#85 Research Authority
Peer-reviewed research curated for clinical relevance and evidence quality.
Recent research digest. 40 of 40 most recent studies from our monitored feeds.
The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wilson Jack et al.
The lancet. Psychiatry • 2026
# Clinical Summary This systematic review and meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to support cannabinoids as an effective primary treatment for mental disorders or substance use disorders. Current research does not adequately demonstrate that cannabinoids are safe or beneficial for these conditions compared to established treatments.
Enhancing the endocannabinoid system to treat residual disease in relapse-free multiple sclerosis.
Annovazzi Pietro et al.
Frontiers in neurology • 2026
# Clinical Summary Modern multiple sclerosis treatments have successfully reduced relapses, but patients still experience progressive disability and symptoms like spasticity that require additional management. Italian neurologists reviewed evidence suggesting that targeting the endocannabinoid system may help treat residual symptoms, particularly spasticity, in patients who have achieved relapse-free disease with high-efficacy therapies.
The wake of addiction: Pharmacological strategies for sleep disturbances in stimulant use disorders, a systematic review.
Bourtin Isabella G et al.
Drug and alcohol dependence • 2026
# Clinical Summary This systematic review examined medications used to treat sleep problems in people with cocaine or methamphetamine addiction, finding that various pharmacological approaches have been tested but evidence quality remains limited. The review highlights the need for better-designed studies to establish which medications most effectively improve sleep in patients with stimulant use disorders.
Neuroglial CB1 receptors modulate hippocampal processes in a sex-dependent manner.
Egaña-Huguet Jon et al.
Biology of sex differences • 2026
This research demonstrates that cannabinoid CB1 receptors in different brain cell types affect memory and navigation differently depending on whether the subject is male or female. The findings suggest that sex-specific variations in how the brain’s endocannabinoid system functions may help explain differences in memory and spatial navigation abilities between sexes.
Epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep associated with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome responsive to highly purified cannabidiol.
Datta Anita N
Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape • 2026
Practical consensus recommendations for polytherapy involving stiripentol in Dravet syndrome: A nominal group approach.
Cross J Helen et al.
Epilepsia open • 2026
# Clinical Summary Dravet syndrome requires complex treatment with multiple medications because it is highly resistant to standard epilepsy drugs, often necessitating three or more medications combined together. This consensus document provides practical recommendations for safely using stiripentol alongside other seizure medications and treatments, taking into account how patients’ needs change over time and the importance of educating caregivers about managing this serious condition.
Corrigendum to “A systematic review of highly purified cannabidiol in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and complex treatment-resistant epilepsies: Changes in seizure frequency and adverse events” [Epilepsy Res. 220 (2026) 1-1/107731].
Coppola Antonietta et al.
Epilepsy research • 2026
CARE – A Retrospective, Dual-Cohort, 24-Week Real-World Study from the German Pain e-Registry on the Effectiveness and Safety of CBD-Dominant Oral Cannabis Extracts versus THC/Dronabinol in Older Patients with Chronic Pain.
Überall Michael A et al.
Journal of pain research • 2026
This study compared CBD-dominant cannabis extracts with pure THC/dronabinol in older adults (age 65+) with chronic pain over 24 weeks using real-world registry data from Germany to evaluate safety, tolerability, and effectiveness. The research aimed to determine whether CBD-dominant formulations might offer a safer alternative to THC-based treatments for pain management in elderly patients with multiple medical conditions and medications.
Elucidating the role of ABC transporters in the placental efflux of (-)- Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a cocktail of ABC transport inhibitors.
Balhara Ankit et al.
Placenta • 2026
# Clinical Summary Researchers found that THC is actively pumped out of the fetus back toward the mother across the placenta through transporter proteins (P-gp and BCRP), which helps protect fetal exposure to this drug. When multiple transporter inhibitors were used together, more THC crossed into the fetal compartment, confirming that these efflux transporters play an important role in limiting fetal THC accumulation during pregnancy.
Vaping Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in liquid forms: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory implications.
Block Ashleigh C et al.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology • 2026
# Summary This review identifies a significant gap in scientific knowledge, as no human studies have yet characterized how the body absorbs, distributes, and responds to THC when vaped as a liquid product, despite the growing popularity of this consumption method. The authors propose using existing research on smoked cannabis and e-cigarettes to guide future investigation into how various factors affect THC vaping safety and effects, which has important implications for developing appropriate cannabis regulations.
