Over 500 Cannabis Studies Published in 2026, Organized by Medical Condition and Research Topic

The growing body of marijuana research in 2026 has produced new findings on the plant’s medical potential, its effects on human health and the broader consequences of legalization. From large-scale population studies and randomized clinical trials to laboratory experiments and comprehensive scientific reviews, researchers continue to expand our understanding of cannabis and its many compounds.

Among the subjects examined are chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, sleep disorders and inflammation. Other studies have investigated how cannabinoids interact with one another, how marijuana affects the brain and immune system, and how changes in marijuana laws influence consumption, public health and economic activity.

The Marijuana Herald has compiled more than 500 cannabis-related studies published in 2026, highlighting findings across dozens of areas of research. Each entry provides a concise overview of the results, with a link to our original reporting for readers interested in learning more.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Hemp Bark Extract Improves Memory and Targets Alzheimer’s-Related Pathways, Study Finds

Hemp bark extract improved learning and memory in mice with experimentally induced cognitive impairment while inhibiting several enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s-related dysfunction. Researchers identified CBD, CBDA and CBCA among cannabinoids contributing to the extract’s multi-target activity, which also included reduced oxidative stress and improved antioxidant defenses in neuronal cells.

Clinical Trial: THC/CBD Oil Significantly Reduced Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Patients With Severe Dementia

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with severe dementia found that THC/CBD oil significantly reduced the use of as-needed psychotropic medications. Patients received 64 administrations during cannabis treatment compared with 153 during placebo treatment, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported.

Cannabis Flower Extracts Inhibited Multiple Alzheimer’s-Related Enzymes and Protected Cells From Damage

Cannabis flower extracts inhibited three enzymes involved in biological processes linked to Alzheimer’s disease while protecting neuron-like cells from amyloid-related and oxidative damage. All four extracts inhibited acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase 1, with some fractions showing stronger activity than the whole extracts, although the research was conducted entirely in laboratory models.

CBD Nanoparticles Improve Memory and Reduce Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Damage

CBD delivered through human serum albumin nanoparticles improved memory and reduced Alzheimer’s-related brain damage in cell and mouse models. Compared with free CBD, the nanoparticle formulation more effectively limited amyloid-beta aggregation and oxidative stress, while treated mice showed better cognitive performance, lower brain amyloid levels and reduced inflammatory markers.

THC-CBD Formulation Reduces Agitation in Dementia Patients, With Nearly 90% Showing Improvement

A randomized, double-blind Phase II clinical trial involving 120 dementia patients found that an oral THC-CBD formulation significantly reduced agitation compared with placebo. After 12 weeks, 87.2% of patients receiving THC and CBD showed overall behavioral improvement, compared with 23.6% of those receiving placebo.

THC Improves Memory and Reduces Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Changes

THC improved memory performance and reduced several Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in a rat model of cognitive decline. Treatment also increased markers associated with neurogenesis and neuronal health while reducing amyloid precursor protein and phosphorylated tau, although human studies are needed to determine whether similar benefits occur in people.

CBD-Loaded Nanoparticles Show Promise as Potential Alzheimer’s Treatment

CBD-loaded nanoparticles designed to cross the blood-brain barrier improved memory and learning while reducing brain inflammation, amyloid-beta and tau pathology in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. The targeted formulation also increased CBD transport across a blood-brain barrier model by 65% compared with non-targeted CBD nanoparticles.

Cannabinoid-Based Therapies Linked to Reduced Agitation in Alzheimer’s Patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that cannabinoid-based therapies were associated with reduced agitation and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers said drowsiness was the main safety concern, and larger randomized trials are needed.

CBD Improves Memory and Reduces Alzheimer’s-Linked Tau Buildup

Researchers found that CBD improved memory and reduced tau buildup linked to Alzheimer’s disease in a preclinical model, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects against a key marker of the illness.

Cannabinoid Receptor Levels Reduced in Brains of Alzheimer’s Patients

Researchers found that cannabinoid receptor levels were reduced in brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients, offering further insight into how the endocannabinoid system may be altered in the disease.

CBD and BDNF Combination Shows Promise in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers found that combining CBD with brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, improved memory, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and lessened Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in an animal model of the disease.

Marijuana Flower Shows Neuroprotective and Pain-Relieving Effects in Alzheimer’s Model

A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that marijuana flower produced strong pain-relieving and neuroprotective effects in an animal model designed to mimic both Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment and chronic neuropathic pain.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Plaques and Inflammation

CBD significantly reduced amyloid-beta plaque accumulation and markers of brain inflammation in genetically modified mice modeling Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also observed increased CB2 receptor expression following treatment, suggesting that changes in cannabinoid receptor activity may contribute to CBD’s effects on neuroinflammation and plaque buildup.

Anxiety, Depression and Mental Health

Study Finds THC-Positive Patients With Depression Had No Increased Risk of Psychiatric Readmission or Longer Hospital Stay

A study examining 743 psychiatric hospital admissions involving people with major depressive disorder found that patients who tested positive for THC were no more likely to be readmitted within 30 days or experience longer hospital stays than those who tested negative. THC status also was not significantly associated with readmission at six months or one year after researchers adjusted for other patient characteristics.

Study Finds Single Dose of CBD Restored Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Reduced Depression-Like Behaviors in Animal Model

A single dose of CBD restored key measures of blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced neuroinflammation and improved depression-like behaviors in mice exposed to chronic inflammatory stress. Researchers also found that CBD restored protective tight-junction proteins and suppressed abnormal inflammatory activity in astrocytes, with similar barrier-protective effects observed in cultured human brain endothelial cells.

Placebo-Controlled Human Study Finds CBG Improves EEG Measures of Mood and Mental Clarity

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 18 adults found that 25 milligrams of CBG produced EEG-measured changes associated with more positive mood, reduced sadness and greater mental clarity. Participants’ self-reported mood scores did not significantly differ between CBG and placebo.

Systematic Review Finds CBD Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects

A systematic review of seven experimental studies found that CBD produced antidepressant-like effects through multiple mechanisms involving neuroplasticity, inflammation and serotonin and norepinephrine signaling. CBD was associated with reduced depression-related behaviors and changes in inflammatory and neurogenesis-related pathways, although the evidence reviewed was preclinical and does not establish CBD as an effective treatment for depression in humans.

Cannabis and Music May Work Together to Improve Mood and Emotional Well-Being

A survey of 122 cannabis consumers found that combining cannabis with music was frequently associated with enhanced relaxation, improved mood and stronger feelings of emotional connection. Researchers said cannabis and music may function as complementary tools for emotional well-being, although overall music reward scores did not differ significantly with and without cannabis.

Cannabis-Infused Tea Increased Happiness Scores in Human Study

A study involving 30 adults found that drinking cannabis-infused tea daily for one week was associated with increased happiness scores, with the 7% cannabis formulation producing the largest improvement. No adverse reactions were reported, although the small study lacked a placebo or non-cannabis control group.

Medical Cannabis Products Linked to Improved Anxiety, Sleep and Quality of Life in Autistic Adults

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports found that cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with improvements in anxiety, sleep and quality of life among autistic adults. Researchers analyzed 130 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, with improvements reported over an 18-month period.

CBD May Reduce a Key Ketamine Side Effect While Preserving Antidepressant Potential

A study found that CBD may reduce a major ketamine side effect by targeting a brain receptor tied to movement and dopamine activity, while potentially preserving ketamine’s antidepressant benefits.

Medical Cannabis and Depression/Anxiety

A new study found that medical marijuana use was associated with improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, adding to growing evidence that some patients may benefit from it for mental health-related conditions.

Randomized Controlled Trial Finds CBD May Reduce Anxiety and Perceived Effort in Runners

In a randomized controlled trial, researchers found that a single dose of CBD increased calmness and relaxation while reducing perceived effort during a 2-mile run, although it did not improve overall performance.

Study Finds Single Ultra-Low Dose of THC Reduces Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice Three Weeks After Treatment

A single extremely low dose of THC reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice exposed to chronic stress, with improvements remaining evident three weeks after administration. The treatment involved just 0.002 milligrams of THC per kilogram of body weight, suggesting that very small doses may produce lasting effects on stress-related behavior in animal models.

Autism and Neurodevelopment

Study Finds CBD Strengthens Brain Connectivity in Children With Autism

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial found that 12 weeks of CBD treatment significantly increased functional connectivity between brain regions involved in attention and social processing among children with autism. EEG analysis involving 18 children identified stronger communication between the right frontal and inferior-parietal regions following CBD treatment, while no comparable increase was observed during placebo treatment.

Randomized Clinical Trial Finds Low-THC Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Significantly Improved Autism Symptoms in Children

A randomized Phase II/III clinical trial involving children and adolescents with autism found that a full-spectrum cannabis extract containing less than 0.3% THC significantly improved symptom severity, adaptive functioning and several other measures compared with placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

CBD Well Tolerated in Children With Autism, Linked to Improvements in Social Symptoms

A new study found that CBD was well tolerated in children with autism and was associated with improvements in social symptoms, supporting continued interest in cannabidiol as a potential treatment option.

Long-Term Purified CBD Use Well Tolerated in Children With Severe Autism, Linked to Sustained Symptom Improvements

A long-term study found that purified CBD was well tolerated in children with severe autism and was linked to sustained improvements in symptoms over time.

CBD Shows Potential for Improving Sleep and Reducing Seizures in Angelman Syndrome

Researchers found that CBD showed potential to improve sleep and reduce seizures in Angelman syndrome, adding to evidence that cannabidiol may benefit symptoms tied to rare neurological disorders.

CBD Nasal Delivery Shows Stronger Brain Uptake and Symptom Improvement in Autism Model

A new study found that intranasal CBD delivery increased brain uptake more effectively than oral administration and improved social behavior, anxiety-like symptoms and repetitive behaviors in an autism model.

Cancer

Full-Spectrum CBD Extract Reduces UV-Induced Skin Tumor Incidence by 75% in Animal Study

A full-spectrum CBD-rich extract reduced ultraviolet-induced skin tumor incidence by 75% in mice, with tumors developing in 20% of treated animals compared with 80% of untreated mice exposed to UVB radiation. The extract also reduced average tumor numbers and size by approximately half, suppressed inflammatory markers and improved the survival of human skin cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation in laboratory experiments.

Cannabichromene (CBC)-Derived Compounds Trigger Cell Death in Prostate Cancer Cells, Study Finds

Researchers developed chemically modified compounds derived from cannabichromene (CBC) that significantly inhibited cancer cell growth across laboratory models involving 60 human cancer cell lines. One compound demonstrated particularly strong activity against two prostate cancer cell lines, inhibiting growth at concentrations of approximately 2 micromolar and triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Study Finds Cannabis Stem Extract Suppresses BPA-Induced Growth in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Cannabis stem extract suppressed bisphenol A (BPA)-induced proliferation in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells while interfering with signaling pathways associated with tumor cell growth. Researchers identified three compounds in the extract that inhibited estrogen receptor activity and reduced BPA-induced cell proliferation, suggesting an additional potential use for an often-discarded part of the cannabis plant.

CBD-Chemotherapy Combination Shows Enhanced Activity Against Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

CBD combined with the chemotherapy drug epirubicin in a nanoparticle-based delivery system produced substantially greater activity against human ovarian cancer cells than epirubicin alone. After 72 hours, the combination reduced cancer-cell viability by more than 80% even at the lowest concentration tested, with researchers identifying a strong synergistic interaction between the compounds.

Study of Cancer Patients Finds At Least 80% of Marijuana Users Report Symptom and Quality-of-Life Improvement

A study involving 237 cancer patients receiving radiation therapy found that at least 80% of marijuana users reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Patients most commonly used marijuana to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, appetite problems and sleep disturbances, with researchers finding that medicinal marijuana use was common among patients across multiple demographic groups.

CBD and CBG Combined With Sodium Pentaborate Show Anti-Cancer Effects in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells, Study Finds

CBD and CBG combined separately with sodium pentaborate reduced proliferation and increased programmed cell death in human colorectal cancer cells. Certain combinations produced synergistic effects, particularly in HT-29 cancer cells, while researchers also observed changes in genes involved in oxidative stress, iron metabolism and cancer-cell survival.

Young Adult Cancer Survivors Report Medical Marijuana Helps Manage Symptoms, Study Finds

Interviews with young adult cancer survivors found that participants commonly viewed medical marijuana as beneficial for managing cancer-related symptoms and treatment effects. Many reported difficulty obtaining reliable guidance from healthcare professionals, instead relying on dispensaries, personal research and recommendations from friends to make decisions about marijuana use.

CBD and CBG Use After Chemotherapy Linked to Significantly Lower Neuropathy Risk, Study Finds

A real-world analysis of medical records found that patients with documented CBD or CBG exposure following neurotoxic chemotherapy had an approximately 84% lower adjusted risk of subsequently receiving a neuropathy-related diagnosis compared with patients prescribed certain conventional medications. Exposure before chemotherapy was not associated with a similar reduction, suggesting the timing of cannabinoid use may be important.

Study Finds CBD Suppresses HER2 Breast Cancer Receptor and Increases Cancer Cell Death

CBD reduced proliferation and HER2 gene expression while increasing programmed cell death in human HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Combining CBD with trastuzumab produced stronger antiproliferative effects at one CBD concentration, although the findings remain limited to laboratory cell experiments.

Study Finds CBD Selectively Suppresses Breast Cancer Cells While Stimulating Non-Tumor Cells

CBD reduced metabolic activity, adhesion and proliferation in human breast cancer cells while producing increased activity in non-tumor breast cells in laboratory testing. Researchers said the findings suggest CBD may exert selective effects on tumor cells, although the study involved cultured cells and did not test the treatment in humans or animals.

Study Finds CBD Alters Prostate Cancer Cells and Enhances Effects of Targeted and Hormonal Treatments

CBD altered gene regulation and reduced viability across several human prostate cancer cell lines while enhancing the effects of targeted and hormonal treatments. The strongest interaction occurred with enzalutamide, with the combination reducing cancer cell viability substantially more than the medication alone.

Study Finds Low-Dose THC Reduces Breast Cancer Aggressiveness, Improves Tamoxifen Sensitivity in Tumor Models

Low-dose THC pushed breast cancer cells toward a less aggressive state, reducing invasiveness, self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacity while increasing sensitivity to tamoxifen. The effects persisted after THC was removed and appeared to be driven primarily through the CB2 receptor.

Federally Funded Study Finds Cancer Patients Report Pain, Sleep and Other Benefits From Marijuana, Researchers Call for Insurance Coverage

A federally funded study of 65 cancer patients found that those using marijuana or cannabinoid products commonly reported pain relief, improved sleep, physical relaxation and better emotional regulation. Cost and stigma were among the most common barriers, with researchers calling for insurance coverage of medical marijuana.

Study Finds CBD Suppressed Growth and Invasion of Human Glioma Cells, While Reducing Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model

CBD reduced the viability, migration and invasion of glioma cells while increasing programmed cell death in laboratory testing. In mice implanted with glioma cells, CBD treatment also significantly reduced tumor burden, although the findings remain preclinical.

CBD Triggered Cell Death and Disrupted Growth in Fibrosarcoma Cells

CBD triggered programmed cell death and disrupted normal cell-cycle progression in human fibrosarcoma cells, with apoptosis increasing from 3.55% in untreated cells to 13.2% following treatment. Researchers also found reductions in proteins associated with cancer-cell survival and proliferation, although the laboratory study used CBD concentrations generally higher than those achieved through standard clinical dosing.

Cannabis Extract Reduced UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress in Melanoma Cell Model

A cannabis extract rich in neutral cannabinoids significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet B radiation and partially restored MITF, a protein important to pigment-producing cells, in a mouse-derived melanoma cell model. Researchers said the results support further investigation into cannabis-derived ingredients for protecting skin cells from sunlight-related oxidative damage.

CBN and CBG With Melatonin Enhance Chemotherapy Against Glioblastoma Cells

CBN and CBG combined with melatonin produced synergistic reductions in human glioblastoma cell viability and significantly enhanced the effects of the chemotherapy drug temozolomide. The combinations worked across three genetically distinct glioblastoma cell lines, including those with p53 mutations, although the findings remain limited to cell-culture experiments.

CBD Nanoparticles Suppressed Liver Tumor Growth

CBD delivered through tumor-targeting nanoparticles significantly inhibited liver tumor growth in mice, with effects comparable to the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide. The nanoparticles increased CBD’s apparent water solubility 367-fold and accumulated more strongly in tumors, but the findings remain preclinical.

THC-CBD Cannabis Extract Suppresses Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Tumors

A whole-cannabis extract containing THC and CBD significantly reduced the growth of estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer tumors implanted in mice. Tumor volume declined by as much as 75.9% in the highest-dose group, while tissue analysis showed reduced cancer-cell proliferation, although researchers cautioned that the findings remain preclinical.

CBD, CBG and CBN Suppress Bile Duct Cancer Cells and Trigger Cell Death

CBD, CBG and CBN reduced the viability and proliferation of human bile duct cancer cells while triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in laboratory testing. The cannabinoids also disrupted mitochondrial function and reduced a key marker of cancer cell proliferation, although the study did not evaluate the treatments in animals or people.

CBD and Anti-Inflammatory Drug Combination Shows Potential Against Aggressive Brain Tumors

A liposomal formulation combining CBD with the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib altered inflammatory and oxidative-stress signaling in high-grade glioma cells and showed a trend toward slowing tumor progression in mice. Researchers said the results are preliminary but suggest the combination and its lipid-based delivery system warrant further study.

CBD and Chemotherapy Combination Shows Antidepressant-Like Effects in Glioblastoma Study

CBD combined with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide produced antidepressant-like effects in male rats, including reduced immobility and increased climbing compared with temozolomide alone. The effect was not statistically significant when males and females were analyzed together, and the study involved healthy rats without glioblastoma.

CBD-Loaded Nanoparticles Improved Survival in Radiation-Damaged Mice

A study published in Materials Today Bio found that CBD-loaded nanoparticles showed radioprotective effects in mice exposed to gamma radiation. Researchers said the system released CBD after radiation exposure, reduced oxidative stress and increased the 30-day survival rate of irradiated mice to over 50%.

Cannabinoids and Melatonin May Help Cisplatin Fight Bone Cancer Cells

A study published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology found that cannabinoids combined with melatonin and cisplatin enhanced anti-cancer effects against certain bone cancer cells. Researchers said several combinations showed synergy, allowing for lower cisplatin doses while increasing markers of cancer cell death.

CBD Shows Potential Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A preclinical study published in Phytomedicine found that CBD may have potential as an adjunct treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers found CBD reduced cancer cell viability, triggered cancer cell death pathways and enhanced the anti-cancer effects of paclitaxel in cell and mouse models.

CBG and CBC Induce Cell Death in Lung Cancer Cells

A study published in Antioxidants found that CBG and CBC induced cell death and apoptosis in two lung cancer cell lines. Researchers said the findings suggest the cannabinoids may warrant further study as potential add-on cancer therapies, though the results remain limited to cell models.

Medical Cannabis Extracts Improved Cancer-Related Symptoms in About Half of Patients

A randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial found that medical cannabis extracts provided meaningful relief for cancer-related symptoms in about half of patients. Researchers said improvements were most tied to sleep, anxiety and daytime tiredness, with no single extract clearly outperforming the others.

CBD Reduces Chemotherapy-Linked Cognitive Decline

A new study found that CBD reduced chemotherapy-linked cognitive decline in a preclinical model, pointing to possible value for protecting memory and brain function during cancer treatment.

CBDA Blocks Key Enzymes Tied to Aggressive Breast Cancer Cell Movement

Researchers found that CBDA blocked enzymes tied to the movement of aggressive breast cancer cells, suggesting it may help interfere with processes involved in cancer spread.

CBD May Strengthen Effects of Breast Cancer Drug

A new study found that CBD enhanced the effects of a breast cancer drug in lab testing, suggesting it may help improve treatment response when used alongside existing therapies.

