Access peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and scientific literature on cannabis and cannabinoids
100 studies found
Retrospective case series examining CBD effects on anxiety and sleep in 72 adults. CBD capsules (25–175 mg/day) administered for 3 months showed significant anxiety reduction in 79% of patients within the first month, with sleep improvement in 66%.
Double-blind RCT of CBD for social anxiety disorder in 24 treatment-naive patients. CBD 600 mg significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort during a simulated public speaking test compared to placebo.
Retrospective case series of 11 patients with treatment-resistant anxiety. CBD 25–175 mg/day reduced anxiety scores by 79.2% within 8 weeks, with sustained effects at 3-month follow-up and no serious adverse events.
Systematic review of 24 studies examining CBD dosing across clinical populations. Effective doses ranged from 1–50 mg/kg/day depending on condition. Anxiety and sleep disorders responded to lower doses (25–300 mg/day) than epilepsy.
Neuroimaging RCT in 10 patients with generalized social anxiety disorder. CBD 400 mg significantly reduced subjective anxiety and altered activity in limbic and paralimbic areas including the left parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 RCTs examining cannabinoids for chronic pain across 766 participants. Cannabinoids showed significant pain reduction with NNT of 6 for 30% pain relief. Neuropathic pain responded best.
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs examining cannabinoids for neuropathic pain across 1,219 patients. Cannabinoids showed NNT of 5.6 for 30% pain reduction, with moderate quality evidence. Smoked cannabis and nabiximols most studied.
Systematic review of 9 studies examining cannabis–opioid interactions. Cannabis use associated with 64% reduction in opioid use, improved pain control, and fewer opioid-related side effects in chronic pain patients.
Prospective cohort study of 431 chronic pain patients using medical cannabis for 1 year. No serious adverse events, stable cognitive function, and 30% reduction in opioid use observed. Smoked cannabis 12.5% THC used.
Crossover RCT of smoked cannabis in 23 patients with post-traumatic or post-surgical neuropathic pain. Cannabis 9.4% THC reduced average pain intensity by 0.7 points on an 11-point scale vs placebo, with improved sleep and mood.
Meta-analysis of 26 RCTs (n=1,915) examining medical cannabis for chronic pain. Standardized mean difference of −0.61 for pain reduction. Neuropathic pain showed strongest response; cancer pain and fibromyalgia also benefited.
Phase III RCT of CBD in 120 children with Dravet syndrome. CBD 20 mg/kg/day reduced convulsive seizure frequency by 39% vs 13% placebo (p=0.01), with 5% achieving seizure freedom. Pivotal trial for FDA approval of Epidiolex.
Comprehensive meta-analysis of cannabinoid research for epilepsy. CBD showed anticonvulsant effects in 8/10 animal models. Clinical trials in treatment-resistant epilepsy showed 36–50% seizure reduction across multiple syndromes.
Phase III RCT of CBD in 225 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD 20 mg/kg/day reduced drop seizure frequency by 41.9% vs 17.2% placebo (p<0.0001). Results supported FDA approval of Epidiolex for LGS.
Systematic review of 19 observational studies (n=1,533) examining CBD for treatment-resistant epilepsy. Median seizure reduction of 50% across studies. Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut showed strongest responses.
Systematic review of 10 studies examining cannabinoids for PTSD across 247 patients. CBD 300–600 mg reduced PTSD symptoms by 28%, particularly effective for nightmares (72% reduction) and hyperarousal symptoms.
Double-blind RCT examining CBD effects on fear memory in 48 healthy volunteers. CBD 32 mg disrupted reconsolidation of fear memories, suggesting potential for PTSD treatment by targeting traumatic memory reconsolidation.
Cross-sectional survey of 170 veterans with PTSD. Cannabis use associated with 75% reduction in PTSD symptom severity on PCL-M scale. Nightmares and hyperarousal showed greatest improvement. Retrospective design limits causal inference.
Crossover RCT of nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid) for PTSD nightmares in 47 patients. Nabilone 0.5–3 mg/night eliminated or reduced nightmares in 72% of patients, with significant improvement in overall PTSD symptom scores.
Comprehensive review of cannabinoids in cancer covering palliative care and anti-tumor effects. Dronabinol and nabilone FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Preclinical evidence shows anti-tumor properties in glioma, breast, and prostate cancer.
