Top 10 Global Cannabis Strains: Discover the World’s Most Sought-After Cultivars

Sponsored  The international Cannabis scene dazzles aficionados with its variety of UK cannabis strains. Connoisseurs remain on a quest, aiming to discover cannabis strains that offer a transcendent experience. These strains are not just a manifestation of superior horticultural achievements. They also symbolise the peak of [...]

‘Unusually high’ consumption rates of medical cannabis in the UK compared to rest of Europe

The UK is the primary driver of new growth in Europe’s medical cannabis market, with sales of medical cannabis greater than expected due to ‘unusually high’ consumption volumes on a per-patient basis. By the end of 2024, for example, 62,960 patients are forecasted to be using [...]

UK CBD update: FSA issues first positive safety assessments in Novel Food process

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued the first two ‘positive safety assessments’ for CBD (cannabidiol) products as part of its years-long novel foods authorisation process. Chanelle McCoy’s subsidiary, Pureis, became the first company in the UK to receive a positive risk assessment for a synthetic CBD [...]

More research refutes long-held ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype

It’s time to ditch the long-held ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype, according to new research, which shows cannabis consumers are not as unmotivated as it suggests.  The study, published by the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, surveyed chronic cannabis users to see what effect getting high has [...]

By |1 May 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on More research refutes long-held ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype

International cannabis prescribing service launches for travellers to the UK

Integro Clinics is the first UK clinic to expand its services worldwide, to address the challenges for patients travelling to the UK who need access to medicinal cannabis on prescription. For patients who rely on medicinal cannabis, travelling abroad can come with a whole host of [...]

By |27 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on International cannabis prescribing service launches for travellers to the UK

Neuroprotective properties of CBN could point to new treatments

New findings help explain how the lesser-known cannabinoid, CBN, protects the brain against ageing and neurodegeneration—and how it could be used to develop potential therapeutics. One in every 10 individuals above the age of 65 develops an age-related neurological disorder like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, yet treatment [...]

By |26 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Neuroprotective properties of CBN could point to new treatments

Cannabis legalisation not linked to increase in youth substance use – study

The legalisation of cannabis in the US, and subsequent rise in sales, have not contributed to an increase in substance misuse among adolescents, a new study has found. Researchers from Boston College have used the most recent data on adolescent substance use to evaluate the effect [...]

By |25 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Cannabis legalisation not linked to increase in youth substance use – study

New initiative launched to protect UK cannabis patients’ rights

The national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law, Release, has launched a new initiative to help protect the rights of medical cannabis patients in the UK.  Despite medical cannabis being legal in the UK since November 2018, patients continue to report negative experiences of [...]

By |24 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on New initiative launched to protect UK cannabis patients’ rights

Is Europe the ‘sleeping giant’ of global cannabis reform? Insights from ICBC Berlin

Following the landmark legislative change in Germany earlier this month, experts are expecting to see a ripple effect across the continent, with some predicting that Europe could overtake the US as the global leader of cannabis reform. In Berlin this week, for a historical International Cannabis [...]

By |20 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Is Europe the ‘sleeping giant’ of global cannabis reform? Insights from ICBC Berlin

Greek Health Minister to Speak in London About Greece’s Groundbreaking Medical Cannabis Programme

Greek Health Minister to speak at Cannabis Europa London on Greece’s groundbreaking new medical cannabis programme, joined by Curaleaf executive chairman, Boris Jordan, and former Wimbledon champion, Pat Cash. Cannabis Europa, the premier conference for the emerging European cannabis industry, is thrilled to announce its lineup [...]

By |12 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Greek Health Minister to Speak in London About Greece’s Groundbreaking Medical Cannabis Programme

Dr Franjo Grotenhermen: “Cannabis gave me a new reason to live”

The founder of the International Alliance for Cannabinoid Medicine (IACM), Dr Franjo Grotenhermen is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of cannabis medicine. But his own personal health battles are just as remarkable. Dr Franjo Grotenhermen is not your typical doctor.  Having worked [...]

By |12 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Dr Franjo Grotenhermen: “Cannabis gave me a new reason to live”

Recreational cannabis use may protect against cognitive decline – study

A new study has linked the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes to a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Researchers at Upstate Medical University have found that compared to non-users, non-medical cannabis use, such as for recreational purposes, was significantly associated with 96% decreased odds of [...]

