This week’s newsletter covers groundbreaking research on low-dose THC and brain aging, the legal landscape shaped by the 2018 Farm Bill, the historical medicinal use of cannabis by Muslim scientists, hemp’s role in carbon capture, and new clinical findings on CBD and CBG for neurodegeneration, colitis, and anxiety.
Noteworthy Read
Low-dose long-term administration of THC reverses brain aging (PsyPost)
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Bonn and Hebrew University have discovered that long-term, low-dose administration of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can reverse cognitive aging in mice by boosting brain activity and synaptic protein production. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, but the findings are interesting to say the least!
More Noteworthy Reading
The 2018 Farm Bill’s effect on state cannabis laws (Goodell DeVries)
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and low-THC products by removing them from the list of controlled substances and establishing a regulatory framework for their sale. However, confusion has arisen around products like Delta-8 and Delta-10, which have intoxicating effects. While federal law permits the interstate transport of hemp, states can impose stricter regulations or bans. Federal courts are still grappling with whether state laws conflict with the Farm Bill, leaving the legal status of these products uncertain, especially in states where cannabis remains illegal.
The Medicinal Use of Cannabis Documented by Muslim Scientists (Int’l Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences)
This document explores the historical use of cannabis as a medicinal tool by Muslim scientists, despite its current stigma and strict prohibition in many Muslim-majority countries. While modern laws forbid cannabis for both recreational and therapeutic purposes, historical evidence shows that it was once used to treat various illnesses. The study suggests that further research on cannabis’s therapeutic benefits should be conducted in Muslim countries to challenge misconceptions and expand understanding of its medicinal potential.
Carbon-capturing hemp is good for climate change (BIO Web of Conferences)
This study explores how hemp crops help capture and store carbon from the atmosphere. The study found that hemp absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide and retains most of it in its biomass and the soil. Hemp cultivation could be an effective way to reduce the carbon footprint and is recommended for use in “carbon farms” to help fight climate change. The focus is on the environmental benefits of growing hemp as a sustainable solution for carbon storage and emission reduction.
Research Round-Up
CBD protects brain cells from neurodegenerative amyloid-beta toxicity (PubMed)
This study looks at how cannabidiol (CBD) could help treat Alzheimer’s disease by protecting brain cells from damage caused by a harmful protein linked to the disease. CBD, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, was found to improve the health of brain cells and reduce stress that can lead to cell damage. The research suggests that CBD may be a useful addition to treatments for slowing down the brain damage seen in Alzheimer’s.
CBG extract for colitis (PubMed)
This study examines the effects of a high cannabigerol (CBG) hemp extract on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in mice. Mice treated with the extract showed reduced disease severity, healthier colon tissue, and changes in gut bacteria that may benefit colitis. The extract also improved metabolic processes related to inflammation. The findings suggest that CBG hemp extracts could be a promising new treatment for IBD, offering symptom relief and promoting gut health.
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Clinical study: CBG for anxiety (PubMed)
This study examined the effects of cannabigerol (CBG) on anxiety, stress, and mood in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 34 adults. Participants reported reduced anxiety and stress after taking CBG compared to a placebo, along with improved verbal memory. Importantly, CBG did not cause any noticeable drug effects or impair motor and cognitive functions. The findings suggest that CBG could be a promising option for managing stress and anxiety.
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