CED Clinic: Personalized Cannabis Medicine
At CED Clinic, we’re redefining care. Step into a welcoming, professional space where the leading experts in medical cannabis are here to guide and support you!
Daily Research & Patient Literature Board
New research, explained two ways: a plain-English summary and a deeper scientific read.
Literature Presentation Boards
Browse recent studies from the clinical literature.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality.
Administering 20 mg of isolated cannabinol (CBN) nightly can effectively reduce nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance in patients with subjective sleep difficulties without causing daytime fatigue or severe adverse events.
Read the findings and why they matter →Cannabinoid therapeutics in orofacial pain management: a systematic review
While current systemic and oral cannabinoid formulations lack robust evidence for managing acute orofacial and post-operative dental pain, topical transdermal CBD demonstrates potential for localized myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain.
Read the findings and why they matter →Cannabinoids for Chronic Pain: Translating Systematic Review Findings Into Clinical Action
Clinicians should support patients with chronic pain in exploring cannabis as an alternative to opioids, while ensuring they do not replace disease-modifying treatments.
Patients with chronic pain may successfully substitute cannabis for pain medications. The risk-benefit calculation favors cannabis over opioids due to lower all-cause mortality. Patients should not substitute cannabis for disease-modifying drugs.
This review suggests that while cannabinoids may offer a safer alternative to opioids for some patients seeking relief from chronic pain, they should not be viewed as a replacement for treatments designed to alter the underlying disease process.
In their article, McDonagh and colleagues reported a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials and cohort studies to investigate the benefits and harms of cannabinoids for treatment of chronic pain. The editorialists discuss the limitations and strength of available evidence on cannabis as treatment of chronic pain and share their own advice for engaging with patients interested in using cannabis to treat chronic pain.
Acute and Extended Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol in Cannabis Flower: A Quasi-Experimental ad libitum Use Study
Consider recommending CBD-dominant cannabis for patients with anxiety symptoms, as it may provide greater relief compared to THC-dominant options.
Read the findings and why they matter →Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation
It helped CBD cause acute relaxation of human mesenteric arteries by activating cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) receptors and transient receptor potential channels. This study does not change clinical practice for medical cannabis clinics. AIMS: The protective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely shown in preclinical models and have translated into medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
It helped CBD cause acute relaxation of human mesenteric arteries by activating cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) receptors and transient receptor potential channels.
This study does not change clinical practice for medical cannabis clinics.
AIMS: The protective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely shown in preclinical models and have translated into medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. However, the direct vascular effects of CBD in humans are unknown.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Using wire myography, the vascular effects of CBD were assessed in human mesenteric arteries, and the mechanisms of action probed pharmacologically. CBD-induced intracellular signalling was characterized using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). CBD caused acute, non-recoverable vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries with an Rmax of ∼ 40%. This was inhibited by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) receptor antagonists, desensitization of transient receptor potential channels using capsaicin, removal of the endothelium, and inhibition of potassium efflux. There was no role for cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, the novel endothelial cannabinoid receptor (CBe), or cyclooxygenase. CBD-induced vasorelaxation was blunted in males, and in patients with type 2 diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. In HAECs, CBD significantly reduced phosphorylated JNK, NFκB, p70s6 K and STAT5, and significantly increased phosphorylated CREB, ERK1/2, and Akt levels. CBD also increased phosphorylated eNOS (ser1177), which was correlated with increased levels of ERK1/2 and Akt levels. CB1 receptor antagonism prevented the increase in eNOS phosphorylation.
CONCLUSION: This study shows, for the first time, that CBD causes vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via activation of CB1 and TRP channels, and is endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent.
A Preliminary Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Extract Versus Oromucosal Spray in Healthy Men and Women
Clinicians should consider the route of administration when prescribing THC:CBD formulations, as bioavailability may vary significantly between methods.
Read the findings and why they matter →A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot study of cannabis-related driving impairment assessed by driving simulator and self-report
Clinicians should be aware of the potential driving impairments associated with cannabis use and advise patients accordingly, especially in states where cannabis is legalized.
Read the findings and why they matter →A within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized evaluation of the combined effects of cannabidiol and hydromorphone in a human laboratory pain model
In this double-blind laboratory study, low-dose oral cannabidiol (50 mg) enhanced the acute analgesic properties of 4 mg hydromorphone without increasing negative subjective effects or adverse events, whereas higher CBD doses (200 mg) increased adverse effects.
Read the findings and why they matter →A randomized clinical trial of low-dose cannabis extract in Alzheimer's disease
Consider low-dose THC-CBD extracts as a potential adjunctive treatment for patients with Alzheimer's disease-associated dementia, while monitoring for safety and efficacy.
Read the findings and why they matter →A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Dronabinol for Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Consider dronabinol as a potential treatment option for managing agitation in Alzheimer's disease, especially in patients who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
Read the findings and why they matter →Ask Dr. Caplan a Question & Explore Answered Patient Archive
Submit an anonymous question for physician review or browse verified scientific answers on our daily corkboard.
Have a Question?
Submit your question below. Selected questions are answered after physician review.
