Potential of cannabis in treating Long Covid warrants further research

By |2023-09-06T03:07:13+01:006 September 2023|

The role of cannabis-based medicines in treating the symptoms of Long Covid warrants further investigation, according to a new review. UK researchers say existing evidence supports the use of cannabis as a potential treatment for Long Covid, including for symptoms of sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain and [...]

Comments Off on Potential of cannabis in treating Long Covid warrants further research

Are disposable CBD vapes bad for the environment?

By |2023-09-05T03:18:10+01:005 September 2023|

Vaping is a popular way of consuming CBD, but there’s a dark side to the disposable vapes which have flooded the market in recent years. As we previously explored, vaping is an increasingly popular way of administering CBD, mainly due to its fast-acting effects and its [...]

Comments Off on Are disposable CBD vapes bad for the environment?

Home Affairs Committee calls for wider NHS access to medical cannabis

By |2023-09-02T03:02:01+01:002 September 2023|

In its latest report on drugs, the UK Home Affairs Committee recommends that the government widens access to cannabis medicines on the NHS, but cites ‘concerns’ over non-medical use.  The new report, published by the Home Affairs Committee on Thursday 31 August, sets out a number [...]

Comments Off on Home Affairs Committee calls for wider NHS access to medical cannabis

Top US health officials recommend rescheduling cannabis

By |2023-09-01T03:00:55+01:001 September 2023|

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has recommended that cannabis be classed as a lower risk drug. Here’s what this means for research, industry and consumers. A leaked letter, seen by Bloomberg News and dated Tuesday 29 August, reveals that the HHS has [...]

Comments Off on Top US health officials recommend rescheduling cannabis

The state of pharmaceutical cannabis – 12 key takeaways

By |2023-08-31T03:14:19+01:0031 August 2023|

A new report explores the progression of cannabis research over the last decade, as well as the barriers holding back further developments in the pharmaceutical space. We take a look at some of the key takeaways. The report, published today by Prohibition Partners and Cannabiscientia, gives [...]

Comments Off on The state of pharmaceutical cannabis – 12 key takeaways

Cannabis may be beneficial in childhood cancer, but more evidence is needed

By |2023-08-31T03:14:01+01:0031 August 2023|

Cannabinoids may be beneficial for managing symptoms in children with cancer, a new review finds, but more extensive research is needed.  A recent analysis of existing research suggests that while cannabinoids are increasingly being used to manage symptoms in childhood cancer, there is a lack of [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis may be beneficial in childhood cancer, but more evidence is needed

UK Home Office urged to provide clarity for CBD industry

By |2023-08-30T03:05:00+01:0030 August 2023|

Representatives of the UK CBD industry are urging the Home Office to protect the sector, and reassure millions of consumers, with greater clarity and stricter regulation. A new campaign, led by the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI), is calling on the Home Office to implement [...]

Comments Off on UK Home Office urged to provide clarity for CBD industry

Study: Cannabis ‘not associated’ with increased rates of psychosis in ‘high risk’ teenagers

By |2023-08-30T03:04:47+01:0030 August 2023|

In a new study, cannabis was not associated with increased rates of psychosis or other adverse health outcomes among adolescents classed as ‘high risk’ for the disorder. Researchers at Hofstra University in New York and Stanford University in California, assessed the relationship between cannabis use and [...]

Comments Off on Study: Cannabis ‘not associated’ with increased rates of psychosis in ‘high risk’ teenagers

Cannabis-in-brief: Zürich launches adult-use pilot, Israel’s medical cannabis reforms and global health economic study

By |2023-08-28T12:58:25+01:0028 August 2023|

We bring you the news you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: The Swiss city of Zürich launches its adult-use cannabis pilot, Israel’s major reforms aim to make medical cannabis a ‘first line treatment’, and a global study will [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis-in-brief: Zürich launches adult-use pilot, Israel’s medical cannabis reforms and global health economic study

From last resort to first line: Israel’s major reforms to medical cannabis

By |2023-08-28T12:57:57+01:0028 August 2023|

Via Business of Cannabis  Israel could soon see a dramatic increase in the number of medical cannabis patients as the government publishes proposals for sweeping reforms aimed at streamlining access. On Monday 7 August, The Health Ministry published its highly anticipated proposals for medical cannabis reform in [...]

