Tag: Tuesday

Analysis: Alcohol Sales Dip Following Marijuana Legalization

St. Catherines, Canada: Alcohol sales decline following the adoption of adult-use marijuana legalization, according to data published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

A researcher with Brock University in Ontario analyzed alcoholic beverage sales in the province of Nova Scotia during the 17 months immediately prior to and following Canada’s legalization of the adult-use marijuana market.

He determined that alcohol sales declined slightly (2.2 percent) immediately following legalization. Alcohol sales remained below average throughout the study period (1.2 percent below pre-legalization levels).

“Nova Scotia’s alcohol sales declined slightly after cannabis legalization,” the study’s author concluded. “The net decrease in alcohol sales implies … that … after cannabis became legal to use, consumers substituted it for alcohol more often than before.”

The result is consistent with data recently provided by Statistics Canada, finding that alcohol sales experienced a significant decline in 2023/2024 while adult-use cannabis sales increased nearly 12 percent.

Survey data published last year in The Harm Reduction Journal found that 60 percent of cannabis consumers acknowledge using the substance to reduce their alcohol intake.

Full text of the study, “Alcohol sales change in a Canadian province after recreational cannabis legalization,” appears in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

Clinical Trial: Daily Use of Hemp-Derived CBD Reduces Alcohol Cravings

Aurora, CO: The daily consumption of hemp-derived CBD is associated with reduced cravings for alcohol in subjects diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to clinical trial data published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Investigators affiliated with the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus assessed the use of CBD versus placebo in a cohort of 44 adults with AUD. Participants consumed 15 mg capsules containing hemp-derived CBD either with or without THC or a placebo for eight weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, and 16 weeks.

Researchers reported that daily CBD consumption reduced participants’ alcohol cravings with “minimal side effects.” Participants who consumed CBD with trace amounts of THC “demonstrated stronger improvements in AUD symptoms” relative to those who consumed CBD only. However, CBD dosing didn’t directly influence the number of drinks participants consumed per day.

“Results suggest good tolerability, low potential for adverse effects, and potential clinical efficacy, supporting the rationale for additional investigations,” the study’s authors concluded. “Future studies should prioritize large, well-powered RCTs [randomized clinical trials] to validate these preliminary findings in individuals with varying AUD severity and treatment histories.”

The results of a 2024 randomized clinical trial similarly concluded that the oral administration of 800 mg of synthetic CBD significantly reduces subjects’ cravings for alcohol.

A 2021 observational study also determined that the consumption of CBD-dominant cannabis is associated with reductions in subjects’ alcohol intake. That study reported that participants who ingested CBD-dominant cannabis during the trial period “drank fewer drinks per drinking day, had fewer alcohol use days, and fewer alcohol and cannabis co-use days” compared with those who did not.

Separate studies also suggest that CBD dosing can reduce cravings for other psychoactive substances, including tobacco, methamphetamine, and heroin.

Full text of the study, “A preliminary randomized trial of the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol in alcohol use disorder,” appears in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Survey: Most Veterans Say Feds Should Provide Medical Cannabis Services

Washington, DC: Military veterans and their family members believe that the Department of Veterans Affairs should provide medical cannabis treatment to eligible patients, according to survey data compiled by the non-profit group Mission Roll Call.

Representatives from the advocacy group compiled responses from nearly 2,000 veterans and their family members regarding how the Veterans Affairs department could better expand its services. Fifty-seven percent of respondents supported allowing the agency to provide medical cannabis.

Under federal law, VA-affiliated doctors are forbidden from authorizing veterans to use medical cannabis, even if they live in jurisdictions where the substance is legal.

Nonetheless, some 40 percent of veterans suffering from chronic pain acknowledge using cannabis products. Most say they improve their health-related quality of life and reduce their reliance on prescription medications.

Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Marijuana and Veterans Issues.’

Preclinical Study: Topical Application of Hemp Seed Oil Accelerates Wound Healing

Banda Aceh, Indonesia: The twice-daily topical application of hemp seed oil accelerates the wound healing process, according to animal data published in the Indonesian scientific journal Narra J.

A team of Indonesian researchers assessed the efficacy of hemp seed oil on animal (mice) wounds over 21 days. Investigators compared the effects of hemp seed oil to those of another active treatment (chloramphenicol ointment) or a placebo.

Researchers reported that hemp seed oil “demonstrated superior effectiveness in accelerating wound size reduction compared to chloramphenicol ointment during days 14 and 21, indicating its potential as a supportive therapy for prolonged wound healing phases.” Hemp seed oil also demonstrated superior results with respect to vascularization and promoting angiogenesis (stimulating the formation of new blood vessels).

“Hemp seed oil demonstrated significant potential in accelerating wound healing processes, particularly in promoting wound size reduction, epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization, indicating a superior effect compared to chloramphenicol ointment,” the study’s authors concluded. “Hemp seed oil may be considered a promising adjunct or alternative treatment for wound management, particularly for patients seeking natural and cost-effective options.”

The topical application of cannabinoids, and CBD in particular, has demonstrated benefits in the treatment of a variety of skin-related conditions, including eczema, leg ulcers, skin ulcers of the fingertips, psoriasis, erythema, pruritus, and acne. It has also been associated with wound healing in patients with refractory leg ulcers and with the rare skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa.

Full text of the study, “Effect of hemp seed oil on accelerating wound healing: Evaluation of wound size reduction, epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization in murine models,” appears in Narra J.

Analysis: Few Changes in Patients’ Cognitive Performance Following Their Use of Medical Cannabis Products

Brisbane, Australia: Patients’ cognitive performance is largely unaffected following their consumption of either medical cannabis oil or flower, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review.

Australian researchers assessed the acute effects of either vaporized cannabis or the ingestion of cannabis oil on cognitive functions relevant to driving in a cohort of 78 patients. (Australian physicians may prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.) Participants’ performance was tested at baseline and then again 15 minutes following the vaporization of herbal cannabis and 90 minutes following the ingestion of cannabis oil.

Consistent with prior studies, subjects exhibited tolerance to the acute effects of cannabis dosing. Specifically, participants’ cannabis use “did not measurably affect information processing speed, divided and sustained attention, or inhibitory control performance.”

By contrast, investigators reported that cannabis may negatively influence patients’ “mental flexibility” (the capacity for switching attentional focus) and “visuomotor attention” skills. However, researchers said it is unclear “whether such changes would translate into temporary functional changes to driving capacity.”

The study’s authors concluded: “The absence of measurable change on multiple measures of attentional processing, reaction time, and simple information processing speed suggests that tolerance to THC may mediate the known acute effects of cannabis on neurocognitive function in medicinal cannabis patients. … As the use of medicinal cannabis continues to expand globally, research investigating the acute effects of prescribed THC remains a high priority.”

Full text of the study, “Elucidating the acute effects of medically prescribed oral and vaporized delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on cognitive functions important for driving,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Review.

Study: Cannabis Use Has No Significant Adverse Impact on Sperm Motility

Boston, MA: Men who use cannabis do not have lower sperm counts, according to data published in the scientific journal Andrology.

