Weekly Stories, Studies, Surveys, Poll Results, Laws, etc.
Clinical Trial: Cannabis Extract Provides Sustained Relief for
Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Hannover, Germany: Plant-derived cannabis extracts provide sustained
improvements in patients with chronic lower back pain, according to
randomized placebo-controlled data published in the journal Nature
Medicine.
German investigators evaluated the efficacy of a proprietary cannabis
extract containing 2.5 mg of THC and standardized percentages of CBD
and CBG (cannabigerol) in a cohort of 820 patients. Study participants
consumed either the extract or a placebo for 12 weeks, with a portion
of subjects continuing enrollment in the trial for several additional
months.
Compared to those receiving the placebo, patients receiving cannabis
extracts demonstrated significant improvements in pain intensity,
sleep quality, physical function, and overall quality of life.
Participants who suffered from neuropathy and who consumed cannabis
extracts for extended lengths of time experienced the greatest
improvement. Adverse events associated with cannabis therapy were
categorized as “mild to moderate.”
Researchers reported: “The results of the [clinical] trial demonstrate
that VER-01 [plant-derived cannabis extracts] provides meaningful pain
reduction compared to the placebo, accompanied by distinct
improvements in physical function and sleep quality. … Importantly,
prolonged treatment with VER-01 was associated with further reductions
in pain intensity, as well as continued improvements in physical
function, sleep quality and health-related quality of life. Notably,
the treatment effect was even more pronounced in participants with a
neuropathic pain component and those with severe pain at
baseline.”
The study’s authors concluded: “This phase 3 study provides robust
evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of VER-01 in the treatment
of CLBP [chronic lower back pain]. These findings highlight the
importance of further research with VER-01 in other chronic pain
conditions and suggest that VER-01 could play an important role in
modern pain management.”
Studies have previously shown that patients with lower back pain
reduce their use of opioids following the initiation of medical
cannabis therapy.
Full text of the study, “Full-spectrum extract from cannabis sativa.
DKJ127 for chronic low back pain: A Phase 3 randomized
placebo-controlled trial,” appears in Nature Medicine.
Survey: Older Adults Say That Cannabis Is “Helpful” for Treating
Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression
Vancouver, Canada: More than two-thirds of older adults who consume
cannabis for mental health conditions say that it helps manage their
symptoms, according to survey data published in the journal
Aging.
Canadian investigators reviewed anonymous survey responses from 1,615
older (age 50+) adults, 20 percent of whom acknowledged using cannabis
to treat mental health symptoms. (Cannabis has been legally available
in Canada for those 18 and older since 2018.)
Respondents were most likely to report consuming cannabis products to
mitigate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Most respondents (71 percent) said that cannabis was “somewhat or
extremely helpful” for treating their symptoms and over half (57
percent) perceived cannabis to be “more or somewhat more effective”
than traditional pharmaceuticals.
“Approximately one in five older Canadians reported using cannabis, at
least in part, to manage mental health symptoms, the majority of whom
have a positive view of its effectiveness and safety profile,” the
study’s authors concluded. “Additional research in older populations
is required to determine the effectiveness of cannabis for mental
health conditions and cannabis safety in the aging body and with
concomitant medications commonly used by this population. As there is
a growing number of older adults using cannabis, healthcare providers
must inquire about cannabis use, particularly for those with mental
health conditions or experiencing symptoms that may be attributable to
or impacted by cannabis, such as impaired cognition or
balance.”
Prior surveys conducted in the United States and Canada indicate that
an increasing percentage of adults are consuming cannabis products,
with most saying that it improves their overall quality of
life.
Full text of the study, “Characterization of the use and perceptions
of cannabis for mental health in older Canadians: A cross-sectional
analysis,” appears in Aging.
Analysis: Pupil Size Not Predictive of Acute Cannabis Exposure
Aurora, CO: Pupil size is not predictive of acute cannabis exposure
and should not be relied upon as a determinant of marijuana-induced
impairment, according to data published in the journal Clinical
Toxicology.
Investigators affiliated with the University of Colorado performed
pupillometer assessments on 126 participants. Ninety-five participants
were assessed at baseline and then again following ad libitum cannabis
inhalation. Thirty-five subjects completed the same assessments but
did not use cannabis.
Following cannabis inhalation, subjects “did not exhibit a substantial
and consistent difference in static pupil diameter relative to
controls,” researchers reported.
As a result, the study’s authors cautioned against relying on ocular
measures as evidence of cannabis-induced impairment, stating that the
tests lacked the accuracy and specificity necessary to be a valid
evidentiary tool.
Drug Recognition Evaluators typically perform a variety of ocular
measurements, including assessments of pupil size, on drivers they
suspect to be under the influence of cannabis.
Full text of the study, “Pupillary dynamics as a marker of acute.
Cannabis inhalation,” appears in Clinical Toxicology.
Review: Cannabinoids Support “Healthy Aging” and “Enhanced Quality
of Life” in Older Populations
Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cannabinoids hold promise for improving
health and promoting longevity of older populations, according to the
findings of a systematic review published in the Journal of Cannabis
Research.
British researchers reviewed findings from 11 preclinical studies and
seven human trials assessing the impact of cannabinoids, particularly
CBD and THC, on older populations.
“THC enhances memory, reduces inflammation, and offers
neuroprotection, while CBD extends lifespan, improves motility, and
promotes autophagy in preclinical models,” investigators reported.
“Both cannabinoids highlight potential for longevity and cognitive
resilience, though careful dosing is crucial to minimize risks.
Additionally, their combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties might offer synergistic benefits for healthy aging. …
Clinical studies also suggest potential therapeutic applications for
cannabinoids in aging populations, although further research is needed
to understand their mechanisms of action and long-term effects
fully.”
The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabinoids hold promise for
supporting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life in older
populations. While preliminary research suggests intriguing
possibilities, more studies are needed to solidify the link between
cannabis use, the ECS [endocannabinoid system], and healthy aging in
humans.”
Survey data indicates that as many as one in five older adults consume
cannabis products, with most saying that it improves their overall
quality of life.
Full text of the study, “The impact of cannabis use on aging and
longevity: A systematic review of research insights,” appears in the
Journal of Cannabis Research.
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