A new survey finds that many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are using cannabis medicinally – and reporting benefit from it – but less than half are talking to their doctor about it.   Over a third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis [...]

German ministers have taken the first step on a ‘long but meaningful journey’, which could lay the groundwork for cannabis reform across Europe.  Cornerstone proposals for Germany’s approach to the legalisation of adult-use cannabis were announced by the Health Minister, Professor Karl Lauterbach, at a press [...]

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, but cannabis has been shown to ease a range of symptoms from stiffness and tremors to anxiety, poor sleep and impaired cognitive function. Here’s what the science says. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder [...]

Germany could be set to scale back its plans for the nationwide legalisation of adult-use cannabis in favour of a ‘more realistic’ approach to reform – but what will this look like? There has been much hype and speculation around Germany’s plans to legalise adult-use cannabis, [...]

Findings from a new clinical trial add to a growing evidence base for the potential of cannabinoids in managing diabetes. What do we know so far? The rise in people living with type 2 diabetes is an impending global health crisis. According to the World Health [...]

Early studies suggest that CBD could hold potential in tackling opioid misuse, from curbing cravings to reducing the effects of overdose.  A mounting evidence base suggests that increasing access to cannabis may be linked to a reduction in opioid use, as many patients find it to [...]

A new case study highlights the effects of medicinal cannabis in a chronic pain patient who feels she has been ‘given a second chance at life’ since starting the treatment. A paper, published this month by researchers at Drug Science, documents the improvements in quality of [...]

Zurich will become the second Swiss city to legalise the sale and consumption of adult-use cannabis in a pilot programme due to launch this summer. On Tuesday 21 March, the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), the public health centre of the Swiss federal government, approved [...]

The Government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has been ‘strongly urged’ to support the rescheduling of cannabis for research purposes to help patients access it as a possible treatment. In an open letter, the UK Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), has called on the [...]

Direct payments from opioid producers to pain doctors in the US saw a significant decline following the legalisation of medical cannabis, a new study has found. A new paper from researchers at the University of Florida, University of Southern California and Purdue University, highlights the impact [...]

New regulations for the prescription of medical cannabis in Germany are set to make it easier for to access the treatment under the public health insurance system. We take a look at the decision and what it means for patients.  On Thursday 16 March, the Federal [...]

New research supports the use of medicinal cannabis in patients with a range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis. The findings of an observational study suggest that a balanced formulation of medicinal cannabis is safe and effective in treating older patients, with [...]

Julie Durrans says she lost everything when her health unravelled and she was prescribed an abundance of opioids at the age of 40. She shares how cannabis set her on the path towards wellness – and why she launched a cannabis club during lockdown.  Aged 40, [...]

UK legislators are being urged to recognise the health and economic benefits of cannabis as findings from the US highlight a myriad of positive public health outcomes. A recent review of existing studies has linked medical cannabis legalisation to a number of positive public health outcomes, [...]

Germany will announce a bill to legalise adult-use cannabis in the next few weeks after receiving positive feedback from the European Commission on its proposals. Meanwhile, major changes are expected to its medical programme.  German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has said that a bill to [...]

A new online cannabis clinic for chronic pain management has launched through primary healthcare provider, The GP Service.  Cannabis company, Kanabo Group, announced the launch of its first online clinic, Treat It, on Monday 13 March, which will offer a range of treatments for chronic pain, [...]

Professor Raphael Mechoulam, widely regarded as the ‘father of cannabis research’, died last week at the age of 92. We reflect on his pioneering work and the ‘irreplaceable’ loss and legacy he leaves behind.  Professor Raphael Mechoulam, one of the pioneers of cannabis science, passed away [...]

Researchers investigating the rates of drug testing in newborns in the US found that Black babies were disproportionately more likely to be tested than White, pointing to ‘structural and institutional racism’.  A new study published this month reveals that clinicians were more likely to carry out [...]

Endometriosis Awareness Month helps shine a light on a painful, poorly understood condition that affects hundreds of millions of women worldwide. Emerging research might explain why many are turning to cannabis to manage their symptoms.  One in 10 people live with endometriosis in the UK. That’s [...]

A new study has found that cannabis use is common among patients with tinnitus – and the vast majority report finding it helpful for managing symptoms. The recent study, published in February in the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, is thought to be [...]

Grow Pharma is the latest cannabis company to join Drug Science’s observational study, T21, to help patients access more affordable medicinal cannabis.  The UK biopharmaceutical company announced last week it would be joining T21 to allow patients to continue accessing cannabis-based medicines at a reduced cost. [...]

The Irish government has appointed former Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid to chair its newly established Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.  The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use was established in late February, following resolutions in Dáil and Seanad Éireann, to examine and make recommendations on [...]

As new research links frequent cannabis use to an increased risk of heart problems, we look beyond the sensationalism and break down what you need to know.  According to a recent media reports, cannabis users are ‘up to a third more likely to suffer a heart [...]

One of the UK’s most established cannabis clinics has announced some key changes as it takes steps to improve patients’ experience.  Lyphe Clinic, formerly known as The Medical Cannabis Clinics, will be making some significant improvements after conducting an internal review of the business over the [...]

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is looking for scientific research to help it establish guidance on the medicinal use of cannabis flower. The EMA’s Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) is inviting industry, healthcare professionals, patients and government institutions from EU member states, to submit scientific [...]

Via Cannareporter In a landmark decision, Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation has ruled that growing a small number of cannabis plants at home for personal use, does not constitute a crime.  The decision came in response to an appeal made by a man who had been [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]