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by russellropeMedia, News April 16, 2024April 12, 2024No Comments

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Analysis: Patients in Medical Cannabis States Report Improved Mental Health


Cambridge, United Kingdom: Patients suffering from chronic health conditions, particularly chronic pain, report improvements in their mental health following the adoption of medical marijuana access laws, according to data published in the journal Health Economics, Policy, and Law.
Researchers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom assessed the relationship between state-level medical marijuana laws and patients’ self-reported mental health over a 26-year period (1993-2018).
Investigators reported, “Eased access to marijuana through medical marijuana laws reduce the reported number of days with poor mental health for individuals [who] consume marijuana for medical purposes and for those individuals who likely suffer from frequent pain.”
State laws permitting patients to home-cultivate medical cannabis and allowing its use for a wide range of pain conditions were associated with the most significant improvements.
The study’s authors concluded: “Overall, our results are in line with the hypothesis that MMLs [medical marijuana laws] benefit those individuals for whom they are nominally designed without systematically harming other groups.”
Full text of the study, “Marijuana laws and mental health in the United States,” appears in Health Economics, Policy, and Law.

Marijuana Test Failures Continue To Drive Exodus From Commercial Trucking Industry
Washington, DC: Over 38,000 commercially licensed truck drivers failed federally mandated drug screens for marijuana in 2023 and many are not reapplying for work within the industry, according to data provided by the US Department of Transportation.
Additionally, nearly 13,000 drivers in 2023 failed to show up for their required drug tests – the highest number of refusals ever reported by the agency.
Federal law mandates commercially licensed drivers to undergo random marijuana urinalysis testing, which detects the presence of the inert carboxy-THC metabolite. This non-psychoactive metabolite is detectable in subjects’ urine for weeks or even months following past exposure. According to a report from the US Department of Justice, the detection of this metabolite “only indicates that a particular substance is present in the test subject’s body tissue. It does not indicate abuse or addiction; recency, frequency, or amount of use; or impairment.”
Since 2020, more than 139,000 commercially licensed drivers have failed mandatory drug tests for cannabis – far more than the total number of test failures for all other substances combined. Approximately 70 percent of drivers with drug test failures have not reapplied for work.
In a syndicated op-ed, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano called the federal drug testing mandates “antiquated” and argued that their enforcement is “exacerbating supply chain issues” in the trucking industry.
In 2023, the US Department of Transportation proposed changes to existing federal drug testing guidelines to allow oral fluid testing as an alternative to urinalysis for those working in the transportation industry. However, those changes have not yet been implemented.
Lawmakers in several states – including California and New York – have amended their laws so that most employers may not terminate workers solely based on a positive drug test for the presence of THC metabolites. However, those statewide protections do not apply to federally licensed workers.

Poll: Most Americans Say That Adults Should Be Able to Legally Grow Marijuana at Home
New York, NY: An estimated six in ten US adults believe that the home cultivation of cannabis for one’s personal use should be legally permissible, according to nationwide survey data compiled by Harris Polling on behalf of European cannabis company Royal Queen Seeds.
Among those respondents who consume cannabis, 81 percent support home cultivation rights. Sixty-two percent say that they would prefer to grow their own marijuana rather than buy it from retailers.
Of the 24 states that have legalized the adult-use marijuana market, only three states maintain criminal prohibitions on home cultivation.
NORML has long supported the rights of patients and others to grow personal use quantities of cannabis at home, arguing that the practice provides consumers with an affordable alternative to the retail marketplace.

Oregon: Governor Signs Legislation Halting Issuance of New Cannabis Licenses
Salem, OR: Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has signed legislation (HB 4121) into law placing an indefinite hold on licenses for those seeking to enter the state’s commercial marijuana marketplace.
The law prohibits the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Commission from accepting any new cannabis production or retail license applications until there are significant increases in population growth.
Representatives from the state’s cannabis industry lobbied for the change, arguing that Oregon’s marijuana market is already oversaturated with nearly 3,000 licensed cannabis businesses.
Oregon voters approved a citizens’ initiated ballot measure in 2014 legalizing the adult-use marijuana market. Retail cannabis sales began the following year.
Compared to other states, Oregon imposes comparatively few regulatory barriers for establishing state-licensed marijuana businesses.
In 2022, Oklahoma lawmakers enacted legislation barring the establishment of any new medical cannabis-related businesses. That moratorium was extended in 2023. Oklahoma has more registered medical marijuana patients per capita than any other state.

Hawaii: Governor Offers Support for Greatly Expanding Medical Cannabis Access
Honolulu, HI: Democratic Gov. Josh Green wants to have regulators amend the state’s medical cannabis program so that far more Hawaiians can obtain access to marijuana products.
Governor Green supports permitting physicians to issue medical cannabis recommendations to any patient who may benefit from it, regardless of whether they suffer from a state-specific qualifying condition. He hopes regulators can expand the program without requiring legislative action.
State lawmakers legalized medical cannabis access for qualified patients in 2000. Approximately 31,000 residents are registered with the state to access cannabis products.
In recent years, lawmakers in several states—including Maine and Virginia—have enacted legislation providing doctors with greater flexibility to issue medical cannabis authorizations. Last week, Delaware lawmakers advanced a similar bill to the Governor’s desk. If enacted, that legislation will also permit those 65 or older to self-certify for a registration card absent a doctor’s recommendation.

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by russellropeMedia, News April 9, 2024April 6, 2024No Comments

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Study: Occasional Cannabis Use During Adolescence Not Associated With Cognitive Decline


Porto, Portugal: Subjects who engage in the occasional use of cannabis during their teens exhibit no significant changes in cognitive functioning in young adulthood, according to longitudinal data published in the journal Psychopharmacology.
Portuguese researchers assessed reward-related brain activity, psychopathology, and cognitive functioning in a cohort of cannabis consumers and controls. Subjects in the study were all cannabis naïve at age 14. Investigators then conducted follow-up investigations when subjects were 19 and 22 years of age.
Researchers did not identify any significant cognitive differences at age 22 between occasional cannabis consumers and abstainers.
“After cannabis use initiation, light CAN [cannabis users] and CON [controls] did not differ in internalizing psychopathology, cognitive functioning, or brain activity,” the study’s authors concluded. “Overall, future longitudinal studies should oversample participants with higher frequency of cannabis use and follow them through midlife to re-evaluate this pattern of findings.”
Other studies have similarly failed to identify significant changes in either brain morphology or IQ specifically attributable to adolescents’ cannabis use.
Full text of the study, “Light cannabis use and the adolescent brain: An 8-years longitudinal assessment of mental health, cognition, and reward processing,” appears in Psychopharmacology.

