On this month’s episode, we are joined by Steve Ellmore, veteran, filmmaker, and founder of The Unprescribed.

Podcast Ep 18: Plants Over Pills—A Veteran’s Journey to Healing and Helping Others

This blog installment takes a look at autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Dysregulation May Underlie Autism

Understanding the potential health issues associated with Aspergillus contamination is crucial.

Aspergillus in the Cannabis Industry: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Pain Points

Read coverage from a webinar presented by Americans for Safe Access on their report “Regulating Patient Heath: An Analysis of Disparities in State Cannabis Testing Programs"

How Testing Inconsistencies Affect Medical Cannabis Patients

Cannabis Science Conference (CSC), the premier cannabis science conference focusing on analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation and psychedelics, announced today that Mother Earth Wellness will be hosting the 2023 fall Canna Boot Camp. This exciting educational event will take place on Sept. 20, 2023, in Providence, Rhode Island.


“Mother Earth Wellness prides itself on being a leader in the cannabis community, consistently promoting the quality, innovation and ongoing validation of cannabis in our culture,” said Joe Pakuris, owner of Mother Earth Wellness. “While it has come a long way, there is still a great deal to be done. We are truly honored to partner with the Cannabis Science Conference and their esteemed members to further the progress in the industry. We look forward to sharing our experience with the science community and sharing our vision of the future.”

The Fall Canna Boot Camp is CSC’s full-day offsite workshop that covers a wide range of cannabis science topics, including cultivation, preprocessing, sample prep, analytical testing, extraction and edibles manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in a comprehensive learning experience about the science, technology and innovation shaping the cannabis industry. With a focus on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and promoting advancements, this boot camp promises to be an exceptional event that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Attendees can expect a series of interactive workshops, hands-on demonstrations, expert-led sessions and the opportunity to engage with industry experts, thought leaders and fellow participants in an intimate and collaborative setting that will empower them with the latest insights and trends in the cannabis field.

Join CSC for expert-led cannabis science education, networking opportunities and the chance to connect with thought leaders, leading scientists, pioneers in cutting-edge medical applications and industry suppliers.

To register and learn more, please visit the 

Mother Earth Wellness serves the community of Pawtucket and the greater Providence area, offering Rhode Island’s finest medicine for both medical cannabis patients and recreational customers alike. As a vertically integrated cannabis company, we pride ourselves on unique formulations and products. From delicious flower strains, crave-worthy edibles and relieving topicals, we create a diverse selection of products formulated to fulfill your unique expectations while elevating standards of the consumer experience. For more information, visit 

Articles

Learn more about how our Canna Boot Camp will educate attendees on the latest advancements in the cannabis industry in an interactive, workshop setting.

Cannabis Science Conference Announces Mother Earth Wellness as Host of the Fall 2023 Canna Boot Camp

Madeline Colli is the Associate Editor for Cannabis Patient Care and Cannabis Science and Technology magazines at MJH Life Sciences.

In Mahnomen, Minnesota, Waabigwan Mashkiki, a Native American cannabis manufacturing plant owned by White Earth Nation, opened in the beginning of August 2023. It became one of the first dispensaries to legally begin to sell adult-use cannabis in the state (1).

Waabigwan Mashkiki products are produced in a $10 million state-of-the-art growing facility created by cannabis production experts. The establishment has been operating and growing cannabis for two years. Waabigwan Mashkiki has been hopeful and preparing for the day adult-use cannabis was legalized.

“Others were racing to the market to capitalize on this unique time in Minnesota history,” Alexander Oxendine, General Manager of Waabigwan Mashkiki, said (1). “We have been preparing for this day for years. Because of our location, dedication to excellence, and unique and proven growing and processing practices, our product is simply better.”

