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by russellropeMedia, News September 3, 2024September 1, 2024No Comments

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Study: Cannabis Use Correlated With Lower Rates of Obesity
Provo, UT: People with a history of cannabis use are less likely than non-users to be obese, according to data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
A researcher affiliated with Brigham Young University assessed the relationship between cannabis use and obesity in a nationally representative sample of nearly 736,000 participants.
Consistent with prior analyses, the study determined that those with a high prevalence of marijuana use were least likely to be obese and most likely to possess low BMI (body mass index).
“Current marijuana users are 31 percent less likely to be obese than nonusers, after adjustment. Similarly, daily marijuana users are 32 percent less likely to be obese than nonusers, after adjustment. … There is also a dose–response relationship between marijuana use and BMI, with the lower the BMI classification, the higher the marijuana use. This supports other research showing that marijuana use correlates with lower BMI,” the study’s author concluded. “As legalization and prevalence of the drug in the US increases, obesity may decline.”
Other studies have previously identified an association between the adoption of medical cannabis and adult-use cannabis laws and lower rates of obesity. Prior studies have also linked cannabis use to greater rates of physical activity.
Full text of the study, “A national survey of marijuana use among US adults according to obesity status, 2016-2022,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Analysis: Public Support for Legalizing Marijuana Has Grown Significantly Over Past Decade
Tustin, CA: Americans have grown increasingly supportive of legalizing marijuana over the past decade, according to a meta-analysis of over 70 public opinion polls conducted since 2015.
The analysis, provided by the consumer research company CBD Oracle, determined that public support for legalization grew from an average of 53 percent in 2015 to an average of 62 percent today.
Respondents’ age and political party affiliation influenced their attitudes. Seventy-one percent of Democrats currently favor legalization versus only 48 percent of Republicans. Sixty-four percent of Independents back legalizing cannabis.
Among those 45 or under, 66 percent support legalization. That percentage falls to 60 percent among those older than 45.
There were no significant differences in the level of support for legalization among men and women, or among respondents of differing ethnicities.
The full text of the meta-analysis is available from CBD Oracle.

Survey: Nursing Students Overwhelmingly Favor Medical Cannabis Access
Boston, MA: More than nine in ten nursing students believe that patients should be legally able to access medical cannabis, but few report receiving sufficient training on the subject while in medical school, according to survey data published in the journal Nurse Practitioner.
Researchers affiliated with Simmons College in Boston surveyed over 100 nurse practitioner (NP) students. Ninety-four percent of respondents said that “medical marijuana should be legalized in all US states.” Their support aligns with those of most practicing nurses, as well as with the American Nurses Association. Since 2003, the ANA has publicly expressed support for “patients to have safe access to therapeutic marijuana/cannabis under appropriate prescriber supervision.” In July, the ANA submitted public comments to the US Drug Enforcement Administration in support of federally reclassifying cannabis.
Consistent with other surveys of healthcare professionals, most nursing students acknowledged having received either no or insufficient training about medical cannabis during their training.
“MM [medical marijuana]-specific NP program content needs to be developed and standardized using the latest available evidence before being integrated into curricula to ensure that NP students are well prepared to address patient questions and needs surrounding MM,” the study’s authors concluded. “Inclusion of MM content in programs is critical for optimizing patient care upon students’ entry into practice; nursing and NP organizations support addressing this knowledge gap through education at the university level.”
Full text of the study, “NP student knowledge and perceptions of medical marijuana,” appears in Nurse Practitioner.

Study: States Without Legal Access to Cannabis Experience Elevated Rates of Poison Control Incidents Involving Delta-8 THC Products
Columbus, OH: Jurisdictions that criminalize marijuana experience significantly higher rates of adverse events related to the use of delta-8-THC products, according to data published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology. Commercially available delta-8 products are unregulated and typically vary greatly in their potency and purity.
Investigators affiliated with Ohio State University’s College of Medicine analyzed nearly 5,000 incidents reported to poison control centers involving the ingestion of delta-8-THC products.
They reported that the majority of delta-8 exposures nationwide occurred in the southern region of the United States, where the adult use of cannabis is largely prohibited.
“The rate of ∆8-THC exposures reported to PCs [poison control centers] was significantly lower among states … where cannabis use was legal,” the study’s authors concluded. “Consistent regulation of ∆8-THC across all states should be adopted.”
The study’s findings are consistent with those of others reporting that consumers’ interest and use of delta-8-THC products is greater in states where marijuana remains illegal.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill tasked the US Food and Drug Administration with regulating hemp-derived products, the agency has thus far failed to do so. Last year, regulators with the agency responded that Congress – not the FDA – must take primary responsibility for creating a regulatory framework overseeing the commercial production and marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
NORML and other groups have urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. In 2021, 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 text of the study, “Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol exposures reported to US poison control centers: Variations among US states and regions associated with public policy,” appears in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.





	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on August 27, 2024August 22, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Analysis: Hemp-Derived Intoxicants Frequently Mislabeled, Contain Elevated Levels of Pesticides

