Abstract There has been a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in recent years, and its use can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions, including memory. Here, we review the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis and its derivatives on glutamatergic neurotransmission, with a focus on both the presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Several factors can influence cannabinoid-mediated changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use. Acute exposure to cannabis typically inhibits glutamate release, whereas chronic use tends to increase glutamate release. Conversely, the postsynaptic alterations are more complicated than the presynaptic effects, as...

Abstract An increase in products containing phytocannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol, is often observed in human and veterinary markets following the legalization of hemp (cannabis) for industrial purposes. In veterinary medicine, derivatives of Cannabis sativa are used for managing pain (osteoarticular, oncological, and neuropathic), epilepsy, and behavioral disorders, as well as oncological, immune-mediated, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. In addition, there is growing interest in incorporating C. sativa into livestock feed. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of phytocannabinoids, a thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining homeostasis is essential. Short-term use of phytocannabinoid products appears generally safe, but further research is required to understand the routes...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Cannabis and the marijuana derived from it, which mainly contains the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is increasingly being used both for medicinal purposes and as a narcotic. While many emphasize the positive aspects and uses of cannabis, it is equally important to examine the potential negative effects on health. Here, we pay special attention to undesired cardiovascular effects, as the cardiovascular system is known to react strongly to psychoactive substances. This article highlights the current scientific findings on the effects of cannabis and marijuana on the heart and cardiovascular system. Since many patients conceal their marijuana...

Abstract Cannabis products (CPs) and cannabis-based medicines (CBMs) are becoming increasingly available and are commonly used for pain management. The growing societal acceptance of cannabis and liberalization of cannabis laws allows patients to access CPs with minimal clinical oversight. While there is mechanistic plausibility that CPs and CBMs may be useful for pain management, the clinical trial literature is limited and does not refute or support the use of CBMs for pain management. Complicating matters, a large and growing body of observational literature shows that many people use CPs for pain management and in place of other medications. However, products and dosing regimens in...

Abstract The neurobiological mechanisms that regulate the appetite-stimulatory properties of cannabis sativa are unresolved. This work examined the hypothesis that cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) expressing neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) regulate increased appetite following cannabis vapor inhalation. Here we utilized a paradigm where vaporized cannabis plant matter was administered passively to rodents. Initial studies in rats characterized meal patterns and operant responding for palatable food following exposure to air or vapor cannabis. Studies conducted in mice used a combination of in vivo optical imaging, electrophysiology and chemogenetic manipulations to determine the importance of MBH neurons for cannabis-induced feeding behavior. Our data indicate that cannabis vapor increased...

ABSTRACT Cannabis, the most commonly used recreational drug, is illicit in many areas of the world. With increasing decriminalization and legalization, cannabis use is increasing in the United States and other countries. The adverse effects of cannabis are unclear because its status as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States restricts research. Despite a paucity of data, cannabis is commonly perceived as a benign or even beneficial drug. However, recent studies show that cannabis has adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary effects and is linked with malignancy. Moreover, case reports have shown an association between cannabis use and neuropsychiatric disorders. With growing availability, cannabis misuse...

Abstract Objective: Evidence is accumulating that components of the Cannabis sativa plant may have therapeutic potential in treating psychiatric disorders. Medicinal cannabis (MC) products are legally available for prescription in Australia, primarily through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme B (SAS-B). Here we investigated recent prescribing practices for psychiatric indications under SAS-B by Australian doctors. Methods: The dataset, obtained from the TGA, included information on MC applications made by doctors through the SAS-B process between 1st November 2016 and 30th September 2022 inclusive. Details included the primary conditions treated, patient demographics, prescriber location, product type (e.g., oil, flower or capsule) and the general cannabinoid content of...

ABSTRACT Parental cannabis use has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, but how such phenotypes are transmitted is largely unknown. Using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), we recently demonstrated that cannabis use is associated with widespread DNA methylation changes in human and rat sperm. Discs-Large Associated Protein 2 (DLGAP2), involved in synapse organization, neuronal signaling, and strongly implicated in autism, exhibited significant hypomethylation (p < 0.05) at 17 CpG sites in human sperm. We successfully validated the differential methylation present in DLGAP2 for nine CpG sites located in intron seven (p < 0.05) using quantitative bisulphite pyrosequencing. Intron 7 DNA methylation and DLGAP2 expression in human conceptal brain tissue were...

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disease and lifelong condition. The treatment gap in ASD has led to growing interest in alternative therapies, particularly in phytocannabinoids, which are naturally present in Cannabis sativa. Studies indicate that treatment with cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis may possess the potential to improve fundamental ASD symptoms as well as comorbid symptoms. This systematic review aims to assess the safety and efficacy of CBD-rich cannabis in alleviating the symptoms of ASD in both children and adults, addressing the treatment gap and growing interest in CBD as an alternative treatment. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in February 2024 using the...

Abstract Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for problematic cannabis use. However, clinical and anecdotal evidence suggest an increasingly popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD, including via online resources. Given that the Internet is increasingly utilized as a source of healthcare information and may influence perceptions, we conducted a qualitative analysis of online forum discussions, also referred to as threads, on the effects of cannabis on ADHD to systematically characterize the content patients and caregivers may encounter about ADHD and cannabis. Methods A total of 268 separate forum threads were identified. Twenty percent (20%) were randomly selected, which yielded 55...