The Native American cannabis manufacturing plant is overseen by Alexander Oxendine, who is a descendent of the tribe, “who honed his craft in the leading growing centers of California and understands the quality and ‘flavor of the flower’,” according to a recent press release (1). Waabigwan Mashkiki’s bud is hand-selected by experts and then slow-grown over a nine-week time period. This is different from the usual eight-week time period followed at other growing centers. Waabigwan Mashkiki offers eight strains which have been grown to produce unique benefits.

“Our plant combines the latest science and production techniques with traditional Ojibwe practices that respect connections with all living things,” Chairman Fairbanks said (1). “The result is high-quality products that are manufactured responsibly.”

With launching medical cannabis and adult-use sales, it signifies a major milestone for White Earth Nation by helping the Tribe’s commitment in providing their people with additional healthcare options.

“Our teams have been working diligently to prepare for this launch, and we’re excited to provide a safe and controlled environment for cannabis access,” Tom Lavoy, Interim Executive Director, mentioned (1). “This endeavor aligns with our tribal sovereignty and self-determination, offering a new avenue of relief for many health conditions recognized under White Earth Nation Medicinal & Adult-Use Cannabis Codes.”

The dispensary is located near Shooting Star Casino and for further information please visit: 

recent news on cannabis in Minnesota here

White Earth Nation Launches Medical Cannabis Program &amp; Adult-Use Cannabis Sales 

https://www.kentuckytoday.com/news/business/white-earth-nation-launches-medical-cannabis-program-adult-use-cannabis-sales/article_f932ec77-30ff-5eb5-8627-b8cf27b4c7c9.html

With Minnesota’s recent cannabis legalization, White Earth Nation, gets involved in the cannabis industry through their medical cannabis program and implementation of adult-use sales.

Medical Cannabis Program and Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Launched by White Earth Nation

Kim Stuck, breast cancer survivor, founder and CEO of Allay Constulting

Our sister publication, CURE, recently interviewed Kim Stuck on her use of cannabis during chemotherapy for breast cancer. 

 or read the transcription below to learn more.

Kim Stuck said that she did not lose or gain weight during her chemotherapy treatments and was still able to work out frequently after her first treatment session, too. She credits this to her use of cannabis throughout her breast cancer experience, she explained.

“I think I think it obviously helped. I was not in pain,” Stuck, a breast cancer survivor and founder and CEO of Allay Consulting, a compliance strategy and services provider for the hemp and cannabis industry, said in an interview with CURE®.

Sometimes I wish I would have had a baseline, right? I started taking cannabinoids and using cannabis and mushrooms, functional mushrooms, since the beginning. I was so scared and I really just didn't want to die. So I was trying anything I could just to like make the experience go better.

And I want to say that it helped a lot. I know that it did, especially with (the fact that) I didn't lose a pound during chemo, which is really kind of crazy. Usually people lose a lot of weight or gain a lot of weight. And I didn't gain any weight, either. I actually stayed right on and a lot of that was attributed to the cannabis. Just even my daily intake, like inhalation intake, because it would help me eat and it would help with motivation to eat, because a lot of times you just feel terrible, and it's not that you're throwing up all the time. It's that you just like lose motivation. You're just like, “I just don't feel like eating. I'm not hungry,” which is interesting, because I thought it would be kind of different than that.

I think I think it obviously helped. I was not in pain. In fact, after the first treatment, I was still working out every day. And it's a stacking … toxicity is stacking when it comes to chemo. So sometimes your first chemo treatment, you're like, “Oh, it's actually not that terrible. It sucks. It's not fun, but I can make it through.” By the fourth (round of chemotherapy), I was down and out. Like there was no way I couldn't even walk up the stairs in my house. I was so debilitated.

I can't imagine how much worse it would have been without the natural medicine treatments, quite honestly.

Kim's experience and on cannabis for pain management

. Read her monthly articles on regulatory compliance, product safety, worker safety, and psychedelic therapy!

Hear more from Kim Stuck, author of the Cannabis Science and Technology blog Stuck on Compliance, share how cannabis helped her maintain weight and manage pain during chemotherapy. 