Cannabidiol in Neurology: Current Insights and Translational Perspectives.
Białoń Magdalena et al.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) • 2026
# Clinical Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound from cannabis that has demonstrated therapeutic potential for neurological disorders through antioxidant, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties in both laboratory and clinical studies. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects, making it a more practical candidate for medical treatment of neurological conditions.
Cannabinoids and drug-drug pharmacokinetic interactions: Deciphering the risks.
Papakyriakopoulou Paraskevi et al.
British journal of clinical pharmacology • 2026
# Clinical Summary Cannabinoids, active compounds from cannabis, are being investigated for treating chronic pain, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and anxiety, while also being widely used recreationally. A key concern is that cannabinoids may interact with other medications through drug-drug interactions that affect how those drugs are absorbed and metabolized in the body.
Unveiling Neurological Benefits: A Review of Hemp Leaf, Flower, Seed Oil Extract, and Their Phytochemical Properties in Neurological Disorders.
Purushothaman Atchuthan et al.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research • 2026
# Clinical Summary Hemp-derived compounds from cannabis seeds, leaves, and flowers show potential neuroprotective properties that may help treat neurological disorders like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, which currently have limited therapeutic options with significant side effects. The therapeutic benefits appear to be related to specific bioactive phytochemicals present in these plant materials, though further research is needed to establish clinical efficacy and safety profiles.
Motivations for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: An Analysis of 2017-2021 Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System Data.
Skelton Kara R et al.
Journal of women’s health (2002) • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study analyzed national survey data from 2017-2021 to identify why pregnant women used cannabis and how their reasons varied by demographics and frequency of use. The research revealed that motivations for prenatal cannabis use differ across maternal characteristics, providing public health professionals with important information to address this growing trend in pregnancy.
Pharmacogenetic association study of cannabis use in chronic pain.
Beauchesne William et al.
Journal of cannabis research • 2026
A Scoping Systematic Review of Cannabis Use in Endometriosis.
McLaren Kindha et al.
The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology • 2026
# Clinical Summary This scoping review examines whether cannabis may help reduce pain and inflammation in endometriosis, a common condition affecting millions of women that causes pelvic pain and infertility. The review searched medical databases through January 2024 to evaluate cannabis effects on endometriosis-related pain and identify any reported side effects from its use.
Pharmacoepidemiologic characterization of cannabis use and symptomatology in rheumatology using natural language processing of electronic health record clinic notes.
Falasinnu Titilola et al.
The journal of pain • 2026
Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze 2.6 million electronic health records from over 5000 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and found that cannabis use was commonly documented, with patients reporting it for pain relief, sleep improvement, anxiety, nausea, and appetite. The natural language processing system successfully identified cannabis use patterns with high accuracy (F1 score of 0.85), demonstrating that automated analysis of clinical notes can track why rheumatoid arth
Global index of lifestyle quality and non-suicidal self-injury in the SESSAMO project: a Spanish adolescents cohort.
Goñi-Sarriés Adriana et al.
European journal of public health • 2026
# Clinical Summary A study of Spanish adolescents found that poor lifestyle quality, measured by factors like unhealthy eating patterns and excessive screen time, was associated with a higher likelihood of non-suicidal self-injury. This research highlights that promoting healthier lifestyle habits may be an important component of preventing self-harm behaviors in teenagers.
Impact of Cannabis Smoking on Multiple Sleep Latency Test Outcomes.
Tzanis Kosta et al.
Journal of sleep research • 2026
# Clinical Summary This retrospective study of 139 adults examined how cannabis smoking affects the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which measures daytime sleepiness. The researchers compared sleep test results between people who smoked cannabis only, tobacco only, and neither substance to determine if cannabis use influenced how quickly people fell asleep during the test.
Severity of Polysubstance Use Among Young People Seeking Drug and Alcohol Treatment, and Social and Mental Health Correlates: An Observational Study.
Pocuca Nina et al.
