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Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research
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Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 22558

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Arjun H. Banskota

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Guest Editor
Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS, Canada
Interests: natural products chemistry; medicinal chemistry; isolation; structure elucidation; by-product valorization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries for food, fiber, and traditional medicine. Within the cannabis plant, three primary cultivar groups are chosen for cultivation to produce industrial fibers, hemp seeds, and phytocannabinoids employed for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Anticipated growth in the cultivation of hemp and cannabis is expected in the upcoming years due to the changing legal landscape and broader acceptance of cannabis-related products across the globe.

This Special Issue endeavors to present recent discoveries in the chemistry and biology of secondary metabolites within both hemp and cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolics. This Special Issue will also cover research on valorizing by-products generated by the cannabis industry, contributing to the sustainability of the emerging agro-industry. This Special Issue will publish both research articles and review papers related to cannabis and hemp.

Dr. Arjun H. Banskota
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cannabis sativa
  • hemp
  • cannabinoids
  • terpenes
  • phenolics
  • secondary metabolites
  • by-products
  • biological activity
  • protein
  • polysaccharide

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
Young Age and Concomitant Cannabis (THC) and Ethanol (EtOH) Exposure Enhances Rat Brain Damage Through Decreased Cerebral Mitochondrial Respiration
by Véronique Quenardelle, Anne-Laure Charles, Anne Charloux, Jean-Sébastien Raul, Valérie Wolff and Bernard Geny
Molecules 2025, 30(4), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30040918 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 841
Abstract
The reason why young people taking concomitantly cannabis (THC) and ethanol (EtOH) are more prone to stroke is underresearched. To investigate whether an underlying mechanism of increased brain damage could be an impaired mitochondrial function, this experiment determined the acute effects of EtOH, [...] Read more.
The reason why young people taking concomitantly cannabis (THC) and ethanol (EtOH) are more prone to stroke is underresearched. To investigate whether an underlying mechanism of increased brain damage could be an impaired mitochondrial function, this experiment determined the acute effects of EtOH, both alone and associated with THC, on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide H2O2) on young (11 weeks) and middle-aged (45 weeks) brain in rats, using a high-resolution oxygraph (Oxygraph-2K, Oroboros instruments). In young brains, EtOH decreased mitochondrial respiration by −51.76 ± 2.60% (from 32.76 ± 3.82 to 17.41 ± 1.42 pmol/s/mL, p < 0.0001). In 45-week-old brains, the decrease was lesser, but still significant −36.0 ± 2.80% (from 30.73 ± 7.72 to 20.59 ± 5.48 pmol/s/mL, p < 0.0001). Concomitant THC aggravated brain mitochondrial respiration decreases at 11 weeks (−86.86 ± 1.74%, p < 0.0001) and at 45 weeks (−73.95 ± 3.69%, p < 0.0001). Such additional injury was enhanced in young brains (p < 0.01). H2O2 production was similar in both age groups (1.0 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 0.08 pmol O2/s/mL) and was not modified by THC addition. In conclusion, EtOH alone significantly impairs brain mitochondrial respiration and concomitant THC further aggravates such damage, particularly in young brains. These data support the hypothesis that enhanced mitochondrial dysfunction might participate in the increased occurrence of stroke in the young and urge for better prevention against EtOH and THC addictions in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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27 pages, 6286 KiB  
Article
Cannabis sativa L. Extract Increases COX-1, COX-2 and TNF-α in the Hippocampus of Rats with Neuropathic Pain
by Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, Małgorzata Jamka, Radosław Kujawski, Marcin Hołysz, Agnieszka Bienert, Kamila Czora-Poczwardowska, Michał Szulc, Przemysław Mikołajczak, Anna Bogacz, Anna-Maria Wizner, Karolina Wielgus, Ryszard Słomski and Edyta Mądry
Molecules 2025, 30(1), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010194 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1337
Abstract
Inflammation is the critical component of neuropathic pain; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabis sativa L. extracts in a vincristine-induced model of neuropathic pain. The effects of different doses (5.0–40.0 mg/kg) of two Cannabis sativa L. extracts [...] Read more.