Researchers affiliated with Boston University’s School of Public Health assessed semen samples from a representative cohort of 921 male subjects, 23 percent of whom currently consumed cannabis.

Investigators reported no significant differences in sperm concentration, volume, or motility in cannabis consumers versus non-consumers.

“In this North American preconception cohort study, current cannabis use was not appreciably associated with semen quality,” the study’s authors concluded.

Studies assessing the potential impact of cannabis use on male reproductive health have yielded inconsistent results. For instance, a 2019 Harvard study linked cannabis use with higher sperm concentrations, while a 2015 review paper cautioned that heavy cannabis use could pose detrimental effects on male reproductive potential. More recent papers have concluded that a history of cannabis use likely doesn’t have any significant adverse effects on either male sexual function or fertility rates.

Full text of the study, “A North American preconception cohort study of cannabis use and semen quality,” appears in Andrology.

Study: FDA-Approved CBD Formulation Significantly Reduces Seizure Frequency in Young People With Refractory Epilepsy

New Orleans, LA: Nearly half of pediatric patients prescribed CBD in the form of Epidiolex achieve a ≤25 percent reduction in seizures, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior.

Investigators affiliated with Tulane University’s School of Medicine assessed the adjunctive use of Epidiolex in 208 patients with treatment-resistant childhood epilepsy.

Researchers reported a significant decrease in seizure frequency across all diagnostic categories, with an overall median reduction in monthly seizures from 30 to eight. Forty-nine percent of patients experienced a greater than 25 percent reduction in seizure frequency following CBD treatment. Twenty-one percent of participants experienced a 51 to 75 percent reduction in seizures.

“Our study demonstrates that cannabidiol offers significant benefits in reducing seizure frequency across a variety of epilepsy etiologies in pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy,” the study’s authors concluded. “While CBD’s efficacy in conditions like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome is well-documented our findings underscore CBD’s broader potential in managing other types of DEEs [developmental and epileptic encephalopathies], focal/multifocal epilepsy, and primary generalized epilepsy.”

In 2018, regulators at the US Food and Drug Administration granted market approval to Epidiolex, a prescription medicine containing a standardized formulation of plant-derived cannabidiol for the explicit treatment of Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, two rare forms of childhood epilepsy.

Full text of the study, “Adjunctive use of cannabidiol for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A retrospective multicenter analysis,” appears in Epilepsy & Behavior.

Texas: Austin Police Unlikely To Pursue Low-Level Marijuana Possession Cases Despite Appellate Court Ruling

Austin, TX: Austin police officers are unlikely to begin citing or arresting minor marijuana violators, despite a recent appellate court ruling striking down the city’s voter-approved depenalization ordinance.

“For now, we’re still going with the way we were policing before,” acknowledged Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.

Austin is one of several Texas cities that have approved citizen-sponsored ordinances prohibiting local law enforcement from making low-level marijuana-related arrests. (Voters in Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos have also approved marijuana depenalization measures.) However, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued to nullify those laws. In March, the newly formed Fifteenth Court of Appeals ruled that state law preempts the adoption of Austin’s and San Marcos’ ordinances.

State law defines marijuana possession of two ounces or less as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal record.

In addition to the Attorney General’s legal efforts, Texas lawmakers are moving forward with legislation prohibiting localities from placing any future marijuana-related measures on the ballot. Senate lawmakers recently approved SB 1870, which forbids voters from deciding upon local ordinances that seek to decriminalize marijuana. The measure also prohibits cities and towns from adopting policies that do not “fully enforce” the state’s criminal marijuana laws.

Analysis: Cannabis Use by Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Associated With Reduced In-Hospital Mortality, Lower Hospitalization Costs

New York, NY: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who consume cannabis are less likely to die while hospitalized and they incur fewer hospital-related expenses as compared to non-users, according to data published in the journal Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.

Researchers affiliated with St. Barnabas Hospital in New York City assessed the relationship between cannabis use and inpatient outcomes in a cohort of more than 3.3 million RA patients over five years.

After adjusting for age, gender, race, and comorbidities, cannabis use at the time of hospitalization was linked to decreased mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.50), depression (OR: 0.47), chronic pain (OR: 0.45), and anxiety (OR: 0.55). Cannabis consumers also incurred nearly 10 percent fewer hospital-related charges per visit.

“While these findings suggest potential benefits of cannabis use for symptom management, it is important to recognize that the current evidence is observational,” the study’s authors concluded. “Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of these associations and to develop strategies that maximize the benefits of cannabis use while minimizing the risks.”

Other studies have similarly linked cannabis use with decreased in-hospital mortality, specifically among patients with acute myocardial infarction, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, HIV, burn-related injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and various other types of severe trauma.

Survey data reports that as many as one in five arthritis patients use cannabis products to mitigate their symptoms and reduce their use of prescription opioids.

Full text of the study, “Inpatient outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis in hospitalized patients using cannabis: Data from the National Inpatient Sample,” appears in Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.

Study: Chronic Pain Patients Report Improvements Following Use of CBD

Dothan, AL: Most patients who consume CBD say that it significantly reduces their chronic pain, according to data published in the scientific journal Cureus.

Researchers affiliated with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine surveyed the efficacy of CBD in 121 chronic pain patients. Participants rated their pain at baseline and following CBD treatment on a scale of zero (no pain) to 10 (worst pain they have ever felt).

Over 98 percent of respondents reported pain mitigation following their use of CBD. On average, patients’ baseline pain fell 2.6 points on the 10-point numerical rating scale. Most participants (55 percent) reported no adverse side effects from CBD treatment.

Investigators reported: “CBD has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of chronic pain in study respondents, regardless of the cause. Over 98 percent of participants self-reported an improvement to some extent of their chronic pain, ranging from a minimal reduction in pain (i.e., 1/10), to a complete resolution of chronic pain (i.e., 10/10), through CBD treatment.”

The study’s authors concluded: “The findings from the current project indicate that a majority of participants believe their chronic pain has improved with the usage of a CBD supplement. Most subjects used CBD between one and three times a day, with many finding relief with a dose of 100 mg or less. Furthermore, most respondents experienced either mild side effects or no side effects at all. Altogether, these findings may be comforting to individuals concerned about taking pain medication too frequently, at high doses, or about its associated adverse effects. While our research is certainly not exhaustive, it is a clear indication that the possibility of great benefit of CBD treatment exists in treating chronic pain.”

A placebo-controlled study performed by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in Los Angeles previously reported that the use of commercially available CBD products is associated with “clinically meaningful” improvements in patients’ pain, anxiety, and sleep quality.

Full text of the study, “A survey on the use of cannabidiol isolate, its perceived benefits, and associated side effects among subjects with chronic pain,” appears in Cureus.

Study: Cannabis Use Not Associated With Sedentary Lifestyle

Ghent, Belgium: Younger and middle-aged adults who regularly consume cannabis are no less likely than non-users to engage in physical activities, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Belgian researchers examined the relationship between past-month cannabis use and physical activity in a cohort of adults between the ages of 15 and 64.

