Tag: NORML

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by russellropeMedia, News December 5, 2023December 3, 2023No Comments

Study: Patients Fail to Exhibit Changes in Neurocognitive Performance Following Cannabis Use


Melbourne, Australia: The use of medical cannabis is not associated with significant changes in patients’ cognitive performance or driving abilities, according to data published in the journal CNS Drugs.
Australian researchers assessed neurocognitive performance in a cohort of 40 patients authorized to use medical cannabis products. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.) Participants’ performance was assessed at baseline and again three hours later. Patients either vaporized herbal cannabis or consumed oral extracts. Study participants had regularly used medical cannabis products for at least ten months prior to enrolling in the trial.
Patients exhibited no changes in simulated psychomotor performance, executive function, memory, or reaction time following their self-administration of a “standard dose of their prescribed medical cannabis.” Results were consistent regardless of the type of cannabis product consumed.
Investigators reported: “We found no evidence for impaired cognitive function when comparing baseline with post-treatment scores on a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, nor did we observe any change in performance on the DRUID [psychomotor] test battery over time. … These findings are consistent with two systematic reviews published in the last year that suggest that medical cannabis, when used regularly and consistently for a chronic health condition, may have little if any impact on cognitive function.”
The study’s authors concluded, “Medical cannabis may have minimal acute impact on cognitive function when prescribed and used as directed.”
Other studies have similarly determined that habitual cannabis consumers become tolerant to cannabis-induced changes in either cognitive or psychomotor performance. According to a 2018 meta-analysis of 36 studies involving over 1,000 participants: “Available evidence suggests that the effects of acute marijuana or Δ9-THC administration are less prominent in individuals with a regular pattern of cannabis use compared to non-regular users. Cognitive function appears to be the domain most likely to demonstrate tolerance upon repeated exposure, with some evidence of full tolerance indicating a complete absence of acute effect.”
A literature review published in the journal of the German Medical Association concluded, “Patients who take cannabinoids at a constant dosage over an extensive period of time often develop tolerance to the impairment of psychomotor performance, so that they can drive vehicles safely.”
Full text of the study, “A semi-naturalistic, open-label trial examining the effect of prescribed medical cannabis on neurocognitive performance,” appears in CNS Drugs.

Survey: Consumers Prefer Cannabis Over Conventional Sleep Aids
Pullman, WA: Many consumers report using cannabis as a substitute for conventional sleep aids, including melatonin and benzodiazepines, according to survey data published in the journal Exploration in Medicine.
Researchers affiliated with Washington State University surveyed over 1,200 individuals who reported using cannabis for sleep.
More than 80 percent of respondents said that they had eliminated their use of over the counter and prescription sleep aids after switching to cannabis. Respondents were more likely to use herbal cannabis rather than edible products prior to bedtime. About half of those surveyed reported using products that contained CBD and/or the terpene myrcene. Myrcene is reported to possess sedative effects.
The survey’s findings are consistent with those of others concluding that patients frequently consume cannabis to mitigate sleep disorders, including insomnia. Data published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine reports that the enactment of adult-use marijuana legalization laws is associated with a significant reduction in the sales of over the counter sleep aids among the general public.
Full text of the study, “A large-scale survey of cannabis use for sleep: Preferred products and perceived effects in comparison to over the counter and prescription sleep aids,” appears in Exploration in Medicine.

Survey: Most Cancer Patients Say Cannabis “Improves Their Ability To Cope With Their Illness”
Tel Aviv, Israel: The majority of cancer patients suffering from refractory pain say that the use of medical cannabis helps them cope with their illness, according to survey data published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.
Israeli researchers surveyed 138 cancer patients authorized to use cannabis products. (Medical cannabis is legal by prescription in Israel.) Thirty-eight percent of respondents said that cannabis significantly helped them to cope with their illness while 32 percent said that it “partially” helped them.
Authors concluded: “A large majority of patients using cannabis report that the therapy significantly improves their ability to cope with their illness, with almost 40 percent stating it has done so to a large extent. In this cohort of patients with intractable cancer pain that has proved minimally responsive to numerous conventional treatments, including of course powerful opioids, adjuvants and radiotherapy, this seems to be a striking response. … This ... seems to suggest that this therapy should be considered in addition to current therapies for cancer-related pain and could be offered to patients even earlier in the course of their illness and treatments than is acceptable now.”
Other studies have documented sustained improvements in pain intensity, cognition, and sleep quality among cancer patients who consume cannabis products. Cancer patients also report decreasing their use of opioids following cannabis therapy.
Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis for refractory cancer-related pain in a specialized clinical service: A cross-sectional study,” appears in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.

Maine: Testing Analysis Identifies Contaminants in Many Medical Cannabis Products
Augusta, ME: A significant percentage of medical cannabis products contain potentially harmful contaminants, according to an analysis performed by the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy.
State investigators collected and analyzed samples from 120 registered caregivers and dispensaries. Products analyzed included herbal cannabis and oil extracts.
Maine law does not mandate third-party lab testing for medical cannabis products. By contrast, products produced for the adult-use market are required to undergo testing prior to being sold by retailers.
Of the products tested, 42 percent contained contaminants, including yeast and mold, pesticides, and heavy metals. The presence of molds and other contaminants may pose increased risks to patients, particularly those who may be more susceptible to infection.
NORML has long opined in favor of third-party purity testing for cannabis products. It has also called for greater regulatory oversight for state-licensed testing laboratories.
Testing analyses of other unregulated cannabis products, such as those containing hemp-derived CBD and/or delta-8-THC, have similarly reported elevated percentages of heavy metals and other contaminants.
Full text of Maine’s Office of Cannabis policy report is available from the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.

