Tag: Tuesday

Study: Cannabis Provides Sustained Relief for Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression

London, United Kingdom: Patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression report sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life following the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to longitudinal data published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

British investigators assessed the adjunctive use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of 698 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British healthcare providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Patients’ outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Study participants consumed either herbal cannabis or oil extracts containing standardized concentrations of THC and CBD.

Consistent with prior observational studies, participants reported “improvement[s] in mood, anxiety, general health-related quality of life, and sleep” over the duration of the study, with subjects reporting the most dramatic changes during the first three months. Few participants reported any serious adverse events. Patients who presented with the most severe depressive symptoms at baseline exhibited the greatest overall improvement in their symptoms.

The study’s authors concluded: “This UK Medical Cannabis Registry study of patients with treatment-resistant depression prescribed CBMPs demonstrated sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality over 24 months. Improvements were most pronounced within the first three months and were sustained thereafter. Adverse events were infrequent and predominantly mild to moderate. … Further randomized controlled trials, stratified by comorbidity profiles and product composition, are required to confirm efficacy, optimize treatment regimens, and clarify long-term safety.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry have reported them to be beneficial for those diagnosed with treatment-resistant epilepsy, cancer-related pain, anxiety, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, hypermobility disorders, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, substance use disorders, insomnia, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A two-year case series of clinical outcomes in depression,” appears in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Reduce ADHD Symptoms in Children With Autism

Tel Aviv, Israel: The administration of CBD-rich oil extracts in children with autism is associated with reduced impulsivity and improvements in other ADHD-related symptoms, according to data published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology.

Israeli researchers assessed the efficacy of CBD-dominant extracts in a cohort of children diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) over three-to-six months. Study participants were assessed at baseline and at the completion of the study by their schoolteachers utilizing a standardized rating scale (the Conners’ Teaching Rating Scale questionnaire).

Assessments revealed “significant improvements … in the following categories: anxious-shyness, perfectionism, ADHD index, emotional liability, and hyperactive-impulsivity.” Participants also demonstrated reduced hyperactivity and improvements in their ability to maintain attention, though these changes did not reach statistical significance.

The study’s authors concluded: “This is the first prospective study to evaluate the effects of CBD-rich cannabis on ADHD symptoms in children with ASD using standardized teacher-based Assessments (CTRS). The findings indicate improvements in core behavioral domains. While previous studies have focused primarily on parent-reported outcomes or small-scale trials, our results support emerging evidence on the role of cannabinoids in modulating attention and emotional regulation. … These findings support the need for future clinical trials to validate efficacy and determine optimal dosing.”

Placebo-controlled clinical trials have previously demonstrated that CBD-rich cannabis extracts are safe and effective in mitigating symptoms in children with ASD, while observational studies indicate that cannabis inhalation reduces ASD symptoms in adults.

Full text of the study, “CBD-Rich cannabis therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder may improve symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficit: An open-label study, appears in Current Neuropharmacology.

Survey: Medical Cannabis Use Common Among Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Vancouver, Canada: Patients with cystic fibrosis frequently acknowledge consuming cannabis products to ease their symptoms, according to survey data published in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

Canadian researchers surveyed 110 patients with either cystic fibrosis (CF) or cystic fibrosis-related disorders (CFTR). (Cannabis products are legal in Canada for both medical purposes and for adult use.)

Nearly half of those surveyed acknowledged being current cannabis consumers. Most (85 percent) consumers said that they used cannabis products explicitly for therapeutic relief, primarily for the treatment of insomnia, stress, anxiety, joint pain, low appetite, depression, and/or abdominal pain. Most respondents described cannabis as medically efficacious and said that it improved their health-related quality of life. Respondents frequently acknowledged cannabis to be “just as or more effective” than traditional prescription medications.

“Use of cannabis was common in this sample of adults with CF and CFTR-related disorder,” the study’s authors concluded. “Cannabis use and vaping should be routinely and openly discussed during CF clinic visits so that healthcare providers can ensure patients receive education about evidence for potential risks versus benefits and ultimately support patients in making informed decisions about cannabis use and vaping.”

Full text of the study, “Evaluating the use and perceptions of cannabis and vaping post-cannabis legalization in people with cystic fibrosis and CFTR-related disorders: Survey results from a large Canadian adult cystic fibrosis clinic,” appears in BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

Ohio: Attorney General Rejects Bid To Challenge Marijuana Recriminalization Law

Columbus, OH: The state’s Attorney General has rejected a petition that sought to repeal certain provisions of Senate Bill 56, arguing that the proposal’s summary language was misleading.

“Upon review of the summary, we identified omissions and misstatements that, as a whole, would mislead a potential signer as to the scope and effect of SB 56,” the AG determined.

In December, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed SB 56 into law. The law amends and repeals various provisions of Ohio’s voter-approved adult-use legalization law. Among the more significant changes, it criminalizes possessing marijuana products obtained from out-of-state, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. It also repeals provisions protecting adult-use consumers from facing either workplace or professional disciplinary action, as well as other forms of discrimination based solely upon their private marijuana use (such as the denial of parental rights or certain hospital procedures, such as organ transplants).

Other provisions in the law impose new criminal sanctions upon those who either possess or transport certain cannabis products if they are not in their original, unopened packaging and restrict the retail sale of hemp-derived products, including beverages, solely to state-licensed dispensaries.

Following the passage of SB 56, business owners and other advocates formed the group Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, which sought to place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to reject the law. Activists now have the option of revising and resubmitting their petition for reconsideration.

A spokesperson for the groups says that it intends to do so, stating, “Voters this November will have the opportunity to say no to SB 56, no to government overreach, no to closing 6,000 businesses and abandoning thousands of Ohio workers, and no to defying the will of Ohioans who overwhelmingly supported legalizing cannabis in 2023.”

A summary of SB 56’s revisions to Ohio’s adult-use marijuana legalization and hemp laws is available from Ohio State University.

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.”

2025 Year in Review: Top Ten Events in Marijuana Policy

#1: President Trump Takes Executive Action to Federally Reschedule Cannabis

President Donald Trump issued an executive order in December directing the US Attorney General to finalize a Biden-era recommendation to amend marijuana’s longstanding classification as a Schedule I federally controlled substance. Prior to signing the order, Trump said, “These facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications.”

Commenting on the order, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “While such a move potentially provides some benefits to patients, and veterans especially, it still falls well short of the changes necessary to bring federal marijuana policy into the 21st century.”

Despite the Administration’s action, it remains unclear when a change in marijuana’s federal scheduling will be codified. Any final order to reclassify cannabis is subject to a period of judicial review, whereby interested parties have an opportunity to challenge the order, which could further delay its implementation.

#2: GOP Lawmakers Undermine Voter-Approved Marijuana Measures

Republican lawmakers in various states took actions this year amending or repealing voter-approved marijuana laws.