Phase III RCT of nabiximols in 177 cancer patients with inadequate opioid analgesia. Nabiximols reduced pain NRS by 2.1 points vs 0.8 placebo, with 43% achieving ≥30% pain reduction. Well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
RCT comparing dronabinol to ondansetron in 64 chemotherapy patients. Dronabinol 5 mg BID showed equivalent antiemetic efficacy (complete response 71% vs 64%) with improved appetite and mood as secondary benefits.
Preclinical study examining CBD anti-tumor mechanisms in breast cancer cell lines. CBD inhibited Id-1 expression, reducing tumor aggressiveness, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo mouse models by up to 60%.
Laboratory study demonstrating cannabinoid inhibition of glioma invasion. THC and CBD reduced MMP-2 expression and activity, decreasing glioma cell invasion by 70% in vitro. CB1/CB2 receptor-mediated mechanism identified.
Prospective cohort study of 64,855 participants examining cannabis use and cancer risk. No significant association between cannabis use and tobacco-related cancers. Possible inverse association with head and neck cancers in moderate users.
Phase III RCT of nabiximols in 241 MS patients with spasticity. Nabiximols (2.7 mg THC + 2.5 mg CBD per spray) reduced spasticity NRS scores by 2.7 points vs 1.4 placebo (p<0.001). Approved in 25+ countries for MS spasticity.
Cochrane review of 17 RCTs (n=2,458) examining cannabinoids for MS. Nabiximols significantly reduced spasticity (OR 1.44), pain (SMD −0.26), and bladder dysfunction. Moderate quality evidence supports use for spasticity.
RCT of oral cannabis extract (2.5 mg THC + 1.25 mg CBD) in 667 MS patients with spasticity. Primary endpoint (Ashworth scale) not met, but significant improvements in patient-reported spasticity, pain, and sleep quality observed.
Systematic review of 17 studies examining cannabinoids for sleep disorders across 1,521 participants. High-dose CBD (160 mg) increased total sleep time by 48 minutes and improved sleep efficiency. THC reduced REM sleep.
Crossover RCT of nabilone for sleep in 32 fibromyalgia patients. Nabilone 0.5–1 mg/night significantly improved sleep quality (Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire), reduced pain, and improved restfulness vs amitriptyline.
Systematic review of 34 studies examining CBD effects on sleep. CBD showed dose-dependent effects: lower doses (15–25 mg) were alerting while higher doses (150–600 mg) were sedating. Strongest evidence for insomnia comorbid with anxiety.
Landmark study showing CB2 receptor activation reduces atherosclerosis in mice. THC 1 mg/kg reduced atherosclerotic lesions by 30%, decreased inflammatory markers (MCP-1, TNF-α), and improved vascular health.
Pilot study of cannabis in 21 IBD patients. THC-rich cannabis (23% THC) improved disease activity index by 50%, reduced CRP levels by 38%, and improved quality of life scores. Limitations include small sample and open-label design.
Review of CBD anti-inflammatory mechanisms across 28 preclinical studies. CBD inhibited NF-κB signaling, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and activated PPAR-γ receptors. Potential for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Double-blind RCT of cannabis in 21 Crohn's disease patients. Cannabis cigarettes (115 mg THC) induced complete remission in 45% vs 10% placebo (p=0.43). Significant improvement in Harvey-Bradshaw index and quality of life.
Randomized controlled trial examining THCV and CBD effects on type 2 diabetes. 62 participants received THCV 5 mg BID, CBD 100 mg BID, combination, or placebo for 13 weeks. THCV significantly reduced fasting glucose by 15% and improved pancreatic β-cell function.
Systematic review of 8 studies examining cannabis use and diabetes risk. Cannabis users had 16% lower fasting insulin levels and 17% lower HOMA-IR scores. Smaller waist circumference observed despite similar BMI.
Preclinical study examining CBD effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy. CBD reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death in high-glucose-treated endothelial cells. Reduced NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression by 40–60%.
Double-blind RCT comparing CBD to amisulpride in 42 patients with acute schizophrenia. CBD 800 mg/day showed comparable antipsychotic efficacy with significantly fewer side effects (no weight gain, prolactin elevation, or extrapyramidal symptoms).
Phase II RCT of CBD as adjunctive treatment in 88 patients with schizophrenia. CBD 1,000 mg/day significantly improved positive psychotic symptoms (PANSS) and global functioning vs placebo, with favorable tolerability profile.
Meta-analysis of 35 longitudinal studies examining cannabis use and psychosis risk. Any cannabis use associated with 41% increased risk of psychotic outcomes (OR 1.41). High-frequency use associated with 2-fold increased risk.
