Insomnia affects nearly 30% of adults, leading many to rely on medications like benzodiazepines and sleep aids that can cause dependency and cognitive side effects. With growing interest in natural alternatives, cannabis has emerged as a potential option.
Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, that interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid system-specifically CB1 receptors that play a role in regulating sleep and wake cycles. Low doses of THC may help with falling asleep and increasing deep sleep, while higher doses of CBD can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Lower THC:CBD ratios are typically recommended for insomnia.
While research is still emerging, real-world data is helping fill the gaps. Management Science Associates recently analyzed how cannabis use affected sleep medication use among patients with insomnia—offering new insights into its potential as a safer, more natural alternative.
Methods
This analysis included 81 adults aged 18 and over, diagnosed with insomnia disorders based on ICD-10 codes, who have purchased cannabis products through medical cannabis dispensaries in Minnesota from 2016 to 2022.
Using MSA’s patented HIPAA compliant de-identification technology, we linked each patient’s electronic health records (EHRs) with medical cannabis dispensary transaction records while protecting patient privacy.
We investigated the trends of cannabis products use in patients with insomnia, according to demographics, and quantified changes in sleep medication use over time, using the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to obtain a ratio that reflects the patient’s daily medication intake in a standard measure. We analyzed the differences in medication use before and after cannabis use, and describe the characteristics of patients who experienced a reduction in sleep medication use.
Results: Cannabis in Correlation with Insomnia
Demographics: Most insomnia patients participating in our study fall within the middle-aged bracket. Almost 50% of the participants were aged 35-50 years, closely followed by 44.4% within the 51–64-year age group.
Product preference overall: Over half of the patients with insomnia (51%) preferred cannabis products with a THC ratio of 19:1.
Most patients with insomnia were using cannabis products in Vape, Tablets and capsule forms.
Reduction in Sleep Medication use of 27%: The average DDD Ratio of Sleep Medications before cannabis use was 2.38, and after starting using Cannabis it was 1.75. The percentage reduction in DDD ratio from Before to After: 26.7%
Reductions in Sleep Medication Usage Observed Post-Cannabis Use Across Age GroupsPatients using cannabis experienced notable decreases in sleep medication use, with the most substantial improvements seen in individuals aged 50 and older. Specifically, in those over 65 years old we observed a 60% reduction. Meanwhile, the 51-64 age group showed a 39% reduction, and those aged 35-50 observed a 25% decrease in sleep medication prescriptions. Patients 35-50 years old were using higher doses of Sleep medications than other age groups. Patients over 65 years old exhibited a more pronounced reduction in DDD ratios compared to other age groups, this suggests that older patients might benefit more significantly from cannabis use in terms of reducing their sleep medication intake.
Reduction by Type of sleep medication: In our analysis, we observed a significant reduction in the use of various sleep medications among patients who began using cannabis, with benzodiazepines showing a particularly notable decrease of approximately 50% of the daily dose. The group of patients that experienced a reduction of sleep medication during cannabis use were mostly using Benzodiazepines, among which the most used were Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam, and Clonazepam. Benzodiazepines are well-known for their efficacy in treating insomnia but come with risks such as tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. The use of benzodiazepines after starting cannabis decreased by 50.17%, highlighting cannabis’s potential as a viable alternative or supplement to traditional sleep medication regimens. The substantial reductions observed here suggest that cannabis might serve as an effective alternative or adjunct therapy, potentially helping to mitigate these risks.
Reduction by THC:CBD ratio: Although most patients with insomnia in this study were using cannabis products with a ratio of 19:1, the THC:CBD ratios that were most effective to reduce sleep medication use were 4:1, 20:1, and 1:1.
Milligrams of THC: Cannabis products with higher amount of mg of THC were correlated with higher daily dose of sleep medications. This supports previous literature about the effect of THC on insomnia, where lower contents of THC being most effective to alleviate insomnia are reported.
Product Form and Reduction of Sleep Medication: Patients who were using cannabis in capsules experienced the most reduction in sleep medication use. Capsules can have a higher bioavailability, meaning more cannabis enters the bloodstream compared to tablets, which could make them more effective. Gummies were most used by patients using high dosages of sleep medications at baseline.