Review: Detection Of THC In Bodily Fluids Not Correlated With Impairment
Davis, CA: Neither the detection of THC nor its metabolites in blood, breath, urine, or saliva is predictive of behavioral impairment, according to a literature review published in the Journal of AOAC (the Association of Official Analytical Chemists) International.
Researchers affiliated with the University of California at Davis affirmed that there is “no direct relationship between impairment and THC concentrations” in subjects’ bodily fluids – a finding that is consistent with the opinions of numerous traffic safety groups, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Automobile Association.
The investigators further acknowledged, “Current methods that focus on THC and/or metabolite concentrations in blood, saliva, urine, or exhaled breath can lead to false-positive results for recent use due to the persistence of THC well outside of the typical 3-4-hour window of potential impairment following cannabis inhalation.”
Consequently, the study’s authors determined that per se traffic safety laws adopted in several states that criminalize drivers who test positive for trace levels of THC in their blood are “not supported by science,” and that they risk “wrongly accusing” motorists who are neither impaired nor have recently consumed cannabis.
Five states – Illinois, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington – impose various per se limits for the detection of trace amounts of THC in blood while ten states (Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wisconsin) impose zero tolerant per se standards. In these states, it is a traffic safety violation to operate a vehicle with detectable levels of THC in blood – even absent any demonstrable evidence of psychomotor impairment.
NORML has long opposed the imposition of per se THC limits for motorists and has alternatively called for the expanded use of mobile performance technology like DRUID. In a peer-review paper published by the Humboldt Journal of Social Relations, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano wrote: “The sole presence of THC and/or its metabolites in blood, particularly at low levels, is an inconsistent and largely inappropriate indicator of psychomotor impairment in cannabis consuming subjects. … Lawmakers would be advised to consider alternative legislative approaches to address concerns over DUI cannabis behavior that do not rely solely on the presence of THC or its metabolites in blood or urine as determinants of guilt in a court of law. Otherwise, the imposition of traffic safety laws may inadvertently become a criminal mechanism for law enforcement and prosecutors to punish those who have engaged in legally protected behavior and who have not posed any actionable traffic safety threat.”
Full text of the study, “Complexity of translating analytics to recent cannabis use and impairment,” appears in the Journal of AOAC International.

Poll: Voters Strongly Support Letting States Make Their Own Marijuana Laws
Washington, DC: Voters favor permitting state governments to establish their own marijuana policies free from federal interference, according to polling data compiled by FTP Insights on behalf of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR).
Pollsters surveyed likely voters’ attitudes in three states: Missouri, Ohio, and Wyoming.
Respondents in all three states – including majorities of Democrats and Republicans – strongly supported allowing states to set their own policies.
“The polling is straightforward – midwestern voters want autonomy to develop policies that work best for them,” said CPEAR’s Executive Director Andrew Freedman in a press release. “Voters understand the importance of having the right to choose what cannabis policies work best for them without interference from the federal government.”
He said the polling results show strong support among voters for proposed federal legislation, HR 6673, which exempts legal cannabis states from the federal Controlled Substances Act. The bill, sponsored by Ohio Republican David Joyce, currently has nine co-sponsors.
The poll’s results are consistent with those of prior surveys, which found that supermajorities of Americans believe that states should “be able to enact their own marijuana laws without interference from the federal government.”

Analysis: Labels of Hemp-derived Products Often Provide Misleading Information
Chicago, IL: The contents of hemp-derived cannabinoid products seldom match the information advertised on the products’ labels, according to a laboratory analysis conducted by the University of Chicago.
Of the 17 different hemp-derived flower products analyzed, fifteen contained lesser quantities of advertised cannabinoids (e.g., delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, CBD). One sample contained no detectable level of cannabinoids.
Of the eight edible products analyzed, three contained no detectable levels of advertised cannabinoids. One product contained lower levels of advertised cannabinoids, while three contained higher quantities.
The findings are consistent with those of other studies reporting discrepancies in the contents of unregulated hemp-derived products.
“Most of the edible and plant cannabinoid products do not match their packaging and labeling,” the study’s author concluded. “This, in conjunction with the absence of regulations and safety testing, is a cause for concern for public safety as people (and minors) consume these products.”
Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids present in commercially available hemp-derived products are typically produced following a chemical synthesis. Those engaged in manufacturing these products are not regulated and may use potentially dangerous household products to facilitate this process. Lab analyses of these unregulated products have repeatedly found that they contain lower levels of cannabinoids than what is advertised on the products’ labels. Some products have also been found to possess heavy metal contaminants and unlabeled cutting agents.
In 2022, NORML issued a report on delta-8 THC and other novel, synthetically derived cannabinoids that cautioned consumers to avoid these unregulated products because they are untested and may contain impurities.
The full text of the study, “The public safety risk of hemp products sold at unlicensed retailers,” appears in the Journal of Toxicology Current Research.