After controlling for potential confounders, investigators reported that past-month cannabis consumption had “no effect” on participants’ levels of physical activity. “The stereotypical image of cannabis users having more sedentary lifestyles should be critically reevaluated in light of our and other research,” the study’s authors concluded.

Their findings are consistent with those of a 2024 study that similarly determined, “Marijuana … use [is] not associated with low exercise rates among adults in the United States.”

Their conclusions are inconsistent with those of other recent studies finding that adults with a history of marijuana use, and older adults in particular, typically exercise more frequently than their non-using peers.

Full text of the study, “Cannabis use is not associated with altered levels of physical activity: Evidence from the repeated sectional Belgian Health Interview Survey,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Nebraska: Lawmakers Advance Legislation Amending Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Measures

Lincoln, NE: Legislators on the General Affairs Committee amended and passed legislation, LB 677, regulating the distribution of medical cannabis to authorized patients. Over 70 percent of Nebraskans approved a pair of citizen initiatives in November, legalizing the use and dispensing of cannabis to those with a physician’s recommendation.

Changes to LB 677, which had previously stalled in the Committee, include prohibiting patients from smoking botanical cannabis and imposing a limited list of qualifying conditions. Neither restriction exists in the voter-approved ballot measures. As amended, LB 677 also reduces the amount of cannabis patients may possess from five ounces to no more than two ounces. Lawmakers also added new rules narrowly defining which healthcare practitioners can issue medical cannabis authorizations and under what circumstances.

The amended measure now heads to the floor for further debate. The 2025 state legislative session is scheduled to end in June.

Following the passage of the initiatives, the state’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify the election results. Although a district court judge rejected the suit, the AG is appealing the ruling to the state’s Supreme Court. A separate lawsuit filed on behalf of a former state senator is also pending. That suit argues that the state’s medical cannabis measures should be preempted by federal law, a position the AG also endorses.

Additional information is available from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

Analysis: Cigarette Smoking Poses Greater Impact to Airway Health Than Cannabis

Davis, CA: Cannabis smoking and tobacco smoking appear to have disparate impacts on lung health, according to data published in the journal Respiratory Research.

Investigators affiliated with the University of California at Davis assessed the impact of tobacco smoke and cannabis smoke on airway health by analyzing subjects’ exhaled breath condensate (EBC).

They reported that cannabis consumers possessed breath profiles similar to those of non-smokers. By contrast, tobacco smokers possessed profiles with elevated levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers.

“Cigarettes upregulate these inflammatory fatty acids, but we didn’t see that nearly as much with marijuana and marijuana products,” one of the study’s authors said. “When we look at the signatures from the marijuana smokers, they look closer to non-users and non-smokers than the tobacco smokers, and that was a surprise to us.”

Prior studies have similarly determined that cannabis consumers are exposed to fewer harmful toxicants as compared to those who smoke tobacco cigarettes.

Numerous studies have concluded that cannabis smoke and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic. Moreover, the use of vaporization technology, which heats herbal cannabis to a set temperature below the point of combustion, is associated with reduced exposure to toxic gasses and has been identified as a “safe and effective” cannabis delivery device in clinical trial settings.

Full text of the study, “Impacts of vaping and marijuana use on airway health as determined by exhaled breath condensate,” appears in Respiratory Research.

Study: Patients With Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy Improve Following Medical Cannabis Therapy

London, United Kingdom: Patients with refractory epilepsy report sustained improvements in their symptoms following the use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal Brain and Behavior.

British investigators assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in a cohort of 134 patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (British health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Patients’ outcomes were assessed at one, three, and six months.

Medical cannabis treatment was associated with improvements in patient‐reported epilepsy‐specific outcomes, alongside improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. Over 96 percent of study subjects reported no adverse events from cannabis treatment.

“Treatment with CBMPs was associated with an improvement in both epilepsy‐specific and general HRQoL [health-related quality of life] outcomes at one, three, and six months,” the study’s authors concluded. “This study shows the promising potential of CBMPs as an adjunctive treatment option in the management of TRE [treatment-resistant epilepsy.]”

In 2018, regulators at the US Food and Drug Administration granted market approval to Epidiolex, a prescription medicine containing a standardized formulation of plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

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

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A clinical outcomes analysis for epilepsy,” appears in Brain and Behavior.

Analysis: Alcohol Poses a “Greater Threat to Road Safety” Than Cannabis

Vancouver, Canada: Alcohol is among the most frequently detected controlled substances identified in drivers following a motor vehicle accident and it “remains the greatest threat to road safety,” according to data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.

Canadian researchers reviewed bloodwork data for over 8,300 drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident. Over half of the study’s participants tested positive for the presence of a controlled substance. Drivers were most likely to test positive for either depressants, cannabis, or alcohol – with cannabis being more common among younger drivers (ages 19 to 24).

However, most drivers who tested positive for the presence of THC in blood did so at nominal levels – indicating that their exposure may have been several hours or even days beforehand. (THC may remain present in the blood of more habitual consumers for several days following past exposure.) Only about three percent of participants tested positive for THC at elevated levels (THC ≥ 5 ng/mL).

“These statistics suggest that although more drivers test positive for THC, alcohol remains the greater threat to road safety,” the study’s authors concluded.

A prior Canadian study reported that drivers treated for traffic-related injuries are over three times as likely to test positive for elevated levels of alcohol (BAC ≥ 0.08 percent) than elevated levels of THC (THC ≥ 5 ng/mL).

Driving simulator studies report that cannabis administration is typically associated with compensatory driving behavior, such as decreased mean speed and increased mean following distance, whereas alcohol administration is associated with more aggressive driving behavior. Nevertheless, cannabis exposure can influence certain psychomotor skills necessary for safe driving, such as reaction time and drivers’ ability to maintain lane positioning.

A study conducted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drivers who test positive for any amount of THC possess, on average, a far lower risk of being involved in a traffic collision than do drivers who test positive for alcohol at or near legal limits.

By contrast, drivers who test positive for the presence of both THC and alcohol in their system tend to possess significantly higher odds of being involved in a motor vehicle accident than do those who test positive for either substance alone.

Full text of the study, “Prevalence of impairing substance use in injured drivers,” appears in JAMA Network Open.

Texas: Appellate Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved Marijuana Ordinances

Austin, TX: A Texas appellate court issued a pair of rulings last week halting the implementation of voter-approved marijuana initiatives in the cities of Austin (population: 980,000) and San Marcos (population: 72,000).

Voters in both cities had overwhelmingly approved municipal ordinances in 2022 prohibiting local police officers from issuing citations or making arrests for minor marijuana possession offenses. Last year, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against Austin, San Marcos, and several other cities for adopting the measures. The Attorney General filed an additional suit against the city of Dallas in December, opining, “Cities cannot pick and choose which state laws they follow.”

