Three US nationals jailed for importing 87.5 kilos of cannabis from California

By |2023-03-28T11:53:48+01:0028 February 2023|

Three US nationals have been convicted and sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court, London, for the importation of class B drugs. Barrington Walters, 24, from Los Angeles, California, Mandy Silowka, 34, from Princeton, New Jersey and Kiara Lanee Malone, 31, from St Louis, Missouri, were all stopped [...]

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Freelance contributor – Culture

By |2023-03-28T11:53:48+01:0028 February 2023|

Launched in 2019, leafie is an online magazine focusing on the changing world of cannabis and psychedelics. We mix educational, topical and entertainment-focused content to meet the growing demand for information on these substances, as they shed their stigma and become tools for improved living.  We [...]

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“As an LGBTQ+ grower, I’ve had to prove myself in the cannabis community”

By |2023-02-28T03:23:48+00:0028 February 2023|

Chronic pain patient Grace* says marginalised growers, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, are facing exclusion from both the legacy and legal cannabis communities – and have more to lose by speaking out.   “I’m really proud of what I grow, and I want to be able [...]

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Green waves in the East – Medical cannabis is coming to Japan

By |2023-03-28T11:54:15+01:0025 February 2023|

A glass bong filled with fake, green, chocolate buds sits on the windowsill of a dispensary in Ueno, central Tokyo, stocked with every kind of cannabinoid goodies imaginable – there are wax dabs from England, CBD gummies, CBN cookies, and even pet treats. “Maybe 10% of [...]

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High dose of CBD increases effects of THC in edibles, study finds

By |2023-03-28T11:54:16+01:0024 February 2023|

Scientists have produced evidence that goes against the grain of conventional cannabis wisdom – adding a 650mg dose of CBD to a brownie containing 20mg of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC increases the effects of THC on the user, including the unwanted effects. It is widely believed [...]

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Terpenes in cannabis linked to better patient outcomes – study

By |2023-02-24T13:25:53+00:0024 February 2023|

Terpenes do matter when it comes to the medicinal effects of cannabis, according to new research linking specific compounds to better patient outcomes.  A new study, carried out by researchers at the University of New Mexico, finds that cannabis flower containing higher levels of specific terpenes [...]

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Pilot phase of Dutch cannabis trial to launch later this year

By |2023-02-24T13:25:33+00:0024 February 2023|

A trial to explore the roll-out of a regulated cannabis market in the Netherlands is expected to begin its initial phase in October 2023. The Netherlands – and particularly the tourist hotspot of Amsterdam – is famous for its cannabis cafes or ‘coffeeshops’, but the sale [...]

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Khiron continues to support T21 with affordable options

By |2023-02-23T13:43:31+00:0023 February 2023|

Sponsored content Khiron Life Sciences is continuing to support Project T21 with affordable options, which allow for more comprehensive treatment of chronic conditions. Earlier this year Drug Science announced key changes to its medical cannabis registry, now known as T21, as it continues into its fourth [...]

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Could AI help predict the effects of cannabis on mental health?

By |2023-02-23T13:43:03+00:0023 February 2023|

A new study highlights how machine learning tools could help predict whether cannabis would be beneficial for someone experiencing mental health issues.  Cannabis is increasingly being reported as a helpful way to reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and depression. However, as everyone responds to products differently, [...]

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Terpene content of cannabis has greatest impact on patient symptoms, study finds

By |2023-03-28T11:54:17+01:0023 February 2023|

Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that the terpene levels in cannabis lead to greater symptom relief in patients. The study, published earlier this month in The Journal of Cannabis Research, found that “relief was greatest after consumption of plant variants with slightly [...]

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How does cannabis affect your relationships?

By |2023-02-23T03:32:51+00:0023 February 2023|

Studies show that cannabis may enable intimacy and empathy, but it can also cloud key emotions and become a burden in relationships. My love affair with cannabis began well before I ever said “I love you” to a romantic partner. After 15+ years of dating, a [...]

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Italy: court rules in favour of using the whole hemp plant

By |2023-02-23T03:32:36+00:0023 February 2023|

An Italian court has overturned a decree classifying hemp as a narcotic, siding with cannabis associations which argued for the use of the whole plant.  Italy’s Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR) has annulled a decree from January 2022, that limited hemp production to the use [...]

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California’s DCC Requests AG Opinion on Interstate Cannabis Commerce

By |2023-02-23T03:32:32+00:0023 February 2023|

On January 27 this year, Matthew Lee, General Counsel for the Department of Cannabis Control, sent a letter to Senior Assistant Attorney General Mollie Lee requesting an opinion on whether “medicinal or adult-use commercial cannabis activity … between out-of-state licensees and California licensees, will result in [...]

