HomeBlog

Introduction

Chronic pain affects millions of people, and while cannabis is increasingly used for symptom relief, most studies have focused on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Far less is known about terpenes, aromatic compounds in cannabis that may also influence pain. One of the most abundant terpenes, myrcene, has shown potential analgesic properties in animal studies—but how it works remains unclear.

Methods

Researchers at UCLA investigated myrcene’s pain-relieving effects in male and female mice with nerve injury-induced pain (a model of neuropathic pain). Mice received various doses of myrcene (1–200 mg/kg) and were tested for mechanical pain sensitivity using von Frey filaments. They also assessed side effects typical of cannabinoid drugs (e.g., reduced movement or body temperature) and used conditioned place preference tests to see whether myrcene had rewarding or aversive properties. Finally, cell-based assays were used to determine whether myrcene directly activates cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1).

Results

Myrcene significantly reduced pain sensitivity in a dose-dependent and sex-specific manner—females responded at lower doses than males. The effect was blocked by a CB1 antagonist, suggesting CB1 involvement. However, myrcene did not directly activate CB1 receptors in vitro, nor did it enhance the effects of known CB1 agonists or endocannabinoids like anandamide. Myrcene did not cause sedation or hypothermia, unlike THC, but female mice developed an aversion to myrcene in behavioral tests.

Discussion

These findings suggest that myrcene relieves pain by indirectly engaging the endocannabinoid system, possibly by increasing natural cannabinoid levels or acting on upstream targets. Importantly, it does so without producing THC-like side effects. However, the observed aversion in female mice raises questions about dose and tolerability. Future studies should clarify how myrcene interacts with the broader pain and cannabinoid signaling networks—and whether its effects translate to humans.

Read the full study here.

Citation: Alayoubi, Myraa,b; Rodrigues, Akeeshab; Wu, Christineb; Whitehouse, Ellab; Nguyen, Jessicab; Cooper, Ziva D.b,c,d,e; O'Neill, Patrick R.b,c; Cahill, Catherine M.b,c,d,*. Elucidating interplay between myrcene and cannabinoid receptor 1 receptors to produce antinociception in mouse models of neuropathic pain. PAIN ():10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003558, March 18, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003558
 

Report: Examination of Cannabis Users’ Perceptions and Self-Reported Behaviors to Inform Messaging to Deter Impaired Driving

Background:

Cannabis use surpassed alcohol in the U.S. in 2022, and driving under its influence increases crash risk. However, effective deterrent strategies remain limited. Many users misperceive cannabis as less impairing than alcohol and believe police cannot detect impairment. This study interviewed experts (n=19) and surveyed 2,800 cannabis users across eight states to assess driving behaviors and test targeted messaging, informing strategies to reduce cannabis-impaired driving.

Results:

Experts recommended addressing misconceptions (e.g., cannabis is less risky than alcohol), using non-stereotypical messaging, and collaborating with the cannabis industry. Among 2,000 surveyed users, 84.8% drove the same day as use, with 53% driving within an hour. Only 29% believed police could detect impairment. The most effective messages emphasized impaired reaction time and legal consequences. Findings support targeted, fact-based interventions to deter cannabis-impaired driving.

Read the full report or report summary. 

Citation: Hill, L.L., Marcotte, T. D., Ageze, D. & Hacker, S. D. (2025). Examination of Cannabis Users’ Perceptions and Self-Reported Behaviors to Inform Messaging to Deter Impaired Driving (Technical Report). Washington, D.C.: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently recommended reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This decision was based on a scientific review of the potential medical benefits and risks. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will now review the HHS recommendation and public comments during upcoming hearings (January 21 to March 3, 2025). The DEA will then make a final decision on whether to reschedule cannabis.

Ahead of the upcoming DEA hearings, Dr. Igor Grant, MD, sat down to discuss the potential impact of cannabis rescheduling on research.

Studies Funded to Date

CMCR Grants Program - 2025 - Request for Applications

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) is seeking to fund cannabis-related studies that further enhance the understanding of the efficacy and adverse effects of cannabis and cannabinoids as pharmacological agents for the treatment of medical and psychiatric disorders, and their potential public health impacts. Two award types are available. Primary project awards will be up to $275,000 in total costs (direct and indirect) per year for up to three years. Pilot project awards will be up to $150,000 in total costs (direct and indirect) per year for up to two years.

Key Dates

Funding Priorities

Funding priorities include studies that 1) provide proof-of-principle findings that inform future, more comprehensive studies, 2) address scientific gaps identified by authoritative reviews (e.g., ‘The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids’, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; 2017), or 3) represent promising new directions for research.

With regard to cannabis therapeutics there is no pre-determined list or priority ranking of disorders eligible for funding. Instead, applicants are encouraged to consider the findings of ‘The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids’, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; 2017, or other authoritative reviews, as well as the most current research, as a starting point for areas of study.

Although the CMCR focus is on the potential of cannabis for therapeutics of medical and psychiatric disorders, applications may address adverse effects of cannabis (e.g., effects on cognition; mental health; driving and public safety; drug-drug interactions), and effects on certain populations (eg, elderly, women’s health). Applications addressing the role of cannabinoids in COVID will also be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to review CMCR’s portfolio of recently-funded grants. While the fact that certain areas are already being supported does not constitute an exclusion, CMCR is looking to studies that open new directions, and to California-based public or private higher education institutions, or nonprofit research institutions, that have not yet been represented in our portfolio. Additionally, since many Californians use plant-derived cannabis products or flower for medical reasons, applications that evaluate the therapeutic potential of plant-derived products or flower are encouraged.

The CMCR will also consider basic science and animal studies with clear translational implications for human health and disease. Studies of assays/methods for detection of cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, related substances are likewise eligible. Nevertheless, CMCR is not in a position to support new drug development or manufacture of cannabinoids.

Proof of principle clinical studies are encouraged, as are proposals that leverage other funding (e.g., from other grant sources, foundations, in-kind contributions of equipment or services, etc.). Applicants are encouraged to consider trials of psychoactive cannabinoids (e.g., delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] and delta-8 THC). Under-researched or “minor” cannabinoids, and related compounds (e.g. terpenoids, flavonoids), along with drugs directly affecting function and pathways of the endocannabinoid system, also should be viewed as potential test agents.

Instructions for submitting Letters of Intent

Letters of Intent and subsequent applications will be submitted via proposalCENTRAL (https://proposalcentral.com/). Search “CMCR Grants Program” to locate the application. Please review the attached Request For Applications for instructions. Instructions and document templates can also be found on proposalCENTRAL.

See the PDF of 2025 Request For Applications for more details.

If you have questions or need assistance with your proposal, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..