By |11 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Recreational cannabis use may protect against cognitive decline – study

Call for funds to kickstart UK medical cannabis awareness campaign

An online crowdfunder has been launched to kickstart a key campaign to generate awareness of prescription cannabis among the general public. The crowdfunder, being run by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), aims to raise £20,000 initially to undertake public relations and promotional activity around the existence [...]

By |10 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Call for funds to kickstart UK medical cannabis awareness campaign

Study examines risk of CUDs among medical cannabis patients

A new paper highlights the need for greater public health messaging around the risks of cannabis use disorders among those prescribed it for medicinal purposes.  While cannabis can have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits, like any drug or medication it can have adverse effects [...]

By |4 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Study examines risk of CUDs among medical cannabis patients

UK cannabis clinic expands to offer mental health treatments

Online medical cannabis clinic, Treat It, has announced its expansion to include specialised psychiatric services amid the UK’s ‘mental health crisis’. The move will enable individuals with conditions such as anxiety, ADHD or PTSD to access treatment through Kanabo Group’s digital health platform, at a time [...]

By |3 April 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on UK cannabis clinic expands to offer mental health treatments

Healing wounds of war: Cannabis, PTSD, and the war in Ukraine

Following the recent legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine, Adam Kavalier PhD, explores what we know about its potential in the treatment of PTSD.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed into law reforms on medical Cannabis to provide relief to victims of trauma, resulting from the [...]

By |29 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Healing wounds of war: Cannabis, PTSD, and the war in Ukraine

Cannabis patient wins ‘small victory’ after months battling driving charges

A medical cannabis patient has been cleared of charges against him on the grounds that he has a legal prescription, after being pulled over by police for a second time.  Nathan Williams was found not guilty of failure to provide a specimen at Welshpool Magistrates Court [...]

By |28 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Cannabis patient wins ‘small victory’ after months battling driving charges

Germany passes landmark cannabis bill

Via Business of Cannabis Germany’s Bundesrat (Federal Council) has voted to pass the CanG bill without calling in a mediation committee, meaning the law should come into effect on 1 April, 2024. In perhaps the most important vote on cannabis liberalisation in European history, the German [...]

By |27 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Germany passes landmark cannabis bill

Curaleaf International Announced as Headline Partner for Cannabis Europa Conference in London

Curaleaf International, a market-leading global cannabis company, has been announced as the Headline Partner for Cannabis Europa, scheduled to take place in London on 25-26 June, 2024. Cannabis Europa is Europe’s foremost conference series that connects influential leaders in science, policy and business, helping to build [...]

By |22 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Curaleaf International Announced as Headline Partner for Cannabis Europa Conference in London

Portugal’s medical cannabis regulator approves first new preparations since 2021

Via Business of Cannabis Portugal’s cannabis regulator has approved three new cannabis preparations for its medical cannabis programme, marking the first expansion since 2021. Since voting to legalise medical cannabis in 2018, Portugal has only seen one cannabis preparation be approved by INFARMED (Instituto Nacional de [...]

By |22 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Portugal’s medical cannabis regulator approves first new preparations since 2021

Switzerland launches seventh adult-use cannabis pilot and largest to date

Switzerland has launched its seventh adult-use cannabis pilot, the largest to date, following the publication of the first trial data earlier this month. Officials in Switzerland announced a seventh pilot study into the sale of legal cannabis for adult-use in the district of canton Zürich on [...]

By |21 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Switzerland launches seventh adult-use cannabis pilot and largest to date

Could cannabis help women reach orgasm? A new study says so

The first study of its kind has found cannabis to be beneficial in the treatment of female orgasm disorder.  For the first time researchers have investigated the effects of cannabis in treating female orgasm disorder/difficulty (FOD), with the results demonstrating ‘significant benefit’. While previous research has [...]

By |20 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Could cannabis help women reach orgasm? A new study says so

“Enhancing quality of life and protecting public health”: my experience as a toxicologist in the CBD industry

What’s it like working as a toxicologist in the CBD industry? Cristelle Santos, consultant toxicologist at Broughton Group, shares her experience. With many new novel food products that contain CBD coming to market, extensive toxicology testing is vital to assess possible risks associated with the ingredients, [...]

By |16 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on “Enhancing quality of life and protecting public health”: my experience as a toxicologist in the CBD industry

Real-world evidence finds medical cannabis effective in PTSD and comorbid depression

Newly-published real-world evidence finds medical cannabis to be effective in managing symptoms of PTSD and comorbid depression.  There has been increasing interest in using cannabis-based medicines in the treatment of  PTSD, particularly in the veteran population.  Most notably, Ukraine recently legalised medical cannabis with President Zelensky [...]