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2023 Cannabis Labs Virtual Conference: February Program

By |2023-02-23T03:32:28+00:0023 February 2023|

2023 Cannabis Labs Virtual Conference: February Program Click here to watch the recording Agenda When & Why You Should use Molecular-Based vs. Cultural-Based ID Methods Josh Smith, MS, President & CSO, Telic Labs; Acting Lab Director, ABKO Labs When it comes to microbial diagnostics, there are [...]

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In The Press: Sapphire patient and Dr James Rucker at Sapphire spoke to The Sunday Times about the rising number of patients prescribed medical cannabis in the UK

By |2023-02-22T14:58:40+00:0022 February 2023|

Sapphire patient, Helen, and Dr James Rucker of Sapphire Medical Clinics spoke to Louise Eccles in The Sunday Times about the rising number of patients prescribed medical cannabis in the UK. Helen explained that “I had taken other medication for my anxiety previously but it gave [...]

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Medical cannabis and vaporising: Why we recommend vaporising as opposed to smoking

By |2023-02-22T14:58:37+00:0022 February 2023|

Medical cannabis has been available for prescription in the UK since November 2018, and since then an ever-growing number of patients have been able to access these medicines. Now, the UK has approved three vaporisers for the medical use of cannabis, offering specialists doctors the ability [...]

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Successful engagement initiatives launched at Curaleaf Pharmacy and Sapphire Medical ensuring service improvements are made together with patients and families

By |2023-02-22T14:58:35+00:0022 February 2023|

Curaleaf Pharmacy and Sapphire Medical are committed to engaging with patients and families, listen to feedback, and together bring about service improvements that matter to medical cannabis patients. Below are the two new initiatives which add to the existing engagement and education activities. All patients and [...]

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New Research on Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia Released Ahead of International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (Thursday 12th May)

By |2023-02-22T14:58:32+00:0022 February 2023|

New research has been released for patients with Fibromyalgia which has assessed the effects seen in UK patients after being prescribed medical cannabis. Symptoms commonly experienced in Fibromyalgia include anxiety, debilitating fatigue, chronic pain, sensitivity to light, sound, temperature and touch, as well as cognitive symptoms [...]

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Who is Gary Youds? Inside one man’s 20 year fight to open Liverpool’s first cannabis coffeeshop

By |2023-03-28T11:54:18+01:0022 February 2023|

The government’s planned reclassifying of cannabis finally took place in January 2004 after parliamentary and press pushback delayed the change. So in March 2005, ‘The Chillin’ Rooms’ opened its doors for the first time and within 6 weeks it had amassed 400 regular members. Unfortunately, it wasn’t [...]

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Oxford scientists to lead global study into CBD as a treatment for psychosis

By |2023-03-28T11:54:18+01:0022 February 2023|

A global study is to be launched which aims to investigate if a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD), can be used in the treatment of psychosis. The first-of-its-kind study, being led by scientists from Oxford University, will not only investigate CBD as a [...]

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Recipes: How to make cannabis syrup

By |2023-02-21T13:40:36+00:0021 February 2023|

Via The Cannigma This simple cannabis syrup can be drizzled over pancakes, added to smoothies or eaten straight from the jar. Canna syrup may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of edibles, but once you try this simple syrup, you’ll [...]

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Five emerging areas of cannabis research – cancer, cluster headaches and tooth loss

By |2023-02-21T13:39:58+00:0021 February 2023|

Scientists and clinicians from across the globe shared insights into the therapeutic potential of cannabis in London last week. We explore some of their findings here.  The International Congress on Clinical Trials on Cannabis (CT-CANN23) took place in London on 15–16 February, inviting experts from several [...]

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New research suggests CBD may help you quit nicotine

By |2023-02-21T13:39:42+00:0021 February 2023|

New research has found that cannabidiol (CBD) could help curb the urge for your next cigarette – and may even help you quit nicotine for good. A team, led by Washington State University researchers, tested the effects of CBD on human liver tissue and cell samples, [...]

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Meet CBD Guru, a purpose driven brand putting customers first

By |2023-03-28T11:54:19+01:0019 February 2023|

The past couple of years have been turbulent for companies in the CBD space in the UK. A raft of regulations has brought about challenges and hurdles that, for many, have proved too difficult to overcome. Some businesses, however, have managed to not only weather the [...]

