Science & Medical Editor
Dr. Marsh covers cannabinoid pharmacology, clinical research, and the endocannabinoid system. With over a decade of experience in science journalism, she translates peer-reviewed research into clear, evidence-based reporting for consumers and industry professionals.
A comprehensive scientific review of how cannabis affects the immune system in 2026, exploring the distinction between immunosuppression and immunomodulation, effects on specific immune cell types, and implications for autoimmune conditions and infection susceptibility.
A detailed look at the commercial cannabis gummy manufacturing process, covering extraction, distillate preparation, formulation, molding, quality control, and the regulatory requirements that ensure consistent dosing.
A scientific exploration of how cannabis compounds interact with the serotonin system, covering CBD's 5-HT1A receptor activity, THC's indirect effects on serotonin, and implications for mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Scientific exploration of how your body clock influences cannabis effects, including research on circadian rhythm, endocannabinoid tone, and why the same dose can feel different at different times.
A rigorous look at the evidence for cannabis in glaucoma treatment, including IOP reduction data, duration of effect limitations, the CBD complication, and where ophthalmic cannabinoid research stands in 2026.
A scientific review of how cannabis affects key inflammatory biomarkers — C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) — with analysis of preclinical and clinical evidence.
An evidence-based look at how cannabis is being used to manage endometriosis pain, including THC and CBD research, patient experiences, and what gynecologists are saying in 2026.
A scientific review of how cannabis affects blood pressure, distinguishing acute hemodynamic responses from chronic cardiovascular effects, with analysis of implications for hypertension management.
A comprehensive look at the latest VA studies, clinical trials, and observational data on cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans.
An examination of cannabis use for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), covering patient-reported outcomes, the endocannabinoid system connection, current research, and practical considerations for patients exploring cannabis.
Cannabis users eat more calories yet weigh less on average than non-users. New research in 2026 is finally unraveling this metabolic mystery involving the endocannabinoid system, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiome interactions.
A research-based analysis of how cannabis affects memory, distinguishing acute short-term memory impairment during intoxication from potential long-term cognitive effects, with attention to age, dose, and frequency variables.
New research reveals distinct mechanisms by which THC and CBD penetrate the brain's protective barrier, with major implications for dosing, onset timing, and therapeutic applications.
An exploration of cannabis-based epilepsy treatments beyond FDA-approved Epidiolex, including whole-plant cannabis extracts, minor cannabinoids, and emerging clinical research into treatment-resistant seizure disorders.
An estimated 30-40% of adults with ADHD use cannabis, making it the most commonly self-prescribed treatment outside of conventional medications. Here's what the science says about why it feels helpful, when it might be, and where the risks lie.
A comprehensive review of research on cannabis and liver health, including potential hepatoprotective effects, risks for liver disease patients, CBD-drug interactions, and what hepatologists recommend.
A scientific exploration of how cannabis compounds interact with the pain gate control theory, modulating pain signals at the spinal cord level through CB1 receptors, endocannabinoids, and descending inhibition.
A deep dive into the molecular mechanisms by which THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids interact with inflammatory pathways — and what this means for conditions from arthritis to IBD.
An overview of emerging research into how THC, CBD, and other cannabis compounds may offer neuroprotective effects relevant to Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid plaque reduction and neuroinflammation.
A science-based guide to using cannabis for migraine relief, covering clinical research, which cannabinoids and terpenes show the most promise, dosing approaches, and practical recommendations.
Why do regular cannabis users stop dreaming — and why do vivid dreams flood back when they quit? A deep dive into the neuroscience of cannabinoids, REM sleep suppression, and the rebound effect that catches so many people off guard.
An evidence-based examination of the latest research on cannabis and heart health, covering THC and CBD effects on the cardiovascular system, risk factors, and what cardiologists are advising patients.
A comprehensive review of the science behind cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatology, covering research on eczema, psoriasis, acne, wound healing, and the endocannabinoid system's role in skin health.
A deep dive into the pharmacokinetics of cannabis edibles — why they take 30 minutes to 2 hours to work, why the high feels different from smoking, and what new technology is changing the equation.
A comprehensive review of cannabis for irritable bowel syndrome and digestive health, covering the endocannabinoid system's role in gut function, clinical evidence, and practical guidance for patients.