Comments Off on From last resort to first line: Israel’s major reforms to medical cannabis

The doctor’s perspective: medical cannabis in ADHD and autism

By |2023-11-07T11:35:34+00:0028 August 2023|

In his final instalment, consultant psychiatrist and cannabis clinician Dr Tahzid Ahsan, explores the potential of cannabis in managing symptoms of ADHD and autism. Around three in 10 autistic adults and around 28% of autistic children also have ADHD. The likelihood of someone presenting with both [...]

Comments Off on The doctor’s perspective: medical cannabis in ADHD and autism

Best of cannabinoid science: Alzheimer’s, binge eating disorder, ageing and hair growth

By |2023-08-28T12:57:16+01:0028 August 2023|

Cannabis scientist Lex Pelger brings you the latest cannabinoid research with new studies exploring CBD for ageing and hair growth, plus fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, binge eating disorder and more.  Lex Pelger is a biochemist specialising in cannabinoids and psychedelics. Here we share an extract from his newsletter, [...]

Comments Off on Best of cannabinoid science: Alzheimer’s, binge eating disorder, ageing and hair growth

Switzerland launches second cannabis pilot with support of Cannavigia software

By |2023-08-28T12:57:03+01:0028 August 2023|

The Swiss city of Zurich has marked a significant milestone with the official launch of its cannabis pilot trial ‘ZüriCan’ this week.  The trials represent a major development in the legalisation and regulation of cannabis in Switzerland.  The second pilot, which began on Tuesday 22 August, [...]

Comments Off on Switzerland launches second cannabis pilot with support of Cannavigia software

Study: patients say medical cannabis improves job performance

By |2023-08-28T12:56:49+01:0028 August 2023|

A new study highlights the myriad of benefits medical cannabis can have on patients’ quality of life, from reducing symptoms to boosting energy levels and job performance.  Researchers in Greece studied a group of patients receiving medical cannabis treatment to try to understand how it impacted [...]

Comments Off on Study: patients say medical cannabis improves job performance

Report reveals countries leading the way in cannabis-related clinical trials

By |2023-08-28T12:56:29+01:0028 August 2023|

After the US, the UK saw the second highest number of clinical trials carried out on cannabinoids in the last decade, according to a new report.  The upcoming report, due to be published this month by Prohibition Partners and Cannabiscientia, explores the progression of cannabis research [...]

Comments Off on Report reveals countries leading the way in cannabis-related clinical trials

Global study to explore health economic benefits of medical cannabis

By |2023-08-28T12:56:19+01:0028 August 2023|

Researchers in Australia will explore whether treatment with medicinal cannabis can ease the economic impact of chronic health conditions. Australians living with one of 200 chronic conditions may now be eligible to participate in what is expected to become the world’s largest study into the impact [...]

Comments Off on Global study to explore health economic benefits of medical cannabis

Irish cannabis ‘caregiver’ serving ‘disproportionate’ five-year sentence moved to open prison

By |2023-08-28T12:56:02+01:0028 August 2023|

A dad-of-two, serving five years for supplying cannabis to help severely ill patients, has been moved to an open prison as his family prepare to launch an appeal against his sentence. The family of Patrick Moore, who was sentenced to five years for the cultivation and [...]

Comments Off on Irish cannabis ‘caregiver’ serving ‘disproportionate’ five-year sentence moved to open prison

Cannabis-in-brief: Germany moves closer to reform, Malta grants first association licences and NHS to fund CBD trial

By |2023-08-19T03:05:30+01:0019 August 2023|

We bring you the news you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: The German Cabinet approved a bill to implement the first phase of adult-use cannabis legalisation, while Malta moves to issue its first cannabis association licences. In the [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis-in-brief: Germany moves closer to reform, Malta grants first association licences and NHS to fund CBD trial

US: Medical cannabis lowers health insurance premiums – study

By |2023-08-19T03:05:24+01:0019 August 2023|

A new study has found that states which have legalised medical cannabis have seen a drop in the average cost of individual healthcare premiums. Researchers from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and Illinois State University looked at the impact of state-specific medical cannabis legalisation laws [...]

Comments Off on US: Medical cannabis lowers health insurance premiums – study

Malta issues first two Cannabis Association licences ‘in principle’

By |2023-08-19T03:05:05+01:0019 August 2023|

Via Business of Cannabis The head of Malta’s cannabis regulatory body has confirmed reports that the country’s first two cannabis associations have been granted licences, ‘in-principle’. Two years after Malta first moved to allow the consumption and cultivation of cannabis for adult-use, the Authority for the Responsible [...]

Comments Off on Malta issues first two Cannabis Association licences ‘in principle’

NHS Scotland to fund clinical trial on CBD and endometriosis

By |2023-08-18T03:07:14+01:0018 August 2023|

NHS Scotland is funding a six-figure clinical trial to explore the effects of CBD on pelvic pain related to endometriosis.  The Chief Scientist Office, part of the Scottish Government Health Directorate responsible for funding research in NHS Scotland, will provide £300,000 for the trial, Ananda Developments, [...]

Comments Off on NHS Scotland to fund clinical trial on CBD and endometriosis

Germany launches harm-reduction campaign as cabinet approves adult-use cannabis bill

By |2023-08-18T03:06:41+01:0018 August 2023|

The German Cabinet has passed a bill for the first phase of adult-use cannabis reform, whilst demonstrating its commitment to harm-reduction and youth protection.  On Wednesday, members of the German cabinet passed the draft of a bill which will see the country take its first steps [...]

Comments Off on Germany launches harm-reduction campaign as cabinet approves adult-use cannabis bill

New study sheds light on effects of HHC in the body

By |2023-08-17T03:01:55+01:0017 August 2023|

A new study by researchers in the US is the first to shed light on how HHC binds to receptors in the body – and proposes a safer, more consistent way to produce them. The new paper takes a closer look at hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, an [...]

Comments Off on New study sheds light on effects of HHC in the body

UK research finds GP support for cannabis as an alternative to opioids for chronic pain

By |2023-08-17T03:01:20+01:0017 August 2023|

New research suggests a growing awareness and interest in medical cannabis as an alternative to opioid medications among GPs practising in the UK. Almost two-fifths (37%) of GPs believe that medical cannabis has the potential to reduce patient dependency on other medications and improve quality of [...]

Comments Off on UK research finds GP support for cannabis as an alternative to opioids for chronic pain

The dark side of CBD in fitness – risks you need to know

By |2023-08-15T03:44:41+01:0015 August 2023|

As CBD becomes increasingly popular among athletes, Scott Mazza, COO and co-founder of Vitality CBD, shares some tips for using it safely in sport. CBD is taking the fitness world by storm. With evidence showing the compound helps to reduce inflammation, improve recovery and promote focus [...]

Comments Off on The dark side of CBD in fitness – risks you need to know

How is CBD different from medical cannabis?

By |2023-08-12T03:25:14+01:0012 August 2023|

Ahead of National CBD day on Saturday 8 August, we explore some of the key differences between CBD wellness products and prescribed medical cannabis. While legalisation of recreational cannabis is far off in this country, medical cannabis has been legal since 2018 – yet over half [...]

Comments Off on How is CBD different from medical cannabis?

What are the barriers facing Spanish medical cannabis access?

By |2023-08-11T03:09:07+01:0011 August 2023|

Following another recent disappointment for Spanish patients, Michael Sassano, CEO and founder of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals explores the barriers preventing the regulation of medical cannabis in the country. What is wrong with medical cannabis access in Spain? In short: Politics! Spain has long been the most head-scratching [...]

Comments Off on What are the barriers facing Spanish medical cannabis access?

How safe is vaping CBD? Everything you need to know

By |2023-08-10T03:35:48+01:0010 August 2023|

Vaping is a popular way to consume CBD, but how safe is it? We take a look at the potential benefits, effects and risks. While tinctures and oils have conventionally been the most common way of getting a dose of CBD’s potential health and wellness benefits, [...]

Comments Off on How safe is vaping CBD? Everything you need to know

Althea secures approval of cannabis-based oil through Ireland’s MCAP

By |2023-08-09T03:04:52+01:009 August 2023|

Althea’s cannabis-based oil has been given the green light from Ireland’s regulators to be prescribed free of charge through the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP).  The global manufacturer of cannabis-based medicines has successfully secured approval from The Republic of Ireland’s Primary Care Reimbursement Service for its [...]

Comments Off on Althea secures approval of cannabis-based oil through Ireland’s MCAP

‘Landmark’ ruling gives hope for UK CBD flower businesses

By |2023-08-08T03:22:43+01:008 August 2023|

Via Business of Cannabis  A ‘landmark’ Court of Appeal ruling in the UK has set a new legal precedent for businesses in the UK importing and selling CBD or low-THC hemp flower. Crucially, the Court of Appeal has made it clear that it does not consider hemp flower [...]

