Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for a variety of mental health conditions. Here’s a quick rundown of the key facts: CBD is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant It has antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and potential antidepressant effects CBD shows promise for schizophrenia, cannabis addiction, anxiety disorders, autism symptoms, and more …
A new Canadian study reveals that illicit cannabis contains concerning levels of pesticides, while legal cannabis products meet health safety standards. Key Facts: The study tested 327 different pesticides in legal and illegal dried cannabis samples from across Canada. 92% of illegal samples contained pesticides, compared to just 6% of legal samples. Illegal cannabis contained …
A new study provides preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may help reduce alcohol use in people with severe PTSD. Key facts: MDMA-assisted therapy was tested in a phase 3 clinical trial for treating severe PTSD. Participants were allowed to have mild alcohol or cannabis use disorder. Compared to placebo therapy, MDMA therapy led to greater …
Researchers have discovered that a common soil bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae) may help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation in the brain. Key Facts: M. vaccae is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil, mud, and water. It is considered harmless to humans. When heat-killed M. vaccae is injected into rats, it reduces stress-induced …
Researchers have found that individually tailoring brainwave training to each person can enhance cognitive abilities like memory and attention. Through just 10 hours of practice over 2 days, participants were able to increase their peak “alpha” brainwave frequency. This boost to their individual alpha frequency was associated with better performance on cognitive tests. These findings …
New research suggests we may one day be able to vaccinate against depression, reducing suffering. Key facts: Depression is linked to inflammation in the body and brain. Anti-inflammatory treatments improve depression. Environmental factors like lack of contact with “old friends” (microbes we coevolved with) are increasing inflammation and depression. Probiotics, helminths and vaccines that restore …
Depression and cognitive deficits are common health issues that impact millions of people. Scientists are testing a new drug, NSI-189, to see if it can help treat depression and improve thinking ability. Early research shows promise that NSI-189 may be able to grow new brain cells and connections, which could potentially treat depression and boost …
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer increasingly being found in illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. This veterinary medication is not approved for human use but is linked to growing overdose deaths across the United States. Key Facts: Xylazine is a veterinary medication used to sedate large animals like horses and cattle. It is not approved …
Researchers have tested an existing medication, modafinil, for treating cocaine addiction. The results show that modafinil can significantly reduce cocaine use, but its effectiveness depends on the situation and circumstances when cocaine is used. Key facts: Modafinil reduced cocaine use when cocaine was costly and no cocaine had been used recently. Modafinil did not reduce …
A new study finds that cannabis use disorder is prevalent among adults who use cannabis for medical or nonmedical reasons in Washington state, where recreational cannabis use is legal. The research shows that over 20% of primary care patients who reported cannabis use met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with over 6% having moderate to …