In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sued several cities, including Austin and San Marcos, to overturn voter-initiated marijuana depenalization laws. In Nebraska, lawmakers and regulators gutted the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis access law by rescinding patients’ access to botanical cannabis, among other restrictions. In Ohio, Republican lawmakers approved legislation rolling back legal protections for adult-use cannabis consumers and recriminalizing various marijuana-related activities, including obtaining cannabis products from out-of-state retailers.

In response to this trend, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “In a healthy democracy, those with competing visions on public policy vie for voters’ support and abide by their voting decisions. However, it is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these undemocratic tactics ought to cause deep concern.”

#3 Federal Data: Teen Marijuana Use Continues Historic Decline

Federally funded survey data compiled by the University of Michigan in December reports that teens’ use of marijuana has declined significantly since states began regulating adult-use cannabis markets, and it now stands at or near historic lows.

Between 2012 and 2025, the percentage of 12th graders reporting having ever used cannabis fell by 23 percent. Among 10th graders, it fell 35 percent. Among 8th graders, lifetime use dropped 17 percent. During that same time period, past-year cannabis use fell 30 percent among 12th graders, 44 percent among 10th graders, and 34 percent among 8th graders. The percentage of teens reporting having consumed cannabis over the past 30 days also declined significantly — falling 25 percent among 12th graders, 45 percent among 10th graders, and 38 percent among 8th graders.

“We are encouraged that adolescent drug use remains relatively low and that so many teens choose not to use drugs at all,” said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in a press release.

#4: Congress Approves Legislation Restricting Sales of Hemp-Derived Intoxicants

Federal lawmakers in November finalized and passed legislation recriminalizing the sale of certain hemp-derived intoxicating products. The law – which doesn’t take effect until November 2026 – redefines federally legal hemp products only to include those containing no more than either 0.3 percent or 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that produce similar effects, including THCA. In addition, it criminalizes “any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use” as well as products that are produced following chemical synthesis, such as those high in delta-8 THC content.

While the revised language is not explicitly intended to target hemp-derived, non-intoxicating CBD products, some industry advocates fear that these products will also ultimately be banned by the legislation because they often contain trace levels of THC. However, in December, President Trump called on his aides to work with Congress to ensure that patients do not lose access to regulated CBD products.

#5: Marijuana Arrests Continue to Decline

State and local law enforcement made nearly 190,000 marijuana possession-related arrests in 2024, according to data compiled by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and posted on its Crime Data Explorer website. While that total represents a 30-year low, marijuana-related arrests still comprise more than 22 percent of all drug arrests nationwide. In five states (Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin), more than half of all drug-related arrests reported by state and local law enforcement agencies in 2024 were cannabis-related.

Marijuana arrests peaked in the United States in 2007, when police made over 870,000 marijuana-related arrests. At that time, just under half (48 percent) of all drug-related arrests in the United States were for marijuana-related violations.

#6: Longitudinal Trials Show Cannabis Provides Sustained Benefits for Patients

Chronically ill patients experience sustained symptomatic relief from either herbal cannabis or oil extracts, according to the findings of numerous longitudinal trials published in 2025.

According to the results of the trials, which included thousands of patients, cannabis preparations were safe and effective for periods of up to 18 months for those suffering from pain, insomnia, fibromyalgia, treatment-resistant epilepsy, post-traumatic stress, hypermobility disorders, endometriosis, and numerous other conditions.

Most of the participants in the trials are enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Under British law, health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.

#7 November Election Outcomes Could Reshape East Coast Cannabis Markets

The election of Democratic Governors in New Jersey and Virginia could lead to the expansion of those states’ adult-use cannabis policies in 2026.

In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger will replace Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who on multiple occasions vetoed legislation regulating the retail sale of cannabis products to adults. By contrast, Governor-elect Spanberger has pledged, “I look forward to working with our General Assembly to find a path forward to creating a legalized retail market for cannabis that both prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy.”

In New Jersey, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill supports expanding New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis program, including allowing home cultivation and improving consumer access, safety, and affordability.

#8: Studies Consistently Show Cannabis Access Reduces Alcohol Consumption

Several studies published in 2025 report that consumers significantly reduce their alcohol intake following the use of cannabis.

In one study, subjects in a laboratory setting reduced their intake of alcoholic beverages by 25 percent following cannabis inhalation. In another study, participants reduced their alcohol intake by as much as 27 percent following cannabis consumption.

Finally, in a third study, patients seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder “consumed a mean of 8.08 daily MAP [Managed Alcohol Program]-provided standard drinks prior to the introduction of cannabis substitution and a mean of 6.45 daily MAP-provided standard drinks after its introduction.”

Commenting on the consistent results, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “These findings provide support for the idea that legal cannabis can serve as a substitute for alcohol among certain individuals, and that legal cannabis markets may, in some instances, disrupt alcohol-dominant marketplaces.”

#9: Marijuana Legalization Support Remains High, But Dips Among Republicans

Nearly two out of three US adults say that “the use of marijuana should be legal,” according to nationwide polling data compiled in November by Gallup. That percentage represents a slight dip from 2024 data, when 68 percent of respondents backed legalization.

The percentage change was primarily driven by declining support among Republicans – only 40 percent of whom endorse marijuana legalization. By contrast, 85 percent of Democrats support legalization – a near all-time high, as do 66 percent of Independents.

Historically, Republicans have been less likely than either Democrats or Independents to express support for legalization. In 2023, 55 percent of Republicans endorsed legalizing marijuana, the highest percentage ever.

#10: NIH Database Now Includes Over 53,000 Cannabis-Related Studies

For the fifth consecutive year, researchers worldwide published over 4,000 scientific papers specific to cannabis, its active constituents, and their effects, according to the results of a keyword search of the National Library of Medicine/PubMed.gov website.

“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade, as has our understanding of the plant, its active constituents, their mechanisms of action, and their effects on both the user and upon society,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “It is time for politicians and others to stop assessing cannabis through the lens of ‘what we don’t know’ and instead start engaging in evidence-based discussions about marijuana and marijuana reform policies that are indicative of all that we do know.”

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in scientific inquiries about the cannabis plant — with researchers publishing more than 37,000 scientific papers about cannabis since the beginning of 2015. As of this writing, PubMed.gov cites over 53,000 scientific papers on marijuana dating back to the year 1840.

2025 Year in Review: Top Ten Events in Marijuana Policy

#1: President Trump Takes Executive Action to Federally Reschedule Cannabis

President Donald Trump issued an executive order in December directing the US Attorney General to finalize a Biden-era recommendation to amend marijuana’s longstanding classification as a Schedule I federally controlled substance. Prior to signing the order, Trump said, “These facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications.”

Commenting on the order, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “While such a move potentially provides some benefits to patients, and veterans especially, it still falls well short of the changes necessary to bring federal marijuana policy into the 21st century.”