Washington, DC: Hemp-derived intoxicating products typically contain greater quantities of THC than are allowable under federal law and some products also contain elevated levels of pesticides, according to an analysis of commercially available products by the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL).
Researchers purchased commercially available hemp-derived products (e.g., flower, pre-rolls, and vape pens) from either retail or online stores in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York). Labs performed analytical testing of the products for purity and potency and compared their results to the products’ Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Consistent with other studies, most products contained quantities of cannabinoids that were inconsistent with the products’ COA. In most cases, products contained far less delta-8 THC than advertised and higher levels of THC than permissible under the 2018 federal Farm Act. Seven of the 48 products tested (15 percent) also contained pesticides at levels higher than those permitted under state law. “Consumers are unwittingly consuming contaminated products,” researchers reported.
The study’s authors concluded: “The clear takeaway from this study is that the current landscape of intoxicating hemp product testing does not accurately reflect the legality of the products being sold by vendors nationwide. ... It also illustrates the need for legislators to provide a robust regulatory framework [for] the testing of hemp products that ensures honest and accurate reporting of intoxicants and contaminants by testing laboratories.”
Delta-8 THC appears organically in cannabis flowers, but it is typically only produced in minute amounts. By contrast, the elevated quantities of delta-8 THC found in commercially marketed products are often the result of a chemical synthesis during which manufacturers convert 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.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill tasked the US Food and Drug Administration with regulating hemp-derived products, the agency has thus far failed to do so. Last year, regulators with the agency responded that Congress – not the FDA – must take primary responsibility for creating a regulatory framework overseeing the commercial production and marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
NORML and other groups have urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. In 2021, 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 analysis is available from ACIL.

Clinical Trial: Plant-Derived Cannabis Extracts Safe and Effective for Treating Refractory Nausea

Sydney, Australia: The administration of cannabis extracts containing equal percentages of THC and CBD safely and effectively relieves refractory nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to randomized clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Australian investigators assessed the use of standardized cannabis extracts versus placebo in 147 patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy. (Australian law permits physicians to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.) Participants in the study all suffered from nausea and vomiting despite taking standard antiemetic medications. Patients consumed either extracts or placebo three times a day in addition to their prescription medications.
Compared to placebo, cannabis extracts significantly reduced vomiting frequency and improved patients’ quality of life.
Researchers concluded: “An oral formulation of THC:CBD was an effective adjunct to standard antiemetics for prevention and treatment of refractory CINV, with adverse effects including sedation and dizziness, but no increase in serious adverse events. Our data support the claim that oral THC:CBD is an effective and safe option for the prevention of refractory CINV [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting].”
In an accompanying editorial, authors opined, “For patients receiving moderate- or high-emetic-risk chemotherapy, THC:CBD may be considered as an option for secondary prophylaxis of CINV for patients who had refractory nausea in a previous cycle despite guideline-concordant treatment.”
Both cannabis and THC are well-established anti-nauseants. An oral formulation of synthetic THC (aka dronabinol) has been FDA-approved in the United States as an antiemetic since 1985.
Full text of the study, “Oral cannabis extract for secondary prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Final results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase II/III trials,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. 

Study: Medical Cannabis Patients Report Improved Quality of Life, Reduced Prescription Drug Use

Norfolk, VA: Patients authorized to consume state-legal medicinal cannabis products report improvements in their health-related quality of life and less reliance on prescription medications, according to data published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Researchers affiliated with Old Dominion University in Virginia surveyed 31 patients enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program. Study participants all resided in rural Virginia.
Consistent with other studies, researchers reported: “[Patients’] health and well-being improved significantly after medical cannabis was added to the treatment regimen. Prescription medication use decreased significantly. Quality of life and symptom intensity improved significantly.”
The study’s authors concluded, “Medical cannabis should be considered an alternative treatment for patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain.”
Longitudinal data published last year in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research reported that patients experience sustained improvements in pain, anxiety, and mood following the use of medical cannabis. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly one in four pain patients residing in states where medical cannabis access is legal self-identify as marijuana consumers.
Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis use and quality of life among Appalachian adults,” appears in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.

Gallup: Americans Say Alcohol, Tobacco More Harmful Than Cannabis

Washington, DC: A greater percentage of Americans believe that alcohol and nicotine pose greater dangers to health than marijuana, according to national polling data provided by Gallup.
Seventy-nine percent of respondents acknowledged that cigarettes are “very harmful” to health. One-third of respondents said that alcohol was “very harmful.” By contrast, 26 percent of those surveyed said that cannabis was “very harmful.” Twenty-two percent said that it was “not harmful at all.”
The survey’s results are consistent with those of prior polls, finding that most Americans perceive marijuana to be less harmful than alcohol or cigarettes.
Respondents’ attitudes toward cannabis varied by whether they had ever consumed it. Specifically, 61 percent of cannabis consumers said that it has a “positive” effect on “most people who use it.” By contrast, only 30 percent of non-users agreed with the statement.
Detailed poll results are available from Gallup.

Analysis: THC Blood Concentrations Not Correlated With Impairment

Oslo, Norway: The presence of THC in blood is poorly correlated with behavioral impairment, according to data published in the Forensic Science International.
Norwegian researchers assessed the relationship between drug concentrations and impaired psychomotor performance in a cohort of over 15,000 individuals suspected of drugged driving and 3,684 drug-free controls. Driving performance was assessed by participants’ performance on a clinical test of impairment (CTI).
Consistent with prior literature, “The correlation between drug concentration was high for ethanol, ... but low for THC.”
Specifically, authors determined, “For THC, the median drug concentrations changed little between drivers assessed as not impaired and impaired.”
They concluded, “The lack of a close relationship between drug concentration of THC and degree of impairment at the individual level is in accordance with several observations from experimental studies [where participants engaged in the] controlled intake of cannabis.”
The authors’ findings are consistent with those of numerous studies reporting that neither the detection of THC nor its metabolites in blood or other bodily fluids is predictive of impaired driving performance. As a result, 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.
Full text of the study, “The relationship between clinical impairment and blood drug concentrations: Comparison between the most prevalent traffic relevant drug groups,” appears in Forensic Science International.