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by russellropeMedia, News April 2, 2024March 28, 2024No Comments

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Oklahoma: Lab Report Finds Medical Cannabis Less Potent Than Advertised
Oklahoma City, OK: Cannabis sold in medical dispensaries in Oklahoma frequently contains lower quantities of THC than are advertised on the products’ labels, according to reporting from NPR.
An independent laboratory analysis of 15 varieties of cannabis flower obtained at three dispensaries identified discrepancies between the products’ labels and their THC content. In each instance, the products’ advertised THC potency was inflated.
“The average reported THC level of the strains tested is about 24 percent, but the average measured THC number was just over 14 percent,” NPR reported.
Results from the lab analysis were provided to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. The agency indicates that it is in the process of improving lab testing regulations and standards.
Oklahoma voters in 2018 approved a statewide ballot initiative permitting the licensed production and retail sale of cannabis for those with a physician’s authorization. The state currently has more licensed cannabis businesses per capita than any other medical-only jurisdiction.
Lab analyses of certain cannabis products sold in other states – including California, Colorado, and Washington – have identified similar incidences of THC inflation.
A recent analysis in the Journal of Cannabis Research of 107 flower samples obtained in California, Colorado, and Oregon reported that nearly 70 percent of the products over-labelled the THC content. However, the authors did not specify whether the samples came from state-licensed or unlicensed retailers.
Full text of the study, “Evaluation of dispensaries’ cannabis flowers for accuracy of labeling cannabinoids content,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Analysis: Heavy Metals Present In Some Cannabis Vape Cartridges
Ontario, Canada: The use of certain cannabis vape cartridges may result in heavy metal exposure, according to an analysis of products available in the Canadian marketplace. The findings were presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Canadian scientists analyzed 41 products for heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Several of the liquids in vape cartridges tested positive for metal contamination. In some instances, nano-sized particles were present prior to the products’ heating mechanism being turned on – suggesting that metal contaminants may be produced during the production process rather than during the products’ use.
Products obtained from unregulated producers were more likely than legally regulated products to contain elevated levels of heavy metals.
The findings are consistent with US data reporting that the use of some commercially available cannabis e-liquid devices may result in exposure to unwanted metals, including copper, nickel, and lead.
Third-party testing of unregulated delta-8 products and CBD vape cartridges has also identified the presence of heavy metals, including arsenic, chromium, and mercury.
Study: Opioid Maintenance Patients Frequently Report Using Cannabis In Place Of Other Drugs
Mannheim, Germany: Nearly sixty percent of people undergoing opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) use cannabis to reduce their cravings for other drugs, including heroin, according to survey data published in the journal European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience.
German investigators assessed cannabis use trends in 118 subjects enrolled in OMT. Fifty-seven percent of respondents acknowledged consuming herbal cannabis, despite its use being a violation of the program’s rules.
Nearly half (45 percent) of cannabis consumers said that they used it “to reduce cravings for heroin,” and 24 percent acknowledged doing so to reduce cravings for cocaine. Respondents also reported using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances.
The study’s authors concluded: “A substantial proportion of patients using cannabis in our sample reported beneficial effects of cannabis use on craving for and use of other drugs, in many cases arguably more harmful substances. … [These results question whether] restricting cannabis use in general really promotes health in OMT patients. … Overall, our results suggest that cannabis should be considered as a strategy for harm reduction in OMT with the goal to reduce use of more dangerous drugs.”
The results of a 2021 study concluded that those in treatment for opioid use disorder who used cannabis were less likely to suffer from a non-fatal opioid overdose than were non-cannabis consumers. Other studies have reported that cannabis use is associated with greater opioid treatment retention rates and that it may mitigate opioid-related cravings among dependent subjects.
Full text of the study, “Does cannabis use substitute for opioids? A preliminary exploratory survey in opioid maintenance patients,” appears in the European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience.
Washington: New Law Exempts Patients From Taxes When Purchasing Eligible Cannabis Products
Olympia, WA: Legislation (HB 1453) signed into law by Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee provides a tax break for patients who purchase certain cannabis products.
Under the new law, patients registered in the state’s voluntary medical cannabis access program are exempt from the state’s 37 percent excise tax when they purchase designated products. The exemption only applies to products designated ‘DOH (Department of Health) compliant.’ DOH-compliant products have undergone more rigorous safety testing than is typically required under state law.
The new law sunsets on June 30, 2029.
Most states minimize patients’ tax burdens when purchasing medical cannabis products.
Washington legalized medical marijuana access in 1998. State voters approved an initiative legalizing the adult-use marijuana market in 2012.

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by russellropeMedia, News March 26, 2024March 23, 2024No Comments

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Analysis: Limonene Terpene Reduces THC-induced Anxiety