By |15 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Real-world evidence finds medical cannabis effective in PTSD and comorbid depression

French authorities confirm flower won’t be included in medical cannabis programme

Via Business of Cannabis  The French National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) has confirmed that flowers will not be included in its upcoming generalised medical cannabis framework. While not wholly unexpected, the abrupt nature and failure of the ANSM to provide any viable alternative to patients currently [...]

By |14 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on French authorities confirm flower won’t be included in medical cannabis programme

Cannabis-based medicines could be ‘cost-effective’ for treatment of chronic pain

Early economic analysis suggests that cannabis-based medicines may be a cost-effective treatment for managing chronic pain.  Initial findings from a small feasibility study suggest that at the right price point, cannabis-based medicines could offer a cost-effective alternative for the treatment of chronic pain, if prescribed on [...]

By |13 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Cannabis-based medicines could be ‘cost-effective’ for treatment of chronic pain

Wimbledon tennis champ Pat Cash launches CBD range

The former Wimbledon tennis champion, Pat Cash, has described CBD oil as a  ‘gamechanger’ for athletes living with chronic pain as he launches his own range of products.  The 1987 Wimbledon Men’s Singles tennis champion announced this month on the popular Australian television chat show The [...]

By |9 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Wimbledon tennis champ Pat Cash launches CBD range

Ukraine joins global cannabis community

Now that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a law opening access to medical cannabis, Ukraine has joined a list of emerging countries that recognize the benefits of this plant for their people, writes Michael Sassano, CEO and founder of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals. Recently, the United States Department of [...]

By |8 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Ukraine joins global cannabis community

Study finds CBD can ease anxiety more effectively than THC

Cannabis products high in CBD can ease anxiety better than THC-dominant products, new research suggests.  A study of 300 people, published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is the first randomised trial to examine how legal, commercially available cannabis impacts anxiety symptoms. The study, led [...]

By |7 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Study finds CBD can ease anxiety more effectively than THC

UK medical cannabis supply issues continue to place children’s lives at risk, we’re calling on the industry to step up

Almost six years since the law changed, children still struggle to access a consistent supply of cannabis-based medicine in the UK.  With families now facing national shortages of other anti-epileptic drugs, it’s time the sector stepped up, writes co-founder and director, Matt Hughes, Medcan Family Foundation. [...]

By |6 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on UK medical cannabis supply issues continue to place children’s lives at risk, we’re calling on the industry to step up

The role of the endocannabinoid system in dermatological diseases

In an extract from the handbook, Principles of Clinical Cannabinology, Viola Brugnatelli and Fabio Turco explore the cutaneous Endocannabinoid System and its potential applications in treating various dermatological conditions. The skin, the body’s largest organ, serves not only as a protective barrier but also plays crucial [...]

By |2 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on The role of the endocannabinoid system in dermatological diseases

Cannabis may help reduce reliance on other stimulants, finds study

New findings suggest that cannabis could reduce reliance on other stimulant drugs, and play a role in addressing the ongoing opioid overdose crisis. A new study at the University of British Columbia has observed that using cannabis is associated with decreased use of crystal methamphetamine among [...]

By |1 March 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Cannabis may help reduce reliance on other stimulants, finds study

Greece welcomes ‘new era’ of medical cannabis after seven-year wait

A seven year wait has finally come to an end for patients in Greece, as the first legal medical cannabis prescriptions were issued this week.  A 60-year-old mother of three, Anna Paga, who has psoriatic arthritis, became one of the country’s first patients to receive a [...]

By |29 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Greece welcomes ‘new era’ of medical cannabis after seven-year wait

Spain publishes draft medical cannabis framework, but omits flower

Via Business of Cannabis  Spain’s Ministry of Health has launched a public consultation on its proposals for a medical cannabis framework in the country. Organisations and individual citizens will now have until 4 March  to submit their comments on the proposals, as Spain’s new government makes [...]

By |28 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Spain publishes draft medical cannabis framework, but omits flower

Broughton: How to design a robust CBD testing strategy

Back in 2020, the European Commission formally classified edible cannabidiol (CBD) products like gummies, drinks, oils and even bread as novel foods (NFs). Today, all submitted applications remain on hold, with no CBD products receiving NF authorisation in the UK or Europe. Here Libby Clarke, managing [...]