A scientific review of the relationship between cannabis use and thyroid function, including effects on TSH, T3, T4 hormones, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Graves' disease, with current research findings.
Clinical research on synthetic THC (dronabinol) for obstructive sleep apnea is advancing rapidly, offering a potential alternative to CPAP machines that millions of patients abandon.
A detailed guide to understanding cannabis trichomes, how their appearance changes during maturation, and how to use trichome observation to determine the perfect harvest window for desired effects.
How cannabis cultivators are adopting regenerative agriculture practices including composting, cover cropping, no-till methods, and living soil systems to grow better cannabis while healing the land.
Emerging research reveals that specific cannabinoids and terpenes may shield neurons from age-related decline, opening new avenues for Alzheimer's and dementia prevention strategies.
On Earth Day 2026, an honest look at cannabis cultivation's environmental impact — the energy problem, the water problem, and the farmers and scientists working to make the industry genuinely sustainable.
A review of research on cannabis for menopause symptom relief, covering evidence for hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and pain, plus practical considerations for menopausal women.
A review of the growing body of research on cannabis for autism spectrum disorder, including Israeli clinical studies, CBD-rich treatments, parent-reported outcomes, and ongoing clinical trials in 2026.
A comprehensive review of the current scientific evidence on cannabis and cannabinoids for autoimmune conditions — what research shows, what remains uncertain, and what patients should know.
As cannabis consumption becomes more common in public and shared spaces, the science on secondhand smoke exposure is gaining urgency. Here is what we know and what remains uncertain.
A review of current research on the relationship between cannabis use and diabetes, covering effects on blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
A detailed look at the science behind cannabis curing, covering the biochemical processes that improve flavor, smoothness, and potency, and how to cure cannabis properly at home.
Cannabigerol (CBG), the precursor to THC and CBD, is emerging from the shadows with promising research in inflammation, neurodegeneration, and gut health. Here is where the science stands.
A comprehensive review of current research on cannabis use during pregnancy, covering THC's effects on fetal development, breastfeeding considerations, and what medical experts recommend.
The latest research on how THC and CBD affect testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, thyroid function, and insulin — male vs female differences, fertility implications, and what regular users should know.
Seniors are the fastest-growing cannabis demographic. This guide covers dosing for older adults, drug interactions, common conditions like arthritis and insomnia, cognitive concerns, and senior-focused dispensary programs.
New 2026 clinical studies confirm the entourage effect is real — terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool significantly modulate how cannabinoids affect the body. Here is what the science says.
How long THC stays in your system by consumption method and frequency, what drug tests actually measure, factors affecting detection windows, and the evidence behind common detox methods.
The indica-sativa distinction has almost no scientific basis for predicting effects. We explore the genetic reality, why chemotype matters more than morphology, and how the industry is slowly moving beyond this outdated framework.
A detailed scientific comparison of cannabis bioavailability across smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and suppositories — covering onset times, duration curves, and peak blood levels.
New companies offer DNA tests claiming to predict cannabis sensitivity. We examine the science behind CB1 receptor gene variants, CYP enzyme metabolism, and whether personalized cannabis genomics is ready for consumers.
Exploring the dermatological science of topical CBD — from endocannabinoid receptors in skin cells to clinical evidence for treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis in the booming CBD beauty market.
A deep dive into cannabis water consumption compared to other crops, the impact on drought-prone western states, indoor vs outdoor usage differences, and the technologies making cultivation more water-efficient in 2026.
New research into Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome suggests that insufficient endocannabinoid production may underlie migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome — and that cannabis therapy could offer targeted relief.
A comprehensive look at the current veterinary science on CBD for dogs and cats — covering arthritis, anxiety, seizures, dosing, safety data, and the rapidly expanding pet CBD market.
New research explains why low-dose cannabis reduces anxiety while higher doses can cause panic attacks. The biphasic dose-response curve is the key to understanding.
Cannabis interacts with hundreds of common medications through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Here are the most important drug interactions every consumer should know.
Does cannabis make you more creative? Neuroscience research reveals a complicated answer about THC, divergent thinking, and the artistic process.
Emerging research shows that cannabinoids interact with the gut-brain axis in ways that could explain cannabis effects on appetite, mood, and inflammation.