Despite the Administration’s action, it remains unclear when a change in marijuana’s federal scheduling will be codified. Any final order to reclassify cannabis is subject to a period of judicial review, whereby interested parties have an opportunity to challenge the order, which could further delay its implementation.

#2: GOP Lawmakers Undermine Voter-Approved Marijuana Measures

Republican lawmakers in various states took actions this year amending or repealing voter-approved marijuana laws.

In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sued several cities, including Austin and San Marcos, to overturn voter-initiated marijuana depenalization laws. In Nebraska, lawmakers and regulators gutted the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis access law by rescinding patients’ access to botanical cannabis, among other restrictions. In Ohio, Republican lawmakers approved legislation rolling back legal protections for adult-use cannabis consumers and recriminalizing various marijuana-related activities, including obtaining cannabis products from out-of-state retailers.

In response to this trend, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “In a healthy democracy, those with competing visions on public policy vie for voters’ support and abide by their voting decisions. However, it is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these undemocratic tactics ought to cause deep concern.”

#3 Federal Data: Teen Marijuana Use Continues Historic Decline

Federally funded survey data compiled by the University of Michigan in December reports that teens’ use of marijuana has declined significantly since states began regulating adult-use cannabis markets, and it now stands at or near historic lows.

Between 2012 and 2025, the percentage of 12th graders reporting having ever used cannabis fell by 23 percent. Among 10th graders, it fell 35 percent. Among 8th graders, lifetime use dropped 17 percent. During that same time period, past-year cannabis use fell 30 percent among 12th graders, 44 percent among 10th graders, and 34 percent among 8th graders. The percentage of teens reporting having consumed cannabis over the past 30 days also declined significantly — falling 25 percent among 12th graders, 45 percent among 10th graders, and 38 percent among 8th graders.

“We are encouraged that adolescent drug use remains relatively low and that so many teens choose not to use drugs at all,” said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in a press release.

#4: Congress Approves Legislation Restricting Sales of Hemp-Derived Intoxicants

Federal lawmakers in November finalized and passed legislation recriminalizing the sale of certain hemp-derived intoxicating products. The law – which doesn’t take effect until November 2026 – redefines federally legal hemp products only to include those containing no more than either 0.3 percent or 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that produce similar effects, including THCA. In addition, it criminalizes “any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use” as well as products that are produced following chemical synthesis, such as those high in delta-8 THC content.

While the revised language is not explicitly intended to target hemp-derived, non-intoxicating CBD products, some industry advocates fear that these products will also ultimately be banned by the legislation because they often contain trace levels of THC. However, in December, President Trump called on his aides to work with Congress to ensure that patients do not lose access to regulated CBD products.

#5: Marijuana Arrests Continue to Decline

State and local law enforcement made nearly 190,000 marijuana possession-related arrests in 2024, according to data compiled by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and posted on its Crime Data Explorer website. While that total represents a 30-year low, marijuana-related arrests still comprise more than 22 percent of all drug arrests nationwide. In five states (Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin), more than half of all drug-related arrests reported by state and local law enforcement agencies in 2024 were cannabis-related.

Marijuana arrests peaked in the United States in 2007, when police made over 870,000 marijuana-related arrests. At that time, just under half (48 percent) of all drug-related arrests in the United States were for marijuana-related violations.

#6: Longitudinal Trials Show Cannabis Provides Sustained Benefits for Patients

Chronically ill patients experience sustained symptomatic relief from either herbal cannabis or oil extracts, according to the findings of numerous longitudinal trials published in 2025.

According to the results of the trials, which included thousands of patients, cannabis preparations were safe and effective for periods of up to 18 months for those suffering from pain, insomnia, fibromyalgia, treatment-resistant epilepsy, post-traumatic stress, hypermobility disorders, endometriosis, and numerous other conditions.

Most of the participants in the trials are enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Under British law, health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.

#7 November Election Outcomes Could Reshape East Coast Cannabis Markets

The election of Democratic Governors in New Jersey and Virginia could lead to the expansion of those states’ adult-use cannabis policies in 2026.

In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger will replace Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who on multiple occasions vetoed legislation regulating the retail sale of cannabis products to adults. By contrast, Governor-elect Spanberger has pledged, “I look forward to working with our General Assembly to find a path forward to creating a legalized retail market for cannabis that both prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy.”

In New Jersey, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill supports expanding New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis program, including allowing home cultivation and improving consumer access, safety, and affordability.

#8: Studies Consistently Show Cannabis Access Reduces Alcohol Consumption

Several studies published in 2025 report that consumers significantly reduce their alcohol intake following the use of cannabis.

In one study, subjects in a laboratory setting reduced their intake of alcoholic beverages by 25 percent following cannabis inhalation. In another study, participants reduced their alcohol intake by as much as 27 percent following cannabis consumption.

Finally, in a third study, patients seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder “consumed a mean of 8.08 daily MAP [Managed Alcohol Program]-provided standard drinks prior to the introduction of cannabis substitution and a mean of 6.45 daily MAP-provided standard drinks after its introduction.”

Commenting on the consistent results, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “These findings provide support for the idea that legal cannabis can serve as a substitute for alcohol among certain individuals, and that legal cannabis markets may, in some instances, disrupt alcohol-dominant marketplaces.”

#9: Marijuana Legalization Support Remains High, But Dips Among Republicans

Nearly two out of three US adults say that “the use of marijuana should be legal,” according to nationwide polling data compiled in November by Gallup. That percentage represents a slight dip from 2024 data, when 68 percent of respondents backed legalization.

The percentage change was primarily driven by declining support among Republicans – only 40 percent of whom endorse marijuana legalization. By contrast, 85 percent of Democrats support legalization – a near all-time high, as do 66 percent of Independents.

Historically, Republicans have been less likely than either Democrats or Independents to express support for legalization. In 2023, 55 percent of Republicans endorsed legalizing marijuana, the highest percentage ever.

#10: NIH Database Now Includes Over 53,000 Cannabis-Related Studies

For the fifth consecutive year, researchers worldwide published over 4,000 scientific papers specific to cannabis, its active constituents, and their effects, according to the results of a keyword search of the National Library of Medicine/PubMed.gov website.

“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade, as has our understanding of the plant, its active constituents, their mechanisms of action, and their effects on both the user and upon society,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “It is time for politicians and others to stop assessing cannabis through the lens of ‘what we don’t know’ and instead start engaging in evidence-based discussions about marijuana and marijuana reform policies that are indicative of all that we do know.”

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in scientific inquiries about the cannabis plant — with researchers publishing more than 37,000 scientific papers about cannabis since the beginning of 2015. As of this writing, PubMed.gov cites over 53,000 scientific papers on marijuana dating back to the year 1840.

Study: Cannabis Treatment Provides Sustained Relief for Patients With Fibromyalgia

London, United Kingdom: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) report sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life following the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology.

