Research
Peer-reviewed studies on cannabinoids and medical cannabis, summarised in plain language. We link to every original paper and note the limitations of each.
Cannabis and substance use frequency among United States young adults with disabilities
Researchers analysed survey data from 3,458 young American adults to compare substance consumption patterns between disabled and non-disabled individuals. The study found that disabled participants had significantly higher odds of frequent cannabis use, tobacco use, and non-prescribed stimulant or opioid consumption. However, the reliance on a self-reported, internet-based purposive sample limits the generalisability of these findings.
EpidemiologyCannabis UseDemographicsCaregiver experiences in Dravet syndrome clinical trials evaluated in French survey
A French cross-sectional survey investigated how caregivers perceived their children's participation in clinical trials for Dravet syndrome, including cannabidiol studies. Respondents reported generally positive experiences, motivated by treatment access and trust in clinicians, though scheduling demands and side-effect concerns presented challenges. The primary limitations of this study are its small sample size of forty-four trial participations and its reliance on retrospective self-reporting.
Clinical ResearchCBDPaediatricsEpilepsyCannabidiol protects dopaminergic cells in laboratory model of Parkinson's disease
Researchers investigated the neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol on human neuroblastoma cells exposed to oxidative toxins. The compound prevented the aggregation of a key antioxidant transcription factor, thereby preserving mitochondrial function and reducing cellular damage. However, these findings are limited to in vitro cell cultures and require validation in living organisms.
Pre-clinical ResearchCBDNeuroprotectionReview outlines analytical frameworks to standardise cannabis testing and potency labelling
This review evaluated current analytical techniques for measuring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids across various product formats. The authors proposed a standardised testing framework merging validated potency assays with multivariate fingerprinting to address widespread laboratory variability. However, the paper is a literature synthesis rather than an empirical study testing these protocols in a real-world regulatory environment.
Analytical ChemistryStandardisationQuality ControlDriving simulator study assesses distraction and vehicle control after cannabis use
This simulator-based study evaluated how infrequent and daily cannabis consumers manage distracting secondary tasks whilst driving. Investigators noted that infrequent flower consumers demonstrated compensatory actions, including speed reductions and delayed task starts, whilst daily consumers failed to adjust despite potential impairment. The primary limitation is the reliance on simulated environments rather than actual road conditions.
SafetyImpairmentClinical ResearchClinical trial of cannabis oil for Parkinson's disease pain shows no benefit
A phase II randomised controlled trial assessed an oral cannabis extract containing cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol for chronic pain in Parkinson's disease. Over nine weeks, the therapy showed no significant improvement in pain scores or non-motor symptoms compared to a placebo. The trial concluded that the formulation did not alleviate these symptoms in the eighty-seven patients who completed the study.
Clinical ResearchParkinson's DiseasePainCannabidiol modulates CB1 receptor-enriched brain connectivity in early psychosis
Researchers investigated how a single 600 mg dose of cannabidiol affects CB1-enriched brain connectivity in thirteen patients with early psychosis and fourteen healthy controls. The compound reduced connectivity within the right insular cortex, returning it to levels comparable to healthy participants. The primary limitations are the small sample size and the evaluation of only acute effects.
PsychiatryCBDNeuroimagingCannabinoidsNeuritin targets cannabinoid receptor 2 to suppress autoimmune inflammation in mouse models
Researchers investigated the role of neuritin in regulating autoimmune and inflammatory responses. The study demonstrated that neuritin interacts selectively with cannabinoid receptor 2 to expand regulatory T cells and suppress pro-inflammatory cells, reducing disease severity in murine models of arthritis, colitis, and psoriasis. However, these therapeutic effects were restricted to animal models and require clinical validation.
ImmunologyCB2 ReceptorAutoimmune DiseaseSystematic review evaluates cannabinoid efficacy for multiple sclerosis spasticity
Researchers conducted a systematic review of twenty-seven randomised controlled trials to assess cannabinoids for multiple sclerosis spasticity. Combined tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracts demonstrated modest improvements in patient-reported symptoms compared to placebos. However, the overall certainty of the evidence was graded as low due to significant clinical and methodological variations across the included trials.
Multiple SclerosisSpasticityTHC-CBDClinical ReviewEvaluation of diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder in prescribed patients
This Australian survey study of 2,054 medical cannabis patients compared standard diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder against a modified framework excluding tolerance and withdrawal. Applying the modified criteria to patients using cannabis strictly as prescribed significantly reduced diagnosed disorder rates compared to standard measures. A key limitation is the reliance on self-reported data from an anonymous online survey.
Clinical ResearchCannabis Use DisorderAustraliaTherapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system in respiratory diseases
This review analysed how the endocannabinoid system regulates major pulmonary conditions, such as asthma and acute lung injury. The authors identified that modulating cannabinoid receptors or metabolic enzymes may reduce lung inflammation and support barrier integrity. Nevertheless, because these physiological responses depend heavily on specific contexts, clinical trials are necessary to confirm therapeutic efficacy.
Endocannabinoid SystemRespiratory HealthPharmacology
Pilot trial of THC-CBD oil for spinal cord injury spasticity yields mixed results
A double-blind crossover pilot study evaluated a balanced THC-CBD oil in sixteen patients with chronic spinal cord injuries. The treatment did not significantly improve objective muscle spasticity scores compared to a placebo. However, participants reported a significant reduction in subjective spasticity severity, though the small sample size and low dosing limit the generalisability of these findings.
Clinical TrialSpasticityTHC-CBDLiterature review analyses cannabinoid system interactions in metastatic melanoma patients
This literature review examined the interactions between the endocannabinoid system, the gut microbiome, and metastatic melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy. It highlights the therapeutic potential of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like cannabidiol and cannabigerol as adjuncts to chemotherapy. However, research remains limited by historical regulatory barriers and the psychoactive properties of certain cannabis compounds.
OncologyImmunotherapyCBDPharmacologyStudy identifies diagnostic inconsistencies in Australian mental health substance use records
This retrospective analysis evaluated electronic health records from 58,724 Australian psychiatric patients over four years. Researchers found that over a third of individuals had documented substance use issues, with cannabinoids frequently identified. However, the study highlighted a significant lack of diagnostic specificity, noting that clinicians frequently relied on vague categories rather than identifying specific substances.
DiagnosticsCannabinoidsMental Health