Georgia: Regulators Award Licenses to Four Additional Producers of Low-THC Cannabis Products
Atlanta, GA: State regulators have awarded cannabis production licenses to four additional companies. The licenses allow the companies to grow cannabis and manufacture low-THC/high-CBD oil products.
Low-THC/high CBD products became legal to possess in 2015. However, regulators failed to approve any licensed providers or dispensaries until earlier this year. There are now a total of six licensed producers in the state.
In November, independent pharmacies began selling cannabis oil products statewide. Medical cannabis products are also available in state-licensed dispensaries, though fewer than ten facilities are currently licensed by state officials.
About 14,000 Georgians are registered to access cannabis products for a variety of ailments, including autism, cancer, Crohn’s disease, seizure disorders, and Tourette syndrome.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News November 28, 2023November 28, 2023No Comments

Clinical Trial: Oral CBD Administration Provides Relief From Dental Pain


San Antonio, TX: A single oral dose of plant-derived CBD provides short-term relief from acute dental pain, according to randomized, placebo-controlled trial data published in the Journal of Dental Research.
Investigators affiliated with the University of Texas at San Antonio assessed the efficacy of CBD (in the form of Epidiolex) versus placebo in a cohort of 61 patients with severe dental pain. Subjects received a dose of either 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo CBD. A visual analog scale assessed patients’ pain levels before and after treatment.
Researchers reported, “Both CBD groups resulted in significant VAS pain reduction compared to their baseline and the placebo group, with a maximum median VAS pain reduction of 73 percent from baseline pain at the 180-min time point.” Side-effects associated with CBD were “minimal.”
Authors concluded: “This randomized trial provides the first clinical evidence that oral CBD can be an effective and safe analgesic for dental pain. … This novel study can catalyze the use of CBD as an alternative analgesic to opioids for acute inflammatory pain conditions, which could ultimately help to address the opioid epidemic.”
Epidiolex is a proprietary CBD product derived from cannabis plants manufactured by the British biotechnology firm GW Pharmaceuticals. The FDA approved it in 2018 as a prescription-only treatment for rare seizure disorders. The DEA descheduled it in April 2020.

Full text of the study, “Cannabidiol as an alternative analgesic for acute dental pain,” appears in theJournal of Dental Research.

Meta-Analysis: Cannabis Use Associated With Weight Loss, Lower BMI
Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Subjects who consume cannabis or cannabis-related products in clinical trials typically experience weight loss, according to a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Brazilian researchers reviewed results from randomized controlled trials involving subjects’ use of cannabis or cannabis-related products.
They reported: “In general, cannabis use reduced weight ... and WC [waist circumference]. When examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced BMI [body mass index] reduction.”
The study’s authors concluded, “These findings suggest that cannabis and sub-products could be considered adjuncts in obesity treatment by helping to reduce relevant anthropometric measurements.”
A 2022 ecological analysis published in the journal Health Economics reported that the adoption of state-licensed marijuana sales is associated with a decrease in state-level obesity rates.
Case-control studies have consistently reported that those with a history of marijuana use are less likely than abstainers to be obese or to suffer from type 2 diabetes. Studies have also previously linked cannabis use to greater rates of physical activity.
Full text of the study, “Effects of cannabis and sub-products on anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” appears in the International Journal of Obesity.

Study: Subjects Report That CBD Products Provide Stress Relief
Detroit, MI: CBD oil products provide stress relief, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Investigators affiliated with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine assessed the short-term use of CBD products in a cohort of 374 participants. Study subjects were instructed to use a 1,000mg hemp-derived CBD isolate product ad libitum for the first half of the trial period. They were then instructed to switch to a 1,000mg broad-spectrum hemp-derived product for the remainder of the study.
Third-party testing confirmed that the isolate product contained CBD and no other cannabinoids. By contrast, the broad-spectrum product contained CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids, as well as various terpenes.
Researchers reported, “Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management.” However, they added, “Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits.”
There were no differences in adverse effect ratings for the two products.
The study’s authors concluded: “This quasi-experimental study of nearly 400 adult volunteers compared self-reported effectiveness of two THC-free CBD products -- an isolate and a broad spectrum -- for stress reduction. Overall, participants reported both CBD products to be effective and able to assist with stress management, and that ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product. … Together, these data fit with prior studies, suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in both nonclinical and clinical populations.”
Full text of the study, “Effects of two cannabidiol oil products on self-reported stress relief: A quasi-experimental study,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Study: Subjects Report That CBD Products Provide Stress Relief
Detroit, MI: CBD oil products provide stress relief, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Investigators affiliated with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine assessed the short-term use of CBD products in a cohort of 374 participants. Study subjects were instructed to use a 1,000mg hemp-derived CBD isolate product ad libitum for the first half of the trial period. They were then instructed to switch to a 1,000mg broad-spectrum hemp-derived product for the remainder of the study.
Third-party testing confirmed that the isolate product contained CBD and no other cannabinoids. By contrast, the broad-spectrum product contained CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids, as well as various terpenes.
Researchers reported, “Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management.” However, they added, “Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits.”
There were no differences in adverse effect ratings for the two products.
The study’s authors concluded: “This quasi-experimental study of nearly 400 adult volunteers compared self-reported effectiveness of two THC-free CBD products -- an isolate and a broad spectrum -- for stress reduction. Overall, participants reported both CBD products to be effective and able to assist with stress management, and that ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product. ... Together, these data fit with prior studies, suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in both nonclinical and clinical populations.”
Full text of the study, “Effects of two cannabidiol oil products on self-reported stress relief: A quasi-experimental study,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News November 21, 2023November 20, 2023No Comments

Clinical Trial: Oral CBD Administration Provides Relief From Dental Pain


San Antonio, TX: A single oral dose of plant-derived CBD provides short-term relief from acute dental pain, according to randomized, placebo-controlled trial data published in the Journal of Dental Research.
Investigators affiliated with the University of Texas at San Antonio assessed the efficacy of CBD (in the form of Epidiolex) versus placebo in a cohort of 61 patients with severe dental pain. Subjects received a dose of either 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo CBD. A visual analog scale assessed patients’ pain levels before and after treatment.
Researchers reported, “Both CBD groups resulted in significant VAS pain reduction compared to their baseline and the placebo group, with a maximum median VAS pain reduction of 73 percent from baseline pain at the 180-min time point.” Side-effects associated with CBD were “minimal.”
Authors concluded: “This randomized trial provides the first clinical evidence that oral CBD can be an effective and safe analgesic for dental pain. … This novel study can catalyze the use of CBD as an alternative analgesic to opioids for acute inflammatory pain conditions, which could ultimately help to address the opioid epidemic.”
Epidiolex is a proprietary CBD product derived from cannabis plants manufactured by the British biotechnology firm GW Pharmaceuticals. The FDA approved it in 2018 as a prescription-only treatment for rare seizure disorders. The DEA descheduled it in April 2020.

Full text of the study, “Cannabidiol as an alternative analgesic for acute dental pain,” appears in theJournal of Dental Research.

