CCNPP
News and Research
In This Section
CCNPP
Publications
Overview: Dr. Matthew D. Coates, Wesley Raup-Konsavage and Kent Vrana along with their teams at Penn State College of Medicine describe what is currently known about how non-psychoactive cannabinoids affect abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease, particularly how combinations of cannabinoids may be better than individual compounds. In a mouse model of colitis, cannabidiol and cannabigerol reduced pain when given separately, but combining them with cannabichromene and cannabidivarin at low doses produced a stronger effect. This suggests a potential synergistic benefit. The cannabinoids also influenced calcium and sodium channels in gut-related nerves, offering insight into their mechanism of action. These findings highlight the promise of cannabinoid-based therapies as safer, more effective alternatives for managing chronic visceral pain in patients with IBD.
Citation: Matthew D. Coates, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana; Better together? Individual and synergistic effects of noneuphorigenic cannabinoids on visceral sensation; The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; June 2025 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpet.2025.103593
February 2025: CANDI: a web server for predicting molecular targets and pathways of cannabis-based therapeutics
Overview: Srinivasan Ekambaram and colleagues have developed CANDI, a web-based tool that analyzes interactions between cannabis compounds and human protein networks. Cannabis contains numerous bioactive compounds with demonstrated therapeutic potential in managing conditions such as pain, inflammation, and cancer. However, understanding precisely how these compounds work together synergistically has been challenging. CANDI addresses this challenge by using advanced computational algorithms to identify the protein-pathway mechanisms influenced by specific cannabis formulations. By mapping these molecular interactions, the platform provides insights that are crucial for developing effective cannabis-based treatments. The tool enables users to input diverse combinations of cannabis compounds and generates comprehensive analyses of their predicted biological effects, making it a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals engaged in developing targeted cannabis therapeutics. The CANDI platform is accessible to researchers via the web interface at candi.dokhlab.org.
Citation: Srinivasan Ekambaram; Jian Wang; Nikolay V. Dokholyan ; CANDI: a web server for predicting molecular targets and pathways of cannabis-based therapeutics; Journal of Cannabis Research; 27 February 2025 https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00268-w
February 2025: The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain
Overview: Alonso Cortez-Resendiz and colleagues explore the potential of cannabis and its key compounds, THC and CBD, to help manage chronic pain. Chronic pain is a widespread issue, often difficult to treat with standard treatments. Cannabis has gained attention as an alternative, as its compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to reduce pain signals. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects but also helps with pain relief, while CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties without causing a high. Their research suggests that using these compounds together may enhance benefits while minimizing side effects. Studies show that cannabis can help with various types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, musculoskeletal pain, and migraines. However, despite promising results, more research is needed to determine the best dosages and combinations for different conditions. Additionally, potential risks such as dependency and psychoactive effects must be considered. The article suggests that cannabis-based treatments could be a valuable option for chronic pain sufferers, particularly when traditional medications fail or cause unwanted side effects..
Citation: Alonso Cortez-Resendiz; Timothy J. Leiter; Steven M. Riela; Nicholas M. Graziane; Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage; Kent E. Vrana; The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain; Med Cannabis Cannabinoids; 5 February 2025 https://doi.org/10.1159/000543813
January 2025: Application of predictive modeling tools for the identification of Ocimum spp. herbal products
Overview: Ellie Abraham and colleagues tested whether predictive modeling could reliably classify different basil species (Ocimum spp.) based on their chemical makeup. Researchers grew basil plants in a controlled greenhouse, analyzed their chemical profiles using advanced mass spectrometry, and developed three machine learning models to identify species. While the models worked well for greenhouse samples, they failed when applied to commercial basil products, likely due to environmental and processing variations. This suggests that predictive models based on controlled samples are unreliable for identifying real-world herbal products, highlighting the need for broader data collection and better reference materials for accurate classification.