Conclusion
These preliminary findings suggest that cannabis has the potential to reduce the use of traditional sleep medications, particularly among older adults. The preference for specific forms of cannabis in patients using high doses of sleep medications, and the use of capsules in patients who reduced its use, highlight important considerations for patient preferences and adherence. As we continue this research, we aim to further elucidate the mechanisms behind these trends and refine our understanding of how cannabis can be optimized for managing insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Discussion
Our results from this exploratory analysis suggest medical cannabis could reduce the reliance on traditional sleep medications among patients with insomnia. This finding is particularly important given the adverse effects associated with long-term use of conventional sleep aids, such as tolerance, dependence, and cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. The observed reductions in sleep medication use across various age groups underscore the potential of cannabis as an effective alternative to manage insomnia symptoms. Further research is needed to find the significance of these associations among different age cohorts. Notably, the most substantial reductions were seen in patients over 65 years old, indicating that older adults might benefit the most from cannabis therapy in terms of decreasing their sleep medication intake.
The varying impact of different THC:CBD ratios in reducing sleep medication use highlights the importance of personalized medicine. Ratios like 4:1 and 1:1 were particularly effective, suggesting that specific cannabinoid profiles may better address the symptoms of insomnia in certain populations. This aligns with previous research indicating that both THC and CBD play distinct roles in modulating sleep, with THC primarily influencing sleep latency and duration, and CBD offering anxiolytic and sedative effects at higher doses.
Furthermore, the preference for certain cannabis product forms, such as capsules, in patients who reduced sleep medication use, points to the need for considering product bioavailability in treatment plans. The higher bioavailability of capsules compared to other forms like tablets may lead to more effective symptom relief, thereby reducing the need for conventional medications. This aspect of cannabis therapy could be crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and enhancing patient adherence. These findings support previous studies about the potential of cannabis as a valuable tool in managing insomnia and call for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects.
Next Steps
Longitudinal studies in large and diverse populations are essential to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of cannabis, particularly in terms of dependency, cognitive function, and overall sleep quality. The development of comprehensive clinical guidelines informed by high-quality evidence will be crucial in integrating cannabis into insomnia treatment safely and effectively. By continuing to explore these avenues, we aim to refine our understanding of cannabis’s role in sleep therapy, ultimately providing more tailored treatment options for patients suffering from insomnia.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved with MSA by being a prominent leader in cannabis research, we’d love to hear from you. Additionally, as a cannabis operator, you’d receive valuable insights into your cannabis business. You can reach out to Madeline Grant at mgrant@msa.com to schedule an introductory call.
Committee Insights | 7.13.23 | Know Your Hazards – Occupational Health and Safety Considerations in Cannabinoid Ingredient Manufacturing
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most.
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series, originally aired on July 13, we were joined by members of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing, Scientific Advisory and Hemp Committees for an in-depth discussion highlighting the occupational health and safety considerations to make during the manufacture of cannabinoids and provide recommendations for mitigating risk.
There is no mistaking that manufacturing cannabinoids is here to stay. It is more and more prevalent to see historically plant/naturally derived bulk ingredients being manufactured in a controlled environment in the lab or through innovative processes like precision fermentation. It is likely that bulk ingredient manufacturing of cannabinoids will go this route too.
For cannabinoids like HHC, that do not exist naturally in the plant or in high enough quantities to be commercially viable for extraction, it is most certainly the case that manufacture of these compounds will occur in the lab. To produce these compounds safely, we can luckily look toward existing regulations and occupational health and safety guidelines for producing novel ingredients for use in foods and non-foods.
Learning Objectives:
• Recognizing common occupational safety hazards associated with manufacturing cannabinoids and recommendation to mitigate these hazards
• Learning the different occupational safety considerations between isolation and purification of naturally occurring cannabinoids and the manufacture (synthesis) of cannabinoids in the lab
• Understanding the special safety considerations that processes like hydrogenation and others have and why these are critical to mitigating liability for your business
Safeguarding Consumers in the Cannabinoid Product Landscape (Part III):
Know Your Hazards – Occupational Health and Safety Considerations in Cannabinoid Ingredient Manufacturing (Part IV): https://bit.ly/3rEUeKP
Concepts for Regulatory Consideration – Shifting the Conversation from “Cannabis vs. Hemp” to “The Cannabinoids” (Part V): https://bit.ly/3P3r5AW
Committee Insights | Meet the Minors (Novel, Minor, Synthetic Cannabinoids – Part II)
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series, originally aired on May 11, 2023, we were joined by members of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing, Scientific Advisory and Hemp Committees for an in-depth discussion of the most talked about minor, novel, and synthetic cannabinoids.
What scientific publications exist for each compound? What do we know about each molecule’s physiological, psychoactive, and therapeutic effects?
You’ll find out during this informative session featuring leading chemical experts, manufacturers and product development specialists. Along with audience members they explored these compounds from various perspectives to examine their implications for consumers, medical practitioners, patients, producers and regulators.
