Abstract Background The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, the primary target of cannabis, has gained significant attention as a potential novel therapeutic approach for treating a range of psychiatric disorders characterized by dysregulation of stress, emotion, and social behavior. The use of cannabis itself as a pharmacotherapeutic in children and adolescents is limited due to various constraints, including legal status, stigma, and real or perceived negative side effects. Thus, compounds that target the eCB system without the notable unwanted effects of cannabis may offer a more viable approach for developing populations. Methods In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the eCB system, summarizing its...

Abstract Introduction: Cannabinoids are increasingly being explored as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. This article aims to provide a narrative review of available data on the treatment of neurological disorders with cannabis constituents, focusing on ischemic stroke. Methods: Selected articles are summarized to describe design, results, limitations, conclusions, and implications about this theme. Results: The growing understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoid receptors distribution in all human body systems and organs and particularly in brain structures importantly involved in myelination processes, suggests potential benefits for stroke symptoms and overall patient improvement. However, the variety of studied compounds, the different administration routes,...

Abstract The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the significant threat that infectious diseases pose to our society. Pregnancy represents a period of heightened vulnerability to infections, which can compromise maternal health and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Preclinical and clinical investigations suggest a potential association between maternal immune activation (MIA), which is triggered by viral or bacterial infections, and increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the overall risk. Therefore, the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that MIA could act as a first trigger, with subsequent factors, such...

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT A unifying mechanistic cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains uncertain. Multiple pathophysiological processes appear to occur simultaneously. Cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and others found in cannabis, and cannabis extracts (CEs), appear to have activity in these pathogenic pathways, which have led to increasing interest in cannabinoids as therapeutic agents for ALS. The use of cannabinoids as a treatment strategy is substantiated by preclinical evidence suggesting a role for the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders. Preclinical data indicate that cannabis and CEs have powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and...

Abstract There is emerging evidence that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of many psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasing evidence suggests that a number of neurobiological correlates between endogenous cannabinoid function and cognitive dysfunction are seen in ADHD, making the ECS a possible target for therapeutic interventions. Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are more prevalent in individuals with ADHD, compared to the general population, and there is growing popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD. However, the relationship between cannabis use and ADHD symptomology is poorly understood. Further understanding of the role of...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Purpose of review This review is to summarize most recent evidence published in the last 18 months on medical and recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids in relation to anxiety, depression (unipolar and bipolar), and dysregulation of emotions as part of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and emotionally instable personality disorders. It also covers the investigation of endocannabinoids as potential biomarkers in these conditions. This is important with increasing medicinal use of cannabinoids and growing social tolerance towards recreational cannabis use. Recent findings There is some recent evidence suggesting cannabinoids, cannabidiol or cannabidiol-enriched cannabis preparations have...

ABSTRACT Experimental evidence points out that the activation of the endocannabinoid system induces neuroprotective effects and reduces mood disorders. In the hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), studies indicated augmented cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) binding, in spite of its low mRNA and protein expressions. Although this situation suggests an enhanced CB1R-induced neurotransmission in patients with MTLE, especially those with pharmacoresistant seizures, which present important neuronal damage and high comorbid mood disorders. The present study focused to investigate the status of CB1R and the endocannabinoid system by obtaining CB1R-induced G-protein signaling efficacy and measuring the tissue levels of endocannabinoids in the hippocampus...

Abstract The science of cannabis and cannabinoids encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines and can appear daunting to newcomers to the field. The encroachment of folklore and ‘cannabis culture’ into scientific discussions can cloud the situation further. This Primer Review is designed to give a succinct overview of the chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for chemistry undergraduates, postgraduates and their instructors, and experienced chemists who require a comprehensive and up to date summary of the field. The Review begins with a brief overview of the history and botany of cannabis, then goes on...

Abstract Background: The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system responsible for partial regulation of cognitive and emotional processes in the human central nervous system such as behavior, mood disorders, and neurologic disorders such as epilepsy. The endocannabinoid system is also prevalent throughout the peripheral nervous system and human body and its receptors and signaling pathways are present and active in areas including the male and female reproductive tracts and organ systems such as the urologic and gastrointestinal system. Summary: The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a brief background on the endocannabinoid system and to discuss the implications of the...

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory, gastrointestinal disorders. The endocannabinoid system may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. We aimed to assess whether cannabis treatment influences endocannabinoids (eCBs) level and clinical symptoms of IBD patients. Methods: Blood samples and biopsies were taken from IBD patients treated by either cannabis or placebo for 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry for N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-selective phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) expression was done on colon biopsies, and sample levels of anandamide (AEA), eCB2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), arachidonic acid (AA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) were measured in patient’s sera before and after cannabis treatment. Caco-2 cells were...