THC and CBD May Strengthen Cisplatin’s Effects Against Cervical Cancer Cells

Researchers found that THC and CBD enhanced the anti-cancer activity of cisplatin against cervical cancer cells, pointing to possible value for cannabinoids as adjuncts to chemotherapy.

CBD Triggers Anti-Cancer Effects in Breast Cancer Cells, Including Drug-Resistant Line

A study found that CBD reduced viability and triggered anti-cancer effects in breast cancer cells, including a drug-resistant cell line, adding to evidence of its potential against hard-to-treat tumors.

CBD and THC May Help Inhibit Glioblastoma Progression

A new study found that CBD and THC may help slow glioblastoma progression by interfering with pathways involved in tumor growth, survival and invasion.

Cannabis Stem Extract Shows Anticancer Activity Against Colorectal Cancer Cells

A new study found that cannabis stem extract showed anti-cancer activity against colorectal cancer cells, suggesting parts of the plant often treated as waste may hold therapeutic value.

Cannabinoid Therapy Linked to Reduced Pain and Improved Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients

A new study found that cannabinoid therapy was associated with reduced pain and improved overall outcomes in prostate cancer patients, adding to evidence that cannabis-based treatments may help support symptom management in cancer care.

Novel Starch-Based Delivery System Dramatically Boosts CBD Absorption, Shows Anti-Cancer Effects in Lung Cells

Researchers found that a porous starch-based CBD formulation increased water solubility nearly 16-fold, improved simulated release in gastric and intestinal conditions, and inhibited lung cancer cell growth by more than 52% in lab testing.

CBG Found to Trigger Multiple Cancer Cell Death Pathways in Pancreatic Tumor Cells

Researchers found that CBG may have strong anti-cancer effects against pancreatic tumor cells, slowing cell growth and triggering multiple forms of programmed cell death.

CBD Shows Multi-Target Potential Against Breast Cancer Pathways

Researchers found that CBD showed strong binding affinity to multiple proteins involved in breast cancer growth, spread, angiogenesis and resistance to cell death, suggesting it may have potential as a multi-target treatment candidate.

Exosome-Based Oral CBD Slows Aggressive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Researchers found that an exosome-based oral CBD formulation improved tumor targeting and slowed the growth of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer in mice, while also altering the activity of more than 1,000 genes tied to cancer progression.

Study: CBD Triggers Cell Death in Breast Cancer Cells Through Multiple Molecular Pathways

A new study found that CBD reduced breast cancer cell viability and triggered cell death through several interconnected pathways involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Multiple Cannabis Compounds Found to Target Key Skin Cancer Growth Pathways

A new study found that numerous cannabis-derived compounds may interfere with major skin cancer growth pathways tied to proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

CBD and Bevacizumab Combo Reduces Lung Cancer Cell Growth by Over 50%

Researchers found that combining CBD with bevacizumab significantly increased cancer cell death in a lab model of non-small cell lung cancer, pointing to potential benefits from the two-drug approach.

CBD Shows Anti-Tumor Effects in Burkitt Lymphoma Cells

Researchers found that CBD may help slow the growth of Burkitt lymphoma cells and reduce a key cancer stem cell marker, suggesting potential anti-tumor effects in this aggressive cancer type.

Study: CBC and CBD Combo Shrinks Drug-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumors in Lab and Animal Models

A peer-reviewed study found that combining CBC and CBD produced strong anti-tumor effects against drug-resistant triple-negative breast cancer, reducing invasion and shrinking tumors in both lab and animal models.

Study: CBD Kills Rare Ovarian Tumor Cells by Targeting TRPV2 Channel and Mitochondrial Pathway

A new study found that CBD may kill cells from a rare ovarian tumor by acting through the TRPV2 ion channel and a mitochondrial pathway involved in cell survival and death.

Study Finds Cannabinoids like CBD and THC May Influence Liver Cancer Pathways Through Ion Channels

A new scientific review found that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC may affect liver cancer-related pathways through their interaction with ion channels involved in inflammation, abnormal cell growth and cell death, highlighting their potential relevance to future prevention and treatment strategies.

Marijuana Extracts Rich in CBC and THC Show Anti-Cancer Activity Against Bladder Tumors, Says Study

A recent study found that marijuana extracts containing CBC and THC reduced bladder cancer cell viability, slowed cell migration and triggered cancer cell death in both cell and ex vivo models.

Study: CBD May Help Overcome Drug Resistance in Leukemia Cells

Researchers found that CBD reduced leukemia cell proliferation and, when combined with imatinib, enhanced drug activity in resistant cells, suggesting it may help counter some forms of treatment resistance.

Study: CBD Triggers Cancer Cell Death and Suppresses Melanoma Spread Through Epigenetic Pathway

Researchers found that CBD triggered cancer cell death and reduced melanoma spread in lab models, with the effects linked to an epigenetic pathway involved in tumor growth and survival.

Study: Cannabis Extract Triggered Cell Death and Reduced Invasion in Human Breast Cancer Cells

A new study found that a cannabis extract triggered apoptosis and reduced the migration and invasiveness of two human breast cancer cell lines.

Study: Newly Identified Cannabis Compound Reduces Breast Tumor Growth and Enhances Effectiveness of Tamoxifen

Researchers identified a previously uncharacterized cannabis compound, designated 373.15b, that reduced estrogen receptor-positive breast tumor growth in mice and enhanced the effectiveness of tamoxifen. Laboratory experiments also found that the compound reduced estrogen receptor activity and increased cancer-cell sensitivity to the medication, suggesting potential for further development of combination treatments.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Drug-Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Cell Colony Formation by 98%, Enhances Chemotherapy Effects

CBD reduced colony formation by 98% in laboratory models of chemotherapy-resistant head and neck cancer while also suppressing cancer-cell migration and invasion. Researchers observed synergistic effects when CBD was combined with cisplatin, along with reductions in enzymes associated with tumor invasion and changes in pathways regulating programmed cell death.

Brain Cancer Patient Regains Ability to Walk While Using Cannabinoids and Terpenes, Case Report Finds

A case report involving a 48-year-old patient with glioblastoma documented substantial neurological improvements, including regaining the ability to walk, while receiving an individualized regimen containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Researchers also observed changes on MRI scans following previous disease progression, although the report could not establish that the experimental treatment caused the improvements.

Study Finds THC-Rich Marijuana Extracts Trigger Leukemia Cell Death and Immune-Response Signals

THC-dominant marijuana extracts triggered programmed cell death in human leukemia cells while activating molecular signals associated with immune recognition of cancer. Researchers observed increased oxidative stress, calreticulin exposure and release of ATP and HMGB1, with THC-rich extracts producing stronger and more coordinated immunogenic cell-death responses than CBD-dominant formulations.

Study Identifies Marijuana Plant Compounds With Potential to Target Protein Linked to Lung Cancer

A computational study identified three marijuana plant compounds with strong predicted interactions involving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein associated with the growth of certain lung cancers. Researchers highlighted luteolin-7-O-glucoside, grossamide and quercetin as candidates for further investigation, although the findings were not tested in clinical or animal experiments.

90% of Marijuana-Using Cancer Patients Report Improved Insomnia, 86% Better Appetite and 84% Better Mood in Government-Funded Penn State Study

A Penn State study surveying 186 cancer patients and survivors found that marijuana consumers frequently reported improvements in cancer-related symptoms. Among those reporting marijuana use, 89.7% said it improved insomnia, 85.7% reported better appetite and 83.8% reported improved mood, while more than 80% also reported relief from anxiety or cancer-related pain.

Study: Pancreatic Cancer Patients Taking at Least 10 MG of THC Daily Saw Broader Symptom Improvements Than Those Taking Less

A clinical study involving 32 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer found that participants receiving at least 10 milligrams of THC daily experienced broader improvements in several cancer-related symptoms than those using lower amounts. Researchers examined pain, sleep, anxiety and quality of life, although the small study had complete symptom data for only a subset of participants.

Study Finds Cannabis Root-Derived Nanovesicles Suppressed Tumor Growth and Restored Immune Responses

Researchers found that nanoscale vesicles extracted from cannabis roots suppressed tumor growth and strengthened immune responses in mice. The plant-derived particles promoted the maturation of dendritic cells through Toll-like receptor signaling and remained stable under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Review Finds Cannabis Compounds Show Strong Anticancer Effects Against Cervical Cancer Cells

A scientific review of five studies found that marijuana-derived cannabinoids and extracts demonstrated anticancer activity against cervical cancer cells in laboratory experiments. Researchers identified effects involving reduced cell viability, increased programmed cell death and suppressed cancer-cell invasion, although clinical effectiveness has not been established.

Pain, Fibromyalgia and Pain Management

Study Finds Low-Dose THC and CBD Work Synergistically to Reduce Sickle Cell Pain

Low doses of THC and CBD worked synergistically to reduce pain in a humanized mouse model of sickle cell disease, producing greater relief together than expected from either cannabinoid alone. Researchers also found that the combination increased circulating cannabinoid concentrations, elevated levels of the naturally occurring endocannabinoid 2-AG and altered inflammatory signaling in the spinal cord.

Systematic Review Finds THC-CBD Improves Acute Migraine Outcomes, Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Helps Chronic Back Pain

A systematic review of five randomized controlled trials involving 1,072 adults found moderate-certainty evidence that vaporized THC-CBD improved acute migraine outcomes and that a standardized full-spectrum cannabis extract reduced chronic lower back pain. The THC-CBD combination improved migraine pain relief and freedom from symptoms, while the full-spectrum extract improved back pain intensity, disability and sleep quality.

Study Finds Cannabinoid Tablet Associated With 32% Reduction in Same-Day Pain and Improved Mood

A real-world study involving 427 adults found that a cannabinoid tablet containing CBDA, CBG and CBC was associated with a 32% reduction in same-day pain scores, declining from 5.26 to 3.56 on a 10-point scale. Participants also reported improvements in mood, energy and overall daily wellbeing, with 80% saying the product reduced their pain during the observational study.

Study Finds Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Associated With Reduced Chronic Pain and Anxiety

A human study involving 31 patients found that three months of treatment with full-spectrum, CBD-dominant cannabis oil was associated with significant reductions in chronic pain and anxiety. Participants also experienced improvements in mood, sleep and perceived overall health, with no adverse events reported during the study.

10-Year Study of 1,000 Patients Finds Medical Marijuana Associated With Major Reductions in Opioid Use, Pain and Disability

A decade-long study involving 1,000 patients with chronic low-back pain found that medical marijuana treatment was associated with substantial reductions in opioid use, pain intensity and disability. Among the 638 patients completing the full follow-up, average opioid use declined nearly 90%, pain scores fell more than 84% and functional disability improved significantly.

Medical Cannabis Associated With Sustained Pain and Sleep Improvements in Inflammatory Arthritis Patients, Study Finds

A study of 192 inflammatory arthritis patients found that medical marijuana treatment was associated with significant reductions in pain and sustained improvements in sleep and quality of life over two years. Pain severity and interference declined at every follow-up assessment, while anxiety scores also improved during the first three months of treatment.

Study Finds Oral CBD May Reduce Dental Pain Sensitivity in Apical Periodontitis

Oral CBD significantly reduced mechanical pain hypersensitivity in mice with apical periodontitis, an inflammatory condition affecting tissues surrounding tooth roots. The pain-relieving effects appeared to involve the central nervous system and TRPV1 receptors, with researchers observing significant reductions in hypersensitivity within 45 minutes of administration.

Survey of 818 People With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Finds 80% of Current Marijuana Users Report Less Pain, 74% Better Sleep

A survey of 818 people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases found that 79.9% of current marijuana consumers reported less pain and 73.6% reported improved sleep. Reduced anxiety was reported by 42.5%, while 19.2% said they had reduced their use of opioids or other narcotics.

Human Study Finds Topical CBD Oil Associated With 41% Reduction in Myofascial Pain After Two Weeks

A study involving 192 people with myofascial pain found that applying 1% topical CBD oil twice daily was associated with an average pain reduction of about 41% after two weeks. No clinically significant skin reactions were observed, although the study lacked a placebo or control group.

Study: CBG and Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Reduce Inflammatory Pain in Animal Models

CBG and a full-spectrum cannabis extract both reduced inflammatory pain and inflammation in animal models. The full-spectrum extract produced pain relief sooner, while CBG eventually restored pain sensitivity to baseline levels during repeated treatment.

Study: THC May Enhance Oxycodone’s Pain-Blocking Effects While Delaying Tolerance

THC enhanced oxycodone’s pain-blocking effects and temporarily delayed the development of tolerance in mice without increasing physical dependence. Researchers also found evidence that the combination could increase reward-related effects, highlighting a potential tradeoff that warrants further study.

Study Finds CBD-Dominant Cannabis Oil Linked to Less Chronic Pain After Knee Replacement

A randomized controlled pilot trial involving 37 knee replacement patients found that 13% of those receiving CBD-dominant cannabis oil reported moderate-to-severe chronic postsurgical pain after 12 weeks, compared with 41% of placebo recipients. Researchers said the findings warrant evaluation in a larger trial.

Medical Marijuana Linked to Significant Improvements in Chronic Pain, Anxiety and PTSD, Study Finds

A prospective study of 522 medical marijuana patients found significant improvements in chronic pain, anxiety and PTSD, along with better sleep, mood and quality of life. Among patients with longer-term follow-up, improvements in chronic pain and anxiety were sustained for up to 12 months.

Study Finds Medical Cannabis Associated With Improved Pain, Sleep and Mood in Over 90% of Older Adults

A study of adults 65 and older found that 90.5% of evaluable patients experienced improvement in their primary symptom after beginning physician-supervised medical cannabis treatment. Pain, insomnia and mood or behavioral symptoms all declined significantly, generally with relatively low doses of THC and CBD.

Medical Marijuana Reimbursement Improved Pain and Reduced Opioid Use in Workers’ Compensation Case

A Colorado workers’ compensation case study found that reimbursed medical marijuana use was associated with reduced pain, improved physical functioning and quality of life, and a 17% voluntary reduction in monthly opioid use over 12 months. Researchers cautioned that the evaluation involved only one carefully selected patient and was primarily designed to assess the feasibility of marijuana reimbursement under coordinated care.

THC Edibles Associated With Lower Pain Levels in People With Chronic Lower Back Pain

A study involving 243 adults with chronic lower back pain found that pain levels were significantly lower on days participants consumed THC-dominant edibles or products containing both THC and CBD. CBD-dominant products were not associated with a comparable reduction, while higher THC doses were linked to lower pain the following day.

Review Highlights Potential Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Pain-Relieving Properties of Cannabis Roots

A comprehensive review found that cannabis roots contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. Laboratory and animal studies found that root extracts could reduce inflammatory markers, inhibit certain bacteria and fungi and decrease pain-related behaviors, although the roots remain considerably less studied than other parts of the plant.

Review Finds Nanoencapsulation Could Improve Cannabinoid-Based Pain Treatments

A scientific review found that encapsulating cannabinoids in lipid nanoparticles could improve their stability, absorption, sustained release and pain-relieving effects. Several nanoencapsulated CBD formulations produced stronger or longer-lasting effects in preclinical studies, although researchers said evidence remains limited and is dominated by animal and laboratory research.

Topical CBD Linked to Reduced Localized Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients

A 12-week study involving 30 women with fibromyalgia found that a CBD-containing topical formulation was associated with significant reductions in localized pain and improvements in functionality. By the end of the study, 60% of participants achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in localized pain, with no adverse events reported.

THC Buccal Spray Shows Promise for Treatment-Resistant Chronic Pain

A study published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics found that a THC-based buccal spray may help patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain. In a small observational study, mean pain scores fell from 8.6 to about 5.4, with 83% of patients reporting at least a 20% reduction in pain.

Inhaled Medical Cannabis Linked to Five-Year Pain Relief and Major Opioid Reduction

A study published in Biomedicines found that inhaled medical cannabis was associated with sustained improvements in pain and function over five years among patients with treatment-resistant chronic low back pain. Researchers also found opioid use dropped from 100% of patients at baseline to 4.6% after five years.

CBD May Reduce Neuropathic Pain by Targeting Brain Region Linked to Pain and Emotion

A study published in Psychopharmacology found that CBD reduced neuropathic pain, anxiety-like behavior and depression-like behavior in rats when administered into the anterior insular cortex. Researchers said CBD’s effects appeared to involve both CB1 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.

CBD Shows Potential as Long-Lasting Local Anesthetic

A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia suggests CBD may have potential as a long-lasting local anesthetic or as an add-on to existing anesthetics. Researchers found CBD inhibited sodium channels involved in pain signaling, with slow onset and offset kinetics that may be useful for longer-lasting regional anesthesia.

Medical Cannabis Linked to Long-Term Improvements in Hypermobility-Related Chronic Pain

A study published in Clinical Rheumatology found that cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with sustained improvements in pain, anxiety and sleep among patients with hypermobility-associated chronic pain. Researchers analyzed 240 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, finding clinically significant improvements in pain severity and pain interference after 24 months.

High-Dose CBD Reduces Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

A clinical trial found that high-dose CBD significantly reduced neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries, adding to evidence that cannabidiol may help address difficult-to-treat pain conditions.

Cannabinoid Treatments Show Promise for Phantom Limb Pain

A study found that cannabinoid-based treatments may help address phantom limb pain, pointing to possible therapeutic value for a condition that often remains difficult to manage.

CBD Enhances Oxycodone’s Pain-Relieving Effects Without Increasing Reward-Related Effects

A new study found that CBD enhanced oxycodone’s pain-relieving effects without increasing reward-related effects, suggesting it may improve analgesia without raising abuse-related responses.

Cannabis Compounds CBN and THCV May Help Manage Inflammatory Pain

Researchers found that the minor cannabinoids CBN and THCV reduced inflammatory pain in preclinical testing, suggesting they may have therapeutic potential beyond the better-known compounds CBD and THC.

Cannabinoid Capsules Linked to Pain Relief in Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Patients

Researchers found that cannabinoid capsules were associated with pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia and arthritis, adding to evidence that oral cannabis formulations may help manage chronic pain conditions.

Marijuana Oil With THC and CBD May Reduce Pain and Improve Sleep in Fibromyalgia Patients

A clinical trial found that marijuana oil containing THC and CBD may reduce pain and improve sleep in fibromyalgia patients, pointing to potential benefits for symptom management in a condition with limited treatment options.

Minor Cannabinoids Show Distinct Effects on Pain-Sensing Neurons

A new study found that several lesser-known cannabinoids produced distinct effects on pain-sensing neurons, with some reducing excitability and others altering signaling in ways that could prove relevant for future pain treatments.

Cannabis-Based Treatments Linked to Long-Term Improvements in Migraine Symptoms and Quality of Life

Researchers analyzing patient-reported outcomes found that cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with sustained improvements in migraine symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality and overall quality of life over a follow-up period of up to two years.

Marijuana Extracts Found More Effective and Better Tolerated Than Dronabinol in Older Adults With Chronic Pain

New research found that CBD-dominant full-spectrum marijuana extracts provided stronger pain relief and fewer side effects than dronabinol in older adults with chronic pain, with the CBD group also showing lower discontinuation rates.

Aerobic Exercise Linked to Reduced Migraines and Changes in Endocannabinoid Levels

A randomized clinical trial found that regular aerobic exercise may significantly reduce migraine frequency while also altering levels of anandamide, a key endocannabinoid involved in pain and mood regulation.

CBD-Dominant Marijuana Extracts Outperform THC in Older Adults With Chronic Pain, Although Both Help

Researchers analyzing real-world data found that CBD-dominant full-spectrum marijuana extracts were associated with stronger pain relief, better sleep and daily functioning, and fewer side effects than pure THC in older adults with chronic pain.

Marijuana Use Linked to Lower Opioid Need After Wrist Fracture Surgery

New research published in the Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances found that patients who used marijuana required significantly fewer opioids after distal radius fracture surgery while reporting pain control comparable to non-users.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Both Acute and Inflammatory Pain, Including in Opioid-Dependent Subjects

Researchers found that CBD reduced both acute and inflammatory pain in preclinical models, including in opioid-dependent subjects, supporting its potential as a non-opioid pain management tool.

