Breakdown of Over 500 Peer-Reviewed Cannabis Studies Published in the Past Year

CBD Shown to Protect Brain Health in Offspring of Obese Mothers, Study Finds

Animal research demonstrated that prenatal exposure to CBD protected offspring of obese mothers from brain inflammation and neurodevelopmental impairments, pointing to possible preventative benefits that warrant further human studies.

Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Inflammation Among People With HIV or Methamphetamine Disorder

Researchers found that cannabis use was associated with reduced inflammation in individuals with HIV or methamphetamine use disorder. The findings suggest potential benefits for immune health, though further controlled studies are needed.


Study: CBD May Help Lower Systolic Blood Pressure

A clinical trial indicated that CBD supplementation may reduce systolic blood pressure in adults, pointing to its possible role in cardiovascular health management. Researchers note the need for larger, longer-term trials.


Study Finds Heavy Drinking Increases Risk of Unintended Pregnancy, Heavy Cannabis Use Does Not

An analysis showed that heavy alcohol consumption was linked to higher rates of unintended pregnancy, while heavy cannabis use was not significantly associated. The study underscores alcohol’s stronger role in reproductive health risks.


Study: Cannabinoid Medicines Positively Alter Key Inflammatory Markers in People With HIV

Clinical findings revealed that cannabinoid-based medicines improved several inflammatory markers in people living with HIV, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in immune regulation and long-term health outcomes.

CBD Shows Unique Survival Benefit in Pancreatic Cancer Model, States Study

In a PDAC mouse model, CBD monotherapy extended survival while THC alone or the combo did not; benefits were linked to shifts in gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, pointing to potential biomarkers and a therapeutic angle.


Harvard Study: CBD Reduces Anxiety Symptoms in Pilot Clinical Trial

An open-label, six-week pilot (n=12) using 30 mg/day full-spectrum sublingual CBD reported notable anxiety reduction with improvements in sleep and quality of life, no serious adverse events, and a call for larger placebo-controlled trials.


Study Explores Cannabis Compounds as Potential Tools Against COVID-19

Review of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other Cannabis sativa constituents suggests possible roles in blocking viral entry and tempering cytokine-driven inflammation (e.g., via CB2/PPARγ), while emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical validation and better bioavailability.


Study: THC and CBD Reduce Chemotherapy-Induced Nerve Pain, Improve Daily Function

Patient-reported outcomes (n=751) over six months showed clinically meaningful improvements in CIPN symptoms; THC-dominant regimens particularly helped burning/cold sensations, and THC/CBD interaction correlated with greater quality-of-life gains.

CBD May Improve Memory and Reduce Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Patients

A study from the University of Haifa found that in Alzheimer’s-model rats, chronic CBD reversed memory decline and reduced inflammation and Alzheimer’s-related brain pathology (amyloid plaques, tau) largely via CB1 receptor activation.


Cannabis May Reduce Alcohol Cravings and Consumption, Study Finds

In a controlled lab experiment involving people who regularly use both alcohol and cannabis, using cannabis before drinking reduced the number of alcoholic drinks consumed and lowered cravings in a subset of participants (“substituters”).


Medical Marijuana Improves Sleep and Anxiety in Insomnia Patients

Patients with insomnia who used medical marijuana reported better sleep quality and reduced anxiety symptoms over the study period.


CBD May Boost Effectiveness of EGFR Inhibitors in Treating Oral Cancer

In cell-based experiments, CBD enhanced the anti-cancer effects of EGFR inhibitors in oral cancer lines by suppressing resistance mechanisms and promoting cancer cell death.

Cannabinoids Show Potent Anti-Biofilm Activity Against MRSA

Researchers discovered that several cannabinoids—including CBD and CBG—disrupted MRSA biofilms and significantly reduced bacterial viability, even against stubborn, drug-resistant strains. The cannabinoids also suppressed expression of key resistance genes, pointing to their potential as novel anti-biofilm therapies.


New Universal Genetic Marker Identified for Early Cannabis Sexing

Scientists have developed a reliable DNA marker applicable across diverse cannabis varieties, enabling sex determination in seedlings. This breakthrough offers a practical, accurate alternative to labor-intensive early flowering methods and promises major efficiencies for growers.


One in 12 U.S. Cancer Survivors Use Marijuana—Nearly Half for Medical Purposes

A national survey revealed that approximately 8% of cancer survivors currently use marijuana, with almost half doing so specifically for symptom relief—including pain, nausea, anxiety, and sleep—with many noting improvements.


No Significant Change in Car Accidents Following Cannabis Legalization in Connecticut

Analysis of crash data before and after marijuana legalization in Connecticut showed no meaningful increase in traffic accidents or fatal crashes, suggesting that legalization did not adversely impact road safety in that context.


CBDA Shows Far Greater Bioavailability Than CBD in Animal and Cell Models

In comparative pharmacokinetic studies, CBDA—cannabidiolic acid—demonstrated markedly higher absorption and stability than CBD across both animal models and cell cultures, positioning it as a potentially more efficient therapeutic cannabinoid.

