Weekly Stories, Studies, Surveys, Poll Results, Laws, etc.
Analysis: Opening of Cannabis Retailers Isn’t Associated With Rise in Marijuana-Related Emergency Department Visits
Toronto, Ontario: The establishment of licensed cannabis retailers is not associated with any uptick in marijuana-related emergency department (ED) visits, according to longitudinal data published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.
A team of Canadian researchers assessed the impact of cannabis store openings on ED visits in 278 communities in Ontario.
They found “no evidence that the allocation of cannabis retailer licenses led to changes in cannabis-related ED visits.”
Similarly, no changes in ED visits related to either alcohol use or opioids were identified.
“Despite the anticipation that the introduction of licensed cannabis retailers might influence such health outcomes, our findings suggest no significant changes in ED visit rates following the allocation of retail licenses,” the study’s authors concluded. “This research highlights the complex relationship between the availability of cannabis retail options and public health metrics. … Given these findings, policymakers may consider focusing on understanding regional factors (e.g. cannabis pricing and retailer hours of operation) beyond retail density that could influence substance-related health outcomes.”
Other studies have failed to identify any association between dispensary openings and rising local crime rates. Studies have documented a relationship between dispensary openings, rising home values, and reductions in opioid-related mortality.
Full text of the study, “The impact of recreational cannabis retailer allocation on emergency department visits: A. natural experiment utilizing lottery design,” appears in the International Journal of Drug Policy.
Clinical Trial: CBD Dosing Not Associated With Cognitive Impairment
Pueblo, CO: Subjects who consume CBD exhibit no significant differences in cognitive performance as compared to controls, according to clinical trial data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Researchers affiliated with Colorado State University assessed the short-term impact of oral CBD dosing on learning and memory in a cohort of healthy adults. Study participants received either 246 mg of CBD or placebo. Subjects then completed a variety of cognitive tests two hours later.
Investigators reported, “CBD administration did not affect any of the dependent variables measured compared to the placebo group.”
The study’s authors concluded, “The results of this study suggest that administration of CBD alone does not significantly impair L&M [learning and memory] in healthy adults.”
The findings are consistent with those of other studies, which also concluded that the use of CBD is not associated with changes in cognitive or psychomotor performance.
Full text of the study, “Oral cannabidiol did not impair learning and memory in healthy adults,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Meta-Analysis: Cannabis May Be “Beneficial in Inducing Clinical Remission” in Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Karachi, Pakistan: Cannabis use is associated with clinical remission in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and it represents a promising therapeutic option for managing the disease, according to a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science.
A team of Pakistani investigators reviewed data from five randomized clinical trials involving 176 participants. In three of the trials, subjects used either cannabis cigarettes or a placebo. In two of the trials, subjects ingested either plant-derived extracts or a placebo.
Researchers determined: “The analysis indicates that cannabis may be beneficial in inducing clinical remission. … Specifically, individuals receiving cannabis treatment exhibited substantially higher rates of clinical remission at eight weeks compared to those in the control group.”
The study’s authors concluded: “In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that cannabis could be a promising therapeutic option for managing CD with minimal side effects. The findings … support its potential as an adjunct or alternative therapy, especially for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.”
Full text of the study, “Cannabis use in Crohn’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials,” appears in the Irish Journal of Medical Science.
Case Report: Cannabis Oil Provides Symptomatic Improvements in Patient With Parkinson’s Disease
João Pessoa, Brazil: The daily administration of plant-derived cannabis extracts containing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids is associated with significant improvements in a patient with late-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to the case report published in the Brazilian Journal of Biology.
Brazilian investigators documented clinical improvements in a 77-year-old PD patient following his use of cannabis oil. The patient consumed up to five drops of cannabis oil twice daily for three months.
The study’s authors reported symptomatic improvements within one week of cannabis therapy. The patient’s symptoms continued to improve throughout the trial period, resulting in a reduction in his use of prescription medicines.
“This case reports a significant improvement in both motor and non-motor functions in a patient with advanced PD following the administration [of] a full-spectrum CBD-rich oil containing THC and other phytocannabinoids,” they concluded. “These compelling results suggest that cannabis oil may offer a valuable and effective therapeutic option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.”
Full text of the study, “Cannabis oil in treating Parkinson’s disease: Improvement of motor and non-motor symptoms: A case report,” appears in the Brazilian Journal of Biology.
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