Inflammation is the critical component of neuropathic pain; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabis sativa L. extracts in a vincristine-induced model of neuropathic pain. The effects of different doses (5.0–40.0 mg/kg) of two Cannabis sativa L. extracts (B and D) on COX-1, COX-2, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA and protein levels were examined in the rat hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and blood lymphocytes. There were statistically significant differences in COX-1, COX-2, and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, with significant differences in COX-2 and TNF-α in the lymphocytes. Extract D dose-dependently increased COX-1 mRNA and protein in the hippocampus and cortex. In contrast, Extract B dose-dependently increased COX-1 mRNA and decreased COX-2 mRNA (in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg) and TNF-α protein levels in the cortex. Cannabis sativa L. extracts significantly influenced the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins, with effects varying based on dose and tissue type. The increased expression of COX-1, COX-2, and TNF-α (in comparison to groups receiving NaCl, vincristine, and gabapentin) in the rat hippocampus and COX-1 in the cerebral cortex suggests that Cannabis may have a pro-inflammatory effect. Due to species specificity, the results of our research based on rats require confirmation in humans. However, Cannabis sativa should be recommended with caution for treating pain with an inflammatory component. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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22 pages, 3147 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Phytochemical Potential of Hemp Hairy Roots: A Promising Source of Cannabisins and Triterpenes as Bioactive Compounds
by Naomi Kaminsky, Jane Hubert, Cédric Guerin, Malak Mazlani, Alexis Kotland, Victor Pozzobon, Blandine Marant, Héloïse Mailhac and Stéphane Poigny
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5792; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235792 - 7 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1568
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L., specifically hemp, is a traditional herbaceous plant with industrial and medicinal uses. While much research has focused on cannabinoids and terpenes, the potential of hemp roots is less explored due to bioproduction challenges. Still, this material is rich in bioactive [...] Read more.
Cannabis sativa L., specifically hemp, is a traditional herbaceous plant with industrial and medicinal uses. While much research has focused on cannabinoids and terpenes, the potential of hemp roots is less explored due to bioproduction challenges. Still, this material is rich in bioactive compounds and demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Biotechnological methods, such as hairy root cultures, enable the efficient production of specialized metabolites while avoiding the issues of outdoors cultures. Despite these benefits, the chemical diversity understanding of hemp hairy roots remains limited. In this study, we conducted an extensive NMR and LC/MS chemical profiling of hemp hairy roots to determine their chemical composition, revealing the presence of cannabisins for the first time. We then investigated the accumulation of cannabisins and triterpenes in both hemp hairy roots and hemp aeroponic roots. Our findings reveal that hairy roots produce 12 times more cannabisins and 6 times more triterpenes than aeroponic roots, respectively, in addition to yielding 3 times more biomass in bioreactors. Preliminary bioassays also suggest antioxidant and antifungal properties. This research underscores the potential of hemp hairy roots as a valuable source of specialized metabolites and calls for further exploration into their bioactive compounds and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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18 pages, 3966 KiB  
Article
Monitoring the Shelf Life of Hemp Seed Oil Stored at Two Temperatures in Different Materials via Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
by Francesca Bonazza, Lucia Monti, Milena Povolo, Andrea Gasparini, Valeria Pelizzola and Giovanni Cabassi
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5577; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235577 - 26 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Hempseed oil (HSO) is extremely rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic (18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic (18:3 n-3) acids, which determine its high sensitivity to oxidative and photo-oxidative degradations that can lead to rancidity despite the presence of antioxidant compounds. The aim of [...] Read more.