Citation: Evelyn J. Abraham; Sarah J. Chamberlain; Wilmer H. Perera; R. Teal Jordan; Joshua J. Kellogg; Application of predictive modeling tools for the identification of Ocimum spp. herbal products; Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry; 20 January 2025 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-025-05735-0
Overview: Professors Lu, Jiang of CCNPP and colleagues examined the possible health advantages of a plant known as Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), which is used in traditional Korean medicine. The botanical chemicals found in AGN, such as decursin and decursinol angelate, have been discovered by the authors and other scientists to have potential benefits for memory, pain management, and even the treatment of illnesses like cancer and stroke. The authors emphasized the importance of human drug metabolism of the plant chemicals and their metabolites as keys to unlock molecular targets in different organs and bodily functions, like lowering inflammation, preserving neuron cells, and enhancing brain activity, cancer chemotherapy recovery, treating osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity. In order to translate AGN's advantages into evidence-based herbal modalities for health promotion and disease treatment, they advocate for rigorous human clinical trials in oncology and beyond.
Citation: Junxuan Lu,Cheng Jiang, Joseph J. Drabick, Monika Joshi, & Stuthi Perimbeti; Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean Dang-gui) Root Alcoholic Extracts in Health Promotion and Disease Therapy - active Phytochemicals and In Vivo Molecular Targets; Pharmaceutical Research; 17 December 2024 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-024-03809-9
December 2024: 2024 Publications From the Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics at Penn State College of Medicine Booklet
2024 End of Year Recap of all Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics publications. Penn State login may be required.
December 2024: Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics Quarterly Newsletter
Overview: Researchers have found that a synthetic cannabinoid, (±) 5-epi CP 55,940 (5-epi), can trigger a form of cell death in colorectal cancer cells that activates the immune system to attack the tumor. This process involves the production of ceramide, a fat molecule, through the activation of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and the reduction of calcium levels within the cells. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments that not only kill cancer cells but also engage the body's immune defenses.
Citation: Jeremy A. Hengst, Victor J. Ruiz-Velasco, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Jong K. Yun ; Cannabinoid-Induced Immunogenic Cell Death of Colorectal Cancer Cells Through De Novo Synthesis of Ceramide Is Partially Mediated by CB2 Receptor; MDPI; 27 November 2024 https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16233973
November 2024: The Potential of Cannabichromene CBC as a Therapeutic Agent
Overview: There is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants to treat a variety of diseases, and one of the most commonly used medicinal plants globally is Cannabis sativa. Cannabis produces over 100 different cannabinoid molecules that may have medical benefits. Most people are familiar with THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol); however, the large majority of cannabinoids remain more obscure and may also provide medical benefit. Different cannabinoids can interact with different molecules in the body and therefore have different therapeutic activities. This paper examines medical potential of a lesser known, but fairly abundant, cannabinoid produced in the plant known as cannabichromene (CBC). In particular, CBC may have potential to treat pain, as an antibacterial agent, and has anticonvulsant properties. Because consumers can now readily access hemp-derived products, including those enriched for CBC, it is important to understand the medical benefits and possible harm of this and other cannabinoid molecules.
Citation: Diana E Sepulveda, Kent E Vrana, Joshua J Kellogg, Jordan E Bisanz, Dhimant Desai, Nicholas M Graziane, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage; The Potential of Cannabichromene (CBC) as a Therapeutic Agent; The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; 2024 November; https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.124.002166
Citation: Danying Shao, Carl Schlagnhaufer, Ananda Bandara, Paul D. Esker, Seong H. Kim, Joshua Kellogg, Ji-Soo Jang, Seogchan Kang; Plant-Associated Volatile Organic Compound Database: A Resource Supporting Research on VOCs Produced by Plants andPlant-Associated Microbes; PhytoFrontiers; 2024 October 8 https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-08-24-0088-A
October 2024: Inhibition of Benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA Adduct in Buccal Cells of Smokers by Black Raspberry Lozenges
Citation: Kun-Ming Chen, Nicolle M Krebs, Yuan-Wan Sun, Dongxiao Sun, Jiangang Liao, Lisa Reinhart, Jacek Krzeminski, Shantu Amin, Gary Stoner, Susan R Mallery, Karam El-Bayoumy; Inhibition of Benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA Adduct in Buccal Cells of Smokers by Black Raspberry Lozenges; Carcinogenesis, bgae067. Advance online publication. 5 October 2024 https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgae067
Overview: This is a response by Glickman et al. to feedback from Guo et al. regarding their earlier study on cannabis use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. In this reply, the authors acknowledge certain methodological limitations pointed out by Guo et al., such as the lack of detailed data on cannabinoid dosing and the reliance on ICD-10 and CPT codes for data abstraction. However, they contest the assertion that the TriNetX Diamond Network database may not fully represent the diversity of IBD patients.
