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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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, [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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, [...]

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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 [...]

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‘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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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.  [...]

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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 [...]

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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, [...]

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‘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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Cannabis-in-brief: Europe told to clear way for reform, Germany’s draft law and Spain’s uncertainty over medical access

By |2023-07-08T03:14:26+01:008 July 2023|

Each Friday we bring you the headlines you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: Officials in Europe have been told to clear the way for continental cannabis reform, as Germany publishes its draft law for the first phase of [...]

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Germany’s draft law for first phase of cannabis reform – key takeaways

By |2023-07-08T03:14:06+01:008 July 2023|

Germany’s Ministry of Health has published its draft law for the first phase of cannabis legalisation, with the hopes it will be passed by the end of 2023. Here’s our key takeaways. After months of speculation, and a few stumbling blocks, German officials have released a [...]

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Do indica and sativa labels matter when it comes to cannabis?

By |2023-07-07T03:17:47+01:007 July 2023|

Sponsored While the terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ have been widely used to categorise cannabis products, there’s a push for the industry to adopt a classification system which is rooted in science and data, rather than perception.  If you have come across any cannabis-based products before it’s [...]

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Lex Pelger’s best of cannabinoid science: 9 new research studies

By |2023-07-07T03:17:14+01:007 July 2023|

Cannabis scientist Lex Pelger brings you the latest cannabinoid research with nine new studies exploring Tourette’s, multiple sclerosis, sleep and more. Lex Pelger is a biochemist specialising in cannabinoids and psychedelics. Here we share an extract from his newsletter, where each week he brings subscribers a [...]

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Parliamentary motion calls for GPs to prescribe cannabis – ask your MP for support

By |2023-07-06T03:21:48+01:006 July 2023|

A new parliamentary motion is urging regulators to allow GPs to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK in the hopes of opening up access for patients. An ‘early day motion’ (EDM) has been tabled in Parliament calling for GPs to have the same rights to prescribe [...]

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European Commission told to clear the way for continental cannabis reform

By |2023-07-06T03:21:25+01:006 July 2023|

Via Business of Cannabis  Members of the European Parliament have called for the continent’s regulators to clear a pathway for wholesale cannabis reform. For the first time in its history the European Parliament held a debate on cannabis in a session called the ‘Legalisation of Personal [...]

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The doctor’s perspective: treating depression, anxiety and insomnia with cannabis

By |2023-07-05T03:13:24+01:005 July 2023|

In his latest article, consultant psychiatrist and cannabis clinician, Dr Tahzid Ahsan, explores the potential of cannabis in the treatment of depression, insomnia and anxiety.  Almost 80% of people I see in my medical cannabis clinic suffer from a combination of depression, insomnia or anxiety.  According [...]

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Women find cannabis helpful for menopause symptoms, finds survey

By |2023-07-05T03:13:00+01:005 July 2023|

Over a third of women surveyed for a new Canadian study report using cannabis to help them manage some of the common symptoms of menopause. According to new research, Canadian women frequently report consuming cannabis products to ease symptoms related to menopause. Despite a lack of [...]

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Spain: ‘Unfulfilled promises’ leave regulation of medical cannabis in jeopardy

By |2023-07-04T03:45:06+01:004 July 2023|

Patients in Spain have been left ‘devastated’ by ‘unfulfilled promises’, as the Health Minister confirms the country won’t see medical cannabis regulation before the upcoming election. Speaking to local media, Spain’s Health Minister, José Miñones, has said that the government is still working on the regulation [...]

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Cannabis-in-brief: Zelenskyy’s bid for medical cannabis, Luxembourg legalises home grow and calls to end ‘war on drugs’

By |2023-07-01T03:08:01+01:001 July 2023|

Each Friday we bring you the headlines you might have missed from the week just gone. The top lines this week: Officials in Luxembourg have approved a bill to legalise personal cannabis use and home cultivation of up to four plants, while President Zelenskyy says he [...]

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Luxembourg legalises home grow and personal use of cannabis – what you need to know

By |2023-07-01T03:07:47+01:001 July 2023|

Officials in Luxembourg have approved a bill legalising the cultivation and personal use of cannabis at home. Here’s what you need to know. On Wednesday 28 June, the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg voted to legalise personal possession and home cultivation of up to four cannabis [...]

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Five new cannabis research studies – anxiety, ADHD, fibromyalgia, cancer and concussion in athletes

By |2023-06-30T03:09:17+01:0030 June 2023|

Recently-published research explores cannabis in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD and fibromyalgia, as well as its potential to reduce the impact of concussion in athletes and in palliative cancer care. New research papers exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis are being published at a rapid rate. [...]

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President Zelenskyy calls for legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine

By |2023-06-30T03:09:02+01:0030 June 2023|

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is calling for the legalisation of medical cannabis to help his country deal with the ‘trauma of war’.  During an address to the Ukrainian parliament on Constitution Day, Wednesday 28 June, the President called on members to legalise cannabis for medical purposes, [...]

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10 takeaways on cannabis from the UN World Drug Report

By |2023-06-29T03:04:18+01:0029 June 2023|

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime published its World Drug Report this week. Here are some of the key takeaways on the use of cannabis across the globe. The latest UN World Drug Report, published on Monday 26 June, takes an in-depth look at [...]

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Ireland Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs – time to shift focus from ‘failed policy’ to future solutions?

By |2023-06-29T03:03:54+01:0029 June 2023|

More than one person dies every day from drugs in Ireland, members of the ongoing Citizens’ Assembly have heard, leading to calls for its focus to shift from symptoms to solutions.  Members of Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use have heard how over 400 people died [...]

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What is Rick Simpson oil? RSO v whole-plant CBD

By |2023-06-28T03:32:51+01:0028 June 2023|

Rick Simpson oil (RSO) is a well-known oil derived from the cannabis plant, but it’s important to know the difference between this and other widely available products, such as whole-plant CBD. While researching cannabis-based wellness products such as CBD, many people come across RSO and believe [...]

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Germany moves forward with revised plan for cannabis legalisation – what’s the latest?

By |2023-06-28T03:32:40+01:0028 June 2023|

Via Newsweed  The revised plan for the legalisation of cannabis in Germany is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by mid-August, according to reports.  The timetable for the process of legalising adult-use cannabis in Germany is becoming clearer. According to information from German media, the [...]

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