Study Published in Canadian Journal of Pain Finds Medical Marijuana Linked to Improvements in Pain, Mental Health and Quality of Life

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Pain found that patients with chronic pain using medical marijuana under clinical supervision reported improvements in pain-related outcomes, anxiety, depressive symptoms and overall quality of life over 24 weeks.

Review of 28 Randomized Clinical Trials Finds THC Reduces Chronic Pain, THC-CBD Combination Improves Sleep

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 28 randomized clinical trials involving 3,058 adults found that THC significantly reduced chronic pain compared with placebo, while THC-CBD combinations improved sleep quality. The evidence for sleep improvements was rated moderate certainty, with researchers also finding that administration method and cannabinoid formulation influenced treatment outcomes.

Study of Over 8,300 Chronic Pain Patients Finds Medical Marijuana Use Linked to Twice the Rate of Opioid Prescription Discontinuation

A study of 8,358 chronic pain patients in New York found that 15.5% of those receiving medical marijuana for more than 30 days discontinued opioid prescriptions, compared with 7.6% of patients receiving marijuana for 30 days or less. Researchers found the association was particularly strong among patients receiving lower or moderate opioid doses before beginning marijuana treatment.

Review of 43 Clinical Studies Finds Cannabinoids Can Improve Pain and Sleep in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases

A scientific review examining 43 clinical publications found that marijuana and cannabinoid-based treatments were frequently associated with improvements in pain and sleep among patients with rheumatic diseases. The strongest evidence involved fibromyalgia, while findings for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions remained more limited.

Clinical Trial: 400 mg of CBD Reduced Pain and Opioid Use Following Double Knee Replacement Surgery

A randomized clinical trial involving 36 adults undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery found that patients receiving 400 milligrams of CBD consumed approximately 31% fewer opioids during the first 72 hours after surgery compared with placebo recipients. The moderate-dose group also reported less pain, while an 800-milligram dose did not produce comparable benefits.

Study of 3,744 Medical Marijuana Patients Finds Significant Improvements in Chronic Pain, Sleep and Quality of Life Over Two Years

A study of 3,744 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found that prescribed marijuana was associated with significant improvements in chronic pain, sleep, anxiety and quality of life over two years. Pain severity and interference declined throughout follow-up, although the observational study could not establish that marijuana caused the improvements.

Clinical Trial Finds THC, CBD and Terpene Formulation Reduces Morphine Use by Nearly 50% in Patients With Acute Nerve Pain

A randomized clinical trial involving 69 patients with acute nerve-related pain found that a single high dose of a formulation containing THC, CBD and terpenes reduced morphine consumption by nearly 50% over 24 hours. Patients receiving the higher-dose formulation used an average of 17.4 milligrams of intravenous morphine compared with 33.2 milligrams among placebo recipients.

New Review Finds Marijuana Terpenes and Minor Cannabinoids Influence Pain Signaling Through Multiple Biological Pathways

A scientific review involving researchers from Imperial College London found that marijuana terpenes and minor cannabinoids influence pain-sensing neurons through pathways extending beyond traditional CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The findings identify mechanisms involving potassium channels, calcium signaling and other cellular targets, supporting further investigation of multicomponent marijuana preparations for pain management.

Review of 13 Randomized Clinical Trials Finds Inhaled Marijuana Increases Likelihood of Meaningful Pain Relief

A review of 13 randomized clinical trials involving 395 adults found that inhaled marijuana increased the likelihood of achieving at least a 30% reduction in chronic pain by approximately 60% compared with placebo. Patients receiving marijuana also experienced an additional average reduction of 0.74 points on a 10-point pain scale, with researchers identifying clinically meaningful benefits for some patients.

94% of Medical Marijuana Patients Using It for Chronic Pain Report Relief, 81% Reduce or Stop Taking Opioids, University of Florida Study Finds

A University of Florida study involving 632 medical marijuana patients found that 94% of the 278 participants using marijuana primarily for chronic pain reported symptom improvement. Among chronic pain patients who answered questions about opioid use, approximately 81% reported reducing or discontinuing opioids, although the findings relied on self-reported experiences.

Study: CBD Use Among Adults 65 and Older Associated With Less Pain and Depression, Better Quality of Life and Fewer Hospital Admissions

An observational study involving 157 adults aged 65 and older found that CBD users reported significantly less pain and depression, better quality of life and fewer recent hospital admissions compared with nonusers. The analysis included 110 CBD users and 47 nonusers, with researchers identifying improvements across physical, psychological and social wellbeing measures.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Study Finds Nearly Half of Adults With Severe Epilepsy Had Seizures Cut at Least 50% During CBD Treatment

A study of 37 adults with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy found that 45.9% experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency after 12 months of CBD treatment. Nearly 30% also showed caregiver-reported improvements in alertness, behavior, interaction or daily functioning, while the median number of additional antiseizure medications declined from four to three.

Yearlong Study Finds CBD Reduces Seizures and Hospital Visits in Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

A yearlong study involving 103 children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy found that purified CBD treatment was associated with significant reductions in seizures, epilepsy severity, medication use and hospital visits. Among children who continued treatment for the full 12 months, 77% experienced overall improvement, with 40% rated as much improved or better.

Purified CBD Reduced Seizures by at Least Half in Majority of Children With Treatment-Resistant Focal Epilepsy in New Study

A study of 79 children with treatment-resistant focal epilepsy found that 54.4% experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency after adding purified CBD to their treatment, while 5.1% became seizure-free. Improvements remained stable during long-term follow-up averaging 30 months, and adverse events were generally mild and temporary.

Study Finds CBD Delays Seizure Onset and Reduces Seizure Duration in Animal Model of Rare Childhood Brain Disease

CBD significantly delayed seizure onset and reduced seizure duration in mice genetically engineered to model CLN2 disease, a rare and fatal childhood neurodegenerative disorder. The animals develop spontaneous seizures as the disease progresses, allowing researchers to examine CBD under conditions resembling the human disease.

Study of Nearly 2,000 Medical Marijuana Patients Finds Seizure Frequency Improved in 67.6%

A study involving 1,940 medical marijuana patients found that seizure frequency improved in 67.6% of participants. Most patients received products containing both CBD and THC, typically with substantially more CBD than THC, although most also continued using conventional antiseizure medications.

CBD Reduced Seizure Severity and Memory Problems in an Animal Model of Epilepsy

CBD reduced seizure severity and improved recognition memory and synaptic function in rats with epilepsy-like symptoms. Researchers found that the HCN1 ion channel appears to contribute to CBD’s anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects, although CBD also appeared to work through additional mechanisms.

CBD May Improve Cognition, Behavior and Sleep in People With Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy, Review Finds

A systematic review of 32 studies involving 1,343 patients with severe treatment-resistant epilepsy found that CBD was associated with improvements in cognition, behavior, communication, sleep and other outcomes beyond seizure control. Thirty-one of the studies reported improvement in at least one nonseizure outcome, although researchers cautioned that most were observational and carried a moderate to high risk of bias.

CBDA-Rich Cannabis Extract More Strongly Inhibits Epilepsy-Linked Sodium Channels Than Purified CBDA

A laboratory study found that a CBDA-rich cannabis extract inhibited epilepsy-linked NaV1.2 sodium channels substantially more strongly than purified CBDA alone. Researchers said the enhanced effect may result from interactions among multiple compounds in the extract, supporting further study of cannabis preparations as potential multicomponent treatments for disorders involving abnormal neuronal activity.

Cannabis-Based Products Linked to Significant Seizure Reduction in Refractory Epilepsy

A study published in Clinical Therapeutics found that cannabis-based products were associated with substantial seizure reductions among patients with refractory epilepsy treated through Brazil’s public health system. Overall, 70.3% of patients reported at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency.

Inhaled CBD Reversed Seizure and Inflammation-Related Effects of Chronic Nicotine Exposure

A study published in Experimental Lung Research found that inhaled CBD reversed several seizure-related and inflammatory effects linked to chronic nicotine pouch exposure in mice. Researchers found nicotine exposure worsened seizure severity and disrupted inflammatory markers, while inhaled CBD reduced seizure severity and helped normalize those effects.

Combining CBD With Ketogenic Diet May Reduce Seizures in Patients With Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy

Researchers found that combining CBD with a ketogenic diet may help reduce seizures in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, suggesting the two approaches could work together to improve outcomes in difficult-to-treat cases.

Study: Combining CBD and CBG Cuts Effective CBD Seizure Dose in Half in Standard Epilepsy Model

Researchers found that CBD and CBG each suppressed seizures on their own, and that combining them cut the effective CBD dose by more than 50% in a standard mouse epilepsy model while improving the overall efficacy-to-toxicity profile.

Study Finds CBD and THC Reduce Oxygen Deprivation Following Seizures in Rats

CBD and THC significantly reduced oxygen deprivation in the brain following experimentally induced seizures in rats, with effects depending on biological sex, administration method and treatment duration. Vaporized CBD provided protection in both sexes following a single dose, while oral THC reduced post-seizure oxygen deprivation primarily in male rats.

CBD Reduces Seizures by at Least Half in Nearly 50% of Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy, Major Review Finds

A systematic review and meta-analysis drawing on 63 studies found that 48.4% of children with drug-resistant epilepsy achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency during CBD treatment. The primary analysis included 3,439 children across 37 studies, with researchers also identifying substantial differences in response rates between individual studies.

Study Finds No Significant Cognitive Differences Between Epilepsy Patients With and Without Recent Marijuana Use

A study of 78 adults undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery found no significant differences in cognitive functioning between patients who had used marijuana during the previous month and those who had not. Researchers examined memory, attention, processing speed, language and executive functioning, finding no measurable overall cognitive disadvantage associated with recent marijuana use in this sample.

Study Finds 76% of Severe Epilepsy Patients Maintain Major Seizure Reductions With CBD Over Two Years

A study examining long-term CBD treatment in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome found that 76.1% of the 46 patients completing at least two years of follow-up maintained reductions of 75% or more in drop seizures. Researchers also found that some patients experienced delayed improvements and that sustained response rates differed according to identified genetic variants.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders

CBN-Derived Compound Protects Dopamine-Producing Cells in Parkinson’s Study

A chemically modified compound derived from cannabinol (CBN) protected dopamine-producing nerve cells from death in a laboratory model of Parkinson’s disease. The compound, known as CS-11, strengthened cellular antioxidant defenses and restored levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme essential for dopamine production, suggesting potential for further research into neuroprotective treatments.

Study Finds Higher Doses of CBD and THC Reduced Cold Hypersensitivity in Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Higher doses of CBD and THC significantly reduced cold hypersensitivity in mice displaying Parkinsonian features. The treatments increased pain-withdrawal times and improved several measures of oxidative stress, although the combined CBD-THC treatment did not produce a statistically significant improvement in cold sensitivity.

Study Finds Medical Cannabis Associated With Improved Pain, Sleep and Urinary Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients

A prospective study of patients with Parkinson’s disease found that three months of medical cannabis use was associated with improvements in pain, sleep, quality of life and nighttime urinary symptoms. Researchers cautioned that the study was open-label and did not include a placebo group.

CBD Protects Neuron-Like Cells From Damage in Parkinson’s Disease Model

CBD protected human neuron-like cells from oxidative and mitochondrial damage caused by several toxins used to model Parkinson’s disease. In one experiment, CBD pretreatment increased cell viability from 67.82% to 83.79%, with researchers finding that the Nrf2 antioxidant-defense pathway played an important role in the protective effect.

Cannabis Seed Compounds May Protect Nerve Cells From Parkinson’s-Related Damage

Compounds found in cannabis seeds protected human nerve cells from Parkinson’s-related damage in laboratory experiments. The compounds reduced cell death, improved mitochondrial function and promoted autophagy, a cellular process that helps remove damaged proteins and other material.

THC-CBD Treatment Reduced Restless Legs Syndrome Severity

A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that a treatment containing 2.7 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD reduced restless legs syndrome severity. Researchers said improvements were seen after one and three months, with two-thirds of participants remaining on treatment after one year.

Medical Cannabis Linked to Improvements in Parkinson’s Patients

A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that medical marijuana use was associated with improvements in pain, sleep, quality of life and nighttime urinary frequency among patients with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers said the open-label findings are exploratory and that randomized trials are needed.

CBD May Protect Parkinson’s-Related Brain Cells by Activating Antioxidant Defense System

A study found that CBD may help protect Parkinson’s-related brain cells by activating an antioxidant defense pathway, highlighting its potential relevance in neurodegenerative disease research.

CBD-Rich Oil Shows Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers found that CBD-rich oil showed neuroprotective effects in a Parkinson’s disease model, supporting its potential to help protect vulnerable brain cells.

Cannabis-Based Medicines Linked to Reduced Tics in Tourette Syndrome Patients

A study found that cannabis-based medicines were associated with reduced tics in patients with Tourette syndrome, supporting their potential for symptom management.

Cannabinoids May Help Protect Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

A new review found that cannabinoid-based treatments may help preserve cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease by influencing neuronal plasticity and the endocannabinoid system.

Multiple Sclerosis

Study Finds THC and CBD Combination Reduces Inflammation in Immune Cells From Multiple Sclerosis Patients

A laboratory study involving immune cells collected from 31 multiple sclerosis patients and 30 healthy adults found that combining THC and CBD significantly suppressed inflammatory signaling associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome. In cells from multiple sclerosis patients, the combination consistently reduced inflammation when administered before activation, while CBD alone generally failed to produce comparable effects, suggesting an important interaction between the two cannabinoids.

Cannabis Oral Spray and Cannabis Tea Improved Spasticity, Spasms and Pain in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

A study involving 63 people with multiple sclerosis found that both the THC-CBD oral spray nabiximols and cannabis decoctions such as tea were associated with significant improvements in spasticity, muscle spasms and pain. Patients who switched to cannabis decoctions experienced significant improvement across every outcome measured, though the study was retrospective and conducted at a single center.

THC-CBD Medicine May Improve Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Beyond Spasticity

A review and meta-analysis found that nabiximols, a marijuana-derived medicine containing THC and CBD, may improve sleep, bladder function, walking ability and muscle-spasm severity among people with multiple sclerosis. The analysis included 25 studies involving 2,949 patients and found that those treated for more than a month were 69% more likely than controls to report overall improvement.

CB1 Activation Found to Support Myelin Repair in New Study

A recent study found that activating CB1 receptors may help support myelin repair, highlighting a possible role for the endocannabinoid system in treating conditions involving nerve damage and demyelination.

Terpenes in Cannabis Show Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

A new study found that cannabis-derived essential oil rich in terpenes reduced pain sensitivity, improved motor function and eased anxiety- and depression-like behavior in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, while also reducing inflammation and protecting nerve tissue.

Cannabis Essential Oil Reduces Pain and Nerve Damage in Multiple Sclerosis Model

Researchers found that cannabis essential oil reduced pain sensitivity, inflammation and nerve damage in an animal model of multiple sclerosis, suggesting potential therapeutic value for managing both symptoms and disease-related neurological harm.

PTSD, Trauma and Stress

Yale Study Finds Adults With Childhood Trauma Have Up to 14.5% Lower Cannabinoid Receptor Availability in Key Brain Regions

A Yale University study involving 44 adults found that participants with childhood trauma histories had significantly lower CB1 cannabinoid receptor availability in several brain regions compared with those without such histories. PET imaging revealed 14.5% lower receptor availability in the hippocampus, 13.7% lower availability in the amygdala and an overall reduction of 11.36%, providing evidence of a potential connection between early-life adversity and long-term changes in the endocannabinoid system.

Study Finds Cannabinoid Replenishment Prevents Depression-Like Behaviors in Chronically Stressed Mice

Researchers found that restoring endocannabinoid signaling prevented depression-like behaviors in chronically stressed mice by restoring the brain’s ability to adapt to repeated stress. Chronic stress disrupted cannabinoid production and weakened a protective process in neural connections between the lateral hypothalamus and lateral habenula, while replenishing cannabinoid signaling restored that process and protected against stress-induced behavioral changes.

THC Medication Significantly Reduces PTSD-Related Nightmares

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 171 adults with PTSD found that dronabinol, a prescription medication containing THC, significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of recurring nightmares compared with placebo. After 10 weeks, more than one-third of patients receiving dronabinol reported no nightmares, although overall PTSD severity and depression did not conclusively improve compared with placebo.

CBD Reduces Brain Inflammation, Partially Restores Immune-Cell Function in Study of Gulf War Illness

Chronic CBD treatment reduced excessive brain inflammation and partially restored impaired microglial immune function in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness. CBD suppressed exaggerated inflammatory responses while improving pathways involved in cellular energy production and antigen presentation, although it did not fully reverse all signs of immune-cell exhaustion.

CBD Improves Memory and Reduces Brain Oxidative Stress After Chronic Stress and Alcohol Exposure

Researchers found that CBD improved memory and reduced brain oxidative stress in an animal model exposed to chronic stress and alcohol, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects under compounded neurological strain.

Study Finds CBD May Reduce Long-Term Memory Impairments Caused by Adolescent Stress

CBD treatment during adolescence reduced some long-term memory impairments associated with repeated stress in male mice. Researchers evaluated the animals as adults following a period without treatment, finding evidence that CBD may protect against lasting cognitive consequences of adolescent stress exposure.

Study Finds Activating Brain’s Cannabinoid System Reverses PTSD-Like Behaviors in Mice

Researchers found that strengthening the brain’s natural endocannabinoid signaling reversed anxiety-like behavior and social avoidance in mice exposed to repeated stress. The effects involved restoring cannabinoid signaling within a neural pathway connecting brain regions associated with fear and stress regulation, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for trauma-related disorders.

Cannabis Terpene β-Caryophyllene Significantly Reduced PTSD-Like Symptoms in New Animal Study

Beta-caryophyllene, a terpene found in marijuana, significantly reduced anxiety-like and compulsive behaviors in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers also observed changes in brain chemistry associated with stress responses, suggesting the compound’s activity at CB2 receptors may contribute to its behavioral effects.

Schizophrenia, Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder

Study: CBG Shows Antipsychotic-Like Effects in Model of Schizophrenia

A study involving 224 mice found that cannabigerol (CBG) produced antipsychotic-like effects across several behavioral tests modeling aspects of schizophrenia. CBG reduced drug-induced hyperactivity and improved measures of sensorimotor gating, social interaction and recognition memory, with some benefits appearing at relatively low doses.

Marijuana Use Associated With Better Attention and Inhibitory Control in People With Bipolar Disorder, Study Finds

Marijuana use was associated with better sustained attention, inhibitory control and time perception among people with bipolar disorder. Participants with bipolar disorder who used marijuana performed similarly to healthy controls on several cognitive measures, while nonusers with bipolar disorder showed greater impairment.

CBD May Have Potential to Treat Psychosis in Schizophrenia, Review Finds

A scientific review found that CBD’s effects on cannabinoid, serotonin and other brain signaling systems provide a mechanistic basis for investigating it as a treatment for psychosis associated with schizophrenia. Researchers emphasized that the evidence supports further study rather than establishing CBD as an effective treatment.

Study Finds CBG Prevented Long-Term Memory Deficits in Schizophrenia Model

CBG prevented long-term recognition-memory impairment in rats given a drug commonly used to model cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Researchers found evidence that the effect may involve TrkB receptor signaling and said the results support further investigation of CBG for schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment.

Highly Purified CBD Shows Antipsychotic-Like Effects in Mice

A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a highly purified form of CBD showed antipsychotic-like effects in mice. Researchers compared the treatment with newer non-dopamine-blocking psychosis medications, finding CBD produced effects in two standard preclinical models relevant to psychosis.

CBD Shows Benefit for Schizophrenia Symptoms

Researchers found that CBD showed benefits for schizophrenia-related symptoms, supporting growing interest in its potential as a treatment option for psychiatric disorders.

Schizophrenia Study Finds No Significant Differences in Brain Connectivity Between Marijuana Users and Nonusers

A brain-imaging study involving 51 people with schizophrenia found no significant differences in certain brain connectivity patterns between marijuana consumers and nonconsumers. Researchers also found that the ratio of THC to CBD was not significantly associated with the examined connections or the severity of formal thought disorder symptoms.