Citation: Danny Glickman, Shannon Dalessio, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Kent E Vrana, Matthew D Coates; Response to the Letter to the Editor, "Refining the Understanding of Cannabis Impact on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes: Recommendations for Enhanced Research and Healthcare Practices"; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; 3 October 2024 https://doi.org/10.1093/ibd/izae228
September 2024: High Cannabigerol Hemp Extract Moderates Colitis and Modulates the Microbiome in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model
Overview: This study tested a cannabis extract high in cannabigerol (CBG) on mice with colitis, a disease that causes inflammation in the colon. The treatment helped reduce symptoms like colon damage and inflammation. It also changed the gut bacteria (microbiome) and improved some important body processes that are impacted by the disease. The results suggest that high CBG extracts might be a good option for treating colitis and other inflammatory diseases in humans by reducing harmful inflammation and improving gut health.
Citation: Benjamin D Anderson, Diana E Sepulveda, Rahul Nachnani, Alonso Cortez-Resendiz, Matthew D Coates, Aviauna Beckett, Jordan E Bisanz, Joshua J Kellogg, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage; High Cannabigerol Hemp Extract Moderates Colitis and Modulates the Microbiome in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model; The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics; September 2024 https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.124.002204
Overview: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently report using cannabis to relive symptoms of the disease. This retrospective study found that IBD patients who use cannabis are more likely to have an increase risk of corticosteroid use, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and opioid use than IBD patients who do not use cannabis. Cannabis use in IBD patients is therefore associated with worse clinical outcomes; however, the factors that are driving an increase in disease severity cannot be determined from the current study but this increased risk suggests that IBD patients should be cautious about using cannabis until further studies can be conducted.
Citation: Danny Glickman, Shannon Dalessio, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Matthew D. Coates; The Impact of Cannabis Use on Clinical Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-based Longitudinal Cohort Study; Longitudinal Cohort Study; 2024 August 15 https://doi.org/10.1093/ibd/izad151
August 2024: Effect of Hemp Extraction Procedures on Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Composition
Overview: This research focuses on how different extraction methods impact the chemical profiles of cannabinoids and terpenes in hemp flowers (Cannabis sativa L.). By comparing supercritical CO2 extraction, hydrodistillation, and ethanol extraction, the study highlights that each method produces unique chemical compositions. The results emphasize how extraction techniques can influence the quality and properties of hemp extracts for various applications.
Citation: Francisco T. Chacon, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana and Joshua J. Kellogg; Effect of Hemp Extraction Procedures on Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Composition; MDPI - Plants; 10 August 2024 https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162222
August 2024: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cannabis Use, and the Endocannabinoid System: A Scoping Review
Overview: This article explores how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relates to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and cannabis use. It reviews evidence showing that individuals with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis and that some seek it as a treatment for symptoms. However, scientific data on its effectiveness are limited, and the ECS's role in ADHD isn't well understood. The paper emphasizes the need for more research to clarify how cannabis affects ADHD and whether treatments targeting the ECS could be beneficial.
