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WEEKLY UPDATE /
28 SEP 2022 |
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Hello!
And welcome back to your monthly dose of cannabis news!
This week, this story caught my eye. Children across the UK will receive free medicinal cannabis for epilepsy treatment from private firms as campaigns for life-changing treatment continue. Currently, access to cannabis treatment on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is difficult; families must apply for NHS funding via a specialist advisory service – a process that can take up to eight months. While they wait for a decision to be made, they continue to be billed thousands of pounds for the cannabis products – which is unsustainable for many families. Could this push the UK towards cannabis reform and make medical cannabis more accessible?
On a related note, we have a very interesting article making its way onto our website in the coming weeks. Here’s a sneak peek:
“It should be clear that we cannot afford for the status quo to continue. Forcing patients to choose between expensive, privately dispensed cannabis-based products and a dangerous and unregulated black market is no choice at all. It is therefore critical that Liz Truss listens to the industry and exercises the political will to bring about meaningful, positive change for everyone concerned.”
Until next time,
Margot Lespade
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Essential Reading
Susan Audino on the biggest breakthrough in cannabis science
“In my opinion, the biggest breakthrough has been the increasing engagement with regulatory bodies and people involved in cannabis testing regulations,” she says. “Regulatory bodies faced a huge challenge from the outset, but they seem to have embraced contributions from well established scientific organizations over the past few years. This willingness to work collaboratively with scientists to provide a better foundation for regulations that are based on sound principles and practices will benefit independent testing laboratories and ultimately enhance product value for the end users.” Keep reading to find more Power Listers opinions on the biggest breakthroughs in cannabis science. |
Mouse Marijuana
The loss of ovarian 17β-estradiol (E2) can be linked with gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and increased risk of cardiometabolic disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Wanting to explore alternative options to hormone replacement therapy, a group of researchers explored the effect of CBD in estrogen-deficient mice. Compared with controls, the CBD-treated mice showed improved bone density, suffered less inflammation in gut and bone tissues, and possessed higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria, as well as improved glucose tolerance and more energy. In a related press release, Diana Roopchand, one of the study authors said, “CBD is already being used by many women to deal with symptoms of menopause and postmenopause. This study provides preclinical evidence to support further investigation of CBD as a therapeutic for postmenopause-related disorders.” |
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Worth Your Time...
Research + Medicine
Twenty-eight year study reveals decline in US adolescent substance use with the exception of cannabis and vaping – reasons may be linked to parental monitoring, social engagement, and employment. Link Cannabis appears to be helpful for autism spectrum disorder patients with anxiety and sleep-related symptoms – but further randomized control trials are needed. Link Placebo controlled randomized clinical trial reveals that cannabidiol oil reduces behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia. LinkChildren exposed to cannabis in the womb show elevated rates of psychopathology, including anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Link
Testing + Processing
New method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry separates trichomes from plant material – allowing cannabinoid analysis of low abundance not observed in raw plant extract. Link
Business + Regulation
US House committee approves series of criminal justice reform bills – including the automatic sealing of criminal records for certain non-violent, federal cannabis convictions. Link With oversaturated cannabis market due to decriminalization and deregulation, Thai farmers ask for price regulation from government. Link International medical cannabis company Akanda partners with global cannabis lifestyle brand Cookies to bring cannabis to European consumers. Link Two polls reveal Minnesotans support cannabis legalization. LinkBritish American Tobacco invests US$37 million in German cannabis start-up company, as Germany works towards legalization. Link Canadian government set to review cannabis legalization – four years after it became world’s second to legalize cannabis for adults. Link |
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More From The Cannabis Scientist
Top Cannabis Science Headlines: August Roundup
Our top picks from the month’s research, business, and policy news from across the cannabis industry. Read the article
The Biggest Breakthroughs in Cannabis Science
We asked our 2022 Power Listers about the biggest breakthrough in cannabis science in recent memory... Read the article
Musings from the Power List: Monica Vialpondo
Monica tackles the biggest challenge facing the field and offers a little advice. Read the article |
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On-Demand Digital Events
Moisture Content Determination in Hemp and Hemp Flower Watch now
Cannabis Analysis Challenges: One Size Does Not Fit All Watch now
Cannabinoid Quantitation via Rugged and Adaptable HPLC/UHPLC Method Development Watch now
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Analysis of Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins and Potency in Cannabis
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And Finally...
High Hopes Down Under
Recreational cannabis legalization could be on its way to Australia, especially as the federal parliament has the power to override state laws – or so say the Australian Greens. David Shoebridge, the Green’s justice spokesperson – who is planning to release a draft bill later this year for consultation – said, “We’ve been told to wait for cannabis law reform for too long, even when it’s obvious that the majority of harm caused is by policing and the war on drugs, not the plant.”
But, perhaps more cuttingly, he also noted, “At least 40% of Australians have used cannabis and any law that makes almost half of us criminals needs to go.”
This summer, a study revealed that Australians’ attitudes to cannabis are generally favorable and that they support cannabis use over tobacco smoking. |
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