Cannabidiol (CBD) Therapy Could Reduce Symptoms in Autistic Children and Teenagers, Finds Study
Published in Scientific Reports, this study found that CBD-rich cannabis extracts improved behavioral symptoms, social interaction, and sleep quality in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with few mild side effects reported.
Clinical Trial: CBD Improves Naming Function in People With Parkinson’s Disease
Published in Journal of Psychopharmacology, this randomized clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) improved verbal fluency—specifically naming function—in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The results suggest cognitive benefits in addition to CBD’s previously noted effects on mood and motor symptoms.
Government-Funded Study Finds Hemp Crude Oil Shows Antimicrobial Effects Against Bacteria Linked to Cattle Liver Abscesses
Published in Frontiers in Microbiology, this USDA-funded study found that hemp crude oil inhibited the growth of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Trueperella pyogenes, two bacteria that contribute to liver abscesses in cattle. The findings suggest hemp oil could be a natural alternative to antibiotics in livestock management.
THC/CBD Extract May Reduce Inflammation and Improve Movement After Spinal Cord Injury
In an animal model of spinal cord injury, a balanced THC/CBD extract reduced inflammation and tissue damage while improving movement and coordination, suggesting potential for aiding recovery after spinal trauma.
CBD-Loaded Niosomes Show Promise for Retinal Protection
Researchers developed CBD-loaded niosomes that improved delivery to retinal tissue and provided stronger neuroprotective effects than standard CBD, indicating a promising approach for eye disease treatment.
CBD Reduces Stress-Induced Liver Damage by Improving Mitochondrial Function and Reducing Inflammation
A mouse study found CBD reduced inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in the liver while supporting mitochondrial health, helping limit stress-related liver damage.
Sublingual CBD Improves COVID-19 Outcomes
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving sublingual CBD showed reduced inflammation and faster recovery compared with controls, suggesting potential supportive benefits during severe infection.
Medical Marijuana Use Linked to Improvements in Quality of Life
An observational study found that patients using medical marijuana for various conditions reported sustained improvements in pain levels, daily functioning, and overall quality of life over time.
CBD Reduces Tooth Decay Bacteria and Biofilms
A lab study found that CBD inhibited growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium behind tooth decay, pointing to potential antimicrobial benefits for oral health.
CBD-Rich Cannabis Extract Outperforms Hydrocortisone in Reducing Skin Inflammation
Researchers reported that a CBD-rich cannabis extract reduced skin inflammation more effectively than hydrocortisone in an animal model, suggesting potential as a topical anti-inflammatory option.
CBD for Temporomandibular Joint Pain
A clinical study found that topical CBD application eased pain and improved function in people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder compared with placebo, offering a non-systemic pain management approach.
Cannabigerol Inhibits Growth of Drug-Resistant Streptococcus Iniae by Disrupting Cell Membranes
Laboratory research showed that cannabigerol (CBG) disrupted cell membranes and inhibited growth of drug-resistant Streptococcus iniae, indicating potential antimicrobial applications.
CBD-Coated Pillow Cover May Improve Sleep Quality
A small study found that sleepers using a CBD-infused pillow cover reported better sleep quality and fewer nighttime awakenings, suggesting a novel delivery method that could support rest.
One-Third of Cancer Patients Report Marijuana Use, Most Discuss With Healthcare Providers
An online survey of 719 cancer patients found about one-third reported current marijuana use, and most of those said they discussed it with a healthcare provider. Researchers also noted many users wanted more information about marijuana use during cancer care.
Mouthwash With CBD and Spilanthol Significantly Improves Oral Health Markers in Gingivitis Patients
A double-blind study of 40 people found a rinse containing CBD, spilanthol and tea tree oil led to greater improvements in bleeding on probing and plaque measures than a tea tree oil-only rinse over 42 days. Researchers described it as a pilot study.
CBD May Protect Against Epilepsy-Related Neuronal Death by Blocking Toxic Astrocytes
In a mouse epilepsy model, researchers found CBD suppressed the development of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, reduced gliosis and neuronal loss, and improved seizure-related outcomes. The study suggests CBD’s effects may be tied to blocking harmful lipid-related mechanisms.