Citation: Jennie E Ryan, Mitchell Fruchtman, Andrea Sparr-Jaswa, Amy Knehans, Brooke Worster; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cannabis Use, and the Endocannabinoid System: A Scoping Review; Wiley Online Library; Developmental Psychobiology; 3 August 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22540
Overview: This study looked at ramps, a type of wild plant, and found that the amount of allicin (a health-boosting compound) and other helpful chemicals changes depending on the plant's stage of growth, which part is used (bulbs or leaves), and where it is grown. Allicin was higher in the bulbs, while the leaves had more phenolic compounds. Where and when the plants were harvested also made a difference, but the color and number of leaves didn’t affect the levels of these compounds.
Citation: R. Teal Jordan, Eric P. Burkhart, Margot Kaye, David Munoz, Joshua D. Lambert ; Allicin and total phenolic content in ramps, Allium tricoccum Ait., in relation to phenological stage, morphological traits, and harvest location; Biochemical Systematics and Ecology ; 2024 August ; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2024.104846
Overview: This study surveyed adults in Pennsylvania about their use of cannabinoids, like CBD (a chemical from cannabis) and THC (the active compound in marijuana). Many people didn’t tell their doctors they used these products. When asked about safety, most people thought alcohol was more dangerous compared to CBD or THC. The study shows that people need to talk to their doctors more about using cannabinoids to avoid risks, especially because these products can interact with other medicines.
Citation: Paul T. Kocis, Daniel J. Mallinson, Timothy J. Servinsky Jr. ; Cannabinoid Awareness, Reporting Use to Health Care Providers, and Perceptions Regarding Safety - Pennsylvania, March 2023-April 2023; Karger Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids; 2024 July 17 https://doi.org/10.1159/000539956
Overview: This study examines the potential of various Trichoderma species as biological control agents against aflatoxin-producing fungi. Researchers employed three in vitro models to assess interactions between eight Trichoderma species and the aflatoxigenic fungi A. flavus and A. parasiticus. The findings indicate that Trichoderma species can suppress these harmful fungi through mechanisms such as antibiosis, mycoparasitism, and the production of volatile organic compounds. This research suggests that Trichoderma species could serve as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides for controlling aflatoxin contamination in crops.
Citation: Nataliia Voloshchuk, Zilfa Irakoze, Seogchan Kang, Joshua J. Kellogg,Josephine Wee; Three Ecological Models to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Trichoderma spp. for Suppressing Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus; MDPI; 12 July 2024 https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16070314
July 2024: Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics Quarterly Newsletter
June 2024: An O-methylflavone from Artemisia afra kills non-replicating hypoxic Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Overview: This study investigates the potential of a compound derived from African wormwood (Artemisia afra) in combating tuberculosis (TB). Researchers identified an O-methylflavone in the plant that exhibits bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB, in both its active and dormant (hypoxic) states. This dual efficacy is significant, as dormant TB bacteria are typically more resistant to treatment. The findings suggest that compounds from Artemisia afra, traditionally used in medicine, could inform the development of new TB therapies.
Citation: Joshua J. Kellogg, Maria Natalia Alonso, R. Teal Jordan, Junpei Xiao, Juan Hilario Cafiero, Trevor Bush, Xiaoling Chen, Melissa Towler, Pamela Weathers, Scarlet S. Shell; An O-methylflavone from Artemisia afra kills non-replicating hypoxic Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 27 June 2024 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118500
Overview: The study explores the potential of cannabinoids (CBD and THC) to alleviate anxiety and stress-sensitivity during alcohol withdrawal by modulating neuroimmune function in the central amygdala (CeA). Mice were exposed to chronic alcohol for two weeks to induce dependence and tested for anxiety-like behaviors and neuroimmune function after treatment with CBD and a CBD:THC mixture during two acute withdrawal timepoints (4 hrs and 24 hrs after cessation of alcohol). CBD and CBD:THC had mixed effects on anxiety-like behaviors, with timing of CBD and CBD:TCH being crucial. CBD alone reduced anxiety at 24-hour withdrawal, while the CBD:THC mixture showed intriguing behavioral effects suggesting reduced anxiety but potentially increased sedative properties. The increased sedative properties may be due to preferential CBD metabolism over THC metabolism at this time point, an important considerations for any future cannabinoid-based treatment development. Both CBD and CBD:THC reduced the impact of alcohol on neuroimmune cells in the CeA. The findings suggest that cannabinoids may improve on alcohol-withdrawal anxiety depending on the timing of use, potentially linked to neuroimmune cell function in the CeA.
