FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·March 14, 2025·6 min readCannabis Terpenes Offer New Hope for Chronic Pain, FibromyalgiaNew research has identified cannabis-derived terpenes—compounds that give plants their distinctive aroma—as effective treatments for fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain. In preclinical mouse models, terpenes such as geraniol and linalool significantly reduced chronic pain, providing promising alternatives to opioid medications and avoiding THC's psychoactive side effects.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePain·February 6, 2025·6 min readHow CBD Modulates THC’s Impact on the BrainResearchers have identified how CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors to mitigate the negative effects of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Unlike THC, which fully activates the receptor and causes side effects like memory loss and addiction, CBD acts as a modulator, fine-tuning receptor activity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 28, 2025·6 min readCannabis Use Reduces Brain Activity in Key Memory RegionsA study of over 1,000 young adults reveals that both recent and heavy lifetime cannabis use reduce brain activity in regions critical for working memory, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula. This reduced activity correlates with poorer performance on memory tasks like following instructions or solving problems.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 16, 2024·4 min readStudy Challenges Myths About Cannabis, Brain Health, and IQA study spanning 44 years and involving over 5,000 men challenges long-held beliefs about cannabis and cognition. Researchers found that cannabis users experienced slightly less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to nonusers.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·December 6, 2024·6 min readPsychosis Risk Tied to Heavy Cannabis Use and Genetic FactorsHeavy cannabis use and genetic risk for schizophrenia independently contribute to the likelihood of developing psychosis. Researchers used two large datasets to analyze the relationship between cannabis use, schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS), and psychosis.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 5, 2024·4 min readTeens’ Views on Cannabis Tied to Perceptions of Parental UseTeens who perceive their parents use cannabis are more likely to hold favorable views toward the drug and express intentions to try it. The impact of parental cannabis use perception varies by parent gender, with closeness to mothers and fathers influencing teens’ attitudes differently.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 3, 2024·5 min readCannabis Impacts Brain Plasticity via Astrocyte ReceptorsResearchers discovered that cannabis affects brain development by interacting with CB1 receptors on astrocytes, not just neurons. Using a mouse model, they showed that removing these receptors impaired the brain’s ability to adapt during critical periods of plasticity, particularly in the visual cortex.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 25, 2024·3 min readCan Cannabis Help ADHD?Researchers are investigating how cannabis affects ADHD symptoms, focusing on its interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system. Evidence suggests cannabis influences attention, hyperactivity, and anxiety, but the findings are limited due to legal restrictions and the complexity of ADHD presentations.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 23, 2024·5 min readAlcohol Use Predicts Escalating Cannabis Vaping Among YouthA recent study highlights alcohol as the strongest predictor of cannabis vaping initiation and experimentation among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic factors. Conducted over three years, the research found that alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of transitioning from non-use to cannabis vaping.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 21, 2024·4 min readCannabis Worsens Brain Connectivity Deficits in Psychosis RiskYoung adults at risk of psychosis show reduced synaptic density, a critical brain connectivity deficit that cannabis use appears to exacerbate, according to new research. The study revealed lower synaptic density linked to social withdrawal and motivational deficits, symptoms poorly addressed by current medications.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 15, 2024·6 min readCannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer RiskResearch indicates that cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors by disrupting mitochondria and damaging DNA. This genotoxicity can result in mutations, accelerated aging, and birth defects, with potential to be passed on to future generations through egg and sperm. Insights from broader mitochondrial research provide a mechanistic understanding of how cannabis affects genetic stability.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 15, 2024·5 min readCannabis Compound Found to Improve SleepResearchers have demonstrated that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in aged cannabis, improves sleep in rats. The study revealed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to more total sleep time with effects comparable to zolpidem, a common sleep medication.Read More