     

 

	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on August 20, 2024August 19, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Study: Opioid-Dependent Subjects Say Cannabis Manages Cravings, Withdrawal Symptoms
Los Angeles, CA: Opioid-dependent subjects report that cannabis reduces their drug cravings and mitigates withdrawal symptoms, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
Investigators affiliated with the University of Southern California conducted 30 one-on-one semi-structured interviews with people who inject drugs (PWID).
Researchers reported, “PWID described that cannabis co-use assisted in developing patterns of reduced opioid use in a number of ways. … Participants reported using cannabis substitution or co-use to manage the pain from withdrawal symptoms, such as body aches and generalized discomfort, which led to decreased opioid injection frequency. Participants emphasized low-barrier access due to legalization and numerous dispensaries as a resource that facilitated co-using cannabis for reduced opioid use. These findings support the extant literature on cannabis and opioid co-use for pattern changes among vulnerable populations.”
Prior studies have similarly suggested that the consumption of either cannabis or CBD can play a role in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. According to a 2020 review paper: “Growing pre-clinical and clinical evidence appears to support the use of cannabis … to combat OUD [opioid use disorder]. The evidence … demonstrates the potential cannabis has to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, reduce opioid consumption, ameliorate opioid cravings, prevent opioid relapse, improve OUD treatment retention, and reduce overdose deaths. … The compelling nature of these data and the relative safety profile of cannabis warrant further exploration of cannabis as an adjunct or alternative treatment for OUD.”
Full text of the study, “Cannabis co-use as a facilitator of decreased opioid use among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles, California,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.

Survey: Majority of Consumers Obtain Cannabis From Licensed Retailers
Los Angeles, CA: Survey data compiled by the cannabis telehealth platform NuggMD reports that most consumers residing in state-legal markets obtain their marijuana from licensed regulators, not from the unregulated market.
Specifically, 77 percent of respondents said that they obtained “all” or “most” of their cannabis-related products from authorized retailers. Only six percent of respondents acknowledged acquiring marijuana exclusively from the unregulated marketplace.
The findings are consistent with those of a 2023 survey conducted by New Frontier Data, which similarly reported that most consumers in legal states obtain cannabis from licensed establishments.
Survey data from Canada, which legalized retail cannabis sales in 2018, shows similar results – with the percentage of consumers who report obtaining cannabis from licensed providers rising year over year.
“These data indicate that the legal, regulated cannabis market is displacing the underground marketplace,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Consumers are becoming more comfortable with and more reliant upon licensed retailers – who offer greater convenience, product quality, and safety.”
Additional information is available from NuggMD.

Federal Survey: Nearly One-Third of Middle-Aged Adults Consumed Cannabis in the Past Year
Ann Arbor, MI: Nearly one-third of adults between the ages of 35 and 50 acknowledge having consumed cannabis in the past year and nearly one in five are current consumers, according to federally funded survey data compiled by the University of Michigan.
Specifically, 29 percent of respondents reported yearly cannabis use. Nineteen percent acknowledged use within the past 30 days. Eight percent of respondents reported daily use.
The findings are consistent with those of several other surveys reporting that cannabis use is becoming more frequent among middle-aged and older adults.
The University of Michigan survey also reported that more than 8 in 10 adults between the ages of 55 and 65 have consumed cannabis at least once during their lifetimes.
“Cannabis use has been a part of the fabric of American culture for decades and its use remains popular among middle-aged and older adults today,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “It’s time that cannabis laws and regulations comport with this long standing reality.”
The full report, “National data on substance use among adults ages 19 to 65, 1976-2023,” is available from Monitoring the Future.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on August 13, 2024August 10, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Ohio: Adult-Use Marijuana Sales Begin

Columbus, OH: Nearly 100 licensed retailers began selling cannabis products on Tuesday to customers ages 21 and older.
Fifty-seven percent of Ohioans decided in favor of a November ballot measure legalizing the possession, home cultivation, and retail sale of cannabis for adults. The initiative required retail cannabis sales to begin by September 7, 2024.
“State officials are to be commended for moving this process along in a relatively expeditious manner,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Retailers provide consumers with the option of obtaining lab-tested products in a safe, regulated environment. The sooner consumers have market access to cannabis products, the more quickly we will begin to see disruptions to the unregulated marketplace.”
Adult-use marijuana sales are anticipated to generate between $276.2 million and $403.6 million in annual tax revenue within five years.
Ohio is the 24th state to enact marijuana legalization and the 14th to do so via voter initiative.

Study: Cannabis Use Associated With Reduced In-Hospital Mortality in Heart Attack Patients
Detroit, MI: Heart attack victims with a history of cannabis use are less likely to die in the hospital as compared to those with no history of use, according to data published in the Archives of Medical Sciences: Atherosclerotic Disease.
A team of researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom assessed health outcomes in a cohort of nearly 10 million patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
They reported, “Cannabis use was associated with lower risks of cardiogenic shock, acute ischemic stroke, cardiac arrest, PCI [percutaneous coronary intervention] use, and in-hospital mortality.”
The conclusion is consistent with those of other studies finding that heart disease victims with a history of cannabis consumption possess greater in-hospital survival rates compared to controls. Other studies have similarly reported increased in-hospital survival rates among cannabis consumers suffering from cancer, COPD, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, HIV, burn-related injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and various other types of severe trauma.
The study’s authors concluded: “Among patients aged 18–80 years admitted to hospitals with AMI between 2001 and 2020 in the United States, cannabis use was associated with lower risks of complications, … as well as lower in-hospital mortality despite correcting for several confounding factors. This highlights how cannabis remains a poorly understood substance despite a relentless rise in consumption and social acceptance. Our study underscores the need for further research in the physiology and pharmacology of cannabinoids not only as potential therapeutic agents but also to provide the population with a more informed and nuanced understanding of the possible risks associated with cannabis consumption.”
Studies assessing the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular health have yielded inconsistent results, with some studies finding an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases among marijuana consumers, while others report either no risk or provide evidence of possible cardioprotection.
Full text of the study, “Unmasking the cannabis paradox: In-hospital outcomes of cannabis users admitted with acute myocardial infarction over a 20-year period in the United States,” appears in the Archives of Medical Sciences: Atherosclerotic Disease.