Citation: Mariam Melkumyan, Vibha M. Annaswamy, Alexandra M. Evans, Opeyemi F. Showemimo, Zari E. McCullers, Dongxiao Sun, Terrence E. Murphy, Kent E. Vrana, Amy C. Arnold, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Yuval Silberman; Effects of cannabidiol, with and without Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, on anxiety-like behavior following alcohol withdrawal in mice; Frontiers in Neuroscience; 2024 June 18 https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2024.1375440
Overview: Many people who use cannabis also use drugs prescribed by their doctors. Some of these drugs are sensitive to all kinds of changes and only have a small window in which they are effective, called "narrow therapeutic index" (NTI) drugs. If the amount of one of these drugs is too high or too low in the blood, then a wide range of side effects can happen and affect physical and mental health. Some of these side effects can be life threatening and highly dangerous. Our previous research made predictions about how cannabis can alter these NTI drug blood levels. Then, our team who wrote this paper studied all of the published reports in history about people who used cannabis and these NTI drugs. We then analyzed the kinds of side effects that they suffered from into different categories like: "what kind of prescription drug were they taking?", "how did the levels of the drug change over time?" and "how dangerous were the side effects?". This report helps other doctors and researchers understand more about how cannabis and these NTI drugs affect each other and how we can prevent harm in the future.
Citation: Rahul Nachnani, Amy Knehans, Jeffrey D. Neighbors, Paul T. Kocis, Tzuo Lee, Kayla Tegeler, Thomas Trite, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana; Systematic review of drug-drug interactions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and Cannabis; Frontiers in Pharmacology; 2024 May 21; https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1282831
Citation: Suramya Waidyanatha, Bradley J. Collins, Tim Cristy, Michelle Embry, Stefan Gafner, Holly Johnson, Josh Kellogg, Julie Krzykwa, Siheng Li, Constance A. Mitchell, Esra Mutlu, Sarah Pickett, Hong You, Richard Van Breemen, Timothy R. Baker; Advancing botanical safety: A strategy for selecting, sourcing, and characterizing botanicals for developing toxicological tools; Science Direct; 2024 April https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2024.114537
Citation: Kun-Ming Chen, Yuan-Wan Sun, Nicolle M Krebs, Lisa Reinhart, Dongxiao Sun, Jiangang Liao, Rachel Cook, Paige Elizabeth Bond, Susan R Mallery, Karam El-Bayoumy ; The Effects of Black Raspberry as a Whole Food-Based Approach on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Buccal Cells and Urine of Smokers; Cancer prevention research; 2 April 2024 https://doi.org/10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0153
April 2024: Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics Quarterly Newsletter
Overview: Ever wonder if a healing plant from Korea could grow in Pennsylvania? Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine, many of them members of the Center for Cannabis & Natural Products Pharmaceutics (CCNPP), did too! Dr. Lu and team studied Korean Angelica, known for its potential health benefits such as memory, pain killing and even may fight cancer. They grew them in Hershey and State College to see if these plants would thrive here.
Citation: Junxuan Lü, Dongxiao Sun, Tongyao Fan, Sangyub Kim, Eugene J. Lengerich, and Cheng Jiang; Growing Korean Angelica (A. gigas Nakai) in Central Pennsylvania - Root Pyranocoumarin Profile at Different Harvesting Time; Journal of Medicinally Active Plants ; 2024 March 29;https://doi.org/10.7275/jmap.2036
February 2024: Cannabidiol-Derived Cannabinoids: The Unregulated Designer Drug Market Following the 2018 Farm Bill
Overview: This publication examines the emergence of psychoactive cannabinoids synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) in the wake of the 2018 U.S. Agriculture Improvement Act, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The authors highlight the proliferation of these unregulated products and express concern over the lack of regulatory oversight, which results in products containing under-researched cannabinoids and potentially harmful by-products. The article underscores the potential health risks associated with these substances, including pulmonary toxicity linked to compounds like O-acetyl-THC.
