Entries by Stephan

Cannabis & driving license: THC limit & driving ban

The most important thing: THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum has applied since August 22, 2024. In combination with alcohol: limit drops to 1 ng/ml. Chronic users can be above the limit for days. At a glance: Since August 22, 2024: THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum – replaces the previous […]

Cannabis during pregnancy: risks & study situation

The most important thing: THC crosses the placental barrier without any problems. The fetal ECS already develops in the first trimester. No known safe limit – the only evidence-based limit is total abstinence. At a glance: THC crosses the placental barrier and binds to CB1 receptors in the fetal brain from the first trimester onwards […]

Cannabis and adolescents: Brain development & risks

Most important: The brain develops until 25 – endocannabinoids control pruning and myelination. Meier 2012 (n=1037, Dunedin cohort): Start before 15 = 8 IQ point loss by 38. Adults who started after 18: no significant loss. At a glance: Brain development up to 25 – endocannabinoids control pruning and myelination, THC disrupts these processes Meier […]

Cannabis in sports: regeneration, pain & anti-doping

The most important thing: CBD has been WADA-approved since 2018. Cannabis intervenes in inflammatory processes via CB2 and in pain modulation via CB1 – both relevant for regeneration. 26% of recreational athletes already use cannabis for regeneration. At a glance: CBD WADA-approved since 2018 – THC remains banned in competition (150 ng/ml urine) CBD via […]

Cannabis and sexuality: libido, erection & ECS

Most important: CB1 is expressed in genital tissue, hypothalamus and limbic system. Cannabis has a biphasic effect: low doses increase libido and sensitivity, high doses inhibit them. Sun 2017 (n=28,000): Cannabis users had more sex in all groups. At a glance: CB1 in genital tissue, hypothalamus and limbic system – ECS directly integrated into sexual […]

Cannabis for psoriasis & eczema: CBD topical & ECS

Most importantly, the skin is one of the tissues most densely endowed with ECS components. CB2 on keratinocytes and mast cells regulates inflammation, proliferation and sebum – all of which are dysregulated in psoriasis. At a glance: CB2 on keratinocytes and mast cells regulates inflammation, proliferation and sebum directly in the skin CBD significantly inhibited […]

Cannabis for Parkinson’s: tremor, dopamine & ECS studies

The most important thing: CB1 is particularly dense in the striatum, globus pallidus and substantia nigra – precisely the structures that degenerate in Parkinson’s disease. Lotan 2014 (n=22): Cannabis reduced tremor by -31% and pain by -45%. At a glance: CB1 is particularly dense in the striatum, globus pallidus and substantia nigra – at the […]

Cannabis and cancer: anti-tumor research & reality

Key points: In vitro and in animal models, cannabinoids inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. In humans: no clinical evidence for cancer cure. Cannabis in cancer is well documented for symptom control (pain, nausea, appetite). At a glance: In vitro: Cannabinoids inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in dozens of cell lines Guzman 2006: Intratumoral […]

Cannabis for autism: CBD, ASD & behavioral studies

Most important: ASD patients have altered endocannabinoid levels and CB1 expression. Aran 2019 (n=60): CBD-rich cannabis oil (80% CBD, 1% THC) improved behavioral problems in 74% of children. At a glance: ASD patients show lower anandamide levels and altered CB1 expression Aran 2019 (n=60): 74% of children showed improvement in behavioral problems with CBD-rich oil […]

Cannabis for diabetes: blood sugar, insulin & ECS

Most importantly, cannabis users paradoxically have 16% lower fasting insulin levels and 17% lower insulin resistance than non-users (NHANES, n=4657). The ECS is directly integrated into glucose metabolism. At a glance: Paradox: Cannabis users have 16% lower insulin levels despite increased appetite (Penner 2013) CB1 and CB2 on pancreatic beta cells – cannabis intervenes directly […]

Cannabis for nausea: chemo, antiemetic & studies

Most important: Dronabinol (synthetic THC) received FDA approval in 1985 for chemotherapy nausea – one of the oldest medical cannabis indications. CB1 in the vomiting center (area postrema) directly inhibits the serotonergic nausea signaling cascade. At a glance: Dronabinol FDA-approved for chemotherapy nausea since 1985 – one of the oldest cannabis indications CB1 in the […]

Cannabis for fibromyalgia: pain, sleep & CBS theory

Most importantly, fibromyalgia patients have been shown to have lower levels of anandamide in the CSF – a direct ECS deficit. CEDS theory (Russo 2016): Fibromyalgia, migraine and irritable bowel syndrome may be endocannabinoid-deficient disorders. At a glance: Fibromyalgia patients have been shown to have lower anandamide levels – direct ECS deficit in CSF CEDS […]

Cannabis for asthma & COPD: vaporizers instead of smoking

Most important: Cannabis smoking is contraindicated in asthma and COPD. But: THC has bronchodilatory properties via CB1 on bronchial muscle cells. Vaporizers are the only sensible form of inhalation for lung diseases. At a glance: THC has bronchodilatory effect via CB1 – but ONLY when not smoked Cannabis smoking: contraindicated in asthma and COPD – […]

CBD dosage: The complete guide for all indications

The most important thing: CBD has no standard dosage. Optimal dose depends on indication, body weight, CYP metabolism and form of administration. U-shaped dose-response curve: for anxiety, 300 mg is better than 600 mg. At a glance: CBD has no standard dosage – optimal dose is indication- and person-specific U-shaped effect curve for anxiety: 300 […]

Cannabis addiction: addiction, withdrawal & quitting explained

The most important thing: 9% of users develop a cannabis addiction – compared to 32% for nicotine, 23% for heroin and 15% for alcohol. Daily users: 25-50 % risk. Dependence is real, but substance-specific lower. At a glance: 9% of users develop dependence (vs. 32% nicotine, 23% heroin, 15% alcohol) Daily use: 25-50% risk of […]

Cannabis and sleep: REM, deep sleep & melatonin explained

The most important thing: THC shortens sleep onset time, suppresses REM sleep and increases deep sleep. CBD high dose (160+ mg) increases total sleep time. After T-break: REM rebound with intense dreams for 1-3 weeks. At a glance: THC: shortens sleep onset time, suppresses REM, increases deep sleep – good in the short term, problematic […]