Reversing a lower court judge’s ruling, judges on the Fifteenth Court of Appeals sided with the Attorney General and held that state law preempts San Marcos from enforcing its ordinance. Specifically, judges ruled: “Section 370.003 of the Local Government Code … prohibits local governments from putting up any barrier to the full enforcement of drug-related laws. Texas law gives local governments and law enforcement officers a panoply of tools — such as the authority to issue citations and arrests — to enforce drug laws. Section 370.003 prohibits the City of San Marcos from making a policy that takes any of those tools off the table.”

Judges issued a similar ruling days later, striking down Austin’s marijuana ordinance, finding, “Consistent with City of San Marcos, we conclude that the ordinance in this case is also preempted by state law.” That ruling also reversed a lower court judge’s decision.

Police in both cities are anticipated to revert to issuing marijuana-related citations and arrests while the cases continue to be litigated.

Similar ordinances are in effect in the cities of Elgin, Dallas, Denton, and Killeen. Earlier this year, city council members in Bastrop (population: 11,700) and Lockhart (population: 15,300) declined to implement voter-approved depenalization ordinances out of fear of litigation.

State law defines marijuana possession of two ounces or less as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal record. According to data compiled by Texas NORML, police made an estimated 219,000 marijuana-related arrests between 2017 and 2021. Ninety-seven percent of those arrested were charged with possession only. Fifty-six percent of those arrested were under 25 years of age.

In addition to the Attorney General’s legal efforts, Texas lawmakers are also moving forward with legislation to prohibit localities from placing any future marijuana-related measures on the ballot. Specifically, Senate lawmakers recently approved SB 1870, which forbids voters from deciding upon any local ordinances that seek to decriminalize marijuana. The measure also prohibits cities and towns from adopting policies that do not “fully enforce” the state’s criminal marijuana laws.

Study: Post-Traumatic Stress Patients Experience Sustained Improvements Following Use of Medical Cannabis Products

London, United Kingdom: Patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress experience significant long-term benefits following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to data published in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.

British researchers assessed changes in patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). (British health care providers may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Two hundred and sixty-nine patients with post-traumatic stress enrolled in the United Kingdom’s Medical Cannabis Registry were enrolled in the trial. Participants’ symptoms were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months.

Consistent with other observational studies, “significant improvements in post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, and HRQoL were observed at all follow-up points.” Symptomatic improvements were sustained for the entire study period (18 months).

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

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An updated clinical outcomes analysis of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder,” appears in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.

Largest Ever Meta-Analysis: There Exists a “Strong Consensus Supporting the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis”

New York, NY: Cannabis has a “well-established role in managing symptoms related to cancer” and there is a “substantial scientific basis” for re-evaluating its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance, according to the findings of a meta-analysis of over 10,000 scientific papers published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology.

Investigators affiliated with the Chopra Foundation in New York and the Whole Health Oncology Institute in Hawaii reviewed data from 10,641 peer-reviewed studies assessing the efficacy and safety of cannabis for managing cancer-related symptoms. The analysis is the largest ever conducted on the subject of cannabis and cancer management.

They reported, “Across all categories examined – health metrics, cancer treatments, and cancer dynamics – there is a consistent consensus that supports the potential of medical cannabis.”

The study’s authors concluded: “In medical practice, the strong support for cannabis as a palliative adjunct to cancer treatments offers healthcare providers a data-driven foundation to consider cannabis as part of a comprehensive cancer care strategy. The demonstrated efficacy in managing symptoms like pain, nausea, and appetite loss can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life, making cannabis a valuable tool in both palliative care and potentially in curative settings. The growing consensus around cannabis’ therapeutic benefits also highlights the need for medical professionals to stay informed about the latest research, as cannabis continues to evolve from a controversial substance to a scientifically validated treatment option.”

In an accompanying press release, the study’s lead author added: “This is one of the clearest, most dramatic validations of medical cannabis in cancer care that the scientific community has ever seen. We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus.”

Full text of the study, “Meta-analysis of medical cannabis outcomes and associations with cancer,” appears in Frontiers in Oncology.

Analysis: Changes in Cannabis’ Legal Status Not Associated With Reduced Traffic Safety

Cambridge, MD: Changes in the legal status of cannabis in US states and Canada are not associated with significant changes to traffic safety, according to an analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Variance.

A researcher affiliated with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science assessed the impact of adult-use marijuana legalization on car accident fatality rates, insurance claim frequency, and average costs per insurance claim.

The study’s author did not identify any “statistically significant impacts of legalization” on any of the assessed outcomes during the study period. Rather, the author concluded that other factors, such as inclement weather and seasonal spikes in travel, are far more likely to influence trends in traffic safety.

The findings are consistent with those of a 2023 analysis, which assessed trends in fatal motor vehicle accidents in four legalization states—California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada—compared to five control states: Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Researchers found that traffic deaths fell by an average of 12 percent in legal states in the three years immediately following legalization. By contrast, deaths increased nearly two percent over this same time in the five control states. Nationwide, traffic fatalities decreased 10.6 percent during the study period.

Other studies have yielded inconsistent results, with some identifying a minor increase in crash rates in specific states after legalization, while others found no such change.

Full text of the study, “A data-based assessment of the impact of marijuana legalization on vehicle accident risk,” appears in Variance.

Survey: Smoking Remains Most Popular Method for Consuming Cannabis

Atlanta, GA: Nearly eight-in-ten consumers say that smoking is their preferred method of cannabis ingestion, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers reviewed marijuana use data provided by more than 138,000 respondents.

Fifteen percent of those surveyed reported having consumed cannabis within the past month, while eight percent reported daily use. Seventy-nine percent of consumers acknowledged smoking cannabis, while 41 percent acknowledged consuming edible formulations. Fewer than 15 percent of those surveyed acknowledged dabbing cannabis concentrates. The findings are consistent with others reporting that most consumers smoke cannabis.

Among those who reported dabbing, most respondents were young adults. Among older adults, fewer than 5 percent of respondents reported engaging in this practice.

In recent years, lawmakers in various states have introduced legislation to recriminalize higher-THC concentrated products. Most of these efforts have been unsuccessful.

Full text of the CDC white paper is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arkansas: Governor Vetoes Bill Seeking To Expand Patients’ Ease of Access to Medical Cannabis Products

Little Rock, AR: Republican Gov. Sarah Sanders vetoed legislation that sought to provide greater ease of access for patients authorized to use medical cannabis.

House Bill 1889 “authorized deliveries [of medical cannabis products] by dispensaries via delivery vehicles and via a drive-through window located at the dispensary.” Only patients who had previously submitted online orders that same day would have been permitted to use the drive-through option.

In her veto message, Gov. Sanders said that passage of the bill would have “expanded access to usable marijuana, therefore I am vetoing this legislation.”

The bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Aaron Pilkington, called the Governor’s message confusing. “This [legislation] doesn’t increase the number of cardholders, and it doesn’t increase the amount [of cannabis] a cardholder can get,” he said.

House Bill 1889 had previously passed the House by a vote of 51 to 31. Senators voted 19 to 15 in favor of the legislation. Nonetheless, Rep. Pilkington doubted he had ample legislative support to override the Governor’s veto.