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Legalisation doesn’t equal liberty: why it’s time to decriminalise all cannabis offences

By |2023-02-19T23:33:00+00:0019 February 2023|

Gary Youds was persecuted for having a vision ahead of his time, argues drug reform activist Simpa Carter, we need to de-schedule, de-penalise and decriminalise all cannabis offences. The consumption of the flowers and limited botanical extractions of the genera Cannabis Sativa L have been lawful [...]

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UK-based study to test effectiveness of CBD on psychosis

By |2023-02-19T23:32:40+00:0019 February 2023|

Oxford University in the UK has received a multi-million pound grant to explore whether CBD is effective in treating symptoms of psychosis.  The global study will involve three clinical trials, led by researchers at Oxford University, to investigate the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating people [...]

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RAW in the dock – What’s going on with the famous rolling paper brand?

By |2023-03-28T11:54:20+01:0016 February 2023|

If you like to keep up with the daily gossip in the world of cannabis, you’ll no doubt be aware that HBI International, the company behind RAW rolling papers, as well as Juicy Jays, Elements, Pay-Pay, and Skunk, has recently hit headlines following the verdict of [...]

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Lion’s Mane mushrooms can improve nerve growth and memory study finds

By |2023-03-28T11:54:21+01:0016 February 2023|

Scientists from The University of Queensland have reported that an active compound in the edible Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, can enhance nerve growth and boost memory. Lion’s Mane has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the immune system and improve digestive health. [...]

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New Jersey’s Careful Approach to Cannabis: Part One

By |2023-02-16T22:48:18+00:0016 February 2023|

This is Part One where we examine the state of the market, licensing, approvals and sales. Part Two will delve into all things taxes. Stay tuned for Part Two, coming next week! On the surface, New Jersey’s new adult use cannabis program is similar to the program [...]

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Study reveals how CBD helps counter epileptic seizures

By |2023-02-16T19:06:22+00:0016 February 2023|

A new study has revealed previously unknown insights into how cannabidiol (CBD) reduces seizures in many treatment-resistant forms of paediatric epilepsy.   Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the new study found that CBD blocked signals carried by a molecule called lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI).  Found [...]

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Greece: six years on is legal access to medicinal cannabis finally in sight?

By |2023-02-16T19:05:57+00:0016 February 2023|

Patients in Greece are hopeful they will finally see access to legal cannabis medicines in 2023, six years since the law was first amended.  The development of Greece’s first medicinal cannabis production facility has been a long time coming, say patient advocates in the country, where [...]

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Amsterdam to ban smoking of cannabis in Red Light District

By |2023-02-16T19:05:34+00:0016 February 2023|

Officials in the city of Amsterdam are to introduce a ban on smoking cannabis in public areas to tackle ‘nuisances’ in the famous Red Light District.  The ban on smoking on the street in the old centre of Amsterdam is expected to come into force in [...]

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4 reasons to stop mixing your weed with tobacco

By |2023-03-28T11:54:21+01:0014 February 2023|

Cannabis has consistently been one of the most commonly used drugs in the world for decades – third only to the more socially acceptable alcohol and tobacco. The popularity of cannabis has managed to maintain itself – and even rise – in many countries around the [...]

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Cannabis-based medicines reduce demand for other prescription drugs

By |2023-03-28T11:54:22+01:0014 February 2023|

A team of German researchers has found that the use of cannabis-based medicinal products is associated with significant decreases in the use of pain and prescription drugs among patients suffering from chronic pain, according to data published in the German science journal Schmerz. Researchers analysed a [...]

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France Reports Highly Positive Patient Response To Medical Cannabis Trial, But Results Unlikely To Impact Decision To Legalise

By |2023-02-14T20:20:40+00:0014 February 2023|

FRANCE’s ongoing medical cannabis ‘experiment’, in which 3,000 patients are offered free products, has reported an overwhelmingly positive patient response.  According to the first clinical data to be published since the experiment launched in March 2021, 91% of patients report being satisfied with the medication.  Despite [...]

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Getting intimate: 5 ways CBD can enhance your sex life

By |2023-02-14T12:21:10+00:0014 February 2023|

When it comes to sex, cannabis-based products can ease anxiety, pain, and maybe even increase your overall pleasure.  Life’s too short for bad sex. But sometimes pain (the non-pleasurable kind), stress or a million other mental or physical reasons can kill your libido and get in [...]

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New UK study to collect in-depth data on cannabis and childhood epilepsy

By |2023-02-14T12:20:47+00:0014 February 2023|

A new collaborative digital study will explore the symptoms of rare childhood epilepsies and how medicinal cannabis can help them.  The real-world data study, launching on International Epilepsy Day (Monday 13 February) is a collaboration between UK scientific body, Drug Science, and patient advocacy organisation, Medcan [...]

