Analysis: Elevated Levels Of Heavy Metals Identified In Some Commercially Available Rolling Papers
Marie, MI: Consumers’ use of certain brands of commercially available rolling papers may result in heavy metal exposure, according to data published in the journal of the American Chemical Society (ACS Omega).
Researchers affiliated with Lake Superior State University’s School of Chemistry analyzed metal concentrations in 53 brands of rolling papers and paper cones. Products were purchased from four Michigan retail outlets. They included brands that are available nationally and internationally.
Investigators identified elevated levels of certain metals – including copper, chromium, and vanadium – in about one-quarter of the products tested. Metals were most frequently identified in colored rolling paper products.
The study’s authors concluded: “Under the current regulatory scheme, rolling papers are virtually unregulated, except in a limited number of jurisdictions. … This general lack of regulation is of concern in light of their potential to substantially increase exposure to several potentially toxic elements, particularly copper. … Additional efforts by state regulatory agencies to reach a consensus on limits to toxic elements in cannabis and smoking papers are warranted based on our findings, as is additional research to determine exposures based on realistic use patterns.”
A 2020 analysis of 101 rolling paper products purchased in California similarly reported that some papers used by the manufacturers of pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes contain metal contaminants and pesticides.
Full text of the study, “Elemental composition of commercially available rolling papers,” appears in ACS Omega.
Study: Cannabis Use Seldom Associated With Cognitive Impairments In People With HIV
San Diego, CA: Neither the use of whole-plant cannabis or cannabis-based medicines (e.g., dronabinol) are associated with significant cognitive changes in people with HIV, according to the results of a meta-analysis published in the journal Current HIV/AIDS Reports.
Researchers affiliated with the University of California at San Diego reviewed data from 34 clinical studies. They reported, “Overall, the number of reported adverse effects were largely outnumbered by beneficial or null findings, providing insufficient support for the detrimental impact of CU [cannabis use] on cognition in PWH [people with HIV].”
They concluded, “[These results] suggest [that] cannabis and [cannabis-based] medications can be prescribed to PWH while posing little threat to cognitive function.”
Survey data shows that people with HIV frequently use cannabis for symptom relief. Studies have reported that cannabis use is associated with increased appetite, reduced inflammation, and greater levels of physical activity in patients with HIV.
In 1985, the US Food and Drug Administration approved synthetic oral THC capsules (dronabinol) for the treatment of HIV-induced cachexia.
Full text of the study, “The impact of cannabis use on cognition in people with HIV: Evidence of function-dependent effects and mechanisms from clinical and preclinical studies,” appears in Current HIV/AIDS Reports.
Survey: Patients Report Improvements, Few Serious Side-effects Following Use Of High-THC Flower
Hannover, Germany: Patients prescribed high-THC prescription-grade cannabis chemovars report them to be safe and effective, according to data published in the journal Pharmacopsychiatry.
An international team of investigators surveyed more than 1,000 German patients authorized to use medical cannabis. (Plant cannabis and cannabinoid treatments, such as dronabinol, were legalized by prescription use in Germany in 2017.) Survey respondents obtained lab-tested cannabis flower from regional pharmacies. Potency of the most frequently used chemovar was 22 percent.
The overwhelming majority of patients surveyed reported medical cannabis to be effective at treating their symptoms. Patients reported no significant differences between chemovars, most of which were dominant in THC and low in CBD content. The most commonly reported side effects were dry mouth, increased appetite, and somnolence.
“Patients self-reported very good efficacy and tolerability [to] medical cannabis,” the study’s authors concluded.
Pharmaceutical-grade cannabis flower in Europe, Israel, and elsewhere typically contain THC levels of 20 percent or greater.
The study’s findings push back against claims that cannabis strains higher in THC pose unique risks to health or that there is an absence of research supporting the efficacy of medical cannabis chemovars above 10 percent THC.
Full text of the study, “Medical use of different cannabis strains: results from a large prospective study in Germany,” appears in Pharmacopsychiatry.
Colorado: Most Voters Strongly Support State’s Decision To Legalize Marijuana
Denver, CO: Most Colorado voters are supportive of the state’s decision to legalize the adult-use cannabis market.
In 2010, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize marijuana possession. Colorado was the first state to initiate state-licensed retail sales of cannabis products.
According to statewide polling data compiled by the Colorado Polling Institute, 67 percent of voters say that “allowing the regulation of marijuana” is a “good thing.” Separate survey data compiled by Public Policy Polling similarly finds that most voters believe, “Colorado’s regulated marijuana industry has had a positive impact on the state economy.”
Responding to the polling data, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “There’s no ‘buyer’s remorse’ among the public when it comes to legalizing cannabis. That’s because these policies are largely working as intended and because voters prefer legalization and regulation over the failed policy of cannabis prohibition.”
Armentano emphasized this point in a new syndicated op-ed, highlighting that public support for legalization has grown in parallel with more states legalizing it.
“After a century of failed policies and ‘canna-bigotry,’ the verdict is in,” he wrote. “Legalization is a success, and the end of cannabis prohibition can’t come soon enough.”
Honolulu, HI: Senate members voted 15 to 9 to defeat legislation, SB 2487, which sought to reduce marijuana possession penalties.
The defeat marked a sudden about-face for Senate lawmakers. In April, Senators voted 24 to 1 in favor of the bill. Last week, they once again expressed support for the measure, agreeing to House-backed changes to the legislation.
State law defines the possession of more than three grams of cannabis as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Those penalties would have been reduced to a $25 civil fine under the proposal.
In April, Senators voted 19 to 6 in favor of separate legislation, SB 3335, which sought to legalize and regulate the adult-use cannabis market. That legislation was ultimately tabled by the House.
Opponents of both measures alleged that liberalizing Hawaii’s cannabis laws would undermine tourism and send the wrong message to young people.
Nikos Leverenz, board president for the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, told Marijuana Moment: “Too many legislators this cycle have ceded to the histrionic arguments by many in the criminal legal lobby and others who want to ensure broad prohibition. Hopefully next year’s legislature will produce a bona fide recalibration of cannabis policy in Hawaii.”
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