Literature Review: Patients Turning to Cannabis To Treat Chronic Skin Condition, Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Vancouver, Canada: Patients diagnosed with the skin condition Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS aka acne inversa) frequently consume cannabis products and report that they improve their quality of life, according to a literature review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. HS is a chronic skin condition characterized by the reoccurring formation of small painful lumps under the skin, typically in the armpit and groin.
Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota reviewed data from six studies, encompassing 34,435 patients.
They reported, “Findings show higher cannabis use among HS patients, demonstrating efficacy in pain management, sleep, anxiety relief, itch relief, and improved quality of life.”
The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabis may play a role in analgesia, improved quality of life, pain, itch, and overall mental health in patients with HS and healthcare providers including dermatologists should increase their familiarity in appropriate use of cannabis-related products. … Efforts to reduce the stigma of utilizing cannabis-related products for medical purposes, education, and open discussion about the harms of illicit substances with patients are highly encouraged.”
Full text of the study, “Evaluation of cannabis-related product use among patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A narrative review,” appears in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

Survey: Most Patients and Providers Report That Cannabis Reduces Opioid Use
New York, NY: The majority of medical cannabis patients and their providers say that marijuana reduces reliance on prescription opioids, according to survey data compiled by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
Administrators surveyed over 4,000 providers and over 123,000 patients involved in the state’s medical cannabis access program.
Eighty-four percent of healthcare providers said that “medical cannabis should be used to reduce the use of opioids for pain management,” and 75 percent of them said that it “poses less risk than opioids.” Among patients, 66 percent “agreed that medical cannabis has reduced their need for prescription opioids for pain reduction.”
The survey’s findings are consistent with those of numerous studies reporting that patients frequently reduce or cease their use of prescription opioids following the initiation of cannabis products.
Overall, patients expressed high degrees of satisfaction with New York’s medical cannabis program. Seventy-nine percent of patients surveyed said they plan to continue with the program when their current certification expires, and 86 percent of respondents said they would recommend their friends or family to participate in the program.
The full text of the report, “NYS Medical Cannabis Program Patient & Provider Survey Report,” is available from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on August 6, 2024August 2, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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	Clinical Trial: Cannabis-Infused Tea Mitigates Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Potenza, Italy: The daily consumption of cannabis-infused tea is associated with decreased pain and improved quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) patients, according to clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Italian scientists assessed the efficacy of cannabis flower (22 percent THC | 1 percent CBD) steeped in tea in a cohort of 30 patients with refractory FM. Patients consumed the infused tea daily for six months.
Patients’ median pain ratings fell from 8 (on a numerical scale of 1 to 10) to 4 during the trial. Study participants also reported improvements in physical and mental health. None of the patients who completed the trial reported any adverse side effects from cannabis.
The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabinoids may represent an effective alternative to conventional pharmacological therapy for reducing pain and mind disorders in FM subjects. Further investigations like randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to corroborate these findings.”
Fibromyalgia patients frequently self-report using cannabis to successfully manage symptoms of the disorder. Observational data published last year reported that FM patients who consume medical cannabis preparations reduce their need for prescription opioids.
Full text of the study, “Is a low dose of cannabis effective for treating pain related to fibromyalgia? A pilot study and systematic review,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Study: Patients Suffering From GI Disorders Report Sustained Improvements With Cannabis
Philadelphia, PA: Patients with refractory gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms report sustained improvements following their use of cannabis, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
A team of investigators affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia assessed changes in patients’ GI symptoms (e.g., anorexia, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain) at 30 days, six months, and at 12 months. Study participants consumed a variety of cannabis formulations, including extracts and flower.
“In each survey, participants reported a significant decrease in GI symptom severity when using medical marijuana versus when not using medical marijuana,” researchers reported.
The study’s authors concluded: “This is the first study to examine MMJ’s [medical marijuana’s] longitudinal effects on GI symptoms in patients with refractory GI and non-GI MMJ-certified conditions. Overall, participants reported significant, enduring moderate GI symptom relief when using MMJ. ... Additional studies ... should assess the effects of different CBD/THC ratios, dosing, and methods of administration on GI symptom relief.”
The findings are consistent with those of several other studies showing that cannabis is associated with improved symptom management in patients with Crohn’s disease, IBS, gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other GI-related conditions.
Full text of the study, “Relief in gastrointestinal symptoms with medical marijuana over 1 year,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Clinical Trial: Medical Cannabis Treatment Mitigates Symptoms in Autistic Children
Haifa, Israel: Preparations of CBD-rich cannabis reduce anxiety and other autistic symptoms in children, according to data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Israeli scientists assessed the efficacy of CBD-dominant cannabis extracts in a cohort of 65 children (ages 5-12 years) with autism. Study participants consumed customized doses of cannabis extracts for six months.
Researchers reported: “We observed significant differences in the autistic children’s overall anxiety and in some anxiety subtypes. Significant improvements were observed in RRBI [restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests], including the total score, and specifically in compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness behaviors.”
The study’s authors concluded: “Our study suggests positive implications for CBD-rich cannabis treatment in alleviating anxiety and RRBI symptoms in autistic children. ... We strongly recommend further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using standardized assessments to validate these findings.”
The findings are consistent with those of numerous other studies showing that cannabinoid treatment provides symptom improvements in children with autism. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits to adults with autism.
Full text of the study, “Effects of medical cannabis treatment for autistic children on anxiety and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests: An open-label study,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Survey: Most Consumers Say That Marijuana Reduces Their Need for Prescription Painkillers
Columbus, OH: Nearly three-quarters of cannabis consumers say that the use of marijuana mitigates their need for prescription pain medications, according to survey data compiled by researchers affiliated with Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law.
Of the approximately 3,500 consumers surveyed, 78 percent agreed with the statement, “Using marijuana has reduced my need to use prescription painkillers.” Twenty-seven percent of respondents also said that cannabis reduced their use of other illegal drugs.
The survey’s findings are consistent with those of numerous others reporting that those who consume cannabis frequently reduce their use of opioid medications and other controlled substances.
Specifically, a 2022 study published in the journal Health Economics reported that marijuana legalization is associated with “significant reductions in the volume of prescriptions within the drug classes that align with the medical indications for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis, and seizures.” A more recent assessment of Canadian medical cannabis patients finds that marijuana access is associated with decreasing use of opioids, alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances.
Full text of the study, “Using marijuana to reduce the use of prescription painkillers and other illicit drugs: Results from an Ohio survey,” is available from SSRN.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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	Clinical Trial: Hemp-Derived CBG Associated With Decreased Stress, Improved Memory