CBD May Counteract Negative Effects of High-Calorie Diet, Improve Insulin Regulation
In rats, CBD oil was linked to lower body weight and food intake, and in animals on a high-calorie diet it reduced blood sugar and insulin measures while altering pancreatic gene activity tied to insulin and glucagon regulation.
Medical Cannabis Improves Outcomes for Patients With Hypermobility-Associated Chronic Pain
Data from 161 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry linked cannabis-based medicinal products to significant improvements in pain measures over 18 months, along with reported gains in sleep, anxiety and overall quality of life. Fewer than one-third reported adverse events, most commonly headaches.
CBD Reduces Nerve Pain and Improves Memory by Activating Pain and Mood Receptors
A preclinical study found CBD reduced neuropathic pain behaviors and improved memory performance, with researchers attributing the effects to activation of receptor pathways involved in pain and mood regulation.
CBD Effective in Reducing Itching and Improving Quality of Life for Atopic Dermatitis Patients
A small pilot study using a topical formulation with 30% CBD and 5% CBG reported improvements in measures like skin hydration and redness, alongside reduced itching and better quality-of-life indicators in people with atopic dermatitis.
40% of Veterans With Chronic Pain Use Cannabis to Manage Symptoms
A study published in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health found that 40% of U.S. military veterans living with chronic pain use cannabis to help manage their symptoms. Conducted by researchers at UCSF and Yale, the research suggests this figure may be under-reported. Among those who used cannabis products, most used a combination of THC and CBD. The primary reasons cited for use were pain or mobility issues (81%), sleep problems (62%), PTSD or anxiety (43%), stress (43%), and depression (29%).
Cannabis Terpenes Effectively Treat Fibromyalgia and Post-Surgical Pain
Researchers from the University of Arizona Health Sciences, in a government-funded Pharmacology Reports study, found that four cannabis terpenes significantly reduced pain in mice with induced fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain. Geraniol showed the strongest effect. Because terpenes aren’t psychoactive like THC, they may offer pain relief without intoxicating effects and could be promising, non-opioid alternatives for certain chronic pain conditions.
Cannabis Extract May Improve Insomnia in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
A small Brazilian study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience tested oral cannabis extract on six Parkinson’s patients. After 60 days, participants receiving a higher THC:CBD dose experienced statistically significant improvements in insomnia symptoms. The extract was well tolerated, and although daytime sleepiness didn’t change significantly, insomnia scores and general cognitive measures trended upward.
96% of Vermont Primary Care Providers Are Neutral or Agree Psychedelics Have High Therapeutic Potential
Published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, this study surveyed 770 Vermont primary care providers about psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. Results showed that 96% were neutral or agreed these substances have high therapeutic potential. While many were familiar with therapeutic use, fewer knew current regulatory statuses. Most providers indicated interest in further education on the topic.
Cannabinoid-Based Supplement Improves Sleep Quality and Health Outcomes in Adults With Subthreshold Insomnia
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial showed that a cannabinoid supplement containing THC, CBN, CBD, and terpenes improved sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and self-reported health-related quality of life in adults with subthreshold insomnia. Conducted by the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University, the study found no adverse effects and suggests larger trials are warranted.
Cannabinoids Improve Memory and Motor Function in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
In a Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports animal study, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 improved memory and motor coordination in transgenic mice modeling Alzheimer’s disease. Both preventative and therapeutic treatment rescued recognition memory and spatial reference learning. The compound also reduced markers of neuroinflammation and enhanced brain glucose metabolism, suggesting potential cognitive benefits.
Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Finds Low-Dose CBD May Enhance Opioid Pain Relief Without Increasing Adverse Effects
A human laboratory trial by Johns Hopkins and Arizona State University researchers found that low-dose CBD enhanced hydromorphone’s analgesic effects for acute pain without increasing side effects. The study tested 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg CBD doses combined with opioid treatment, reporting that lower doses offered pain-relief benefits while mitigating psychomotor impairment without added adverse effects.