Hempseed oil (HSO) is extremely rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic (18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic (18:3 n-3) acids, which determine its high sensitivity to oxidative and photo-oxidative degradations that can lead to rancidity despite the presence of antioxidant compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate which material/temperature/light solutions better preserve HSO quality during its shelf life and to test NIR as a rapid, non-destructive technique for monitoring oxidation phenomena. Futura 75 hemp seeds were cold-pressed; the oil was packed into 20 mL vials of four different materials (polypropylene, clear glass, amber glass, and amber glass coated with aluminum foil) and stored for 270 days at 25 °C under diffused light and at 10 °C in dark conditions., Peroxides and conjugated dienes and trienes were evaluated at intervals to monitor oil stability. Moreover, NIR spectra were measured in transmission, and the sample dataset was analyzed using ASCA to test the significance of the experimental factors: the model showed the significance of all factors and of all the simple interactions. Our results demonstrate that oil stored in amber glass vials with aluminum foils at refrigerated temperatures receive the highest protection from environmental conditions, mitigating oxidative changes, and that the NIR technique could be used to rapidly monitor HSO oxidation parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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17 pages, 4164 KiB  
Article
The Expression of Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors on the Gustatory Cells of the Piglet Tongue
by Rodrigo Zamith Cunha, Ester Grilli, Andrea Piva, Cecilia Delprete, Cecilia Franciosi, Marco Caprini and Roberto Chiocchetti
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4613; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194613 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
The gustatory system is responsible for detecting and evaluating the palatability of the various chemicals present in food and beverages. Taste bud cells, located primarily on the tongue, communicate with the gustatory sensory neurons by means of neurochemical signals, transmitting taste information to [...] Read more.
The gustatory system is responsible for detecting and evaluating the palatability of the various chemicals present in food and beverages. Taste bud cells, located primarily on the tongue, communicate with the gustatory sensory neurons by means of neurochemical signals, transmitting taste information to the brain. It has also been found that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may modulate food intake and palatability, and that taste bud cells express cannabinoid receptors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in the gustatory cells of the papillae vallatae and foliatae of ten piglets. Specific antibodies against the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) were applied on cryosections of lingual tissue; the lingual tissue was also processed using Western blot analysis. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors were found to be expressed in the taste bud cells and the surrounding epithelial cells. The extra-papillary epithelium also showed strong immunolabeling for these receptors. The results showed that these receptors were present in both the taste bud cells and the extra-gustatory epithelial cells, indicating their potential role in taste perception and chemesthesis. These findings contributed to understanding the complex interactions between cannabinoids and the gustatory system, highlighting the role of the ECS within taste perception and its potential use in animal production in order to enhance food intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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Review

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14 pages, 3172 KiB  
Review
A Review of Sturge–Weber Syndrome Brain Involvement, Cannabidiol Treatment and Molecular Pathways
by Katharine Elizabeth Joslyn, Nicholas Flinn Truver and Anne Marie Comi
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5279; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225279 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2364
Abstract
Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder typically caused by a somatic mosaic mutation in R183Q GNAQ. At-risk children present at birth with a capillary malformation port-wine birthmark. The primary diagnostic characteristic of the disorder includes leptomeningeal enhancement of the [...] Read more.
Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder typically caused by a somatic mosaic mutation in R183Q GNAQ. At-risk children present at birth with a capillary malformation port-wine birthmark. The primary diagnostic characteristic of the disorder includes leptomeningeal enhancement of the brain, which demonstrates abnormal blood vessels and results in impaired venous drainage and impaired local cerebral perfusion. Impaired cerebral blood flow is complicated by seizures resulting in strokes, hemiparesis and visual field deficits, hormonal deficiencies, behavioral impairments, and intellectual disability. Therefore, anti-seizure medication in combination with low-dose aspirin is a common therapeutic treatment strategy. Recently published data indicate that the underlying mutation in endothelial cells results in the hyperactivation of downstream pathways and impairment of the blood–brain barrier. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been used to treat medically refractory seizures in SWS due to its anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Pilot research suggests that CBD improves cognitive impairment, emotional regulation, and quality of life in patients with SWS. Recent preclinical studies also suggest overlapping molecular pathways in SWS and in CBD, suggesting that CBD may be uniquely effective for SWS brain involvement. This review aims to summarize early data on CBD’s efficacy for preventing and treating epilepsy and neuro-cognitive impairments in patients with SWS, likely molecular pathways impacted, and provide insights for future translational research to improve clinical treatment for patients with SWS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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16 pages, 1078 KiB  
Review
Updated Risk Assessment of Cannabidiol in Foods Based on Benchmark Dose–Response Modeling
by Eva Wisotzki, Heike Franke, Constanze Sproll, Stephan G. Walch and Dirk W. Lachenmeier
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4733; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194733 - 7 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3098
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic main component of the Cannabis plant, has been approved as a drug in the European Union (EU) under the name “Epidyolex”. However, its approval process as a food ingredient under the Novel Food Regulation was paused by the European [...] Read more.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic main component of the Cannabis plant, has been approved as a drug in the European Union (EU) under the name “Epidyolex”. However, its approval process as a food ingredient under the Novel Food Regulation was paused by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) due to a lack of safety data. Nevertheless, there is a growing, unregulated market in which CBD is advertised with various health claims and dosage instructions. Of particular concern is its toxic effect on the liver and possible reproductive toxicity in humans. Studies suitable for calculating the benchmark dose were identified from the available data. Animal studies yielded a benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) of 43 mg/kg bw/day, which translates into a safe human dose of approximately 15 mg/day. Only the Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day could be identified from the human data. This updated risk assessment confirmed a health-based guidance value (HBGV) of 10 mg/day based on human LOAEL. Despite the existing data gaps, preliminary regulation appears advisable because the current form of the gray CBD market is unacceptable from the standpoint of consumer safety and protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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36 pages, 1711 KiB  
Review
The Impact of the CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor in Inflammatory Diseases: An Update
by Volatiana Rakotoarivelo, Thomas Z. Mayer, Mélissa Simard, Nicolas Flamand and Vincenzo Di Marzo
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143381 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5537
Abstract
The emergence of inflammatory diseases is a heavy burden on modern societies. Cannabis has been used for several millennia to treat inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism or gout. Since the characterization of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, the potential of [...] Read more.
The emergence of inflammatory diseases is a heavy burden on modern societies. Cannabis has been used for several millennia to treat inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism or gout. Since the characterization of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, the potential of cannabinoid pharmacotherapy in inflammatory conditions has received great interest. Several studies have identified the importance of these receptors in immune cell migration and in the production of inflammatory mediators. As the presence of the CB2 receptor was documented to be more predominant in immune cells, several pharmacological agonists and antagonists have been designed to treat inflammation. To better define the potential of the CB2 receptor, three online databases, PubMed, Google Scholar and clinicaltrial.gov, were searched without language restriction. The full texts of articles presenting data on the endocannabinoid system, the CB2 receptor and its role in modulating inflammation in vitro, in animal models and in the context of clinical trials were reviewed. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of the latest cannabinoid-based therapies in inflammatory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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20 pages, 12379 KiB  
Review
Opportunities, Challenges, and Scientific Progress in Hemp Crops
by Kacper Piotr Kaminski, Julia Hoeng, Fernando Goffman, Walter K. Schlage and Diogo Latino
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102397 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4679
Abstract
The resurgence of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has been propelled by changes in the legal framework governing its cultivation and use, increased demand for hemp-derived products, and studies recognizing the industrial and health benefits of hemp. This has led to the creation [...] Read more.
The resurgence of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has been propelled by changes in the legal framework governing its cultivation and use, increased demand for hemp-derived products, and studies recognizing the industrial and health benefits of hemp. This has led to the creation of novel high-cannabidiol, low-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol varieties, enabling hemp crop expansion worldwide. This review elucidates the recent implications for hemp cultivation in Europe, with a focus on the legislative impacts on the cultivation practices, prospective breeding efforts, and dynamic scientific landscape surrounding this crop. We also review the current cultivars’ cannabinoid composition of the European hemp market and its major differences with that of the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cannabis and Hemp Research)
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