Sleep and Insomnia

Study Finds Regular CBD Users Slept Longer, Had More REM Sleep and Lower Peak Heart Rates

A human study involving 20 participants found that regular CBD users averaged approximately eight hours and 13 minutes of sleep compared with six hours and 29 minutes among nonusers. CBD users also experienced significantly more REM sleep, averaging 142.6 minutes compared with 84.4 minutes, and recorded lower maximum heart rates during the 72-hour monitoring period.

Human Trial Finds THC-Based Sleep Apnea Drug Well Tolerated With No Serious Adverse Events

A randomized Phase I clinical trial involving 125 healthy adults found that IHL-42X, an oral medication combining synthetic THC with acetazolamide, was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Most reported side effects were mild or moderate, and researchers confirmed that the formulation successfully delivered both compounds, supporting further clinical development for obstructive sleep apnea.

Patients Using THC- and CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil Report Favorable Quality of Life and Sleep Outcomes

A study of 71 medical marijuana patients using full-spectrum oil containing THC and CBD found generally favorable self-reported quality of life and sleep satisfaction. Better psychological wellbeing was associated with greater sleep satisfaction, although the study lacked baseline measurements and a control group and therefore could not establish that cannabis caused the reported outcomes.

Cannabinoids Significantly Improve Insomnia Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 2,134 participants found that cannabinoids significantly improved insomnia severity and sleep quality. Cannabinoid treatment was also associated with about 34 additional minutes of sleep per night, a 4.31% improvement in sleep efficiency and falling asleep approximately 12 minutes faster.

CBD and L-Theanine Combination May Improve Caffeine-Disrupted Sleep

A study published in Biomolecules & Therapeutics found that a combination of CBD and L-theanine improved sleep-related outcomes in mice with caffeine-induced sleep disruption. Researchers said the combination reduced the time it took mice to fall asleep, increased sleep duration and affected serotonin, melatonin and GABA levels.

Clinical Trial: Cannabis-Based Herbal Formula Matches Lorazepam for Chronic Insomnia Relief

A clinical trial found that a cannabis-based herbal formula performed similarly to lorazepam in relieving chronic insomnia, while also showing potential benefits for sleep quality and related symptoms.

Clinical Trial Finds Cannabis Oil Matches Lorazepam for Treating Insomnia, Improves Quality of Life

In a randomized clinical trial, cannabis oil performed comparably to lorazepam in improving sleep quality among adults with chronic insomnia, while also leading to greater gains in overall quality of life.

Study Finds Medical Cannabis Associated With Sustained Sleep Improvements Over Two Years

A study involving 211 patients with insomnia found that prescribed medical marijuana was associated with significant improvements in sleep quality lasting up to two years. Average sleep scores increased from 2.46 before treatment to 5.79 after one month, with improvements remaining statistically significant at every follow-up assessment and nearly half of participants also experiencing meaningful reductions in anxiety.

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Health

Study: CBD Alters Genes Involved in Cellular Stress and Cholesterol Metabolism in Human Cells

A study examining five types of human cells found that CBD significantly altered gene expression associated with cellular stress responses, lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. Researchers identified 22 genes affected across all five cell types, another 138 shared among four types and 695 shared among three, revealing widespread but cell-dependent effects on biological pathways involved in protein processing and metabolic regulation.

Marijuana Flower Extracts Show Antidiabetic Potential, Cannabinoids Bind Key Diabetes Targets, Finds Study

Marijuana flower extracts inhibited enzymes involved in blood sugar regulation and increased glucose uptake in laboratory testing, with one extract inhibiting α-glucosidase by 96.44% at the highest concentration tested. Researchers also identified several cannabinoids, including THC and cannabivarin, with strong predicted interactions involving major therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes.

Study: Marijuana Terpene Beta-Caryophyllene Shows Promise for Obesity, Diabetes and High Cholesterol

A scientific review of 17 studies found that beta-caryophyllene, a terpene found in marijuana, may help address obesity, type 2 diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels. Animal research identified improvements in blood glucose control, insulin sensitivity, fat accumulation and inflammation, with the effects potentially involving CB2 receptor activation and several metabolic signaling pathways.

Study Finds Hemp Seed Beverage May Reduce Cholesterol, Inflammation and Liver Stress

A hemp seed beverage significantly reduced total cholesterol, free fatty acids, inflammation and markers of liver injury in rats fed a high-fat diet. Researchers also observed increased HDL cholesterol and antioxidant activity, along with changes in proteins involved in lipid synthesis, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic and liver health.

Study of More Than 91,000 Finds Marijuana Use Associated With Lower Risk of Diabetes, Hypertension and Other Metabolic Conditions

A study of 91,002 adults found that marijuana use was associated with a 6% lower risk of developing a metabolic condition overall, including a 7% lower risk of hypertension and an 18% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Heavy marijuana consumers also had a 43% lower adjusted risk of developing obesity.

Study Finds CBDA May Reduce Neuroinflammation and Improve Brain Insulin Signaling

CBDA reduced several markers of brain inflammation and improved insulin signaling in rats fed a high-fat diet. Researchers also observed reduced BACE1 expression, increased BDNF levels and decreased amyloid-beta deposition in part of the brain, although the findings remain preclinical.

CBD Reduced Inflammation and Fat Buildup in Human Immune Cells Exposed to Saturated Fat

CBD reduced inflammatory signaling and fat accumulation in human macrophage-like cells exposed to excess saturated fat. At higher concentrations, CBD reduced several inflammatory markers by roughly 45% to 85% and nearly prevented the intracellular triglyceride buildup caused by saturated-fat exposure.

CBG Improves Kidney Lipid Metabolism Following a High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet

CBG reduced kidney fat accumulation and improved lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet. Researchers found that CBG shifted kidney metabolism toward increased fatty acid breakdown and reduced fat production, suggesting potential protection against early lipid-related kidney damage associated with metabolic disorders.

THC Slowed Weight Loss and Prolonged Survival in Animal Model of Anorexia

THC significantly slowed additional weight loss and prolonged survival in female rats after substantial weight loss had already developed in an activity-based model of anorexia nervosa. The effect appeared to result primarily from reduced excessive physical activity and energy expenditure rather than increased food consumption.

Hemp Compounds Show Promise for Managing Blood Sugar Through Gut-Based Mechanisms

A study found that compounds derived from hemp may help regulate blood sugar through mechanisms involving the gut, pointing to possible new approaches for managing diabetes and metabolic dysfunction.

Marijuana Use Linked to Lower Risk of Several Metabolic Conditions

A new study found that marijuana use was associated with lower odds of several metabolic conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, adding to research suggesting cannabinoids may influence metabolic health.

Cannabidiol Shows Potential to Support Weight Gain and Symptom Improvement in Anorexia

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that CBD was associated with a statistically significant increase in body mass index in women with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia, while also appearing safe and well tolerated.

National Institute on Aging Study Finds Cannabinoid Drug Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Men

A study from researchers at the National Institute on Aging found that nabilone, a cannabinoid-related drug, increased insulin sensitivity in a small group of healthy men, while a higher dose of a CB1 receptor blocker had the opposite effect.

Hemp Seed Compounds Show Potential for Treating Diabetes and Obesity

Researchers found that two hemp seed hull compounds, Cannabisin A and Cannabisin B, improved blood sugar control and restored key metabolic signaling tied to diabetes and obesity in cell, liver and mouse models.

CBG-Dominant Cannabis Extract Reduces Fat Cell Formation and Boosts Fat Burning

Researchers found that a CBG-dominant cannabis extract reduced the formation of fat cells while increasing markers tied to fat breakdown and energy expenditure in a lab model.

Hemp Protein Cuts Cholesterol by Nearly 40% in Lab Tests

A new study found that a modified hemp protein reduced total cholesterol by nearly 40% and triglycerides by more than 30% in lab testing, while also increasing HDL cholesterol.

Study: CBD Protects Insulin-Producing Cells in Obesity, Boosts Key Metabolic Pathway

A new study found that CBD helped protect insulin-producing cells in obesity by improving cellular stress responses and boosting a metabolic pathway tied to glucose regulation and cell survival.

Study: CBD Reduces Inflammatory Lipid Build-Up in Visceral Fat Linked to Obesity

A new animal study found that CBD reduced inflammatory lipid build-up in visceral fat tied to obesity, with the strongest effects seen in the fat surrounding internal organs that is most closely associated with metabolic disease.

Hemp Seed Extract Significantly Reduced Cholesterol in Animal Model, Shows Favorable Safety Profile

A 28-day study involving 30 mice found that hemp seed extract reduced total cholesterol by approximately 18% in females and 12% in males at the higher dose tested. Researchers also observed reductions in triglycerides and examined the extract’s safety following repeated administration, suggesting potential metabolic applications.

Cardiovascular and Blood Health

Study Finds CBD Reduces Cardiac Fibrosis and Improves Heart Function in Mouse Model of Heart Failure

CBD significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood in a mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Researchers also observed reductions in inflammatory signaling and cellular senescence, along with improvements in communication between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.

Study Finds CBD Cut Atherosclerotic Plaque Nearly in Half in Animal Model

CBD reduced aortic plaque buildup by approximately 50% in male mice genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis, with plaque coverage declining from 10.35% to 5.13%. Researchers also observed reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory activity in blood vessel cells, although the same plaque reduction was not found in female mice.

Study of Hundreds of Young Adults Finds No Significant Difference in Arterial Stiffness Between Marijuana Users and Nonusers

A study of 501 adults ages 18 to 34 found no significant overall differences in arterial stiffness between marijuana consumers and nonconsumers. Researchers observed one isolated difference in a measure of pressure-wave reflection but cautioned that it did not demonstrate marijuana causes arterial stiffening.

Study Finds Hemp Seed Polysaccharides Improve Blood Deficiency Markers, Alter Gut Microbiota

Hemp seed polysaccharides improved red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and other blood-related markers in a rat model of blood deficiency syndrome while reducing spleen damage and altering gut microbiota. Polysaccharides from stir-fried hemp seeds generally produced stronger effects.

Inhaled Marijuana Associated With Fewer Irregular Heartbeats in Randomized Clinical Trial

A randomized clinical trial involving 108 regular marijuana consumers found that inhaled marijuana was associated with 9% fewer ectopic, or irregular, heartbeats compared with days of abstinence. The difference was driven primarily by a 10% reduction in premature atrial contractions, while premature ventricular contractions did not change significantly.

Clinical Trial: CBD Linked to Reduced Pain and Inflammation in Patients With Recurrent Pericarditis

A Phase 2 clinical trial involving 27 adults with recurrent pericarditis found that pharmaceutical CBD was associated with substantial reductions in chest pain and systemic inflammation. Average pain scores fell from 5.8 to 2.1 after eight weeks, and 71% of patients who entered an extension period remained free of recurrence while other pericarditis medications were tapered or discontinued.

Oral CBD May Help Lower Blood Pressure

A systematic review published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that oral CBD may help reduce blood pressure in adults, particularly during stress and sleep. The review included four randomized controlled trials involving 120 participants, with all four reporting reductions in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo.

Cannabidiol Shows Potential to Target Key Drivers of Diabetic Heart Disease

A study found that CBD may help counter diabetic heart disease by targeting multiple pathways tied to inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting its potential relevance in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Low-Dose CBD Protected Developing Heart From Oxygen-Related Injury in Newborn Animal Study

A new study found that low-dose CBD helped protect the developing heart from oxygen-related injury in newborn mice, reducing fibrosis, abnormal wall thickening and cell death while preserving cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Study Finds Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil Helps Prevent Early Heart Damage From High-Sugar Diet in Rats

Full-spectrum cannabis oil containing CBD and THC reduced early signs of heart damage in rats fed a high-sugar diet. Researchers found improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation and collagen accumulation, suggesting the extract may help protect cardiac tissue against diet-related metabolic injury.

Study: CBG Reduced Blood Pressure by 18% in Hypertensive Rats, Inhibited Blood Clot Formation in Human Blood Samples

CBG produced dose-dependent reductions in blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive rats while relaxing isolated blood vessels. Separate laboratory experiments using human blood samples found that CBG inhibited platelet aggregation and reduced clot formation, with some effects becoming stronger when combined with CBD.

Study: CBD Reduces Aortic Valve Calcification in Laboratory Experiments

CBD reduced calcium accumulation in pig aortic valve tissue exposed to laboratory conditions modeling calcific aortic valve disease. Researchers identified changes involving ID1 and Twist1 proteins that appeared to influence the development of calcification, suggesting a potential molecular target for future cardiovascular treatments.

Liver and Kidney Health

Activating Cannabinoid Receptor Reduces Iron Overload-Induced Liver Damage

Activating the cannabinoid CB2 receptor significantly reduced liver damage, inflammation and iron accumulation in mice with iron overload. Treatment with a CB2 agonist reduced liver iron accumulation by 49% and serum ferritin by 20%, while mice lacking CB2 experienced substantially greater liver damage and iron buildup.

Cannabinoid-Based Treatments Improved Liver and Metabolic Markers in Animal Model

A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that cannabinoid-based treatments improved several metabolic and liver-health markers in a mouse model of diet-induced metabolic liver disease. The strongest results came from a triple combination of CBD, oleoylethanolamide and a synthetic compound known as PS318.

Marijuana Extract and Aerobic Exercise Linked to Reduced Inflammation in Fatty Liver Model

Researchers found that combining marijuana extract with aerobic exercise reduced inflammation and improved other disease-related markers in a fatty liver model, suggesting the two may have complementary therapeutic effects.

Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil Improves Liver Function and Reduces Disease Markers in Fatty Liver Model

Researchers found that a full-spectrum cannabis oil containing CBD and THC helped reverse multiple markers of fatty liver disease in rats, reducing liver fat accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while improving lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function.

NIH-Supported Study Finds Oral CBD Reduced Kidney Inflammation in Mice With Lupus

An NIH-supported study found that six weeks of oral CBD treatment reduced inflammatory immune-cell activity in the kidneys of mice with lupus nephritis. CBD-treated animals also showed significantly lower blood urea nitrogen levels, an indicator of kidney function, alongside reductions in several immune-cell populations associated with inflammatory kidney damage.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Liver Scarring and Inflammation, Identifies Potential Anti-Fibrosis Mechanism

CBD significantly reduced liver fibrosis, collagen accumulation and inflammation in mice with experimentally induced liver injury. Researchers also observed improved liver function markers and identified a potential mechanism involving TRPV4 signaling and macrophage activity, providing new evidence of CBD’s possible antifibrotic effects.

Inflammatory, Autoimmune and Immune Conditions

CBD and THC Combination Reduces Inflammation and Supports Dental Pulp Repair in Human Cells, Study Finds

CBD and THC administered together significantly reduced inflammatory signaling in human dental pulp cells while promoting cellular processes involved in tissue repair. The combination produced stronger anti-inflammatory effects than either cannabinoid alone, increased cell proliferation and migration, and enhanced markers associated with dentin formation and blood vessel development.

Study Finds CBD Hydrogel Strongly Inhibits Staph Bacteria Growth Without Harming Human Skin Cells

A CBD-loaded hydrogel strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth while remaining noncytotoxic to human skin cells in laboratory testing. The hydrogel also successfully released CBD over time, suggesting potential as a localized delivery system for applications requiring both sustained cannabinoid release and antibacterial activity.

CBD Restores Key Mitochondrial Function in Cells From Rare Genetic Disorder Barth Syndrome

A study found that CBD restored several major cellular and mitochondrial deficits in immune cells derived from people with Barth syndrome, including improvements in cell growth, cardiolipin balance and mitochondrial performance.

Study: Lesser-Known Marijuana Compounds Like CBDV and CBG Can Reduce Inflammation, Especially When Combined

Researchers found that several lesser-known marijuana compounds reduced inflammation, with CBDV showing particularly strong effects on its own and combinations involving CBG or CBN producing especially notable results.

Study: CBD May Slow Aging in Stem Cells Used for Regenerative Medicine

A new study found that CBD helped preserve stem cell function and slowed signs of cellular aging in lab-grown mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting potential benefits for regenerative medicine.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Inflammation, Organ Damage and Bacterial Burden in Animal Model of Sepsis

CBD significantly reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, bacterial burden and markers of organ damage in rats with experimentally induced sepsis. The highest dose produced particularly strong effects, including a 67.3% reduction in a marker of lipid oxidation and a 64.6% decrease in total oxidant status compared with untreated septic animals.

Gastrointestinal and Digestive Health

CBD Enema Linked to Significant Symptom Improvements in Patients With Ulcerative Proctitis

A pilot study involving 14 patients with treatment-resistant ulcerative proctitis found that a daily enema containing CBD and sodium propionate was associated with significant reductions in disease activity, pain, rectal bleeding and stool frequency. Among the nine participants who completed 12 weeks of treatment, 55.6% achieved clinical remission, although the small open-label study lacked a placebo group.

CBD May Reduce Intestinal and Liver Damage in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

CBD reduced intestinal tissue damage, improved intestinal function and helped protect the liver in a rat model of acute mesenteric ischemia. The treatment also reduced markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death in both intestinal and liver tissue.

Marijuana Use Linked to Improved Quality of Life and Symptom Relief Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A survey of 108 marijuana consumers with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis found that 87.6% said marijuana improved their quality of life, with many also reporting relief from nausea, joint pain and insomnia. About 59% said marijuana reduced their use of opioid or narcotic painkillers, although the findings were based on self-reported experiences rather than objective measures of disease activity.

CBD-Loaded Cellulose Aerogels Show Antibacterial Activity Against H. pylori

A study published in The Journal of Supercritical Fluids found that CBD-loaded cellulose aerogels showed antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori. Researchers said the biodegradable delivery system gradually released CBD under gastric-like conditions, suggesting potential for further study in stomach-related bacterial infections.

CBD Promotes Intestinal Stem Cell Regeneration Following Radiation Exposure

A new study found that CBD promoted intestinal stem cell regeneration after radiation exposure, highlighting its potential to help repair gastrointestinal damage caused by radiation.

CBD and Sodium Propionate Enema Reduced Colitis Severity

Researchers found that combining CBD with sodium propionate in a rectal enema reduced disease severity in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, outperforming either treatment on its own and improving markers such as colon length, body weight loss and overall disease activity.

CBD and Probiotics May Work Together to Support the Gut-Brain Axis

A review found that CBD and probiotics may have complementary effects on the gut-brain axis, with both appearing to support microbial diversity, reduce inflammation and influence neuroactive compounds tied to mood and neurological health.

CBD and Marijuana Terpene Combination Improves Intestinal Barrier Measure by 125% in Cell Study Conducted by USDA Researchers

A combination of CBD and the marijuana terpene beta-caryophyllene increased an electrical measure of intestinal barrier integrity by 125% compared with untreated laboratory-grown intestinal cells. Researchers found that the combined treatment produced stronger results than the individual compounds, suggesting potential interactions relevant to intestinal barrier function.

Study: CBG and Terpenes Suppress Reflux-Related DNA Damage and Mutagenicity in Human Esophageal Cells

Researchers found that combining CBG with certain terpenes significantly reduced oxidative stress, DNA damage and genomic instability in human esophageal cells exposed to conditions modeling gastric reflux. A CBG-phytol combination was particularly effective at limiting damage associated with bile acids, suggesting potential applications for protecting esophageal tissue.

Bladder and Urinary Health

Review Finds Marijuana and Cannabinoids May Improve Overactive Bladder and Other Urinary Symptoms

A review of 12 studies found that marijuana and cannabinoid-based treatments may reduce urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence while improving quality of life. The strongest evidence involved people with multiple sclerosis, and researchers said more randomized trials are needed for other conditions.

CBD-Derived Compound Shows Potential to Treat Bladder Dysfunction After Spinal Cord Injury

A study published in Life Sciences found that the CBD-derived compound CIAC001 improved bladder function, reduced neuroinflammation and helped restore bladder-related nerve pathways in mice with spinal cord injury.

