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Review: Cannabis Smoke Exposure "Distinctly Different" From Tobacco

Little Rock, AR: Cannabis smoke is "distinctly different from tobacco" and its exposure is not linked to an elevated risk of either lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a literature review published in the journal Medical Clinics of North America.

Researchers affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reviewed data assessing the potential impact of cannabis smoke exposure on pulmonary health. They reported that marijuana smoking is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis, but that it is likely not responsible for lung disease, small airway injury, COPD, or lung cancer.

"[T]he data on marijuana contrast starkly with the consistent demonstration of injury from tobacco," authors concluded. "Any possible toxicity of marijuana pales in comparison."

The review's findings are consistent with those of numerous other studies determining that the long-term respiratory effects of cannabis differ from those associated with traditional smoking, and that those who exclusively smoke cannabis possess a reduced level of exposure to harmful toxicants and carcinogens than do those who smoke tobacco cigarettes. Moreover, the use of vaporization technology, which heats herbal cannabis to a set temperature below the point of combustion, is associated with even further reductions in exposure to toxic gasses and has been identified as a "safe and effective" cannabis delivery device in clinical trial settings.

Full text of the study, "Marijuana and the lung: Evolving Understandings," appears in Medical Clinics of North America.

Sentencing Commission Identifies Over 6,500 Americans Eligible to Receive Pardons Under POTUS' Marijuana Directive

Washington, DC: A recent directive by the President of the United States to pardon those with low-level federal marijuana possession convictions will provide forgiveness for 6,557 citizens, according to estimates provided by the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC).

The USSC analysis includes federal data dating back to 1992. It found that the greatest percentage of those eligible for relief are located either in the southwest or the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

According to the US Department of Justice, a Presidential pardon "is an expression of the President's forgiveness and ordinarily is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct for a significant period of time after conviction or completion of sentence. It does not signify innocence. It does, however, remove civil disabilities - e.g., restrictions on the right to vote, hold state or local office, or sit on a jury - imposed because of the conviction for which pardon is sought, and should lessen the stigma arising from the conviction. It may also be helpful in obtaining licenses, bonding, or employment."

On October 6, President Joe Biden announced his intent to "pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana." The President also announced that he was encouraging Governors to take similar actions.

To date, nearly two dozen states have enacted legislation explicitly facilitating the process of having select marijuana convictions expunged, vacated, otherwise set aside, or sealed from public view. These laws have led state and local officials nationwide to expunge or seal the records of over two million people with prior cannabis convictions. In addition, the Governors of Colorado, Nevada, Illinois, and Washington have also granted an estimated 30,000 pardons to those with low-level marijuana convictions.

Since 1965, nearly 29 million Americans have been arrested for violating state or local marijuana laws, according to archived data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report.

According to a number of recently released national polls, Americans overwhelmingly approve of the President's decision to pardon low-level marijuana offenders.

Clinical Trial: CBD Offsets THC-Induced Anxiety

Maastricht, The Netherlands: Subjects who consume cannabis containing equal amounts of THC and CBD report experiencing less anxiety than they do after consuming THC-dominant cannabis, according to trial data published in the journal Psychopharmacology.

Dutch investigators assessed perceived anxiety levels in a cohort of 26 subjects following single doses of vaporized cannabis. Subjects vaporized cannabis samples that were either high in THC (13.75 mgs), high in CBD (13.75 mgs), contained equal amounts of both CBD and THC, or that contained no cannabinoids.

Investigators reported that THC-dominant and THC/CBD equivalent samples significantly increased participants' self-rated state of anxiety compared to placebo, but subjects reported less anxiety after consuming the latter. Specifically, they reported, "Combined treatment of THC and CBD delayed the onset of ... anxiety, reduced its magnitude and shortened its duration compared to inhalation of THC alone."

The study's findings are consistent with those of prior studies documenting CBD's anxiolytic effects, and determining that subjects who consume cannabis flowers containing equal ratios of THC and CBD are less likely to report experiencing adverse effects, such as feelings of paranoia.

Authors concluded: "The present study showed that cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of THC and CBD induces less self-rated ... anxiety compared to THC-only cannabis in healthy volunteers. ... The THC/CBD combination might be more favorable in clinical settings, and it may be a reasonable public health strategy to encourage cannabis breeds containing THC/CBD mixtures where recreational use of cannabis is now legal."

Full text of the study, "Cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) induces less state anxiety than THC-dominant cannabis," appears in Psychopharmacology.

Survey: Caregivers Report That CBD Improves Symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome

New York, NY: The use of CBD products provides symptom relief to pediatric patients with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), according to survey responses provided by their parents and caregivers. FXS is a genetic disorder that results in developmental disorders and behavioral problems (e.g., failure to make eye contact, hyperactivity, anxiety, trouble paying attention, etc.)

Investigators affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York and with the National Fragile X Foundation in McLean, Virginia surveyed the parents and caregivers of individuals with FXS who were receiving or had received CBD.

The majority of respondents reported CBD to be either very effective or somewhat effective at improving the following FSX symptoms: anxiety (80 percent), hypersensitivity (74 percent), irritability (73 percent), attention problems (60 percent), aggression (60 percent), and sleep disorders (53 percent).

"Overall, caregivers generally reported that CBD made a significant and positive difference to individuals' symptoms," authors concluded. "Most parents reported that side effects were not experienced, and any that were reported were generally mild or very mild. ... Placebo-controlled clinical trials regarding CBD as a treatment for FXS are essential to better understanding the efficacy and safety of CBD in FXS."

In a pair of pilot studies, CBD administration was associated with quality of life improvements and reductions in patients' anxiety, compulsive behavior, and irritability.

Full text of the study, "Parent and caregiver perspectives toward cannabidiol as a treatment for Fragile X Syndrome," appears in Genes.