Arkansas voters approved medical cannabis access in 2016. An estimated 110,000 Arkansans are registered with the state to use medical cannabis products.

Analysis: Cannabis Use Associated With Less Stress, Better Sleep Quality Among Military Veterans With PTSD

Santa Monica, CA: Cannabis use by veterans with post-traumatic stress is linked to reduced stress and better same-night sleep quality, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

A team of investigators affiliated with the RAND Institute and the University of Southern California assessed cannabis and alcohol consumption on stress and sleep quality in a cohort of 74 recently discharged military veterans with elevated post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Study participants provided baseline data and completed daily follow-up assessments for three months.

On days when subjects acknowledged using cannabis, they reported “lowers levels of stress that day … and better sleep quality that night.” By contrast, subjects who consumed greater levels of alcoholic drinks during the day reported “poorer sleep quality that same evening.”

Researchers concluded: “While alcohol use appears to perpetuate a reinforcing cycle of stress and poor sleep, cannabis use may offer short-term stress relief and perceived sleep benefits. … Future research should aim to elucidate the chronic effects of cannabis use on sleep and stress to guide evidence-based recommendations for veterans seeking to manage these issues.”

The study’s conclusions are consistent with those of others, finding that cannabis products reduce levels of anxiety and provide other improvements in patients with post-traumatic stress.

Thirty-nine percent of military veterans say that they “know a veteran” who is using cannabis medicinally, and 75 percent say that they “would be interested in using cannabis or cannabinoid products as a treatment option if it were available.”

Full text of the study, “Daily associations between sleep quality, stress, and cannabis or alcohol use among veterans,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Clinical Trial: Orally Administered Delta-8 THC Possesses Similar But Milder Effects Than Delta-9 THC

Baltimore, MD: Orally ingested delta-8 THC produces dose-dependent psychoactive effects that are similar but milder than those associated with equivalent quantities of delta-9 THC, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Researchers affiliated with Johns Hopkins University assessed the effects of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC in a cohort of 19 healthy adults. Study participants consumed brownies infused with standardized dosages of either synthetic delta-8 THC or synthetic delta-9 THC. The trial is the first study in over five decades to assess the effects of delta-8 THC in human subjects.

Investigators reported: “Overall, ingestion of delta-8 THC produced dose-dependent increases in subjective, cognitive performance, and physiological outcomes that were qualitatively similar to delta-9 THC. Consistent with prior findings, delta-8 THC exhibited lower potency compared to delta-9 THC at equivalent doses, though this reduced potency was overcome by increasing the delta-8 THC dose. Together, these findings demonstrate that delta-8 THC products have the potential to produce psychoactive and physiological effects that are comparable to delta-9 THC.”

The study’s authors concluded, “With the widespread availability of retail delta-8 THC to consumers as a byproduct of the 2018 Farm Bill, the findings from the present study underscore the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks that address safety, labeling, and consumer education related to delta-8 THC products.”

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

NORML and others have urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. In 2021, NORML issued a report on delta-8 THC and other novel, synthetically derived cannabinoids, cautioning consumers that these products are unregulated and may contain impurities.

Full text of the study, “A within-subject cross-over trial comparing the acute effects of oral delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Study: CBD Reduces Chronic Pelvic Pain, Related Symptoms

Ann Arbor, MI: Women suffering from chronic pelvic pain frequently report that CBD mitigates their symptoms.

Researchers affiliated with the University of Michigan surveyed 477 women diagnosed with pelvic pain who also reported current marijuana use.

Eighty-one percent of participants reported reduced pain following their use of CBD products. Many respondents reported improved sleep, reduced anxiety, less depression, less fatigue, and better overall health. A large proportion of those using CBD reported substituting it instead of prescription medications – a finding consistent with prior research.

Prior surveys estimate that some 20 percent of subjects with chronic pelvic pain consume either cannabis or CBD therapeutically, with many reporting that cannabinoids reduce their reliance on prescription opioids.

Full text of the study, “Cannabidiol use and perceptions of effectiveness in women with chronic pelvic pain,” appears in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada.

Florida: Appeals Court Throws Out Cannabis Conviction Because Canines Can’t Distinguish Between Hemp and Marijuana

Tampa, FL: Judges on Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeals have reversed a marijuana trafficking conviction because the prosecution failed to take adequate steps to distinguish whether the defendant possessed marijuana or hemp.

The defendant had been convicted of marijuana trafficking after he was intercepted at Tampa International Airport with a duffle bag containing 50 vacuum-sealed bags of a “leafy green” substance. A canine had alerted to the duffle bag. Law enforcement later provided one of the 50 bags for a chemical analysis. It tested positive for cannabis.

The defendant appealed his conviction, arguing that he believed the packages contained hemp products, which are legal federally and in Florida. The court agreed, opining that there was no way to determine whether the defendant was carrying hemp or marijuana absent analytical testing of every bag.

It determined: “Legal hemp and illegal cannabis are indistinguishable by appearance, texture, and odor. … Because there is an identifiable danger of misidentification between legal hemp and illegal cannabis, where the contents of multiple packages are to be considered in proving the quantity of illegal cannabis, the state can no longer rely solely on appearance and odor to extend an inference of illegal cannabis to the remaining untested packets and must chemically test each packet of green, leafy substance to meet the threshold weight required for trafficking. To hold otherwise and allow the state to rely on the identification of similar packages of a green, leafy substance by appearance and odor alone would undermine a defendant’s presumption of innocence and erroneously negate the state’s burden to prove the identity and weight of the alleged substance.”

The case is Campbell v. Florida.

Montana: Lawmakers Approve Bills Imposing New Restrictions on Cannabis Edibles, Zero-Tolerant Per Se Limits for Drivers Under 21

Helena, MT: House and Senate lawmakers have sent bills to the Governor mandating new restrictions on edible cannabis products and imposing new penalties for motorists with trace levels of THC in their blood.

House Bill 636 stipulates that a single serving of an edible cannabis product may not exceed 5 milligrams of THC. Under current law, single servings are capped at 10 mgs.

Senate Bill 508 imposes new criminal penalties for motorists under the age of 21 who operate a vehicle with any detectable amounts of THC in their system, regardless of whether they are under the influence. (The measure does not impose penalties for those who test positive solely for inactive cannabis metabolites.) State law already prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle with THC levels above 5ng/ml.

Because THC may be present in blood even after several days of abstinence, NORML opposes the imposition of per se THC thresholds for motorists and alternatively calls for the expanded use of mobile performance technology like DRUID to determine whether someone is under the influence.

A bill (Senate Bill 27) extending the moratorium on new marijuana business licenses was also approved by lawmakers. All three bills await action from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Separate legislation seeking to impose a mandatory registry for cannabis consumers and significantly restricting the potency of adult-use cannabis products failed to make it out of committee.

Montana voters legalized the adult-use marijuana market in 2020.

Study: Medical Cannabis Provides “Meaningful Improvements” in Patients’ Health-Related Quality of Life

Sydney, Australia: The use of physician-authorized medical cannabis products is associated with “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements” in patients’ health, according to observational study data published in the journal PLOS One.