Systematic analysis of cannabinoid use in HIV/AIDS across 15 clinical trials. Dronabinol increased appetite in 38% vs 8% placebo and improved weight gain by 1.4 kg over 6 weeks. Smoked cannabis reduced neuropathic pain by 34%.
Cross-sectional study of 91 HIV+ patients examining cannabis use and cognition. Cannabis users showed better neurocognitive performance, reduced inflammation markers (IL-6 decreased 28%), and improved quality of life scores.
Crossover RCT of smoked cannabis in 50 HIV patients with peripheral neuropathy. Cannabis 3.56% THC reduced daily pain by 34% vs 17% placebo (p=0.03). First-dose pain relief observed, with improved mood and daily functioning.
Comprehensive review synthesizing endocannabinoid system research from the 1990s through 2004. Covers CB1/CB2 receptors, endogenous ligands (anandamide, 2-AG), and physiological roles in pain, mood, appetite, and neuroprotection.
Landmark review introducing the entourage effect concept — synergistic interactions between cannabis phytochemicals. Discusses how terpenes and cannabinoids work together for enhanced therapeutic effects across multiple conditions.
Preclinical study examining terpene-cannabinoid interactions. Myrcene enhanced THC effects by 200%, β-caryophyllene activated CB2 receptors independently, demonstrating entourage effect mechanisms at the molecular level.
Case series of 98 patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Chronic daily cannabis use (>5 years) associated with cyclic vomiting, compulsive hot bathing behavior, and symptom resolution with cessation. Mechanism involves TRPV1 receptor desensitization.
Comprehensive systematic review of 79 RCTs (n=6,462) examining medical cannabis across multiple conditions. Moderate quality evidence for chronic pain and spasticity. Low to moderate evidence for nausea, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Systematic review of cannabinoids for glaucoma across 8 studies. THC reduced intraocular pressure by 25–30% for 3–4 hours, but short duration and psychoactive effects limit clinical utility compared to existing treatments.
Preclinical study examining CBD neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's models. CBD 20 mg/kg reduced amyloid-beta plaque formation by 42%, improved cognitive function in transgenic mice, and decreased neuroinflammation markers.
Comprehensive analysis of CB1/CB2 receptor expression in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Cannabinoid system dysregulation identified as potential therapeutic target. CB2 upregulation in neuroinflammatory regions.
Preclinical study showing THC reduces amyloid-beta aggregation and tau protein phosphorylation in Alzheimer's cell models. THC 1 μM reduced amyloid-beta levels by 35% and improved mitochondrial function, suggesting disease-modifying potential.
Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs examining cannabinoids for Parkinson's across 219 patients. CBD 300 mg/day improved quality of life scores by 24%, reduced tremor amplitude by 31%, and improved sleep quality without worsening motor symptoms.
Open-label pilot study of CBD in 6 Parkinson's patients with psychosis. CBD 150–400 mg/day significantly reduced psychotic symptoms (BPRS and UPDRS) without worsening motor function or causing adverse effects over 4 weeks.
Systematic review of cannabinoids for rheumatoid arthritis across 12 preclinical studies and 2 human RCTs. Nabiximols reduced pain by 1.9 points and improved morning stiffness by 28 minutes. CB2 receptors identified in synovial tissue.
Preclinical study of transdermal CBD gel in rat arthritis model. CBD 6.2 mg/day reduced joint swelling by 58%, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved limb posture scores without systemic side effects.
Phase II/III RCT of nabiximols in 360 cancer patients with chronic pain. Low-dose nabiximols (1–4 sprays/day) significantly reduced pain NRS vs placebo (p=0.014). Medium and high doses did not show significant benefit.
Systematic review of 14 studies examining CBD for substance use disorders. CBD reduced tobacco consumption by 40%, decreased heroin cue-induced craving by 50%, and showed promise for alcohol, cocaine, and opioid addiction treatment.
Double-blind RCT examining CBD for smoking cessation in 24 smokers. CBD inhaler (400 mcg) reduced cigarette consumption by 40% vs placebo over 1 week, with effects maintained at follow-up. No significant withdrawal symptoms observed.
Preclinical study examining CBD effects on heroin-seeking behavior in rats. CBD 5 mg/kg reduced heroin-seeking by 55% and attenuated cue-induced reinstatement for up to 2 weeks after administration. Normalized AMPA/GluR1 receptor expression.
