December 2024 – Grass for Grownups

Terpene Highlight: Limonene

Limonene is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis. It has a citrusy, lemony scent, and its presence in cannabis is usually easy to identify. The same compound gives lemons and other citrus fruits their familiar, zesty aroma. It is also found in rosemary, juniper, and mint.

Limonene and other terpenes, along with cannabinoids, are found in trichomes, resinous glands primarily located on the cannabis flower (bud).

Terpenes are aromatic compounds believed to impact the effect and experience cannabis elicits when consumed. This impact is referred to as an ensemble effect or entourage effect. The ensemble effect theory proposes that the effects of cannabis are not solely dependent on one component, like THC. Instead, it suggests that the effects result from a synergy between all plant compounds occurring naturally in cannabis, including terpenes.

Cannabis consumers report specific therapeutic benefits from different terpenes. Limonene has an elevating and energizing effect that is said to elevate mood, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, and support the digestive system.

Many cannabis growers test for dominant terpenes and include this information alongside THC and other cannabinoid content on product packaging. Cannabis-infused foods like gummies have terpenes added to them during manufacturing, and this information is found on product packaging.

If you’re interested in finding cannabis flower or cannabis-infused food or beverages containing limonene, have a look at your dispensary’s website or ask a budtender in-store.

If you’re interested in finding cannabis flower or cannabis-infused food or beverages containing limonene, have a look at your dispensary’s website or ask a budtender in-store. If you’re purchasing and consuming flower, remember to use a 2-way hydration pack like Boveda or Integra Boost to preserve the terpenes.

Rescheduling of Cannabis and the DEA

On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III of the CSA. Schedule III drugs have a lower risk of dependence, and the rescheduling could bolster positive perceptions of cannabis’ medical and therapeutic benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s medical and scientific review and rescheduling recommendation to the DOJ stated that cannabis has legitimate medical benefits. While rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III will not make cannabis legal on a federal level, it will provide cannabis business tax relief on a state level and will provide scientists with greater access to cannabis for study and potential drug development.

In the United States, medical use of cannabis is legal in 38 states, four U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia (D.C.). Recreational use of cannabis is legal in 24 states, three U.S. territories, and D.C.

A preliminary hearing about the DOJ’s proposal to reschedule cannabis occurred on December 2, 2024. Administrative Law Judge John J. Mulrooney issued a Prehearing Ruling on December 4, 2024, setting the dates for evidentiary hearings early next year. Judge Mulrooney stated in the Ruling that the purpose of the hearings would be to “receive factual and expert opinion testimony regarding whether marijuana should be transferred to Schedule III under the CSA.”

The hearings will start on January 21, 2025, and are expected to wrap up on March 6, 2025.

CBD’s Anti-Cancer Effect on Glioblastoma Multiforme

The use of the cannabis plant for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. The first known use of cannabis as being medicinally relevant dates back to Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi around 2900 B.C. In 2727 B.C. Chinese Emperor Shen Nung wrote about cannabis’ ability to treat malaria, gout, and menstrual problems, among others. Ancient texts in India provide documentation that cannabis was used there for medicinal purposes.

Only recently have scientists started to understand how cannabis interacts with our bodies, the biological mechanisms it uses, and the fundamental role cannabinoids play, primarily ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Studies show that CBD and THC have anticancer properties that induce cell death, decrease tumor size and weight, slow tumor growth, suppress cell proliferation, and inhibit cell migration.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a survival rate of 4-5% within 5 years. Treatments for GBM can be complex because the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) impedes medication from moving into the brain. CBD can pass through the BBB and interact with endocannabinoid receptor sites in the brain.

A study published in 2022 by the Dental College of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia used inhaled CBD and reported a noted impact on GBM in an animal model. “We saw a significant reduction in the size of the tumor, and its microenvironment was different [after only 7 days of treatment],” noted Babak Baban, PhD, immunologist and Associate Dean for Research at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG) at Augusta University.

While the use of CBD and THC in GBM shows promise, further studies are needed to explore their therapeutic benefits and compatibility with existing therapies for GBM.

REFERENCES

The Combination of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Radiation in an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model | Molecular Cancer Therapeutics

CBD Reduces Glioblastoma Size, Supportive Environment in Model

Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Promising Anti-Cancer Drug – PMC

Cannabidiol and fluorinated derivative anti-cancer properties against glioblastoma multiforme cell lines, and synergy with imidazotetrazine agents | BJC Reports