Abstract The primary cannabinoid in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes intoxication and impaired function, with implications for traffic, workplace, and other situational safety risks. There are currently no evidence-based methods to detect cannabis-impaired driving, and current field sobriety tests with gold-standard, drug recognition evaluations are resource-intensive and may be prone to bias. This study evaluated the capability of a simple, portable imaging method to accurately detect individuals with THC impairment. In this double-blind, randomized, cross-over study, 169 cannabis users, aged 18–55 years, underwent functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and after receiving oral THC and placebo, at study visits one week apart. Impairment was defined by...

Abstract The Cannabis sativa plant has historically been used for both recreational and medical purposes. With the recent surge in recreational use of cannabis among adolescents and adults in particular, there is an increased obligation to determine the short- and long-term effects that consuming this plant may have on several aspects of the human psyche and body. The goal of this article was to examine the negative effects of obesity, and how the use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) can impact rates of this global pandemic at different timepoints of life. Conflicting studies have been reported between adult and adolescents, as there are reports of...

Abstract Blood and oral fluid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations are often used to identify cannabis-impaired drivers. We used meta-analytic techniques to characterise the relationships between biomarkers of cannabis use, subjective intoxication, and impairment of driving and driving-related cognitive skills. Twenty-eight publications and 822 driving-related outcomes were reviewed. Each outcome was measured in concert with one or more biomarkers of cannabis/THC use and/or subjective intoxication. Higher blood THC and 11−OH-THC concentrations, oral fluid THC concentrations and subjective ratings of intoxication were associated with greater impairment in ‘other’ (mostly occasional) cannabis users (p’s<0.05). Blood 11−COOH-THC concentrations were associated with impairment after inhaling, but not orally ingesting, cannabis/THC. However, these...

Please use this link to access publication Abstract Background: Anxiety is second most common reason for medicinal cannabis prescription in Australia and is being treated with both Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing and cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant products. Objective: The aim of this article is to summarise recent advances in the understanding of medicinal cannabis in treating anxiety and recent trends in prescribing. Discussion: Clinical trials and laboratory studies provide evidence of anxiolytic effects of CBD in healthy volunteers and clinical populations, although current evidence is insufficient to support CBD as a first-line treatment. The evidence regarding the use of THC-dominant products for anxiety is ambiguous, with exacerbation of...

Abstract The innate immune response to bacterial and viral molecules involves the coordinated production of cytokines, chemokines, and type I interferons (IFNs), which is orchestrated by toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs, and their intracellular signalling intermediates, are closely associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Recent data from our laboratory reported that the plant-derived cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), regulate viral and bacterial inflammatory signalling pathways controlled by TLR3 and TLR4 in macrophages. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of THC and CBD, when delivered in isolation and in combination (1:1), on TLR3- and TLR4-dependent signalling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells...

Abstract In light of the increased popularity of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) and their appearance in beauty products without rigorous research on their rejuvenation efficacy, we decided to investigate the potential role of pCBs in skin rejuvenation. Utilizing healthy and stress-induced premature senescent (SIPS) CCD-1064Sk skin fibroblasts, the effects of pCBs on cellular viability, functional activity, metabolic function, and nuclear architecture were tested. Both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) within the range of 0.5 µM to 2.0 µM increased cell growth in a dose-dependent manner while significantly decreasing senescence as measured by beta-galactosidase activity. Utilizing a scratch assay, both THC and CBD (2.0 µM) significantly improved...

Abstract Introduction This phase I open-label study examined pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of escalating doses of a novel combination cannabinoid medication (1:1 tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]/cannabidiol [CBD]) in patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) on high dose opioid analgesia. Methods Nine people with CNCP and oral morphine equivalent daily dose of 60 mg or higher were recruited. Blood concentrations of THC, 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (COOH-THC), and CBD were assayed weekly. Concentrations were measured after a single dose of 2.5 mg THC/2.5 mg CBD on day 1, and daily escalating doses up to a single dose of 12.5 mg THC/12.5 mg CBD on day 29. Follow-up was on day 36 after a 7-day washout. Secondary outcome...

Abstract Individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often comorbid for substance use disorders. Cannabis is widely used by PSTD patients, and the literature is mixed on whether cannabis use ameliorates or exacerbates patient responses to stress-associated conditioned stimuli (stress-CS). We determined if cannabis use affects responsivity to stress-CS in rats receiving 2 h stress in the presence of an odor stress-CS. Three weeks after acute stress, rats self-administered cannabinoids (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol + cannabidiol; THC + CBD) for 15 days, and the stressed males consumed more THC + CBD than sham males. We then used the stress-CS or a novel odor (stress-NS) to reinstate THC + CBD seeking. Surprisingly, the stress-NS reinstated THC + CBD...

Please use this link to access publication Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder is specifically approved for medical cannabis consumption in 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Territory of Puerto Rico. Despite increased access, there is limited knowledge about who consumes medical cannabis, what they consume, and perceived effectiveness. We addressed these gaps by conducting a natural history study of medical cannabis consumption. Method Children and their families engaged with a large pediatric care system were recruited to complete a telephonic study regarding their medical cannabis consumption. All children had to be consuming approved medical cannabis products issued from a state that had legalized medical cannabis for the treatment of ASD or related behaviors (irritability, hyperactivity, anxiety)...

ABSTRACT This phase II clinical trial investigates a one-time oromucosal dose of tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD) in 23 patients with indolent leukemic B cell lymphomas. Primary endpoint was a significant reduction in leukemic B cells. Grade 1  2 adverse events were seen in 91% of the patients; most common were dry mouth (78%), vertigo (70%), and somnolence (43%). After THC/CBD a significant reduction in leukemic B cells (median, 11%) occurred within two hours (p ¼ .014), and remained for 6 h without induction of apoptosis or proliferation. Normal B cells and T cells were also reduced. CXCR4 expression increased on leukemic cells and T cells....