Dec 05 2024

Clinical Trial Finds Psilocybin Effective at Combatting COVID-19-Related Depression in Healthcare Workers

A randomized clinical trial conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and the Yale School of Medicine has found that psilocybin therapy significantly reduces symptoms of depression in clinicians who developed moderate to severe symptoms while providing frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of the study was to “investigate whether psilocybin therapy could improve symptoms of depression, burnout, and PTSD in US clinicians who developed these symptoms from frontline clinical work during the pandemic.”

The double-blind trial included 30 participants, all physicians, advanced practice practitioners, or nurses, who had no prior mental health diagnoses but experienced burnout, depression, or PTSD due to their work during the pandemic. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or niacin. The psilocybin group showed a substantial reduction in symptoms of depression, with their Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores improving by an average of 21.33 points compared to 9.33 points in the niacin group (P < .001).
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Dec 05 2024

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick Launches “Major Legislative Initiative to Ban All THC”

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has announced a sweeping legislative effort to ban all forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the state.

Senate Bill 3, introduced in collaboration with State Senator Charles Perry, aims to eliminate the sale of consumable THC products, which Patrick claims pose a significant threat to public health and safety.

Patrick linked the proposal to concerns over unregulated THC products proliferating in Texas communities. “Since 2023, thousands of stores selling hazardous THC products have popped up across the state. These stores not only sold to adults but targeted Texas children and exposed them to dangerous levels of THC”, said Patrick.
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Dec 05 2024

Clinical Trial: Transdermal Cannabinoid Oil Found Effective at Treating Diabetic Neuropathy

Clinical data published in the peer reviewed journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids shows that a transdermal cannabinoid oil significantly reduces pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

The study, conducted at Don Chan Hospital in Thailand, involved 100 participants in a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Researchers evaluated the effects of a novel THC:CBD:CBN transdermal formulation on pain in the lower extremities caused by DPN.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cannabinoid oil or a placebo. Pain levels were assessed using the Thai version of the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI-T). The results showed a marked decrease in pain scores for those using the cannabinoid formulation, dropping from an average of 25.60 to 5.57. In contrast, the placebo group saw only a slight reduction in scores, from 25.24 to 22.85. Pain reduction was statistically significant across all dimensions at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
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Dec 04 2024

New Mexico: $47.8 Million in Marijuana Sold Legally in November, Nearly $500 Million Year-to-Date

There has been nearly half a billion dollars in marijuana sold legally so far this year in New Mexico.

According to data released today by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department, recreational marijuana sales in November totaled $36,558,103.49. Combined with $11,244,933.11 in medical marijuana sales, the monthly total is $47,803,036.62 across 1,165,068 transactions. The figure is roughly on par with October’s $48.5 million and marks an increase from September’s $46 million.

Year-to-date sales now stand at approximately $490 million. Since April 2022, total marijuana sales have reached $1,457,412,012.52 across 32,087,262 transactions. Of this, adult-use sales account for $1,017,748,867, while medical marijuana sales make up $439,663,153.

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Dec 04 2024

NFL Updates Marijuana Policies: Higher THC Threshold, Fewer Penalties for Missed Tests

The NFL and the players’ union have overhauled their substance abuse policy, significantly raising the THC threshold for a positive test and reducing penalties for missed tests.

The changes were detailed in a memo sent to players and agents on Wednesday, according to reports.

The allowable THC level for a positive test has increased from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml. THC, the active compound in marijuana, is known for its psychoactive effects.
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Dec 04 2024

Public Hearing for Marijuana Rescheduling Set to Start January 21, to End March 6

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrative law judge has set the start of the public hearing on marijuana rescheduling for January.

The hearings, starting January 21, will feature arguments from the DEA, proponents of the rescheduling proposal, and designated opposition groups. Each participant will present their case on assigned dates, with sessions extending into early March.

The full schedule is as follows:
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Dec 04 2024

Study: CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil Boosts Social Interaction in Animal Model

According to the results of a new study using an animal model, CBD-rich cannabis oil “promotes social behavior by acting on oxytocin pathway”.

The aim of the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Brescia and published in the December issue of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, “was to investigate the effect of a C. sativa oil CBD rich (CS oil) on social interaction and ultrasonic communication”, according to the study’s abstract.

For the study, 27 adult male mice were treated daily with vehicle or cannabis oil for two weeks. At Day 14, mice were tested for behavior using social interaction test and ultrasonic communication.
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Dec 04 2024

Missouri Senator Introduces Bill to Shield Marijuana Patient Data, Regulate Intoxicating Cannabinoids

Missouri State Senator Nick Schroer (R) has introduced legislation that would strengthen privacy protections for medical marijuana patients, and to ensure that intoxicating cannabinoids are classified and regulated in the same manner as marijuana.

Senate Bill 54, prefiled on December 1 for the 2025 session, introduces provisions to protect patient and consumer data while refining oversight of intoxicating cannabinoid products and dispensary operations.

Under SB 54, state agencies and employees would be prohibited from sharing personally identifying information of medical marijuana patients or caregivers with the federal government, federal employees, or any unauthorized third parties. Violating this provision would constitute a Class E felony.
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Dec 04 2024

Clinical Trials Show Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Outperforms Standard Treatments for Depression

A newly systematic review of clinical trials reveals psilocybin-assisted therapy may provide substantial relief for individuals with major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant cases.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms.

Published in the psychiatry journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, the study consolidates findings from six randomized controlled trials, involving 427 participants, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this emerging treatment.

Researchers from India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, and Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences spearheaded the analysis.
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Dec 03 2024

Illinois Marijuana Sales Pass $160 Million in October, Prices Reach New Lows

In Illinois, legal marijuana sales topped $160 million in October, an increase from the previous month.

In October, licensed marijuana stores sold $164.4 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products, including concentrates, edibles, tinctures and topicals, according to the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. This is a noticeable increase from the $158 million sold in September.

Of the $164 million in marijuana sold in October, $142.2 million came from recreational consumers, with $22.2 million purchased by medical marijuana patients. 78% of the recreational marijuana purchased came from Illinois residents, with 22% coming from those living outside the state.
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