Dec 18 2024

New Study Explores Multi-Breath Test That Detects Cannabis Impairment

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) are attempting to address the issue of driving impaired with their “Cannavan,” a mobile pharmacology lab designed to study the effects of cannabis use in real time.

Unlike alcohol, where breath tests reliably measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), cannabis impairment lacks a clear standard. THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is exhaled in trace amounts, making detection akin to finding a “needle in a haystack,” according to NIST chemical engineer Tara Lovestead. THC also remains in the body for days or even weeks after last use, making methods of detecting impairment like blood tests entirely unreliable.

The research team, led by associate professor Cinnamon Bidwell, is recruiting 45 regular cannabis users to help establish protocols for measuring impairment. Participants will consume cannabis in their homes using products from a single dispensary, Native Roots, before returning to the Cannavan for a series of breath and intoxication tests. Over two hours, researchers will collect 13 breath samples per participant, totaling more than 1,200 samples for analysis.
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Dec 18 2024

Nationwide Poll Finds Just 12% of Voters Believe Marijuana Should Be Illegal

A new nationwide poll from the Manhattan Institute reveals that most Americans favor legalizing marijuana for personal use, with 73% of respondents supporting some form of legalization.

The poll sampled 2,304 respondents, with a balanced political demographic: 41% identified as conservative, 30% as moderate, and 29% as liberal. It found that 69% of respondents believe adults should be able to consume marijuana recreationally in their own homes, while 62% support legal possession of recreational marijuana. 57% agree that adults should be able to consume cannabis without government interference, provided their behavior does not endanger others.

Public opinion diverges when it comes to marijuana sales and public use. Support for the commercial sale of marijuana stands at 43%, with 39% opposed. Public consumption bans received overwhelming backing: 82% support prohibiting marijuana use on buses, trains, or within 30 yards of schools. Similar majorities oppose smoking marijuana in restaurants and bars (74%), public parks (56%), or while driving (82%).
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Dec 18 2024

Study: Medical Marijuana Associated With Enhanced Quality of Life for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease experience significant improvements in quality of life after using cannabis-based medicinal products, according to a study published in Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

“Treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain limited, and cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) provide promise in addressing inflammation and pain”, states the study, conducted by researchers from Kings College London and Imperial College London. “However, long-term data on CBMP efficacy in IBD is scarce.”

With that in mind, the study “examined health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in IBD patients treated with CBMPs.”
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Dec 17 2024

November Marijuana Sales Reach $1.92 Billion Across Legal States

Legal marijuana states generated a combined $1.92 billion in sales in November, resulting in over $260 million in tax revenue.

According to an analysis by The Marijuana Herald, the $1.92 billion is a modest increase from the $1.87 billion sold in October and the $1.88 billion sold in September, but remains slightly less than the $1.95 billion sold in August.

The analysis used data from multiple state regulatory agencies. When state data was not available, data provided to us by the research firm Headset was used. The analysis did not include sales from Alaska or New Jersey, which have not been reported for November. In Delaware and Minnesota, licensed recreational marijuana sales have been legalized, but will not begin until 2025.
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Dec 17 2024

Get Paid Thousands to Smoke Marijuana and Write Reviews: Company Announces Job Listings in Multiple States

Numerous job opportunities have emerged in several U.S. states for marijuana enthusiasts interested in sampling and reviewing legal cannabis products.

Toker’s Guide, a company known for its online dispensary directory, has posted several region-specific job listings seeking “cannabis connoisseurs” to evaluate products in legal markets. Applicants must be 21 or older and capable of delivering detailed reviews and high-quality photos, while also collaborating with the team to refine the site’s content. The roles include part-time, full-time and contract work.

Positions are available in Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. While most of the work can be done remotely, some travel is necessary to pick up product deliveries. In Florida, applicants must hold a medical marijuana card since adult-use marijuana remains illegal in the state.
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Dec 17 2024

Study: Cannabis-Derived Phytocannabinoids Reduce Inflammation and Boost Skin Regeneration

A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights the potential of phytocannabinoid-based formulations in skincare.

“Recent advancements have highlighted the potential of cannabis and its phytocannabinoids (pCBs) in skin health applications”, begins the study’s abstract. “These compounds, through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), show promise for skin health products. Their ability to regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and cell proliferation makes them useful in addressing skin problems such as inflammation, scarring, healing, acne and aging, positioning them as valuable tools for innovative skincare solutions.”

For this study, which was conducted by researchers from the Universidade de Lisboa, “the cellular and molecular effects of proprietary pCB-based formulations on ECS modulation, inflammation and skin regeneration were investigated.”
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Dec 17 2024

Michigan Marijuana Sales Reach $276 Million in November, $2.8 Billion Year-to-Date

In Michigan, the state’s legal marijuana market brought in over $275 million in sales in November.

In November, marijuana and marijuana products generated $276,363,269 in sales, according to data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Recreational marijuana made up the vast majority of sales, while medical marijuana contributed $884,669.59. These figures mark an increase from October’s $270 million, and they bring the year-to-date total for the state to around $2.8 billion.

The all-time total for recreational sales has now reached $9,952,493,286.39, while medical marijuana sales have hit $1,620,782,323.81, combining for a total of $11,573,275,610.
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Dec 17 2024

Federally Funded Survey Finds Marijuana Use By Teens at Historic Lows

Federally funded survey data from the University of Michigan reveals that teen marijuana use has dropped significantly over the past decade, reaching historic lows.

The annual Monitoring the Future report finds that cannabis use among young people is at a 30-year low, consistent with trends previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Over the past decade, during which 24 states have legalized adult-use marijuana sales, the percentage of 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12th graders who reported having ever consumed marijuana decreased by 32%, 37%, and 23%, respectively.
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Dec 16 2024

Clinical Trial: CBD Shows Potential for Reducing Anxiety in Women With Advanced Breast Cancer

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that cannabidiol (CBD) may alleviate anxiety in women with advanced breast cancer.

The randomized, double-masked clinical trial was conducted by researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, New York Medical College, and Cambridge. The study included 50 participants aged 18 and older with baseline clinical anxiety. Half received a single 400-mg oral dose of CBD, while the other half received a placebo, administered within 48 hours of tumor burden scans.

While the primary outcome—changes in anxiety scores before and after ingestion—did not show a significant difference between the two groups, the study revealed encouraging secondary findings. Participants who received CBD had significantly lower anxiety levels two to four hours after ingestion compared to the placebo group. Additionally, no severe side effects were reported.
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Dec 16 2024

Kentucky Completes Second Medical Marijuana Dispensary License Lottery, Announces 12 Winners

Today, Governor Andy Beshear announced the results of Team Kentucky’s second medical cannabis dispensary license lottery held at the Kentucky Lottery Corporation. Twelve applicants were selected through a random number generator.

“Today’s drawing concludes the process for the medical cannabis business licenses lottery at this time,” said Governor Beshear. “Team Kentucky remains focused on building this emerging industry the right way. Ultimately, this program is about the patients, and we are excited about building this program so that they have access at the soonest possible date.”

Two drawings were held for the following regions:
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