Daily Cannabis Use Associated With Higher Rates of Opioid Cessation Among People With Chronic Pain
A study in Drug and Alcohol Review analyzed data from 1,242 people with chronic pain and unregulated opioid use in Vancouver from 2014–2022. Daily cannabis use was linked to higher rates of stopping unregulated opioid use, with a 40% greater likelihood of cessation compared with less frequent or non-users. The effect was stronger in men. Researchers say this supports growing evidence that cannabis could play a role in opioid harm reduction, though more research is needed.
CBD, THC, and the Terpene Humulene Show Synergistic Anticancer Effects in Breast Cancer Models
Lab and animal research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the terpene humulene combined to significantly reduce tumor growth and inflammation in breast cancer models. In vitro, the cannabis extract killed up to ~78% of cancer cells. In rats with induced tumors, the combination produced the greatest anticancer effects, suggesting synergistic interactions may target resistance pathways like PD-1/PD-L1 and oxidative stress.
CBD and CBG Show Potential in Combating HER2-Positive Ovarian Cancer
Research published in ACS Omega examined cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) against HER2-positive ovarian cancer cells. Both cannabinoids strongly bound to the HER2 tyrosine kinase and inhibited cancer cell growth at levels comparable to some conventional inhibitors. The findings suggest CBD and CBG could be promising alternative or adjunct treatments for HER2-positive cancers, potentially addressing drug resistance and side effects of current therapies.
Combination of CBD and THC May Reduce Migraine Symptoms
An animal study in Cephalalgia found that a high ratio of CBD to THC (100:1) significantly reduced migraine-like light aversion and facial pain behaviors in mice, with no cognitive or motor impairments observed. While some pain measures improved with the cannabinoid combination, effects varied by sex and symptom type. Researchers say results support the potential of CBD and THC combinations as migraine therapeutics.
CBD Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Growth in Colorectal Cancer Cells, Regardless of Mutation
Published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, this lab study found that cannabidiol (CBD) triggered apoptosis (programmed cell death) and suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion in multiple colorectal cancer cell lines, irrespective of common genetic mutations like KRAS or BRAF. The effects were linked to CB2 receptor activation, indicating CBD’s antitumor potential across diverse tumor types.
THCV and CBD Mucoadhesive Strips Linked to Weight Loss and Metabolic Benefits
A placebo-controlled trial found that daily mucoadhesive strips containing tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidiol (CBD) led to significant weight loss, reduced waist circumference, lower systolic blood pressure, and decreased LDL cholesterol over 90 days. Higher doses showed greater effects. Researchers say results align with earlier findings on THCV-rich hemp extracts and suggest metabolic benefits warrant further study.
Patients With Cancer Who Use Medical Marijuana Report Significant Improvements in Symptoms, But Affordability an Issue
A survey of 220 cancer patients in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program found that most reported meaningful relief from symptoms like pain, nausea, and sleep disruption when using medical marijuana. However, high out-of-pocket costs were a significant barrier, especially for patients with lower incomes, who were more likely to reduce or stop use due to expense concerns. The findings raise questions about equitable access to cannabis as part of cancer symptom management.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Disrupts Bacterial Cell Walls Showing Potential as an Antibiotic Alternative
Researchers reported that cannabidiol (CBD) significantly damages the cell walls and membranes of several bacterial species, including Bacillus licheniformis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium, leading to disruptions in key metabolic and biosynthetic pathways. These effects suggest CBD could be developed into a novel antibiotic alternative, particularly in food safety applications where traditional antibiotics face increasing resistance issues.
CBD Reshapes Gut Microbiome to Enhance Endurance in Animal Model
A study from Jeonbuk National University and KAIST found that cannabidiol (CBD) improved treadmill endurance in mice by promoting oxidative muscle fiber composition, boosting mitochondrial biogenesis, and altering the gut microbiome. Antibiotic treatment reduced these endurance benefits, and a specific bacterium increased by CBD, Bifidobacterium animalis KBP-1, also enhanced running performance when given alone. These results point to potential roles for CBD and microbiome modulation in exercise performance strategies.