Citation: Charles N Zawatsky, Sara Mills-Huffnagle, Corinne M Augusto, Kent E Vrana, Jennifer E Nyland; Cannabidiol-Derived Cannabinoids: The Unregulated Designer Drug Market Following the 2018 Farm Bill; Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2024;7:10-18; 2024 February 13; https://doi.org/10.1159/000536339
Overview: The study investigates the antifungal potential of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) extracts in combating fungal pathogens that compromise the health of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), a plant of significant medicinal and economic value. Researchers focused on a variety of fungal isolates known to affect ginseng. Through a series of laboratory experiments, they assessed the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of goldenseal extracts on fungal growth. The findings demonstrated that specific compounds in goldenseal, likely its alkaloids such as berberine, have strong antifungal properties.
Citation: Ying Gao, Ethan Swiggart, Kaela Wolkiewicz, Prabha Liyanapathiranage, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Farhat A. Avin, Eleanor F. P. Lopez, Rebecca T. Jordan, Joshua Kellogg, Eric P. Burkhart; Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) Extracts Inhibit the Growth of Fungal Isolates Associated with American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.); MDPI; 23 January 2024 https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030556
January 2024: Center for Cannabis & Natural Product Pharmaceutics Quarterly Newsletter
December 2023: Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabichromene CBC in Mice: Insights from von Frey, Tail-Flick, Formalin, and Acetone Tests
Citation: Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Diana E Sepulveda, Jian Wang, Nikolay V Dokholyan, Kent E Vrana, Nicholas M Graziane; Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC) in Mice: Insights from von Frey, Tail-Flick, Formalin, and Acetone Tests; Biomedicines 2024; 2023 December 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010083
November 2023: Reply: Cannabis Use: A Marker of Clinical Severity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Citation: Danny Glickman, Shannon Dalessio, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Kent E Vrana, Matthew D Coates; Reply: "Cannabis Use: A Marker of Clinical Severity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?"; Inflamm Bowel Dis. ; 2023 November 2; https://doi.org/10.1093/ibd/izad222
October 2023: Chronic Cannabigerol as an Effective Therapeutic for Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Overview: This is a big step towards growing Korean Angelica as a local source of medicine in Pennsylvania and similar Northern States! This could be a new value-added crop for local "pharmers."
Citation: Rahul Nachnani, Diana E. Sepulveda, Jennifer L. Booth, Shouhao Zhou, Nicholas M. Graziane, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana; Chronic Cannabigerol as an Effective Therapeutic for Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain; pharmaceuticals; 2023 October 30; https://doi.org/1424-8247/16/10/1442
Citation: Deepak Kumar Khajuria, Vengadeshprabhu Karuppagounder, Irena Nowak, Diana E Sepulveda, Gregory S Lewis, Christopher C Norbury, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Kent E Vrana, Fadia Kamal, Reyad A Elbarbary; Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol, Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoids, as Analgesics that Effectively Manage Bone Fracture Pain and Promote Healing in Mice; J Bone Miner Res.; 2023 August 19; https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.4902
March 2023: Chapter 26 - Medical use of cannabidiol and impact on cancer cell viability
Citation: Wesley M Raup-Konsavage; Chapter 26 - Medical use of cannabidiol and impact on cancer cell viability; Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids published by Elsevier; 2023 March ; https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-90036-2.00027-2
March 2023: Special Issue: Therapeutic Potential for Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Citation: Wesley M Raup-Konsavage; Special Issue: Therapeutic Potential for Cannabis and Cannabinoids; Biomedicines; 2023 March 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030902
March 2023: Cannabinoids as Potential Cancer Therapeutics: The Concentration Conundrum
Citation: Nurgul Carkaci-Salli, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Deepkamal Karelia, Dongxiao Sun, Cheng Jiang, Junxuan Lu, Kent E. Vrana; Cannabinoids as Potential Cancer Therapeutics: The Concentration Conundrum; Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research ; 2023 March 21; https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0344