Pullman, WA: The consumption of the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) is associated with reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, according to placebo-controlled data published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports.
Researchers with Washington State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, assessed the use of a hemp-derived 20 mg CBG tincture versus placebo in 34 health volunteers. Most of the study’s participants had no prior experience with CBG.
Investigators reported that CBG, but not the placebo, was associated with significant enhancements in participants’ verbal memory as well as decreases in their feelings of stress and anxiety. CBG was not associated with either intoxicating or performance-impairing effects.
The study’s authors concluded: “The present study represents the first human clinical trial to examine the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. Results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over field trial indicate that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG reduces subjective ratings of anxiety and stress in healthy cannabis-using adults in the absence of motor or cognitive impairment, intoxication, or other subjective drug effects (e.g., heart palpitations, dry mouth). Additional research is needed to corroborate these novel findings as well as to extend them to a clinical population of patients with anxiety disorders.”
In preclinical models, CBG has been shown to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and blood pressure-reducing properties. Survey data published in 2021 reports that consumers who prefer CBG-dominant varieties of cannabis perceive it to be effective at managing anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and insomnia.
Full text of the study, “Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial,” appears in Nature: Scientific Reports.

Study: Cannabis Use Inversely Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Younger Adults
Miami, FL: Young adults who consume cannabis are far less likely than never users to suffer from metabolic syndrome (MetS), according to data published in the American Journal of Open Medicine. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including unhealthy cholesterol levels and abdominal fat, that are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and adult-onset diabetes, among other serious health consequences.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Miami assessed the relationship between cannabis use and MetS in a nationally representative cohort of nearly 4,000 young adults (ages 18 to 25).
Consistent with prior studies, current cannabis consumers had lower waist circumference and lower BMI compared to controls.
Overall, current cannabis consumers possessed 42 percent lower odds of having MetS. Non-Hispanic Blacks, who acknowledged consuming cannabis at higher rates than other subjects, were least likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome.
“Current cannabis users had a lower prevalence of MetS, predominantly noted among NHB [non-Hispanic Blacks], the group with the highest prevalence of current cannabis use,” the study’s authors concluded. “Future prospective studies are warranted to examine the role of specific cannabinoids on MetS by race/ethnicity.”
Observational studies have previously reported an association between cannabis use and lower blood pressure and decreased rates of obesity.
Full text of the study, “Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among emerging adult cannabis users by race/ethnicity: Analysis of the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys,” appears in the American Journal of Open Medicine.

Analysis: Nearly 50,000 People Have Been Deported for Violating Marijuana Laws
New York, NY: Nearly 50,000 non-citizens have been deported over the past decades for violating marijuana possession laws, according to data compiled by the advocacy groups Human Rights Watch and the Drug Policy Alliance.
Researchers analyzed federal deportation data for the years 2002 to 2021. During this time, they estimated that federal officials deported approximately 156,000 non-citizens whose most serious conviction was illicit drug possession. Nearly one-third of those offenders (47,000) were deported for violating marijuana possession laws.
The report’s authors further acknowledged that, in some instances, non-citizens are being deported for marijuana-related activities that are no longer criminalized by state and local jurisdictions.
“The US federal government has thus far been unwilling to revise federal immigration law to match current public sentiment on drugs,” authors wrote. “There is no statute of limitations in federal law on deportation after a criminal conviction. Many immigrants are still being deported for convictions from the late 1980s and early 1990s, sometimes for conduct that is no longer a crime under state law.”
In total, nearly one out of every five immigrants deported was removed from the country for a drug-related conviction.
The full text of the report, “Disrupt and Vilify: The War on Immigrants Inside the US War on Drugs,” is available from Human Rights Watch.

Physicians Group Calls for Cannabis Decriminalization
Washington, DC: The American College of Physicians, which represents the interests of more than 160,000 internal medicine physicians, has issued a new policy paper calling for the decriminalization of activities involving the personal possession of cannabis.
The organization recommends decriminalization “to help address systemic inequities and promote treatment-focused alternatives to criminal penalties for substance use disorders.”
Specifically, the ACP states, “[The] possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use be decriminalized.” It also calls for additional resources for agencies involved in regulating state-legal cannabis products and for greater training for doctors and other health professionals.
“Cannabis content should be incorporated into substance use curricula at all levels of physician education,” the group states. Healthcare professionals in the United States and abroad – including nurses, pharmacists, clinicians, and nurse practitioners -- consistently acknowledge that they are inadequately trained to counsel patients on matters specific to medical cannabis.
A complete list of the ACP’s recommendations appears in the journal, Annals of Internal Medicine.