Prospective study of CBD-enriched cannabis in 53 children with ASD. CBD:THC ratio 20:1 oil improved behavior in 61%, communication in 47%, and anxiety in 39% of patients. Self-injurious behavior reduced in 35% of cases.
Retrospective study of 188 ASD patients treated with medical cannabis (CBD:THC 20:1). After 6 months, 30.1% reported significant improvement, 53.7% moderate improvement. Hyperactivity, sleep problems, and self-injury showed greatest benefit.
Systematic review of 6 studies examining CBD for ASD. Consistent improvements in behavioral symptoms, communication, and anxiety reported. Endocannabinoid system dysregulation proposed as mechanism. Calls for rigorous RCTs.
Retrospective study of 121 migraine patients using medical cannabis. Monthly migraine frequency decreased from 10.4 to 4.6 (p<0.0001). 85.1% reported fewer migraines per month. Inhaled cannabis most effective for acute attacks.
Systematic review of cannabinoid mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology. Endocannabinoid deficiency hypothesis proposed. CB1 receptors in trigeminal ganglia modulate pain transmission. Anandamide levels reduced in chronic migraine patients.
Retrospective comparison of cannabis vs triptans in 145 migraine patients. Cannabis reduced migraine intensity by 3.3 points vs 3.7 for triptans on a 10-point scale. Cannabis showed advantage for nausea and vomiting relief.
Cochrane review of 23 RCTs (n=1,326) examining cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Cannabinoids more effective than placebo (OR 3.82) and comparable to conventional antiemetics. Dronabinol and nabilone most studied.
Systematic review of 12 studies examining dronabinol for refractory nausea. Complete antiemetic response in 38–71% of patients. Effective as rescue therapy when standard antiemetics fail. Appetite stimulation noted as beneficial side effect.
Comprehensive review of cannabis cardiovascular effects. THC acutely increases heart rate and blood pressure; chronic use associated with tolerance. CB2 receptor activation cardioprotective in ischemia models. CBD reduces vascular inflammation.
Preclinical study of CBD in rat cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model. CBD 50 μg/kg reduced infarct size by 66%, decreased arrhythmia incidence by 50%, and reduced oxidative stress markers. Cardioprotective effects mediated via CB2 and adenosine A1 receptors.
Cohort study of 3,882 patients with acute MI examining cannabis use and mortality. Cannabis use associated with 4.2-fold increased risk of MI in the hour after use. No long-term increased mortality risk in survivors at 3.8-year follow-up.
Cross-sectional analysis of 52,000 participants from NESARC survey. Cannabis users had significantly lower rates of obesity (16.1% vs 22.0%) and lower BMI despite higher caloric intake. Paradoxical relationship with appetite stimulation.
Preclinical study of THCV in obese mouse models. THCV 3 mg/kg reduced food intake, body weight, and fat mass. Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. CB1 antagonist and CB2 agonist properties proposed as mechanism.
Systematic review of 5 studies examining cannabis for fibromyalgia. Significant improvements in pain, sleep, and quality of life reported. Nabilone showed strongest evidence. Endocannabinoid deficiency hypothesis supported by findings.
Double-blind RCT of nabilone in 40 fibromyalgia patients. Nabilone 0.5–1 mg BID significantly reduced pain (VAS −2.04 vs −0.47 placebo), anxiety, and improved quality of life over 4 weeks. Well tolerated with mild dizziness.
Crossover RCT of smoked cannabis in 38 patients with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain. Low-dose (3.5% THC) and medium-dose (7% THC) cannabis both significantly reduced pain intensity vs placebo, with dose-dependent cognitive effects.
Pilot RCT of nabiximols in 11 patients with spinal cord injury and spasticity. Nabiximols significantly reduced spasticity (Ashworth scale −1.2 vs +0.1 placebo) and improved bladder function. Promising results warrant larger trials.
Comprehensive review of adverse effects of non-medical cannabis use. Dependence develops in 9% of users (17% of daily users). Associations with psychosis, cognitive impairment, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular events reviewed.
Systematic review of cannabis withdrawal syndrome across 24 studies. Withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite) emerge within 1–3 days of cessation, peak at days 2–6, and resolve within 2 weeks in most users.
Longitudinal study of 1,037 individuals from birth to age 38. Persistent cannabis use from adolescence associated with 8-point IQ decline. Adult-onset use not associated with IQ decline. Cessation did not fully restore neuropsychological functioning.