Citation: Deepkamal Karelia, Zachary Corey, Haifeng Wang, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Junxuan Lü, and Cheng Jiang; Library Screening and Preliminary Characterization of Synthetic Cannabinoids Against Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines; Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research; 2023 March 7; https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0270
February 2023: CBD is not a cure-all - here’s what science says about its real health benefits
Citation: Kent E Vrana; CBD is not a cure-all - here’s what science says about its real health benefits; The Conversation ; 2023 February 9
January 2023: CANNabinoid Drug Interaction Review CANN-DIR™
Citation: Paul T. Kocis, Samuel Wadrose, Ryan Lee Wakefield, Aqib Ahmed, Renata Calle, Rohan Gajjar, Kent E. Vrana; CANNabinoid Drug Interaction Review CANN-DIR™ ; Med Cannabis Cannabinoids; 2023 January 12; https://doi.org/10.1159/000528528
Citation: Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Diana E. Sepulveda, Daniel P. Morris, Shantu Amin, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane, Dhimant Desai; Efficient Synthesis for Altering Side Chain Length on Cannabinoid Molecules and Their Effects in Chemotherapy and Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain; biomolecules; 2022 December 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121869
December 2022: Secondary Terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and Synergy
Citation: Francisco T. Chacon, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Joshua J. Kellogg; Secondary Terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and Synergy; biomedicines; 2022 December 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123142
November 2022: The Rise and Risk of Delta-8 THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Citation: Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana; The Rise and Risk of Delta-8 THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol); Current Addiction Reports; 2022 November 21; https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00456-1
November 2022: Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders
Citation: Nicole A. Lookfong, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, and Yuval Silberman; Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders; Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research; 2022 November 21; https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0130
October 2022: Combinations of Cannabidiol and D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Reducing Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain
Citation: Diana E. Sepulveda, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage; Combinations of Cannabidiol and D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Reducing Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain; Therapeutic Potential for Cannabis and Cannabinoids; 2022 October 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102548
September 2022: Whole proteome mapping of compound-protein interactions
Citation: Venkat R. Chirasani, Jian Wang, Congzhou Sha, Wesley Raup-Konsavage, Kent Vrana, Nikolay V. Dokholyan; Whole proteome mapping of compound-protein interactions; Current Research in Chemical Biology; 2022 September 1; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crchbi.2022.100035
September 2022: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome and Hypophosphatemia in Adolescents
Citation: Rahul Nachnani, Kimberly Hushagen, Thomas Swaffield, Punit Jhaveri, Kent E Vrana, Chandran P Alexander; Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome and Hypophosphatemia in Adolescents; JPGN Rep. ; 2022 September 1; https://doi.org/10.1097/PG9.0000000000000248
August 2022: Distinctive Therapeutic Effects of Non-Euphorigenic Cannabis Extracts in Osteoarthritis
Citation: Vengadeshprabhu Karuppagounder, Juliet Chung, Ahmed Abdeen, Amy Thompson, Andreas Bouboukas, William J Pinamont, Natalie K Yoshioka, Diana E Sepulveda, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Nicholas M Graziane, Kent E Vrana, Reyad A Elbarbary, Fadia Kamal; Distinctive Therapeutic Effects of Non-Euphorigenic Cannabis Extracts in Osteoarthritis; Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research; 2022 August 22; https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0244
Citation: Diana E Sepulveda, Daniel P Morris, Wesley M Raup-Konsavage, Dongxiao Sun, Kent E Vrana, Nicholas M Graziane; Cannabigerol CBG attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; Frontiers in Physiology ; 2002 July 24; https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.2016
May 2022: Acute Cannabigerol Administration Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice
