Chaymae Benkirane, Rafika El Ati, Malika Abid, Jacques Nkengurutse, Hana Serghini-Caid, Ahmed Elamrani, Farid Mansouri
{"title":"Comprehensive review on cannabis seed phenolic compounds from extraction to functional applications.","authors":"Chaymae Benkirane, Rafika El Ati, Malika Abid, Jacques Nkengurutse, Hana Serghini-Caid, Ahmed Elamrani, Farid Mansouri","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00401-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00401-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Cannabis sativa L. seeds have long been regarded as a by-product of cannabis cultivation. Beyond their nutritional value, cannabis seeds are increasingly recognized as a source of specialized phenolic compounds with potential biological relevance. However, research on seed phenolics remains fragmented, often receiving only marginal attention, and a dedicated synthesis focused specifically on these compounds is still lacking. MAIN BODY: This review provides a focused and up-to-date synthesis of phenolic compounds reported in cannabis seeds, critically examining their chemical diversity, extraction and analytical strategies, and key factors influencing phenolic recovery and composition. Cannabis seeds exhibit a diverse phenolic profile dominated by hydroxycinnamic acid amides (mainly N-trans-caffeoyltyramine) and lignanamides (particularly Cannabisins A and B). Their extraction remains largely reliant on conventional solvent-based approaches, with limited adoption of innovative and green technologies, except for ultrasound assisted extraction. Advances in high-resolution analytical tools for phenolic separation and identification enabled comprehensive profiling and a deeper understanding of phenolic diversity. The extractability and final content of phenolic compounds result from a complex interplay between extraction-related parameters, biological variability, and seed processing conditions. Biological activities associated with cannabis seed phenolics include antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, dermo-protective, antibacterial, and metabolic regulatory effects. These activities are discussed with reference to reported mechanisms, such as free radical scavenging, modulation of inflammatory mediators, and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: Current evidence highlights cannabis seeds as a promising yet underexploited source of phenolic compounds with potential applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and dermato-cosmetic fields. Nevertheless, important challenges remain, such as methodological heterogeneity, limited in-vivo and clinical validation, and insufficient data on bioavailability and formulation. Addressing these limitations and gaps through standardized protocols, mechanistic studies, and translational research will be essential to support the effective valorization of cannabis seed phenolics in industrial and health-related applications. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12990579/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159915","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":"Mapping the research landscape of minor cannabinoids: a bibliometric analysis of research trends and hotspots.","authors":"Hanane Abbou, Lahcen Belyamani, Rachid Eljaoudi","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00402-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00402-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC), are gaining scientific attention for their distinct therapeutic potential beyond THC and CBD. Despite this growing interest, research on these compounds remains fragmented and underrepresented in the literature. This study aims to map the global research landscape of minor cannabinoids through bibliometric mapping analyses, identifying key trends, collaboration patterns, and emerging thematic areas. METHODS: A structured database search of the Scopus, PubMed, and WOS databases identified 1516 eligible articles published between 1969 and 2024. An inclusive search strategy was employed to capture minor cannabinoid research as it is embedded within the broader cannabinoid literature, ensuring that studies co-analyzing major and minor cannabinoids were not overlooked. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Biblioshiny tool to assess publication trends, journal impact, geographic distribution, and author collaboration networks. RESULTS: Publication activity showed exponential growth starting in 2017, reaching a peak in 2024. The United States, Italy, and Canada led global contributions, with widespread international collaboration. Core publishing venues included Molecules, The Journal of Analytical Toxicology, the British Journal of Pharmacology, and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed three major thematic clusters. A sharp thematic shift has been observed since 2015, highlighting the rise of “CBG”, “CBGA” and “molecular docking”. This evolution marks a convergence of traditional pharmacology with molecular targeting and bioinformatics, signaling a transition toward computational and receptor-targeted research. CONCLUSIONS: Minor cannabinoid research is expanding rapidly, with strong interdisciplinary foundations and growing global collaboration. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the field’s evolution and highlights underexplored areas ripe for future investigation. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12990395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159993","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":"Integrating cannabis and gaming: re-evaluating their business intersection.","authors":"Riana Durrett, Juliana Ness, Marla Royne Stafford, Margaret McLetchie, Jordyn Sanders","doi":"10.1186/s42238-025-00382-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-025-00382-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper examines the intersection of cannabis and gaming laws in the United States. A particular emphasis is placed on Nevada for its recognition as a leader in the gaming and cannabis industry. To better understand the issue, we explored various factors contributing to the separation, ranging from federal to local concerns at both the operational and state levels. Given the unpredictability of federal enforcement, gaming regulators and state regulators must address the risks associated with cannabis innovation. Despite the exclusion, there is growing support for incorporating cannabis into the gaming sector, similar to other markets, particularly in high-profile areas like the Las Vegas Strip. The paper questions whether the separations are appropriate within legal, policy, and business structures, apart from the activities. While acknowledging that public initiatives focused on practical activities are essential, this paper focuses on the framework that led to the original findings. Moreover, this paper examines the regulatory differences between jurisdictions that permit gambling and gaming, and identifies potential risks associated with the separation of these industries.