British investigators assessed the adjunctive use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of 497 FM patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Patients’ outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Study participants consumed either herbal cannabis or oil extracts containing standardized concentrations of THC and CBD.

Consistent with previous studies, patients reported long-term improvements in their pain, anxiety, sleep, and overall quality of life following cannabis treatment. Participants who consumed formulations containing greater concentrations of CBD were most likely to report symptom relief.

“CBMPs were associated with improvements in all PROMs [patient-reported outcome measures], fibromyalgia-specific and general-health related, from baseline to all follow-up measures at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months,” the study’s authors concluded. “More randomized controlled trials are warranted, but this large analysis provides real-world data to inform their conduct.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry have reported them to be beneficial for those diagnosed with treatment-resistant epilepsy, cancer-related pain, anxiety, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, hypermobility disorders, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, substance use disorders, insomnia, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “UK Medicinal Cannabis Registry: A case series analyzing clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for fibromyalgia,” appears in Clinical Rheumatology.

Analysis: Cannabis Use Not Linked to Suicide in High-Risk Individuals

Boulder, CO: Cannabis use is not associated with an increased risk of later life suicidality in high-risk young adults, according to longitudinal data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors Reports.

Investigators affiliated with the University of Colorado at Boulder assessed the relationship between substance use and suicidality in a cohort of high-risk adolescent siblings. Study participants were assessed at age 17 and again at ages 24 and 30.

“There was little evidence of an association between suicidality and any substance use examined in the present study, with the possible exception of tobacco use,” the study’s authors concluded. “Cannabis use did not show a consistent association with cross-sectional or later life suicidality in this high-risk sample.”

Separate data published earlier this year reported no increase in “emergency department presentations for suicidal ideation and attempts” in Canada following adult-use cannabis legalization.

Research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that “suicide rates among older age groups declined [in the United States] following the opening of recreational marijuana dispensaries.”

Full text of the study, “Associations between cannabis use frequency and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A clinical longitudinal sibling study,” appears in Addictive Behavior Reports.

SCOTUS: Justices Refuse To Hear Case Challenging Federal Cannabis Prohibition

Washington, DC: Judges on the US Supreme Court have declined to take up a lower court case challenging the constitutionality of federal marijuana prohibition.

Petitioners argued that Congress’ reliance on the Commerce Clause of the Fifth Amendment to prohibit the trafficking of state-legal cannabis products exceeds its constitutional authority. Lower courts had rejected petitioners’ arguments and justices on the Supreme Court refused to grant certiorari.

The Supreme Court previously upheld the constitutionality of federal cannabis prohibition in 2005 in the case Gonzalez v. Raich. However, in 2021, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas opined that the Court ought to revisit that decision because federal policies [since then] have greatly undermined [the Court’s] reasoning.”

NORML had previously raised similar arguments in the federal case US v. Schweder et al. However, the judge in that case ultimately determined that Congress’ decision to criminalize marijuana was not without a “rational basis.”

“At some point in time, a court may decide this status to be unconstitutional,” the judge ruled. “But this is not the court and not the time.”

The case is Canna Provisions et al. v Bondi.

Federal: Lawmakers Reintroduce Legislation Safeguarding Federally-Assisted Housing Access for Cannabis Consumers

Washington, DC: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) have reintroduced legislation, the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act, permitting residents in federally assisted housing to consume cannabis products in compliance with their state’s marijuana laws.

Federal law currently allows the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to remove residents from public housing and Section 8 housing if a tenant has engaged in the use of a controlled substance while on the premises, “including [the use of] state legalized medical marijuana.”

Speaking in support of the legislation, Congresswoman Holmes Norton said: “Individuals living in federally funded housing should not fear eviction simply for treating their medical conditions or for seeking a substance legal in their state. Increasingly, Americans are changing their views on marijuana, and it is time that Congress caught up with its own constituents. With so many states improving their laws, this issue should have broad bipartisan appeal because it protects states’ rights.”

NORML’s Political Director Morgan Fox, who is working with lawmakers to promote the bill, added, “At a time when affording a home or rent is becoming significantly more difficult and states are increasingly criminalizing being unhoused, it is outrageous to deny people access to public housing for responsibly using a substance that is legal in some form in most of the country. This outdated federal policy is particularly cruel when applied to medical cannabis patients, who are often forced to choose between their health and basic shelter. NORML is proud to endorse this legislation to stop housing discrimination against vulnerable Americans who consume cannabis in compliance with state laws.”

Longitudinal Study: Endometriosis Patients Experience Improvements Following Medical Cannabis Therapy

London, United Kingdom: Endometriosis patients report health-related quality of life improvements following the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

British investigators assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of 63 endometriosis patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Patients’ outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Study participants consumed either herbal cannabis or oil extracts containing a nearly equal ratio of THC and CBD.

Patients acknowledged improvements in their chronic pain and other health-related quality of life measures following cannabis therapy.

“These results provide a signal towards improvement in short-term pain severity and interference for endometriosis patients after the initiation of CMBP treatment,” the study’s authors concluded. “This study provides valuable real-world data and complements the development of RCTs [randomized clinical trials] to further examine the efficacy and safety of CBMPs for endometriosis-associated chronic pain.”

Survey data reports that nearly one in five endometriosis patients consume cannabis to manage their symptoms.

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among those enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry have reported them to be beneficial for patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant epilepsy, cancer-related pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, hypermobility disorders, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, substance use disorders, insomnia, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “A longitudinal assessment of endometriosis patients prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products: A case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry,” appears in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Case Reports: Cannabis Oil Associated With Tumor Regression in Patients With Advanced Liver Cancer

Groningen, Netherlands: A pair of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experienced spontaneous tumor regression following the daily use of cannabis extracts, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Dutch investigators documented “complete” tumor regression in a pair of patients with advanced HCC. Both patients consumed THC-dominant cannabis oils daily. Neither patient engaged in any significant lifestyle, dietary, or other supportive interventions aside from the use of cannabis extracts.

Spontaneous regression of HCC typically occurs in fewer than one-half of one percent of all cases.

The study’s authors concluded: “In this report, we present two patients (ages 82 and 77) with advanced HCC with a high tumor burden who demonstrated durable and complete regression after use of cannabis oil. … The observations in this report build on previous (pre)clinical research highlighting the potential anti-tumor qualities of cannabinoids and stress the need for clinical trials investigating the anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids in cancer patients.”

Cannabinoids have demonstrated well-established anti-cancer activities in preclinical models, but their efficacy as an anti-cancer agent has rarely been assessed in clinical trials.

Full text of the study, “Durable complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using cannabis oil: A report of two cases,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Study: Cannabis Use History Not Linked To Elevated Risk of Prostate Cancer

Miami, FL: Men over 50 with a history of cannabis use are no more likely to experience prostate cancer than are non-users, according to data published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports.