Study: CBD Reduced Bladder Pain and Inflammation in Animal Model of Interstitial Cystitis

Researchers found that CBD reduced bladder pain, inflammation and fibrosis while improving bladder function in an animal model of interstitial cystitis.

Skin Health, Psoriasis and Wound Healing

Study Finds Marijuana-Turmeric Extract Reduces Inflammatory Activity in Laboratory Model of Psoriasis

An extract combining marijuana leaves and turmeric significantly reduced inflammatory activity in laboratory models relevant to psoriasis. At one tested concentration, the formulation reduced nitric oxide production by approximately 49% and prostaglandin E2 production by 91%, while also altering the expression of genes associated with psoriasis-related inflammation.

Review of 19 Studies Finds CBD May Help Protect Skin From UV-Induced Damage

A scientific review of 19 studies found that CBD may help protect skin cells against ultraviolet-induced damage by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation and activating cellular antioxidant defenses. The evidence included a small human clinical trial in which CBD-treated skin showed reduced markers of UV-related damage, including epidermal thickening and DNA damage.

Topical CBD Oil Nearly Eliminates Severe Keloids and Restores Function in Patient, NIH Case Report Finds

A case report from National Institutes of Health researchers found that topical CBD oil was associated with near-complete flattening of severe, treatment-resistant keloids in a 37-year-old patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease. The patient experienced substantial improvement after approximately 12 months, including restored function and improved quality of life, with no reported side effects from the CBD treatment.

Study Finds Cannabis-Turmeric Cream May Improve Eczema and Psoriasis Symptoms

A topical cream containing cannabis and turmeric extracts was associated with reduced eczema symptoms in four patients and substantial improvement in one patient with psoriasis. Laboratory testing also found antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, although the uncontrolled clinical portion was extremely small and requires confirmation in larger trials.

CBD-Dominant Cannabis Extract Reduced Symptoms and Restored Skin Barrier Proteins in Atopic Dermatitis Model

A CBD-dominant cannabis extract reduced redness, swelling, skin damage and inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis while restoring proteins important for maintaining the skin barrier. The higher dose produced improvements comparable to the corticosteroid dexamethasone in several measurements, although the findings have not been tested in humans.

CBD Reduced UVB-Induced Skin Inflammation in Human Cells and Mice

CBD reduced inflammation caused by UVB radiation in human skin cells by suppressing inflammatory signaling, including production of IL-6. A topical CBD formulation also reduced signs of UVB-related skin inflammation in mice, suggesting potential for further development of CBD-based treatments for inflammatory skin damage.

CBD and CBG May Help Protect Skin Cells From UVA-Related Damage

A study published in Antioxidants found that CBD and CBG may help protect skin cells from damage caused by UVA radiation. Researchers said the cannabinoids helped reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling and related cellular damage in normal melanocytes and melanoma cells.

Cannabis Root Nanoparticles Show Promise in Protecting Skin Cells From UVB Damage

A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that nanoparticles derived from cannabis root cultures may help protect skin cells from UVB-related damage. Researchers found the particles improved cell viability, reduced oxidative stress and supported skin barrier-related genes in human keratinocyte cells.

Hemp Seed Oil Nanoemulgel Shows Promise for Treating Psoriasis

A study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules found that a hemp seed oil-based nanoemulgel significantly reduced inflammation in an animal model of psoriasis. Researchers said the formulation may help stabilize hemp seed oil delivery while preserving its functional properties.

CBD-Infused Hydrogels Show Potential for Treating Chronic Wounds

Researchers found that CBD-infused hydrogels showed promising wound-healing properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, suggesting they may offer a new approach for treating chronic wounds.

Cannabis Seed Extracts Show Strong Anti-Aging and Skin-Protective Potential in New Research

Researchers found that phenolic-rich cannabis seed extracts showed strong antioxidant activity and inhibited multiple enzymes tied to skin aging, inflammation and discoloration, pointing to possible cosmetic and skin-protective applications.

CBD Nanoemulsion Using Argan Oil Shows Promise for Psoriasis Treatment

Researchers found that a CBD nanoemulsion made with argan oil showed improved stability, controlled release and favorable topical safety findings, suggesting it may be a promising approach for psoriasis treatment.

CB1 Activation Helps Speed Wound Healing, Reports Study

Researchers found that activating CB1 boosted key wound-healing processes in human skin cells and accelerated wound closure in mice, suggesting cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential in tissue repair.

Study: CBN Reduces Eczema-Like Skin Inflammation and Disease Severity

Cannabinol (CBN) reduced eczema-like skin inflammation in mice, including abnormal skin thickening, inflammatory-cell infiltration and overall disease severity. Researchers also identified interactions involving TRPV1 and CB2 receptors and the JAK2/STAT6 signaling pathway, suggesting a potential mechanism behind the cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory effects.

New Systematic Review Finds CBD May Improve Wound Healing, Collagen Production and Skin Repair

A systematic review of five studies found evidence that CBD may improve wound closure, collagen deposition and tissue regeneration while reducing inflammatory activity. Four studies reported beneficial effects, with the evidence largely coming from laboratory and animal experiments rather than large human clinical trials.

Study Finds New CBD Formulation Increases Skin Absorption Sevenfold and Reduces Inflammatory Markers

A specially formulated CBD emulsion delivered approximately seven times more CBD into reconstructed human skin after 24 hours than a conventional oil-based preparation. The formulation also reduced UVB-induced production of the inflammatory proteins IL-6 and IL-8 by 93% and 73%, respectively, in laboratory-grown skin cells.

Dental and Oral Health

Study Finds CBD and CBG Disrupt Cavity-Causing Dental Biofilms, Including Established Biofilms

CBD and CBG substantially inhibited the formation of cavity-causing dental biofilms in laboratory testing, reducing microbial metabolic activity by 96% and biofilm biomass by 80%. Both cannabinoids also disrupted established biofilms containing Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, with repeated CBD treatment reducing viable S. mutans bacteria by as much as 95%.

Study Finds CBD Inhibits Dental Plaque Bacteria and Biofilm Formation

CBD significantly inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus oralis, a bacterium involved in early dental plaque development, while maintaining the viability of human gum cells at the concentrations tested. Researchers said the preclinical findings support further investigation of CBD for oral health applications.

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Reduced Pain From Burning Mouth Syndrome in Placebo-Controlled Trial

A placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 26 adults with burning mouth syndrome found that full-spectrum CBD oil significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life. By the final assessment, median pain scores among CBD recipients had fallen to zero on a 10-point scale, compared with more than six among those receiving placebo.

CBD Mouthwash May Help Control Dental Biofilm Without Damaging Enamel

A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that CBD-based mouthwash may help control dental biofilm without damaging enamel. Researchers said a 0.05% CBD formulation showed the strongest overall potential, with biofilm control similar to chlorhexidine while avoiding some enamel-related drawbacks.

CBD and Hemp Seed Oil Improve Jaw Function Over Time in Patients With Myofascial Pain Disorder

A study found that CBD combined with hemp seed oil improved jaw function over time in patients with myofascial pain disorder, supporting its potential for managing chronic jaw pain and dysfunction.

THC and CBD Combination Reduces Pain, Improves Jaw Function in Patients With Chronic TMD

A study in adults with chronic temporomandibular disorder found that a balanced THC/CBD treatment significantly reduced pain and improved jaw mobility, with functional pain falling by roughly 90%.

Study: THC Shown to Disrupt Cavity-Causing Bacteria and Dental Biofilms

Researchers found that THC significantly inhibited the growth and acid production of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria most associated with cavities, while also sharply reducing the formation and activity of dental biofilms in laboratory testing.

Study: CBD Gel Reduced Jaw Muscle Activity in Adults With Temporomandibular Disorders

A randomized, double-blind pilot study found that nightly use of an intraoral CBD gel significantly reduced jaw muscle activity in adults with temporomandibular disorders, with no adverse events reported.

CBD Reduces Bacteria That Causes Gum Disease, Finds New Lab Study

In a laboratory study, CBD reduced total bacterial levels and lowered key bacteria tied to gum disease in a model designed to mimic subgingival oral biofilms.

Eye Health and Glaucoma

CBD Provided Pain Relief Comparable to Codeine-Acetaminophen After Laser Eye Surgery

A randomized clinical trial involving 35 adults found that oral CBD provided pain control comparable to codeine-acetaminophen after photorefractive keratectomy laser eye surgery. Researchers found no statistically significant difference between the treatments in average or maximum pain, recovery outcomes were similar, and CBD produced minimal side effects.

THC Linked to Significant Reduction in Eye Pressure, Key Factor in Glaucoma Treatment

Researchers found that THC significantly reduced intraocular pressure, a major factor in glaucoma, supporting longstanding interest in cannabinoids as potential treatments for the condition.

Study: Maternal Marijuana Use Not Linked to Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants

A large study found that preterm infants born to mothers with a diagnosed marijuana use disorder were no more likely to develop retinopathy of prematurity than those born to mothers without such a diagnosis.

Study of Over 25,000 People Finds Daily Marijuana Use Associated With 39% Lower Odds of Glaucoma

A study involving 25,480 participants found that daily marijuana consumers had 39% lower adjusted odds of primary open-angle glaucoma compared with nonusers. Researchers analyzing data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program identified an inverse relationship between consumption frequency and glaucoma diagnoses, although the observational findings do not establish causation.

Study Finds CBD Eye Drops Significantly Reduce Eye Pressure in Rabbits, Suggesting Potential for Glaucoma Treatment

A specially formulated CBD eye treatment significantly reduced intraocular pressure in rabbits, including animals with experimentally elevated eye pressure. The nanoparticle-based formulation converted into a gel after application, allowing CBD to remain in contact with ocular tissues and producing measurable pressure reductions without observable eye irritation during short-term testing.

Bone, Joint and Muscle Health

Study Finds Marijuana Use Does Not Affect Strength Recovery After Nerve Transfer Surgery

A retrospective study of 49 patients undergoing nerve transfer surgery found no significant association between marijuana use and functional strength recovery at six, 12, 18 or 24 months following surgery. Researchers found that younger age and undergoing surgery sooner after injury were more strongly associated with favorable recovery outcomes than marijuana consumption.

Phytocannabinoids May Support Bone Health and Fracture Healing, Finds New Review

A scientific review found that cannabinoids, particularly CBD and CBG, may support bone health by promoting fracture healing, reducing bone loss and alleviating fracture-related pain. Animal studies demonstrated improvements in bone density, strength and healing, while preliminary human research suggested cannabinoids may influence markers of bone metabolism.

CBD Reduced Joint Inflammation and Bone Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis Model

CBD significantly reduced arthritis severity, joint inflammation, abnormal blood vessel formation and structural bone damage in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory experiments also found that CBD suppressed the abnormal activity of rheumatoid arthritis-associated cells and disrupted signaling involved in inflammation and blood vessel growth.

Hemp Seed Protein Treatment May Reduce Muscle Loss and Improve Strength

Hemp seed protein hydrolysates helped prevent muscle loss and improve strength in cell and mouse models of muscle atrophy. In mice, the treatment increased grip strength and muscle mass, with researchers reporting stronger effects than those produced by whey protein.

Review Highlights Endocannabinoid System’s Role in Muscle Health and CBD’s Therapeutic Potential

A review published in Molecular Metabolism highlights the endocannabinoid system’s role in skeletal muscle health and CBD’s potential therapeutic relevance. Researchers examined how endocannabinoid signaling influences muscle development and function, noting its possible connection to conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia, cachexia and muscular dystrophies.

CBD May Reduce Muscle Aging by Lowering Oxidative Stress and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Researchers found that CBD may help reduce muscle aging by lowering oxidative stress and altering gut microbiota, suggesting a possible role in preserving muscle health during aging.

CBD Boosts Methotrexate’s Anti-Arthritis Effects While Reducing Reproductive Toxicity

Researchers found that combining CBD with methotrexate enhanced anti-inflammatory effects in an arthritis model while also reducing the reproductive toxicity linked to methotrexate treatment, pointing to possible dual therapeutic benefits.

Study Finds CBD May Support Bone Formation, Strength, and Healing Through Multiple Biological Pathways

A new review of 24 studies found that CBD may support bone formation, mineralization, fracture healing and strength through multiple pathways tied to bone turnover, inflammation and oxidative stress, though the evidence remains largely preclinical.

CBG Improved Grip Strength and Muscle Performance in Mice With Steroid-Induced Muscle Atrophy

CBG improved muscle strength and exercise performance in mice with steroid-induced muscle atrophy, particularly when combined with resistance training. The combination increased ladder-climbing power by approximately 87% after four weeks compared with training alone, while peak grip strength improved by roughly 10%.

Reproductive, Sexual and Women’s Health

Study Finds THC-CBD Marijuana Extracts Linked to Reduced Pain and Opioid Use in Women With Endometriosis

A prospective study involving 30 women with endometriosis found that three months of treatment with oral THC-CBD marijuana extracts was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, days experiencing pain and use of conventional painkillers, including opioids. Participants also experienced improvements in fatigue, anxiety, disability and overall quality of life, with benefits appearing within the first month of treatment.

Medical Cannabis Associated With Sustained Endometriosis Pain Relief and Lower Opioid Use Over Two Years

A two-year study of 101 women with endometriosis found that prescribed medical marijuana was associated with sustained reductions in pain and improvements in quality of life, anxiety and sleep. Average daily opioid use also declined from 19.9 to 14.8 milligrams of oral morphine equivalents, although the observational study lacked a control group and cannot establish causation.

Prenatal Marijuana Use Not Linked to Increased Risk of Childhood Anxiety or Depression

A study tracking 115,533 children found that marijuana use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of childhood anxiety or depressive disorders through age 13 after researchers adjusted for demographic, health and substance-use factors. Researchers cautioned that an observed lower rate of anxiety among some exposed children should not be interpreted as evidence that prenatal marijuana use is protective.

CBD Produces Memory Improvements Comparable to Estrogen Therapy in Menopause Model

CBD improved memory in a rat model of menopause-related cognitive decline, producing effects comparable to estrogen therapy. Both CBD and estradiol completely reversed impairments in fear-related memory, while CBD also increased hippocampal levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG.

Women of Childbearing Age View Marijuana as Relatively Safe During Pregnancy

A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that many women of childbearing age view marijuana as relatively safe during pregnancy, especially for symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, sleep issues and pain. Among participants who had previously been pregnant, 25.9% reported using marijuana during pregnancy.

High-Dose CBD Linked to Increased Testosterone in Men

A human study published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids found that short-term, high-dose CBD use was associated with increased testosterone levels in men. Researchers said testosterone rose 1.44-fold compared to placebo, though levels remained within normal physiological ranges and the study involved just 12 healthy adults.

CBD-Rich Nanoemulsion Reduced Testicular and Hormonal Damage in Animal Model

A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that a CBD-rich nanoemulsion reduced testicular and hormonal damage caused by prenatal valproic acid exposure in rats. Researchers said the treatment helped reverse morphometric, hormonal and oxidative changes, while also normalizing antioxidant enzyme activity.

Clinical Trial Finds CBD Suppositories May Ease Menstrual and Pelvic Pain

A clinical trial found that CBD suppositories were associated with reductions in menstrual and pelvic pain symptoms, pointing to a potential new localized treatment approach.

Study: Young Adults Say Marijuana Enhances Pleasure, Connection and Confidence During Sex

A recent study found that many young adults report marijuana enhances sexual experiences by increasing pleasure, emotional connection and confidence, while also shaping communication and comfort with partners.

Harvard Researcher Reports Promising Early CBD Findings for Endometriosis Pain, Menstrual Symptoms and Anxiety

Preliminary clinical research presented by a Harvard Medical School researcher found that CBD was associated with improvements in endometriosis-related pain, menstrual symptoms and anxiety across several investigations. Early placebo-controlled findings involving 10 patients showed lower pain ratings during CBD treatment, while separate studies identified improvements in menstrual functioning and anxiety symptoms.

Study Finds CBD May Increase Sexual Motivation and Restore Sexual Behavior

A study involving 128 male rats found that CBD improved sexual motivation and restored sexual behavior in animals experiencing experimentally induced sexual inhibition. At one dose, all eight sexually inhibited rats receiving CBD resumed sexual activity, with 87.5% also resuming activity after ejaculation.

HIV, Infections and Antimicrobial Research

Study Finds THC Suppresses Inflammatory T-Cell Response Linked to HIV-Related Cognitive Decline

THC significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, including interferon gamma, interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, in isolated human CD8+ T cells. Researchers also found that THC interfered with the development of an inflammatory T-cell state associated with HIV-related neuroinflammation, identifying a potential mechanism relevant to cognitive complications among people living with HIV.

Study Finds Cannabis Use Not Linked to Added Brain White Matter Abnormalities in People With HIV, May Reduce Burden

A study of 296 adults found that cannabis use did not add to brain white matter abnormalities among people with HIV and may have been associated with a lower burden. People with HIV who used cannabis had levels of periventricular white matter abnormalities similar to controls.

Cannabis Extracts Inhibit MRSA

Extracts from two high-CBD cannabis varieties inhibited methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in laboratory testing, with methanol extracts generally producing the strongest effects. The extracts did not show detectable antimicrobial activity against four other microorganisms tested, and researchers said the findings could provide a starting point for developing cannabis-based topical treatments for MRSA infections.

Cannabis Extracts Show Antiviral Activity and Alter Immune Responses in Cells

Cannabis extracts containing different combinations of THC, CBD and CBG produced distinct effects on immune activity in laboratory testing, while THC-CBD, CBD-dominant and CBG-dominant extracts significantly reduced levels of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 in infected cells. The findings remain preclinical and were produced using bovine immune and kidney-derived cell models.

CBD and Diclofenac Combination Kills Certain Staph Bacteria in Lab Study

A combination of CBD and the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac killed certain Staphylococcus bacteria more effectively than either compound alone, producing a synergistic effect against S. epidermidis and an additive effect against S. aureus. The formulation showed no antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli or P. aeruginosa.

THC and CBD May Help Reduce HIV-Related Neuroinflammation

A study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found that THC and CBD may help reduce inflammatory processes tied to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Researchers from Michigan State University found both cannabinoids reduced several inflammatory mediators linked to neuroinflammation in a cell-based model.

Cannabichromevarin Shows Promise as Potential Antiviral Candidate Against Measles

A study published in Scientific Reports found that several minor cannabinoids may have potential as antiviral candidates targeting the measles virus, with cannabichromevarin, or CBCV, emerging as the strongest lead. The findings are preliminary, as the study was based on computer modeling rather than laboratory, animal or human testing.

Full-Spectrum CBD Well Tolerated in Adults With HIV Over 12-Month Period

A randomized clinical trial found that low-dose full-spectrum CBD was well tolerated in adults with long-term, virally suppressed HIV, with no meaningful negative effects on liver function, kidney function or key HIV-related measures.

Cannabis Use Linked to Reduced Inflammation-Related Proteins in People With HIV

A new study found that cannabis use was associated with reduced levels of inflammation-related proteins in people with HIV, suggesting a possible connection between cannabis exposure and lower immune activation.

CBD Suppresses HIV Replication and Immune Inflammation

A new study found that CBD suppressed HIV replication and reduced immune inflammation in experimental models, highlighting possible antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

CBD Blocks HIV Infection Pathways in Immune Cells, Shows Potential as Preventative Therapy

Researchers found that CBD blocked multiple HIV infection pathways in immune cells, suggesting it may have potential as a preventative therapy by interfering with early stages of viral transmission.

CBD May Help Block HIV Transmission Through Multiple Mucosal Pathways

A new study found that CBD blocked several early steps involved in HIV-1 transmission in lab and tissue-based models, including direct infection of macrophages and CD4+ T-cells, as well as viral transfer mediated by Langerhans cells and dendritic cells.

Low-Dose CBD Found Safe for People With HIV on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy, With Potentially Beneficial Physiological Changes

Researchers found that low-dose CBD was safe and well tolerated in people with HIV receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy, while also producing potentially beneficial changes in immune and metabolic markers.