Learning Objectives:
• Molecular Structures and Identification of novel, minor, and synthetic compounds
• Published Physiological and Psychoactive effects of these compounds
• Perceived therapeutic effects
• Opportunity to ask about other new compounds not in presentation.
Safeguarding Consumers in the Cannabinoid Product Landscape (Part III):
Know Your Hazards – Occupational Health and Safety Considerations in Cannabinoid Ingredient Manufacturing (Part IV): https://bit.ly/3rEUeKP
Concepts for Regulatory Consideration – Shifting the Conversation from “Cannabis vs. Hemp” to “The Cannabinoids” (Part V): https://bit.ly/3P3r5AW
NCIA Today – Thursday, April 6, 2023
Join NCIA Director of Communication Bethany Moore for an update on what’s going on with NCIA and our members. This week we discuss 13 women scientists you NEED to know, our recent podcast check-ins with members of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, discuss a recent letter NCIA sent to the Congressional Banking and Finance Committees, and look forward to the remainder of our city events coast-to-coast leading up to Lobby Days in May.
Committee Blog: 13 Women Cannabis Scientists to Follow and Support
by Russ Hudson, Canna Advisors Member of NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee
Introduction
These 13 women cannabis scientists and researchers deserve to be recognized for their significant scientific and academic merit alone, irrespective of their gender. For now, we are identifying these stellar individuals as women solely because of the cannabis industry’s longstanding domination by males. Supporting these professionals in their scientific work with cannabis is critical to advancing the global cannabis agenda, which seeks to make cannabis medicine and other products readily available to people globally. Sharing the work and efforts of these exceptional humans is precisely what is needed to inspire the next generation of cannabis scientists, where gender will no longer be a defining feature.
*Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Portland State University *Cannabis Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Dr. Vreeke works with Ethan Russo and the team at True Terpenes, where she is Head of Research, performing risk assessments and managing the company’s toxicology program that she developed. With nearly a decade of experience already in laboratory research, Dr. Vreeke is expected to have a long and storied career in the science of cannabis.
PUBLICATIONS BY SHAWNA VREEKE, Ph.D.:
A First-Tier Framework for Assessing Toxicological Risk from Vaporized Cannabis Concentrates
A Simple Predictive Model for Estimating Relative E-cigarette Toxic Carbonyl Levels
Dihydroxyacetone levels in electronic cigarettes: Wick temperature and toxin formation.
E-cigarettes can emit formaldehyde at high levels under conditions that have been reported to be non-averse to users
Triacetin Enhances Levels of Acrolein, Formaldehyde Hemiacetals, and Acetaldehyde in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols
*Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland *Cannabis terpene researcher
Dr. Trapp is one of the world’s leading terpene experts, and she also happens to be an expert in cannabis, particularly where related to the plant’s chemical constituents. Dr. Trapp is the Senior Research Scientist for the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, she is the co-founder and chief scientist of a terpene company she founded called Terpedia, and she is an adjunct biology professor at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado. Dr. Trapp contributed commentary to The Big Book of Terps, and has authored the publications listed below:
PUBLICATIONS BY SUSAN TRAPP, Ph.D.:
Genomic Organization of Plant Terpene Synthases and Molecular Evolutionary Implications
Defensive Resin Biosynthesis in Conifers
Draft genome sequence of Mentha longifolia and development of resources for mint cultivar improvement
Gene expression profiling identifies inflammation and angiogenesis as distinguishing features of canine hemangiosarcoma
Molecular signatures of neoadjuvant endocrine therapies for breast cancer: characteristics of response or intrinsic resistance, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
*Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Rhode Island *Cannabis educator and research scientist
Dr. Kirk is a natural product chemist working as a Cannabis Research Scientist for Real Isolates, LLC. She is also a cannabis science educator for Cannabichem, LLC, and has spent years donating her time to various worthy charitable causes and programs.
PUBLICATIONS BY RILEY KIRK, Ph.D.:
Screening the PRISM Library against Staphylococcus aureus Reveals a Sesquiterpene Lactone from Liriodendron tulipifera with Inhibitory Activity
New Micropeptins with Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity Isolated from a Cyanobacterial Bloom
Polyphenol Microbial Metabolites Exhibit Gut and Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Protect Murine Microglia against LPS-Induced Inflammation
*Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Indiana University Bloomington *Cannabis researcher: genomics, breeding
A long-time dedicated researcher in the higher education industry, Dr. Vergara is currently an emerging crop specialist for Cornell University, a research associate with the University of Colorado Boulder, and the director and founder of the Agricultural Genomics Foundation based in Colorado.
