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Nature Reviews. Neuroscience May 2016In an increasing number of states and countries, cannabis now stands poised to join alcohol and tobacco as a legal drug. Quantifying the relative adverse and beneficial... (Review)
Review
In an increasing number of states and countries, cannabis now stands poised to join alcohol and tobacco as a legal drug. Quantifying the relative adverse and beneficial effects of cannabis and its constituent cannabinoids should therefore be prioritized. Whereas newspaper headlines have focused on links between cannabis and psychosis, less attention has been paid to the much more common problem of cannabis addiction. Certain cognitive changes have also been attributed to cannabis use, although their causality and longevity are fiercely debated. Identifying why some individuals are more vulnerable than others to the adverse effects of cannabis is now of paramount importance to public health. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about such vulnerability factors, the variations in types of cannabis, and the relationship between these and cognition and addiction.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Addictive; Brain; Cannabis; Case-Control Studies; Cognition; Humans; Marijuana Smoking; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27052382
DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2016.28 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2019Marijuana/cannabinoid research has been transformed into mainstream science during the last half-century. Evidence based research and remarkable biotechnological... (Review)
Review
Marijuana/cannabinoid research has been transformed into mainstream science during the last half-century. Evidence based research and remarkable biotechnological advances demonstrate that phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoid (eCBs) acting on cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) regulate various aspects of human physiological, behavioral, immunological and metabolic functions. The distribution and function of the components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the central nervous system (CNS) and immune processes have garnished significant research focus with major milestones. With these advances in biotechnology, rapid extension of the ECS research in the periphery has gained momentum. In this chapter, we review the components and tissue distribution of this previously unknown but ubiquitous and complex ECS that is involved in almost all aspects of mammalian physiology and pathology.
Topics: Animals; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Endocannabinoids; Humans; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 31332731
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_1 -
Oral Diseases Oct 2020Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is one of the most commonly used substances for medical and recreational purposes globally. With the trend of global legalization of... (Review)
Review
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is one of the most commonly used substances for medical and recreational purposes globally. With the trend of global legalization of medical use of cannabis and even the recreational use, the prevalence of recreational use of cannabis has increased markedly over the past few years. Correspondingly, the potential health concerns related to cannabis consumption have also increased. Therefore, it is necessary for oral healthcare providers to understand the effects of cannabis use on oral health. This review briefly summarizes the components of cannabis, biologic activities on tissues, and mechanisms of action in human cells and tissues. Oral tissue expression of cannabinoid receptors and the potential association of cannabis to oral diseases are also examined. The goals of this review are to (1) elaborate the basic biology and physiology of cannabis in human oral tissues, and (2) provide a better understanding the effects of its use and abuse on oral health. Due to insufficient information, more well-designed studies should be conducted. It is urgent to include cannabis usage into dental patient health records.
Topics: Cannabis; Health Personnel; Humans; Medical Marijuana; Oral Health; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 31793130
DOI: 10.1111/odi.13246 -
Current Biology : CB Jan 2020Schilling et al. introduce and discuss Cannabis.
Schilling et al. introduce and discuss Cannabis.
Topics: Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Life History Traits
PubMed: 31910378
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.10.039 -
Stroke Apr 2022Marijuana is perceived as a harmless drug, and its recreational use has gained popularity among young individuals. The concentration of active ingredients in... (Review)
Review
Marijuana is perceived as a harmless drug, and its recreational use has gained popularity among young individuals. The concentration of active ingredients in recreational formulations has gradually increased over time, and high-potency illicit cannabinomimetics have become available. Thus, the consumption of cannabis in the general population is rising. Data from preclinical models demonstrate that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in high density in areas involved in cognition and behavior, particularly during periods of active neurodevelopment and maturation. In addition, growing evidence highlights the role of endogenous cannabinoid pathways in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neurodevelopment. In animal models, exogenous cannabinoids disrupt these important processes and lead to cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. These data correlate with the higher risk of cognitive impairment reported in some observational studies done in humans. It is unclear whether the effect of cannabis on cognition reverts after abstinence. However, this evidence, along with the increased risk of stroke reported in marijuana users, raises concerns about its potential long-term effects on cognitive function. This scientific statement reviews the safety of cannabis use from the perspective of brain health, describes mechanistically how cannabis may cause cognitive dysfunction, and advocates for a more informed health care worker and consumer about the potential for cannabis to adversely affect the brain.
Topics: American Heart Association; Animals; Brain; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Endocannabinoids; Humans
PubMed: 35142225
DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000396 -
JBJS Reviews Feb 2022Marijuana use is on the rise in the United States, and there is a paucity of information on the effects of cannabis and its chemical constituents on bone health,...