Oklahoma: Medical Cannabis Use While Pregnant Doesn’t Constitute Child Neglect, Appellate Court Rules
Oklahoma City, OK: Authorized patients who consume medical cannabis while pregnant cannot be criminally prosecuted for child neglect, according to a ruling handed down last week by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.
The Court’s majority determined that the felony crime of child neglect only applies to instances where a child is exposed to “illegal drugs.” Justices opined that the use of cannabis, when authorized by state-licensed physicians, does not meet the statutory definition of an illegal drug.
The medical use of cannabis has been legal in Oklahoma since 2018.
“The terms ‘controlled dangerous substance’ and illegal drugs are not synonymous,” justices wrote. “The former includes hundreds of prescription drugs which, like marijuana, are lawful to possess only with a prescription or other legal authorization. ... It is undisputed that [the defendant] had one. ... Hence, ... an expectant mother’s licensed possession and use of medical marijuana would not trigger an automatic finding of neglect for failure to protect her unborn child from exposure to illegal drugs because to her, marijuana, is not an illegal drug.”
They concluded: “Like it or not, in Oklahoma, marijuana, like all of these other controlled substances, may now be either a legal or an illegal drug, depending upon whether a person has legal authorization to possess and use it. … For us to find that [the defendant’s] marijuana use, fully authorized by her medical marijuana card, became illegal due to her pregnancy, would require us to rewrite the statute in a way we simply do not think is appropriate for courts to do.”
Two justices dissented in the case.
The majority’s opinion is consistent with that of a recent Arizona Appellate Court ruling, which similarly determined that a pregnant mother’s physician-authorized use of marijuana did not meet the statutory definition of child neglect. That decision was ultimately upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court.
In recent years, prosecutors in Alabama and Oklahoma have pursued criminal prosecutions of several women for engaging in the use of cannabis during their pregnancy.
The case is Oklahoma v Aguilar.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on July 23, 2024July 20, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Not Associated With Elevated Risk of Autism
Atlanta, GA: Children exposed to cannabis in utero possess no elevated risk of suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to data published in the journal Autism Research.
Researchers affiliated with Emory University, John Hopkins, and Harvard assessed the relationship between prenatal cannabis exposure and ASD in a sample of 11,570 children.
Investigators reported no link between cannabis exposure and ASD after controlling for relevant covariates, particularly tobacco consumption.
They concluded, “In a large sample and measuring ASD traits continuously, there was no evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure increases the risk for ASD. ... Although no associations were found with ASD outcomes, prenatal cannabis exposure may still be associated with other facets of child development and behavior that were outside of the scope of this study, such as attention and cognition.”
Studies assessing the relationship between in-utero cannabis exposure and various neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight, have yielded inconsistent results. However, longitudinal data suggests that cannabis exposure is rarely associated with adverse neurodevelopmental consequences, finding, “Although there is a theoretical potential for cannabis to interfere with neurodevelopment, human data drawn from four prospective cohorts have not identified any long-term or long lasting meaningful differences between children exposed in utero to cannabis and those not.”
Full text of the study, “Examining the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and child autism traits: A multi-cohort investigation in the environmental influences of child health outcome program,” appears in Autism Research.

Study: Consumers Report Improvements in Anxiety, Depression Following Cannabis Use
Fort Myers, FL: Consumers report reductions in their feelings of anxiety and depression immediately following their marijuana use, according to data published in the journal Cannabis.
Investigators affiliated with Florida Gulf Coast University assessed the short-term effects of cannabis on symptoms of anxiety and depression in a cohort of 418 subjects. Study participants self-administered cannabis at home and reported symptom changes in real-time on a mobile software application. Researchers evaluated data from 9,966 sessions.
The study’s authors determined, “[B]oth depression and anxiety symptoms significantly decreased after cannabis use in general; results at the user level of analysis showed that the majority of users experienced positive relief outcomes.”
They concluded: “[These results] replicate previous work which has shown decreases in depression and anxiety symptomatology following real-time cannabis consumption. ... Our results ... speak to the potential of cannabis to combat acute depression and anxiety with a rapid onset of self-reported relief.”
Survey data finds that those who consume cannabis for purposes of self-medication most frequently report doing so to address pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression.
Full text of the study, “Using smartphone technology to track real-time changes in anxiety/depression symptomatology among Florida cannabis users,” appears in Cannabis.

Meta-Analysis: Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Rare in Those Without Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions
Lausanne, Switzerland: Cannabis consumption rarely triggers episodes of acute psychosis in those who do not have a pre-existing psychiatric disorder, according to the results of a meta-analysis published in the journal Nature: Mental Health.
An international team of researchers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom reviewed the relationship between marijuana use and cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms (CAPS) in 162 studies involving over 210,000 cannabis consumers.
Researchers reported that the risk of psychosis “appears most amplified in vulnerable individuals,” particularly those with “pre-existing mental health problems” such as bipolar disorder. By contrast, they acknowledged, “[N]either young age of onset of cannabis use nor high-frequency use of cannabis or the preferred type of cannabis (strains high in THC, strains high in CBD) was associated with CAPS.”
Overall, they estimated that 0.5 percent of those who consume cannabis may experience a psychotic episode during their lifetime. That percentage mirrors estimates published in a prior study involving 233,000 European marijuana consumers. The authors of that study concluded, “Rates of CAPS as observed here are comparable to rates of other drug-induced psychosis, such as alcohol-associated psychosis (around 0.4 – 0.7 percent).”
The studies’ findings push back against claims that marijuana exposure is a frequent trigger for psychosis and other mental health disorders.
Full text of the study, “Assessing rates and predictors of cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms across observational, experimental, and medical research.

