Differences in Plasma Cannabidiol Concentrations in Women and Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

Chronic Cannabidiol Administration Mitigates Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue in Patients with Primary Hypertension: Insights from a Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: The chronic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on factors that could impact the quality of life (anxiety, sleeping quality, memory, etc.) are poorly explored. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish whether chronic CBD supplementation will improve self-reported outcomes related to quality of life. Methods: In this randomized crossover trial, 64 patients with primary hypertension were assigned to receive CBD (225-450 mg) for 5 weeks followed by 5 weeks of placebo or vice versa, with a 2-week washout in-between the two. Self-reported outcomes were assessed using short form-36 (SF-36), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), memory complaint questionnaire (MAC-Q), and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). Results: Five-week administration of CBD, but not of placebo, resulted in improvement of ESS score (F = 6.738, p = 0.011), as well as fatigue/vitality (ΔCBD = 5.0, p < 0.001) and psychological well-being dimensions of SF-36 (ΔCBD = 7.4, p = 0.039). No overall benefit of CBD on quality of life was noted (p = 0.674). No changes were seen in total scores of MAC-Q, PSQI, or STAI (p = 0.151, p = 0.862, p = 0.702, respectively). No significant correlations were found between plasma CBD concentrations and any of the scores. Conclusions: Chronic CBD administration reduced excessive daytime sleepiness, despite the fact that no change was observed in self-reported quality of sleep. Furthermore, self-reported fatigue and psychological well-being dimensions of quality of life also improved following chronic CBD use.

Effects of acute cannabidiol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice

Background

Some evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) has potential to help alleviate HIV symptoms due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here we examined acute CBD effects on various behaviors and the endocannabinoid system in HIV Tat transgenic mice.

Methods

Tat transgenic mice (female/male) were injected with CBD (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) and assessed for antinociception, activity, coordination, anxiety-like behavior, and recognition memory. Brains were taken to quantify endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid catabolic enzymes. Additionally, CBD and metabolite 7-hydroxy-CBD were quantified in the plasma and cortex.

Results

Tat decreased supraspinal-related nociception and locomotion. CBD and sex had little to no effects on any of the behavioral measures. For the endocannabinoid system male sex was associated with elevated concentration of the proinflammatory metabolite arachidonic acid in various CNS regions, including the cerebellum that also showed higher FAAH expression levels for Tat(+) males. GPR55 expression levels in the striatum and cerebellum were higher for females compared to males. CBD metabolism was altered by sex and Tat expression.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that acute CBD effects are not altered by HIV Tat, and acute CBD has no to minimal effects on behavior and the endocannabinoid system.

Effect of cannabis and subproducts on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity poses a significant public health challenge. Research has examined the impact of cannabis and subproducts on health but varying results have hindered a consensus.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluated the effects of cannabis and subproducts on body measurements.

METHODS

For searching randomized controlled trials evaluating cannabis and/or subproducts use and changes in anthropometric measures, a systematic search at MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science was conducted until March 2023. The outcomes included changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Meta-analysis was realized using R software (version 4.2.1).

RESULTS

In general, cannabis use reduced weight by 1.87 kg (95% CI: -3.71 to -0.03) and WC (mean difference = -2.19, 95% CI: -4.44 to 0.06). When examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced BMI reduction (mean difference = -1.10, 95% CI: -2.23 to 0.03). Cannabinoid CB1 exhibited an increase in body fat (mean difference = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.66-2.74).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that cannabis and subproducts could be considered adjuncts in obesity treatment by helping to reduce relevant anthropometric measurements.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Cannabidiol in Croatia among Students, Physicians, and Pharmacists

Due to cannabidiol's health benefits and absence of serious side effects, its use is constantly growing. This is a survey-based cross-sectional study that was conducted to determine Croatian pharmacists', physicians', and students' knowledge and attitudes about cannabidiol (CBD). Two questionnaires were created, one for students and the other for physicians and pharmacists. Our participants (in total 874: 473 students and 401 physicians and pharmacists) generally had positive attitudes towards CBD therapy as approximately 60% of them believe that CBD treatment is generally efficacious. Participants had positive attitudes toward the therapeutic value of CBD, especially pharmacists and pharmacy students (63.8% and 72.2%, respectively). Pharmacists were significantly more convinced that CBD could reduce the use of opioids prescribed for chronic pain (p < 0.05). Only 17.5% of students had read scientific papers about CBD, compared to a significantly higher percentage of physicians and pharmacists (43.0% and 47.8%, respectively) (p < 0.05). This study revealed a gap in knowledge regarding CBD, since 89.3% of pharmacists and physicians, as well as 84.8% of students, believe they need more education about CBD. We conclude that it is important to improve the educational curricula so that medical professionals can recommend CBD use to their patients when needed.