This week’s plant medicine newsletter covers a review of CBD’s potential for treating anxiety disorders, a federally funded study debunking fentanyl-laced cannabis claims, the rise of ultra-potent psilocybin mushrooms, and new research on cannabis therapeutics, CBD’s antifungal properties, and endocannabinoid signaling in honeybees.
Noteworthy Read
Review of CBD’s Anti-Anxiety Effects (Journal of Cannabis Research)
This review examines current research on using CBD to treat anxiety disorders, noting that while early studies show promise, there’s a need for a more robust clinical examination. It highlights the variability in study designs to date—such as dosage, treatment duration, and sample sizes—and calls for larger clinical trials with defined doses and outcomes to better assess CBD’s potential for treating specific anxiety conditions like social anxiety and PTSD.
More Noteworthy Reading
No evidence of widespread fentanyl-laced marijuana (Marijuana Moment)
A recent study funded by the federal government found no evidence of marijuana being widely laced with fentanyl, countering claims by Sen. JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, who continues to warn of a supposed trend.
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Psychedelic mushrooms are getting much, much stronger (Wired)
A new wave of ultra-potent psilocybin mushrooms is emerging, fueled by advanced cultivation methods, gene-editing, and selective breeding practices aimed at amplifying the strength of these fungi. As underground competitions and commercial interest drive demand for stronger strains, there’s rising concern that these mushrooms, while appealing to seasoned psychonauts, could lead to unintended and overwhelming experiences for users unaccustomed to their potency.
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Research Round-Up
Cannabis for medicine and food: A benefit v risk critical appraisal (South African Journal of Botany)
Cannabis, particularly its compounds CBD and THC, has gained attention for its potential to relieve symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, nausea, and weight loss, especially in cancer patients. This review explores both the therapeutic potential and possible adverse effects of cannabis, underscoring the need for deeper research into its mechanisms and standardized guidelines to ensure safe use in medical and consumer settings.
CBD versus candida growth (PubMed)
This study explored how cannabidiol (CBD) affects the growth of Candida albicans, a common fungus that can cause infections like oral thrush. Results showed that even low doses of CBD noticeably reduced the growth of the fungus.
Endocannabinoid signaling promotes reward learning in honeybees (PubMed)
This study sheds light on the role of endocannabinoid-like processes in honeybees, showing how gut bacteria influence brain functions related to learning and memory through the production of anandamide.
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View more in Endocannabinoid System
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