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Most Healthcare Professionals Are Unprepared To Counsel Patients About Cannabis
Old Westbury, NY: Most US healthcare professionals say that they are unprepared to discuss the therapeutic use of cannabis with their patients, according to a review of studies published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Investigators with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine reviewed 41 studies assessing medical practitioners’ attitudes toward medical cannabis.
They found that most respondents perceive themselves to be inadequately prepared to counsel their patients on the issue.
“US physicians and medical trainees perceived significant knowledge barriers to recommending MC [medical cannabis] and counseling patients on its therapeutic use,” researchers reported. “Students, residents, and fellows remain minimally prepared on this topic, both on the pharmacological principles and the ability to provide guidance to patients who have questions.”
The study’s authors concluded: “Physicians expressed the need for postgraduate education on MC in different formats, including CME (webinars and conference presentations), along with clearer state clinical practice guidelines. … Effectively training current and future healthcare professionals on MC is a necessary step toward improving patient care and reducing potential stigma associated with medical versus recreational cannabinoid use.”
Full text of the study, “Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about medical cannabis in the United States: A scoping review,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Survey: Parkinson’s Disease Patients Report Quality of Life Improvements Following Cannabis Use
Marseille, France: Most Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who consume cannabis say that it mitigates their symptoms and improves their health-related quality of life, according to survey data published in the journal Parkinson’s Disease.
French investigators surveyed 1,136 patients with PD (median age: 68 years). Among those who acknowledged using cannabis, 60 percent said that it improves their quality of life. Most respondents said that cannabis mitigates their pain and rigidity and improves their sleep. Approximately 40 percent of consumers said that cannabis use reduces their tremor frequency. Many patients similarly reported beneficial effects from the use of CBD products.
Medical cannabis use is not permitted in France. CBD products are legally accessible.
“Both cannabis and CBD users reported high effectiveness levels for sleep disorders, pain, and rigidity/cramps, as well as high overall levels of satisfaction with the substances,” the study’s authors concluded. “An enhanced communication with healthcare providers and facilitated access to safe products are needed in France so that people with PD can maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate.”
Observational studies have found cannabis inhalation to be associated with PD symptom improvements, including improvements in pain, tremor, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
Full text of the study, “Patterns of use and patient-reported effects of cannabinoids in people with PD: A nationwide survey,” appears in Parkinson’s Disease.
Preclinical Data Suggests CBD Mitigates Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Lethbridge, Canada: The daily administration of CBD is associated with improved memory and reduced age-related cognitive decline, according to preclinical data published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
Canadian researchers assessed the effects of CBD on memory impairment and brain inflammation in older mice. Animals in the study were administered CBD daily for a period of seven months.
Researchers reported that CBD treatment reduced neuroinflammation and improved learning and memory processes.
“The findings of this study indicate that CBD reduces inflammatory response in the brain and improves cognitive decline associated with aging,” the study’s authors concluded. “Importantly, evidence was also observed suggesting that long-term CBD treatments do not have negative impacts on these same functions and brain regions, nor do they cause negative side effects in aged mice subjects. … It is possible that the effects of CBD treatment can be enhanced if an extract with THC and terpenoids is used.”
Separate data published recently in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy similarly reports that CBD treatment improves memory in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Full text of the study, “Effects of cannabidiol on age-related cognitive decline in C57 mice,” appears in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
Pennsylvania: City of Easton Adopts Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance
Easton, MD: Members of the Easton (population: 30,000) city council have approved an ordinance decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses.
The ordinance, passed by a 4-3 vote. It reduces marijuana-related violations within the city’s limits to fine-only citations. Under state law, possessing either marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by jail time.
Under the new local law, which takes effect on July 11, 2025, first-time possession offenses (of 30 grams or less) are punishable by a fine of $25. Possessing cannabis-related paraphernalia is also punishable by a $25 fine. The public use of cannabis is punishable by a $150 fine. Those cited for multiple offenses will face higher fines.
The ordinance’s sponsor said that it will prevent residents from being saddled with criminal records for minor marijuana violations.
Numerous other Pennsylvania cities, including Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, have enacted similar ordinances.
Since 2018, nearly 90,000 Pennsylvanians have been arrested for violating state marijuana laws. Over 85 percent of those arrests were for marijuana possession.
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