Investigators affiliated with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine assessed the relationship between the lifetime use of cannabis and psychedelic drugs with prostate cancer diagnoses among a representative sample of older adults.

Researchers identified a slight correlation between psychedelic drug use and prostate cancer, but they reported no similar elevated risk among those who consumed cannabis. “No significant associations were found for cannabis-only use versus non-use,” they acknowledged.

“With the growing acceptance and accessibility of cannabis and psychedelics for both medical and recreational purposes, understanding their potential long-term health implications is essential, particularly for older adults who are at higher risk of prostate cancer diagnosis,” the study’s authors concluded. “[O]ur cross-sectional findings … may inform clinicians to consider discussing substance use histories, including cannabis and psychedelic use, during routine health assessments and cancer risk evaluations in aging male patients.”

Full text of the study, “Association between lifetime co-use of classic psychedelics and cannabis and prostate cancer diagnosis among US adults 50 years and older,” appears in Nature: Scientific Reports.

Analysis: Cannabis Use Not Associated With Heart Abnormalities in HIV Patients

Miami, FL: HIV patients with a history of cannabis use are not at an increased risk for myocardial infarction or other adverse cardiovascular events, according to ECG (electrocardiogram) findings published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Investigators affiliated with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and the University of California at San Francisco assessed ECG results in 3,610 HIV patients with and without a history of cannabis use.

Researchers reported that cannabis use was not independently associated with ECG abnormalities, including evidence of myocardial infarction (heart attack). They concluded, “We sought to evaluate the association of cannabis use and ECG abnormalities. … Evidence of ECG abnormalities did not vary significantly by cannabis use status alone in the overall cohort, nor by sex, when controlling for covariates.”

Although individual studies assessing cannabis use and cardiovascular health have yielded inconsistent results, a literature review of 67 papers published in The American Journal of Medicine concluded, “[M]arijuana itself does not appear to be independently associated with excessive cardiovascular risk factors.” More recently, an analysis of over 720,000 adults published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) Focus concluded that current cannabis consumers do not possess a greater risk of heart attack as compared to non-users.

Full text of the study, “The association between cannabis use and electrocardiographic abnormalities in people living with HIV,” appears in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Study: Cannabis Inhalation Associated With Symptomatic Improvements in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pullman, WA: Adults with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) report significant improvements in their symptoms following cannabis inhalation, according to data published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports.

Researchers affiliated with Washington State University and the University of New Orleans reviewed data from 111 self-identified ASD patients (ages 19 to 70). Study participants self-medicated with cannabis and reported their results in real-time on the mobile technology platform Strainprint. Investigators assessed nearly 6,000 separate Strainprint entries compiled over 74 months.

They reported: “Using a large dataset from self-identified autistic adults self-medicating with cannabis, we found that ratings of the severity of Negative Affect (anxiety and irritability) were reduced by 75.78 percent, ratings of the severity of Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive behaviors) were reduced by 70.41 percent, ratings of the severity of problems with Mental Control (difficulty concentrating) were reduced by 68.59 percent, and ratings of Sensitivity (skin and sound sensitivity, sensory overload) severity were reduced by 68.09 percent, from immediately before to shortly after inhaling cannabis. Moreover, these symptoms were reduced (rather than exacerbated or unchanged) in 98.33 percent of the cannabis use sessions. These findings are among the first to indicate that cannabis is perceived to improve highly prevalent symptoms associated with ASD in adults using cannabis for symptom management.”

Study participants acknowledged experiencing symptomatic improvements from cannabis regardless of its potency or its cannabinoid ratios.

“These findings indicate that well-powered placebo-controlled trials are warranted to examine the acute effects of various cannabinoids and manipulations of the endocannabinoid system on ASD symptoms,” the study’s authors concluded.

The findings are consistent with observational studies involving patients enrolled in the United Kingdom’s Medical Cannabis Registry, which similarly report that adults with ASD experience improved symptoms and reduce their use of prescription medications following their use of medical cannabis products.

Full text of the study, “Acute effects on cannabis on core and co-occurring features associated with autism spectrum disorder in adults,” appears in Nature: Scientific Reports.

Analysis: Cannabis Use Associated With Lower Rates of Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome

Adelaide, Australia: Adults with a history of recent cannabis use are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome (aka MetS, a cluster of biochemical and physiological markers associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes) as compared to similarly matched controls, according to data published in the journal Schizophrenia Research.

Australian researchers assessed MetS prevalence in a cohort of schizophrenic patients with and without a history of cannabis consumption.

They reported that THC-positive subjects “exhibited a significantly lower prevalence of MetS (adjusted OR = 0.61),” even after researchers adjusted for potential confounders. Cannabis use was also associated with lower weight, BMI, and cholesterol levels – findings that are consistent with prior studies.

“Our findings demonstrate a significant association between cannabis use and a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in individuals with schizophrenia,” the study’s authors concluded. However, they cautioned: “Given the well-established adverse psychosis-related outcomes of cannabis use in this population, our findings underscore the need for cautious interpretation. The relationship between cannabis use and cardiometabolic health in schizophrenia is likely multifactorial, influenced by biological, pharmacological and behavioral traits that remain poorly understood. … Future research should investigate the long-term cardiometabolic effects of both cannabis use and cessation and assess the potential for targeted metabolic interventions during this critical period.”

Full text of the study, “Cannabis use and cardiometabolic risk in schizophrenia,” appears in Schizophrenia Research.

Clinical Trial: CBD Dosing Reduces Dementia Symptoms in Older Adults

São Paulo, Brazil: The daily use of CBD reduces dementia symptoms, according to placebo-controlled clinical trial data published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Brazilian researchers assessed the efficacy of CBD versus a placebo in 30 older patients with vascular dementia (VaD). Study participants consumed either 300mg doses of CBD or the placebo for four weeks.

CBD administration significantly reduced patients’ behavioral and psychiatric symptoms compared to placebo. CBD dosing did not adversely impact patients’ cognitive functioning, nor was it associated with any other significant side effects.

“CBD was well tolerated and effectively reduced BPSD [behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia] in VaD without cognitive or functional impairment,” the study’s authors concluded. “These findings warrant further trials with larger samples, extended durations, and dose-optimization strategies to confirm its therapeutic potential.”

According to the conclusions of a review paper published previously this year in the same journal, “Cannabinoids show promising potential in managing symptoms such as agitation and aggression in people with dementia, with an overall favorable safety and tolerability profile.”

Full text of the study, “Effects of cannabidiol on behavioral and psychological symptoms of vascular dementia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial,” appears in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

California: No Significant Uptick in Marijuana Use by Adults Following Legalization

Berkeley, CA: The percentage of adults in California reporting current cannabis use has remained stable following legalization, according to findings published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse.