THC-Rich Hydrogels Developed for Safe, Sustained Topical Delivery

Researchers developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels infused with THC and either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin to enhance skin delivery. These hydrogels maintained structural stability, supported skin cell growth, and released THC gradually over several days, offering a safe, controlled-release system potentially useful for treating localized inflammation.


Nanoparticle Delivery of CBD Shows Strong Tumor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Scientists developed folic acid–modified chitosan nanoparticles carrying CBD, which outperformed free CBD against triple-negative breast cancer cell models. The nanoparticles enhanced CBD absorption, increased reactive oxygen species, triggered cancer cell death, and achieved a remarkable 68% tumor reduction in animal models with minimal toxicity.


THC and CBD Create Distinct Brain Activity Patterns

Using neuroimaging in rats, researchers found THC increased overall brain connectivity and blood flow, while CBD decreased connectivity without affecting blood flow. When combined, they produced moderate, balanced effects—suggesting CBD may temper some of THC’s brain stimulation, a finding that could guide targeted cannabinoid therapies.


Vaporized Cannabis May Ease Naloxone-Induced Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

In a proof-of-concept pilot with one participant, inhaled cannabis administered before naloxone reduced withdrawal severity (as measured by COWS scores) without increasing cardiovascular risk. These preliminary results hint at cannabinoids’ potential role in mitigating detox-related discomfort during opioid reversal.


CBD and Low-Dose Radiation Show Protective Effects Against Hepatic Encephalopathy

In a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy, combined treatment with CBD and low-dose radiation improved liver and brain outcomes by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive decline—outperforming either modality alone, and suggesting a synergistic therapeutic strategy.

Researchers Discover Cancer-Fighting Compounds in Hemp Roots

A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research uncovered previously overlooked compounds—specifically neolignans like dadahol A and B—in hemp roots that exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against pediatric cancer cell lines, particularly neuroblastoma. Dadahol A showed especially low inhibitory concentrations, highlighting hemp roots as a promising new source for anti-cancer drug discovery.


High-Dose Cannabis Use in Tourette Patient Did Not Impair Driving

A case study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry documented a 28-year-old man with Tourette syndrome and ADHD who used up to 10 grams of inhaled medical cannabis daily and was still deemed fit to drive according to German standards. Remarkably, driving ability remained intact even at high THC serum levels, accompanied by improved tics, attention, and sleep.

Researchers Discover Rare Flavoalkaloids in Cannabis Leaves

A chemical investigation revealed previously undocumented flavoalkaloid compounds in cannabis leaves, expanding the known chemical diversity of the plant and suggesting potential new bioactive targets for future therapeutic research.


Cannabigerol (CBG) Shown to Reduce Liver Fibrosis by Targeting Lipid Build-Up and Inflammation

This study demonstrated that CBG significantly reduces liver fibrosis in preclinical models by lowering fat accumulation and inflammatory markers in the liver, pointing to its promise as a candidate for treating metabolic liver disease.


Over Half of Dutch Brain Tumor Patients Have Used Cannabis—Many for Symptom Relief

A survey of Dutch patients with brain tumors found that more than 50% have used cannabis, primarily to ease symptoms like pain, insomnia, and anxiety—highlighting the role of cannabis as a commonly embraced complementary therapy in oncology.


Limited Evidence of Sex Differences in Short-Term Cognitive Effects of Cannabis

Researchers conducting controlled cognitive tests found minimal difference between men and women in short-term effects of cannabis on memory, attention, and processing speed—suggesting similar cognitive impacts across sexes under acute use.


Cannabidiol Boosts Antibiotic Effectiveness Against Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Preclinical results show that when combined with standard antibiotics, CBD enhances bacterial killing against highly resistant A. baumannii strains—offering a potential adjuvant strategy to bolster treatment efficacy in serious, drug-resistant infections.

CBD With L-Tryptophan and α-Casozepine Reduces Car Travel Stress in Dogs

In a blinded crossover trial involving 54 dogs, only the combination of 2 mg/kg CBD with L-tryptophan and α-casozepine significantly lowered cortisol levels following a stress-inducing car ride, suggesting this blend may help reduce acute travel-related stress, though results varied by breed and individual CBD absorption.


Cannabis Use Linked to Improved Orgasm Function in Women—Potential Treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder

A systematic review of 16 studies covering nearly 8,850 women found strong evidence that cannabis improves orgasm frequency, ease, intensity, satisfaction, and overall sexual function. Benefits were more pronounced with frequent, low-to-moderate dosing before sexual activity, though occasional focus issues were noted.


Anthony Martinelli

Anthony Martinelli is founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Marijuana Herald. Anthony previously served as Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog.com, and he has worked as a campaign manager and communications director for multiple political campaigns. You can reach Anthony at Info@TheMarijuanaHerald.com.