Meta-Analysis: Cannabis Use Associated With Weight Loss, Lower BMI
Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Subjects who consume cannabis or cannabis-related products in clinical trials typically experience weight loss, according to a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Brazilian researchers reviewed results from randomized controlled trials involving subjects’ use of cannabis or cannabis-related products.
They reported: “In general, cannabis use reduced weight ... and WC [waist circumference]. When examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced BMI [body mass index] reduction.”
The study’s authors concluded, “These findings suggest that cannabis and sub-products could be considered adjuncts in obesity treatment by helping to reduce relevant anthropometric measurements.”
A 2022 ecological analysis published in the journal Health Economics reported that the adoption of state-licensed marijuana sales is associated with a decrease in state-level obesity rates.
Case-control studies have consistently reported that those with a history of marijuana use are less likely than abstainers to be obese or to suffer from type 2 diabetes. Studies have also previously linked cannabis use to greater rates of physical activity.
Full text of the study, “Effects of cannabis and sub-products on anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” appears in the International Journal of Obesity.

Study: Subjects Report That CBD Products Provide Stress Relief
Detroit, MI: CBD oil products provide stress relief, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Investigators affiliated with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine assessed the short-term use of CBD products in a cohort of 374 participants. Study subjects were instructed to use a 1,000mg hemp-derived CBD isolate product ad libitum for the first half of the trial period. They were then instructed to switch to a 1,000mg broad-spectrum hemp-derived product for the remainder of the study.
Third-party testing confirmed that the isolate product contained CBD and no other cannabinoids. By contrast, the broad-spectrum product contained CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids, as well as various terpenes.
Researchers reported, “Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management.” However, they added, “Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits.”
There were no differences in adverse effect ratings for the two products.
The study’s authors concluded: “This quasi-experimental study of nearly 400 adult volunteers compared self-reported effectiveness of two THC-free CBD products -- an isolate and a broad spectrum -- for stress reduction. Overall, participants reported both CBD products to be effective and able to assist with stress management, and that ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product. … Together, these data fit with prior studies, suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in both nonclinical and clinical populations.”
Full text of the study, “Effects of two cannabidiol oil products on self-reported stress relief: A quasi-experimental study,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Study: Subjects Report That CBD Products Provide Stress Relief
Detroit, MI: CBD oil products provide stress relief, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Investigators affiliated with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine assessed the short-term use of CBD products in a cohort of 374 participants. Study subjects were instructed to use a 1,000mg hemp-derived CBD isolate product ad libitum for the first half of the trial period. They were then instructed to switch to a 1,000mg broad-spectrum hemp-derived product for the remainder of the study.
Third-party testing confirmed that the isolate product contained CBD and no other cannabinoids. By contrast, the broad-spectrum product contained CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids, as well as various terpenes.
Researchers reported, “Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management.” However, they added, “Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits.”
There were no differences in adverse effect ratings for the two products.
The study’s authors concluded: “This quasi-experimental study of nearly 400 adult volunteers compared self-reported effectiveness of two THC-free CBD products -- an isolate and a broad spectrum -- for stress reduction. Overall, participants reported both CBD products to be effective and able to assist with stress management, and that ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product. ... Together, these data fit with prior studies, suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in both nonclinical and clinical populations.”
Full text of the study, “Effects of two cannabidiol oil products on self-reported stress relief: A quasi-experimental study,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News November 14, 2023November 14, 2023No Comments

Analysis: States with Legal Marijuana Sales Experience Big Boost in Home Values


St. Louis, MO: Home values have appreciated to a greater degree in states where cannabis is legal as compared to those jurisdictions where it is not, according to an analysis published by the online service Clever Real Estate.
“Home values in states with recreational cannabis have outpaced home values in other states by $48,983 over the past decade,” the study found. “Of the ten states with the largest increases in home values, seven have legalized recreational cannabis. Meanwhile, of the ten states with the smallest increases in home values, nine have not legalized recreational cannabis.”
At the local level, authors reported: “There’s a notion that dispensaries hurt property values, but the data shows cities in recreational states that have dispensaries report better home-value growth than cities without dispensaries in legal states. … Cities in recreational states with dispensaries have seen home values grow $168,292 since 2014, $67,359 more than the $100,933 growth in cities with legal recreational cannabis but no dispensaries.”
Authors of the analysis concluded, “States that haven’t legalized recreational cannabis are missing out on a range of economic benefits, with one of the biggest being a rapid appreciation in home values.”
The report’s findings are consistent with those of other analyses reporting an association between the establishment of legal marijuana businesses and elevated home values.
Full text of the report, “States with Legal Cannabis See $49,000 Boost on Home Appreciation,” is available online.

Study: Consumers of CBD Products Reduce Their Use of Other Medications
Chicago, IL: The short-term use of oral CBD products is associated with a decrease in patients’ use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, according to data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Researchers assessed the use of various oral CBD products in a cohort of 1,160 subjects between the ages of 18 and 75. All CBD products were lab-tested for potency and purity before being provided to study subjects. Participants consumed CBD products ad libitum for four weeks.
Participants were most likely to report using CBD for purposes of pain management, reducing stress/anxiety, and improving sleep. Most subjects reported symptom improvements and better overall health following CBD treatment. Thirty-one percent of study participants “decreased or stopped their use of OTC drugs, and 19.2 percent decreased or stopped the use of Rx drugs” during the study – a finding that is consistent with other data.
Patients using CBD for pain relief were most likely to either reduce or eliminate their use of other medications.
Authors concluded, “CBD self-administration significantly improves self-perception of general health and decreases symptom severity, and as these improve, fewer OTC and Rx drugs are used.”
Data published last year in the journal Drugs & Aging reported that between 20 percent and one-third of older adults who consume CBD-dominant cannabis products for medical purposes reduce their use of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines.
Numerous other studies have similarly documented reductions in patients’ consumption of prescription and over-the-counter medicines following their use of medical cannabis.
Full text of the study, “Long-term, self-dosing CBD users: Indications, dosage, and self-perceptions on general health/symptoms and drug use,” appears in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Study: Cannabis Associated With Reduced Use of Prescription Opioids Following Shoulder Surgery
Farmington, CT: Patients who use cannabis immediately following shoulder surgery are less likely to consume prescription opioids as compared to those who do not, according to data published in the journal Orthopedics.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Connecticut’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery compared opioid use patterns during the three days immediately following shoulder surgery in a cohort of more than 67,000 patients.
They concluded: “Patients in the cannabis group filled fewer opioid prescriptions and were prescribed fewer total MMEs [morphine milligram equivalents] in the first three days postoperatively. Results of this study indicate that patients who use cannabis products may use fewer opioids after proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation.”
The study’s findings are consistent with those of other case-control studies reporting reduced opioid use among cannabis consumers following neck fusion surgery, wrist surgery, hip surgery, and knee surgery.
Full text of the study, “Cannabis use is associated with fewer filled opioid prescriptions after treatment of proximal humerus fractures,” appears in Orthopedics.