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146151674","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":"Marijuana use and its association with unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis.","authors":"Chiamaka Ibeh, Yunan Zhao, Alvin Tran","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00398-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00398-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Following marijuana legalization in several U.S. states, motivations for its use have expanded, especially among marginalized populations. While prior research links marijuana use with disordered eating, little is known about this relationship within sexual minority groups, who are already at elevated risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors. This study examines associations between marijuana use and unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men in the U.S.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Men's Body Project, a cross-sectional study on body image and health behaviors. The sample included sexual minority men across diverse backgrounds. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between marijuana use and seven behaviors considered risk factors linked to body image concerns: fasting, vomiting, laxative use, diet pill use, muscle-building supplement use, protein powder use, and anabolic steroid use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Marijuana users had significantly greater odds of engaging in all measured behaviors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranged from 1.88 (fasting) to 3.12 (diet pill use), all with p-values < 0.001. Other notable associations included vomiting (AOR = 2.61), laxative use (AOR = 2.23), protein powder use (AOR = 2.60), and anabolic steroid use (AOR = 2.62).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results suggest a significant association between marijuana use and elevated odds of engaging in unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men. Findings highlight the need for tailored public health interventions addressing both substance use and body image within LGBTQ + communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973817/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146128423","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}
Axel B Lichtenberg, Ramy El Mankabady, Monica Mansour, Annette Wang, Catherine Wagner, Curt Bay, Frank Bauer
{"title":"Exploring perceptions of cannabis use and employment implications among healthcare workers: a single-institution experience.","authors":"Axel B Lichtenberg, Ramy El Mankabady, Monica Mansour, Annette Wang, Catherine Wagner, Curt Bay, Frank Bauer","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00399-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00399-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, and its implications extend into many facets of society, including healthcare. Despite legal and societal shifts toward the acceptance of cannabis, healthcare professionals face ethical and legal complexities related to cannabis use. Understanding perceptions of cannabis use within the healthcare community is essential for developing informed drug policies in healthcare settings. The objective of this study was to better understand the changing perceptions of recreational and medical cannabis use on employment within the healthcare community. METHODS: In September 2023, a team of residents and faculty conducted an anonymous descriptive survey study targeting residents, attending physicians, and administrative staff at HonorHealth in the Phoenix metropolitan area (Arizona, USA). The survey included questions on participants’ roles in the healthcare community, their knowledge of cannabis and cannabis testing policies, and their opinions on the permissibility of cannabis use in various workplace scenarios. The survey results were summarized via descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The survey received 80 responses from 258 potential respondents, yielding a 31% response rate. The survey indicated familiarity among respondents with cannabis products, support for removing cannabis from pre-employment screening, and disapproval of employment termination following positive tests, particularly for medical cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that healthcare institutions need more information about cannabis use in these environments and highlight areas for policy review and further research to inform evidence-based approaches to drug policies that balance ethical considerations and the well-being of healthcare professionals. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133913","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}
Ferenc Dániel Petróczi, Angéla Tótik, Miklós Bege, József Király, Erzsébet Szabó, Zsuzsanna Szabó, Nikoletta Dobos, Rasha Ghanem Kattoub, Charu Upadhyay, Eszter Ostorházi, Jan Hodek, Jan Weber, József Arany, Dorottya Ádám, Christos C Zouboulis, Attila Oláh, István Bajza, Árpád Tósaki, Gábor Halmos, Brijesh Rathi, Pál Herczegh, Anikó Borbás, Ilona Bereczki
