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Hemp is a versatile plant that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including as a textile. Hemp fibers are long, strong, and durable, making them ideal for use in clothing, accessories, and other textile products. There are several advantages to using hemp as a textile material. First, hemp is naturally resistant to pests and...

Caryophyllene is a terpene that is commonly found in many plants, including black pepper, cloves, and hops. It is also found in many strains of cannabis, and is known to have a spicy, peppery aroma. One unique aspect of caryophyllene is that it is the only known terpene that can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to CB...

This transcript is adapted from CannMed’s weekly podcast, hosted by Ben Amirault, who recently interviewed Bonni Goldstein, MD, one of the country’s most respected and experienced medical cannabis physicians. Dr. Goldstein has treated thousands of patients with medical cannabis. She is the medical director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education and the clinical advisor to Cannformatics. She is also the author of Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain. Dr. Goldstein will be leading the Medical Practicum at CannMed 2023 (May 15-17), where she will also be speaking about CBG and other minor cannabinoids during the main session.

Ben Amirault, CannMed: I wanted to discuss one of the so-called minor compounds that you’ll be covering during your talk at CannMed this month. You have said that cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of your favorite cannabinoids. Why?

Dr. Goldstein: It appears that CBG does a lot of things that THC does and a lot of things that CBD does — but maybe even a little bit better. It’s kind of a bridge between THC and CBD. CBG is not intoxicating or impairing. It seems to be effective at lower doses compared to CBD. And it does appear to address some of the main issues that people turn to cannabis for — inflammation, pain, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and cancer. So, like it checks all the boxes, especially for people who don’t want to get high and who don’t have the ability to pay for very high doses of CBD.

CannMed: It’s interesting that you say CBG is a bridge between THC and CBD. Is that because CBG is a precursor for the other plant cannabinoids?

Dr. Goldstein: CBG’s parent compound, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), is kind of known as the mother of all the cannabinoids in that it’s the compound that’s found in immature cannabis flower. And then, based on the genetics of the plant and the enzymes that it’s exposed to, CBGA changes into CBDA and/or THCA, which turn into CBD and THCA when heated. CBGA hasn’t really been studied very much. I would say it is highly understudied. But I suspect that we will eventually find out that CBGA has some very interesting anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. We don’t know really know yet. But at least CBG is being studied. I constantly look at the scientific literature, and just this year there’s a study published from Israel on how CBG may be helpful for multiple sclerosis. And there’s another study that looked at CBG’s mechanism of action in terms of how it works for pain and inflammation. So, there’s a lot of interest in CBG, which is really exciting.

Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is produced when tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is oxidized, either through exposure to heat or over time. CBN is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with THC. Here are some potential benefits and uses of CBN: Sleep aid: CBN is believed to...

In 2013, Noriko Shinjyo, Ph.D., a Research Associate at Chiba University in Japan, coauthored a study with Italian scientist Vincenzo Di Marzo on cannabichromene (CBC), a phytocannabinoid that exerts profound effects on the nervous system.1

Published in Neurochemistry International, their paper probed how CBC influences the fate of adult neural stem progenitor cells, which are described as “an essential component of brain function in health as well as in pathology.” As stem cells mature, they change and differentiate into new neurons and other cells. CBC was shown to have a positive effect on neural stem progenitor cells during their maturation phase, according to in vitro research.

Recently a different group of scientists has followed up on this decade-old discovery by delineating seven mechanisms through which CBC is able to protect and regenerate the nervous system. They reported their findings in Life, a Swiss scientific journal, noting that CBC, a “neurogenesis enhancer,” enables stem cells “to sustain their viability and differentiation.”2

What Are Neural Stem Cells?

Scientists have identified specific areas of the brain — the hippocampus and the lateral ventricles — where neural stem cells are created. These cells undergo a maturation process, known as differentiation, which is an important stage for young cells located in the spinal cord, brainstem, and brain regions programmed for muscle control. Young stem cells evolve into new neurons, but they can also form cells that comprise the protective sheath surrounding nerves.

