Daily Dose Q&A
2025-12-10
CB2 receptors are expressed throughout the immune system and are found in several other systems. What activities do CB2 receptors modulate in systems other than the immune system?
"While CB2 receptors are primarily expressed by immune cells in the body, they are also found in other tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic cells, bone, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. In the brain, CB2 expression is increased in areas associated with neurodegeneration and is thought to be involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. In the gastrointestinal tract, CB2 activation has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve appetite. In the cardiovascular system, CB2 activation has been linked to improved blood pressure, lipid levels, and glucose metabolism."Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacological Reports. 31 Oct 2023
2025-12-09
Has the American Society of Clinical Oncology made any recommendations concerning the use of cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment?
Yes, according to the article 'Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines,' "Clinicians should recommend against using cannabis or cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment unless within the context of a clinical trial." Also, "clinicians should recommend against use of cannabis and/or cannabinoids in place of cancer- directed treatment." Gowin K, Muminovic M, Zick S, et al. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. ASCO Educational Book (asco.ord/edbook) Vol 44, Iss 3. Mar 31 2024.
2025-12-08
What is the half life of CBD? How does it compare to the half life of THC?
The half life of CBD is 18-32 hours, which is similar to the half life of THC of 20-30 hours. Both CBD and THC are distributed to fatty tissues and highly perfused organs such as brain, heart, lung, and liver.Page II RL , Allen LA , Kloner RA , Carriker CR , Martel C , Morris AA , Piano MR , Rana JS , Saucedo JF, et al. Medical Marijuana, Recreational Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association - Originally published5 Aug 2020https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000883Circulation. 2020;142:e131–e152
2025-12-05
Cannabis products purchased at a medical dispensary and over the counter CBD products are not FDA-approved. Does the FDA accept adverse event reports associated with the cannabinoid products?
Yes. "Consumers and healthcare providers can report adverse events associated with cannabis or cannabis-derived products via the FDA’s MedWatch reporting system, either on the FDA website (MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program webpage) or by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088." https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd#:~:text=Consumers%20and%20healthcare%20providers%20can,%2D800%2DFDA%2D1088.
2025-12-04
The anti-platelet agent Clopidogrel (Plavix) becomes active only after it is metabolized by a liver enzyme (CYP2C19) and converted to a thiol metabolite. Does CBD inhibit the activity of CYP2C19? If so, what are the potential clinical consequences?
Yes. "In vitro studies have demonstrated greater than 50% inhibition of CYP2C19 at [CBD] concentrations that would result from use of typical CBD doses of 300 mg to 1,500 mg per day. Because CBD inhibits CYP2C19 at clinically relevant concentrations, this interaction may compromise clopidogrel’s antiplatelet activity, thereby increasing risk for CV (cardiovascular) events. It may be beneficial to consider close monitoring of signs and symptoms of diminished clopidogrel activity or consider an alternative agent such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, which do not rely on CYP2C19 for activation, particularly in those who have undergone recent deployment of drug-eluting stents." Jones T, Costello A, Cadiz C. Cannabinoids and drug-drug interactions with CV medications. Cardiology Today. Sept 2022.