CBD Found to Disrupt Key Infection Mechanisms of Listeria

A new study found that CBD may weaken Listeria monocytogenes by reducing motility, toxin production and host-cell invasion, suggesting potential applications in food safety and treatment strategies.

Study: Hemp Seed Extracts May Enhance Effectiveness of Antibiotics and Antifungal Medications

Researchers found that certain hemp seed extracts showed antimicrobial activity in lab testing and, when combined with medications such as amoxicillin and miconazole, produced measurable synergistic effects.

Study: CBD Shows Potent Antibacterial Activity Against Drug-Resistant Enterococcus Strains

A new lab study found that CBD demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, including drug-resistant strains linked to hospital-acquired infections.

Study: CBD Reduces Neuroinflammation Linked to Long COVID by Modulating Brain Cell Signaling

A new study found that CBD reduced neuroinflammation tied to long COVID by altering signaling pathways in brain cells, pointing to its potential to help address lingering neurological symptoms.

Study Finds Silver Particles Made With Marijuana Extract Enhance Antibiotics Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Silver particles produced using marijuana leaf extract significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of cefotaxime and meropenem against drug-resistant bacteria in laboratory testing. Researchers observed synergistic effects against E. coli and Salmonella typhi, with the strongest combinations demonstrating substantially greater activity than the antibiotics alone.

Respiratory and Lung Health

CBD Reduced Lung Injury by Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cell Death Pathways

A study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences found that CBD helped protect against lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Researchers found CBD reduced markers of inflammation, apoptosis and necroptosis, while increasing antioxidant activity, suggesting potential therapeutic value for this type of lung injury.

Cannabinoid Compound Found to Reduce Asthma-Related Airway Inflammation

Researchers found that a cannabinoid-based compound reduced airway inflammation and other key markers associated with asthma in a preclinical model, suggesting potential therapeutic value for inflammatory respiratory conditions.

CBD Found to Significantly Reduce Lung Inflammation in Acute Lung Injury

A study found that CBD significantly reduced lung inflammation and tissue damage in a model of acute lung injury, supporting its potential as a treatment for severe inflammatory lung conditions.

Study: CB2 Activation May Reduce Lung Injury Caused by COVID-19

A recent study found that activating the CB2 receptor reduced inflammation, improved lung function and lowered markers of immune overactivation in an animal model of COVID-19-related lung injury.

Study Finds THC May Reduce Inflammation and Help Preserve Lung Tissue Against Parasitic Infection

THC reduced several inflammatory immune responses in mice infected with a parasitic worm that travels through the lungs, while helping preserve a structural component of lung tissue. Researchers observed reductions in circulating eosinophils and monocytes, increased regulatory T-cell activity and changes in inflammatory signaling pathways within lung immune cells.

Neurological Health, Brain Injury and Stroke

Study Finds Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Reduces Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Model of Maple Syrup Urine Disease

Full-spectrum CBD-rich oil significantly reduced brain inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of maple syrup urine disease, a rare inherited metabolic disorder. The treatment also restored several neurochemical markers and produced partial improvements in recognition memory, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects that warrant further investigation.

Review: THCA, CBDA and Other Acidic Cannabinoids Show Promise for Epilepsy, Anxiety, Depression and Neurodegenerative Diseases

A scientific review found that acidic cannabinoids including THCA, CBDA and CBGA are biologically active compounds with potential therapeutic relevance for brain disorders. Preclinical evidence suggests effects involving epilepsy, anxiety, depression, psychosis and neurodegenerative diseases, although researchers emphasized that human clinical evidence remains limited.

Study Finds THC Reduced Inflammation and Neuroinflammatory Signaling in Human Cells and Mice

THC reduced multiple inflammatory markers in human immune cells and dampened immune activation and neuroinflammatory signaling in mice. Researchers also observed increased activity in pathways associated with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, although the findings remain preclinical.

THC May Promote Brain Cell Proliferation and Reduce Inflammation

THC increased a marker associated with cell proliferation and reduced inflammatory markers in the hippocampus of female rats, with some effects influenced by estrogen levels. Researchers also observed a trend toward increased expression of a neurogenesis-related marker, although the findings did not establish that THC increased production of mature new neurons.

CBD May Help Protect Against Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Cell Death

CBD significantly reduced ferroptosis, an iron-regulated form of cell death associated with traumatic brain injury, in rat and cell models. Researchers identified the miR-320-3p/Negr1/ERK signaling pathway as a key mechanism behind CBD’s apparent neuroprotective effects.

CBD Reduced Brain Injury and Cognitive Deficits Following TBI

A study published in Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters found that CBD reduced brain injury and cognitive deficits caused by traumatic brain injury in cell and mouse models. Researchers said CBD appeared to reduce ferroptosis, a form of cell death tied to iron-dependent oxidative stress.

CBD Shows Neuroprotective Potential in Stroke Recovery

A new review found that CBD may help protect brain tissue and support recovery after stroke by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and cell death, while also influencing pathways tied to neuroprotection and repair.

CBD May Help Limit the “Second Wave” of Brain Damage After Traumatic Brain Injury, Study Finds

A new review found that CBD may help reduce the delayed secondary wave of brain damage that often follows traumatic brain injury by dampening inflammation, protecting neurons and supporting blood-brain barrier function.

Study: CBD Protects Newborn Brain Cells From Oxygen Deprivation by Blocking Ferroptosis Pathway

A new study found that CBD protected newborn brain cells in a lab model of oxygen deprivation by reducing oxidative stress, preserving antioxidant defenses, and helping prevent the iron buildup that drives ferroptotic cell death.

Study: Medical Cannabinoids Show Broad Neuroprotective Effects in Ischemic Stroke Models

A new analysis found that medical cannabinoids produced broad neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models, reducing brain damage and improving neurological outcomes across multiple animal studies.

CBD Improves Cognitive Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury by Blocking Neuronal Oxidative Stress, Study Finds

Researchers found that CBD improved cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury in an animal model by reducing oxidative stress and helping protect neurons from damage.

Study Finds CBD Promotes Nerve Regeneration, Improves Recovery and Reduces Muscle Loss After Injury, Restore Beneficial Gut Bacteria

CBD promoted nerve regeneration and improved recovery following sciatic nerve injuries in mice while reducing muscle loss and restoring beneficial intestinal bacteria. Researchers identified a pathway involving Akkermansia muciniphila, bacterial metabolites and MAPK signaling, with disruption of the gut microbiome significantly weakening CBD’s protective effects.

Study: Activating Cannabinoid Receptor Reduces Stroke Damage and Brain Inflammation, Preserves Immune Function in Animal Model

Activating the cannabinoid CB2 receptor significantly reduced brain tissue damage, inflammation and neurological impairment in mice following experimentally induced strokes. Treatment with the selective CB2 agonist HU-308 also helped preserve immune function and lowered inflammatory markers, including TNF and IL-6, in affected brain tissue.

Study Finds THC Reduces Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Damage Caused by High-Fructose Diet

THC reduced markers of brain inflammation and oxidative damage in rats fed a high-fructose diet. Researchers observed improvements in inflammatory signaling and antioxidant defenses, suggesting the cannabinoid may help counter some neurological effects associated with excessive dietary sugar consumption.

Study Finds Brain’s Natural Cannabinoid System Declines With Age, While Low-Dose THC May Help Counter Memory Loss

A scientific review published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found that endocannabinoid signaling generally declines with age, potentially contributing to changes in memory, learning and brain inflammation. Researchers also examined animal evidence suggesting that low doses of THC may help counter certain age-related cognitive impairments.

Study Finds CBD and CBG Protect Brain Cells From Toxic Damage, Identifies Key Receptor Behind Effects

CBD and CBG protected cultured rat brain cells from toxin-induced damage through a mechanism involving the sigma-1 receptor. Blocking that receptor eliminated the cannabinoids’ protective effects, providing evidence that sigma-1 signaling plays an important role in their neuroprotective activity.

Study Finds CBD Protects Brain Cells and Reduces Inflammatory Responses Following Brain Injury in Songbirds

A study involving 16 zebra finches found that CBD treatment helped protect brain cells and altered inflammatory responses following experimentally induced injuries. Researchers observed changes in astrocyte activity and reduced neuronal damage across brain regions involved in learned vocal behavior, supporting further investigation of CBD’s neuroprotective properties.

CBD-Loaded Sponge Reduces Brain Swelling and Neuroinflammation After Traumatic Brain Injury, Study Finds

A CBD-loaded biodegradable sponge placed directly at the site of traumatic brain injury reduced brain swelling, inflammation and neurological impairment in rats. The formulation also helped restore blood-brain barrier integrity and released CBD gradually over several days, suggesting a potential localized treatment approach for brain injuries.

Federally Funded Study Finds CBD Reduces Brain Inflammation Markers in Human Cells

A federally funded laboratory study found that CBD reduced several markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in human microglial cells exposed to inflammatory stimuli. Researchers observed reductions in inflammatory signaling involving interferon-gamma, interleukin-1 beta and IL-6, suggesting potential neuroprotective mechanisms involving the brain’s immune cells.

CBD and CBG Restored Memory in Animal Model of Iron-Related Brain Damage, Study Finds

A study involving 63 rats found that CBD and CBG significantly improved recognition memory following excessive iron exposure during early development. Both cannabinoids reduced several signs of neurological damage after 21 days of treatment, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects involving oxidative stress and other processes associated with iron-related brain injury.

Addiction, Alcohol and Substance Use

Study of More Than 30,000 Students Challenges Marijuana Gateway Theory, Finds Its Role in Drug Use Patterns Has Declined

A study examining substance use patterns among 30,746 Colombian university students found that marijuana’s central role in connections between different drugs declined substantially between 2012 and 2023. Marijuana’s weighted degree centrality fell approximately 67%, from 6.19 to 2.02, while tobacco replaced marijuana as the most central substance, challenging assumptions underlying the longstanding marijuana gateway theory.

Review Finds CBD May Protect Against Methamphetamine-Related Brain Injury Through Multiple Pathways

A scientific review found that CBD may help protect nerve cells from methamphetamine-related damage through mechanisms involving reduced oxidative stress, suppressed neuroinflammation and improved mitochondrial function. Researchers also identified potential benefits involving autophagy and the regulation of programmed cell death, highlighting CBD’s possible role in protecting against neurological damage associated with methamphetamine exposure.

CBD Protects Brain Cells From Methamphetamine-Induced Damage, Study Finds

CBD protected hippocampal neurons from methamphetamine-induced damage in a laboratory study, improving cell viability and restoring more normal autophagy activity. Researchers found that the effects involved the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor and related cellular signaling, although the study was conducted using isolated brain cells rather than animals or humans.

THCV and CBD Reduce Voluntary Alcohol Consumption in Long-Term Animal Study

THCV and CBD both reduced voluntary alcohol consumption in male rats with a long history of drinking, although the cannabinoids appeared to affect drinking behavior through different mechanisms. THCV primarily reduced the size of individual drinking bouts, while CBD reduced the rate at which the animals consumed the alcohol solution.

Low-THC, High-CBD Extract May Reduce Cocaine Relapse

A study published in Brain Sciences found that a low-THC, high-CBD cannabis extract reduced relapse-like behavior in mice by disrupting cocaine-associated memories. Researchers said the extract reduced both cocaine-primed and stress-induced reinstatement, while showing no reinforcing or aversive effects on its own.

Cannabis Use Linked to Reduced Opioid Use Among People Managing Withdrawal

A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that people who used cannabis to manage opioid withdrawal were more likely to report reduced opioid use. The association was especially strong among participants with moderate to severe pain, who had more than six times higher odds of reporting reduced opioid use.

CBD Reduces Heroin-Seeking Behavior by Reversing Brain Changes Linked to Relapse

A new study found that CBD reduced heroin-seeking behavior in a preclinical model by reversing brain changes associated with relapse, adding to evidence that it may have potential in addiction treatment.

CBN and THCV Effective in Reducing Alcohol Intake, Outperforming CBD

A new study found that CBN and THCV significantly reduced alcohol intake in mice, while CBD showed no meaningful effect, suggesting certain lesser-known cannabinoids may have stronger potential for addressing alcohol use than CBD alone.

Delta-8 THC May Dramatically Slow Nicotine Metabolism, Raising Smoking Cessation Potential

A new study found that delta-8 THC strongly inhibited the enzyme primarily responsible for nicotine metabolism, raising the possibility that it could help prolong nicotine exposure and potentially aid smoking cessation.

Study: Cannabis Drinks Linked to 50% Drop in Alcohol Use, University at Buffalo Study Finds

Researchers found that adults who used cannabis-infused beverages during a monitored drinking period cut their alcohol intake by about half, suggesting the products may serve as a substitute for some drinkers.

Study: Full-Spectrum CBD Extract Reduced Meth Relapse-Like Behavior Better than CBD Alone

A recent study found that a full-spectrum CBD extract reduced relapse-like methamphetamine seeking and meth-triggered hyperactivity in rats more effectively than CBD isolate alone, suggesting other plant compounds may enhance CBD’s therapeutic effects.

Cannabidiol Shows Promise in Easing Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Study Finds

A recent study found that CBD may help ease symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, supporting its potential as a therapeutic aid during the withdrawal process.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Methamphetamine-Related Brain Damage and Drug-Associated Behavior

A study combining analysis of human brain tissue with experiments involving 40 mice found that CBD reduced several signs of methamphetamine-associated neurological damage. Researchers identified effects involving iron-related cell death, oxidative stress and drug-associated behavior, suggesting potential protective mechanisms against stimulant-related brain injury.

Yale-Led Review of 52 Studies Finds CBD May Help Cigarette Smokers Quit

A Yale-led review of 52 studies found preliminary evidence that CBD may help reduce cigarette consumption and nicotine-related cravings. One placebo-controlled trial involving 24 smokers found that those using a CBD inhaler reduced cigarette consumption by approximately 40% over one week, although researchers identified substantial gaps in the broader clinical evidence.

Exercise, Sports and Recovery

CBD May Support Post-Exercise Recovery but Does Not Directly Improve Athletic Performance, Review Finds

A scientific review found that CBD may help athletes recover from strenuous exercise by reducing muscle soreness and certain biomarkers of muscle damage. Oral and sublingual formulations showed more encouraging results than topical products, while researchers found little evidence that CBD directly improves endurance, power, running performance or other athletic measures.

CBD May Help Ease Pain and Improve Recovery After Exercise-Related Muscle Injury

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that CBD may reduce pain, strength loss and physical disability after exercise-related muscle injury, with no reported side effects among participants who used the CBD product.

Study: 56% of Elite and Professional Contact Sport Athletes Use Marijuana or Other Cannabinoid Products, Just 21% Comfortable Discussing Use With Medical Staff

A survey involving elite and professional contact sport athletes found that 56% of respondents who answered consumption questions currently used marijuana or cannabinoid products, while 81% reported lifetime use. Athletes commonly reported benefits involving sleep, relaxation and pain, yet just 21.4% felt comfortable discussing cannabinoid use with team medical personnel.

Veterinary and Animal Health

Study Finds Hemp-Based Diets Improve Sperm Quality in Rams

A study involving 24 rams found that diets supplemented with hemp seeds and hemp cake improved sperm membrane integrity, mitochondrial function and several measures of antioxidant activity. Hemp supplementation did not significantly affect overall sperm motility, although certain formulations produced stronger improvements in oxidative balance and sperm functionality.

CBD and CBDA Hemp Extract May Help Calm Stressed Shelter Dogs, Study Finds

A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study involving 17 shelter dogs found that a CBD- and CBDA-rich hemp extract increased resting and reduced activity, with the strongest differences appearing at night. Researchers said the findings were more consistent with reduced vigilance and reactivity than generalized sedation, although the study was small and has not yet undergone peer review.

Study Finds CBD Reduces Stress and Improves Survival in Farmed Sea Bass

CBD reduced physiological stress and was associated with improved survival in juvenile sea bass subjected to a confinement stress challenge. CBD-treated fish showed lower cortisol levels and increased baseline immune activity without impaired growth, with the strongest overall effects occurring when CBD was combined with environmental enrichment.

Hemp May Alter Gut Microbiota and Reduce Harmful Bacteria in Livestock

A review of 16 studies found that hemp-derived feeds and cannabinoids may beneficially alter gut bacteria, fermentation and intestinal health in livestock. Among poultry studies, hemp products were associated with increases in beneficial bacteria and reductions in E. coli or coliform bacteria, while some research also suggested potential effects on intestinal-barrier function and methane production.

CBD Oil Was Well Tolerated in Dogs With Osteoarthritis

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 10 dogs with osteoarthritis found that oral CBD oil was generally well tolerated over four weeks, with only one case of mild diarrhea reported. The small study did not establish that CBD reliably reduced osteoarthritis pain but provided data to help design larger trials.

CBD Supplementation May Strengthen Honeybee Immune Defenses

CBD supplementation favorably altered the immune-related proteolytic system on the surface of honeybees, potentially helping maintain their defenses as they age. Researchers found increased activity of several protective enzymes and inhibitors in CBD-treated bees, with the effects strongest when CBD was administered in sugar syrup.

Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil Reduced Anesthetic Needs in Dogs

A study published in Veterinary Research Communications found that full-spectrum cannabis oil containing CBD and THC reduced anesthetic requirements in dogs undergoing cancer-related surgery. Dogs given the oil required substantially less propofol and lower concentrations of sevoflurane, with no reported adverse events during treatment or the immediate post-anesthetic period.

Cannabis Oils Linked to Improved Quality of Life in Horse With Severe Chronic Disease

A case report published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that THC- and CBD-rich cannabis oils were associated with improved comfort, appetite, mobility and wound healing in a severely ill horse receiving palliative care. Researchers said the treatment was linked to improved quality of life over most of the 10-month treatment period.

Cannabis Seed Feed Boosts Chicken Nutrition Without Impacting Growth

A new study found that cannabis seed-based feed improved nutritional quality in chickens without negatively affecting growth, pointing to possible agricultural value for hemp-derived feed ingredients.

CBD May Help Relieve Pain in Dogs With Osteoarthritis

A study found that CBD may help reduce pain and improve comfort in dogs with osteoarthritis, supporting its potential as a treatment option for managing chronic joint pain in pets.

Survey: Vast Majority of Veterinarians in Portugal Report Using CBD for Pets, High Satisfaction Across Multiple Conditions

A survey of 166 small-animal veterinarians in Portugal found that CBD is widely used for dogs and cats, with especially high satisfaction reported for oncological conditions, chronic pain, behavioral issues and inflammation.

Study Finds 72% of Veterinarians in Portugal Have Prescribed or Recommended Cannabinoid Products for Animals

A survey of 135 practicing veterinarians in Portugal found that 71.9% had prescribed or recommended cannabinoid products for animals, including CBD- and THC-containing formulations. However, fewer than one-quarter considered themselves adequately prepared to recommend these products, with researchers identifying substantial knowledge and training gaps.

Study Finds Cannabis Oil May Help Dogs With Skin Allergies Maintain Symptom Control With 50% Less Medication

A study involving 16 dogs with persistent atopic dermatitis found that adding cannabis oil was associated with reduced itching and improved symptom control. Among the 14 dogs completing treatment, improvements were generally maintained after researchers reduced the animals’ conventional allergy medication dosage by 50%.

Clinical Trial Finds CBD Combination Reduces Inflammation Marker Following Knee Surgery in Dogs

A randomized veterinary clinical trial found that combining CBD with an anti-inflammatory blood-derived treatment reduced C-reactive protein levels in dogs recovering from knee surgery. The combination produced significantly lower levels of the inflammatory marker on the third and fifth days after surgery compared with placebo, suggesting potential benefits for postoperative inflammation.

Legalization, Law, Policy and Economic Effects

Swiss Study Finds Depression, Anxiety and Problematic Marijuana Use Declined During First Year of Regulated Retail Access

A yearlong Swiss study involving 374 marijuana consumers found that participation in a regulated pharmacy sales program was associated with significant reductions in depression, anxiety and problematic marijuana use. Depression scores declined from an average of 5.37 to 4.53, while the quantity of marijuana consumed remained relatively stable and participants with initially higher levels of problematic use experienced particularly notable improvements.