PUBLICATIONS BY DANIELA VERGARA, Ph.D.:
Widely assumed phenotypic associations in Cannabis sativa lack a shared genetic basis
*Ph.D. in Biological Education from University of Northern Colorado *Cannabis educator and R&D specialist *Cannabis genetics
Dr. Schwabe is a cannabis geneticist with a passion for studying inconsistencies in commercially available cannabis flower. Extremely active in the cannabis space and beyond, Dr. Schwabe is the Director of Cannabis Education for 420 Organics, the Director of Research and Development for Shore Organics, and an Associate Lecture Professor for the University of Colorado Boulder.
PUBLICATIONS BY ANNA SCHWABE, Ph.D.:
Comparative Genetic Structure of Cannabis sativa Including Federally Produced, Wild Collected, and Cultivated Samples
Genomic Evidence That Governmentally Produced Cannabis sativa Poorly Represents Genetic Variation Available in State Markets
Research grade marijuana supplied by the National Institute on Drug Abuse is genetically divergent from commercially available Cannabis
Genetic tools weed out misconceptions of strain reliability in Cannabis sativa: Implications for a budding industry
Weeding out the truth behind Cannabis strain names: Genetic analyses confirm strain names are inconsistent and need regulation
*Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics from Pacific College *Cannabis Nurse – CHPN, RN
Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN is the founder of Trusted Cannabis Nurse, and has earned her reputation as a frank and passionate consumer educator in the cannabis industry. A longtime RN specializing in hospice and palliative care, Megan brings her passion for cannabis science education to the public, supported by a line of her own high quality hemp extract products.
*BS, Bioengineering, Arizona State University *Cannabis analytical testing expert
Jill specializes in cannabis analytical chemistry, working as Vice President of Sales for Orange Photonics, a company that produces analytical testing equipment for the cannabis industry – most notably handheld and portable testing units. Jill has a strong scientific background in analytical instrumentation, supported by her education in bioengineering.
*Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry from University of Munster *Cannabis phytochemical researcher
Dr. Sarshar is passionate about cannabis for women’s health, having founded Laia’s FemBalance, a company that advocates for and encourages women’s health and other rights in Germany and worldwide. With an MBA in addition to a Ph.D., Dr. Sarshar is also a proficient and well-known business expert.
PUBLICATIONS BY SHABNAM SARSHAR, Ph.D.:
Plants of the Gods and Their Recently Discovered Therapeutic Applications.
Traditionally used medicinal plants against uncomplicated urinary tract infections: Hexadecyl coumaric acid ester from the rhizomes of Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv. with antiadhesive activity against uropathogenic E. coli.
*Ph.D. in Biochemical Neuropharmacology from Rutgers University *Professor at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center *Discoverer of CB1 receptor for cannabinoid agonists
Dr. Howlett is one of the most-published cannabis-specific scientists in the world, and comes highly recommended to this list by numerous well-respected cannabis scientists and researchers. Dr. Howlett is also a Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where her expertise as a biochemical neuropharmacologist working with cannabinoid receptor signal transduction is highly valued by the current and next generation of cannabis and other professionals.
PUBLICATIONS BY ALLYN HOWLETT, Ph.D.:
Increased Angiotensin II Contraction of the Uterine Artery at Early Gestation in a Transgenic Model of Hypertensive Pregnancy Is Reduced by Inhibition of Endocannabinoid Hydrolysis
Alterations in the Medullary Endocannabinoid System Contribute to Age-related Impairment of Baroreflex Sensitivity
Is there a role for anandamide in cardiovascular regulation? Insights from studies of endocannabinoid metabolism
Steric Trigger as a Mechanism for CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Activation
Early phytocannabinoid chemistry to endocannabinoids and beyond
WIN55212-2 Docking to the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Multiple Pathways for Conformational Induction
Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy Maintenance and Labor: A Mini-Review
Endocannabinoids and Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species in Neuropathologies
Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a (CRIP1a) in Health and Disease
Acute Depletion of D2 Receptors from the Rat Substantia Nigra Alters Dopamine Kinetics in the Dorsal Striatum and Drug Responsivity
The Spicy Story of Cannabimimetic Indoles
The Endocannabinoid System and Oligodendrocytes in Health and Disease
Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a (CRIP1a): Function and Structure
WIN55212-2 Modulates Intracellular Calcium via CB1 Receptor-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms in Neuroblastoma Cells
Cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a interacts with myristoylated Gαi N terminus via a unique gapped β-barrel structure
CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Stimulate Gβγ-GRK2-Mediated FAK Phosphorylation at Tyrosine 925 to Regulate ERK Activation Involving Neuronal Focal Adhesions
Thyroid Effects on Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Levels and Adenylate Cyclase in Cultured Neuroblastoma Cells
Medullary Endocannabinoids Contribute to the Differential Resting Baroreflex Sensitivity in Rats with Altered Brain Renin-Angiotensin System Expression
*Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan *Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Dr. Cooper is the Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. A longtime health care professional specializing in neurobiology, Dr. Cooper has been working in the cannabis industry for many years, including a former appointment on the Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dr. Cooper has published numerous studies on various aspects of cannabis and cannabinoids.