Survey: Patients Say Cannabis Effectively Treats Their Musculoskeletal Pain
Toronto, Canada: More than one in five patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSK) report having used cannabis to manage their symptoms and 90 percent of them perceive it to be effective, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Canadian researchers surveyed 629 patients with chronic MSK pain. Twenty-three percent acknowledged having used cannabis therapeutically. Over 90 percent of consumers said that it was either “very,” “somewhat,” or “slightly” effective at managing their pain, improving their sleep, and reducing anxiety-related symptoms. More than half (57 percent) perceived cannabis to be more effective than other analgesic medications, and 40 percent acknowledged decreasing their use of traditional pain medications following their use of cannabis.
The study’s authors concluded: “One in five patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with chronic MSK pain are using or have used cannabis with the specific intent to manage their pain, and most report it to be effective. ... Future double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to understand if this reported efficacy is accurate, and what role, if any, cannabis may play in the management of chronic MSK pain.”
Survey data published last month reported that one in four cannabis consumers use it primarily to achieve pain relief.
Full text of the study, “Understanding the epidemiology and perceived efficacy of cannabis use in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on July 16, 2024July 11, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Study: Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis Report Sustained Relief From Cannabis
London, United Kingdom: Patients with inflammatory arthritis report reduced pain and sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal International Clinical Psychopharmacology.
British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) consisting of either flower or oil extracts in 82 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (Since 2018, British specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes in patient-reported outcomes measures at one, three, six, and 12 months.
Patients consistently reported improvements in anxiety, pain, and sleep during the length of the study.
The study’s authors concluded: “This study demonstrates an associated improvement in pain severity and other relevant outcomes in individuals prescribed CBMPs for inflammatory arthritis-associated chronic pain. In addition, CBMPs were largely well tolerated by the majority of patients ... [T]hese results provide further support for continued evaluation of CBMPs in this setting.”
Other observational 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, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other afflictions.
Full text of the study, “Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis: Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry,” appears in the International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Study: CBD-Rich Extracts Mitigate Symptoms in Adolescents With Autism
Brasilia, Brazil: The administration of CBD-rich cannabis extracts is safe and effective in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to data from an observational study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals.
Brazilian investigators assessed the use of CBD-dominant extracts (CBD to THC ratio: 33 to 1) in a cohort of 30 children (mean age: 11 years) with moderate to severe ASD. Participants consumed cannabis extracts for six-months. Subjects were clinically assessed by their designated physicians. At the end of the treatment period, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the participants’ parents and caregivers.
Consistent with prior studies, most subjects (70 percent) demonstrated clinical improvements following CBD therapy – particularly with respect to attention and communication skills. Seventy-four percent of subjects either reduced or ceased their use of at least one prescribed medication during the study.
Two-thirds (67 percent) of parents reported improvements in their child’s behavior in six of the 12 categories assessed. No parents reported that their child’s symptoms worsened over the course of the study.
The study’s authors concluded: “In the present study, we show that the benefits of treatment with full-spectrum CBD oil for non-syndromic individuals with ASD are not only noticeable to the clinical eye but are also perceived and experienced by the families and caregivers. In short, the findings corroborate that this treatment, combined with a gradual and individualized dosage regimen, is safe and efficient for broader treatment of central and comorbid symptoms associated with ASD, being able to improve aspects such as social interaction, communication and quality of life.”
The study’s findings are consistent with those of placebo-controlled trial data showing improvements in ASD patients’ symptoms following the use of cannabinoid products. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits in adults with autism.
Full text of the study, “Clinical and family implications of cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant full-spectrum phytocannabinoid extracts in children and adolescents with moderate to severe non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD): An observational study on neurobehavioral management,” appears in Pharmaceuticals.

Transportation Secretary Affirms Reclassifying Marijuana Won’t Immediately Change Federal Drug Testing Standards
Washington, DC: Reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the US Controlled Substances Act will not automatically amend federal drug testing standards for truckers and other federally contracted workers, according to recent comments from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Speaking before Congress, Buttigieg said that the 1988 drug testing regulations explicitly mandate certain employers to screen for cannabis, regardless of its placement in the CSA. “The rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III ... would not alter DOT’s [the US Department of Transportation’s] marijuana testing requirements with respect to the regulated community,” he said.
Federal law requires that commercially licensed drivers be subject to both pre-employment and random marijuana urinalysis testing, which screens for the presence of the inert carboxy-THC metabolite. This non-psychoactive metabolite can be detectable in subjects’ urine for weeks or even months following past exposure, long after any potential effects have worn off. According to data published in 2022 in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, employees who consume cannabis during their off-hours possess no greater risk of occupational injury than do those who abstain from marijuana altogether.
Since 2020, over 139,000 truckers have tested positive for past cannabis exposure. That total is far greater than the total number of failures for all other substances combined. Most of these drivers have refused to reapply for work in the industry, which has led to supply chain issues.
According to survey data compiled last year by the American Transportation Research Institute, 62 percent of representatives from motor carrier companies say that “changes were needed to federal drug policy rules in light of state-level legalization.”

North Carolina: Cherokee Tribe Begins Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
Qualla, NC: Members of the North Carolina Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have begun selling cannabis to adults on tribal land. Sales began on July 4th and are limited to members of federally recognized Indian tribes.
The tribe began engaging in medical cannabis sales in April.
According to data published in May in the trade journal Marijuana Business Daily, tribes are currently operating cannabis businesses in nine states: California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington.
Neither the recreational use nor the medical use of cannabis is permitted in North Carolina. This year, Senate lawmakers advanced legislation to regulate medical cannabis access, but House leaders failed to take up the measure. Statewide polling shows that 78 percent of North Carolina voters support legalizing cannabis for eligible patients.
In response to the Cherokee tribe’s actions, Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC) has introduced federal legislation (HR 5323) seeking to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that permit marijuana sales. The bill has not been scheduled for a hearing.





