require further confirmations. This review suggests that acute cannabis administration may increase glutamate in the basal ganglia and hippocampus but not in other parts of the brain, while chronic cannabis use lead to a decrease in glutamate levels in some parts of the brain. The quality of this evidence is limited therefore further studies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12010670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibacterial properties of silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized using Cannabis sativa waste extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.","authors":"Jana Michailidu, Anna Miškovská, Irena Jarošová, Alena Čejková, Olga Maťátková","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00272-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00272-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to explore the sustainable synthesis of metal nanoparticles using a green and eco-friendly resource. Specifically, it investigated the utilization of Cannabis sativa waste extract for the production of gold and silver nanoparticles, focusing on their antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, which are significant in nosocomial infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cannabis sativa waste extract was employed to synthesize gold and silver nanoparticles through a green synthesis approach. The produced nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed through their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, utilizing a microcultivation device, solid medium cultivation, and a metabolic activity assay in a polystyrene microtiter plate, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The TEM analysis revealed the size and morphology of the nanoparticles, while AAS confirmed their concentration. XRD provided insights into the crystalline structure, and FTIR analysis identified the molecular structure of the nanoparticle's stabilizing layer. The synthesized nanoparticles showed significant antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with determined MIC, MBC, and MBIC values of produced silver nanoparticles, showcasing their potential as effective antimicrobial agents.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study successfully demonstrated the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using Cannabis sativa waste extract and highlighted their potent antimicrobial properties. It underscores the potential of utilizing plant waste extracts in sustainable nanomaterial synthesis and contributes to the fields of green nanotechnology and waste valorization within the circular economy. The findings also offer valuable insights into developing natural waste source-based antimicrobial agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11992773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revealed reality of cultivation and licit/illicit use of Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) in the western mid-hills of Nepal: a list experiment.","authors":"Thomas Michael Kloepfer, Shinji Kaneko, Niraj Prakash Joshi","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00276-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00276-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabis has a long history of utilization in various regions around the world for different purposes. In western Nepal, Cannabis is specifically used as a food crop, textile material, and lucrative cash crop, although the Nepali Narcotic Drug Control Act of 1976 ultimately prohibits Nepali farmers from sowing, trading, or selling their Cannabis crop. Regardless of this act, farmers are continuing these practices illegally, especially in remote regions where Cannabis has grown for centuries. The purpose of this study was to understand the current social acceptability of Cannabis cultivation in rural Nepal and to consider the future potential for legitimate cultivation. We tested two interconnected behaviors associated with Cannabis farming in the hill regions of western Nepal. The item count technique was applied to estimate the number of farmers who actively sow or plant Cannabis, and may also be selling Cannabis husks, a byproduct used in illicit drug production, for income generation. We compared our item count treatment with a direct questionnaire for farmers within the same region. Our results indicate that planting Cannabis is not a sensitive behavior, as more than 97% of the respondents directly stated that they plant Cannabis. The item count technique, however, did indicate that selling Cannabis husks is a sensitive behavior, where 29% were shown to sell husks when they were asked using the item count technique, whereas 2% of the farmers confirmed selling husks when asked directly. We also found that all the households in our study consumed seeds, which are highly nutritious food crops, both at home and at community gatherings. Direct questionnaire surveys also revealed that farmers can trade their seed crops for goods such as salt, soap, and oil or sell them for cash income. Thus, the current law, which is based solely on drug control, needs to be changed on the basis of the revealed multifaceted values and realities, including health, culture and rural economic development.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"7 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11992812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}