Study Finds No Significant Overall Increase in Impairment Among Frequent Marijuana Users Following Legalization

A study involving 771 participants found no statistically significant overall increase in physical or psychological impairment among frequent marijuana consumers following the beginning of recreational sales in Colorado. Researchers also found that high-risk participants meeting diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder exhibited more diagnostic symptoms before legalization than afterward, despite increased access to high-THC products.

Swiss Study Finds Regulated Marijuana Sales Lead to Lower-Risk Consumption Without Increasing Use

Interim results from a randomized controlled trial involving 1,177 marijuana consumers found that regulated pharmacy access encouraged participants to move away from exclusively smoking toward vaporization and oral consumption. After six months, exclusive smoking declined from 78% to 58% among those given pharmacy access, with no evidence of increased marijuana consumption frequency.

Survey: Most U.S. Voters Favor Education and Community Service Over Jail for Underage Marijuana Purchase Attempts

A survey of 1,502 registered voters found that 79% supported parental notification for attempted underage marijuana purchases, while 64% favored community service and 58% supported drug education. Just 18% supported jail time, with respondents generally preferring educational and community-based consequences over incarceration.

Study of Over 35,000 Finds Germany’s Marijuana Legalization Did Not Increase Annual or Heavy Cannabis Use

A study of 35,957 people found no significant increase in past-year marijuana use or daily and near-daily consumption during the first two years following Germany’s legalization reform. Researchers found consumption trends remained largely stable across the population, including when participants were analyzed by age and gender.

Study Finds German Medical Marijuana Flower Prices Fell 31% in One Year as High-THC Products Dominated Demand

A study of Germany’s medical marijuana market found that median flower prices fell 31% over one year, from €8.64 to €5.95 per gram, as product availability expanded substantially. Products containing at least 20% THC dominated supply and apparent demand, while price reductions were associated with increased demand.

California Adult Marijuana Use Remained Largely Stable After Retail Sales Began, While Edible Use Rose

An analysis of 178,836 California adults found that overall marijuana use remained largely stable during the seven years following the launch of recreational sales. Past-year use was 22.1% in 2017 and 23.5% in 2024, a difference researchers say was not statistically significant, while edible use among current consumers rose from 40.3% in 2019 to 53.6% in 2024.

Marijuana Legalization Did Not Increase Youth Hospitalizations in Manitoba

An analysis of Manitoba health records from 2013 through 2023 found no statistically significant increase in marijuana-related hospitalizations among children and teenagers following legalization. Average monthly hospitalizations were 8.50 before legalization, 9.52 during the initial legalization period and 8.59 from 2020 through 2023.

Teen Marijuana Use Fell More Than 60% From 2013 to 2025 Despite Legalization

Marijuana use among Minnesota ninth- and 11th-grade students fell from 12.7% in 2013 to 5% in 2025, a decline of more than 60%, even as the state adopted increasingly permissive marijuana laws. The decline occurred across every demographic group examined, although disparities in use remained among some marginalized populations.

Recreational Marijuana Legalization Increased Agricultural Employment by About 9%

States that launched recreational marijuana sales experienced an approximately 9% increase in agricultural employment, according to an analysis of employment and wage data from 45 states between 1990 and 2024. Researchers found no statistically significant effect on agricultural wages, overall employment or wages across the broader economy, with the employment gains varying considerably by legalization cohort.

Illegal Market Could Offset 89% of Decline in Legal Marijuana Consumption From Higher Prices

A study involving 1,525 marijuana consumers found that higher legal marijuana prices may substantially shift consumption to the illegal market. Researchers estimated that a 10% increase in legal marijuana prices would reduce THC consumption from legal products by about 33.5 milligrams while increasing consumption from illegal flower by 29.7 milligrams, offsetting roughly 89% of the decline.

Recreational Marijuana Legalization Linked to Lower Personal Bankruptcy Rates

A study published in Finance Research Letters found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with lower personal bankruptcy rates. Researchers analyzed data from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., from 2001 to 2024, finding legalization was linked to about 38 fewer bankruptcy filings per 100,000 residents each year.

Medical Marijuana Laws Linked to Fewer Health-Related Workplace Absences

A study published in the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health found that medical marijuana laws were associated with fewer health-related workplace absences. Researchers analyzed data from more than 20 million working adults, finding medical marijuana decriminalization reduced the likelihood of health-related absences by about 6.9%.

Pediatric THC-Positive ER Drug Screens in Illinois Did Not Increase After Legalization

A study published in The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that recreational marijuana legalization in Illinois was not associated with a significant increase in pediatric emergency department patients testing positive for THC. Researchers reviewed pediatric urine drug screens before and after legalization, finding THC-positive screens rose only slightly from 18.18% in 2019 to 20.99% in 2020, a difference that was not statistically significant.

Marijuana Dispensaries and Legalization Linked to Fewer Nonfatal Opioid Poisonings

Researchers found that marijuana dispensaries and legalization laws were associated with fewer nonfatal opioid poisonings, adding to evidence that legal cannabis access may influence opioid-related harms.

Higher Marijuana Taxes May Reduce Legal Sales and Lower Tax Revenue

Researchers found that higher marijuana taxes may reduce legal sales and, in some cases, lower overall tax revenue, underscoring the importance of pricing policy in regulated markets.

High-Volume Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Linked to Lower Rates of Larceny and Motor Vehicle Theft

A new study found that areas with high-volume medical marijuana dispensaries had lower rates of larceny and motor vehicle theft, adding to evidence that regulated marijuana businesses are not associated with increases in crime and may in some cases coincide with reduced property offenses.

Study: Germany Marijuana Legalization Hasn’t Increased Driving While High

A new analysis found no significant short-term increase in either adult marijuana use or self-reported driving under the influence of marijuana in Germany after legalization, with marijuana-impaired driving among at least monthly users actually falling slightly in the follow-up survey.

Study: Recreational and Medical Marijuana Laws Linked to 9–11% Drop in Daily Opioid Misuse Among People Who Inject Drugs

Researchers found that states with both medical and recreational marijuana laws were associated with a 9% to 11% drop in daily non-medical opioid use among people who inject drugs, while medical-only laws did not show the same reduction.

Federally Funded Study of 864,616 Marijuana Sales Finds 1% Drop in Marijuana Prices Leads to 2.3% Increase in Sales

A federally funded study examining 864,616 product-level sales observations across 10 states found that a 1% decline in marijuana flower prices was associated with a 2.29% increase in the quantity purchased. Researchers also documented a roughly 26% decline in median flower prices between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the sensitivity of legal marijuana demand to retail pricing.

Study Finds Recreational Marijuana Sales in Ohio Linked to Lower Property Crime, No Increase in Violent Crime

A study comparing 92 Ohio dispensary neighborhoods with 1,386 control areas found that the beginning of recreational marijuana sales was associated with significant reductions in property crime and overall serious crime. Researchers found no statistically significant increase in violent crime or evidence that criminal activity was displaced into neighboring communities.

Study Finds Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Openings Increase Revenue at Nearby Businesses

A study examining recreational dispensary openings in Illinois between 2021 and 2024 found that nearby businesses experienced an average 7.47% increase in revenue following the openings. Researchers also documented increases of 8.01% in transactions and 6.82% in customer counts, suggesting licensed marijuana stores can generate measurable economic benefits for surrounding retailers.

Missouri Study Finds 93% of Marijuana Spending Goes to Legal Market, Recommends Changes to Dispensary Licensing

A state-commissioned study involving 1,200 Missouri marijuana consumers found that approximately 93% of reported marijuana spending occurred through licensed businesses. Researchers estimated average monthly spending of $161.81 per consumer, including $149.95 through legal dispensaries and delivery services, while also examining market competition and dispensary licensing.

Study Finds Licensed Marijuana Store Openings Were Not Associated With Increased Crime in Toronto and Ottawa

A study examining 31,095 reported crimes near eight licensed marijuana stores in Toronto and Ottawa found no statistically significant association between store proximity and changes in crime rates. Researchers compared crime patterns before and after recreational retail openings, including assault, vehicle theft, bicycle theft and burglary.

Study Finds Alcohol Consumption and Hospitalizations Continue to Decline Following Germany’s Marijuana Legalization, as Cannabis Offenses Fall 53%

A scientific analysis of Germany’s marijuana legalization found that alcohol consumption and alcohol-related hospitalizations continued their longstanding decline following the country’s 2024 reform. Researchers also documented a 53% reduction in marijuana-related offenses, although the evidence did not establish that legalization caused the decreases in alcohol consumption or hospitalizations.

New Analysis Finds Black Americans Accounted for 83% of Nationwide Increase in Marijuana Arrests

An analysis of FBI data found that Black Americans accounted for 83% of the nationwide increase in marijuana possession arrests in 2025, with arrests involving Black individuals rising by 9,201 compared with 2024. Researchers documented an overall increase of 11,091 arrests and found that Black Americans faced possession arrest rates more than four times those of white Americans.

New Study Finds 294 Cannabis Social Clubs Operating Across Chile

A study examining Chile’s cannabis social clubs from 2015 through 2024 identified 294 registered organizations, with annual registrations reaching a record 71 in 2024. Researchers found that 67.3% of the clubs were located in the country’s Metropolitan Region, highlighting substantial geographic concentration as the nonprofit cultivation model expanded.

Review of 329 Studies Finds Marijuana Legalization Reduces Arrests, With No Uniform Increase in Teen Use

A systematic review of 329 studies found that marijuana legalization was consistently associated with substantial reductions in marijuana-related arrests and enforcement. Researchers found no uniform increase in adolescent marijuana use across legalized jurisdictions, although adult consumption and access to regulated products generally increased.

Ten States Accounted for 60% of All U.S. Marijuana Arrests in 2025, NORML Analysis Finds

An analysis of national arrest data found that 10 states accounted for approximately 60% of marijuana-related arrests in the United States in 2025. The findings highlighted major geographic disparities in marijuana enforcement, with arrests falling to historically low levels in several states allowing recreational marijuana sales.

Public Health, Marijuana Use and Attitudes

Government-Funded Study Finds 23% of U.S. Adults Used Marijuana in Past Year, More Than Half Used Multiple Consumption Methods

A government-funded study analyzing responses from 6,328 adults estimated that 23.1% of U.S. adults consumed marijuana during the previous year. Among consumers, 62.6% reported smoking, 57.6% used edibles or beverages and 40.1% vaped, while 52.7% reported using at least two different consumption methods.

Nearly Half in U.S. Aged 16 to 65 Have Used CBD, Compared With 38% in Canada and 28% in U.K., Study of Nearly 80,000 Finds

A study examining 79,644 people across six countries found that 46.4% of U.S. respondents ages 16 to 65 had used CBD, compared with 38.3% in Canada and 28% in the United Kingdom. In the United States, 19.3% reported CBD use during the previous year, with pain, anxiety and depression among the most frequently reported reasons for consumption.

Study of More Than 900,000 U.S. Adults Finds Older Veterans Use Marijuana More Often Than Nonveterans

A study involving 907,136 U.S. adults found that veterans ages 50 to 64 and 65 to 80 reported higher unadjusted rates of marijuana use than nonveterans of similar ages. Older veterans who consumed marijuana also reported using it more frequently.

Men and Women Experience Similar Effects From Smoked Marijuana Regardless of THC Potency

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 35 adults found minimal evidence of consistent differences between men and women in the acute effects of smoked marijuana containing up to 22% THC. Blood THC levels, subjective effects, mood and cognitive responses were largely similar, although women took longer to smoke and had lower THC concentrations in oral fluid.

Oral CBG Safe and Well-Tolerated at Doses Up to 200 Milligrams in Human Study

A human study involving 12 healthy adults found that oral CBG was well-tolerated at single doses ranging from 25 to 200 milligrams, with no drug-related adverse events reported. Researchers also found no strong or consistent effects on cognition, physiological measures or participants’ subjective experiences.

Adolescent Delta-8 Use Remained Unchanged Even as Marijuana Use Fell

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that while marijuana use among U.S. 12th graders declined from 2023 to 2024, delta-8 THC use remained statistically unchanged. Researchers found past-year marijuana use fell from 30.4% to 25.5%, while delta-8 use remained around 12%.

Cannabis Vape Pens Emit Far Fewer Harmful Toxins Than Joints, California NORML Pilot Study Finds

A pilot study found that cannabis vape pens emitted substantially fewer harmful toxins than smoked joints, suggesting vaporized products may reduce exposure to combustion-related toxicants.

Americans Use More CBD Than Europeans, International Study Finds

A cross-national study found that CBD use was more common among Americans than Europeans, with notable differences in how people in each region viewed its safety, effectiveness and everyday use.

Study of Nearly 420,000 Students Finds Marijuana Store Proximity Not Linked to Youth Use

A study involving 419,887 Canadian students found no consistent association between proximity to licensed marijuana stores and adolescent marijuana use. Past-year consumption declined from 22.2% in 2018 to 10% in 2023 despite the expansion of legal retail access, with researchers finding similar results across numerous statistical models.

CDC Analysis Finds Cannabis Was Sole Drug Involved in Just 9 of 209,166 Overdose Deaths Over Four-and-a-Half-Year Period

A CDC analysis of 209,166 overdose deaths across 31 states and Washington, D.C., found that cannabis was the sole drug identified as involved in nine deaths, approximately 0.004% of the total. Cannabis was detected in 21% of cases but listed as involved in just 0.8%, underscoring the distinction between toxicological detection and a substance being considered a contributor to death.

Medical Marijuana Access and Healthcare

Study Finds 80% of Incoming Medical Students Want Medical Marijuana Education, 58% Support Federal Rescheduling

A survey of 250 incoming medical students found that 80.4% supported incorporating medical marijuana education into medical school curricula, while 73.6% favored including it in residency training and 58.4% supported federal marijuana rescheduling. Despite generally favorable attitudes, 61.2% said they were unprepared to answer patients’ questions about medical marijuana, highlighting substantial gaps in clinical knowledge.

Study Identifies Nearly 110,000 Medical Marijuana Caregivers Nationwide and Over 35,000 Authorizing Clinicians

A nationwide analysis found nearly 110,000 registered medical marijuana caregivers in the United States in 2024, roughly three times the number of clinicians authorized to approve patients. The number of authorizing clinicians increased from approximately 29,500 in 2020 to more than 35,000 in 2024.

Study: 49% of Surveyed New York Medical Marijuana Patients Say They Can’t Afford Enough Cannabis to Manage Symptoms

A study analyzing 16,232 survey responses from New York medical marijuana patients found that 49% said they could not afford enough cannabis to adequately manage their symptoms. The figure rose to 55% among veterans, while geographic access and certification costs were also identified as significant barriers.

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Access Linked to Reduction in Poor Mental Health Among Older Adults

Access to a medical marijuana dispensary within a 30-minute drive was associated with a 3.77 percentage point reduction in the likelihood that New Yorkers ages 65 and older reported experiencing poor mental health days, representing a nearly 15% decline from baseline. The study examined geographic dispensary access rather than whether individual participants personally used marijuana.

Greek Doctors Support Medical Marijuana but Report Major Knowledge Gaps

A survey of 183 Greek oncologists, anesthesiologists and neurologists found broad support for medical marijuana but substantial gaps in physicians’ knowledge and familiarity with its use. Just 12.7% to 35% of doctors, depending on specialty, said they were familiar with medical marijuana, while knowledge scores concerning potential contraindications averaged about 15.5 to 20.2 out of 100.

Researchers Call for State-Led Medical Marijuana Research Centers Following Federal Rescheduling

Researchers argue that states with established medical marijuana programs should create independent research centers to standardize patient and product data, track outcomes and adverse events, and generate stronger real-world evidence on marijuana’s safety and therapeutic effects. They contend that federal rescheduling could reduce research barriers while giving states an opportunity to build a more coordinated scientific framework for medical marijuana.

Study Finds 85% of Bulgarian Chronic Pain Patients Open to Using CBD if Recommended by a Healthcare Professional

A study of 55 Bulgarian adults with chronic pain found that 85.5% would consider using CBD if it were recommended by a healthcare professional, despite relatively limited knowledge about its therapeutic effects and safety. Participants cited insufficient medical guidance, dosing uncertainty, possible drug interactions and cost among the primary barriers to CBD use.

95% of Healthcare Professionals Surveyed Support Legal Medical Marijuana

A survey of 879 U.S. healthcare professionals found that 95% supported legal medical marijuana, 87% believed cannabis has therapeutic promise and 74% were open to recommending it to patients. Researchers also identified substantial gaps in objective cannabis knowledge despite participants reporting relatively high confidence in their understanding of its risks and therapeutic applications.

Study: Veterans Say Marijuana Helps Manage Symptoms, but Many Avoid Discussing Use With VA Clinicians

A study based on interviews with U.S. veterans found that many use marijuana to help manage symptoms such as chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety and sleep issues, but often avoid discussing it with VA clinicians due to stigma, legal concerns and fears about how it could affect their benefits.

Survey Finds 91% of Veterans Support Medical Marijuana Research, 88% Back VA Research

A survey involving 470 veterans found that 91% supported research into marijuana’s medical applications and 88% backed research conducted through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Support for legalization was also widespread, with 87% favoring medical marijuana and 61% supporting recreational legalization.

Survey: German Medical Marijuana Patients Report Far Less Purchasing Stress and Lower Prices With Pharmacy Access

A survey of 7,913 German medical marijuana patients found that respondents who had used both pharmacies and illegal sellers reported substantially less stress obtaining marijuana through legal channels. Among those familiar with both sources, 94.4% said pharmacy marijuana was cheaper, while average purchasing-stress scores were 1.8 for pharmacies compared with 8.1 for illegal sources.

Cultivation, Genetics and Agriculture

Study Identifies How Hemp Plants Defend Themselves Against Herbicide Stress

Researchers identified 21 detoxification-related genes consistently activated in hemp plants exposed to herbicide stress, including genes involved in processing and removing potentially harmful chemicals. The study also found that certain herbicides caused relatively little damage to hemp, while others severely reduced growth or killed the plants, providing new insights that could help improve weed-management strategies.

Researchers Map Nearly 2.7 Million Cannabis Genetic Variants, Identify Gene Strongly Linked to CBD Levels

Researchers analyzing 271 cannabis plants from 29 populations across China identified approximately 2.7 million genetic variants and five major genetic groups. Their analysis revealed a particularly strong association between CBD concentrations and the CBDAS gene, providing new genetic information that could help breeders develop marijuana varieties with specific cannabinoid profiles.

Study Finds Moderate Drought Can Considerably Reduce Marijuana Water Use Without Hurting Flower Production or CBD Yield

Researchers found that moderate water restrictions during flowering reduced marijuana plants’ water consumption without significantly affecting flower production, CBD concentrations or overall CBD yield. Severe drought, however, substantially impaired photosynthesis and caused additional plant stress, suggesting carefully managed irrigation could help cultivators conserve water without sacrificing productivity.

Study Finds Temperatures of 113°F Reduce THC and CBD Production in Cannabis Plants

Cannabis plants exposed to temperatures of 113°F experienced declining THC and CBD levels after prolonged heat exposure, accompanied by substantial oxidative stress and reduced activity in cannabinoid-production pathways. Researchers also documented increased activation of protective cellular mechanisms, providing new insights into how extreme heat affects marijuana cultivation and cannabinoid production.

Study Finds Silver Nanoparticles Can Trigger THC and CBD Production in Cannabis Cell Cultures

Researchers found that silver nanoparticles triggered cannabis cell cultures to produce measurable amounts of THC and CBD despite untreated cultures producing neither cannabinoid. The method could eventually provide a controlled approach to cannabinoid production without mature flowering plants, although yields remained far below commercial flower.

Sound-Based Cultivation Protocol Nearly Doubled Marijuana Flower Yield

Marijuana plants exposed to a proprietary bioacoustic protocol produced an average of 59 grams of usable dry flower compared with 30.7 grams among controls, a 92.4% increase. Trimmed bud production increased 120.9% without an increase in THC potency, although researchers cautioned that the preliminary study involved only 36 plants, one cultivar and one cultivation facility.