Researchers assessed the efficacy of cannabis oil extracts containing standardized ratios of THC and CBD in more than 2,000 patients over one year. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.)

Consistent with prior studies, patients reported sustained improvements following cannabis therapy.

“Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in HRQL [health-related quality of life], fatigue, pain, and sleep for people with chronic health conditions,” investigators concluded. “Similar improvements were found in pain outcomes for participants with chronic pain; sleep disturbance for participants with insomnia; depression scores for patients with depression; and anxiety scores in patients with anxiety. … The findings from this study contribute to the emerging evidence-base to inform decision making both in clinical practice and at policy level.”

Similarly designed studies involving patients enrolled in the United Kingdom’s medical marijuana access program have shown cannabis products to be safe and effective for those suffering from cancer-related pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, hypermobility disorders, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “Improvements in health-related quality of life are maintained long-term in patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia: The QUEST Initiative 12-month follow up observational study,” appears in PLOS One.

Survey: Adults Frequently Acknowledge Using Cannabis Products for Sleep

Chicago, IL: Some one-in-six adults say that they use cannabis as a sleep aid, according to survey data compiled by Harris polling on behalf of Green Thumb Industries.

Pollsters surveyed over 2,000 respondents. Sixteen percent of respondents acknowledged inhaling or ingesting cannabis “to help [them] sleep.” Another ten percent of respondents said they used commercially available CBD products as sleep aids.

The survey’s findings are consistent with those of several others concluding that adults frequently use cannabis to mitigate sleep disturbances, including insomnia, and enhance sleep quality.

Data published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine reports that the enactment of adult-use marijuana legalization laws is associated with significant reductions in the sales of over-the-counter sleep aids. Findings published in 2023 in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association reported that the daily administration of low doses of CBD (15 mg) improves sleep quality as effectively as melatonin.

Full survey data is available from Green Thumb Industries.

Michigan: Supreme Court Rules That Smell of Marijuana Is Insufficient Cause for a Vehicle Search

Lansing, MI: Judges on the Michigan Supreme Court have ruled that police officers may not conduct warrantless searches of motor vehicles based solely upon the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

Judges opined that because the use of cannabis is now state-legal under certain circumstances, “the smell of marijuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause sufficient to support a search for contraband.”

They concluded, “Instead of a rule that the smell of marijuana alone may be sufficient to support a finding of probable cause, the appropriate rule is that the smell of marijuana is one factor that may play a role in the probable-cause determination.”

Courts in other states where cannabis is legal for either medical or adult-use purposes – including Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Vermont – have similarly determined that the odor of marijuana, absent evidence of a crime, does not provide probable cause to justify a warrantless search of a motor vehicle.

In Illinois, the Supreme Court has issued inconsistent decisions on the matter – finding that the odor of burnt cannabis is insufficient cause for a motor vehicle search, but that the “odor of raw cannabis” is sufficient.

The case is People v. Armstrong.

Pennsylvania: Supreme Court Rules That Worker Compensation Plans Must Reimburse Costs Related to the Use of CBD Products

Harrisburg, PA: Costs associated with purchasing commercially available CBD-infused oil products are eligible for reimbursement under the state’s worker compensation laws, according to a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Judges determined that the products meet the definition of “medicines and supplies” under the state’s workplace compensation act.

They acknowledged that products do not have to be regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration to be eligible for reimbursement. “Any item that is part of a health care provider’s treatment plan falls within the purview of the broad-encompassing phrase ‘medicines and supplies’ as provided in Section 306(f.1)(1)(i) of the WCA [workers’ compensation act],” judges affirmed.

In 2023, a Pennsylvania appellate court similarly ruled that out-of-pocket expenses related to the use of medical cannabis are also eligible for reimbursement under the state’s worker compensation law.

Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York explicitly allow for employees to have their medical cannabis expenses reimbursed. By contrast, seven states prohibit workers’ compensation insurance from reimbursing medical marijuana-related costs: Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington. Other states are silent on the issue.

In 2022, justices on the US Supreme Court declined to weigh in on the issue of whether employees can be reimbursed for their medical marijuana-related expenses.

NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano has advocated for clarity on the issue, opining: “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.”

The case is Mark Schmidt v. Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias and Rio.

Maryland: Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Tax Hike

Annapolis, MD: Lawmakers on Monday sent a budget bill (House Bill 352) to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore which includes a tax hike on the retail sale of adult-use cannabis products.

The bill raises the cannabis sales tax from 9 percent to 12 percent, effective for the fiscal year 2026 and every year thereafter. Lawmakers had initially sought to increase the special cannabis sales tax to 15 percent.

Maryland lawmakers began the session facing a $3 billion structural deficit.

NORML generated hundreds of communications to Maryland lawmakers opposing the tax hike, opining that artificially raising the price of adult-use cannabis products will hurt both consumers and licensed businesses.

Lawmakers in California, Michigan, and New Jersey are also considering raising taxes on state-legal marijuana products. In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has called for doubling the state’s sales tax on adult-use cannabis products. House leaders have rejected that plan, though Senate leaders have indicated their willingness to consider it.

Study: Vaporized Cannabis Provides “Significant Improvements” for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Athens, Greece: Vaporized cannabis containing standardized percentages of CBD and THC is associated with sustained improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to longitudinal data published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Greek researchers assessed the efficacy of a vaporized cannabis formulation containing 13 percent CBD and 9 percent THC in a cohort of 69 MS patients. Study participants’ symptoms — including bladder dysfunction, muscle spasticity, and disability progression rate – were assessed at baseline, at three months, and six months.

“Significant improvement was observed across all outcome assessments” following patients’ adjunctive use of cannabis, researchers reported.

“This study represents an initial step toward understanding the real-world application of vaporized THC: CBD formulations in MS management,” the study’s authors concluded. “The findings … highlight the potential benefits of CBD 13 [percent] | THC 9 [percent] vaporized formulations in managing MS symptoms, particularly when integrated into the existing treatment framework of DMTs [disease modifying therapies] and other MS symptomatic therapies.”

In 2010, British health officials granted regulatory approval to an oromucosal spray (nabiximols) containing standardized percentages of CBD and THC for the treatment of MS. That product is now available by prescription in various countries – including Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Spain – but remains unavailable in the United States.

Full text of the study, “Evaluating vaporized cannabinoid therapy in multiple sclerosis: Findings from a prospective single-center clinical study,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Systematic Review: Cannabis Extracts Safe and Effective in Pediatric Patients With Autism

São Paulo, Brazil: The use of cannabis extracts containing standardized percentages of CBD and THC safely mitigates autism symptoms in children, according to a systematic review of trial data published in the journal Cureus.

Brazilian researchers reviewed findings from seven studies (three randomized clinical trials and four observational studies) involving 494 younger patients with autism spectrum disorder. Study participants consumed extracts dominant in cannabidiol.

Researchers reported, “CBD-rich formulations may hold promise for managing certain ASD symptoms. Improvements were noted in anxiety, sleep quality, social effects, and behavior, although these findings varied across studies. Importantly, adverse events were generally mild and occurred at similar rates in cannabinoid and placebo groups, supporting the intervention’s safety profile.”

