Abstract Background: Cannabis sativa is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant’s feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. Objectives: The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources. Methods: Cannabis has been identified as an alternative to lucerne due to its high protein content. Results: However, the cultivation and uses of Cannabis and its by-products in South Africa is limited due to the strict legislation. The metabolites and nutritional value of Cannabis are influenced by growing conditions and soil type. Furthermore,...

Abstract Objective The certainty of effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes resulting from perinatal cannabis exposure is yet to be established. This review synthesizes current clinical and preclinical evidence on neurodevelopment and related functional outcomes in offspring exposed to cannabis during pregnancy or early childhood. Additionally, gaps in the literature and suggestions to bridge these gaps are provided. Method A PubMed database search identified highest level of evidence studies focusing on in utero and early childhood cannabis exposure using keywords broadly describing outcomes alongside informal, spontaneous, and reference searches to supplement search hits. Priority was given to recent clinical studies. Findings were categorized into cognitive measures (memory, attention,...

Abstract Paranoia is common and has negative implications at clinical and societal levels. Cannabis may cause paranoia, although conflicting evidence exists. We reviewed studies on the association between cannabinoid use and paranoid symptoms. PubMed was searched from inception to July 2023, seeking experimental and observational studies that measured paranoid symptoms with specific assessments. Data of 13 studies (n = 13.559 participants) were pooled using Bayesian Model-Averaged Meta-Analysis, hierarchical Bayesian meta-analyses and Robust Bayesian Meta-Analysis. Effect size measures were Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) or Odds Ratio (OR). Five experimental studies showed that participants receiving cannabinoids developed more severe paranoid symptoms than those receiving placebo (SMD = 0.47; 95 % CI, 0.13 – 0.48, Posterior Probability of Inclusion, PPI:...

Abstract Background/rationale Electroencephalography (EEG) has potential to provide a sensitive measure of the acute neurophysiological response to cannabis administration. As delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive constituent of cannabis) can induce transient neurocognitive impairments that differ as a function of tolerance and dose, understanding the neural profile related to intoxication would be of great benefit in the wake of increasing recreational and medicinal use. Accordingly, the present systematic review examined the current research literature related to acute cannabis administration and EEG measures.

Abstract The growing demand for plant-based protein and natural food ingredients has further fueled interest in exploring hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) as a sustainable source of and nutrition. In addition to the content of proteins and healthy fats (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), hemp seeds are rich in phytochemical compounds, especially terpenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, which contribute to their bioactive properties. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, making hemp seeds a promising ingredient for promoting health. Since THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are found only in traces, hemp seeds can be used in food applications because...

Abstract The roles of endophytes in Cannabis sativa (cannabis, hemp) remain poorly explored. While in vitro studies suggest that there can be several benefits, such as plant growth promotion and protection against pathogens, more in planta studies are needed. This review summarizes the bacterial and fungal endophytes previously reported in tissues of C. sativa and discusses the factors influencing their presence, as well as their potential beneficial and detrimental effects. Using genome sequencing and culture-based approaches, we describe the microbial diversity in hydroponically cultivated cannabis plants at several developmental stages. These include mother plants, cuttings, vegetative and flowering plants, and tissue-cultured plantlets. Microbes that were present include fungal,...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The landscape of cannabis use has changed rapidly, with over 40% of adults aged 19 to 30 years using cannabis in the past year. Of great concern is the rising prevalence in pregnant women, fueled by the legalization and its public perception of safety. However, emerging evidence from animal/in vitro and human studies suggests that prenatal cannabis exposure influence maternal physiology and fetal development, with impact on short- and long-term outcomes. While cannabis exposure is well-known for its impacts on cognitive functioning and neurodevelopment, it also affects other organ systems, leading to long-term cardiovascular, hematologic,...

Abstract Cannabis sativa is recognized for its chemical diversity and therapeutic potential, particularly in addressing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the complexity of AD, where single-target therapies often prove inadequate, a multi-target approach utilizing cannabis-derived compounds may offer promising alternatives. This review first highlights the chemical diversity of cannabis by categorizing its compounds into cannabinoids and non-cannabinoids. It then examines studies investigating the effects of these compounds on AD-related pathological features. By synthesizing existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and facilitating comparative analysis, this review aims to advance future research and understanding. It underscores cannabis's potential as a multi-target therapeutic strategy for...

Abstract Chronic pain affects over 20% of the global population and contributes to the vast burden of psychiatric illness. While effective treatments for chronic pain remain limited, both alcohol and cannabis have been used for centuries to manage pain and closely associated negative affective symptoms. However, persistent misuse of alcohol and/or cannabis in such a negative reinforcement fashion is hypothesized to increase the risk of severity of substance use disorders (SUDs). The current review describes neurobiological evidence for the analgesic efficacy of alcohol and primary cannabis constituents and how use or co-use of these substances may influence SUD risk.  

Abstract Background: Emerging evidence supports cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising therapeutic compound for various health conditions, despite its approval as a medication (product for medical purposes) remaining restricted to a limited range of clinical indications. Simultaneously, the regulation of cannabis-derived products for medicinal and recreational use has expanded their global market availability to meet local community demands. This scenario presents a complex challenge for clinicians, researchers, and industry, as the global appeal of therapeutic uses of CBD is growing more rapidly than the scientific evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. Outcomes: A narrative review was conducted to discuss the best evidence regarding the pharmacological...