Citation: Victoria L. Vernail, Sarah S. Bingaman, Yuval Silberman, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana and Amy C. Arnold; Acute Cannabigerol Administration Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice; Frontiers in Physiology ; 2022 May 9; https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.871962
January 2022: Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis, Cannabidiol, and Cannabinoid-Based Pharmaceuticals
Citation: Christopher A. Legare, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, & Kent E. Vrana; Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis, Cannabidiol, and Cannabinoid-Based Pharmaceuticals; Advance online publication; 2022 January 28; https://doi.org/10.1159/000521683
November 2021: Polysubstance Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Citation: Kaleb Bogale, Kent Vrana, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Vonn Walter, August Stuart, Shannon Dalessio, Walter Koltun, Nana Bernasko, Andrew Tinsley, Williams E., Kofi Clarke & Matthew D. Coates. (2021) Polysubstance use in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of digestive diseases, 22(12), 706-713. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-2980.13064
Citation: Jeremy A. Hengst, Asvelt J. Nduwumwami, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Jong K. Yun. (2021). Inhibition of Sphingosine Kinase Activity Enhances Immunogenic Cell Surface Exposure of Calreticulin Induced by the Synthetic Cannabinoid 5-epi-CP-55,940. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10.1089/can.2021.0100. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0100
Citation: Diana E. Sepulveda , Daniel P. Morris, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Dongxiao Sun, Kent E. Vrana & Nicholas M. Graziane. (2021). Evaluating the Antinociceptive Efficacy of Cannabidiol Alone or in Combination with Morphine Using the Formalin Test in Male and Female Mice. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10.1089/can.2021.0108. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0108
October 2021: Δ 8-THC: Legal Status, Widespread Availability, and Safety Concerns
Citation: Shanna Babalonis, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Peter D. Akpunonu, Agnes Balla & Kent E. Vrana. (2021). Δ 8-THC: Legal Status, Widespread Availability, and Safety Concerns. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 6(5), 362-365. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0097
June 2021: Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Citation: Wesley Raup-Konsavage, Shannon Dalessio, Kent Vrana, Matthew D. Coates; Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Karger Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids; 21 June 2021 https://doi.org/10.1159/000517425
March 2021: Symptoms and Extraintestinal Manifestations in Active Cannabis Users with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Citation: Matthew D. Coates, Shannon Dalessio, Vonn Walter, August Stuart, Nana Bernasko, Andrew Tinsley, Sanam Razeghi, Emmanuelle D. Williams, Kofi Clarke, and Kent Vrana.Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Ahead of print http://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0155
December 2020: Cannabidiol, CBD, Oil Does Not Display an Entourage Effect in Reducing Cancer Cell Viability in vitro
Citation: Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Nurgul Carkaci-Salli, Kelly N. Greenland, Robert Gearhart, Kent E. Vrana: Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil Does Not Display an Entourage Effect in Reducing Cancer Cell Viability in vitro. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2020;3:95-102. doi: 10.1159/000510256
November 2020: The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol
Citation: Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana. The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2021 Feb;376(2):204-212. doi: 10.1124/jpet.120.000340. Epub 2020 Nov 9. PMID: 33168643.
August 2020: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Drug-Drug Interactions
Citation: Paul T. Kocis, Kent E. Vrana,: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Drug-Drug Interactions. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2020;3:61-73. doi: 10.1159/000507998
December 2018: Synthetic Cannabinoid Activity Against Colorectal Cancer Cells
Citation: Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Megan Johnson, Christopher A. Legare, Gregory S. Yochum, Daniel J. Morgan, and Kent E. Vrana. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Dec 2018.272-281. http://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0065
CCNPP in the Media
Media Coverage
May 11, 2024: Pennsylvania's Path to Legalizing Cannabis Faces Numerous Hurdles - Dr. Vrana spoke about hurdles to Pennsylvania's path to legalizing cannabis.