PUBLICATIONS BY ZIVA COOPER, Ph.D.:
Impact of co-administration of oxycodone and smoked cannabis on analgesia and abuse liability
Methodology for controlled administration of smoked synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073
Sex-Dependent Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Translational Perspective
Effects of ibudilast on oxycodone-induced analgesia and subjective effects in opioid-dependent volunteers
The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research
Effects of zolpidem alone and in combination with nabilone on cannabis withdrawal and a laboratory model of relapse in cannabis users.
Oral Cannabidiol does not Alter the Subjective, Reinforcing or Cardiovascular Effects of Smoked Cannabis.
Adverse Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Management of Acute Toxicity and Withdrawal
Novel Pharmacologic Approaches to Treating Cannabis Use Disorder
Investigation of sex-dependent effects of cannabis in daily cannabis smokers
A human laboratory study investigating the effects of quetiapine on marijuana withdrawal and relapse in daily marijuana smokers
Effects of acute oral naltrexone on the subjective and physiological effects of oral D-amphetamine and smoked cocaine in cocaine abusers.
Comparison of a drug versus money and drug versus drug self-administration choice procedure with oxycodone and morphine in opioid addicts.
Comparison of the analgesic effects of dronabinol and smoked marijuana in daily marijuana smokers
Subjective, cognitive and cardiovascular dose-effect profile of nabilone and dronabinol in marijuana smokers.
Buprenorphine/naloxone as a promising therapeutic option for opioid abusing patients with chronic pain: reduction of pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and abuse liability of oral oxycodone.
Marijuana’s dose-dependent effects in daily marijuana smokers.
Nabilone decreases marijuana withdrawal and a laboratory measure of marijuana relapse.
Predictors of marijuana relapse in the human laboratory: robust impact of tobacco cigarette smoking status.
Effects of menstrual cycle phase on cocaine self-administration in rhesus macaques.
Glial modulators: a novel pharmacological approach to altering the behavioral effects of abused substances
Effects of baclofen and mirtazapine on a laboratory model of marijuana withdrawal and relapse.
Opioid antagonism enhances marijuana’s effects in heavy marijuana smokers.
Comparison of subjective, pharmacokinetic, and physiological effects of marijuana smoked as joints and blunts
Actions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis: relation to use, abuse, dependence.
Cannabis reinforcement and dependence: role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.
Naltrexone Maintenance Decreases Cannabis Self-Administration and Subjective Effects in Daily Cannabis Smokers.
Sex-dependent effects of cannabis-induced analgesia
*Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of British Columbia
Dr. Cuttler has published many valuable, relevant studies on cannabis and its constituents, especially in the field of obsessive use and addictive consumption, where her extensive education in psychiatry serves her and the public well. Dr. Cuttler is also an Assistant Professor with Concordia University.
PUBLICATIONS BY CARRIE CUTTLER, Ph.D.:
Blunted stress reactivity in chronic cannabis users
Psychometric properties of the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory (DFAQ-CU)
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder predict cannabis misuse
A cross-sectional survey of medical cannabis users: Patterns of use and perceived efficacy
Sex differences in cannabis use and effects: A cross-sectional survey of cannabis users
Mechanisms underlying the link between cannabis use and prospective memory
*Head of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Otago
Dr. Glass has specialized in cannabis, researching, among other subjects, cannabinoids, neurodegenerative diseases, Huntington’s disease, and G-protein coupled receptors. According to her profile on The University of Octago, “Professor Glass’ research focuses on the expression, function and molecular pharmacology of the cannabinoid receptors and their potential role in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Her recent research interests have extended to identifying the mechanism by which synthetic cannabinoids are resulting in high levels of toxicity in the community and advising on the development of clinical trials for medicinal cannabis products.”
PUBLICATIONS BY MICHELLE GLASS, Ph.D.:
Cannabinoid receptors in the human brain: a detailed anatomical and quantitative autoradiographic study in the fetal, neonatal and adult human brain
Concurrent stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors augments cAMP accumulation in striatal neurons: evidence for a Gs linkage to the CB1 receptor
Immunomodulation by cannabinoids is absent in mice deficient for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor.
