Cannabis and cannabinoid research
October 1, 2024
Carlton Cb Bone, Charles Klein, Kaelas Munger et al.
6 citations
Most people who use THCO, a semisynthetic cannabinoid derived from hemp, vape it (74.9%), while about a quarter dab it (24.3%) and tend to use higher temperatures than those who vape. A small portion of users (12.0%) expressed concerns about the risk of ketene gas, which can form when THCO is heated and is harmful to the lungs. Because multiple factors influence ketene formation and consumer temperature choices may enable it, more research is needed to understand the harm profile of hemp-derived substances like THCO.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
December 1, 2025
Sara R Westbrook, Allison L Jensen, Vanessa Copeland-Solorzano et al.
2 citations
Vaporized cannabis e-liquid produces stronger effects and higher blood THC levels when mixed with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) rather than propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG). In mice, the highest dose tested caused body temperature drops, pain relief, and reduced movement. Adolescents were less sensitive than adults to the movement-suppressing effects, possibly due to lower circulating THC. No sex differences appeared in behavioral responses, but female mice showed slower THC metabolism than males, suggesting sex differences in how cannabis is broken down.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
July 8, 2026
Olivier Valentin, Benjamin R Zendel, Philippe Fournier et al.
An online survey of 122 cannabis users found that most viewed combining cannabis with music favorably, reporting enhanced relaxation, improved mood, and increased feelings of connection. Cannabis use was associated with altered responses to music in various settings and a heightened likelihood of using music during routine activities. Participants frequently reported using cannabis as a substitute for pharmaceutical treatments for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders, with music further amplifying these therapeutic effects. However, no significant differences were observed in overall music reward experiences with or without cannabis, highlighting the nuanced and context-dependent nature of these interactions.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
February 1, 2026
Alejandro Guadalupe Torres, Jordan Santos, Dolores Vazquez Sanroman
Chronic administration of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 during adolescence alters levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in specific brain regions of male adolescent rats. WIN55,212-2 increased pro-BDNF in the cerebellar vermis and mature BDNF in the medial prefrontal cortex, suggesting potential effects on synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment. The study used male Sprague-Dawley rats given injections of WIN (0.8 mg/kg) or saline every 48 hours from postnatal day 30 to 37, with tissue collected one hour after the final injection.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
February 1, 2024
Faiz M Kassim, Sophie Tod, Jennifer Rodger et al.
A single low oral dose of the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone (1-2 mg) impaired both verbal and spatial working memory in healthy adults, with a stronger effect in people who used cannabis less frequently. Spatial working memory was more affected than verbal working memory. The drug did not significantly change psychosis-like experiences (schizotypy scores). However, higher schizotypy scores were linked to worse working memory under placebo, and more frequent cannabis use was associated with better overall working memory across drug conditions, suggesting tolerance to the memory-impairing effects of cannabinoids.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
February 1, 2024
Laurel P Gibson, Raeghan L Mueller, Evan A Winiger et al.
Regular cannabis users who self-administered commercially available edible products experienced increased intoxication and elation, decreased tension, and no change in paranoia two hours after use. Those who consumed a CBD-dominant product reported less intoxication than those who used a THC-only or THC+CBD product. Participants who used a THC+CBD product consumed less THC and had lower plasma THC levels than those using a THC-only product, yet reported similar positive and psychotomimetic effects. Psychotomimetic effects were very low across all conditions. The findings suggest that edible products containing CBD may allow experienced users to achieve desired effects with lower THC exposure, potentially reducing harm.