{"title":"Design, synthesis, and biological profiling of fluorinated cannabidiol and cannabigerol derivatives as promising therapeutic agents.","authors":"Ferenc Dániel Petróczi, Angéla Tótik, Miklós Bege, József Király, Erzsébet Szabó, Zsuzsanna Szabó, Nikoletta Dobos, Rasha Ghanem Kattoub, Charu Upadhyay, Eszter Ostorházi, Jan Hodek, Jan Weber, József Arany, Dorottya Ádám, Christos C Zouboulis, Attila Oláh, István Bajza, Árpád Tósaki, Gábor Halmos, Brijesh Rathi, Pál Herczegh, Anikó Borbás, Ilona Bereczki","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00403-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00403-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids that have significant, broad-spectrum therapeutic potential in a variety of pharmacological areas, but their unfavorable pharmacokinetics, such as extensive first-pass metabolism and low bioavailability, hinder their effective medical applications. Therefore, there is a great need for appropriate chemical modifications to improve their physicochemical properties. Incorporation of fluorine atom(s) at appropriate positions often improves the metabolic stability of the parent compound, increasing its bioavailability, and enhances its binding affinity to therapeutic targets, making fluorine a highly valuable element in modern drug development. Furthermore, amino functional groups may improve the water solubility and bioavailability of the compounds. Building on these principles, our strategy focused on introducing groups containing mono-, di-, and trifluoroethylamine or fluorinated aniline moieties into cannabinoids to improve their pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mannich-type reaction was applied, using commercially available 2-fluoroethylamine, 2,2-difluoroethylamine, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine, 3-fluoroaniline and 4-fluoroaniline as reagents. One or two oxazine rings with fluorine-containing side chains were condensed to the aromatic core of the cannabinoids, and the formation of mono- or disubstituted derivatives was controlled by the appropriate choice of reaction conditions. The biological activity of the derivatives was investigated in various relevant fields.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that aliphatic modifications positively influence pharmacokinetic parameters, including absorption, in contrast to aromatic groups, which increase lipophilicity and lead to decreased bioavailability. Among the modifications, the monosubstituted derivatives containing a single oxazine ring with an aliphatic fluorine-containing side chain, especially the mono- and trifluoroethyl moieties, proved to be the most promising. These modifications appeared particularly advantageous in the CBG series compared to the properties of the CBG parent compound. This may suggest that the presence of a phenolic OH group is beneficial for biological activity. Some of the derivatives showed anticancer potential against various tumor cell lines, while others modulated sebaceous lipogenesis, and certain compounds exhibited a notable antimalarial effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12964675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146128451","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":"Post-legalization rise in German medical cannabis interest: evidence from Google trends as surrogate marker.","authors":"Michael Constantin Kirchberger","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00395-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00395-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Medical cannabis legislation in Germany shifted significantly with the Medical Cannabis Act in March 2017, enabling physician prescriptions under specific conditions, and further evolved with the Cannabis Act (CanG) in April 2024, which partially decriminalized cannabis for adult non-medical use and allowed for Cannabis Social Clubs from July 2024. These reforms have prompted considerable public discussion and information-seeking. This study aimed to analyze Google search trends for medical cannabis in Germany to understand public interest nationally and regionally in response to these policy changes. METHODS: Google Trends data for “medizinisches cannabis” (Germany, 2015–2025) were analyzed nationally using descriptive statistics and ITS regression for 2017/2024 policy impacts. Regional variations (16 states, 2015–2025) were assessed. RESULTS: National search interest for “medical cannabis” markedly increased with legislative changes. Mean weekly search indices rose from 7.85 (pre-2017) to 23.79 (post-2017 Act; +203%), and further to 75.29 (post-2024 CanG; +216%). Interrupted Time Series analysis confirmed significant immediate relative increases post-2017 (135%) and post-2024 (216%), with a subsequent slight negative trend indicating attenuation after the initial peak. Significant regional disparities revealed four distinct clusters, notably Bavaria with sustained maximal interest and Bremen/Saarland showing unique temporal patterns. CONCLUSIONS: German public interest in “medical cannabis” is strongly influenced by policy, surging with the 2017 medical reform and 2024 Cannabis Act, indicating its mainstream emergence. Significant regional variations (e.g., Bavaria’s high query rates despite restrictive policies) reflect differing local contexts and implementation. Infodemiological monitoring is valuable for assessing policy response and identifying knowledge gaps. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"8 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12837004/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146069168","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":"Evolving health policy and regulatory oversight of medicinal cannabis in Australia: lessons for sustainable integration.","authors":"Enoch Chi Ngai Lim, Chi Eung Danforn Lim","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00394-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00394-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since federal legalisation in November 2016, Australia’s medical cannabis regulation has evolved into a complex framework that involves the Therapeutic Goods Administration, state health departments, and multiple professional oversight bodies. This narrative review examines the policy hurdles and coordination gaps that have emerged between 2016 and 2024, providing a longitudinal perspective on the ongoing debate. Evidence shows patient access expanded dramatically: the number of prescriptions jumped from 231 in 2017 to more than one million by early 2024, generating an estimated market value of AUD $445.6 million. Yet notable barriers remain, including monthly costs that average between $200 and $600, uneven availability in remote areas, and variable knowledge levels among general practitioners and specialists. Core obstacles, therefore, include the tangled federal-state regulatory maze, persistent equity