Nimrod Brikenstein, Matan Birenboim, David Kenigsbuch, Jakob A Shimshoni
{"title":"Optimization of Trimming Techniques for Enhancing Cannabinoid and Terpene Content in Medical Cannabis Inflorescences.","authors":"Nimrod Brikenstein, Matan Birenboim, David Kenigsbuch, Jakob A Shimshoni","doi":"10.1159/000539192","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000539192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. inflorescences are widely used in the medicinal field as treatments for a variety of symptoms and illnesses due to their unique phytochemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes. Common postharvest procedures for cannabis inflorescence include trimming, followed by drying, curing, and subsequent storage. The postharvest trimming step, particularly its timing (pre- or post-drying) and the extent of trimming, is not optimally refined in terms of its impact on the cannabinoid and terpene content. In this study, our objective was to identify the optimal trimming conditions for a commercially available medicinal cannabis hybrid chemovar, with the goal of maximizing its cannabinoid and terpene content.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To achieve this, we investigated the effects of pre- versus post-drying trimming and evaluated the impact of mild versus aggressive trimming prior to drying on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles using liquid and gas chromatography.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results indicated that pre-drying mild trimming yielded the highest cannabinoid concentration, possibly due to optimal balance between stress signals and precursor influx from the sugar leaves to the inflorescence. On the other, post-drying trimming yielded the highest terpene content.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Identifying the optimal trimming conditions that maximize both cannabinoid and terpene levels in cannabis is challenging. Therefore, growers face a decision in their trimming practices: to prioritize either enhanced cannabinoid content or increased aromatic terpene concentrations, as optimizing for both simultaneously appears to be difficult.</p>","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"7 1","pages":"111-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11249524/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141627117","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":"Efficacy and Safety of Cannabis Transdermal Patch for Alleviating Psoriasis Symptoms: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (CanPatch).","authors":"Pim Sermsaksasithorn, Pravit Asawanonda, Phanupong Phutrakool, Thunnicha Ondee, Pajaree Chariyavilaskul, Sunchai Payungporn, Krit Pongpirul, Nattiya Hirankarn","doi":"10.1159/000539492","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000539492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Current topical treatments for psoriasis offer limited efficacy and are associated with long-term adverse effects in a subset of patients, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L., has shown potential in reversing psoriasis pathology through its action on skin receptors in preclinical studies. Given the promising properties of CBD, transdermal patches containing this compound represent a novel approach to psoriasis treatment. However, comprehensive data on their efficacy and safety remain scarce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We outline a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of CBD transdermal patches with minimal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 60 patients with mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis at a university hospital in Thailand (<i>n</i> = 60). This study aims to evaluate the changes in the local psoriasis severity index (LPSI), itch score via a visual analog scale, and occurrence of adverse events on day 0, 30, 60, and 90 of the study. Additionally, we will examine the alteration in the skin, gut, and oral microbiome in a subset of participants to explore potential correlations with treatment outcomes. The primary outcome will focus on the difference in LPSI scores at the end of the study period, employing an intention-to-treat analysis. Multivariate logistic regression will be used to identify baseline clinical and microbiological predictors of treatment response.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of CBD transdermal patches in alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis. The results of this study may highlight a novel topical treatment option that reduces suffering in patients with psoriasis. We also designed to provide a holistic evaluation by considering both clinical outcomes and the underlying biological mechanisms, including the interaction with the human microbiome. Through this trial, we aim to contribute valuable insights into personalized psoriasis management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"7 1","pages":"99-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11249749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141627116","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":"The Relationship between Muscarinic and Cannabinoid Receptors in Neuronal Excitability and Epilepsy: A Review.","authors":"Ryan Renaldo Hall, Damian Hugh Cohall","doi":"10.1159/000538297","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000538297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Of the seventy million people who suffer from epilepsy, 40 percent of them become resistant to more than one antiepileptic medication and have a higher chance of death. While the classical definition of epilepsy was due to the imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic signalling, substantial evidence implicates muscarinic receptors in the regulation of neural excitability.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Cannabinoids have shown to reduce seizure activity and neuronal excitability in several epileptic models through the activation of muscarinic receptors with drugs which modulate their activity. Cannabinoids also have been effective in reducing antiepileptic activity in pharmaco-resistant individuals; however, the mechanism of its effects in temporal lobe epilepsy is not clear.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>This review seeks to elucidate the relationship between muscarinic and cannabinoid receptors in epilepsy and neural excitability.</p>","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"7 1","pages":"91-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11250071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141627119","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":"Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: What Do We Know?","authors":"Dionna Shine, A. Goodin","doi":"10.1159/000539182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000539182","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"27 108","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141016760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew P Wallingford, Erin L Kelly, Allison Herens, Daniel Hanna, Emily Hajjar, Brooke Worster