Researchers Identify Key Genetic Regions Controlling Cannabinoid and Terpene Diversity in Marijuana

Researchers identified a relatively small number of genetic regions that appear to control much of the variation in major cannabinoids and monoterpenes produced by marijuana plants. The findings could eventually help breeders more precisely develop varieties with targeted THC, CBD and terpene profiles.

Blocking Growth Hormone Pathway Makes Cannabis Plants Shorter While Increasing Cannabinoid Concentrations

Suppressing the gibberellin growth-hormone pathway made cannabis plants 66.8% shorter while increasing total cannabinoid concentrations by 78.6% and directing a larger share of plant biomass toward flowers. Researchers identified the pathway as a potential breeding target for developing compact cannabis plants with increased cannabinoid production, although the chemical inhibitor used in the study left problematic residues.

Study Reports First Successful Callus Induction From Cannabis Anthers

University of Connecticut researchers reported the first successful induction of callus tissue from cannabis anthers, a development that could eventually enable faster and more precise breeding through doubled-haploid plants. Under certain conditions, more than 40% of anthers produced callus, with one treatment reaching 59%.

Biostimulants May More Than Double Cannabis Flower Yield

A study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that certain biostimulant blends may significantly increase cannabis flower yield. Researchers found one blend increased yield by 1.17-fold, while another more than doubled yield and also increased flower size and total terpene content.

Three X Chromosome Genes May Help Control Sex Determination in Cannabis

A study found that three genes on the X chromosome may play a key role in sex determination in cannabis, offering new insight that could prove useful for breeding and crop management.

Biochar-Bacteria Combo Boosts Cannabis Growth and Cannabinoids Under Salt Stress

Researchers found that combining biochar with beneficial bacteria improved cannabis growth and cannabinoid production under salt-stress conditions, suggesting a potential strategy for improving cultivation resilience.

Fennel Oil and Yeast Lysate Boost Marijuana Disease Resistance and Cannabinoid Levels

Researchers found that a combination of fennel essential oil, yeast lysate and beneficial microbes may help marijuana plants resist disease and pests while increasing levels of key cannabinoids.

Optimized CO2 and Ventilation Boost Cannabis Micropropagation Biomass by Up to 282%

Researchers found that carefully balancing carbon dioxide levels and air exchange dramatically improved the growth of medicinal cannabis plantlets, with the biggest gains coming under elevated CO2 and moderate ventilation.

Epigenetic “Switch” May Help Breeders Boost Hemp Flavonoids and Cannabinoids, Study Finds

A new study found that chromatin opening, a form of epigenetic regulation, may help explain why some hemp varieties produce far more flavonoids and cannabinoids than others, offering a potential tool for future breeding.

Study: Female Marijuana Plants Contain Nearly 17 Times More CBD Than Males, Researchers Identify the Exact Genes Responsible

Researchers found that female marijuana flowers contained nearly 17 times more CBD than male flowers, and identified major genetic and metabolic differences that help explain the gap in cannabinoid production.

New Study Traces Evolutionary Origins of Marijuana Genes Responsible for THC, CBD and CBC Production

Researchers developed two highly complete marijuana genome sequences and identified evidence that genes responsible for producing THC, CBD and CBC originated through an ancient duplication event preceding the evolutionary separation of cannabis and hops. The findings provide new insights into cannabinoid synthase genes and the evolutionary development of the plant’s cannabinoid-producing capabilities.

New Study Achieves Up to 100% Gene Transformation Efficiency in High-THC Marijuana Plants

Researchers developed a genetic transformation technique that achieved up to 100% successful gene expression in mature marijuana leaf tissue and 81% to 100% efficiency in seedlings. The method uses a bacterial delivery system and visible pigment markers, potentially improving scientists’ ability to investigate cannabinoid production and other plant characteristics.

Three-Year Study Finds Hemp Plants Can Be Shortened 14% Without Significantly Reducing Seed Yields

A three-year field study in Italy found that trimming the tops of hemp plants reduced average plant height by 14%, from 208.9 to 179.5 centimeters, without significantly reducing seed production. The findings suggest that apical topping could help growers manage plant height while maintaining commercially useful yields.

Study Finds Cannabis Compounds Show Potential as Natural Antifungal Agents

A computational study identified several cannabis-derived cannabinoids and flavonoids with predicted antifungal activity against organisms affecting oil palm plants. CBD, CBGA and THCV were among the compounds showing potential, while certain flavonoids produced the strongest predicted activity, suggesting possible applications in developing plant-based agricultural fungicides.

Testing, Impairment and Road Safety

Study Finds THC Saliva Levels Can Vary Nearly Fourfold Based on Buccal Cell Content

A study analyzing 102 THC-positive oral-fluid samples found that measured THC concentrations were nearly four times higher in cell-rich portions compared with corresponding homogenized samples. Researchers also identified specimens in which THC was detectable only in the cell-rich fraction, suggesting that differences in buccal cell content can substantially influence saliva-based marijuana testing results.

Controlled Human Study Finds Hemp Seed Oil Produced Measurable Urinary THC Metabolites in 93.5% of Samples

A controlled study involving 15 healthy volunteers found that repeated oral consumption of hemp seed oil produced measurable THC metabolites in 93.5% of urine samples. Concentrations remained relatively low, but researchers said the findings could be important when interpreting low-level positive THC results in drug-testing and forensic settings.

Study Finds Saliva THC Tests Can Miss Recent Marijuana Use While Detecting Frequent Users for Nearly a Week

A systematic review found that oral-fluid THC tests can sometimes return negative results shortly after marijuana use while continuing to detect THC for days among frequent consumers. Researchers estimated that some frequent users with high initial THC levels could remain above the testing cutoff for nearly seven days.

No Significant Driving Impairment Found 12 to 15 Hours After Marijuana Use in Frequent Consumers

A new study found that frequent marijuana users did not show measurable driving impairment 12 to 15 hours after use, even when THC remained detectable in blood and oral fluid.

Even 1 to 5 mg of THC Can Trigger a Positive Urine Test Weeks After Use, Study Finds

A recent study found that even very small amounts of THC can lead to a positive urine test for days or even weeks, underscoring how low-dose exposure may still carry drug-testing consequences.

Product Testing, Safety and Labeling

Federal Researchers Develop Rapid Test for Detecting Over 100 Pesticides on Marijuana Plants

Researchers with the National Institute of Standards and Technology developed a rapid screening method that successfully detected 108 of 113 pesticides tested on marijuana plant material. The technique uses mass spectrometry to identify pesticide residues within seconds, potentially allowing laboratories to quickly screen samples before conducting more detailed quantitative testing.

Study Finds Just 14% of Colorado Recreational Marijuana Products Fully Comply With State Labeling Rules

A study examining 480 recreational marijuana products from Colorado dispensaries found that just 14.4% contained all six labeling elements evaluated by researchers. Only 2.2% of flower products were fully compliant, compared with 31% of concentrates, with missing storage guidance and expiration dates driving much of the noncompliance.

Study Validates Rapid Method for Measuring THC, CBD and Other Cannabinoids Without Physical Reference Standards

Researchers validated a rapid nuclear magnetic resonance method capable of simultaneously measuring THCA, CBDA, delta-9 THC, CBD and CBN without requiring physical cannabinoid reference standards. The method demonstrated strong precision and accuracy and could simplify cannabinoid testing while avoiding some limitations associated with traditional chromatographic techniques.

Review of Nearly 1,000 Products Finds Just 31% of CBD Products Accurately Labeled

A review covering 937 consumer CBD products found that just 31.3% contained CBD levels within 10% of the amount listed on their labels. Researchers also identified undeclared THC, synthetic cannabinoids, heavy metals, pesticides and residual solvents in some products, with topical products showing the lowest labeling accuracy.

Researchers Develop Low-Cost Method for Measuring CBD

Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method for measuring CBD concentrations using UV-Vis spectrophotometry rather than high-performance liquid chromatography. The technique demonstrated strong linearity and precision, potentially providing smaller laboratories and research centers with a more accessible method for quantifying total CBD.

Automated Method Detects Pesticides in Cannabis Flower

A study published in Analytica Chimica Acta found that an automated and miniaturized testing method can detect pesticide residues in cannabis flower while using far less material than conventional approaches. Researchers said the method improved recovery rates, reduced solvent use and offered a more sustainable option for cannabis testing laboratories.

Just 31% of Consumer CBD Products Meet Label-Accuracy Standard

A review published in Phytochemistry Letters found that just 31.3% of 937 consumer CBD products tested in peer-reviewed studies met a common label-accuracy standard. Researchers said the findings point to ongoing quality-control concerns, with some products also containing THC, synthetic cannabinoids, heavy metals, pesticides or residual solvents.

Robotic Testing Method Enables Rapid Screening of Pesticides in Cannabis Flower

A study published in Talanta found that a robotic testing platform paired with UHPLC-MS/MS can rapidly screen cannabis flower for pesticide residues using a smaller, more sustainable process. Researchers developed a method requiring just 30 mg of dried cannabis and 200 μL of acetonitrile, with a full analysis time of 25 minutes per sample.

Over 80% of Hemp-Derived CBD Products Are Inaccurately Labeled, Many Have No CBD, Johns Hopkins Study Finds

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that most hemp-derived CBD products sold as cosmetics, haircare items, and foods or drinks were inaccurately labeled, with some containing far more or less CBD than advertised and some containing none at all.

Scientific Review Finds Indica, Sativa and Hybrid Labels Are Unreliable Predictors of Marijuana’s Effects

A systematic review of 28 studies found that the traditional indica, sativa and hybrid classifications are unreliable predictors of marijuana’s chemical composition or effects. Researchers examined genetic, cannabinoid, terpene and human outcome data, finding that differences between the categories were inconsistent and generally insufficient to predict consumers’ experiences.

NIH-Funded Study Finds Marijuana Regulators From 16 States Largely Favor Federal Standards for Cannabis Warning Labels

An NIH-funded study interviewing 17 marijuana regulators representing 16 states found broad support for federal standards governing cannabis product warning labels. Researchers identified substantial differences among state requirements and found that regulators generally viewed national standardization as a potential way to improve labeling consistency.

New Testing Method Can Distinguish Marijuana From Hemp in Just Four Minutes, With 94% Accuracy, Study Finds

Researchers developed a rapid testing technique capable of distinguishing higher-THC marijuana from hemp in approximately four minutes, correctly classifying 34 of 36 cannabis samples. The method achieved 94% accuracy using a 1% THC decision threshold, suggesting potential for faster preliminary screening alongside conventional laboratory testing.

Product Chemistry, Extraction and Delivery

Study Finds UV Exposure Converts THC Into Delta-8 THC and CBN, Raising Questions About Marijuana Product Stability

Researchers found that ultraviolet light can convert delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC through molecular rearrangement, with additional reactions producing cannabinol (CBN). The laboratory experiments also showed that CBD undergoes separate chemical transformations and that neutral cannabinoids degrade more rapidly than acidic cannabinoids under UV exposure, highlighting the importance of light exposure in marijuana product stability, processing and storage.

Solventless Electrostatic Technique More Than Doubles THC Potency in Kief, Study Finds

Researchers developed a solventless electrostatic separation technique that increased THC concentrations in selected kief fractions from 228.5 to 492 milligrams per gram after three processing cycles, a 115.3% increase. The process also reduced visible stalks and other impurities by 50%, demonstrating a potential method for producing more concentrated marijuana products without chemical solvents.

Freezing Helps Preserve THC Potency, While CBD Remains Stable at Room Temperature

A study examining marijuana flower, extracts, oils and isolated cannabinoids found that THC-rich products degraded significantly faster at room temperature, with THC converting into CBN over time. Freezing at −20°C provided the strongest protection against THC degradation, while CBD-only products remained highly stable even at room temperature.

Study Details How Temperature and Catalyst Determine CBD’s Conversion Into Different Forms of THC

A laboratory and computational study found that temperature and catalyst type strongly influence whether CBD converts primarily into delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC or iso-delta-8 THC. Lower temperatures favored delta-9 THC, while harsher conditions with different catalysts shifted production toward delta-8 THC or iso-delta-8 THC, potentially allowing more controlled cannabinoid manufacturing.

CBD-Hesperetin Formulation Greatly Improves CBD Solubility

A study published in AAPS PharmSciTech found that a specialized CBD-hesperetin formulation dramatically improved CBD’s solubility, dissolution and in vitro permeability. Researchers said the hot-melt extrusion approach may offer a promising delivery platform for poorly soluble compounds such as CBD.

Micro- and Nanoparticles May Improve CBD Absorption Under the Tongue

A study found that micro- and nanoparticle delivery systems may improve CBD absorption through sublingual administration, potentially helping make under-the-tongue formulations more effective.

CBD May Increase THC Levels in Blood When Cannabis Is Vaporized

Researchers found that adding CBD to vaporized cannabis may increase THC levels in the bloodstream, suggesting CBD can alter how THC is absorbed and processed when the two compounds are inhaled together.

Powder-Based CBD Formulation Dramatically Improves Stability Over Oil

A new study found that how CBD is formulated has a major impact on long-term stability, with powder-based systems significantly outperforming traditional oil formulations.

University of Mississippi Researchers Develop New Dissolving Microneedles for CBD Delivery

University of Mississippi researchers developed dissolving microneedle patches capable of delivering CBD through the skin, with laboratory testing showing approximately 70% of the cannabinoid was released within two hours. The solvent-free manufacturing process achieved nearly complete drug loading and could offer an alternative delivery method that bypasses some limitations of oral CBD products.

Study Finds Marijuana Ash Color Depends More on Burning Temperature Than Moisture or Plant Variety

A laboratory study found that burning temperature was the primary factor influencing marijuana ash color, while moisture content, particle size and the two plant varieties tested had little significant effect. Samples heated to 200°C produced black ash, while temperatures of 600°C and higher consistently produced gray ash, challenging claims that lighter ash necessarily indicates higher-quality marijuana.

Researchers Detect 79 Compounds Formed When THC Is Heated to Marijuana Smoking Temperatures in Government-Funded Study

A government-funded laboratory study identified 79 chemical compounds formed when purified THC was heated to temperatures ranging from 400°C to 800°C. Researchers successfully identified 75 of the compounds and found that chemical breakdown became increasingly complex as temperatures rose, providing new information about THC’s transformation during combustion.

Cannabinoid Mechanisms and the Endocannabinoid System

Study: CBG Enhances Adenosine Signaling at Human Receptor, Increasing Apparent Potency 138-Fold

Cannabigerol (CBG) increased adenosine’s apparent potency at the human A3 receptor by approximately 138-fold in laboratory experiments. CBD also enhanced adenosine signaling, although less strongly, with researchers identifying a potentially important interaction involving cellular pathways that regulate inflammation, immune responses and tissue protection.

Study Finds THC Directly Activates Dopamine D2 Receptors, Revealing Previously Unknown Signaling Pathway

Researchers discovered that THC can directly bind to and activate dopamine D2 receptors, identifying a previously unknown mechanism through which marijuana may influence dopamine signaling. The cannabinoid acted as a partial agonist that preferentially activated specific cellular pathways, suggesting THC affects the brain’s dopamine system through both direct receptor interactions and its established activity at cannabinoid receptors.

Study Identifies Molecular Mechanism Behind Cannabinoid Tolerance

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism through which repeated cannabinoid exposure causes CB1 receptors to be degraded, contributing to the development of tolerance. In laboratory experiments and mice, blocking the NEDD4L enzyme-mediated process preserved receptor levels and prevented behavioral tolerance without eliminating the acute effects of cannabinoids.

Review Finds CB1 Signaling May Connect Stress, Sleep and Eating Behavior

A scientific review found that CB1 receptor signaling may serve as a biological link connecting stress, sleep, appetite, reward processing and energy metabolism. Researchers proposed that changes in endocannabinoid activity caused by stress or disrupted sleep could influence hunger, food preferences and vulnerability to metabolic problems.

Cannabis Terpenes Enhance THC’s Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors

A study published in Biochemical Pharmacology found that several cannabis terpenes enhanced THC’s activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in a cell-based model. Researchers said some terpenes produced additive or synergistic effects, supporting further study of how cannabis compounds may work together.

New Purdue University Research Suggests Genetics May Influence How the Body Processes CBD

Researchers analyzing 540 blood concentration measurements from 30 healthy adults found preliminary evidence that genetic differences involving the CYP2C19 enzyme may influence how CBD is processed in the body. The findings suggest that individual genetic characteristics could help explain variations in CBD exposure following oral administration.

Hemp Nutrition, Food and Industrial Applications

Researchers Develop Microbial Process That Produces Spinnable Hemp Fiber in Seven Days

Researchers developed a controlled microbial process that produced usable textile-grade hemp fiber in seven days, roughly half the time required by conventional water retting. The resulting fibers could be blended with cotton and successfully spun into yarn, while fibers produced through the conventional method could not be spun under the study’s test conditions.

Cannabis Leaves Could Be Valuable Source of Antioxidant Compounds

A study published in Molecules found that cannabis leaves, often discarded as cultivation waste, could be a valuable source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. Researchers found that ultrasound-assisted extraction recovered high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids much faster than conventional maceration.

Hemp Seed Hulls May Strengthen Bioplastics While Improving Biodegradability

Researchers found that hemp seed hulls may improve the strength and biodegradability of bioplastics, adding to evidence that hemp byproducts could have useful industrial and environmental applications.

Hemp Seed Protein Patties Closer to Beef Than Other Plant-Based Alternatives in Nutrition, Safety and Flavor

A new study found that patties made with hemp seed protein outperformed other plant-based alternatives on multiple measures of nutrition, digestibility and flavor, with researchers concluding they came closer to beef in overall profile than the other non-meat products tested.

Hundreds of Industrial Uses for Marijuana Plant Waste

A review of 262 studies found that marijuana plant waste may have significant industrial value, with potential uses spanning textiles, bioplastics, fuels and food products.

Study Finds Hemp Waste Can Be Converted Into Materials That Support Human Stem Cell Growth

Researchers converted discarded hemp stems into biodegradable hydrogels capable of supporting human stem cell growth. The materials demonstrated approximately 78% porosity, absorbed more than six times their dry weight in water and maintained cell viability above 80% during testing, suggesting potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Study Finds Hemp Seed Waste Can Be Turned Into Stronger, Biodegradable Plastic, Boosting Strength by 86%

Researchers developed biodegradable plastic films using proteins recovered from hemp seed oil production waste, increasing tensile strength by approximately 86% compared with unmodified hemp protein films. The modified materials also demonstrated improved moisture resistance and thermal properties, while more than 60% of the films disintegrated during a 40-day soil burial experiment.

Study Finds Cannabis Buds Can Remove Up to 100% of Lead and Copper From Contaminated Wastewater

Researchers found that powdered cannabis buds modified with sodium bicarbonate removed approximately 96% to 100% of lead and copper from contaminated wastewater in laboratory experiments. The findings suggest discarded cannabis plant material could potentially serve as a low-cost absorbent for removing harmful metals from industrial wastewater.

Study Finds Hemp-Based Building Material Provides Insulation Comparable to Conventional Polystyrene

Researchers developed insulating materials using hemp stalks combined with fungal mycelium and found that certain formulations provided thermal performance comparable to conventional polystyrene insulation. The findings suggest hemp-based composites could offer renewable alternatives for construction and building insulation.

Other Research

Study Finds Evidence of Marijuana Use in Burial Rituals 2,800 Years Ago, With Cannabinoids Detected in Human Hair

Researchers examining an ancient burial site in southern Siberia discovered more than 1,000 preserved marijuana seeds and detected cannabinol (CBN) in human hair dating back approximately 2,800 years. The findings provide rare archaeological evidence connecting marijuana consumption to ancient Scythian burial ceremonies, extending evidence of ceremonial use several centuries before some of the earliest written accounts.

CBD May Help Address “Digital Era Fatigue”

A review published in CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets suggests CBD may have therapeutic potential for addressing “Digital Era Fatigue,” a condition tied to excessive screen time and social media use.