Connecticut: Regulators Amend Marijuana Purchasing Limits
Hartford, CT: Beginning December 1st, adult consumers will be able to obtain greater quantities of cannabis products in a single retail purchase, according to regulatory changes recently approved by the state Department of Consumer Protection.
The new rules increase transaction limits for adult consumers from one-quarter ounce of cannabis flower (or its equivalent) to one-half ounce.
Regulators initially limited consumers’ purchase amounts in order to ensure that retailers would maintain sufficient inventory to meet the needs of state-registered medical patients. Licensed regulators in the states dually serve both the adult-use and the medical cannabis market. About 48,000 patients in Connecticut are registered in the state’s marijuana access program.
Currently, there are 27 licensed dispensaries operating in the state.
Under the law, adults ages 21 and older may possess up to five ounces of cannabis in their home.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News November 7, 2023November 4, 2023No Comments

House Members Reintroduce Legislation Repealing Federal Marijuana Prohibition


Washington, DC: A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the US House of Representatives, led by Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, have reintroduced legislation repealing the federal prohibition of cannabis and providing resources to assist in regulating the state-licensed cannabis industry.
House Bill 6028, The States Reform Act, removes cannabis from the US Controlled Substances Act, facilitates record expungement for those previously convicted of certain marijuana-related offenses, and provides regulatory oversight for state-legal cannabis markets.
The bill’s reintroduction comes just weeks after Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler reintroduced legislation, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, that also seeks to repeal federal marijuana prohibition. House members have twice passed The MORE Act, but members of the Senate have never considered the bill.
It is unlikely that newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will prioritize either measure. Representative Johnson has repeatedly voted against proposed legislative changes in federal marijuana policy, and he has criticized Democratic leadership for advancing similar measures, particularly The MORE Act.
Last November, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano testified before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, previously chaired by Rep. Mace, in support of ending federal cannabis prohibition.

Survey: Cannabis Commonly Used as a Sleep Aid by Cancer Survivors
Halifax, Canada: Nearly a quarter of Canadian cancer survivors acknowledge consuming cannabis as a sleep aid, according to data published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice.
Investigators surveyed over 1,400 cancer survivors. Twenty-four percent of respondents said that they used cannabis prior to bedtime, “with reported benefits including relaxation, reduced time to fall asleep, fewer nocturnal awakenings and improved sleep quality.” (Cannabis is legal for both medical and adult use in Canada.)
Over two-thirds of consumers said that they initiated cannabis use following their cancer diagnosis. Over one-third of consumers said that they used marijuana daily.
Adults frequently report using cannabis and CBD products as sleep aids. Data published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine reported that the enactment of adult-use marijuana legalization laws is associated with a significant reduction in the sales of over-the-counter sleep aids among the general public.
Full text of the survey, “A cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and patterns of using cannabis as a sleep aid in Canadian cancer survivors,” appears in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice.

Review: CBD Administration Not Linked To Cognitive Deficits, May Provide Potential Improvements
São Paulo, Brazil: The therapeutic use of CBD doesn’t adversely impact cognitive performance and may potentially improve it in certain subjects, according to a literature review published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Brazilian investigators reviewed 59 studies, including 23 clinical trials, assessing the cognitive safety of CBD. They reported a lack of cognitive deficits associated with CBD dosing. They further reported that CBD administration in animal models may be associated with cognitive improvements.
Authors concluded: “The results demonstrate that the chronic and acute administration of CBD seems not to impair cognition in humans without neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, preclinical studies report promising results regarding the effects of CBD on the cognitive processing of animals. Future double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials with larger, less selective samples, with standardized tests, and using different doses of CBD in outpatients are of particular interest to elucidate the cognitive effects of CBD.”
A 2022 open-label trial performed by doctors at Harvard Medical School reported that patients with moderate-to-severe anxiety experience symptom improvements and better cognitive performance following the daily administration of full spectrum CBD extracts. Data published earlier this year reported that cancer patients taking CBD-infused edible products report subjective improvements in their cognitive functioning.
Full text of the study, “Effects of the acute and chronic administration of cannabidiol on cognition in humans and animals: A systemic review,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Georgia: Select Pharmacies Begin Selling State-Licensed Cannabis Tinctures
Glennville, GA: Select pharmacies have begun providing state-licensed cannabis products to qualified patients.
An independent pharmacy in Warner Robins, Georgia and another independent pharmacy in Tifton were reported to have been among the first in the state to engage in the sale of cannabis-specific products. About 130 independent pharmacies have entered partnerships to provide plant-derived low-THC products.
Low-THC/high CBD products have been legal to possess under state law since 2015. However, regulators failed to approve any licensed providers or dispensaries until earlier this year. In October, the state’s Board of Pharmacy began accepting applications from licensed pharmacies wishing to stock the products.
Chain drug stores will not be providing cannabis products.
About 14,000 Georgians are registered to access cannabis products for a variety of ailments, including autism, cancer, Crohn’s disease, seizure disorders, and Tourette syndrome.
Qualified patients can view a full list of participating independent pharmacies and locations at botanicalsciences.com/locations.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News October 31, 2023October 30, 2023No Comments

Study: Cannabis Associated With Reduced Use of Anxiolytic Medications in Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress


Philadelphia, PA: Patients with anxiety disorders experience symptom improvements and many of them reduce their intake of prescription anti-anxiety medications following the use of medical cannabis, according to observational data published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.
Researchers affiliated with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine assessed outcomes in a cohort of nearly 100 patients with either anxiety-related disorders or post-traumatic stress. All of the study’s participants had recently obtained a recommendation from a physician to participate in the state’s medical cannabis access program. Investigators assessed participants’ symptoms at baseline and again after three months.
Consistent with other studies, patients displayed significant reductions in generalized anxiety over the course of the trial. Among those individuals who were prescribed anxiety medications, 32 percent reported decreasing their use of anxiolytic drugs by month three. Reductions in patients’ prescription drug use was most frequently reported among those prescribed benzodiazepines.
The study’s findings are similar to those of numerous others reporting patients’ decreased use of prescription medications, including opioids, anxiolytics, and sleep aids, following their use of medical marijuana products.
“Overall, findings from this observational study are consistent with those observed in the literature and [they] provide additional preliminary evidence to support the use of MM [medical marijuana] to address anxiety and PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder],” authors concluded.
Full text of the study, “Anxiety severity and prescription medication utilization in first-time marijuana users,” appears in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.