{"title":"Relief in Gastrointestinal Symptoms with Medical Marijuana Over 1 Year.","authors":"Matthew P Wallingford, Erin L Kelly, Allison Herens, Daniel Hanna, Emily Hajjar, Brooke Worster","doi":"10.1159/000538694","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000538694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Subjective improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was assessed among patients using medical marijuana (MMJ).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants completed surveys at 0 days, 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months with questions about the severity of their GI symptoms on a scale from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In each survey, participants reported a significant decrease in GI symptom severity when using MMJ versus when not using MMJ (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The most common self-reported side effects from using MMJ were increased appetite (12-21.4%), fatigue (6-16.7%), anxiety (4-11.9%), cough (4-11.9%), headache (6-7.9%), and dry mouth (4-7.1%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In patients with chronic GI symptoms, MMJ may provide persistent symptom severity improvement. Limited product availability and mild to moderate side effects are factors to consider before trialing MMJ.</p>","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"7 1","pages":"80-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11250604/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141627118","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}
Ayelet David, O. Stolar, M. Berkovitch, E. Kohn, Michal Waisman-Nitzan, Inbar Hartmann, Eynat Gal
{"title":"Characteristics for Medical Cannabis Treatment Adherence Among Autistic Children and Their Families: A Mixed-Methods Analysis","authors":"Ayelet David, O. Stolar, M. Berkovitch, E. Kohn, Michal Waisman-Nitzan, Inbar Hartmann, Eynat Gal","doi":"10.1159/000538901","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538901","url":null,"abstract":"IIntroduction. Medical cannabis treatment for autistic children has recently become popular, and studies have focused on examining the treatment’s effects on children’s symptom presentation, reported side effects, and dropout rates. However, no previous study has investigated the factors influencing adherence and dropout rates in cannabis treatment. Method. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study explored these factors by examining the characteristics of 87 autistic children and their families and deepening parents’ perspectives and experiences of the 6-month CBD-rich cannabis treatment’s benefits and barriers. Results. We found this treatment to have a high (75%) adherence rate, relatively mild side effects, and substantial reported benefits for the children and families. However, this treatment was not free of barriers; the intake regime, some side effects, and in some cases, unrealistic parental expectations made adherence difficult for some families. Conclusion. Our results highlight the importance of providing professional guidance and knowledge to parents of autistic children, enhancing their understanding of the impact of CBD-rich cannabis treatment on their children and expected related challenges and coordinating realistic treatment expectations. We hope that addressing these important aspects will influence parents’ ability to adhere to and enjoy the benefits of cannabis treatment for their autistic children.","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"100 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140695058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Knud Gastmeier, Anne Gastmeier, Frank Schwab, Thomas Herdegen
{"title":"The use of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is associated with an increase in survival time in palliative cancer patients: A retrospective multi-center cohort study.","authors":"Knud Gastmeier, Anne Gastmeier, Frank Schwab, Thomas Herdegen","doi":"10.1159/000538311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538311","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is often prescribed for ambulatory palliative patients to improve sleep quality and appetite and to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain. However, it is not known if THC has also an effect on the mortality of these patients. \u0000Method: The objective is the impact of THC on mortality of ambulatory palliative patients. For this purpose, data from the palliative treatment documentation from 5 ambulatory palliative care teams in Brandenburg, Germany were used for this analysis. Survival time was calculated for 3 groups of patients: 1) Without THC; 2) with THC in a low dosage (4.7 mg per day); and 3) THC in higher doses (>4.7 mg per day). The analysis was done for two cohorts of patients. Cohort 1: all patients with a survival time of at least 7 days after inclusion in specialized ambulatory palliative care (SAPC) and cohort 2: a sub-group of patients with a survival time between 7 and 100 days. Kaplan Meier curves were created, and multivariate analysis was done to investigate the impact of THC on mortality.\u0000Results: A total of 9419 patients with a survival time of at least 7 days after inclusion in SAPC were included in the analysis (cohort 1). 7085 among them had a survival time between 7 and 100 days (cohort 2). In both cohorts, survival time was significantly prolonged by THC, but only when the daily THC dose was above the median of 4.7 mg. Survival time was 15 days longer in cohort 2 (40 vs. 25 days), when more than 4.7 mg THC were prescribed per day.\u0000Conclusion: Use of THC is associated with a a significant increase in survival time in ambulatory palliative patients which survive longer than 7 days the initiation of THC prescription and which use of THC >4.7 mg/d.\u0000","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"2 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140243935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexander Beletsky, Cherry Liu, Bryson Lochte, Nebiyou K. Samuel, Igor Grant
