Research uncovers untapped potential of the cannabis plant
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is still accepting public comment on rescheduling cannabis, but the mounting research speaks for itself. In the last few weeks alone, a handful of studies displayed how weed could help people deal with various symptoms.
As the DEA closes public comment on cannabis reform, these studies are backing the pro camp with science-based research.
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CBG for anxiety
Minor cannabinoids have been showing up and showing out in regulated cannabis products. Controversial delta-8 or HHC are not in play, but big kids like CBG, CBD, and CBN. A recently published research paper shared the results of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. The double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over field trial also identified possible side effects, impairment levels, and how CBG makes people feel.
A smaller sample of 34 participants took a provided 10 milligrams(mg) CBG and 0.3 mg of caryophyllene tincture amid regular check-ins. With no CBG clinical trials to set the standard, anecdotal evidence informed the dose.
Participants underwent various surveys and tests during the research period, resulting in the understanding that CBG could reduce general anxiety and stress. Study authors noted significant subjective self-ratings of anxiety. Stress ratings were also more positive when CBG was involved.
Interestingly, the cannabinoid showed the ability to bolster learning. Researchers went as far as claiming that CBG may offset how THC scrambles verbal memory. Participants also reported low intoxication with no side effects.
This study highlights the power of CBG, a cannabinoid that has been rising in popularity over the last few years. Another recent paper focuses on even smaller compounds.
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Terpenes for pain
The cannabis zeitgeist has accepted the value of terpenes, aromatic compounds found in cannabis, flowers, herbs, and even insects. Many hypothesized that terpenes play a role in the varying strain effects, and recent research suggests certain terpenes may have anti-pain properties.
The mouse study sought to identify mechanisms at play with terpenes and pain. Study authors previously showed geraniol, linalool, beta-pinene, alpha-humulene, and beta-caryophyllene to bind with type one cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the endocannabinoid system. This paper continues that work, investigating terpenes’ potential to block pain or injury stimuli from the nervous system.
Mice were given inflammatory pain and injected with terpenes to measure the pain relief. The 200 mg terpenes blocked pain equally to 10 mg of morphine. Low doses of the terpene (100 mg) combined with 3.2 mg morphine worked better than either drug performed solo.
Researchers also sought out answers for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) using in vitro and binding studies. They both displayed the potential of cannabis terpenes for relieving chronic neuropathic pain and identified the responsible receptor.
Terpenes, CBG, and other cannabis compounds are as valuable as THC, and each research paper makes the case more solid. The first minor cannabinoid to hit the news cycle, CBD, continues to prove its value in science-based research.
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CBD for Autism symptoms
An observational study monitored 30 children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Authors sought insight into how CBD might help patients manage or mute symptoms. A total of 30 volunteers aged from five to 18 years old with moderate to high-needs ASD opted in.
Each was treated with individualized doses of 33:1 CBD to THC extract while engaging in neuropsychological evaluations by a designated clinician. Parents and caregivers were interviewed independently for an accurate take on how the compound impacted the patient and care team.
Study authors cite: “significant improvements in various symptomatic and non-symptomatic aspects of ASD.”
Increased communication, attention, learning, eye contact, and diminished aggression were noted improvements. There was also an overall increase in the patient and family’s quality of life. Clinicians and parents reported minimal adverse or unwanted effects from the CBD treatment.
It is a small cohort with limitations, like no control group, which could lead to a placebo effect. Still, that doesn’t negate the results. Instead, it points to a need for more inquiry as this study shows that cannabis and autism may play well together.
Minor cannabinoid research keeps pouring in
Researching the cannabis plant requires a lab to jump hurdles and cross barriers that are not necessary when looking at the impact of other plants. If the DEA chooses to reschedule weed, it may eventually open up more research doors, but for now, we relish every new paper. While one study does not depict the full view of the cannabis plant, each pair together to create a detailed narrative of its potential.