Study: No Association Between Marijuana Use and Elevated Cardiovascular Risk
Pittsburgh, PA: Middle-aged adults who consume cannabis do not possess an elevated risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as compared to never users, according to data published in the journal Circulation, Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
A team of investigators affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center assessed the relationship between marijuana use and the risk of adverse atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in a nationally representative sample of nearly 14,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 59.
Compared to never users, cannabis consumers were more likely to report smoking tobacco – a known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, marijuana consumers did not possess a higher disease risk as compared to nonusers -- a finding that is consistent with those of other longitudinal trials.
Researchers also reported that subjects with a history of cannabis consumption were less likely than controls to suffer from either diabetes or obesity -- a finding that is also consistent with prior research.
They concluded, “This cross-sectional study found no association between self-reported marijuana use and increased burden of traditional ASCVD risk factors, estimated long-term ASCVD risk, or cardiometabolic profiles”
Full text of the study, “Comparison of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors and cardiometabolic profiles between current and never users of marijuana,” appears in Circulation, Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Clinical Trial: Oral CBD Dosing Improves Sleep Quality
Greeley, CO: CBD administration is associated with improvements in sleep quality and immune cell function, according to placebo-controlled data published in the journal Nutrients.
Investigators affiliated with the University of Northern Colorado compared CBD versus placebo in a cohort of 28 healthy, college-aged individuals. Study participants consumed either 50 mg of CBD or placebo prior to bedtime for eight weeks.
Investigators reported that subjects demonstrated both subjective and objective improvements in sleep quality following CBD treatment.
Authors concluded: “We demonstrate that the daily ingestion of 50 mg CBD, 1–1.5 hours before sleep onset, leads to significantly improved perceived sleep quality compared with a placebo control. Additionally, … we provide evidence that daily CBD supplementation for eight weeks enhances NK [Natural Killer] cell cytotoxicity against a malignant human leukemic cancer cell line. Collectively, these data suggest that eight weeks of CBD supplementation enhances perceived sleep and improves systemic immunosurveillance through the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxic function.”
Prior studies have shown that cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, possess potent anti-cancer properties in cellular models. A review of 34 human trials assessing the use of CBD in patients with sleep disorders concluded, “CBD alone or with equal quantities of THC may be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of insomnia.”
Full text of the study, “Eight weeks of daily cannabidiol supplementation improved sleep quality and immune cell toxicity,” appears in Nutrients.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News October 24, 2023October 23, 2023No Comments

Study: Cannabis Products Reduce Pain, Depression in Elderly Patients


Tel Aviv, Israel: The sustained use of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products is associated with significant reductions in pain, depression, and opioid use among elderly patients, according to observational data published in the journal Biomedicines.
Israeli investigators assessed self-reported outcomes in a cohort of 119 elderly (mean age: 79) patients prescribed medical cannabis products. (Israeli law permits qualified patients to access state-regulated cannabis products, and an estimated 100,000 Israelis are currently authorized to use them.) Most of the study’s participants suffered from chronic pain and consumed cannabis via tinctures. Subjects utilized cannabis products for at least six months.
Authors reported that medical cannabis use was associated with clinically significant reductions in patients’ chronic pain scores. They also reported that patients reduced their use of opioids by nearly half following cannabis treatment – a finding consistent with other studies.
Cannabis use was also associated with reduced symptoms of depression and overall improvements in patients’ daily living, especially among those over the age of 80. The latter finding is consistent with several prior studies reporting health-related quality of life improvements among older adults who initiate cannabis treatment.
Researchers concluded: “Cannabis contributes to the amelioration of depressive symptoms …while also achieving discernible pain alleviation. … Our findings also demonstrate the relatively favorable safety profile of cannabis therapy” in the elderly patient population.
Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis is not associated with a decrease in activities of daily living in older adults,” appears in Biomedicines.

Analysis: Cannabis Use Common for Those Recuperating From Painful Work-Related Injuries
Toronto, Canada: Nearly one-quarter of Canadians with a painful work-related disability use cannabis during their recovery, according to data published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Toronto surveyed 1,650 adults who were disabled due to a physical work injury or illness. They reported that 22.4 percent of those who suffered from a work-related injury that involved “severe pain symptoms” used cannabis as part of their treatment. (Cannabis is legal for both medical and adult-use in Canada.)
Overall, 11.5 percent of all disabled employees reported using cannabis “to manage conditions associated with the work-related injury,” a finding that is consistent with prior studies.
Those who used cannabis products to assist in their recovery generally did not differ from their non-using peers with respect to their disability expenditures or health care benefit expenses.
Authors concluded: “This study is one of a limited number of studies [assessing] the association between cannabis use and disability benefit expenditures in a representative sample of work disability episodes. The evidence presented in this study of working-age adults recovering from a work-related injury or illness does not find a substantial association of cannabis use with disability benefit expenditures and health care benefit expenditures that would suggest either concerning harm, or significant benefit. These findings contribute information to support decision making among clinicians and disability insurance authorities on the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis use in settings that have legalized cannabis use.”
By contrast, US data reports declines in the number of workers’ compensation filings following the adoption of either medical cannabis legalization or adult-use legalization.
State courts in the United States have issued contradictory opinions regarding whether medical cannabis-related costs are eligible for reimbursement under workers’ compensation laws. Six states — Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania -- currently allow for reimbursements. By contrast, seven states (Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington) expressly prohibit workers’ compensation insurance from reimbursing medical marijuana-related costs. Other states are silent on the issue.
NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano recently weighed in on the issue in an op-ed. He wrote:: “Most patients, most physicians, and most state laws view cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option. Therefore, the millions of Americans who rely upon medical cannabis products ought to be afforded the same entitlements as those who use other conventional medications and therapies. Those privileges should include insurance-provided reimbursement for medical cannabis treatment.”
Full text of the study, “An observational study of pain severity, cannabis use, and benefit expenditures in work disability,” appears in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.