How Cannabis Helped This Survivor During Breast Cancer Treatment

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, University of Utah, and cannabis research institutes viewed self-reported survey data from 510 veterans who use cannabis (1). The purpose of the study was to have a better understanding of the purposes for use and what they experienced each time cannabis was consumed.

More than 90% of US military veterans who consume medical cannabis mentioned that it helps improve their quality of life. Veterans are growing frustrated with needing to take several prescriptions, as well as, over-the-counter medicines which often come with side effects. With these frustrations, veterans are beginning to make the switch and try consuming cannabis to help them deal with their various health ailments, for example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In the study, a majority of participants which was 67%, mentioned that they consumed cannabis daily. 30% of individuals that stated that they use cannabis to decrease their use of other medications, such as antidepressants which 25% of individuals listed as their reason and 17% listed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Lastly, 21%mentioned that by using cannabis, they have been able to reduce using opioid-based medications (1). From the study, 91% of veteran participants reported that cannabis significantly improved their quality of life.

“Veterans who were Black, who were female, who served in active combat, and who were living with chronic pain were more likely to report a desire to reduce the number of prescription medications they were taking,” the study says (1). “Women and individuals who used cannabis daily were more likely to report active use of cannabis to reduce prescription medication use.”

The study also reported (1), “Medicinal cannabis use was reported to improve quality of life and reduce unwanted medication use by many of the study participants. The present findings indicate that medicinal cannabis can potentially play a harm-reduction role, helping veterans to use fewer pharmaceutical medications and other substances.”

Results from the study was published in June 2023 in the journal, 

 (2). It was authored by Dr. Marion McNabb, Katherine A. Durante, PhD, Sarah Trocchio PhD, David J. Ritter, ADCJ, Randal MacCaffrie, Ann Brum, Stephen Mandile, and Stephen White PhD. Although the data provided was all self-reported, it did highlight and further prove how cannabis can become a tool to help veterans as seen in other studies (2-4).

Jaeger, K. Medical Marijuana Improves Military Veterans’ Quality of Life and Reduces Prescription Drug Use, Study Finds 

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/medical-marijuana-improves-military-veterans-quality-of-life-and-reduces-prescription-drug-use-study-finds/

McNabb, M.; Durante, K. A.; Trocchio, S.; Brum, A.; Mandile, S.; White, S.; Ritter, D. J.; MacCaffrie, R. Self-reported Medicinal Cannabis Use as an Alternative to Prescription and Over-the-counter Medication Use Among US Military Veterans 

https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(23)00133-9/fulltext

McNabb, M.; Mandile, S.; Ritter, D. J.; Brum, A.; Bacon, R.; MacCaffrie, R.; Stout, D.; White, S.; Rewegan, A. N.; Tangney, E. The 2019 Veterans Health and Medical Cannabis Study 

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/the-2019-veterans-health-and-medical-cannabis-study

McNabb, M.; Salim, J.; Ritter, D. J.; Jones, V.; Rand, T.; White, S. iCount for Veterans: A Research Platform to Connect Veterans with Cannabis Research Studies Led by the Cannabis Center of Excellence, UMass Dartmouth, and Patriots Helping Vets 

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/icount-for-veterans-a-research-platform-to-connect-veterans-with-cannabis-research-studies-led-by-the-cannabis-center-of-excellence-umass-dartmouth-and-patriots-helping-vets

A recent study revealed how medical cannabis improves military veterans’ quality of life and helped reduce prescription drug use.

Study Reveals Medical Cannabis Helps Improve Veterans’ Quality of Life and Reduces Prescription Drug Use

On July 26, 2023, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) held a 

 discussing the details of their 78-page report, “

Regulating Patient Heath: An Analysis of Disparities in State Cannabis Testing Programs

.” Leading the presentation was Debbie Churgai, the Executive Director at ASA, with commentary from Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency Physician, and Shelby Huffaker, Public Health Researcher. “This report underscores the need for robust testing frameworks and regulatory mechanisms,” Churgai stated.