By |28 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Broughton: How to design a robust CBD testing strategy

Medical Cannabis Division of Rokshaw Ltd Rebranding to Curaleaf Laboratories

From 26th February, the medical cannabis division of Rokshaw Ltd is rebranding to Curaleaf Laboratories. Since its inception in 2012 by founders Jonathan and Richard Hodgson, Rokshaw has created an industry wide reputation of providing the highest quality of products from our MHRA-approved manufacturing facility. Its [...]

By |24 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Medical Cannabis Division of Rokshaw Ltd Rebranding to Curaleaf Laboratories

Breaking Ground: Morama Holdings Pioneers High-Quality, Organic Cannabis in Lesotho

High-quality cannabis on the medical market is the holy grail among both patients and clinics with heart. There’s still a fair bit of catching up to do before the UK can offer a selection of medication options that rivals other areas of the world. But one [...]

By |24 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Breaking Ground: Morama Holdings Pioneers High-Quality, Organic Cannabis in Lesotho

Patients to call for equity in medical cannabis access at UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Patients from across the globe will call for fair and equal access to medicinal cannabis treatment at the upcoming session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Members of the IACM Patient Council, alongside other non-profit organisations, will represent the rights of patients seeking legal, fair [...]

By |24 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Patients to call for equity in medical cannabis access at UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Medical cannabis has ‘negligible’ impact on driving performance – study

A new study has found few changes in driving performance among patients taking medicinal cannabis products.  Researchers at Swinburne University in Australia examined the effects of cannabis products on simulated driving performance in a group of 40 patients legally prescribed medical cannabis. The semi-naturalistic study found [...]

By |23 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Medical cannabis has ‘negligible’ impact on driving performance – study

Research shows ‘remarkable’ effects of cannabis in treatment of skin cancer

A cannabis extract has shown positive results in slowing down melanoma cell growth and increasing cell death rates in skin cancer, a new in-vitro study has found. Researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) and RMIT investigated programmed cell death caused by a specific extract (cannabinoid PHEC-66) [...]

By |22 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Research shows ‘remarkable’ effects of cannabis in treatment of skin cancer

Optimism despite delays: Ireland’s journey toward cannabis decriminalisation

Via Business of Cannabis  The Irish Government has approved the establishment of an Oireachtas committee to examine the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations for the decriminalisation of drug use ‘as quickly as possible’. It comes just two weeks after the Dáil, Ireland’s lower parliamentary house, voted to delay [...]

By |21 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Optimism despite delays: Ireland’s journey toward cannabis decriminalisation

Medical Cannabis in the Management of Glaucoma

Glaucomas constitute a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma can develop slowly, and the gradual vision loss may go unnoticed for an extended period. Regular eye examinations, [...]

By |17 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Medical Cannabis in the Management of Glaucoma

President Zelensky signs bill legalising medical cannabis in Ukraine 

President Zelensky has signed a bill legalising medical cannabis in Ukraine, with patients expected to have access to regulated medicines as early as 2024.  In what has been described as a ‘great victory’, on Tuesday 13 February, President Zelensky signed into law legislation permitting the prescription [...]

By |16 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on President Zelensky signs bill legalising medical cannabis in Ukraine 

EU signals increasing shift in attitude towards cannabis reform

As reported by Business of Cannabis   The European Commission (EC) last week partially approved a new ‘European Citizens Initiative’ focused on cannabis reform, in a move marking an increasing acknowledgment of the changing landscape in regards to cannabis regulation across the European Union (EU). This [...]

By |16 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on EU signals increasing shift in attitude towards cannabis reform

Jersey passes ‘de jure’ decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use

Jersey lawmakers have passed new legislation which is described as a ‘step towards’ the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis and other Class B and C drugs. In a vote on Wednesday 7 February, the Jersey States Assembly unanimously approved an amendment to the [...]

By |14 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Jersey passes ‘de jure’ decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use

Over a third of Danish pet owners give their dogs CBD

In a new study, 38% of dog owners surveyed in Denmark reported giving their pups cannabinoids, with 77% reporting at least some ‘positive effect’. In recent years, cannabis has become more widely used for recreational and medical use in humans, and many cannabis-based products are also [...]

By |8 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Over a third of Danish pet owners give their dogs CBD

Israel’s medical cannabis reforms set to boost patient numbers, says report

The number of Israeli patients using medical cannabis is set to increase significantly by 2027 as imminent policy reforms will make it easier for patients to access cannabis-based treatments, a new report has found.  As of December 2023, 30 years after the Ministry of Health issued [...]

By |7 February 2024|Categories: Cannabis Health News|Comments Off on Israel’s medical cannabis reforms set to boost patient numbers, says report