Your endocannabinoid tone — the baseline activity level of your ECS — shapes everything from your natural mood to how you respond to THC. Here's why it matters and how to optimize it.
THC interacts with your endocannabinoid system to influence appetite, fat storage, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic rate. Here's what the research reveals about the paradox of munchies vs. lower BMI.
A 2026 CU Boulder sleep study maps how THC, CBD, and CBN reshape REM and deep sleep. The dose-specific findings challenge industry claims.
A British Journal of Pharmacology study found CBD and CBG reduced liver fat via a novel mechanism. With zero approved NAFLD drugs, this changes everything.
Scientists finally figured out why cannabis reeks of skunk — and it's not terpenes.
With 7% of pregnant women reporting cannabis use, understanding the evidence has never been more critical.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Colorado links blood type to CYP2C9 enzyme variations that metabolize THC.
German pharma company Vertanical's VER-01 relieved chronic pain up to 2x more effectively than opioids in Phase 3 trials — with no dependence, no...
Aspergillus, Botrytis, and powdery mildew contaminate an alarming percentage of cannabis — even dispensary products.
THC cuts your time to fall asleep in half but suppresses REM. CBD may improve deep sleep without altering dream cycles.
Cannabis inhibits the same liver enzymes that metabolize blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. Some interactions are dangerous.
Sitting in a hotboxed car is different from walking past someone smoking a joint on the street.
Nano-emulsion technology shrinks THC particles from 5,000 nanometers to under 100 — bypassing liver metabolism and hitting in 10 minutes instead of 90.
The endocannabinoid system regulates immune function. THC and CBD both modulate the inflammatory cascades that drive autoimmune conditions.
Calories, onset time, hangover risk, liver damage, social effects, and cost per buzz — how do THC beverages actually compare to alcoholic drinks for...
THC increases heart rate by 20–50 bpm within minutes. CBD may lower blood pressure. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins as tobacco smoke.
Fasting upregulates endocannabinoid signaling. Adding cannabis to the mix amplifies some benefits and undermines others.
THC and CBD interact with the HPA axis — your body's central stress response system — in opposite directions.
Silicon Valley swears by it, but the research on cannabis microdosing for productivity tells a more nuanced story.
CB1 receptors don't just stop responding to THC — they physically retract into the cell.
THC and caffeine interact through overlapping adenosine and dopamine pathways in ways researchers are only beginning to map.
The same genetics grown in Humboldt County versus Colorado versus Oregon produce measurably different cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
A COA tells you everything the label doesn't — if you know how to read it.
Washington and several other states are advancing legislation to let terminally ill patients use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes, and...
A growing body of research suggests that some chronic conditions — migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS — may share a common root: a deficient endocannabinoid...
11-hydroxy-THC is 2-4x more potent than regular THC. Here's exactly what happens in your body when you eat cannabis vs.
Women metabolize THC differently, have more endocannabinoid receptors in reproductive tissues, and report different effects than men.
From Haze and Skunk to Gelato and Runtz — how 50 years of underground breeding created the 6,000+ strains on today's market.
From acne and eczema to psoriasis and aging, a deep dive into the clinical evidence for cannabinoids in dermatology — what works, what doesn't, and...
New research reveals that cannabis directly interacts with gut bacteria, intestinal permeability, and the gut-brain axis.
Companies claim they can match your genetics to your ideal cannabis experience.
Cannabis doesn't just make you think music sounds better — it changes how your brain processes sound.
THCV is the rare cannabinoid getting attention for appetite suppression, energy, and metabolic benefits.
From the NFL to the UFC to Olympic runners, professional athletes are openly using cannabis for recovery, pain, and sleep.
Microdosing THC has gone mainstream, with claims ranging from enhanced creativity to anxiety relief.
Why the same dose stops working over time, how long it takes to reset, and what the latest brain imaging studies reveal about cannabis tolerance at the...
The entourage effect has moved from dispensary folklore to serious pharmacological hypothesis.
Sleep is the top reason adults use cannabis, but the clinical picture is more nuanced than any brand wants you to know.
THC detection depends on test type, usage frequency, body composition, and metabolism.
Genomic research has demolished the indica/sativa binary.
Every human has an endocannabinoid system regulating mood, pain, appetite, and memory.
Myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and 12 other terpenes do more than create aroma — they modulate how cannabinoids affect your brain.