Researchers affiliated with the Prevention Research Center in Berkeley assessed trends in past 30-day cannabis use from 2018 to 2023 using data compiled by the California Health Interview Survey – a representative sample of tens of thousands of Californians.

Contrary to investigators’ expectations, they identified no significant overall increase in self-reported cannabis use by adults.

“In summary, the overall trend for cannabis use in the past 30-day in California remained unchanged from 2018 to 2023, eight years after legalization and six years after cannabis retail became available,” the study’s authors concluded. “Future research should focus on identifying trends among gender, age, and ethnic groups.”

The findings are consistent with national trends reporting no significant uptick in marijuana use by adolescents post-legalization, but they are inconsistent with several surveys finding increased cannabis use among young adults and seniors.

Full text of the study, “Trends in pot-legalization cannabis use among ethnic groups in California: 2018-2023,” appears in Substance Use & Misuse.

Meta-Analysis: Cannabis Use Not Linked To Elevated Risk of Oral Cancer

Zarqa, Jordan: Cannabis use is associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer, according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

An international team of investigators from Jordan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan reviewed data from six case-control studies involving over 15,000 subjects.

Researchers identified no dose-response relationship between cannabis use and a heightened risk of oral cancers, regardless of subjects’ duration of use. Instead, investigators suggested that cannabis may provide “significant protective effects” against cancer. They caution, however, that their findings may be influenced by confounders, particularly researchers’ failure to identify subjects’ HPV (human papillomavirus) status. (HPV infection is linked to elevated cancer risk.)

“The pooled odds ratio demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between marijuana use and oral cancer risk (OR = 0.66),” the study’s authors concluded. “However, given methodological limitations, heterogeneity in exposure assessment, and conflicting recent evidence, these findings require cautious interpretation. Future large-scale prospective cohort studies with standardized exposure measurements are essential for definitive conclusions.”

While cannabinoids have demonstrated well-established anti-cancer activities in preclinical models, their efficacy as an anti-cancer agent has rarely been assessed in clinical trials.

Full text of the study, “The association between marijuana use and oral cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies,” appears in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

Study: Low Levels of THC in Blood Not Associated With Significant Changes in Simulated Driving Performance

San Diego, CA: Subjects who have not recently consumed cannabis but still have residual levels of THC in their blood perform no differently on a driving simulator than do those who are THC-negative, according to data published in the journal Clinical Chemistry.

Researchers affiliated with the University of California at San Diego assessed THC blood levels and simulated driving performance in a cohort of 190 regular cannabis consumers. Study subjects were required to have abstained from cannabis for 48 hours prior to participating in the study.

Post-abstinence, nearly half of the study participants had detectable levels of THC (above 0.5ng/ml) at baseline, with one-quarter of participants testing positive for more than 2ng/ml of THC in blood. However, those testing positive for THC showed no significant differences in their baseline driving scores as compared to those with no quantifiable THC concentrations.

“Our data argue that the concentrations we measured at baseline likely reflect steady state THC concentrations in this population, several days after last use,” the study’s authors concluded. “We also show, using quantitative data from the driving simulator, that participants who exceeded the zero-tolerance and per se cutpoints (2 and 5 ng/mL) performed in a similar manner as those below these arbitrary values. These results add to a growing body of evidence that per se THC blood statutes lack scientific credibility as prima facie evidence of impairment.”

The findings are consistent with those of other studies reporting no correlation between the detection of either THC or its metabolites in blood, urine, saliva, and breath and impaired driving performance. Nevertheless, several states have enacted laws criminalizing drivers who operate a motor vehicle with trace levels of THC or THC metabolites, regardless of whether the driver is impaired.

In an accompanying editorial, authors said that the study’s conclusions “raise serious doubts about the scientific validity of using measures of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in blood to identify cannabis-impaired drivers.”

NORML has consistently argued that law enforcement should not presume that the detection of either THC or its metabolites in bodily fluids is evidence of impairment because their presence is not predictive of diminished performance. Alternatively, NORML has called for the expanded use of performance-based tests, like DRUID or Predictive Safety’s AlertMeter, which compare subjects’ cognitive skills to either their own prior performance or an aggregate baseline.

Full text of the study, “Per se driving under the influence of cannabis statutes and blood delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations following short-term cannabis abstinence,” appears in Clinical Chemistry. Additional information on cannabis and driving is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Marijuana and Psychomotor Performance.’

Analysis: Cannabis Terpenes Act as Agonists on Endogenous Cannabinoid Receptors

Ra’anana, Israel: Terpenes in the cannabis plant activate endogenous cannabinoid receptors in a dose-dependent manner, according to the preclinical data published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology.

Israeli researchers assessed the modulatory ability of sixteen cannabis terpenes: α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, myrcene, ocimene, sabinene, terpinolene, borneol, eucalyptol, geraniol, linalool, terpineol, β-caryophyllene, humulene, bisabolol, and nerolidol. Researchers reported “significant dose-dependent responses at both CB1 and CB2 receptors, … reaching a maximal response of about 10-60 percent the activation elicited by THC.” The study is among the first to characterize terpene interactions with CB2 receptors.

Activating the CB2 receptors is believed to provide cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects, but it does not elicit mood-altering effects.

“This study provides evidence suggesting that multiple cannabis-derived terpenes, when tested in the absence of cannabinoids, act as partial agonists at CB1R and CB2R, with significant variability in apparent potency, efficacy, and receptor selectivity,” the study’s authors concluded. “Collectively, these findings suggest a pharmacological basis for incorporating specific terpenes into ECS-focused product design and warrant further research into their tissue-specific activity, and synergistic potential when used in combination with cannabinoids or other therapeutic agents. The broad availability and favorable safety profiles of many terpenes further support their potential as accessible, scalable, and customizable tools in the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling.”

Prior studies have established that low doses of cannabis terpenes can amplify THC’s activity upon CB1 receptors. A 2023 research paper published in the Journal of Cannabis Research reported that cannabis flower with elevated levels of the terpenes myrcene and terpinolene is associated with greater perceived symptom relief among patients.

Full text of the study, “Selective activation of cannabinoid receptors by cannabis terpenes,” appears in Biochemical Pharmacology.

Ohio: Legislative Conference Committee Advances Bill Repealing Key Provisions of Voter-Approved Marijuana Law

Columbus, OH: Members of a legislative conference committee approved and advanced a negotiated version of Senate Bill 56, which makes numerous changes to the state’s voter-approved adult-use marijuana legalization law.

The Republican-spearheaded bill amends existing law in several ways. It stipulates that consumers cannot legally possess cannabis products sourced from out of state, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. No other legalization state imposes such restrictions.

It also repeals provisions that currently protect adult-use consumers from facing either workplace or professional disciplinary action, as well as other forms of discrimination based solely upon their private marijuana use. It imposes new arbitrary limits on the percentages of THC permitted in adult-use and medical cannabis concentrates and it caps the total number of retail licenses permitted statewide.