Baltimore, MD: The co-administration of THC and the terpene D-limonene is associated with reduced feelings of anxiety, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
Researchers with John Hopkins University assessed the influence of D-limonene on THC’s subjective effects in 20 healthy volunteers. (D-limonene is a terpene commonly found in many citrus fruits and is among the more abundant terpenes in cannabis.)
Participants who inhaled D-limonene concurrently with THC reported “significantly reduced” feelings of anxiety and paranoia as compared to those who inhaled THC alone. The inhalation of higher quantities of D-limonene was associated with more pronounced effects.
“D-limonene reduced THC-induced anxiety effects in a dose-dependent manner,” the study’s authors reported. Its co-administration did not influence any other effects of THC.
The study’s authors concluded: “D-limonene selectively attenuated THC-induced anxiogenic effects, suggesting this terpenoid could increase the therapeutic index of THC. Future research should determine whether this effect extends to oral dose formulations and evaluate the interactions between other cannabis terpenoids or cannabinoids and THC.”
Research published last year in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology determined that certain terpenes – including borneol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, ocimene, sabinene, and terpineol – modulate THC activity at the CB1 receptor. That study’s authors concluded: “The use of selected terpenes may enable reducing the THC dose in some treatments, and as a result, potentially minimizing the THC-related adverse effects. This would also help in adjusting the treatment to more sensitive populations such as children and elderly. Enrichment with selected terpenes may allow for composition adjustment to personal needs and to changes during chronic use, such as for daytime versus for sleep.”
Full text of the study, “Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults who intermittently use cannabis,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Study: CBD Provides Sustained Relief For Menstrual-related Symptoms
Fayetteville, AR: The consumption of soft-gel caps containing CBD isolate is associated with the alleviation of menstrual-related symptoms (MRS), according to open-label trial data published in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Arkansas and Auburn University in Alabama assessed CBD dosing on MRS in a cohort of 33 subjects. Study participants provided a baseline assessment of their symptom severity. They then consumed CBD gel caps on the days that they experienced MRS symptoms for the following three months.
Subjects reported experiencing immediate relief following their use of CBD. These improvements were sustained over the course of the trial. Subjects also reported reduced stress, irritability, and anxiety following CBD dosing.
The study’s authors concluded: “The present study suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment in alleviating MRS. Given the prevalence of MRS as well as the relative lack of effective options in treating the entirety of experiences that occur because of MRS, further investigation of CBD as an intervention option for MRS is warranted.”
Full text of the study, “Examination of the effects of cannabidiol on menstrual-related symptoms,” appears in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Study: Medical Cannabis Patients Report Sustained Quality Of Life Improvements
Erie, PA: Patients authorized to consume medical cannabis products report significant improvements in their overall health, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Researchers affiliated with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine assessed the impact of medical cannabis on patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Participants in the study possessed a doctor’s authorization to access state-licensed cannabis products in Pennsylvania. Patients’ symptoms were assessed upon enrollment in the study and then again at 30, 60, and 90 days. Most patients enrolled in the study inhaled herbal cannabis or concentrates.
Investigators said that patients’ cannabis use resulted in immediate symptom improvements. These improvements were sustained for the length of the study. Those patients who consumed cannabis products once per day displayed greater improvements in their general health than did those who used it more frequently. Only minor side effects (e.g., cough, dry mouth) were reported.
“It is clear that medical marijuana, when administered safely, can improve an individual’s quality of life,” the study’s authors determined. “Participants reported significant decreases in emotional limitations, fatigue, and pain levels.”
They concluded, “The findings suggest that MMJ [medical marijuana] has the potential to improve physical and social functioning, energy levels, emotional well-being, and overall general health within the first 30–60 days of use.”
Their findings are consistent with those of other larger observational studies involving thousands of patients enrolled in medical cannabis access programs.
Full text of the study, “Observational analysis of the influence of medical marijuana use on quality of life in patients,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Analysis: Labels On CBD Vape Cartridges Often Provide Inaccurate Information
Huntington, WV: The labels on CBD vape pens typically provide imprecise information regarding the products’ contents, according to data published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.
A team of scientists from Marshall University in West Virginia quantified cannabinoid components in nine retail brands of CBD vape liquids. Hemp-derived CBD products are often available over the counter at gas stations and other retailers. However, they are not federally regulated and they are typically subject to few, if any, state regulations.
Of the nine products analyzed, six possessed levels of CBD that were “statistically different from the amount reported on the label” – a finding consistent with many other studies.
Moreover, investigators reported that most products’ cannabinoid content fluctuated significantly over time, depending on the storage conditions (time and temperature) of the vape liquids.
The study’s authors concluded: “Results of this work demonstrates the discrepancies present between reported cannabinoid content and actual levels of CBD, THC, CBN, and CBDA in consumer-sold products. … Consumers should also be aware that handling and storage of purchased vape products can affect the product and its composition. Uncertainty in the content of products sold to consumer cannabis users raises concerns about dosing, safety, effectiveness, and potential interactions with other drugs.”
NORML and other groups have urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. Analyses conducted by the FDA and others have consistently reported that many over-the-counter CBD products are of variable quality and potency, and that they may contain contaminants, adulterants, or elevated levels of heavy metals.
Full text of the study, “An evaluation of the cannabinoid content of the liquid and thermal degradation analysis of cannabis-labeled vape liquids,” appears in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Study: Most Migraine Sufferers Have Reduced Or Eliminated Their Use Of Prescription Drugs With Cannabis
New Haven, CT: Migraine patients report mitigating their symptoms with cannabis and many also acknowledge using marijuana in lieu of other prescription medications, according to data published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.
Investigators affiliated with Yale University’s School of Medicine surveyed responses from 1,373 patients from a tertiary headache center. Just under one-third of respondents acknowledged being current consumers of cannabis.
Among these consumers, most said that marijuana either improved migraine symptoms or limited their frequency. Many respondents (63 percent) also said that their use of cannabis allowed them to either reduce or eliminate their need for other prescription medications.
“This is the largest study to date to document cannabis product usage patterns and perceived benefits for migraine management in a clinical headache patient sample,” the study’s authors concluded. “A majority of patients surveyed reported using cannabis products for migraine management and cited perceived improvements in migraine characteristics, clinical features, and associated risk factors.”
Several studies have previously documented the effectiveness of cannabis for migraine treatment. A 2002 literature review of nine studies involving 5,600 subjects concluded: “Medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. ... Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines.”
Full text of the study, “Characterizing cannabis use and perceived benefit in a tertiary headache center patient sample,” appears in Neurology Clinical Practice.

Study: Patients With Post-traumatic Stress And Depression Report Improvements Following Cannabis Therapy
London, United Kingdom: Patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and comorbid depression respond favorably to the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to data published in the journal BMJ Psych Open.
British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of patients suffering simultaneously from post-traumatic stress and depression. (Since 2018, British specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Self-reported symptoms were assessed three months after subjects initiated their cannabis use.
Investigators reported, “Treatment with prescribed cannabis was associated with substantial reductions in the severity of PTSD symptomatology, with these improvements being more marked in individuals with depression.”
They concluded: “Treatment with CBMPs is associated with significant improvements in well-being and quality of life in PTSD after three months. ... These results parallel previous findings for quality of life across a broad range of conditions and for PTSD specifically and highlight the potential benefits of CBMPs for symptom reduction and improvements in well-being across a wide range of chronic conditions.”
Prior assessments of patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and depression have similarly concluded that cannabis therapy can improve subjects’ health-related quality of life. By contrast, a 2021 clinical trial concluded that the inhalation of marijuana flower provided limited benefits compared to placebo in treating symptoms of PTSD.
Full text of the study, “Medicinal cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid depression: Real-world evidence,” appears in BMJ Psych Open.

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by russellropeMedia, News March 19, 2024March 14, 2024No Comments

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Analysis: Cannabis Therapy Associated With Quality Of Life Improvements In Chronically Ill Patients


Berlin, Germany: Chronically ill patients who use authorized medical cannabis products report improvements in their quality of life, according to data published in the German medical journal Schmerz.
German investigators assessed patient-reported outcomes in a nationwide cohort of 1,582 patients authorized to use cannabis by their physicians. (Plant cannabis and cannabinoid treatments, such as dronabinol, were legalized by prescription use in Germany in 2017; however, cannabis products are typically only authorized when patients are unresponsive to traditional therapies.) Patients suffered from chronic pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms.
Eighty-four percent of those surveyed reported quality of life improvements following their use of cannabis.
“Cannabis therapy [may] improve the quality of life of chronically ill patients, regardless of the underlying disease,” the study’s authors concluded.
The findings are consistent with those of observational studies from Australia and the United Kingdom concluding that cannabis use improves chronically ill patients’ health-related quality of life.
Full text of the study, “Patient-reported outcomes in chronic diseases under treatment with cannabis medicines: Analysis of the results of the Copeia survey,” appears in Schmerz.

