This week’s newsletter covers California’s cannabis testing controversy, rising safety concerns around Delta-8 THC and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, the human cost of drug war deportation policies, and the latest research on CBD for endometriosis, endocannabinoids in walnuts, and the gut microbiome’s relationship to the endocannabinoid system.
Noteworthy Read
More testing drama in California as ex-DCC rep sues over ignored warnings (Ganjapreneur)
A former California cannabis official has filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired after exposing widespread lab fraud and regulatory inaction.
More Noteworthy Reading
States Without Legalized Cannabis Have Higher Rate of Poison Control Calls for Delta-8 THC Products (Cannabis Science and Technology)
A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology found a 79% increase in Delta-8 THC exposures reported to U.S. poison control centers from 2021 to 2022, with significantly higher rates in states where cannabis remains illegal. The researchers recommend consistent regulation of Delta-8 THC products across all states to mitigate risks.
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Lab reports: contaminated hemp-derived THC is polluting cannabis products (MJBiz Daily)
The marijuana industry is facing a growing concern over the presence of unknown compounds in lab-approved products, especially those derived from hemp during the conversion to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. Lab executives warn that these untested byproducts, often found in vape cartridges and edibles, raise significant safety issues for consumers, yet many labs and manufacturers overlook them due to inadequate regulation and pressure to deliver high-potency products.
US drug war deportations are destroying lives (Common Dreams)
A new report by Human Rights Watch and the Drug Policy Alliance reveals that thousands of immigrants are deported each year for past drug offenses, including convictions for marijuana, which is now legal in many U.S. states. The report calls for immigration reform, arguing that outdated federal drug laws continue to separate families and punish noncitizens for actions that may no longer be considered crimes, urging Congress to provide immigration judges with more discretion and impose a statute of limitations on deportations for old offenses.
Research Round-Up
Cannabidiol as a possible treatment for endometriosis through suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis (PubMed)
This review looks at how inflammation and the growth of new blood vessels contribute to endometriosis, a condition that can cause infertility and other issues. The study suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound known for reducing inflammation and blocking new blood vessel growth, might be a potential treatment for endometriosis, though more research is needed to confirm this.
Endocannabinoids Found in Walnut Pellicles (PubMed)
Recent research on walnuts has uncovered surprising health benefits that go beyond the known antioxidants and healthy fats. A study found that the thin skin of walnuts contains unusual compounds, including endocannabinoids, which are known to play a role in regulating various processes in the body. These findings suggest that walnut skins, often discarded during processing, could be used to create health-promoting products, adding value to what is usually considered waste.
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View more in Endocannabinoid System
Crosstalk between gut microbiota and the “endocannabinoidome” (PubMed)
This study explores how probiotics can improve metabolic health, particularly cholesterol levels, by influencing both gut bacteria and the endocannabinoid system. In an animal model of high cholesterol, probiotic treatments, especially those involving Lactobacillus acidophilus, improved cholesterol levels and altered gut microbiota in ways that counteracted the effects of a high-fat diet. The findings suggest a link between gut bacteria, endocannabinoids, and improved metabolism, highlighting probiotics as a potential tool for better metabolic health.
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View more in Endocannabinoid System
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