Survey: Health Providers Say They Are Unprepared To Discuss Cannabis Therapy With Their Cancer Patients
Toronto, Canada: Radiation therapists working in Canada, where the use of medical cannabis has been legal for more than two decades, acknowledge being unprepared to discuss the use of medical cannabis with their cancer patients, according to survey data published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.
Investigators surveyed 282 radiation therapists. Just under one-fifth (19 percent) said that they frequently received inquiries from their patients about the use of medical cannabis. However, nearly 100 percent of those surveyed “believed that their radiation therapy training did not prepare them to support patients using cannabis.”
Authors concluded, “The findings of this study strongly advocate for the development of educational tools to meet Therapists clinical needs.”
Healthcare professionals in the United States and abroad – including nurses, pharmacists, clinicians, and nurse practitioners – consistently acknowledge that they are inadequately trained to counsel patients on matters specific to medical cannabis.
Survey data published in September reported that nearly one-third of US cancer patients turn to cannabis for symptom management, but most fail to inform their healthcar
e providers that they are using it.
Full text of the study, “Therapeutic cannabis use by patients with cancer in Canada: A national survey of the experiences, opinions, and information needs of Radiation Therapists,” appears in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

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by russellropeMedia, News October 17, 2023October 12, 2023No Comments

Analysis: Marijuana Retailers Not Linked to Spikes in Crime


Washington, DC: The opening of state-licensed marijuana retailers does not negatively impact local crime rates, according to data published in the journal Annals of Regional Science.
Researchers with John Hopkins University and the University of Hawaii assessed the relationship between dispensary openings and neighborhood crime rates in Washington state’s three largest cities. Investigators reported that marijuana retailers “have a null effect on average local crime.”
They concluded: “Many North American jurisdictions have legalized the operation of recreational marijuana dispensaries. A common concern is that dispensaries may contribute to local crime. ... The random assignment of recreational marijuana retail licenses in Washington State provides a unique opportunity to identify the causal effect of dispensary openings on local crime. ... Combining lottery data with detailed geocoded crime data, we estimate that the presence of a dispensary has no significant impact on local crime in the average neighborhood.”
The findings are consistent with those of prior studies concluding that licensed marijuana retailers are typically associated with either no changes or decreases in criminal activity.
Full text of the study, “The impact of recreational marijuana dispensaries on crime: Evidence from a lottery experiment,” appears in Annals of Regional Science.

Clinical Trial: Nighttime Use of Cannabinol (CBN) Reduces Sleep Disturbances
Smith’s Falls, Canada: The oral consumption of the phytocannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) results in fewer sleep disturbances, according to placebo-controlled trial data published in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Investigators assessed the use of CBN versus placebo in a cohort of 321 participants who self-rated their sleep quality as either “poor” or “very poor.” Subjects consumed either 20 mgs of CBN, a combined dosage of CBN and CBD, or placebo for seven days. Participants consumed cannabinoids in the form of gummies 90-minutes prior to bedtime.
The study’s authors reported, “Individuals receiving 20 mg CBN demonstrated reduced nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance relative to placebo.” The combined use of CBD with CBN did not positively augment CBN treatment effects. Subjects reported only mild side-effects, including headache.
“The present study provides evidence to support the use of 20 mg CBN alone for the improvement of some sleep difficulties, including nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance,” authors concluded. “[F]uture studies should continue to examine this potential side effects of CBN and compare it to the side effects of other pharmacological interventions for sleep.”
Prior placebo-controlled trials have reported that the use of cannabis extracts containing THC, CBD, and CBN is safe and effective for patients with chronic insomnia. Separate data published in 2018 also reported that the inhalation of herbal cannabis prior to bedtime is associated with “clinically significant improvements” in patients with insomnia.
Full text of the study, “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality,” appears in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

California: Governor Signs Bills Expanding Marijuana Rights for Patients, Employees
Sacramento, CA: Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law expanding the rights of cannabis consumers.
The first bill, Senate Bill 302, permits qualified patients ages 65 and older to access certain cannabis products in private hospitals and other eligible health care facilities. The new law does not permit patients to either inhale or vaporize herbal cannabis in health care settings, and health care staff are forbidden from administering cannabis products. To date, a handful of states -- including Connecticut and Maine — have enacted legislation explicitly permitting the use of eligible cannabis products for hospitalized patients under certain circumstances.
The second bill, Senate Bill 700, makes it unlawful for employers to “request information from an applicant for employment relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis.”  The legislation expands upon worker protections initially passed into law in 2022 making “it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize a person, if the discrimination is based upon the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace.” Both worker protection laws take effect on January 1, 2024.
In recent years, numerous states –  including Connecticut, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Washington – have passed legislation limiting the ability of employers to either refuse to hire and/or fire workers based solely upon their off-hours cannabis use.
Governor Newsom vetoed a third bill, AB 374, which sought to allow cannabis consumption facilities to serve patrons “non-cannabis food or beverage products” and to charge tickets to live performances. In his veto message, the Governor expressed concerns that the bill “could undermine California’s long-standing smoke-free workplace protections.”

Georgia: Regulators Move To Have Independent Pharmacies Provide State-Licensed Cannabis Products
Atlanta, GA: Regulators are moving forward with plans to permit the sale of state-licensed cannabis oil products in independently owned pharmacies.
The state’s Board of Pharmacy has begun accepting applications from licensed pharmacies that wish to supply low-THC/high-CBD cannabis extracts. The products have been legal to possess under state law since 2005. However, regulators failed to approve any licensed providers or dispensaries until earlier this year.
An estimated 120 independent pharmacies have reportedly agreed to carry the products. There are approximately 400 independent pharmacies operating in the state.
Chain drug stores will not be providing cannabis oil products.
About 14,000 Georgians are registered to access cannabis products for a variety of ailments, including autism, cancer, Crohn’s disease, seizure disorders, and Tourette’s syndrome.