The pattern of neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease: a comparative study of cannabinoid, dopamine, adenosine and GABAA receptor alterations in the human basal ganglia in Huntington’s diseas
Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous agonists
Concurrent stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors enhances heterodimer formation: a mechanism for receptor crosstalk?
Synthetic cannabis: adverse events reported to the New Zealand Pharmacovigilance Centre
Receptor alterations in human neuro-degenerative diseases
*Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley *Cannabis compliance and analytical testing expert
Dr. Wise is an analytical chemist and laboratory manager with extensive experience at multiple universities. The current Scientific Director for Medicine Creek Analytics as well as the Programming Chair for the Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision of ACS, Dr. Wise has published several studies on the aerosols of cannabis products and byproducts of cannabis extractions, as well as studies in other fields.
PUBLICATIONS BY AMBER WISE, Ph.D.
Metals in Cannabis Vaporizer Aerosols: Sources, Possible Mechanisms, and Exposure Profiles
Strategies for Nonpolar Aerosol Collection and Heavy Metals Analysis of Inhaled Cannabis Products
Deeper Dive into Extractions: Multiphase CO2 Extractions for Full Spectrum Native Chemical Profiles
Understanding the Science of Cannabis Produce DevelopmentExtraction Basics, Scientifically Speaking
Upstream adverse effects in risk assessment: A model of polychlorinated biphenyls, thyroid hormone disruption and neurological outcomes in humans.
Are Oral Contraceptives Significant Contributors to Estrogenicity of Drinking Water?
Discrete Arrays of Liquid Crystal-Supported Proteolipid Monolayers as Phantom Cell Surfaces
Policy Recommendations for Addressing Potential Health Risks from Nanomaterials in Californi
Are there other cannabis scientists that should be included in this list? Let us know using the CONTACT FORM HERE, or connect with the author via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhudson/
Video: NCIA Today – Thursday, June 30, 2022
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
Committee Blog: Cannabis and Cancer – Cannabinoids as Cancer Cell Disablers (Part 2)
There is abundant anecdotal evidence showing that people can live with cancer for decades after diagnosis. Several books and films describe various alternative approaches to traditional medicines that patients have used to help them heal, many citing the use of cannabis. For example “Weed the People” is an excellent film documenting the cannabis experiences of children with cancer and advocating for the sorely needed research on the healing potential of this powerful plant.
This blog will explain how cannabis can help our cells and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) components work together to weaken the ability of cancerous cells to survive. Let’s begin with a quick overview of cells and how they work. Cells are the smallest living unit in the body. There are about 200 different types of cells that come in different shapes and sizes, depending on their job. All cells are enclosed by a cell membrane which holds the cell’s contents and houses receptors, structures that allow cells to communicate with each other via ligands. Ligands carry specific messages and include, but are not limited to, neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors, endocannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids. They circulate throughout the body in our bodily fluids and bind to specific receptors. Receptors have a binding site with a distinct shape that matches the shape of specific ligands. In other words, each ligand is like a key that fits a lock to “open” the receptor so that the message the ligand carries can be received and transmitted to the cell.
Receptors and ligands are two of the main components of the ECS. Even though it is called a system itself, the receptors and ligands of the ECS are found in other systems of the human body, such as the neurological, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. This means most cells in the body contain cannabinoid receptors, known as the first cannabinoid receptor, CB1, and the second cannabinoid receptor, CB2. These receptors are activated by cannabinoids our body makes itself, known as endocannabinoids [anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)], cannabinoids made by plants, known as phytocannabinoids, and some enzymes [e.g., fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)].
This is an excellent basic understanding, but the ECS is much more complex. It is incredibly important to human health as its function is to maintain balance throughout the body and it helps to regulate many facets of physiological, behavioral, immunological, and metabolic functions in humans. The vast medicinal value of cannabis comes from the mixture of cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids that interact in some way with the ECS. Although research is still being performed to better explain how the ECS is involved with cancer, it has been demonstrated in animal and cell experiments that cannabis stops a number of vital functions in cancer cells, including proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and also causes apoptosis of malignant cancerous cells.
Proliferation is the scientific term for how quickly a cell can divide into two cells. Cancer cells can quickly proliferate because the molecules that regulate how often a cell can divide and create new cells have been disabled. This process allows cancer cells to grow in an uncontrolled fashion and to compete with healthy cells for space and nutrients. Animal and cell studies have shown that the compounds in cannabis can stop cancer cell proliferation in a wide variety of cancer types including breast, lung, prostate, liver, pancreatic, and many others.