Substance use & misuse • 2026
Young people entering substance abuse treatment were classified into three different polysubstance use patterns, with 7% showing extended-range use across multiple drugs and another group displaying high-risk opiate use combined with other substances. These different usage profiles were associated with distinct demographic characteristics, mental health outcomes, and treatment needs, suggesting that tailored treatment approaches based on substance use patterns may be beneficial for this population.
Relations between depression and cannabis use among college students in evolving state cannabis policy environments.
Bae Harold et al.
Drug and alcohol dependence • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study of over 900,000 college students found that depression was associated with increased cannabis use, and this relationship strengthened as states adopted less restrictive cannabis policies. Students in states with more permissive cannabis laws showed a stronger link between depressive symptoms and cannabis use compared to those in states with stricter policies.
Iterative development and clinical outcomes of an outpatient young adult substance use program.
Halladay Jillian et al.
Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors • 2026
# Clinical Summary The Young Adult Substance Use Program is an outpatient treatment designed for ages 17 to 25 that combines evidence-based practices with developmental considerations to address substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions during the peak years for these problems. The program demonstrated effectiveness in recruiting and retaining young adults in treatment while promoting engagement and improving clinical outcomes.
Changes in cannabis use following legalization: Effects in first-episode psychosis.
Purushothaman Deepa et al.
Schizophrenia research • 2026
Medical Cannabis Use in France: An Observational Safety Study Based on the RECANN Registry and the Pharmacovigilance/Addictovigilance System From 2021 to 2024.
Chevallier Cécile et al.
Fundamental & clinical pharmacology • 2026
# Clinical Summary France conducted a 3-year safety monitoring study of medical cannabis from 2021 to 2024, tracking adverse drug reactions through a dedicated registry and national pharmacovigilance system to evaluate the feasibility of this new public health policy. The study systematically documented safety data from patients using medical cannabis during the experimentation phase to inform decisions about broader implementation.
Psychedelic-Related Psychosis: From Model Psychosis to Psychotherapy.
Bröcker Anna-Lena et al.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences • 2026
# Clinical Summary Psychotic symptoms can occur with classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, ranging from brief effects during drug use to rare cases of persistent long-term psychosis, causing significant distress due to their unpredictable nature and behavioral consequences. Psychedelics have traditionally been studied as research models for understanding schizophrenia, though the abstract indicates they are also being investigated for therapeutic applications in psychiatry.
Neuroplasticity, Antipsychotic Efficacy, Schizophrenia Risk Reduction With Doxycycline Exposure, and Cannabis and Alcohol Use Interactions.
Kalin Ned H
The American journal of psychiatry • 2026
Investigating medical cannabis for adolescents with Tourette syndrome: tread carefully.
Abi-Jaoude Elia
BJPsych open • 2026
# Clinical Summary While cannabis shows some promise for treating tics in adults with Tourette syndrome, research in adolescents is limited and raises safety concerns, particularly regarding cannabis use increasing psychosis risk in teenagers. The researchers caution that adolescent studies have not consistently required participants to first try standard, evidence-based treatments before testing cannabis, which is an important limitation given the known harms of regular cannabis use in young people.
People with psychotic disorders are the most vulnerable to cannabis adverse health outcomes: a study in WA State, USA.
Carlini Beatriz H et al.
Community mental health journal • 2026
# Clinical Summary People with psychotic disorders experience significantly more negative health consequences from cannabis use compared to individuals with other mental health conditions or no mental health history. This finding highlights that cannabis poses particular risks for individuals with psychosis, potentially worsening their psychiatric symptoms and overall health outcomes.
Centering Individuals With Mental Illness as an At-Risk Group in the Era of Cannabis Legalization and Commercialization.
Hyatt Andrew S
Clinical therapeutics • 2026
Cannabis use in pregnancy: Key findings from 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data.
Wysota Christina N et al.
Addictive behaviors • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study found that cannabis use during pregnancy remains a public health concern, with specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics identifying pregnant individuals at higher risk for current, recent, or former use. Understanding these risk factors and user profiles can help healthcare providers identify pregnant patients who may benefit from targeted counseling about cannabis risks during pregnancy.
Oral Consumption of Cannabidiol During Pregnancy Alters Behavior in Mouse Offspring.
