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Clinical Trial: Cannabis Topicals Mitigate Pain, Improve Physical Functioning in Breast Cancer Patients
Minneapolis, MN: Breast cancer patients prescribed aromatase inhibitors (estrogen-blocking drugs) experience reduced musculoskeletal pain following their use of topical balms containing plant-derived cannabinoids, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Researchers with the University of Minnesota evaluated the efficacy of CBD-dominant and THC-dominant topicals in 21 patients suffering from aromatase inhibitor-induced pain. Study participants were randomly selected to apply either CBD-dominant or THC-dominant balms on their hands, wrists, and fingers three times daily for at least two weeks. Cannabis products were provided at no cost by a state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturer.
Eighty-six percent of participants experienced improvements in their baseline pain scores, with patients using THC-dominant topicals reporting the greatest degree of pain relief. Benefits were sustained throughout the length of the trial (up to four weeks).
“Women with breast cancer and AIMSS [aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal syndrome] affecting hands and wrists reported improved pain and physical functioning when using THC and CBD balms. Use of topical cannabis balms was well tolerated and did not impact estradiol levels or lead to systemic THC absorption,” the study’s authors concluded. “Cannabis balms appear safe and may lead to improvement in AIMSS in patients with breast cancer. Future placebo-controlled trials with longer duration of use are needed.”
Previous clinical trials have similarly demonstrated the efficacy of CBD-infused topicals in treating osteoarthritic hand pain.
Full text of the study, “A randomized, open-label trial to assess feasibility and tolerability of topical cannabis balms for the treatment of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS),” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Czech Republic: Legislation Takes Effect Legalizing Personal Marijuana Possession
Prague, Czechia: Legislation legalizing the personal possession of cannabis took effect in the Czech Republic on January 1st.
Under the law, which was passed last year, those 21 or older may home-cultivate (up to three plants) and possess (up to 100 grams) cannabis in private without penalty. Adults may also legally possess lower amounts of cannabis (up to 25 grams) outside their homes.
Possessing larger quantities of cannabis or engaging in cannabis sales remains subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.
The Czech Republic is one of several European countries that have recently taken action to eliminate marijuana possession penalties. Last year, German lawmakers approved legislation permitting those 18 or older to possess limited quantities of cannabis. Lawmakers in Luxembourg and Malta have also enacted similar policies.
Canada: No Increase in Youth Cannabis Use Post Legalization
Ottawa, Canada: Rates of teen marijuana use in Canada have remained largely unchanged in the years following the adoption of adult-use legalization, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
Health Canada officials reviewed youth use data for the years prior to legalization and afterward.
They reported, “Overall, there was no change in prevalence of past 12-month, past 30-day, or frequent cannabis use” among students in grades 7 to 12. Researchers also reported no changes in young people’s age of cannabis initiation or in the percentage of teens who acknowledge driving after consuming cannabis.
The study’s authors concluded: “The current study provides estimates of cannabis use among a large, population-based sample of youth in the Canadian provinces over a 10-year period. … [It] examined grade 7–12 students and found no change in past 12-month cannabis use overall. … Continued public education programs can help maintain and improve youth awareness of the potential harms of cannabis.”
Data from the United States reports nationwide declines in youth marijuana use over the past decade, during which time nearly half of all states have adopted adult-use legalization.
Full text of the study, “Changes in patterns of use. And perceptions of cannabis among students in Canada: A decade of data from the Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey,” appears inDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
Maine: Cannabis Sales Tax Hike Takes Effect
Augusta, ME: Sales taxes on the purchase of adult-use cannabis products rose nearly 30 percent on January 1, as new legislation took effect.
Under the new tax law, which lawmakers approved last year, consumers must pay a 14 percent sales tax on adult-use marijuana products (up from 10 percent). Medical cannabis products are subject to lower taxes.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills had initially proposed the sales tax hike to address the state’s budget deficit.
Separate provisions in the tax bill, however, reduce certain excise taxes imposed upon cannabis cultivators, which may result in lower retail prices for consumers.
Maine is one of several states, including Maryland, Michigan, and Minnesota, where lawmakers last year voted to increase cannabis-related sales taxes. (Michigan’s tax increase is being challenged in court.) By contrast, in October, a legislative effort led by California NORML successfully rolled back marijuana-related taxes in that state.
NORML opposes excessive taxes on retail cannabis goods because they escalate prices out of reach for some consumers. “Excessive taxes drive a growing percentage of consumers to the unregulated market, thereby undermining the primary goal of legalization, which is to provide adults with safe, affordable, above-ground access to lab-tested products of known purity, potency, and quality,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Tax increases also hurt state-licensed businesses and their employees because they increase their costs and reduce their customer base.”
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