Angiogenesis means the formation of new blood vessels. As cancer cells multiply and form large clumps, they secrete chemicals, many of which are ligands, that bind to receptors on cells in the tumor microenvironment. These cells receive the messages and begin building blood vessels. The newly formed blood vessels guarantee the growing clump of cancer cells will be fed all the nutrients and oxygen it needs to survive and flourish. A growing number of studies demonstrate that cannabis can inhibit angiogenesis in experimental cancer models.
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread to another part of the body other than where the cancer began. Cancer cells physically extend into the normal cells in their microenvironment, or they can pass through the walls of nearby blood or lymph vessels to get to distant locations. When they stop moving, they secrete messages that direct angiogenesis. Metastasis is a feature of more advanced cancer stages, such as stage 4 cancer. Experimental data shows that cannabis can hinder metastasis.
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a process that cells perform if specific genes are turned on. The cell then goes through a series of steps that end in its death. Cannabis has been shown to induce apoptosis, which is an excellent fate for a cancer cell. Although the experimental data here is predominantly from animal and cell cancer models, it is likely that these critical cellular processes are happening when cancer patients improve using cannabis.
Hopefully soon, more research will help scientists elucidate the exact mechanisms by which patients experience relief using cannabis!
Ann Allworth Ph.D. is founder and CEO of Cannabis Education Solutions. In her first year of undergrad, Ann Allworth Ph.D. developed a great interest in embryology while taking Anatomy & Physiology. After graduating, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program in cell biology and studied mammalian eggs and embryos. For several years after completing the program, she continued this research at Tufts University Health Sciences Center while working as a Gross Anatomy instructor. Next, Ann worked as an assistant professor at Howard University College of Medicine, continued teaching Gross Anatomy and began studying breast and ovarian cancer cells.
After 19 years in medical academia, Ann did a 180 and moved on to the natural product industry, where she learned there were many alternatives to pharmaceuticals to achieving health. And among other topics, taught the immense value phytonutrient rich foods and herbs have to optimal health and well-being for almost 15 years. Upon learning of the existence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in March 2019 she was shocked she had never heard of it, but she is far from alone. The general public is for the most part clueless about the ECS and the medical establishment by and large ignores its existence. So, she decided to create a company dedicated to illuminating minds to the expansive nature of the ECS and its unparalleled importance to human health.
Cynthia Shelby-Lane, MD, is an emergency physician, board-certified in anti-aging and functional medicine, and a certified Marijuana Doctor practicing medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Shelby-Lane has certified more than 10,000 medical cannabis patients in the State of Michigan. She coaches patients on their use of cannabis in conjunction with their current medications and medical conditions. She has been a member of NCIA and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the past five years, in addition to membership in multiple cannabis associations and organizations. She speaks at conferences/webinars and in the community on the use and benefits of cannabis and the evolving landscape of cannabis research. Dr. Shelby-lane has worked closely with the Last Prisoner Project.
Committee Blog: Cannabis And Cancer – As We Go Forward (Part 1)
No part of the following information should be construed as medical advice on the part of NCIA.
As a cannabis industry professional, you’ve probably been asked the question: “Is it true that cannabis cures cancer?” If we know someone who has cancer and benefited from using cannabis, we may say “cannabis aids in the treatment of cancer.” However, medical research has not indicated that cannabis cures cancer. NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee is reviewing the scientific data related to cannabis as an additional treatment to traditional care in the management of cancer.
Our three-part blog aims to give you accurate andup to date information about cannabis and cancer by looking at the federal regulations governing cannabis research; reviewing past, current, and future research; a review of how our cells and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) work together to disable cancerous cells; and looking at institutions involved in cannabis studies.
According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and second on the WeedMaps list of most common conditions that qualify you for a medical cannabis card. This is interesting, but really not a surprise as archeological evidence suggests this sacred plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. According to the Pen Tsao Ching, written nearly 5,000 years ago, cannabis is recommended for many of the same diseases and conditions that occupy the current composite qualifying lists in the states where cannabis is legal for medical purposes. This history magnifies the significance of the endocannabinoid system, a little-known, but incredibly important system that maintains balance in our bodies at the cellular level.
Cancer is a disease that begins when the cells of our body go completely out of balance. Instead of following the instructions of their genes, cancer cells become destructive to the body they live in. Cancer starts when one or a small group of cells begin growing out of control. It takes many forms, including blood cancers (leukemia, lymphomas), bone cancer, skin cancer, and solid tumors (e.g., stomach, lung, breast, prostate, ovary). Depending on how aggressive the cancer is, it may metastasize, meaning it can spread throughout the body.
