Three new research studies have been published using data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry that demonstrate the effects of cannabis in those living with depression, childhood epilepsy and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Registry, which is run by Sapphire Medical Clinics, is thought to be [...]

After decades of negotiations, almost 200 countries have agreed to a historic deal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Cannabis could help get them to the goal while slashing carbon emissions in the process. Planetary health is human health, and the twin challenges of [...]

In recent weeks, promising research has been published on the potential of cannabis as a tool for sleep, muscle recovery, multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With a record number of research papers published on cannabis and its therapeutic potential in 2022, it can [...]

New findings highlighting a rise in cannabis-related hospital visits among older consumers have led to calls for more patient-doctor communication around its use in medical care.  As a growing number of older adults are experimenting with cannabis to help alleviate chronic symptoms, a new study has [...]

The short- and long-term effects of prenatal cannabis use on both parent and child are still poorly understood. New research from North America sheds light on this sensitive topic.  Some people consume cannabis during pregnancy to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, stress, insomnia, and pain (to [...]

A new study provides fresh insights into how THC interacts with the human body to provide therapeutic effects.  In various European countries and North America, cannabis-based medicines are authorised for therapeutic purposes.  While the cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, THC (D9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are [...]

Almost a third of patients with chronic pain reported using cannabis to manage it, according to new findings from the US.  As more US states legalise cannabis for medical and recreational use, increasing numbers of people are experimenting with it for pain relief, a new study [...]

All patients undergoing a procedure requiring anaesthesia should be screened for cannabis use, according to new guidance published in the US. The first guidelines on cannabis use in relation to surgery have been issued by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain [...]

The holidays can be a boozy blur of celebratory bevvies and festive cheer. But an almost month-long drinking binge can result in a hangover of whole-body proportions. Could cannabis help drink-lovers take a break from the tipple this Dry January?  Whether it’s sparkling wine at the [...]

Illegal UK cannabis startup, Dispenseroo, has revealed that many customers are using its products to treat medical conditions. What does its so-called success say about the current state of play? The founder of the online dispensary – who goes by the name of ‘S’ – claims [...]

Will 2023 be the year we see some major shifts in access and attitudes towards cannabis? With help from experts, we lay out our predictions for the year ahead.  2022 saw some major developments for cannabis across the globe. The collective value of the CBD, medical [...]

Cannabis research continues to flourish across the globe, with a record number of scientific papers published in 2022.  Hundreds more studies were published on cannabis in 2022 than in the years previously, according to figures collected by the US advocacy group NORML. Campaigners for wider access [...]

This year saw some exciting developments for cannabis across Europe, but the UK’s medical cannabis system must do more to support patients.  In 2022 new research showed promising potential for cannabis to treat pain, depression, Covid-19 and even Alzheimer’s; Germany announced plans to legalise adult-use cannabis; [...]

Could cannabis help mitigate some of the liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption? A recent study suggests so.   Cannabis is often touted as a less harmful alternative to alcohol. However, a new study has found that the compounds found in the plant may actually reduce [...]

The UK government has called for a review to address some of the barriers currently holding back research into controlled drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids.  Home Office officials have acknowledged that the current regulations may be holding back research into Schedule 1 drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids (SCRAs). [...]

Cannabis decriminalisation is not associated with a notable increase in traffic accidents, finds a new report. The report from the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) analyses the impact of cannabis decriminalisation on the vehicular accident experience in Canada and the [...]

An open letter urging the UK government to reconsider its proposals for harsher drug penalties, has been signed by 500 public health and criminal justice experts.  Leading public bodies including the Faculty of Public Health, Police Foundation and the British Medical Association, have expressed ‘serious concerns’ [...]

Access to medical cannabis is associated with a reduction in alcohol sales, a new Canadian study has found. The data, published in the journal Health Policy, shows that the legalisation of medical cannabis in Canada was associated with a reduction in alcohol sales, suggesting it may [...]

New information reveals a ‘major disconnect’ between NHS and private prescribing of cannabis medicines is ‘holding back progress’ in the UK, potentially failing thousands of patients. More than six in 10 NHS Foundation Trusts in England (61%) say they did not prescribe any cannabis-based medicines in [...]

Real-world data from the UK shows patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced an improvement in symptoms and quality of life when prescribed cannabis.  The new study published in the Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics found that patients enrolled on the UK Medical Cannabis Registry experienced an [...]

A Canadian cannabis company is set to study minor cannabinoids for the treatment of epilepsy as part of a National Institute of Health (NIH) programme. Cannabis research company, Cannabis Orchards, has signed an agreement with the National Institute of Health (NIH) to participate in the Epilepsy [...]

Demand for intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (IHDCs) – which give users a legal ‘high’ – is now rising across Europe and the UK, but a lack of research and regulation could put consumers at risk.  CBD could be considered the calming, non-psychoactive cousin of delta-9 THC, the [...]

Europe’s first trial of adult-use THC cannabis is expected to begin in the new year, Swiss officials have confirmed.  Switzerland’s so-called ‘Weed Care’ trial, the first pilot program to study the effects of adult-use cannabis legalisation in Europe, is set to launch at the end of [...]

New research has found significant improvements in quality of life among Tourette’s patients’ consuming cannabis-based products. Cannabis products are associated with improved quality of life and a reduction in prescription medications among patients with Tourette syndrome, new research shows. Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder, which [...]

The number of medical cannabis patients in Europe grew by almost 100,000 over the last year, according to new data, but access remains out of reach for many. The majority of people in Europe now live in countries with some form of access to medical cannabis [...]

A charity set up to help fund the cost of children’s medical cannabis prescriptions has stepped in to support a family who face losing access to their son’s oil. The family of six-year-old Oliver Rice, who has treatment-resistant epilepsy, has received a three-month financial grant from [...]