Comments Off on ‘Landmark’ ruling gives hope for UK CBD flower businesses

Study finds no link between high-THC cannabis and psychosis

By |2023-08-05T03:07:40+01:005 August 2023|

Researchers have found little evidence of a link between high potency cannabis and an increased risk of psychosis and other mental health symptoms. A team of researchers at the University of Bath have explored the association between cannabis potency and the likelihood of developing cannabis dependence [...]

Comments Off on Study finds no link between high-THC cannabis and psychosis

UK study finds most products contain less CBD than advertised

By |2023-08-04T03:13:14+01:004 August 2023|

In a new study of the CBD content in products on sale in the UK, the majority were found to contain significantly lower concentrations than what was advertised. Researchers analysed the actual concentrations of CBD in a sample of products on sale in the UK and [...]

Comments Off on UK study finds most products contain less CBD than advertised

Five new cannabis studies – ALS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, chronic pain and blood pressure

By |2023-08-04T03:12:57+01:004 August 2023|

We’ve rounded up some of the most recent research in the field of cannabis medicine, including its potential therapeutic effects in a number of debilitating chronic conditions. While more studies are needed, new findings indicate potential for cannabis as a tool to manage symptoms of amyotrophic [...]

Comments Off on Five new cannabis studies – ALS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, chronic pain and blood pressure

NHS approves major clinical trial on cannabis medicines and chronic pain

By |2023-08-03T03:03:21+01:003 August 2023|

A clinical trial investigating the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines in up to 5,000 patients with chronic pain has been given the green light from UK regulators. Celadon Pharmaceuticals, a licensed producer of cannabis-based medicines in the UK and is private pain clinic, LVL Health, have received [...]

Comments Off on NHS approves major clinical trial on cannabis medicines and chronic pain

Malta: Advocates emphasise positive effects of cannabis reform amid ‘normalisation’ concerns

By |2023-08-02T03:10:05+01:002 August 2023|

The roll-out of cannabis reform in Malta is said to have brought a ‘significant transformation’ in the health and wellbeing of consumers, despite some concerns from opposition groups that cannabis is becoming ‘normalised’. In December 2021, Malta became the first country in Europe to give the [...]

Comments Off on Malta: Advocates emphasise positive effects of cannabis reform amid ‘normalisation’ concerns

Albania officially green-lights medical and industrial cannabis cultivation

By |2023-08-01T03:33:10+01:001 August 2023|

Via Business of Cannabis Albania has become the latest European country to officially legalise the ‘cultivation and processing of the cannabis plant and the production of its by-products for medical and industrial purposes’. The vote, which took place on Friday July 21, has already been met [...]

Comments Off on Albania officially green-lights medical and industrial cannabis cultivation

Hemp cream, salve or balm – what’s the difference?

By |2023-07-26T03:07:38+01:0026 July 2023|

Hemp-based topicals are becoming increasingly popular, with an abundance of creams, balms and salves now on offer. But what’s the difference, and importantly, how do you know which is right for you? Topical hemp products have gained popularity in recent years among consumers looking to reap [...]

Comments Off on Hemp cream, salve or balm – what’s the difference?

Cannabis-in-brief: families failed by UK policy, potential new cancer drug and promise for veterans

By |2023-07-22T03:03:58+01:0022 July 2023|

We bring you the news you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: Families say they have been failed by how access to medical cannabis has played out in the UK, while a new industry report calls for GP prescribing [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis-in-brief: families failed by UK policy, potential new cancer drug and promise for veterans

UK company identifies potential new cannabinoid-based cancer treatment

By |2023-07-22T03:03:43+01:0022 July 2023|

A UK pharmaceutical company producing prescription cannabinoid medicines, has announced its expansion into oncology with the development of a potential ‘first in class’ cancer treatment.  Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Plc (OCTP), which has been developing cannabinoid-based medicines since 2017, announced this week it is expanding its research and [...]

Comments Off on UK company identifies potential new cannabinoid-based cancer treatment

Cannabis enhances ‘runner’s high’ during exercise, finds study

By |2023-07-21T03:00:45+01:0021 July 2023|

Consuming cannabis prior to exercise was associated with a more positive experience and an enhanced ‘runner’s high’, according to a new study. Despite the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype often attached to it, recent research has focused on the use of cannabis during exercise or in aiding recovery.  [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis enhances ‘runner’s high’ during exercise, finds study

How allowing GPs to prescribe cannabis could ease the burden on NHS

By |2023-07-20T03:02:18+01:0020 July 2023|

Allowing GPs to prescribe cannabis would ease the burden on the NHS and drive down waiting lists, says a new industry report.  A new report from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) highlights how giving GPs the same rights to prescribe as specialist consultants would help reduce [...]

