Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The medical use of cannabis is expanding across many countries, with some legalizing its use outright and others implementing medical licensure systems to approve treatment for eligible patients. Despite this growing interest and utilization, there remains a lack of solid scientific evidence supporting its medical use, even though cannabis has been used therapeutically for thousands of years. The goal of the following communication is to present updated data on the potential roles of cannabis-based treatments in various autoimmune and rheumatic conditions. The information highlights that incorporating cannabis into the therapeutic armamentarium may offer benefits. However,...

Abstract Cannabis sativa L. contains numerous compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including the flavonoids and the cannabinoids, particularly Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids have an effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cellular communication network, and are, hence, widely studied for medical applications. Epidiolex®, a 99% pure oral CBD extract, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of epilepsy. Nabiximols (Sativex) is an oromucosal spray containing equal volume of THC and CBD, and it is commonly used as an add-on treatment for unresponsive spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have also shown that cannabinoids...

ABSTRACT A child died in the emergency room of a local hospital a few hours after ingesting a substance the color of cork and the consistency of earth. At home, a modest amount of resinous substance was found. At the hospital, the child exhibited alterations in walking, balance, and consciousness. Intubation was needed for the onset of dyspnea, so fentanyl and ketamine were administered during the procedure. A sample of blood was also collected for clinical investigation. During the autopsy, cadaveric samples were collected. Autopsy evaluation revealed multiorgan congestion in the brain, lung, liver, and kidney. Histological investigations were inconclusive. A thorough toxicological investigation...

Abstract Cannabis vaping involves the vaporization of cannabis vape (CV) liquid via a vape pen made of metallic and nonmetallic parts. Recently, various metal contaminants that originate from cannabis, as well as the vape liquid packaging device, were reported in CV liquids and aerosols. Heavy metal exposure from CVs is associated with various health afflictions and should be regulated. This scoping review intends to investigate the literature on heavy metal releases from CVs and their impact on health. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR scoping review guidelines. Initial search in electronic databases such as Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science...

Summary Psychoactive substances are compounds that can influence perception, consciousness, cognition, and emotions. The psychoactive substances caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, and psilocybin all originate from natural sources and can be used without complex processing or synthesis. Their natural availability has contributed to a long-standing history of human use and cultural significance. Caffeine and nicotine are freely available and commonly used as everyday stimulants, whereas psilocybin is more strictly regulated and cannabis has been legalised in some countries and regions. Some of these substances have been intensively studied, and their pharmacological and toxicological properties are well known, but ongoing research continues to investigate their therapeutic use...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Novel methods of cannabis use are becoming popular, but the differential impact of these new methods on cognition have not been widely studied. Further, the impact of cannabis on cognition is mediated by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but few studies have directly compared the pharmacokinetics of different methods. This systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42023442731) was conducted to determine whether the different forms of cannabis and routes of administration have differential acute effects on cognition or blood THC. In total, six studies were found that directly compared the effects of at least two different methods of cannabis administration on cognition and eight studies compared the impact...

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by some difficulties with social interactions and communication, atypical patterns of behavior, and unusual reactions to emotions. Studies have found promising results regarding the effects of cannabis on autism. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials on the effects of cannabis derivatives and their analogs for autism. This review was developed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported according to PRISMA 2020. The protocol was prospectively published in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023468300). We included randomized controlled trials with autism-diagnosed participants treated with any cannabis derivate or its analogs for therapeutic purposes....

Abstract Background:YouTube has become a major source of health information, with 2.5 billion monthly users. Despite efforts taken to promote reliable sources, misinformation remains prevalent, particularly regarding medical cannabis. Objective:This study aims to evaluate the quality and reliability of medical cannabis information on YouTube and to examine the relationship between video popularity and content quality. Methods:A systematic review of YouTube videos on medical cannabis was conducted. Search terms were selected based on Google Trends, and 800 videos were retrieved on July 8, 2024. After applying exclusion criteria, 516 videos were analyzed. Videos were categorized by content creators: (1) nonmedical educational channels, (2) medical education...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The convergence of early initiation, increasing product potency, and widespread availability has reshaped the contemporary cannabis landscape, heightening concerns about its impact on adolescent mental health. Translational research combining longitudinal human neuroimaging and animal models provides compelling evidence that cannabis use—particularly with high-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products and frequent use—can disrupt adolescent brain development and behavior. This vulnerability is especially relevant to trajectories leading to psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder, while also elevating risks for anxiety and depression. Although not all adolescents who use cannabis will experience adverse outcomes, a susceptible subset may face lasting consequences....