Gomez Wulschner Luis E et al.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research • 2026
# Clinical Summary Pregnant mice given a low dose of cannabidiol (10 mg/kg/day) showed changes in their offspring’s behavior, suggesting that even lower CBD doses during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development. These findings raise concerns about the safety of CBD use in human pregnancy, as the drug crosses the placental barrier and reaches the developing fetus.
An adapted brief negotiation interview for alcohol and cannabis use among assault-injured emerging adults: A randomized pilot trial protocol.
Coupet Edouard et al.
Contemporary clinical trials • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study describes a protocol for testing a brief counseling intervention called the Brief Negotiation Interview to reduce alcohol and cannabis use in young adults who come to the emergency department after being assaulted. The research aims to determine if this adapted intervention can help reduce substance misuse and improve health outcomes in this high-risk population.
Profiles of polysubstance exposure in youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Delage Madeline N et al.
Neurotoxicology and teratology • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study examined how different combinations of prenatal drug exposures (alcohol with opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and nicotine) affect brain development and thinking skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The research addressed a gap in knowledge by looking at realistic patterns of multiple drug use together, rather than studying each drug separately, to better understand which exposure combinations cause the most harm to children’s learning and development.
Cannabis and pediatric cannabis exposure – evidence from America’s Poison Centers.
Steuart Shelby R et al.
Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study found that pediatric cannabis exposures reported to poison centers increased significantly in states with open medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries between 2016 and 2021, with nearly 36,000 exposures documented in children and young adults aged 2-20 years. The data suggests that cannabis legalization and increased accessibility through dispensaries are associated with higher rates of accidental pediatric cannabis ingestion and exposure incidents.
Placental transfer and vasoactivity of cannabidiol: beware of rapid oxidation.
Harhangi M S et al.
European journal of pharmacology • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study found that cannabidiol (CBD) crosses the placental barrier and reaches the fetal circulation, raising concerns about potential fetal exposure during pregnancy. The research also demonstrated that CBD rapidly oxidizes in the placental tissue, which may affect its biological activity and complicate predictions about fetal safety from CBD-containing products used by pregnant women.
Household cannabis cessation and adolescent mental health outcomes in a prospective cohort study.
Wang Ming et al.
BMC medicine • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study found that when parents or household members stopped using cannabis, adolescents living in those homes showed improvements in mental health outcomes including reduced depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems over time. The mental health benefits for adolescents appeared to occur through decreased household stress and improved family functioning after the cessation of cannabis use.
2025 update of the Greig Health Record: Part 2-what’s controversial?
Greig Anita et al.
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien • 2026
The 2025 update of the Greig Health Record reviews new preventive care resources and recommendations for pediatric patients, examining evidence from major health organizations including Canadian and American pediatric societies and preventive health task forces. The document addresses controversial or debated topics in pediatric preventive care by synthesizing current clinical evidence and guidance to help clinicians make informed decisions about screening, immunization, and health maintenance in children.
From card to cradle: examining medical cannabis purchasing among pregnant women in Arkansas.
ElHassan Nahed O et al.
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study analyzed medical cannabis purchasing patterns among pregnant women in Arkansas between 2019-2022, examining the types, quantities, and timing of cannabis products purchased through the state’s medical cannabis system. The research used state-level data from patient registries and dispensary databases to document real-world cannabis use during pregnancy, providing insights into this increasingly common practice among pregnant women.
Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Risk Among U.S. Adults With And Without Children.
Chakraborty Rishika et al.
American journal of preventive medicine • 2026
# Clinical Summary This study found that cannabis use among young adults ages 18-34 is associated with increased risk of food insecurity, with differences in this relationship depending on whether individuals have children. The research suggests that young parents who use cannabis may face particularly elevated food insecurity risk compared to cannabis users without children.
Impact of legalization on cannabis exposure calls to the British Columbia Poison Control Centre.
Trieu Jeffrey et al.
Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique • 2026
# Clinical Summary After cannabis legalization in Canada, calls to the British Columbia Poison Control Centre increased significantly for cannabis exposures, with the largest increases occurring in cases involving edibles and ingestible products, particularly among children. The rise in poison center calls suggests that legalization led to greater cannabis availability and exposure incidents, especially among unintended users like pediatric populations.
Digest generated March 20, 2026 at 11:18 PM
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