Study: Most Migraine Sufferers Have Reduced Or Eliminated Their Use Of Prescription Drugs With Cannabis
New Haven, CT: Migraine patients report mitigating their symptoms with cannabis and many also acknowledge using marijuana in lieu of other prescription medications, according to data published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.
Investigators affiliated with Yale University’s School of Medicine surveyed responses from 1,373 patients from a tertiary headache center. Just under one-third of respondents acknowledged being current consumers of cannabis.
Among these consumers, most said that marijuana either improved migraine symptoms or limited their frequency. Many respondents (63 percent) also said that their use of cannabis allowed them to either reduce or eliminate their need for other prescription medications.
“This is the largest study to date to document cannabis product usage patterns and perceived benefits for migraine management in a clinical headache patient sample,” the study’s authors concluded. “A majority of patients surveyed reported using cannabis products for migraine management and cited perceived improvements in migraine characteristics, clinical features, and associated risk factors.”
Several studies have previously documented the effectiveness of cannabis for migraine treatment. A 2002 literature review of nine studies involving 5,600 subjects concluded: “Medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. … Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines.”
Full text of the study, “Characterizing cannabis use and perceived benefit in a tertiary headache center patient sample,” appears in Neurology Clinical Practice.

Study: Patients With Post-traumatic Stress And Depression Report Improvements Following Cannabis Therapy
London, United Kingdom: Patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and comorbid depression respond favorably to the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to data published in the journal BMJ Psych Open.
British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of patients suffering simultaneously from post-traumatic stress and depression. (Since 2018, British specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Self-reported symptoms were assessed three months after subjects initiated their cannabis use.
Investigators reported, “Treatment with prescribed cannabis was associated with substantial reductions in the severity of PTSD symptomatology, with these improvements being more marked in individuals with depression.”
They concluded: “Treatment with CBMPs is associated with significant improvements in well-being and quality of life in PTSD after three months. … These results parallel previous findings for quality of life across a broad range of conditions and for PTSD specifically and highlight the potential benefits of CBMPs for symptom reduction and improvements in well-being across a wide range of chronic conditions.”
Prior assessments of patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and depression have similarly concluded that cannabis therapy can improve subjects’ health-related quality of life. By contrast, a 2021 clinical trial concluded that the inhalation of marijuana flower provided limited benefits compared to placebo in treating symptoms of PTSD.
Full text of the study, “Medicinal cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid depression: Real-world evidence,” appears in BMJ Psych Open.

Analysis: Marijuana Sales Not Associated With Increased Use Among Adolescents
Reno, NV: The initiation of state-licensed marijuana sales is not independently associated with an increase in cannabis use among young people, according to data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
Researchers compared trends in marijuana use among middle school students in Nevada and New Mexico. During the study period, Nevada permitted retail sales of marijuana products while New Mexico did not.
They reported “no immediate change in lifetime or past 30-day marijuana use among middle school-aged adolescents in Nevada compared to New Mexico.” Rather, marijuana use trends in both states followed similar trajectories.
Consistent with other studies, investigators concluded, “Adult-use sales were not associated with an increase in lifetime or P30D [past 30-day] marijuana use.”
Although the study’s authors did identify upticks in marijuana use among certain demographics (e.g., students of color) during the study period (2017-2019), numerous other studies assessing nationwide trends over the better part of the past decade have consistently reported that cannabis use among teens has steadily declined.
Full text of the study, “Increasing lifetime and past 30-day marijuana use among middle school students regardless of recreational marijuana sales,” appears in Addictive Behaviors.

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by russellropeMedia, News March 12, 2024March 8, 2024No Comments

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Survey: Medical Cannabis Products Increasingly Used To Treat Symptoms Of Endometriosis


Sydney, Australia: Endometriosis patients frequently report using cannabis preparations to alleviate their symptoms, according to survey data published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Australian researchers surveyed 192 women with a history of cannabis use and endometriosis. Sixty-three percent of respondents said that they had received a doctor’s authorization to use cannabis-based medicinal products. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.)
Most respondents used THC-dominant products. Consistent with other studies, patients reported symptom improvements following cannabis treatment – including better sleep, less pain, fewer bouts of nausea, and reduced anxiety.
“This study found that THC-predominant CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] are commonly prescribed to Australians with endometriosis,” authors concluded. “Given major issues with symptom management and the self-reported reductions in pain and other symptoms, improving access to medicinal cannabis for this population is important and timely.”
Other surveys have similarly indicated that cannabis use is popular among patients with endometriosis, and that many of them substitute it in place of other medications, particularly opioid-based analgesics.
Full text of the study, “A survey of cost, access, and outcomes for cannabinoid-based medicinal product use by Australians with endometriosis,” appears in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Study: Marijuana Consumers No Less Likely To Exercise
Dallas, Texas: Adults with a history of marijuana use engage in exercise and other physical activities at rates comparable to non-users, according to data published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Texas and Ohio University compared exercise patterns in a nationally representative cohort of cannabis consumers and non-consumers.
They reported no significant differences between the two groups in their frequency of strength training or general activity. However, cannabis consumers were more likely than non-users to walk for exercise.
“Our results indicate that marijuana … use [is] not associated with low exercise rates among adults in the U.S.,” the study’s authors concluded. “These findings challenge the stereotype that marijuana … users are less active than their non-using counterparts.”
The findings are consistent with those of other studies concluding that adults with a history of marijuana use typically exercise as much or more than their non-using peers. Among those age 60 and older, marijuana use has been associated with increased exercise frequency.
Full text of the study, “The association between marijuana and e-cigarette use and exercise behavior among adults,” appears in Preventive Medicine Reports.

