Please use this link to access this publication: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(23)00143-8/fulltext Summary Background The relationship between psychotic disorders and cannabis use is heavily debated. Shared underlying genetic risk is one potential explanation. We investigated the genetic association between psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and cannabis phenotypes (lifetime cannabis use and cannabis use disorder). Methods We used genome-wide association summary statistics from individuals with European ancestry from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, UK Biobank, and International Cannabis Consortium. We estimated heritability, polygenicity, and discoverability of each phenotype. We performed genome-wide and local genetic correlations. Shared loci were identified and mapped to genes, which were tested for functional enrichment....

Please use this link to access this publication: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/revneuro-2023-0078/html Abstract Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating disorder, characterized by fear and anxiety in social situations. Evidence suggests that the levels of SAD are rising, in particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective treatments for SAD. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients do not respond well to these therapeutic options. During the last years, Cannabis and cannabinoid-containing products have been investigated for the treatment of different neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, their efficacy for the treatment of anxiety disorders is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this review was...

Abstract The use of terpenoid compounds in different neural-related conditions is becoming useful for several illnesses. Another possible activity of these compounds is the reduction of nervous impairment. Cannabis sativa plants are known for their concentration of two important terpenoids, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD and THC have central peripheral activities already described and their usage in different brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Aluminum (Al) is known as an important neurotoxic compound, the physiological action of Al is not known already, and in high concentrations can lead to intoxication and cause neurotoxicity. Here we evaluated the potential effect of two different...

Please use this link to access this publication: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-022-09453-x Abstract Background The legalization of cannabis in several states has led to increased documented use in the population. Bariatric surgery patients are no exception with estimates of anywhere from 6 to 8%. Cannabis is known to be associated with increased appetite, mood disorders, hyperphagia, and rarely, hyperemesis, which can potentially affect post-surgical weight loss. We aim to study the differences in bariatric surgery outcomes between cannabis users and non-users. Methods A retrospective review identified patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, cannabis users (CU) and non-cannabis users (non-CU). Cannabis users (defined as using...

Abstract Background and aims Mixed results have been reported on the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and preterm birth. This study aimed to examine the magnitude and consistency of associations reported between prenatal cannabis exposure and preterm birth. Methods This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a comprehensive search of the literature on the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Psych-INFO and Web of Science. The revised version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to appraise the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. Inverse variance weighted random-effects cumulative meta-analysis...

Abstract Aim To measure the association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Design and Setting We conducted a matched, population-based retrospective cohort study involving five linked administrative health databases from Alberta, Canada. Participants We identified participants with CUD diagnosis codes and matched them to participants without CUD codes by gender, year of birth and time of presentation to the health system. We included 29 764 pairs (n = 59 528 individuals in total). Measurements CVD events were defined by at least one incident diagnostic code within the study period (1 January 2012–31 December 2019). Covariates included comorbidity, socio-economic status, prescription medication use and health...

Abstract The lungs, in addition to participating in gas exchange, represent the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and respiratory toxicants. Cells lining the airways and alveoli include epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, the latter being resident innate immune cells important in surfactant recycling, protection against bacterial invasion and modulation of lung immune homeostasis. Environmental exposure to toxicants found in cigarette smoke, air pollution and cannabis can alter the number and function of immune cells in the lungs. Cannabis (marijuana) is a plant-derived product that is typically inhaled in the form of smoke from a joint. However, alternative delivery methods such as vaping,...

Abstract With the recent legalization of inhaled cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, the elderly represents one of the newest, rapidly growing cohorts of cannabis users. To understand the neurobiological effects of cannabis on the aging brain, 19–20 months old mice were divided into three groups exposed to vaporized cannabis containing ~10% Δ9-THC, ~10% CBD, or placebo for 30 min each day. Voxel based morphometry, diffusion weighted imaging, and resting state functional connectivity data were gathered after 28 days of exposure and following a two-week washout period. Tail-flick, open field, and novel object preference tests were conducted to explore analgesic, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects of cannabis,...

Abstract The present study focuses on assessing the bioactive potential of Cannabis sativa L. seed extracts, specifically the organic and aqueous extracts derived from Ketama hemp seeds harvested in Morocco. We tested the antioxidant capacities of the extracts, specifically their ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. The ethanolic Cannabis sativa L. seed extract was particularly effective, demonstrating the lowest IC50 value of 0.36mg/mL±0.01, outperforming the reference compound ascorbic acid, which had an IC50 value of 0.68mg/mL±0.02. This suggests a significantly high antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract against the DPPH radical. The β-carotene bleaching test further supported these findings, with the ethanolic and hexanolic extracts showing substantial antioxidant activity, inhibiting...

Abstract Cannabis sativa products have historically been used for healing purposes; now their biological properties are supported with scientific evidence, but modern research has not yet fully developed its therapeutic potential. This study focuses on the cultivar of C. sativa called strawberry to understand the biological and medical potentials of hydroalcoholic extracts from two different parts of the plant: leaves and inflorescences. Two biological assets were investigated including antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Additionally, quantitative determination of phenolic and terpenophenol compounds was conducted. The antimicrobial action was highlighted for the hydroalcoholic extract from inflorescences, especially against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Among the dermatophytes’ strains, the most sensitive was Arthroderma currey. These effects...