The same THC molecule produces radically different experiences depending on how you consume it.
Low-dose THC may reduce anxiety. High-dose THC reliably increases it. CBD appears anxiolytic at specific doses.
HPLC for potency. Mass spectrometry for pesticides. Microbial plating for contaminants.
CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis.
THC gets you high. CBD doesn't. But the pharmacology behind that difference reveals how two nearly identical molecules interact with your brain through...
CBD products are marketed as pain solutions, but the clinical evidence is more nuanced than the labels suggest.
CBN is marketed as 'the sleep cannabinoid' but the clinical evidence is thinner than the hype.
Every cannabinoid starts as CBG. Now researchers are discovering that cannabigerol itself may have powerful anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and...
Chronic pain is the most common reason people use medical cannabis.
The idea that cannabis enhances creativity is one of the oldest claims in stoner culture.
Everything consumers and growers need to know about trichomes — the microscopic structures that produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
A head-to-head comparison of cannabis and alcohol across toxicity, addiction potential, organ damage, social harm, and mortality — based on decades of...
PTSD is the most common qualifying condition for medical cannabis in America.
The relationship between cannabis and sexual function is dose-dependent, gender-specific, and more nuanced than 'it makes sex better.' Here's what the...
CBD for epilepsy is the most rigorously tested application of any cannabinoid.
The endocannabinoid system produces the 'runner's high.' Cannabis users exercise more than non-users.
Raw cannabis contains THCa, not THC. The conversion between them — decarboxylation — is the most important chemical reaction in cannabis science.
What happens when THC crosses the placenta, how the endocannabinoid system guides fetal development, and what current evidence says about risks.
How cannabis impairs driving differently than alcohol, why THC blood levels are scientifically useless as impairment markers, and the state-by-state...
How cannabis suppresses nausea at the receptor level, what clinical trials show about dronabinol vs whole-plant cannabis, and why oncologists are...
The relationship between cannabis and mental health is not simple.
A data-driven review of cannabis anti-inflammatory research — COX-2 inhibition, cytokine modulation, autoimmune applications, and how cannabinoids...
Do weed hangovers exist? We review the limited research on post-cannabis symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and dry eyes — plus what actually helps.
Research shows cannabis users have lower BMI despite the munchies. Explore the obesity paradox, THCV appetite suppression, insulin data, and metabolism.
Many adults with ADHD self-medicate with cannabis. Explore the dopamine overlap, limited clinical data, risks vs. stimulants, and what science says so far.
Cannabis withdrawal is real, clinically recognized, and affects up to 47% of regular users.
THC suppresses REM sleep and dreaming. When you quit, REM rebounds with intense vivid dreams.
Cannabis for autism is generating real clinical data.
The munchies are real neuroscience, not folklore. Here's how THC hijacks appetite circuits in your brain, what CB1 receptors do to hunger hormones, and...
Cannabis for migraines has real clinical data behind it.
Does cannabis suppress your immune system? The answer depends on dose, cannabinoid, and health status.
Does cannabis cause schizophrenia? The link is real but complicated.
THC transfers into breast milk and can persist for days.
Cannabis for IBD and IBS has clinical data behind it.
Cannabis affects blood pressure in complex ways — acute drops, compensatory heart rate spikes, and uncertain long-term effects.
Does cannabis help or worsen depression? The answer depends on dose, frequency, age, and genetics.
A critical review of clinical research on cannabis and diabetes, covering insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, metabolic syndrome, and what the data...
An evidence-based review of cannabis and cancer research — what cannabinoids do in lab studies, what clinical trials show, and why the gap between...
Cannabis does lower eye pressure temporarily, but the effect lasts only 3-4 hours and comes with side effects that undermine its utility.
A review of cannabinoid research in Alzheimer's disease — from amyloid-beta clearance to neuroinflammation.
A critical review of cannabis and fertility research — effects on sperm count, motility, ovulation, IVF outcomes, and hormonal changes in both men and...
Cannabinoids show potent antibacterial activity against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria in lab studies.
A review of clinical and preclinical evidence for cannabis in Parkinson's disease — motor symptoms, tremor, dyskinesia, sleep, and quality of life.
Cannabis intelligence delivered to your inbox. No fluff, no stereotypes — just the news, data, and analysis that matters.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime