This week’s newsletter covers the latest plant medicine research, including CBD’s potential for autism spectrum disorder, alcohol use disorder, opioid dose reduction, social learning, and skin conditions.
Noteworthy Read
CBD May Calm Kids with Autism (Medical Xpress)
A meta-analysis presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid suggests that cannabidiol may alleviate certain symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study pooled data from three clinical trials involving 276 children aged 10–12 and found that CBD enhanced social responsiveness, reduced disruptive behavior, and alleviated anxiety.
Research Round-Up
Clinical Study: CBD Reduces Alcohol Cravings (Molecular Psychiatry)
A new clinical study finds that CBD significantly reduces alcohol cravings and anxiety in individuals with alcohol use disorder, suggesting it may be a useful therapy for relapse prevention.
CBD Lowers Effective Dose of Hydromorphone (Pain)
Researchers report that co-administering CBD with the opioid hydromorphone enhances pain relief, allowing for lower opioid doses and potentially reducing risk of dependence and side effects.
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View more in Drug Interactions
CBD Boosts Social Learning (PsyPost)
A new study shows that CBD enhances social learning in mice by increasing acetylcholine signaling in the brain, a mechanism that may have implications for treating social deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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View more in Endocannabinoid System
CBD’s Biological Impacts and Mechanisms of Action (PubMed)
This comprehensive review outlines CBD’s diverse biological effects, including its interactions with neurotransmitter systems, inflammation pathways, and metabolic processes, helping clarify how it exerts therapeutic benefits across conditions.
CBD and CBG for Dermatitis (Hemp Gazette)
A recent study highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and CBG in managing atopic dermatitis, showing improvements in skin hydration, barrier function, and reduction of itching and irritation.
A heartfelt thank you to all of the CBD brands whose generous support allows Project CBD to shine a light on the most important emerging plant medicine research — your partnership truly makes this work possible.