Other provisions in the legislation create a pathway for those seeking to expunge past marijuana-related convictions, limit the sale of certain hemp-derived products solely to state-licensed dispensaries, clarify that adults can legally consume cannabis on their private property (rather than solely inside their own private residence), and redirect a portion of tax revenues from marijuana sales to individual municipalities that license cannabis retailers.

NORML has vociferously lobbied against many of the proposed changes to Ohio’s adult-use marijuana law, which was approved in 2023 by 57 percent of voters. NORML’s action alert opposing SB 56 has been shared with lawmakers over 22,000 times. It states: “This bill is a slap in the face to the millions of Ohioans who voted in favor of Issue 2. Once again, politicians are arrogantly trying to claim that the public didn’t know what they were voting for.”

Members of the House approved the revised bill late Wednesday, with all Democrats voting against it. The legislation now awaits a final vote by members of the Senate, who are expected to reconvene in December. Once approved by the Senate, it will head to the desk of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who is expected to sign the bill into law.

Meta-Analysis: Cannabis Use Not Linked To Elevated Risk of Oral Cancer

Zarqa, Jordan: Cannabis use is associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer, according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

An international team of investigators from Jordan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan reviewed data from six case-control studies involving over 15,000 subjects.

Researchers identified no dose-response relationship between cannabis use and a heightened risk of oral cancers, regardless of subjects’ duration of use. Instead, investigators suggested that cannabis may provide “significant protective effects” against cancer. They caution, however, that their findings may be influenced by confounders, particularly researchers’ failure to identify subjects’ HPV (human papillomavirus) status. (HPV infection is linked to elevated cancer risk.)

“The pooled odds ratio demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between marijuana use and oral cancer risk (OR = 0.66),” the study’s authors concluded. “However, given methodological limitations, heterogeneity in exposure assessment, and conflicting recent evidence, these findings require cautious interpretation. Future large-scale prospective cohort studies with standardized exposure measurements are essential for definitive conclusions.”

While cannabinoids have demonstrated well-established anti-cancer activities in preclinical models, their efficacy as an anti-cancer agent has rarely been assessed in clinical trials.

Full text of the study, “The association between marijuana use and oral cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies,” appears in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

Study: Low Levels of THC in Blood Not Associated With Significant Changes in Simulated Driving Performance

San Diego, CA: Subjects who have not recently consumed cannabis but still have residual levels of THC in their blood perform no differently on a driving simulator than do those who are THC-negative, according to data published in the journal Clinical Chemistry.

Researchers affiliated with the University of California at San Diego assessed THC blood levels and simulated driving performance in a cohort of 190 regular cannabis consumers. Study subjects were required to have abstained from cannabis for 48 hours prior to participating in the study.

Post-abstinence, nearly half of the study participants had detectable levels of THC (above 0.5ng/ml) at baseline, with one-quarter of participants testing positive for more than 2ng/ml of THC in blood. However, those testing positive for THC showed no significant differences in their baseline driving scores as compared to those with no quantifiable THC concentrations.

“Our data argue that the concentrations we measured at baseline likely reflect steady state THC concentrations in this population, several days after last use,” the study’s authors concluded. “We also show, using quantitative data from the driving simulator, that participants who exceeded the zero-tolerance and per se cutpoints (2 and 5 ng/mL) performed in a similar manner as those below these arbitrary values. These results add to a growing body of evidence that per se THC blood statutes lack scientific credibility as prima facie evidence of impairment.”

The findings are consistent with those of other studies reporting no correlation between the detection of either THC or its metabolites in blood, urine, saliva, and breath and impaired driving performance. Nevertheless, several states have enacted laws criminalizing drivers who operate a motor vehicle with trace levels of THC or THC metabolites, regardless of whether the driver is impaired.

In an accompanying editorial, authors said that the study’s conclusions “raise serious doubts about the scientific validity of using measures of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in blood to identify cannabis-impaired drivers.”

NORML has consistently argued that law enforcement should not presume that the detection of either THC or its metabolites in bodily fluids is evidence of impairment because their presence is not predictive of diminished performance. Alternatively, NORML has called for the expanded use of performance-based tests, like DRUID or Predictive Safety’s AlertMeter, which compare subjects’ cognitive skills to either their own prior performance or an aggregate baseline.

Full text of the study, “Per se driving under the influence of cannabis statutes and blood delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations following short-term cannabis abstinence,” appears in Clinical Chemistry.

Analysis: Cannabis Terpenes Act as Agonists on Endogenous Cannabinoid Receptors

Ra’anana, Israel: Terpenes in the cannabis plant activate endogenous cannabinoid receptors in a dose-dependent manner, according to the preclinical data published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology.

Israeli researchers assessed the modulatory ability of sixteen cannabis terpenes: α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, myrcene, ocimene, sabinene, terpinolene, borneol, eucalyptol, geraniol, linalool, terpineol, β-caryophyllene, humulene, bisabolol, and nerolidol. Researchers reported “significant dose-dependent responses at both CB1 and CB2 receptors, … reaching a maximal response of about 10-60 percent the activation elicited by THC.” The study is among the first to characterize terpene interactions with CB2 receptors.

Activating the CB2 receptors is believed to provide cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects, but it does not elicit mood-altering effects.

“This study provides evidence suggesting that multiple cannabis-derived terpenes, when tested in the absence of cannabinoids, act as partial agonists at CB1R and CB2R, with significant variability in apparent potency, efficacy, and receptor selectivity,” the study’s authors concluded. “Collectively, these findings suggest a pharmacological basis for incorporating specific terpenes into ECS-focused product design and warrant further research into their tissue-specific activity, and synergistic potential when used in combination with cannabinoids or other therapeutic agents. The broad availability and favorable safety profiles of many terpenes further support their potential as accessible, scalable, and customizable tools in the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling.”

Prior studies have established that low doses of cannabis terpenes can amplify THC’s activity upon CB1 receptors. A 2023 research paper published in the Journal of Cannabis Research reported that cannabis flower with elevated levels of the terpenes myrcene and terpinolene is associated with greater perceived symptom relief among patients.

Full text of the study, “Selective activation of cannabinoid receptors by cannabis terpenes,” appears in Biochemical Pharmacology.

Ohio: Legislative Conference Committee Advances Bill Repealing Key Provisions of Voter-Approved Marijuana Law

Columbus, OH: Members of a legislative conference committee approved and advanced a negotiated version of Senate Bill 56, which makes numerous changes to the state’s voter-approved adult-use marijuana legalization law.

The Republican-spearheaded bill amends existing law in several ways. It stipulates that consumers cannot legally possess cannabis products sourced from out of state, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. No other legalization state imposes such restrictions.