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Marijuana use is on the rise in the United States, and there is a paucity of information on the effects of cannabis and its chemical constituents on bone health, wound-healing, surgical complications, and pain management.
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Current evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance bone health and metabolism, while Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive component in marijuana, has an inhibitory effect.
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Marijuana users are at higher risk for delayed bone-healing, demonstrate lower bone mineral density, are at increased risk for fracture, and may experience postoperative complications such as increased opioid use and hyperemesis.
Topics: Bone Density; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Humans; Orthopedics; Pain Management
PubMed: 35180183
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.21.00184 -
Pharmacological Reviews Sep 2023The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the... (Review)
Review
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transportersthat is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
Topics: Humans; Child; Endocannabinoids; Cannabidiol; Cannabinoids; Dronabinol; Cannabis; Carrier Proteins; Hallucinogens; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
PubMed: 37164640
DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600 -
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Oct 2021In recent years, marketers of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) products have claimed that cannabinol (CBN) has unique sleep-promoting effects. Despite a plausible mechanism,... (Review)
Review
In recent years, marketers of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) products have claimed that cannabinol (CBN) has unique sleep-promoting effects. Despite a plausible mechanism, it is possible that such claims are merely rooted in cannabis lore. The aim of this narrative review was to answer the question: "Is there sufficient clinical evidence to support claims that CBN has sleep-promoting effects?" A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed to evaluate the published evidence. The abstracts of 99 human studies were screened for relevance by the author and reviewed for compliance with the inclusion criteria. The characteristics and principal findings were extracted from eight full-text articles that met inclusion criteria for detailed review. Pre-clinical and clinical research investigating the effects of CBN is dated and limited, with the preponderance of human studies occurring in the 1970-1980s with small sample sizes lacking diversity in sociodemographic characteristics. Studies specifically assessing subjective effects associated with sleep, such as sedation or fatigue, are rare. Most importantly, published clinical trials investigating associations between CBN and validated sleep questionnaires and/or formal polysomnography were not identified in this review. In addition, evidence demonstrating that CBN itself elicits cannabis-like effects in humans is mixed, with the majority of available evidence demonstrating a lack of such an effect. Consequently, there is insufficient published evidence to support sleep-related claims. Randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate claims made by manufacturers of cannabis products containing CBN. These studies should specifically evaluate its effects on sleep through polysomnography, or at minimum, through validated sleep questionnaires, and use dosages significantly higher than those found in currently available cannabis products marketed for sleep (typically ≤5 mg). Individuals seeking cannabis-derived sleep aids should be skeptical of manufacturers' claims of sleep-promoting effects.
Topics: Cannabinoids; Cannabinol; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Humans; Sleep
PubMed: 34468204
DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0006 -
Missouri Medicine 2020As our nation turns away from smoking tobacco and toward legalization of marijuana, vaporization of both plants has increased in popularity. There are medical and... (Review)
Review
As our nation turns away from smoking tobacco and toward legalization of marijuana, vaporization of both plants has increased in popularity. There are medical and cultural implications of this new trend which are just recently being reported and investigated. The purpose of this article is to review the scientific and sociological literature as it pertains to the vaporization of both marijuana and tobacco products and the potential medical and cultural implications of this new phenomenon.
Topics: Cannabis; Culture; Humans; Terminology as Topic; Tobacco Products; Vaping
PubMed: 32308243
DOI: No ID Found -
Chemical Research in Toxicology Oct 2021The outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has been cause for concern to the medical community, particularly given that this novel...
The outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has been cause for concern to the medical community, particularly given that this novel illness has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, another cause of severe pulmonary illness. Though cannabis e-cigarettes tainted with vitamin E acetate were primarily associated with EVALI, acute lung injuries stemming from cannabis inhalation were reported in the literature prior to 2019, and it has been suggested that cannabis components or additives other than vitamin E acetate may be responsible. Despite these concerning issues, novel cannabis vaporizer ingredients continue to arise, such as Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol, hexahydrocannabinol, and cannabichromene. In order to address cannabis e-cigarette safety and vaping in an effective manner, we provide a comprehensive knowledge of the latest products, delivery modes, and ingredients. This perspective highlights the types of cannabis vaping modalities common to the United States cannabis market, with special attention to cartridge-type cannabis e-cigarette toxicology and their involvement in the EVALI outbreak, in particular, acute lung injurious responses. Novel ingredient chemistry, origins, and legal statuses are reviewed, as well as the toxicology of known cannabis e-cigarette aerosol components.
Topics: Aerosols; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Lung Injury; Marijuana Smoking; Plant Extracts; Vitamin E
PubMed: 34622654
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00290