The study’s authors concluded, “More rigorous, well-designed RCTs [randomized controlled trials] are necessary to confirm these results and establish clear treatment guidelines for cannabinoid use in ASD.”

Full text of the study, “Efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for autism spectrum disorder: An updated systematic review,” appears in Cureus.

Federal: President Trump Taps Former Fox News Reporter for Drug Czar Position

Washington, DC: President Donald Trump has chosen conservative journalist Sara Carter to serve as the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Carter is a former Fox News contributor with no formal drug policy, public health, or law enforcement background.

As a reporter, Carter has investigated the role of foreign drug trafficking organizations in the illicit marijuana trade. Privately, she has expressed support for patients’ use of medical cannabis and once acknowledged: “I don’t have any problem if [cannabis] is legalized and monitored. … I’m not saying we’ve got to make it illegal.”

Carter awaits confirmation from members of the US Senate.

Congress created the Office of National Drug Control Policy in 1988 to “implement and evaluate drug control policies to reduce the use, manufacturing, and trafficking of illicit drugs.” By statute, the agency’s director “shall ensure that no federal funds appropriated to the [agency] shall be expended for any study or contract relating to the legalization (for a medical use or any other use) of a substance listed in schedule I … and take such actions as necessary to oppose any attempt to legalize the use of a substance (in any form) that— (A) is listed in schedule I; and (B) has not been approved for use for medical purposes by the Food and Drug Administration.”

The director serves as an advisor to the President “regarding changes in the organization, management, budgeting, and personnel of Federal Agencies that could affect the nation’s anti-drug efforts.” It oversees an approximately $44 billion budget.

Former ONDCP directors include former military general Barry McCaffrey, who encouraged screenwriters to embed government-approved anti-drug storylines in popular television shows, and John Walters, who alleged: “Finding somebody in jail for possession of marijuana is like finding a unicorn. It doesn’t exist.”

Additional Office of National Drug Control Policy information is available from The White House.

Brazil: Supreme Court Affirms Adults Can Possess, Grow Marijuana for Personal Use

Brasilia, Brazil: Brazilians may possess up to 40 grams of cannabis and home-cultivate up to six marijuana plants without the threat of arrest or incarceration, according to a determination by members of the Supreme Federal Court.

The decision affirms and clarifies an earlier decision depenalizing low-level marijuana possession. The use of cannabis in public remains subject to administrative penalties. Cannabis trafficking remains punishable by criminal penalties.

An estimated 25 percent of Brazilian prisoners are serving time for minor drug possession offenses.

In 2018, South Africa’s highest court similarly determined that the use of marijuana by adults in private is constitutionally protected behavior. Lawmakers eventually signed legislation into law in 2024, codifying the personal use of marijuana by adults.

Study: Cannabinoid Ointment Relieves Eczema Symptoms

Katowice, Poland: The topical administration of an ointment containing standardized percentages of CBD and CBG (cannabigerol) mitigates symptoms and improves the health-related quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema), according to observational data published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Polish investigators assessed the transdermal use of cannabinoids in nine patients diagnosed with AD. Study participants applied a cannabinoid-infused ointment containing 30 percent CBD and five percent CBG daily for eight weeks.

Cannabis treatment led to the remission of skin lesions and other changes in skin parameters, including improved hydration and less itching.

“Our results demonstrate that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life of patients with AD, leading to symptom remission in some cases,” the study’s authors concluded.

The results are consistent with those of prior studies finding that the topical application of cannabinoids provides benefits in treating various skin-related conditions, including psoriasis, erythema, pruritus, and acne. Cannabinoid treatment is also associated with wound healing in patients with refractory leg ulcers and has demonstrated positive results in patients suffering from the skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa.

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of biophysical parameters of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis after application of an ointment containing 30% cannabidiol and 5% cannabigerol,” appears in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Analysis: Fewer Than One-Third of Legal Cannabis States Have Appropriated Funding for Marijuana Research

Oakland, CA: Less than one-third of states that regulate marijuana for either medical or adult use have allocated funding for cannabis-related research, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

A team of investigators headed by the University of California reviewed state-level funding opportunities for cannabis-related research. They reported that 17 states have adopted legislation providing funding mechanisms for research. However, to date, only 12 states have allocated funding for marijuana-related research protocols.

“Without federal participation or support, states are carrying the bulk of responsibility for regulatory oversight of cannabis,” the study’s authors wrote. “This lack of investment is a missed opportunity for states to foster research about the impact of legalization and to increase understanding of the risks and benefits of cannabis use within their state. There is also a missed opportunity for collaborations between researchers and cannabis regulators to inform legislative discussion and develop future evidence-based cannabis laws.”

While federal grants remain the largest source of marijuana research funding, federal appropriations for cannabis-related research are well below those allocated for alcohol and tobacco. “The amount of federal funding allocated to cannabis research is considerably less than the funding provided for other research areas that have similar public health and public policy importance,” researchers wrote. They also acknowledged that federally funded research projects tend to focus on potential marijuana-related harms and adverse effects.

The study’s authors concluded: “Though cannabis products are legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for non-medical adult use, only 12 states have provided direct funding for cannabis research. … States have much to gain from greater scientific understanding of cannabis and the impacts of legalization, and lawmakers should consider adopting mechanisms that would support research in parallel with legalization. This funding is important for investing in state infrastructure needed to support public agencies and academic institutions alike over time.”

Full text of the study, “State funding for cannabis research: An analysis of funding mechanisms and levels,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Study: Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Not Associated With Changes in Early Childhood Development

Montreal, Canada: Prenatal cannabis use does not impede infants’ cognitive development, according to longitudinal data published in Maternal and Child Health Journal.

Canadian investigators assessed the prevalence of prenatal cannabis use and its impact on early childhood development in a cohort of 1,489 mothers and infants.

They reported that instances of prenatal cannabis use were low (below three percent) and that most mothers who acknowledged using it ceased doing so after their first trimester. Prenatal cannabis use was associated with lower socioeconomic status, prenatal use of alcohol and tobacco, and more distress symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Investigators reported no association between prenatal cannabis use and developmental indicators at age two, including fine motor skills and language development. However, researchers did not rule out the possibility of such changes developing later in life.

“We found that cannabis use during pregnancy was not significantly associated with cognitive, fine motor, gross motor and language development of 2-year-old children,” the study’s authors concluded. “This [null finding] might suggest that associations of low magnitudes are more likely to appear at developmental stages when higher developmental functions emerge.”

Prior studies assessing the potential impacts of in-utero cannabis exposure on early childhood health have yielded inconsistent results. While some observational studies have identified a link between exposure and low birth weight or an increased risk of preterm birth, other studies have not. A literature review published in the journal Preventive Medicine concluded, “Although there is a theoretical potential for cannabis to interfere with neurodevelopment, human data drawn from four prospective cohorts have not identified any long-term or long-lasting meaningful differences between children exposed in utero to cannabis and those not.”

