Nov 29 2024

Study: Fluorinated Cannabinoids Show Promising Therapeutic Potential

A new study published in the journal Pharmacological Reports highlights the therapeutic potential of four newly developed fluorinated cannabinoids.

Conducted by researchers from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and Universität Regensburg in Germany, the study explores the biological activity of these compounds, particularly their anti-inflammatory properties.

“Phytochemicals derived from the plant Cannabis sativa hold promise in terms of medicinal value”, states the study. “Cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) are arguably the best characterized and known to possess wide-ranging therapeutic benefits. The mechanism of action for these therapeutic effects remains to be fully elucidated, however, the anti-inflammatory actions are of particular interest.”
Continue reading

Nov 29 2024

Idaho Secretary of State Approves 2026 Marijuana Decriminalization Initiative for Signature Collection

Idaho has advanced a proposed measure to decriminalize marijuana by approving its title and summary, clearing the way for signature collection.

The measure, proposed by Kind Idaho, would decriminalize personal use and cultivation of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older if approved by voters in 2026. The secretary of state has  authorized the petition for circulation, allowing organizers to begin gathering the 70,725 signatures needed to place it on the ballot. The official “short ballot title” for the proposal calls it a “Measure decriminalizing the possession, production, and cultivation of marijuana and marijuana-infused products for personal use by persons 21 or older.”

The measure would allow for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana flower or 1,000 milligrams of THC in products like oils, tinctures, and edibles. It also allows home cultivation of up to 12 plants, with adults able to securely store up to eight ounces of marijuana harvested from those plants at home or on private property, provided it remains inaccessible to minors. Consumption in public or open settings would be prohibited.
Continue reading

Nov 29 2024

Study: CBD May Protect Against Chemotherapy-Induced Liver Damage

Researchers from Suleyman Demirel University and Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University in Turkey have found that cannabidiol (CBD) may alleviate liver damage caused by methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used chemotherapy drug.

The study, published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology, highlights CBD’s potential as a protective agent against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.

The research involved 32 female Wistar Albino rats, divided into four groups: a control group, an MTX-only group, an MTX+CBD group, and a CBD-only group. The MTX+CBD group received a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) followed by daily CBD injections (5 mg/kg) for seven days. Researchers assessed oxidative stress markers, liver enzyme levels, and genetic expressions linked to inflammation and apoptosis.
Continue reading

Nov 29 2024

Study: Medical Marijuana Legalization Shows No Impact on Driving Attitudes in Kentucky and Tennessee

Researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University have published a new study examining the effects of medical marijuana legalization on attitudes and behaviors toward driving after marijuana use (DAMU) in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Using survey data, researchers applied a novel matched design to infer causal relationships while accounting for observational data challenges such as unequal sampling probabilities and potential confounding.

The study, published in the Biometrical Journal, found no evidence linking medical marijuana legalization to increased tolerance of DAMU. This conclusion remained robust even after sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of unmeasured confounding. Unlike previous studies that suggested minor associations between legalization and self-reported DAMU, this research evaluated both behaviors and attitudes using multiple survey items. The study highlighted regional differences, focusing on Southern and Midwestern states, where self-reported DAMU was rare.
Continue reading

Nov 28 2024

Trump’s Second Term: What It Could Mean for Marijuana Law Reform

The 2024 election resulted in a decisive victory for former President Donald Trump, who has a mixed but clearly evolving history when it comes to marijuana law reform. Here’s what we can expect out of the next four years.

During Trump’s previous term, while he did not support legalizing medical or recreational marijuana or back any specific marijuana legislation, his administration took a hands-off approach to state marijuana laws. His first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, did rescind the Obama-era Cole Memo, which had provided verbal assurances to state-legal marijuana businesses. However, this did not lead to Trump or his administration attempting to supersede state marijuana laws or interfere with legal marijuana programs.

Since leaving office in January 2021, Trump has shown considerable growth on the issue. Earlier this year, Trump endorsed Florida’s Amendment 3, an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana which was strongly opposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Soon after this endorsement, Trump gave his backing to the federal move to reschedule marijuana, as well as federal marijuana banking legislation.
Continue reading

Nov 28 2024

Ohio: Almost $300 Million in Marijuana Sales Since Launch of Recreational Market on August 7, Over 3.4 Million Transactions

Since the launch of recreational marijuana sales on August 7, Ohio has recorded $283,230,130 in combined sales across both medical and recreational markets, according to the latest data available through November 23.

Recreational marijuana sales have contributed $178,481,465 during this period, while medical marijuana sales totaled $104,748,665, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s
Division of Cannabis Control. During this period there were 2,363,214 recreational transactions and 1,109,022 medical transactions.

Prices have seen a significant decline since recreational sales began. The average cost per gram is now $7.68, a noticeable drop from $9.42 in early August. Similarly, the price for one-tenth of an ounce has fallen to $21.72 from $31.06.
Continue reading

Nov 27 2024

Inspector General Orders DEA to Halt Warrantless Searches at Airports and Transportation Hubs

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been directed to cease conducting warrantless searches of travelers at airports and other transportation hubs.

The directive, issued by the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (IG), stems from an investigation that identified significant deficiencies in DEA practices.

The IG’s investigation revealed that DEA agents lacked sufficient training and frequently failed to properly document their search activities, as required by agency policy. Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz criticized the agency for its failure to track data on consensual encounters and assess the effectiveness of its interdiction efforts, stating that these shortcomings raise serious concerns about the efficient use of law enforcement resources.
Continue reading

Nov 27 2024

Study: Cannabigerol (CBG) May Treat Inflammation, Pain, and Neurodegenerative Disorders

A new study published in the journal Molecules shines a spotlight on cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s rapidly gaining attention for its therapeutic possibilities.

Unlike THC, which is associated with the “high” associated with cannabis use, CBG offers potential medical benefits without intoxication, similar to CBD, making it a compelling candidate for clinical use.

Conducted by researchers from the United States and China, the review explores CBG’s molecular mechanisms and its ability to modulate key physiological processes. “CBG does not induce intoxication, making it an attractive option in the clinic,” the authors note. The study highlights CBG’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and α2-adrenoceptors. These pathways suggest that CBG could alleviate inflammation, pain, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Continue reading

Nov 27 2024

Study: CBD-Rich Cannabis Shows Promise in Treating Autism Symptoms

A new systematic review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explores the potential role of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis in managing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The study, conducted by researchers from LUM University, G. d’Annunzio University, and the Università Politecnica delle Marche, highlights both the promise and the limitations of this emerging treatment.

ASD is a lifelong neurological condition with limited treatment options, driving interest in alternative therapies such as phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis. This review assessed studies from 2020 onward that focused on individuals with ASD treated with CBD-rich cannabis. Researchers analyzed data from four studies involving 353 participants across Israel, Turkey, and Brazil.
Continue reading

Nov 26 2024

CA$443 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Canada in September, Resulting in Over $80 Million in Tax Revenue

Legal marijuana sales in Canada saw a noticeable drop from August to September, but remained on par with previous months.

Licensed marijuana supplies in Canada sold CA$443.9 million worth of product in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada. Although this is a decrease from the CA$475 million sold in August, it’s similar to the CA$453 million sold in July and the CA$433 million sold in June. September sales generated around $88 million in tax revenue.

In September, Ontario had the largest share of marijuana since, with CA$177 million in sales. Alberta came second in sales with CA$76 million, followed by British Columbia at $69 million and Quebec at $55 million. Of these provinces, only British Columbia saw sales increase from August to September.
Continue reading