Some neural stem cells differentiate into astroglial cells, also known as astrocytes. These abundant star-shaped cells populate the grey and white matter of the brain, where they regulate cerebral blood flow and the transmission of electrical impulses. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and repairing the brain and spinal cord following an infection or a traumatic injury.

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been found to have potential benefits for treating muscle aches or soreness. It is believed that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. CBD may help to reduce muscle aches or soreness by decreasing inflammation in the affected area. It has been found to ...

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its potential benefits in managing chronic pain. While research on the efficacy of CBD for chronic pain is still ongoing, some studies have shown promising results. One study published in the European Journal of Pain ...

Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are the definitive and best-known targets of endogenous and plant-derived cannabinoids, but they’re far from the only ones.

Several phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), for example, and the two primary endocannabinoids — anandamide and 2-AG — have been shown to interact with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, or PPARs1 (pronounced pee-parrs), which are found on the surface of the cell’s nucleus. This may help to explain how CBD, which has little affinity for either CB1 or CB2, can do so much.

Get to Know the PPARs

PPARs are a group of nuclear receptors that play important roles in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and gene expression. Triggered by hormones, endocannabinoids, and other fatty acid derivatives, and various nutritional compounds,2 PPARs are expressed in different parts of the body:

PPAR-a (PPAR-alpha) is found in the liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle, as well as adipose (fat) tissue and the intestinal tract;PPAR-b (PPAR-delta) is expressed in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, heart, and liver; andPPAR-y (PPAR-gamma), which comes in two forms, is expressed in almost all tissues of the body including the colon, the cardiovascular system, and immune cells.

The first evidence of an endocannabinoid interacting with PPARs came in 2002, when a research team in Tennessee showed that a metabolite of 2-AG activated PPAR-a.3 Since then many more breakthroughs have been made, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are now viewed as an extension of the classic endocannabinoid system (ECS).

PPARs are now viewed as an extension of the classic endocannabinoid system.

Linalool is a terpene commonly found in cannabis, as well as in many other plants such as lavender, mint, and cinnamon. It has a floral, slightly spicy aroma and is often used in perfumes, soaps, and other fragrances. In cannabis, linalool is often found in indica strains and is believed to contribute to their calming and sedative effects. It is al...

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has been shown to have potential health benefits. While research is still limited, some studies suggest that CBD may be beneficial for hair health. One way that CBD may help with hair is by reducing inflammation on the scalp. Inflammation is a common cause of hair loss and ...

CBD (cannabidiol) has become a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here are some ways that CBD may benefit the skin: Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation in the skin. This make...

CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to have potential benefits for migraines, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Migraines are a type of headache that can be severe and debilitating, and they can be difficult to treat with traditional medications. CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that has been shown to h...

Industrial hemp has a wide range of uses, including: Textiles: Hemp fibers are durable and strong, making them an ideal material for making clothing, rope, and other textiles.Building materials: Hemp fibers can also be used to make a range of building materials, such as insulation, roofing, and drywall.Paper: Hemp can be used to produce high-qualit...

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the hemp plant that has become popular among athletes as a potential aid for sports recovery. Here are some ways CBD may be used for sports recovery: Pain relief: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which may help to alleviate soreness, inflammation, and...

The CB2 receptor is a type of cannabinoid receptor that is primarily expressed in immune cells, although it is also found in other types of cells throughout the body. It is one of two known types of cannabinoid receptors, the other being the CB1 receptor. CB2 receptors are activated by cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant, ...

Hemp and cannabis are two varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. However, they differ in their chemical composition, cultivation, and usage. Hemp is typically grown for industrial use and contains very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use. In fact, i...

It has long been known that resinous cannabis flower tops are infused with robust therapeutic properties. But there are also pharmacologically active components in other parts of the plant that shouldn’t be ignored when assessing the health benefits of cannabis.

The earliest reference to the therapeutic use of cannabis dates back to 2700 BC in ancient China, “the land of hemp and mulberry.” Cannabis (“Ma”) was subsequently included in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, humankind’s first pharmacopeia, which had been assembled by Emperor Shen Nung, the legendary father of traditional Chinese medicine, who is credited with introducing the custom of drinking tea. Ma was recommended for more than a hundred ailments, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, constipation, beri-beri, and absent-mindedness.