Cancer Diagnosis
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, always get a second opinion. Be sure when choosing a doctor or Cancer Center that they have solid knowledge of all treatment options for your type of cancer, and understand that diet and lifestyle are critically important for healing.
If you want to use cannabis as a cancer treatment, find a doctor who is knowledgeable about how cannabis can affect the metabolism and effectiveness of chemotherapy and understands the invaluable medicinal benefits. For example, cannabis can alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatments including pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, numbness, tingling, and anxiety. A summary of patterns of cannabis use among cancer patients in the United States can be found here, along with a brief review about patterns of use of medical cannabis among Israeli cancer patients.
Cancer treatment depends largely on the type of cancer, its stage, and what your doctor recommends. The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. There are several more advanced treatment options but few insurance companies cover them. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significant and unpleasant side effects because healthy cells are often destroyed in the process of killing cancer cells.
The Current State of Cannabis and Cancer Research
Under the existing political and legal landscape, cannabis research has faced multiple hurdles. Currently, little to no research on the medical benefits of cannabis has been done in federally funded institutions due to its federal illegality.
The most serious hurdle is the lack of experimental data proving there is great medicinal value in the plant. Even so, there are numerous physicians, scientists, and other professionals who believe there is no plant on earth with greater medicinal value than cannabis.
Next Steps in Cannabis Research
Hopefully, more clinical trials will be performed as political and legal requirements are improved and clarified.
The National Cancer Institute hosted a“Cannabis and Cannabinoids and Cancer Research Symposium”in December 2020 to “address current barriers to research and strategies to navigate these hurdles to ensure the feasibility of rigorous studies designed to address gaps in knowledge as well as potential research opportunities in the area of cancer-related cannabis research.”
In essence, we’re missing consistent and reproducible evidence that cannabis can treat cancer and treat the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Also, we need more doctors educated on cannabis use amongst patients with cancer. Oncologists (cancer doctors) want more information about medical marijuana and cannabis.
Recent surveys reveal 30% of oncologists feel they can advise their patients about cannabis formulations in conjunction with their therapy.
The majority of oncologists as well as the American Cancer Society state, “do not forgo conventional therapy in favor of cannabis products only.” Dr. Donald Abrams, an integrative oncologist, discussed this issue in an article, “Should Oncologists Recommend Cannabis?’
In our next blog post, we will explain how the ECS and cells in our bodies interact with cannabis to disable threats from cancer cells.
Ann Allworth, PhD, is a cell biologist, who for more than 35 years has been educating adults, first in medical schools as an anatomy professor; then in the natural product industry, teaching the immense value of phytonutrient-rich foods and herbs to optimal health and well-being. Upon learning of the endocannabinoid system, she founded Cannabis Education Solutions, a company dedicated to illuminating minds to the vast nature of the endocannabinoid system and its unparalleled role in human health. Ann is now semi-retired and will soon be making a transition to a partnership in a new organization involved in medical cannabis advocacy.
Cynthia Shelby-Lane, MD, is an emergency physician, board-certified in anti-aging and functional medicine, and a certified Marijuana Doctor practicing medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Shelby-Lane has certified more than 10,000 medical cannabis patients in the State of Michigan. She coaches patients on their use of cannabis in conjunction with their current medications and medical conditions. She has been a member of NCIA and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the past five years, in addition to membership in multiple cannabis associations and organizations. She speaks at conferences/webinars and in the community on the use and benefits of cannabis and the evolving landscape of cannabis research. Dr. Shelby-lane has worked closely with the Last Prisoner Project.
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Ann Allworth Ph.D. is founder and CEO of Cannabis Education Solutions. In her first year of undergrad, Ann Allworth Ph.D. developed a great interest in embryology while taking Anatomy & Physiology. After graduating, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program in cell biology and studied mammalian eggs and embryos. For several years after completing the program, she continued this research at Tufts University Health Sciences Center while working as a Gross Anatomy instructor. Next, Ann worked as an assistant professor at Howard University College of Medicine, continued teaching Gross Anatomy and began studying breast and ovarian cancer cells. 
Cynthia Shelby-Lane, MD, is an emergency physician, board-certified in anti-aging and functional medicine, and a certified Marijuana Doctor practicing medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Shelby-Lane has certified more than 10,000 medical cannabis patients in the State of Michigan. She coaches patients on their use of cannabis in conjunction with their current medications and medical conditions. She has been a member of NCIA and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the past five years, in addition to membership in multiple cannabis associations and organizations. She speaks at conferences/webinars and in the community on the use and benefits of cannabis and the evolving landscape of cannabis research. Dr. Shelby-lane has worked closely with the Last Prisoner Project.