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Can medical cannabis really help insomnia (and other sleep conditions)?

By |2023-03-28T11:54:23+01:0012 February 2023|

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most effective things we can do for our mood, productivity, and even our health. Sleep gives our bodies and brains the chance to recover, restore, and recharge – not to mention being essential for maintaining healthy brain [...]

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91% of patients on France’s medical cannabis trial support legalisation

By |2023-02-12T18:29:25+00:0012 February 2023|

Over 90% of patients taking part in a landmark medical cannabis trial in France are in favour of full legalisation. The nationwide trial, launched by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) in March 2021, was designed to evaluate how medicinal [...]

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Is vaping cannabis safe? What we know (and what we don’t)

By |2023-02-12T18:29:00+00:0012 February 2023|

Vaping is widely believed to be a safer alternative to smoking when it comes to cannabis consumption, but what do we know about the potential risks and long-term effects? Vaporisation is one of the most common cannabis consumption methods, particularly when a flower-based product is prescribed [...]

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Rhode Island Embraces Adult Use Cannabis, But With A Bitter Tax Pill

By |2023-02-12T18:28:51+00:0012 February 2023|

Although Rhode Island is the USA’s smallest state, it has traditionally taken an out-sized dislike for cannabis and its users. It first banned cannabis in 1918 and, up until recently, had some of the strictest mandatory minimum sentences for large-scale possession, sentencing those with more than [...]

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Elf Bar disposable vapes pulled from shelves due to ‘dangerous’ levels of nicotine

By |2023-03-28T11:54:24+01:0010 February 2023|

A popular brand of disposable e-cigarettes has been taken off supermarket shelves after they were found to contain more than the legal limit of nicotine. In an investigation by the Daily Mail, multiple £5.99 vapes, bought at a Tesco store in Derbyshire, were sent for testing [...]

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Colonialism, class and crime: the racist roots of cannabis prohibition

By |2023-02-10T03:03:48+00:0010 February 2023|

Cannabis laws in the UK and US have a long, complex past. But no matter where you look, race is at the heart of the cannabis prohibition conversation.  The history of cannabis prohibition is a history of racism, classism and control. In the US, cannabis prohibitionist [...]

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How to grow cannabis – new book serves as go-to guide for cultivation

By |2023-02-10T03:03:23+00:0010 February 2023|

In a new book, award-winning author and cultivator, Jorge Cervantes, shares everything he knows when it comes to growing top-quality cannabis. Not so long ago, you didn’t have the luxury of hopping online and accessing a wealth of information on growing cannabis – you’d have to [...]

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The beginner’s guide to making cannabutter

By |2023-03-28T11:54:24+01:009 February 2023|

Edibles have become one of the most popular methods for consuming the world’s favourite recreational drug – cannabis. While many people have been making their own cannabis recipes for decades and perhaps even millennia, the gradual easing of cannabis prohibition has opened up many markets to [...]

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Norway Hosts First Public Meeting On Medical Cannabis Amid ‘Early First Steps’ Towards Potential Reform

By |2023-02-09T03:03:54+00:009 February 2023|

NORWAY, one of the most cautious states in Europe when it comes to cannabis liberalisation, recently held a public meeting to discuss access to medical cannabis.  The event, which took place in Oslo on January 20, 2023, brought together politicians from across the political spectrum, alongside [...]

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CBD product shows promise in treatment of traumatic brain injury

By |2023-02-09T03:03:31+00:009 February 2023|

A preclinical study found that CBD may be useful for aiding recovery and reducing the long-term impact of a brain injury. The animal study was carried out by scientists from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of Neurological Diseases at the Siglo XXI National Medical [...]

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Japan to legalise medical cannabis

By |2023-02-09T03:03:04+00:009 February 2023|

The Japanese government is set to allow the medical use of cannabis to treat patients with incurable conditions, while cracking down on recreational consumers. The Japanese government plans to submit several bills, including one which would see the revision of the Cannabis Control Act, during the [...]

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ASTM Develops Two New Cannabis Standards

By |2023-02-09T03:02:58+00:009 February 2023|

According to a press release emailed this week, ASTM International’s subcommittee focused on cannabis, D37, is in the midst of developing two new standards surrounding cannabis safety and education. One standard, WK84667, is designed to “help document engineering controls for air filtration and person protective equipment [...]

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CBD inhaler reduces lung cancer tumour size, study finds

By |2023-03-28T11:54:25+01:008 February 2023|

Scientists have published a study showing a reduction in the size of lung cancer tumours in mice after the administration of cannabis in the form of a CBD inhaler. Researchers involved in the study report that the tumours reduced in size due to the CBD preventing [...]

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