It’s been an exciting week as researchers around the world continue to make important discoveries about cannabinoids. With every new piece of information, we are closer to understanding these compounds and how they may improve lives.  

There is still a long way to go, but early results show promise – and it’s exciting science.

This week we’re highlighting three articles: 

A cannabis-derived treatment in a vulnerable population
The Guardian reported on a study currently underway where a cannabis-derived treatment is being tested in infants with a risk of brain injury or seizures.  With parental approval, infants with the condition neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are given the drug intravenously. This marks the first time a treatment made from cannabis has been administered to infants.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/27/british-newborn-first-baby-in-world-to-join-cannabis-therapy-trial

An academic study to help understand how the endocannabinoid system works
Leafly highlighted how researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands reduced the amount of anandamide produced by murine brains. Their work helps us better understand the role of this naturally-produced endocannabinoid. (For more information on the endocannabinoid system, take a look at “Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System.”)
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/study-finds-cannabinoid-plays-key-role-in-ptsd-and-fear-extinction 

A deep dive into the rise of CBD and its pathway to FDA approval
Why is CBD so popular? What do we know about it so far? And what was its journey to pharmaceutical? The New York Times recently featured an in-depth look at CBD and its history.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/23/sunday-review/coronavirus-cbd-oil.html