Systematic review of cannabis smoking and respiratory effects. Regular smoking associated with chronic bronchitis symptoms and increased respiratory infections. No significant association with COPD or lung cancer in moderate users. Vaporization reduces respiratory risks.
Systematic review of CBD pharmacokinetics across 24 studies. Oral bioavailability 6–19%; sublingual 13–19%; inhaled 31%. Half-life 18–32 hours. Food increases absorption by 4-fold. Significant inter-individual variability due to CYP2C19 polymorphisms.
Systematic review of 24 studies examining cannabis use during pregnancy. Associated with increased risk of low birth weight (OR 1.77), preterm birth (OR 1.36), and neonatal ICU admission. Fetal brain development concerns from animal studies.
Systematic review of CBD hepatotoxicity across clinical trials and case reports. Elevated liver enzymes observed in 5–20% of patients at high doses (>20 mg/kg/day). Risk increased with concomitant valproate use. Monitoring recommended at therapeutic doses.
Review of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) hypothesis across migraine, fibromyalgia, and IBS. Reduced endocannabinoid tone proposed as common mechanism. Cannabinoid therapy may correct deficiency. Supports personalized medicine approach.
Cochrane review of 16 RCTs (n=1,750) examining cannabis-based medicines for neuropathic pain. Moderate quality evidence for pain reduction (RR 1.41 for ≥30% reduction). Adverse events more common with cannabis vs placebo (RR 1.99).
Double-blind RCT of CBD for heroin use disorder in 42 drug-abstinent individuals. CBD 400 and 800 mg significantly reduced cue-induced craving and anxiety vs placebo. Effects persisted for 7 days after last dose. No serious adverse events.
Double-blind crossover study of THC and CBD effects on working memory in 15 healthy volunteers. THC 10 mg impaired working memory and increased psychotic symptoms. CBD 600 mg attenuated THC-induced impairment and had no independent cognitive effects.
Systematic review of CBD for alcohol use disorder across 26 preclinical and 3 clinical studies. CBD reduced alcohol intake, motivation to drink, and relapse behavior in animal models. Neuroprotective effects against alcohol-induced neurodegeneration observed.
Systematic review of cannabinoid effects on bone metabolism. CB1 receptors regulate osteoclast activity; CB2 receptors promote osteoblast function. CBD and THCV showed bone-protective effects in preclinical models. Clinical evidence limited.
Systematic review of medical cannabis in adults ≥65 years across 12 studies. Significant improvements in pain, sleep, and quality of life. Higher rates of adverse events (dizziness, falls) vs younger adults. Dose reduction recommended in elderly.
Phase III RCT of CBD in 224 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. CBD 25 mg/kg/day reduced TSC-associated seizure frequency by 48.6% vs 26.5% placebo (p<0.0001). Results supported FDA approval of Epidiolex for TSC.
Systematic review of 39 RCTs examining cannabis effects on sleep. Cannabinoids improved sleep in conditions with comorbid pain, PTSD, and anxiety. THC reduced REM sleep and increased slow-wave sleep. Long-term use associated with tolerance to sleep effects.
Case series of 11 adults with PTSD treated with CBD 25–175 mg/day. PTSD symptom scores (PCL-5) decreased by 28% on average. Nightmares resolved in 7/11 patients. Sleep quality improved in 9/11. No serious adverse events reported.
Network meta-analysis of 20 RCTs (n=2,810) comparing cannabinoids for MS spasticity. Nabiximols ranked highest for patient-reported spasticity improvement. Oral THC:CBD extract showed significant benefit for objective spasticity measures.
Systematic review of 25 studies examining CBD for anxiety disorders. Consistent anxiolytic effects across social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and PTSD. Optimal dose range 300–600 mg for acute anxiety. Chronic dosing data limited.
Double-blind RCT of CBD in 36 treatment-naive social phobia patients. CBD 600 mg significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort during public speaking. VAMS and SSPS-N scores significantly lower vs placebo and comparable to healthy controls.
Comprehensive review of cannabis use disorder (CUD). Lifetime prevalence 6.3% in US adults; higher in daily users (33%). Neurobiological mechanisms involve CB1 receptor downregulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy most evidence-based treatment; no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy.
Systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence for CBD in anxiety disorders. Strong preclinical evidence across generalized anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorder. Acute CBD anxiolytic at 300–600 mg. Calls for large-scale RCTs.
Medical Disclaimer: This research database is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The studies presented here represent current scientific literature and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about cannabis use for medical purposes.
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