problems for rural patients, challenges in embedding medical cannabis into standard clinical pathways, and a supply chain that still relies heavily on imported products. A comparative analysis with Canada’s opt-out insurance model, Germany’s pharmacist-led dispensing, and the Netherlands’ community-growth scheme highlights Australia’s relatively restrictive approach, particularly in terms of reimbursement and comprehensive provider training. Policy options thus centre on extending Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies, building domestic cultivation and manufacturing capacity, mandating uniform educational modules for prescribers, and streamlining inter-agency oversight. This review aims to inform Australian reforms while also offering transferable lessons for other jurisdictions contemplating or revising therapeutic cannabis programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12917981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146069150","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}
Helen McTaggart-Cowan, Adam J N Raymakers, Sara Izadi-Najafabadi, Colene Bentley
{"title":"Using a discrete choice experiment to estimate individual preferences to medicate cancer-related symptoms with cannabis.","authors":"Helen McTaggart-Cowan, Adam J N Raymakers, Sara Izadi-Najafabadi, Colene Bentley","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00392-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00392-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: In October 2018, Canada legalized non-medical cannabis, increasing accessibility nationwide. Although a separate medical cannabis framework exists, many individuals with cancer may now obtain cannabis through non-medical channels rather than through the medical system. This shift raises questions about how legalization has influenced patients’ attitudes and preferences regarding the use of cannabis to manage cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects. We aimed to determine individuals’ preferences for using cannabis as a complementary therapy in cancer survivorship. METHODS: Members of a Canadian research panel completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess preferences for medicinal cannabis. Respondents completed 12 choice sets, each consisting of two health states described by seven attributes identified from previous qualitative work, as well as an opt-out option. The seven attributes were cannabis effectiveness, ability to perform everyday activities, chance of unwanted side effects, opinions of family and friends about cannabis, doctor’s opinion of cannabis, access to cannabis, and out-of-pocket cost. Each attribute had three or four levels. DCE responses were analyzed using an error-component mixed logit regression model to estimate the relative attribute importance and willingness-to-pay. RESULTS: The dataset included 1,089 respondents who completed at least one choice set. Of these, 61.5% (n = 670) reported no experience with cancer, and 35.5% (n = 387) had some experience with cannabis. Analysis of the DCE responses demonstrated that respondents preferred the effective management of cancer symptoms and the ability to perform everyday activities. Respondents expressed disutility for unwanted side effects resulting from cannabis use. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to elicit general population preferences for medicinal cannabis in the context of cancer survivorship. Insights from these preferences may inform policy and priority-setting to support equitable access to medical cannabis for symptom management improved quality of life among individuals with cancer. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":"30"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12918061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146055679","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}
Bhavya Chatragadda, Emily M Potts, Alicia Collins, Hang Ma, Claudia Fallini
{"title":"Exploring the neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoids on oxygen-glucose deprived neurons in an in vitro model of stroke.","authors":"Bhavya Chatragadda, Emily M Potts, Alicia Collins, Hang Ma, Claudia Fallini","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00393-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00393-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but therapeutic options to reduce or prevent neuronal damage are extremely limited. Cannabinoids exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and receptor modulatory actions that may offer neuroprotection. While research on the potential of cannabinoids has expanded in epilepsy and neurodegeneration, the neuroprotective potential of this class of natural compounds in stroke remains underexplored. Here, we evaluated a panel of phytocannabinoids (PCs) for their ability to mitigate ischemia–reperfusion injury in an in vitro human model of stroke. METHODS: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons were subjected to 60 min of oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reperfusion. Neuronal survival was quantified over seven days using longitudinal live-cell imaging. Twenty-eight PCs were screened for their effect on reducing neuronal death. RESULTS: Among 28 PCs screened, seven demonstrated modest effects, with cannabigerorcinic acid (CBGOA) significantly improving post-OGD neuronal survival. While OGD exposure led to increased cell death via activation of caspase 3, CBGOA treatment did not impact that pathway, suggesting that other caspase-independent pathways may be implicated. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study identifies CBGOA as a candidate cannabinoid with neuroprotective potential in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke. The use of iPSC-derived human cortical neurons strengthens translational relevance, but the modest effects observed, and the limitations of in vitro systems, underscore the need for in vivo validation and further mechanistic studies. Collectively, these results provide a foundation for exploring CBGOA and related cannabinoids as potential neuroprotective agents in stroke. </p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":"29"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12911164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146042196","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}