Texas: Lubbock Advocates Reportedly Gather Nearly Twice as Many Signatures as Needed To Force Marijuana Depenalization Vote
Lubbock, Texas: Activists in the city of Lubbock (population: 261,000) have reportedly collected a sufficient number of signatures to compel city officials to vote on a measure depenalizing marijuana possession.
Advocates must submit 3,651 valid signatures from local voters by October 17th in order to place their initiated measure before politicians. Advocates say they have collected 8,800 signatures and that they plan to turn in some 10,000 signatures by the mid-October deadline.
The initiative seeks to end arrests and citations for adults who possess misdemeanor amounts of cannabis within the city’s limits. The measure also prohibits police from issuing citations for charges related to the possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Once the signatures are certified, city officials will have to vote to either enact or reject the measure. If they reject it, the measure will go for before voters as a 2024 ballot initiative.
Voters in several Texas cities -- including Austin, Denton, Elgin, Harker Heights, Killeen, and San Marcos -- have approved similar ballot measures in recent years. In some instances, like in Harker Heights, local officials have attempted to halt the implementation of the measures following voter approval.
Information on the initiative effort is available from Freedom Act Lubbock.

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by russellropeMedia, News October 10, 2023October 5, 2023No Comments

Study: No Significant Changes in Cannabis Use, Adverse Consequences Among High-Risk Young Adults Following Legalization


Hamilton, Canada: The adoption of cannabis legalization in Canada has not been associated with significant upticks in either marijuana use by young people or in the percentage of people experiencing adverse cannabis-related consequences, according to longitudinal data published in the journal JAMA Open Network.
A team of investigators from Canada and the United States assessed cannabis consumption trends in a cohort of at-risk young adults (ages 19 to 23) during the years immediately preceding and following legalization. Canada legalized the use and retail sale of marijuana products to those ages 18 and older in 2018.
Researchers reported, “Individuals who used cannabis more frequently pre-legalization significantly decreased their use and cannabis-related consequences post-legalization.” By contrast, those who had no history of cannabis use prior to legalization typically reported engaging in the limited use of marijuana use following legalization. However, this use was not associated with adverse consequences.
Authors concluded: “This study examined changes in cannabis use and consequences following recreational cannabis legalization in Canada in a sample of high-risk young adults, addressing the common concern that legalization may precipitate increases in use, particularly in this age group. Rather than detecting increases, however, the results revealed decreases overall, which is broadly consistent with substance use trajectories that might be expected among this age group in the absence of any policy change. … This study aligns with research from US jurisdictions which have largely found that legalization has not drastically altered consumption patterns among youths and young adults.”
State and federal data from the United States consistently has reported overall declines in self-reported marijuana use by young people over the past decade. During that time, nearly half of all states have adopted adult-use marijuana legalization.
Full text of the study, “Cannabis use frequency and cannabis-related consequences in high-risk young adults across cannabis legalization,” appears in JAMA Network Open.

Studies: One in Six Cancer Patients Report Using Cannabis for Symptom Management
Columbus, OH: Some 15 percent of cancer patients acknowledge consuming cannabis for symptom management, according to a pair of recent surveys.
The first study, published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, surveyed nearly 2,500 patients receiving radiation for breast cancer. Fifteen percent of subjects acknowledged having used cannabis within the past 30 days. Patients most frequently endorsed using cannabis to treat insomnia, anxiety, and pain.
The second study, published in the journal Cancer Research Communications, surveyed 934 patients diagnosed with a variety of cancers. Just over 15 percent of respondents identified as current cannabis consumers. Patients most frequently reported consuming cannabis to mitigate pain, stress, and nausea, as well as to improve sleep and appetite. Cancer patients reported “moderate-high perceived effectiveness of cannabis-product use for symptom management.”
Authors of the study concluded, “Clinicians should be aware that a substantial percentage of patients with cancer are using cannabis products and report experiencing symptom relief with its use.”
The surveys’ findings are consistent with those of other studies concluding that cancer patients often turn to cannabis to alleviate their symptoms. However, despite the growing use of marijuana among cancer patients, most oncologists report receiving no “formal training regarding medical cannabis.”
Full text of the study, “Cannabis use patterns among patients with early-stage breast cancer in a large multicenter cohort from a state with legalized adult non-medical cannabis,” appears in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics. Full text of the second study, “Marijuana and cannabidiol use prevalence and symptom management among patients with cancer,” appears in Cancer Research Communications.

Analysis: Most MS Patients Experience Less Spasticity Following Cannabis Treatment
Catania, Italy: Some 80 percent of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from severe spasticity experience dramatic reductions in their symptoms following treatment with a proprietary cannabis spray (aka Sativex) containing near equal rations of THC and CBD, according to an analysis of clinical trial data published in the journal Therapeutic Advancements in Neurological Disorders.
A team of Italian researchers analyzed trial data from three studies involving over 2,300 patients. They reported, “In all three studies, over 80 percent of assessed patients with severe spasticity at baseline reported a shift into a lower category of spasticity after 12 weeks.” This shift was most dramatic in those patients suffering from “severe spasticity” at baseline.
Sativex is available as a prescription medication in a number of countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It is not approved for treatment in the United States. A separate cannabis extract drug, Epidiolex, which primarily contains CBD, is FDA-approved for the treatment of pediatric seizures.
Full text of the study, “A post hoc evaluation of the shift in spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis-related spasticity treated with nabiximols,” appears in Therapeutic Advancements in Neurological Disorders.

Analysis: Drug Sniffing Dogs Typically False Alert
Sydney, Australia: Drug sniffing dogs provide false alerts approximately seventy-five percent of the time, according to an analysis of ten years of data recently provided to members of the Australian Parliament.
The analysis reviewed over 94,000 searches. The overwhelming majority of those searches failed to identify the presence of illegal substances.
According to reporting in The Sydney Morning Herald, “The worst year for drug-detection dogs was 2014, when only 21 percent of the 14,213 searches resulted in illicit drugs being found; the best was two years later in 2016, where 32.5 percent of the 8746 searches were accurate.”
The findings of the analysis are consistent with those of prior studies. An analysis conducted by reporters at The Chicago Tribune similarly reported that drug sniffing dogs false-alerted over half of time, and that they were most likely to do so in instances where the suspect was Latino. Another study, this one  published in the journal Animal Cognition, reported that drug dogs frequently falsely alert when their handlers perceive that illicit substances are present. “Handler beliefs affect outcomes of scent detection dog deployments,” the study’s authors concluded.
Nonetheless, the US Supreme Court has previously ruled that an alert from a police dog during a traffic stop provides a constitutional basis for law enforcement to search the interior of the vehicle.