Daily Answered Q&A Corkboard Stream
Patient questions, answered by a physician.
“Does ingesting cannabis nano emulsions effect nitric oxide production”
We do not currently have human studies showing that cannabis nanoemulsions directly increase or decrease nitric oxide production.
Clinical research indicates that cannabinoids do not "cure" PTSD or reliably lower total PTSD severity scores across the board, but they can offer targeted temporary relief for specific symptom clusters like traumatic nightmares, sleep disruption, and intense hyperarousal.
Cannabis compounds often produce what pharmacologists call a "biphasic effect," meaning low doses and higher doses can produce opposite reactions in the body.
“Is THCV truly an appetite suppressant? Why isn't it all over the market?”
While early research suggests tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may reduce appetite in some contexts, the evidence is not yet strong enough to call it a reliable or proven weight-loss tool.
“I have a root canal coming up and someone suggested taking CBD beforehand to calm my nerves and help with the pain after. Does that work?”
The one trial that tested exactly this did not find a benefit.
“I am starting chemotherapy next month and I am already nauseous just thinking about it. Does cannabis actually help with that, or is it wishful thinking?”
For nausea that persists despite standard anti-sickness medicine, there is real evidence it helps.
“Does medical cannabis help with cancer pain and the general awfulness of advanced cancer?”
This is a very tricky question - with answers that keep changing with different papers and patient reports.
“Is there any evidence for cannabis helping tics in Tourette syndrome? My son has tried a lot of medications without much luck.”
There is, from a small but carefully designed trial.
“My father has Parkinson's and keeps reading that cannabis helps with tremor. Is there anything behind that?”
For now, less than the enthusiasm suggests.
How we cite research
Every study linked on this page is checked against PubMed so the link goes to the paper it names. If a study can no longer be verified, any answer relying on it is taken down until a physician reviews it again. Software can confirm that a citation is real. It cannot confirm that a study supports what we wrote. That judgment belongs to our reviewing physicians.
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Medical Marijuana Doctor in Massachusetts
CED Clinic is a physician-led medical practice providing virtual medical cannabis consultations, medical card certifications, and personalized cannabinoid guidance across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
100% Virtual Telehealth Certifications
Meet with board-certified cannabis physician Dr. Benjamin Caplan from the comfort of your home. We evaluate qualifying conditions, guide your Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) registration, and ensure your legal patient protections.
Book Medical Evaluation →CBD Doctor & Cannabinoid Advisory
Beyond routine certifications, CED Clinic provides clinical guidance on CBD, CBG, CBN, and low-THC therapies. We specialize in drug-drug interactions, dosing titration, and evidence-based relief for chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Learn About Clinical Advisory →Serving patients statewide throughout Boston, Worcester, Cambridge, Springfield, the North Shore, South Shore, and Cape Cod.
Schedule a Massachusetts Doctor ConsultationOur Services
Patient Stories
Stories auto-rotate every 5 seconds. Swipe or scroll horizontally to browse.
Navigating the Stigma as a Senior
“At 68 years old, I never thought I’d be considering cannabis as part of my treatment. My generation didn’t grow up viewing it as medicine, we saw it as something entirely different. But after dealing with arthritis pain for over a decade, my daughter encouraged me to give it a try. Meeting with a professional who truly understood both the science and the hesitations I had made all the difference. Dr. Caplan explained the endocannabinoid system in a way that made total sense. Today, I’m sleeping through the night and gardening again without chronic joint pain.”
Reclaiming Life with Holistic Care
“I had been living with chronic fatigue and pain for years, feeling like I was just existing rather than living. Traditional medicine had brought little relief, so I started looking into alternative options. Working with a doctor who truly listened to my struggles and offered a holistic approach to care was a game-changer. The cannabis regimen we developed not only improved my energy levels but also allowed me to engage in activities I hadn’t been able to enjoy in years.”
A Patient’s Guide to Finding the Right Dose
“My journey with cannabis therapy was not a straight line. When I first started, I thought one dose or product would fix everything, but I quickly learned it’s a process of trial and adjustment. Working with a knowledgeable doctor made all the difference. We started low and slow, as they say, and I kept track of how I felt each day. Over time, I found the right balance that worked for my condition without feeling overwhelmed.”
Finding Balance After Postpartum Anxiety
“After having my second baby, I struggled with severe postpartum anxiety. It was difficult to admit I wasn’t feeling okay. Traditional treatments left me feeling disconnected, and I didn’t want to spend my days like that. When I started exploring medical cannabis, I was cautious but hopeful. Meeting with Dr. Caplan helped me approach it with confidence. Low-dose CBD and microdosing restored my calm and allowed me to be fully present for my children.”
Overcoming My Fear of Cannabis Therapy
“For years, I hesitated to explore medical cannabis. I had so many misconceptions, fear of side effects, worries about legality, and embarrassment about what others might think. But after years of struggling with chronic anxiety and sleep disruption, I decided it was time to explore new options. Meeting with Dr. Caplan completely shifted my perspective. He helped me understand that cannabis wasn’t about masking symptoms; it was about restoring biological balance.”