Comments Off on How allowing GPs to prescribe cannabis could ease the burden on NHS

Medicinal cannabis improves veterans’ quality of life and reduces substance use – study

By |2023-07-19T03:03:07+01:0019 July 2023|

A new study suggests that medicinal cannabis improves quality of life and reduces unwanted medication and substance use among veterans. In a new survey of over 500 US military veterans medicinal cannabis was found to improve quality of life and reduce unwanted use of other substances, [...]

Comments Off on Medicinal cannabis improves veterans’ quality of life and reduces substance use – study

‘Our children have been left behind’ – How UK medical cannabis policy failed families

By |2023-07-18T03:01:00+01:0018 July 2023|

Five years on the parents of children who helped legalise medicinal cannabis are back at square one – forced to break the law to access the potentially life-saving treatment.  In 2018 Emma Appleby travelled to Holland with journalists from the BBC as she attempted to bring [...]

Comments Off on ‘Our children have been left behind’ – How UK medical cannabis policy failed families

Cannabis-in-brief: First ‘victory’ for medical cannabis in Ukraine, Scotland’s bold approach to drugs and pain comes out top in trials

By |2023-07-15T03:36:14+01:0015 July 2023|

We bring you the headlines you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: Politicians in Ukraine have given the green light to the first reading of a bill to regulate medical cannabis, while leaders in Scotland have been praised for [...]

Comments Off on Cannabis-in-brief: First ‘victory’ for medical cannabis in Ukraine, Scotland’s bold approach to drugs and pain comes out top in trials

OPINION: Legal v legacy cannabis – how illegal use continues to impact the medical market

By |2023-07-15T03:36:02+01:0015 July 2023|

Safety and quality control sets prescribed cannabis apart from its illegal counterpart, says experienced horticulturist and head grower at Dalgety, Brady Green. Here, he discusses the difference between illegally cultivated and distributed cannabis and  regulated, pharmaceutical-grade medicinal products. According to ONS figures, 7.4% of 16- to [...]

Comments Off on OPINION: Legal v legacy cannabis – how illegal use continues to impact the medical market

Ukraine approves first reading of bill to legalise medical cannabis 

By |2023-07-14T03:11:58+01:0014 July 2023|

Politicians in Ukraine have approved the first reading of a bill that will see the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use.  Officials voted to adopt the bill on regulating cannabis for medical, scientific and industrial use, at its first reading in the Verkhovna Rada [parliament] of [...]

Comments Off on Ukraine approves first reading of bill to legalise medical cannabis 

Legalising medicinal cannabis has little impact on recreational use, finds UK study

By |2023-07-13T03:02:10+01:0013 July 2023|

The change in law to permit the prescribing of cannabis for medicinal purposes has had little impact on recreational use, according to a new study.  In November 2018 cannabis was rescheduled to allow it to be prescribed for medicinal purposes in the UK, but until now [...]

Comments Off on Legalising medicinal cannabis has little impact on recreational use, finds UK study

Clinical trials consistently show cannabis holds ‘promising potential’ for pain, says report

By |2023-07-13T03:01:50+01:0013 July 2023|

Pain is the most prevalent symptom treated in clinical trials on cannabinoids with cannabis-based medicines consistently showing ‘promising potential’ in this area, says a new report.  Despite a number of emerging areas of research, pain remains the most common indication to be studied in cannabinoid-related clinical [...]

Comments Off on Clinical trials consistently show cannabis holds ‘promising potential’ for pain, says report

Scotland praised for ‘bold and welcome’ proposals to decriminalise drug use

By |2023-07-12T03:14:51+01:0012 July 2023|

Scotland’s call for the decriminalisation of drug use has been welcomed by international experts in policy and public health, but the UK government is sticking with its ‘tough stance’ on drugs.  Scottish leaders say it’s time to start approaching drug use from a public health, rather [...]

Comments Off on Scotland praised for ‘bold and welcome’ proposals to decriminalise drug use

Half of UK population may benefit from medicinal cannabis, finds report

By |2023-07-11T03:08:18+01:0011 July 2023|

A new report suggests that up to 50% of the UK population could be eligible for a medicinal cannabis prescription, but less than 1% of those have been able to access one. The findings of a new survey have revealed that approximately 29.6 million people in [...]

Comments Off on Half of UK population may benefit from medicinal cannabis, finds report