#NORML #News @WeedConnection

by russellropeMedia, News October 3, 2023October 4, 2023No Comments

Study: Men Who Consume Cannabis Less Likely To Suffer From Kidney Stones


Sichuan, China: Men who consume cannabis are far less likely than non-users to experience kidney stones, according to data published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.
A team of Chinese investigators assessed the relationship between cannabis use and kidney stones in a representative sample of over 14,000 US subjects between the ages of 20 and 59.
After adjusting for potential confounders, researchers reported that marijuana use among men was inversely correlated with kidney stones (OR = 0.72). Men who consumed cannabis most frequently experienced the lowest risk (OR = 0.62). Similar trends were not identified among females.
Authors concluded: “To our knowledge, this study is the first cross-sectional study to explore the association between marijuana use and the risk of kidney stones from the population-based NHANES [National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey] dataset. Taken together, our findings suggested that regular marijuana male users were related to a lower risk of kidney stones. Further studies are warranted to investigate the dose and type associations of marijuana with kidney stones.”
Full text of the study, “Association between marijuana use and kidney stones: A cross-sectional study of NHANES 2009 to 2018,” appears in Frontiers in Pharmacology.

Analysis: Polydrug Users Frequently
 Report Consuming Cannabis To Reduce Their Use of Stimulants
Vancouver, Canada: Polydrug users frequently engage in the use of cannabis in order to decrease their consumption of stimulants like crystal methamphetamine, according to data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
Canadian researchers surveyed a cohort of 297 polydrug users who engaged in the use of cannabis and unregulated stimulants. Nearly half (45 percent) of those surveyed reported having consumed cannabis to manage their stimulant cravings. Of those, 78 percent “reported decreasing their stimulant use during periods of cannabis use.”
Investigators reported that cannabis was frequently associated with reductions among those who used methamphetamine. They reported no decrease in use among those who engaged in the daily use of cocaine.
Prior studies have reported inconsistent findings with respect to the use of cannabinoids as a substitute for cocaine. For example, a pair of longitudinal trials from Brazil and Canada reported that the use of cannabis is associated with the decreased use of crack cocaine in dependent subjects. By contrast, a 2021 study reported that the daily administration of CBD failed to reduce cocaine cravings any better than placebo in subjects with a history of moderate to severe cocaine abuse.
The study’s authors concluded: “These findings indicate that cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings is a common harm reduction strategy and suggest that this may be an effective strategy to reduce stimulant use among some PWUD [people who use unregulated drugs]. … In the absence of established pharmacotherapies for the treatment of stimulant use disorders, further investigation of the harm reduction and therapeutic applications of cannabis use is warranted to address the harms of stimulant use.”
Numerous other studies have previously reported that cannabis consumers often substitute it in place of other substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and prescription opioids.
Full text of the study, “Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings among people who use unregulated drugs,” appears in Addictive Behaviors.

Missouri: Columbia Officials To Cease Engaging in Marijuana Testing for New Hires
Columbia, MO: Those seeking employment for most citywide jobs will no longer have to undergo pre-employment testing for marijuana, following the adoption of new rules enacted by members of the Columbia City Council.
The new policy takes effect on October 1st. The new rules will apply to those seeking non-safety sensitive positions. Those who apply for jobs that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or who are seeking employment as uniformed police or fire personnel, will continue to be tested.
Under the city’s previous rules, job applicants who tested positive for past cannabis use faced a mandatory five-year ban from citywide employment.
Missouri voters passed an adult-use legalization initiative in 2022. However, unlike similar laws recently enacted in several other states, the initiative did not include provisions protecting workers who consume cannabis non-medically while away from their workplace. That said, at least two other Missouri cities – Kansas City and St. Louis – have enacted similar local ordinances limiting pre-employment testing for marijuana.
Several states – including Michigan, Nevada, and Washington – similarly prohibit pre-employment marijuana screening for non-safety sensitive positions. Other jurisdictions, including California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Montana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island have expanded these policies to limit cannabis testing for both new hires and existing employees.
NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano praised the pending policy change, stating: “Neither prospective nor current employees should be discriminated against for their off-the-job consumption of cannabis. Employees who use cannabis in their off-hours are no less productive than their peers and they do not possess any elevated occupational safety risk. Workers should have the same right to use cannabis as they have to use other legal substances while they are off the job.”
Missouri NORML’s State Coordinator Dan Viets, a criminal defense attorney and NORML Board Member who resides in Columbia, said, “This policy change makes sense since these tests cannot identify those impaired by cannabis.”
He added: “There is actually no valid reason to continue testing those applying for safety sensitive jobs either. These applicants and employees are allowed to use alcohol off the job. That should be of greater concern than cannabis use.”

CBDV Administration Alters Progression of Fragile X Syndrome in Preclinical Model
Bordeaux, France: The administration of the cannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) moderates the progression of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), according to preclinical data published in the journal Cells.
An international team of researchers from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States assessed the efficacy of CBDV treatment in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. FXS is a genetic disorder resulting in developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, such as aggression and attention deficits.
Investigators reported that CBDV administration during adolescence prevented cognitive and behavioral changes in a manner similar to other pharmacological treatments. By contrast, CBDV’s effects were “marginal” when the compound was administered during adulthood.
They determined: “Overall, these data demonstrate that CBDV, when administered chronically and starting at juvenile age, holds a solid therapeutic potential for FXS as it prevented the most relevant behavioral alterations shown by … mice. Early timing and chronic duration of treatment appear as critical determinants to ensure the beneficial effects of CBDV.”
The study’s authors concluded, “These results thus encourage future clinical studies using phytocannabinoids for treating not only FXS but also other neurodevelopmental disorders.”
Parents and caregivers of children with FXS patients report using CBD for symptom management. The administration of a transdermal gel containing CBD has been shown to be safe and effective in FSX patients in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Full text of the study, “Early administration of the phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin prevents the neurobehavioral abnormalities associated with the Fmr1-KO mouse model of Fragile X syndrome,” appears in Cells.