The Shennong Ben Cao Jing called Ma one of the “Supreme Elixirs of Immortality.” It was said to confer longevity and good health. If consumed over a long period of time, Ma could “enable one to communicate with the spirit light and make the body light. It mainly supplements the center and boosts the qi [chi]. Protracted taking may make one fat, strong, and never senile.”1

When consumed in excess, however, “it may make one behold ghosts and frenetically run about.”

Seeds of Health

In traditional Chinese medicine, protein-rich cannabis seeds figured prominently both as a food source and a remedy — apparently more so than resinous cannabis flower tops. The seeds don’t contain CBD, THC, or any other cannabinoids. But modern science confirms that cannabis seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are indispensable biochemical building blocks for a healthy endocannabinoid system.

This is first of an occasional column that updates developments pertaining to articles previously published by Project CBD. We start with some positive news from the Golden State. Then a follow-up on our investigative report about Curaleaf, the world’s biggest cannabis company. And freedom of expression takes a hit when it comes to cannabis advocacy in the Czech Republic.

Plastic Pollution in California

Inspired by Project CBD’s exposé, “Bag the Tags” (June 29, 2022), California state senator Ben Allen has introduced a bill to end the onerous requirement to apply a plastic tag to every cannabis plant grown by licensed cultivators, as is currently mandated under the state’s track-and-trace program. Sponsored by CannaCraft, Inc., a major cannabis producer (and longtime friend of Project CBD), and supported by several organizations including the National Product Stewardship Council and the California Cannabis Industry Association, Senate Bill 622 seeks to mitigate unnecessary labor and operational costs for cannabis cultivators, while eliminating the creation of millions of pounds of plastic waste that can’t be recycled.

As Project CBD reported last year: “With over 2,000 acres licensed to grow cannabis, California cannabis farmers put between 30 and 55 million plants in the ground every year. The tags are the definition of ‘single use’ – they can only be used on one plant and never re-used during subsequent growing seasons. That’s a lot of plastic tags for an industry with green pretensions.”

The ostensible purpose of imposing the tag rule was to monitor cannabis grown in California to make sure that it would not end up in the illicit market within or outside the state. But the factsheet summarizing SB 622 emphasizes that “individual plant tags are completely ineffective in preventing diversion.” Why? Because cannabis can’t be diverted until the plants are harvested! And the tags are removed and discarded after they are pulled from the ground.

The SB 622 factsheet asserts: “In a state that prides itself on championing environmentally sensitive initiatives designed to stop climate change and improve the environment, it is antithetical and irresponsible to continue to mandate plastic plant tagging, which does nothing to prevent diversion.”

In the first part of this series, we reviewed recent research into the role of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in cancer proliferation. This week we turn our attention to another fascinating aspect of CB2 function: its impact on psychiatric and mood disorders despite not being concentrated in the central nervous system (CNS).

After all, the CNS is the domain of its sibling, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor — the primary target of THC and the mediator of cannabis’ intoxicating effects. CB2, by contrast, is more prominently expressed in the peripheral nervous system, where it regulates inflammation, pain, and neuroprotection. CB2 is found to a much lesser extent in the brain, where it modulates dopamine signaling, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis.

The CB2 receptor was of particular interest to visionary cannabinoid scientist Raphael Mechoulam. In the year prior to his recent passing at age 92, Mechoulam was still actively involved in research investigating CB2 in a variety of disease models. Here we look at a couple of his final papers on CB2 and mental health, as well as two related reviews published in the same timeframe.

CB2 & Schizophrenia

First comes a paper on CB2’s role in schizophrenia, a condition related to psychosis whose symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, social withdrawal, decreased emotional expression, and apathy. Coauthored by Brazilian scientists affiliated with the University of São Paulo, it appeared in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry1 in July 2022.

“The CB2 receptor modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission, which is abnormally enhanced in schizophrenia patients,” the authors explain. That much is clear. Given this, they wanted to know, how might “HU-910,” a synthetic research compound that selectively activates the CB2 receptor, affect behavior in a rodent model of the disease?