It also repeals provisions that currently protect adult-use consumers from facing either workplace or professional disciplinary action, as well as other forms of discrimination based solely upon their private marijuana use. It imposes new arbitrary limits on the percentages of THC permitted in adult-use and medical cannabis concentrates and it caps the total number of retail licenses permitted statewide.

Other provisions in the legislation create a pathway for those seeking to expunge past marijuana-related convictions, limit the sale of certain hemp-derived products solely to state-licensed dispensaries, clarify that adults can legally consume cannabis on their private property (rather than solely inside their own private residence), and redirect a portion of tax revenues from marijuana sales to individual municipalities that license cannabis retailers.

NORML has vociferously lobbied against many of the proposed changes to Ohio’s adult-use marijuana law, which was approved in 2023 by 57 percent of voters. NORML’s action alert opposing SB 56 has been shared with lawmakers over 22,000 times. It states: “This bill is a slap in the face to the millions of Ohioans who voted in favor of Issue 2. Once again, politicians are arrogantly trying to claim that the public didn’t know what they were voting for.”

Members of the House approved the revised bill late Wednesday, with all Democrats voting against it. The legislation now awaits a final vote by members of the Senate, who are expected to reconvene in December. Once approved by the Senate, it will head to the desk of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who is expected to sign the bill into law.

Study: Older Adults With a History of Cannabis Use Exhibit Superior Cognitive Performance Compared to Non-Users

Haifa, Israel: Older adults with a history of cannabis use exhibit superior cognitive performance and slower age-related declines in executive function, according to data published in the journal Age and Ageing.

Israeli researchers assessed cognitive performance in a cohort of more than 67,000 adults (mean age: 67 years old).

Compared to non-users, participants with a history of cannabis use “performed better across all cognitive domains: attention, executive function, processing speed, visual and working memory. … Additionally, past use was associated with a slower decline in executive function.”

Positive associations were strongest for former users, while outcomes were less consistent among current cannabis consumers.

“Findings from our cross-sectional analyses show that participants with cannabis use experience performed better across all cognitive assessments compared to those without,” researchers reported. “These associations were primarily driven by participants with former use experience, while current use experience showed a more limited association, reaching significance only for working memory tasks. Similarly, our longitudinal analysis demonstrated a slower cognitive decline among former users, with no significant associations observed for current users.”

The study’s authors concluded: “While cognitive harms are often assumed among older cannabis users, our results suggest a more nuanced picture. … These findings may support balanced messaging that informs decisions, reduces age-related cannabis stigma and promotes clinician–patient dialogue on therapeutic cannabis.”

Separate longitudinal data published last year similarly concluded that older adults with a history of cannabis use exhibit “statistically significant less cognitive decline compared to non-users.”

Full text of the study, “History of cannabis use and cognitive function in older adults: Findings from the UK biobank,” appears in Age and Ageing.

Federal: Lawmakers Approve Funding Bill Restricting Sales of Certain Hemp-Derived Intoxicating Products

Washington, DC: Federal lawmakers have negotiated and finalized legislation to fund the US Department of Agriculture that includes amended provisions recriminalizing the sale of certain hemp-derived intoxicating products. The appropriations bill is one of three separate funding bills that were included in a package to reopen the government until January 30, 2026.

The provisions – which were advocated by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), among others – target products containing delta-8 THC and similar compounds, as well as products that are synthetically derived from hemp. Specifically, the bill redefines federally legal hemp products as only those containing no more than either 0.3 percent or 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that produce similar effects, including THCA. In addition, it criminalizes “any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use” as well as products that are produced following chemical synthesis, such as those high in delta-8 THC content.

Although delta-8 THC occurs organically in the cannabis plant, it is typically only produced in nominal quantities. By contrast, the elevated amounts of delta-8 THC present in commercially available products are typically the result of a chemical synthesis during which manufacturers convert hemp-derived CBD to delta-8 THC.

While the revised language is not explicitly intended to target hemp-derived CBD products marketed as non-intoxicating products, some industry advocates fear that these products will also ultimately be banned by the legislation because many of them contain trace levels of THC.

An effort by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to strike the amended language failed on the Senate floor, as did a similar effort in the House by Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY). A spokesperson for the White House previously acknowledged that President Trump “supports” the revisions to the 2018 hemp law, despite the President having signed the bill into law seven years ago.

The revised federal language will take effect in one year after its passage.

Nearly half of all US states already impose severe restrictions on the retail sale of delta-8 THC and similar products and federal courts have repeatedly upheld these bans.

NORML has consistently urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoid products, but has argued against recriminalizing them.

“Federally recriminalizing the hemp-derived marketplace will neither reduce consumers’ demand for these products nor increase consumers’ safety,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said.

Federal: Lawmakers Approve Military Funding Bill Denying Veterans’ Access to Medical Cannabis

Washington, DC: Federal lawmakers finalized and approved military funding legislation upholding federal rules barring VA doctors from recommending medical cannabis to veterans. The MilCon (Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies) appropriations bill is one of three separate funding bills that were included in a package to reopen the government until January 30, 2026.

Initial versions of the bill previously approved by the House and Senate included language repealing the longstanding ban. That language would have, for the first time, permitted VA doctors to explicitly issue medical cannabis authorizations in jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. However, leadership elected to remove those provisions in conference committee.

In 2018, Congressional leadership removed similar provisions from the military spending bill at the eleventh hour.

According to polling data provided earlier this year, most military veterans and their family members believe that the Department of Veterans Affairs should provide medical cannabis treatment to eligible patients. Seventy-five percent of veterans say that they “would be interested in using cannabis or cannabinoid products as a treatment option if it were available.”

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano criticized lawmakers’ decision to continue this federal prohibition. “This decision by leadership is a disservice to both veterans, many of whom desire medical cannabis access, and their doctors, many of whom want to facilitate their patients’ access to these state-regulated products,” he said. “Many veterans suffer from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and sleep disturbances – conditions that can be effectively treated with medical cannabis. Reducing barriers so that more veterans can participate in state-legal medical marijuana programs will improve lives and ensure that these patients are securing lab-tested cannabis products from state-licensed facilities rather than from the unregulated market.”

Gallup: Nearly Two-Thirds of Adults Favor Legalizing Marijuana, but Support Dips Among Republicans

Washington, DC: Nearly two out of three US adults say that “the use of marijuana should be legal,” according to nationwide polling data compiled by Gallup.

That percentage represents a slight dip from 2024 data, when 68 percent of respondents backed legalization. The percentage change was primarily driven by declining support among Republicans – only 40 percent of whom endorse marijuana legalization.

By contrast, 85 percent of Democrats support legalization – a near all-time high, as do 66 percent of Independents.

Historically, Republicans have been less likely than either Democrats or Independents to express support for legalization. In 2023, 55 percent of Republicans endorsed legalizing marijuana, the highest percentage ever.

According to Gallup, marijuana legalization has enjoyed majority support among Americans since 2013.