Survey: Most Palliative Care Professionals Say They Are Uninformed About Medical Cannabis Issues
Boston, MA: Most physicians specializing in hospice and palliative care believe that they are inadequately prepared to counsel patients about the use of medical cannabis, according to survey data published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
Harvard researchers surveyed 123 HPM [hospice and palliative medicine] fellows regarding their familiarity with medical cannabis.
Consistent with prior surveys of healthcare professionals, most respondents (71 percent) said that they were “insufficiently informed” to discuss medical cannabis options with their patients.
Surveys of nurses, pharmacists, clinicians, and other medical professionals have yielded similar findings.
However, in contrast with other surveys, most HPM fellows (65 percent) acknowledged having received some “formal training regarding medical cannabis.”
The study’s authors concluded: “Few [of those surveyed] considered themselves sufficiently informed to make cannabis-related clinical recommendations. These results suggest both a need for expanded high-quality evidence for medical cannabis in palliative care and for improved formal education for HPM fellows.”
Full text of the study, “Palliative medicine fellows’ discussions, perceptions, and training regarding medical cannabis,” appears in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

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by russellropeMedia, News March 5, 2024March 3, 2024No Comments

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Iowa City, IA: Approximately one in six middle-aged adults acknowledge having consumed cannabis within the past year, according to survey data published in the journal The Gerontologist.


Investigators affiliated with the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health assessed data from a nationally representative sample of Americans over the age of 50. They estimated that 17 percent of those between the ages of 50 and 64 had used cannabis in the past year, as had 4 percent of those age 65 and older.
About eight percent of middle-aged consumers had no prior lifetime history of cannabis use. Most respondents said that their attitudes toward cannabis had become more favorable as they grew older.
The study’s authors suggested that marijuana use by older adults would continue to increase, particularly as the use of medicinal cannabis products becomes more socially acceptable. “We expect cannabis use among late middle age and older Americans will at least double in the decade ahead,” they concluded. “As many as one of every five persons over 50 may be using cannabis in the year 2030, and mostly for a medical condition or symptoms.”
The study’s findings are consistent with those of others concluding that marijuana use among older Americans continues to increase and outpace all other age groups. 
Full text of the study, “Unrelenting growth and diversification: Using the health and retirement study to illuminate cannabis use among aging Americans,” appears in The Gerontologist.

Clinical Trial: Inhaled Cannabis Effective At Relieving Migraine Pain
San Diego, CA: The inhalation of cannabis flower containing THC and CBD is superior to placebo in providing migraine relief, according to data published online on the National Library of Medicine website. The data has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Investigators affiliated with the University of California at San Diego assessed the safety and efficacy of herbal cannabis in 92 patients with persistent migraines. Patients were randomly assigned to vaporize one of four cannabis chemotypes (six percent THC, 11 percent CBD, six percent THC and 11 percent CBD, or placebo cannabis) following migraine onset.
Of the four chemotypes assessed, vaporized cannabis containing THC and CBD performed most effectively.
The study’s authors reported, “Vaporized 6% THC+11% CBD cannabis flower was superior to placebo for pain relief, pain freedom, and MBS [most bothersome symptom] freedom at 2 hours as well as 24-hour sustained pain freedom and sustained MBS freedom and 48-hour sustained MBS freedom.” THC/CBD cannabis was also superior to placebo at relieving migraine-related photophobia (light sensitivity) and phonophobia (sound sensitivity).
No serious adverse events were reported, regardless of the type of cannabis consumed.
“Future research should include multicenter studies and long-term studies of benefits and risks with repeated use,” investigators concluded.
A 2002 literature review of nine studies involving 5,600 subjects previously concluded: “Medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. … Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines.”
Full text of the study, “Vaporized cannabis versus placebo for acute migraine: A randomized controlled trial,” is available online.

Germany: Lawmakers Advance Cannabis Liberalization Plan
Berlin, Germany: German lawmakers voted late last week in favor of a plan to permit adults to legally possess personal use quantities of cannabis.
The plan, which was overwhelmingly approved by members of Parliament’s lower house, allows residents ages 18 and older to possess (up to 25 grams) and home cultivate (up to three plants) cannabis. It also calls for the establishment of not-for-profit cannabis clubs, which will be permitted to grow and provide cannabis for their members.
Neither commercial cannabis production, retail sales, nor marijuana-related advertising is permitted under the measure. Marijuana sales to minors remain strictly forbidden, with offenders facing penalties of up to two years imprisonment.
Last year, similar legislation took effect in the European nation of Luxembourg. That followed a similar move in 2021 by lawmakers on the island of Malta.

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by russellropeMedia, News February 27, 2024February 26, 2024No Comments

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New York: Regulators Approve Rules Permitting Home Cultivation Of Cannabis


New York, NY: State regulators have approved long-awaited regulations authorizing adults to home cultivate personal use quantities of cannabis.
Members of the Cannabis Control Board signed off on the rules last week. The rules must still undergo a 60-day public comment period.
New York is among the minority of adult-use legalization states that does not currently permit adults to legally grow marijuana in their homes.
The new regulations will permit an adult to grow up to six plants (no more than three mature) on private property and harvest up to five pounds of cannabis flower. (Cultivators also have the legal option of converting their flower to concentrates.) Households with multiple adults will be permitted to grow a total of six mature plants. Cultivators will be permitted to grow from seeds or they can purchase immature plants from licensed providers.
Currently, only those registered in the state’s medical cannabis access program are permitted to engage in the personal cultivation of cannabis.
State lawmakers legalized the adult-use cannabis market in March of 2021. Limited retail sales of cannabis began in December 2022.
Regulators at Friday’s meeting also approved an additional 100 new cannabis-related licensees, including commercial retailers and cultivators. Regulators have faced criticism for not licensing enough retailers to meet consumers’ demands.