{"title":"Cannabis and Anxiety: A Critical Review","authors":"Alexander Beletsky, Cherry Liu, Bryson Lochte, Nebiyou K. Samuel, Igor Grant","doi":"10.1159/000534855","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000534855","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction Cannabis has been reported to have both anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects. Habitual cannabis use has been associated with anxiety disorders (AD). The causal pathways and mechanisms underlying the association between cannabis use (CU)/cannabis use disorder (CUD) and anxiety remain unclear. We examined the literature via a systematic review to investigate the link between cannabis and anxiety. The hypotheses studied include causality, the common factor theory, and the self-medication hypothesis. Methods Critical systematic review of published literature examining the relationship of CU/CUD to AD or state-anxiety, including case reports, literature reviews, observational studies, and preclinical and clinical studies. A systematic MEDline search was conducted of terms including: [anxiety], [anxiogenic], [anxiolytic], [PTSD], [OCD], [GAD], [cannabis], [marijuana], [tetrahydrocannabinol], [THC]. Results While several case-control and cohort studies have reported no correlation between CU/CUD and AD or state anxiety (N = 5), other cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies report significant relationships (N = 20). Meta-analysis supports anxiety correlating with CU (N = 15 studies, OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.45, p = 0.006) or CUD (N = 13 studies, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.23–2.31, p = 0.001). PATH analysis identifies the self-medication hypothesis (N = 8) as the model that best explains the association between CU/CUD and AD or state-anxiety. Despite the support of multiple large cohort studies, causal interpretations (N = 17) are less plausible, while the common factor theory (N = 5), stress-misattribution hypothesis, and reciprocal feedback theory lack substantial evidential support. Conclusion The association between cannabis and anxiety is best explained by anxiety predisposing individuals toward CU as a method of self-medication. A causal relationship in which CU causes AD incidence is less likely despite multiple longitudinal studies suggesting so.","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"35 1","pages":"19 - 30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139957437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mark D Kelley, Marwah Obaid, Edward M Miller, Marla Bowie, Zachary S Heeter
{"title":"Observational Analysis of the Influence of Medical Marijuana Use on Quality of Life in Patients.","authors":"Mark D Kelley, Marwah Obaid, Edward M Miller, Marla Bowie, Zachary S Heeter","doi":"10.1159/000536591","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000536591","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>A significant gap exists in the understanding and utilization of medical marijuana and its effects on a patient's quality of life. This is largely attributed to <i>Cannabis'</i> sp. Schedule 1 classification, which has impeded the scientific investigation of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and quality of life. Additionally, conflicting results from previous studies highlight the need for more research to provide guidance to both patients and clinicians regarding the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients over 18 years of age who were members of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program (PAMMP) were recruited from regulated Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries. Eligible patients were enrolled through informed consent, following a study design that received approval from the LECOM Institutional Review Board (IRB). Over 90 days, participants were remotely administered an electronic survey every 30 days to collect medical marijuana use patterns and assess changes in quality of life.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 103 participants who completed the study, significant improvements were observed in physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, and energy levels within the first 30 days. Participants reported significant decreases in emotional limitations, fatigue, and pain levels. Notably, participants who used inhaled or vaped products (defined as vape cartridges and concentrates) were younger and exhibited a significantly higher increase in emotional well-being scores compared to those who used flower products (defined as dry leaf only). Participants who consumed medical marijuana for opioid use demonstrated significantly higher THC consumption compared to those seeking treatment for anxiety, chronic pain, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Improvements in the first 30 days also remained constant for the remainder of the study.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study contributed valuable insights into the effects of medical marijuana on quality of life and highlighted potential benefits associated with its use. Moreover, ongoing research aims to assess the observed sustained improvements beyond 90 days, investigating potential long-term trends. While further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and long-term effects of medical marijuana, clinicians and patients can gain a better understanding of medical marijuana's therapeutic potential, enabling more informed decisions regarding its use in clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18415,"journal":{"name":"Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids","volume":"7 1","pages":"44-50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10948168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140158469","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}