Purpose Of Review: This review is to summarize most recent evidence published in the last 18 months on medical and recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids in relation to anxiety, depression (unipolar and bipolar), and dysregulation of emotions as part of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and emotionally instable personality disorders. It also covers the investigation of endocannabinoids as potential biomarkers in these conditions. This is important with increasing medicinal use of cannabinoids and growing social tolerance towards recreational cannabis use.
Recent Findings: There is some recent evidence suggesting cannabinoids, cannabidiol or cannabidiol-enriched cannabis preparations have anxiolytic properties. In addition, depression may be worsened by cannabis use, however, randomized controlled trials (RCT) are lacking. New evidence also suggests that cannabidiol or cannabidiol-enriched cannabis use for PTSD and emotion regulation can induce hyporesponse to fear and stress. Further, several lines of evidence point to the endocannabinoid system as a key player in some of the reviewed disorders, in particular anxiety and PTSD.
Summary: The most recent evidence for a therapeutic use of cannabinoids in the reviewed conditions is weak and lacking well designed RCTs. However, there is some indication of the role of the endocannabinoid system in these conditions that warrant further studies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000562 | DOI Listing |
Hormones (Athens)
January 2025
LABIOEX-Exercise Biology Lab, Department of Health Sciences, UFSC-Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, SC, Brazil.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), regulating such processes as energy homeostasis, inflammation, and muscle function, centers around cannabinoid receptors, including CB1. These receptors are mainly located in the central nervous system and skeletal muscles. Hyperactivity of CB1 receptors is linked to metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for muscle hypertrophy and metabolic health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeuropharmacology
January 2025
Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), 29590 Málaga, Spain; Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain. Electronic address:
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are critical lipid signaling pathways involved in emotional regulation and behavior. Despite their interconnected roles and shared metabolic pathways, the specific contributions of LPA signaling through the LPA receptor to stress-related disorders remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of LPA receptor deficiency on emotional behavior and neurotransmitter-related gene expression, with a focus on sex-specific differences, using maLPA-null mice of both sexes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmacol Ther
January 2025
Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Electronic address:
While benzodiazepines have been a mainstay of the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, their short-term efficacy and risk of abuse have driven the exploration of alternative treatment approaches. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as a key modulator of anxiety-related processes, with evidence suggesting dynamic interactions between the eCB system and the GABAergic system, the primary target of benzodiazepines. According to the existing literature, the activation of the cannabinoid receptors has been shown to exert anxiolytic effects, while their blockade or genetic deletion results in heightened anxiety-like responses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
Escuela Profesional de Farmacía y Bioquímica, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n, Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects nearly 50 million people worldwide. Experimental evidence suggests that epileptic neurons are linked to the endocannabinoid system and that inhibition of the FAAH enzyme could have neuroprotective effects by increasing the levels of endogenous endocannabinoid anandamide. In this context, the use of macamides as therapeutic agents in neurological diseases has increased in recent years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntioxidants (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
Cannabinoids include both endogenous endocannabinoids and exogenous phytocannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), and have potential as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment due to their selective anticancer activities. CBD exhibits both antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects depending on its concentration and cell types. These properties allow CBD to influence oxidative stress responses and potentially enhance the efficacy of antitumor therapies.
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