     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on July 9, 2024July 7, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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Study: Older Patients Respond Favorably to Medical Cannabis Products

London, United Kingdom: Older patients report experiencing better health and well-being following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to data published in the journal Drugs & Aging.
British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) consisting of either flower or oil extracts in a cohort of patients ages 65 and older. (British specialists are permitted to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Study participants primarily suffered from chronic pain. Patients consumed cannabis products for three months.
Consistent with the findings of other observational studies, older patients reported “significant improvements” following cannabis use, including “substantial reductions” in pain severity.
The study’s authors concluded: “There were consistent improvements across measures of general health and well-being after three months of treatment. … These findings accord with a growing body of observational and real-world evidence from jurisdictions that have legalized medicinal cannabis that cannabis is effective for improving sleep, mood and quality of health across multiple primary conditions.”
Israeli data published in 2022 similarly reported quality-of-life improvements in medical cannabis patients. Among patients with post-traumatic stress, 91 percent reported that cannabis treatment was a success, as did 84 percent of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and 78 percent of patients with chronic pain.
According to statistics published in The Journals of Gerontology, more than one-third of those age 65 or older take five or more pharmaceuticals daily.
Full text of the study, “Prescribed medical cannabis use among older individuals: Patient characteristics and improvements in well-being: Findings from T21,” appears in Drugs & Aging.
Analysis: Proximity to Cannabis Retailers Associated With Rising Home Values
Seattle, WA: Homes located near cannabis retailers are more likely than others to appreciate in value, according to an analysis provided by Tomo Real Estate.
Analysts assessed the relationship between cannabis retailers and home prices in three states: Colorado, Michigan, and Oregon. Researchers examined annual increases or decreases in median home prices in zip codes with a dispensary compared to median home price changes in the surrounding zip codes.
Researchers concluded that homes located in towns with dispensaries experienced, on average, an annual increase in home values of $4,400.
The findings are consistent with those of several others which have reported increased home values for properties located close to licensed cannabis establishments, as well as in states that have enacted legalization.
Full text of the findings is available from Tomo.
Clinical Trial: Oral CBD Safe and Effective at Treating Anxiety
Telangana, India: The administration of oral CBD is safe and effective for patients suffering from mild to moderate anxiety disorders, according to clinical trial data published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.
An international team of investigators assessed the efficacy of 150mg/mL of CBD versus a placebo in a cohort of 178 subjects with anxiety. Patients consumed either CBD or a placebo for 15 weeks.
Researchers reported, “The … CBD oral solution showed therapeutic efficacy, excellent safety, and tolerability in treating not only mild to moderate anxiety disorders, but also associated depression and disturbances in sleep quality with no incidences of withdrawal anxiety upon dose tapering and at the end of the treatment.”
They concluded: “In this Phase III study, … CBD oral solution exhibited superior efficacy in achieving the primary and secondary objectives when compared to the placebo group. … These results pave way for probable prospective use of … CBD … for various psychiatry disorders alone or in conjunction with other drugs.”
The findings are consistent with those of other clinical trials finding that CBD reduces levels of emotional exhaustion, social anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant anxiety disorders.
Full text of the study, “Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150 mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double blind multicenter randomized clinical trial,” appears in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.
Cannabis Terpenes Exhibit Anti-Cancer Effects in Preclinical Trial
Shanghai, China: Hemp oil extracts containing the terpenes β-caryophyllene and α-humulene possess potent analgesic and anti-cancer properties, according to preclinical data published in Fitoterapia: The Journal for the Study of Medicinal Plants.
Chinese scientists assessed the pain-relieving and anti-tumor activities of hemp oil in mice. They reported that the administration of cannabis extracts reduced neuropathic pain and “significantly inhibited” tumor growth.
The study’s authors concluded, “These results reveal that HEO [hemp essential oil] plays a role not only in tumor chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy treatment, but also in anti-tumor treatment which offers key information for new strategies in cancer treatment and provides reference for the medicinal development of hemp.”
Prior studies have similarly determined that cannabis terpenes, including β-caryophyllene and α-humulene, can produce potent analgesic effects in animal models. Cannabinoids possess well-established anti-cancer activities in preclinical models, but their efficacy has rarely been assessed in clinical trials.
Full text of the study, “Chemical compounds, anti-tumor and anti-neuropathic pain effect of hemp essential oil,” appears in Fitoterapia.




     

 

	




	

		

	


		

	
	
	




	






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by russellropeMedia, NewsPosted on July 2, 2024July 1, 2024No Comments



	
	
			
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 Surveys: Many Consumers Report Drinking Less Alcohol Following Changes to Marijuana’s Legal Status

Many consumers acknowledge reducing their alcohol intake following cannabis legalization, according to a pair of recent surveys.
According to data from Health Canada, nearly one-quarter of those who consume both alcohol and cannabis say that they are drinking less, up from 15 percent in 2020. Canada legalized the retail sale of marijuana to those age 18 and older in 2018.
Separate data compiled by the market research firm Numerator reports that 36 percent of US consumers acknowledge drinking less following state-level marijuana legalization.
Commenting on the surveys’ findings, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “Several studies have examined whether cannabis is more likely to act as either a substitute or as a compliment for alcohol and, thus far, they have yielded mixed results. These surveys’ findings are an important addition to this growing body of literature and offer support for the notion that, in some instances, cannabis can act as an intervention for certain persons seeking to reduce their alcohol consumption.”
According to polling data compiled last year by Gallup, most adults believe that marijuana use poses fewer risks to health than alcohol.
Observational studies have reported decreases in consumers’ use of alcohol on days when they consume cannabis. Statewide ecological data has also reported dips in alcohol sales in jurisdictions following the enactment of marijuana access laws.
Data published this month in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs determined that adults are more than six times more likely to acknowledge having experienced secondhand harms because of someone else’s drinking than they are to report having faced similar harms as a result of other people’s cannabis use.




     



	



	
		
	

		

	
	
	


	
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