Full text of the study, “Longitudinal associations between cannabis use during pregnancy and child cognitive, motor, and language development at 2 years old,” appears in Maternal and Child Health Journal.

Analysis: Commercially Available Hemp Products Often Exceed Legal THC Limits, Lack Proper Labeling

Salem, OR: Most products labeled as hemp sold either online or in unregulated retail stores contain THC percentages exceeding legal limits, and few provide links on their packaging to verifiable test results, according to a preliminary analysis of commercially available products by Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

State officials analyzed 101 flower and edible products marketed as hemp. Products were purchased either in person or online from companies operating in various states.

Consistent with the results of numerous prior analyses of commercially available hemp products, most products contained THC percentages exceeding legal limits and provided misleading labeling on their packaging. Few products provided verifiable COAs (certificates of analysis). Several products included chemically synthesized cannabinoids. Age verification was rarely required prior to the products’ sale.

Researchers said the results indicate “widespread noncompliance” with state and federal laws.

“Retailers within Oregon and in other states continue to sell prohibited products to … consumers, often without adequate age verification to ensure potentially intoxicating products stay out of the hands of minors,” the study’s authors concluded.

A recent analysis provided by the San Diego/Imperial Counties Joint Labor Management Cannabis Committee determined that over 90 percent of commercially available hemp-derived intoxicating products are infused with synthetically produced cannabinoids.

NORML and other groups have urged the FDA to establish regulatory guidelines governing the production, testing, labeling, and marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. In 2021, NORML issued a report on delta-8-THC and other novel synthetically derived cannabinoids that cautioned consumers to avoid these unregulated products because they are often mislabeled and may contain impurities.

Full text of the report, “Evaluating Compliance, Potency, and Pesticides in Oregon’s Marijuana and Hemp Markets Ten Years After Legalization,” is available from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

California: NORML Chapter Lobbies at the Capital Opposing Marijuana Tax Hike

Sacramento, CA: Marijuana law reform advocates participated in a press conference and lobby day in Sacramento on Tuesday to voice their support for legislation to halt a pending tax hike on legal cannabis products.

California NORML hosted the event, which featured state assembly member Matt Haney, sponsor of AB 564. The bill, which is backed by California NORML, the United Food and Commercial Workers – Western States Council, the California Cannabis Industries Association, and other groups, halts efforts to increase the excise tax on adult-use cannabis products from 15 percent to 19 percent. Absent legislative action, the tax increase takes effect on July 1st.

“This bill would do something very simple,” Rep. Haney said. “It simply says, ‘Let’s not put a 25 percent tax increase on an industry that is still struggling to survive.’ Let’s invest in them and support them, not tax them to force them all to close. It’s not a sustainable approach … This bill will provide a critical lifeline to give this industry at least a fighting chance to survive.”

California is among several states that are considering plans to increase taxes on retail marijuana products. Lawmakers in Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio have also proposed significant tax hikes.

NORML opposes excessive taxes on cannabis products because artificially high prices drive consumers away from the legal marketplace and into the unregulated market.

An action alert in support of AB 564 is available from NORML’s Take Action Center.

Study: Patients With Hypermobility Disorders Report Sustained Improvements Following Cannabis Treatment

London, United Kingdom: Patients suffering from hypermobility disorders report sustained symptomatic improvements following their use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), according to observational data published in the journal of the American College of Rheumatology, ACR Open Rheumatology.

British researchers assessed the use of botanical cannabis or oil extracts in 161 patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or similar hypermobility disorders enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British specialists may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes from baseline in patient-reported outcomes at one, three, six, 12, and 18 months.

Patients reported sustained improvements in pain-specific metrics, as well as improvements in sleep and anxiety following cannabis therapy. The most reported adverse effects associated with cannabis treatment were headache and lethargy.

“This case series found improvements in perceived pain severity and interference, general HRQoL [health-related quality of life], sleep quality, and anxiety in patients with HSD [hypermobility spectrum disorder] or hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome] after CBMP prescription,” the study’s authors concluded. “At 18 months, between 18.01 percent and 25.47 percent of individuals reported a clinically significant improvement in their pain depending on the assessment measure used. … [T]hese findings may help guide current clinical practice and shared decision‐making between patients and physicians.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among patients enrolled in the UK Cannabis Registry have reported them to be effective for those diagnosed with cancer-related pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis registry: An analysis of outcomes of medical cannabis therapy for hypermobility-associated chronic pain,” appears in ACR Open Rheumatology.

Longitudinal Study: Childhood Depression, Suicidal Ideation Precede Cannabis Use

Los Angeles, CA: Emotional problems in early childhood are predictive of teen marijuana use – particularly among females, according to longitudinal data published in the Open Journal of Medical Sciences.

Investigators affiliated with the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles assessed the relationship between early childhood depression and marijuana use by mid-adolescence. Participants’ baseline emotional problems, including feelings of hopelessness, depression, and suicide attempts, were assessed at ages 9-10. Substance outcomes (marijuana and tobacco initiation) were tracked from baseline to follow-up at ages 14-15.

Researchers reported that childhood depression and other psychological factors significantly predicted future initiation of tobacco and cannabis. This relationship was especially significant among women.

“This study underscores the significant role of childhood depression, hopelessness, and suicidality in predicting the initiation of tobacco and marijuana use during adolescence,” researchers concluded. “Childhood depression, hopelessness, and suicidality may contribute to substance use through interconnected psychological, neurobiological, and social mechanisms. … The findings [of this study] emphasize the urgent need for policies that prioritize early mental health screening and intervention. … Investing in early mental health interventions, equitable policies, and multi-level approaches is critical for breaking the cycle of mental health challenges and substance use.”

The findings are consistent with those published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which reported that adolescents who suffered from depression are more likely to use cannabis later in life, not vice-versa.

Full text of the study, “Childhood depression, hopelessness, and suicidal attempts predict earlier tobacco and marijuana use initiation during adolescence,” appears in the Open Journal of Medical Sciences.

Analysis: Historic Drop in Alcohol Sales as Legal Cannabis Sales Spike

Ottawa, Ontario: Sales of alcohol and cannabis in Canada are on opposite trajectories, according to data provided by Statistics Canada, the national statistical agency of the Canadian government.

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, sales of alcoholic beverages experienced historic declines, with beer sales experiencing the largest overall decrease. In comparison, “Sales of recreational cannabis by provincial cannabis authorities and other retail outlets increased 11.6 percent or $0.5 billion from one fiscal year earlier, reaching $5.2 billion in 2023/2024.” Sales of cannabis products had previously grown nearly 16 percent in 2022/2023.

Canada legalized the adult-use marijuana market in 2018.

Separate data published in February in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that fewer young adults in the US acknowledge consuming alcohol following the opening of licensed marijuana retailers.

While survey data finds that many consumers acknowledge substituting marijuana for alcohol, observational data gathered from jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis is mixed – with some studies reporting dips in alcohol sales post-legalization and others reporting no significant changes at the population level.

Complete data sets are available from Statistics Canada.