Arkansas: Attorney General Signs Off On Proposed Ballot Measure To Expand Medical Cannabis Access
Little Rock, AR: The state’s Attorney General has given the go-ahead to a ballot initiative effort to expand the state’s medical cannabis access law.
On Tuesday, Attorney General Tim Griffin approved the ballot title language for a proposed citizens’ initiative, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024. He had previously rejected an earlier version of the amendment, opining that the language was ambiguous.
The proposed amendment improves existing law by expanding the pool of practitioners who may recommend medical cannabis and by increasing the total number of qualifying conditions for patients. It also allows patients to receive physician recommendations via telehealth appointments and extends patients’ registration in the program from one year to three years, among other modifications.
Separate provisions in the amendment authorize adults to legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis if the federal government deschedules it from the Controlled Substances Act.
Backers of the amendment, Arkansans for Patient Access, must collect over 90,704 signatures from registered voters by July 5, 2024 to qualify it for November’s ballot.
Arkansas voters passed a ballot measure in 2016 to establish the state’s medical marijuana program. However, patients were not able to begin accessing medical cannabis products until mid-2019. Currently, just under 100,000 residents are registered with the program.
The full text of the proposed initiative is available from The Arkansas Advocate.

Study: Online Searches For Delta-8 Products Higher In States Where Cannabis Is Illegal
San Diego, CA: Residents in states where the adult-use cannabis market is criminalized are nearly twice as likely to engage in online searches for delta-8-THC products than are those who live in jurisdictions where marijuana is legal, according to data compiled by the group CBD Nationwide.
The group reported that searches for delta-8 products are 1.9 times higher in states where the adult-use cannabis market is illegal – a finding that is consistent with those of other studies.
Although delta-8 THC occurs organically in the cannabis plant, it is typically only produced in nominal quantities. By contrast, the elevated quantities of delta-8 THC found in commercially available products are typically the result of a chemical synthesis whereby manufacturers convert hemp-derived CBD to delta-8 THC. Manufacturers engaged in synthesizing delta-8 THC are not regulated and may use potentially dangerous household products to facilitate this process. Lab analyses of unregulated delta-8 products have consistently found them to contain lower levels of the compound than advertised on the products’ labels. Some products have also been found to possess heavy metal contaminants and unlabeled cutting agents.
Data published in 2023 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) similarly determined that consumers are much more likely to acknowledge using unregulated delta-8 products in states where cannabis is prohibited.
In 2022, NORML issued a report on delta-8 THC and other novel, synthetically derived cannabinoids that cautioned consumers to avoid these unregulated products because they are untested and may contain impurities.
Full results of the analysis are available from CBD Nationwide.

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by russellropeMedia, News February 20, 2024February 19, 2024No Comments

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Study: Patients Exhibit Few Changes In Driving Performance Following Medical Marijuana Use


Hawthorne, Australia: Patients display few changes in their driving performance following the use of medical cannabis products, according to data published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
Australian researchers assessed simulated driving performance in a cohort of 40 patients authorized to consume cannabis. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.) Participants completed a baseline driving assessment prior to their participation in the study. On the day of the study, patients consumed their typical dose of medical cannabis (either cannabis-based extracts or flowers) at the testing site prior to engaging in a battery of driving simulator tests.
Researchers identified no significant changes from patients’ baseline driving performance that would indicate psychomotor impairment.
They reported: “In this open-label semi-naturalistic study, simulated and perceived driving performance among 40 patients was assessed prior to and following self-administration of their own prescribed medical cannabis product. While oil users tended to have higher SDLP [standard deviation in lateral positioning] values, this was stable over time and there was no evidence of impairment for either administration route. Furthermore, the lack of changes in speed variability suggests a modest but sustained stabilization of vehicle control. … [N]o notable evidence of driving impairment (i.e. a significant decline in driving performance metrics within the simulated driving scenario) was observed for either consumption modality, relative to baseline.”
The study’s authors concluded, “Overall, this semi-naturalistic study suggests that medical cannabis, used as prescribed, has a negligible impact on simulated driving performance.”
The study’s findings are consistent with those of several others determining that daily cannabis consumers, and patients especially, exhibit tolerance to many of cannabis’ psychomotor-influencing effects. According to the findings of a literature review published in the journal of the German Medical Association, “Patients who take cannabinoids at a constant dosage over an extensive period of time often develop tolerance to the impairment of psychomotor performance, so that they can drive vehicles safely.”
Full text of the study, “A semi-naturalistic open-label study examining the effect of prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance,” appears in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Analysis: Cannabis Products Provide Sustained Improvements In Sleep Quality For Patients With Insomnia
London, United Kingdom: Insomnia patients who consume cannabis products report sustained improvements in their sleep quality, according to data published in the journal Brain & Behavior.
British investigators assessed the safety and efficacy of plant-derived cannabis products (either oils, flower, or a combination of both) in over 60 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Cohort participants possessed a doctor’s authorization to access cannabis products. (Since 2018, specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Authors assessed the efficacy of cannabis at one, three, and six months.
Researchers reported that cannabis products were “well tolerated” and that they were associated with better sleep, reduced anxiety, and greater quality of life.
They concluded: “More than 40 percent of participants who completed each PROM [patient-reported outcome measure] round reported clinically significant improvement in their sleep quality at each time period. These results show that initiation of CBMP [cannabis-based medicinal products] therapy was associated with improvements in those patients who had previously failed to respond to currently licensed treatments for insomnia.”
Other studies assessing the use of cannabis products in patients enrolled in the UK Cannabis Registry have reported them to be effective for those suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, inflammatory bowel disease, and other afflictions.
Placebo-controlled clinical trial data has previously affirmed the efficacy of plant-derived cannabis extracts in patients suffering from chronic insomnia.
Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis Registry: Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with insomnia,” appears inBrain & Behavior.