Opening Recreational Marijuana Stores Has No Impact on Emergency Room Visits
A study published in Health Economics Review analyzed emergency room visit data in Ontario and found that the introduction of recreational marijuana store licenses did not significantly change the number of cannabis-, alcohol-, or opioid-related emergency department visits. Researchers suggest that online sales, geographic distribution of stores, and other factors might explain why retailer openings didn’t affect acute care use, and they recommend ongoing monitoring and integrated substance use prevention measures for future policy decisions.
Heavy Drinking Alters Brain Function, But Adding Cannabis May Not Make a Difference
In a controlled study of alcohol’s effects on the brain, researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption significantly altered neural activity and cognition. When cannabis was added to the mix, it did not meaningfully exacerbate the brain function changes caused by alcohol alone. While the findings suggest cannabis may not deepen alcohol’s immediate neural impact, both substances independently affect cognition and motor control, and the authors stress cautious interpretation due to controlled experimental conditions.
National Institute of Health Study Finds Medical Marijuana More Effective Than Prescription Medications for Chronic Pain
An NIH-funded comparison of over 8,500 chronic pain patients found that medical marijuana users were 2.6 times more likely to report meaningful improvements in pain and physical function compared with those taking prescription medications. Among patients using opioids as well, cannabis use was associated with a 39% average reduction in opioid consumption over six months, highlighting cannabis’s potential as a pain management tool.
CBD May Protect Against Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Damage
In animal and cellular studies, cannabidiol (CBD) showed protective effects against cardiotoxicity caused by certain chemotherapy agents. CBD appeared to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in heart tissue exposed to chemotherapeutic drugs, suggesting potential for reducing heart damage in cancer patients undergoing treatment. While results are preliminary, researchers say further clinical research is needed to explore CBD’s cardioprotective mechanisms and translational potential.
Highlights Cannabis’s Potential in Combatting Alzheimer’s Disease
A range of preclinical research indicates that cannabinoids may target biological pathways relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, including reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing brain glucose metabolism, and protecting against amyloid-beta toxicity. In animal models, cannabinoid treatments improved memory and motor performance, and reduced markers of neuronal damage. The authors call for expanded clinical trials to determine how these effects might translate to human patients and Alzheimer’s therapy strategies.
Finds Early Cannabis Use Does Not Increase Risk of Substance Abuse
A longitudinal study tracking teens into adulthood found that early cannabis use was not significantly linked to higher rates of later substance abuse disorders when controlling for socioeconomic and environmental factors. Researchers say other influences like family history and peer environment played a bigger role in predicting problematic substance use, suggesting that cannabis use alone may not be a direct causal factor in later addiction.
Cannabinoid-Based Supplement Reduces Pain and Improves Life for Dogs With Osteoarthritis
In a randomized controlled trial, a cannabinoid supplement containing CBD, THC, and CBG significantly reduced pain and improved mobility and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis compared with placebo. Pet owners reported noticeable improvements in activity levels and comfort, and no major adverse effects were observed, indicating potential veterinary benefits of cannabinoid therapy.
Combination of Cannabinoids Show Promise for Treating Abdominal Pain Caused by Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Animal research found that a combination of THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids reduced visceral abdominal pain and inflammation in an inflammatory bowel disease model. The cannabinoid mix also normalized gut motility and lowered markers of intestinal inflammation, suggesting therapeutic potential for abdominal pain and discomfort in IBD.
CBD Reduces Lung Damage in Blunt Chest Trauma
In a preclinical trauma model, cannabidiol (CBD) treatment after chest injury significantly reduced lung inflammation, edema, and tissue damage compared with controls. Researchers noted that CBD modulated immune responses and oxidative stress pathways, which could inform future therapeutic approaches for traumatic lung injury.
CBD May Help Kill Ovarian Cancer Cells by Disrupting Their Fat Metabolism
A lab study found that cannabidiol (CBD) disrupted fatty acid metabolism in ovarian cancer cells, leading to cell death and reduced proliferation. By targeting key metabolic pathways, CBD selectively affected cancer cells without harming normal cells, highlighting potential new mechanisms for cannabinoid anticancer strategies.
