Abstract Recent changes in legal status and public perception of cannabis have contributed to an increase use amongst women of reproductive age. Concurrently, there is inadequate evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical practice regarding cannabis and its effects on fertility and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during oocyte maturation, and its impact on the developing embryo. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h under clinically relevant doses of THC mimicking plasma levels achieved after therapeutic (0.032 μM) and recreational (0.32 and 3.2 μM) cannabis use. THC-treated oocytes were assessed for...

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE BACKGROUND: The use of cannabis to improve sleep quality and treat sleep-related disorders has received increased attention due to the expanded legalization of cannabis for medical use in 36 states and Washington DC. Data on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in combination with cannabinol (CBN), on sleep is preliminary; however, preclinical research indicates that CBN may prolong sleep and be particularly effective when combined with other cannabinoids. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a repeat-action tablet containing 10 mg THC and 5 mg CBN on sleep quality, sleep duration, and awakenings in participants (medical cannabis users)....

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTACT Introduction The use of cannabis as medical therapy to treat chronic pain and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing. However, the evidence on safety when initiating treatment with medical cannabis oils is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of sublingual medical cannabis oils in patients with MS. Methods In this prospective observational safety study 28 patients with MS were treated with medical cannabis oils (THC-rich, CBD-rich and THC+CBD combined products) and were followed during a titration period of four weeks. Patients were evaluated at treatment start (Visit...

Abstract Background Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) may lead to reduced physical function and is the most common cause of chronic non-cancer pain. Currently, the pharmacotherapeutic options against CMP are limited and frequently consist of pain management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, gabapentinoids, or opioids, which carry major adverse effects. Although the effectiveness of medical cannabis (MC) for CMP still lacks solid evidence, several patients suffering from it are exploring this therapeutic option with their physicians. Objectives Little is known about patients’ perceptions of their MC treatment for CMP. We aimed to increase this knowledge, useful for healthcare professionals and patients considering this treatment, by conducting a...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Cannabinoids have been in use for millennia for the treatment of various illnesses, particularly pain. However, cannabinoids as an accepted medicine remain controversial given their Schedule I substance status in the United States, thereby limiting their investigational and applicational potential. Additional challenges remain with medication production given differences in regional laws and regulations, causing great variability in products with lack of standards and controls, as well as how the medicine is delivered to the body (e.g. ingestible, smoked, vaporized, or topical options). Despite these logistical challenges, the literal growth and development of cannabis as a...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Purpose of Review Public acceptance of Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) as a therapeutic option grows despite lags in both research and clinician familiarity. Cannabis—whether as a medical, recreational, or illicit substance—is and has been commonly used by patients. With ongoing decriminalization efforts, decreased perception of harms, and increased use of cannabis in the treatment of symptoms and disease, it is critical for clinicians to understand the rationale for specific therapies and their medical and practical implications for patients. In view of the opioid crisis, overall patient dissatisfaction, and lack of adherence to current chronic pain...

Abstract Products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa are widely appreciated for their analgesic properties and are employed for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Only nabiximols, a product composed of two extracts containing similar percentages of the two cannabinoids cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is approved by regulatory authorities for neuropathic pain and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis in many European countries and Canada. It is also included in pharmacovigilance systems monitoring the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. However, it is not the same for the great variety of other cannabis preparations widely used for medical purposes. This creates a situation characterized by insufficient knowledge...

Abstract Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder involving dysregulation of stress-related hormones and neurotransmitter systems. Research focused on the endocannabinoid system (eCBS) for anxiety and stress regulation, cognitive and emotional responses modulation and aversive memories extinction, leading to the hypothesis that it could represent a possible alternative treatment target for PTSD. In this systematic review, we summarize evidence about the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and nabilone in PTSD treatment. The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science by two independent researchers, who also performed data extraction...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective Cannabinoids, including delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have a palliative care impact and may therefore be beneficial against cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC on oral cancer cell behaviors. Design The Ca9-22 oral cancer cells were cultured in the presence or not of various concentrations of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC for different times. The cultures were then used to measure cell viability/proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of signaling pathways MAP-Kinase, NF-κB, and β−catenin. Results Both cannabinoids were found to decrease cell viability/proliferation by...

Abstract Prenatal cannabis use is a significant problem and poses important health risks for the developing fetus. The molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are not fully elucidated but are thought to be attributed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive constituent of cannabis. It has been reported that THC may target the mitochondria in several tissue types, including placental tissue and trophoblast cell lines, and alter their function. In the present study, in response to 48-h THC treatment of the human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo, we demonstrate that cell proliferation and invasion are significantly reduced. We further demonstrate THC-treatment elevated levels of cellular reactive...