Analysis: CBD Dosing Not Associated With Changes In Disease Progression In Patients With Advanced Forms Of Cancer
Queensland, Australia: The use of CBD among patients with advanced-stage cancer is not associated with changes in either disease progress or survival, according to data published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.
Australian researchers compared outcomes of CBD versus placebo in a cohort of cancer patients. Study participants consumed either CBD (up to a maximum of 600 mg per day) or placebo daily for nearly three months.
No changes in either disease progression or survival were identified between the two groups.
The study’s authors concluded: “No significant difference was noted in disease progression or survival in patients with advanced cancer receiving CBD oil versus placebo in the context of this clinical trial. … Given the effect cannabinoids appear to have on cancer cell growth in vitro, it is not impossible to consider an anticancer role for these compounds, though we saw no specific benefit on disease progression with CBD prescription, or indeed survival.”
While numerous preclinical studies and a limited number of case reports have documented anti-cancer effects associated with cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, these effects have not been replicated in controlled human studies.
Full text of the study, “Cannabidiol oil or placebo in advanced cancer-disease progression and survival: A secondary analysis,” appears in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.
South Dakota: Lawmakers Roll Back Employment Protections For State-registered Medical Cannabis Patients
Pierre, SD: House and Senate lawmakers have advanced legislation, SB 12, rolling back certain employment protections for state-authorized medical cannabis patients.
The protections were initially included in comprehensive ballot initiative language approved by voters in 2020. Since then, lawmakers have repeatedly sought to repeal aspects of the law and/or significantly amend it.
Specifically, SB 12, permits employers to either fire or refuse to hire patients for “safety-sensitive jobs” if they test positive for THC metabolites on a drug screen. The legislation also prohibits patients from suing an employer for wrongful termination if they fail an employer-mandated drug test. (Cannabis urinalysis tests detect the presence of inert THC metabolites which may be present for weeks or even months following exposure.)
Proponents of the bill included the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, the South Dakota Retailers Association, and the South Dakota Home Builders Association.
The measure awaits final approval from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, who is expected to sign it into law. Over 8,500 South Dakotans are registered with the state to access medical cannabis products.
The majority of states with medical cannabis access laws provide employment protections for patients. Additionally, nearly half of adult use legalization states — including California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island — have enacted workplace protections limiting employers’ ability to test for or sanction employees for their cannabis use while away from the job.

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by russellropeMedia, News February 13, 2024February 14, 2024No Comments

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Study: Daily Consumers Become Tolerant To Cannabis’ Psychomotor-influencing Effects


Aurora, CO: Daily cannabis consumers exhibit fewer changes in performance than do those who use it less frequently, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
A team of investigators affiliated with the University of Colorado and the University of Iowa assessed changes in performance in a cohort of daily versus occasional cannabis consumers. Participants inhaled high-THC flower (15 to 30 percent THC) ad libitum. Researchers compared subjects’ baseline performance to their performance one hour after smoking.
Consistent with prior research, the study’s authors concluded: “In two of the tablet-based tasks, the occasional use group performed slower (reaction time task) or less accurately (memory task) from before to after smoking, as compared to daily use and no-use groups, consistent with daily cannabis use resulting in tolerance to the acute effects of cannabis. In the gap acceptance task, the daily use group took longer to complete the task after smoking cannabis, while at the same time increasing their success ratio.
“Taken together, the findings are consistent with acquired tolerance to certain acute drug effects. The increase in time that the daily use group required to complete the gap acceptance task may nonetheless indicate an acute effect of cannabis among those in the daily use group, who prioritized accuracy over response time. Psychomotor and cognitive assessment batteries, such as the one used in this study, hold promise for providing an objective measure of cannabis impairment.”
NORML opposes the imposition of per se THC thresholds for motorists and alternatively calls for the expanded use of mobile performance technology like DRUID to determine whether someone is under the influence.
Full text of the study, “Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Study: Better Sleep Associated With Same-day Cannabis Use In Subjects With Generalized Anxiety
Boulder, CO: Patients with moderate anxiety report experiencing increased sleep quality following their use of cannabis, according to data published in the journal Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
Researchers with the University of Colorado at Boulder assessed the relationship between cannabis use and sleep quality in a cohort of 348 adults with symptoms of generalized anxiety. Study subjects were assigned to consume either cannabis flower or edibles that were either THC dominant, CBD dominant, or contained equal quantities of both cannabinoids. Participants completed daily online surveys for 30 days.
Subjects said that they slept better on those days when they consumed cannabis as compared to days when they did not.
The study’s authors concluded: “We report on 30 days of daily cannabis use and sleep quality data among a community sample with mild-to-moderate anxiety. Our results suggest that cannabis use on a particular day is associated with better perceived sleep quality during the night and that these associations are stronger among those with higher negative affective symptoms and those using CBD dominant edible forms of cannabis.”
The study’s conclusions are consistent with those of a recently published observational trial from the United Kingdom which found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder exhibit sustained symptom relief following their use of cannabis products.
Full text of the study, “Daily associations with cannabis use and sleep quality in anxious cannabis users,” appears in Behavioral Sleep Medicine.

Survey: Cannabis Use Common Among Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
San Francisco, CA: Nearly one-third of patients with cystic fibrosis report having used cannabis within the past year, according to survey data published in the journal Pediatric Pulmonology.
Researchers affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco surveyed 226 cystic fibrosis patients. Respondents lived in the United States and were at least 13 years old.
Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed acknowledged having consumed cannabis in the past year. Twenty-two percent said that they had consumed CBD products.
Consumers of cannabis and CBD products were most likely to report using them to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, to stimulate appetite, and to alleviate arthritic pain.
Among those respondents who had never used either cannabis or CBD products, approximately 50 percent said that they would do so if marijuana was legal.
“There is a great need to expand the current knowledge of and guidance regarding marijuana and CBD use in the CF patient population,” the study’s authors concluded. “Further research is warranted to counsel pwCF (people with cystic fibrosis) accurately, as many report experiencing therapeutic benefits.”
Full text of the study, “Time to be blunt: Substance use in cystic fibrosis,” appears in Pediatric Pulmonology.

Texas: Attorney General Files Suit To Overturn Voter-approved Marijuana Depenalization Measures
Austin, TX: Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed suit against several Texas municipalities for implementing local ballot measures depenalizing marijuana possession offenses.
The suit seeks to nullify laws in the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton. Voters in all five cities approved local initiatives in 2022 limiting local law enforcement from making arrests or issuing citations for most marijuana-related violations. Local advocates are seeking to place similar measures before voters in Dallas and Lockhart.
The Attorney General argues that localities are forbidden from implementing policies that fail to “fully enforce laws related to drugs.” He said in a press release, “I will not stand idly by as cities run by pro-crime extremists deliberately violate Texas law and promote the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities.”
State law defines marijuana possession as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal record. According to data compiled by Texas NORML, police made an estimated 219,000 marijuana-related arrests between 2017 and 2021. Ninety-seven percent of those arrested were charged with possession only. Fifty-six percent of those arrested were under 25 years of age.
Additional information is available from Texas NORML.