To begin the presentation, Churgai defined the term “medical cannabis patient,” gave examples of the dozens of qualifying conditions for being recommended medical cannabis, and explained how living with cannabis as a medicine is affected by inconsistencies in the industry. The presentation covered several topics from the report, including pesticides, heavy metals, potency inflation, and yeasts and molds. Each topic included how the health of patients–especially pediatric and elderly patients–are negatively affected by the presence contaminants, misleading test results, or incorrect labeling. Churgai concluded with an explanation of ASA’s recommendations for creating a federal regulatory program to protect the more than 6 million medical cannabis patients in the US.

“There’s no federal regulations related to [cannabis testing] the way there are with pharmaceuticals, or even in the supplement industry,” stated Dr. Vinocur. “The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t even classified hemp yet, as it’s not allowed to be a supplement. So they’re not even prepared to act on that right now, and they can’t do anything with cannabis because they’re a federal agency and cannabis is federally illegal.”

“I think this issue is really important from a health equity standpoint,” concluded Huffaker. “Patients in some states are not getting the same quality of products as patients in other states, if they’re getting access to legal medical cannabis at all. So that’s where I think having federal oversight would really address that.”

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Issues included lack of research on inhaled products, water activity levels, bioaccumulation, drug to drug interactions, and laboratory standardization.

For more information on the report, visit: 

https://www.safeaccessnow.org/whatsinyourcannabis

Americans for Safe Access, the nation’s largest member-based organization promoting safe access to medical cannabis, recently released a detailed report on how disparities in state cannabis testing programs affect the health of patients.

How Testing Inconsistencies Affect Medical Cannabis Patients: A Webinar on a Special Report from Americans for Safe Access

In early July 2023, Mental Health Options, an advocacy group residing in Massachusetts, filed paperwork to add a question regarding psychedelic decriminalization on a future ballot according to CBS News Reports (1,2). The filing mentions that its’ goal is (1), “To expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and the ballot question would seek to create “access to natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and remove “criminal penalties for personal possession of these medicines.”

When CBS News reached out to Ben Unger (1), from the group New Approach, which is best known for their work with getting psychedelic therapy ballot questions in Colorado and Oregon, mentioned that the proposal was “still very much in the exploratory phase”.

“The coalition is still forming, and the policy is still going through a process of being vetted, discussed, and finalized. As you can imagine, lots [of] details to iron out.” Unger also told CBS News (1).

The campaign to add psychedelics decriminalization to a Massachusetts ballot has until August 2, 2023, to file an initiative petition for the 2024 election (1). The group, New Approach, is not one of the organizations listed on the paperwork which was submitted early July 2023. On the petition, the point of contact listed is MLM Strategies.

Unger told Boston’s public radio station WBUR (3), “We’re in a mental health crisis, and research has shown that psychedelic medicines can be effective in providing relief.” Unger also mentioned how New Approach has focused on “regulated, licensed, supervised psychedelic therapy” in other states.

Currently the only two states to have legalized some form of psychedelics for therapeutic use and decriminalized possession of small amounts are Colorado and Oregon, including Washington D.C. All three of these locations, the legislation was approved by voters in ballot initiatives.

"Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the way in the mental health revolution," Southwick Republican Rep. Nicholas Boldyga told his colleagues in a June 2023 Judiciary Committee meeting (2,4). "It's been said an idea whose time has arrived cannot be stopped ... I believe that time is now for these life-saving plant medicines as a new paradigm in how we view, and understand, and treat mental health is upon us."

Branfalt, T. Massachusetts Group Files Paperwork to Put Psychedelic Decriminalization Question on Ballots 

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/massachusetts-group-files-paperwork-to-put-psychedelic-decriminalization-question-on-ballots/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=maine_adult_use_sales_top_18_million_in_june_massachusetts_group_launches_psychedelics_decriminalization_bid_and_more&amp;utm_term=2023-07-13

Legalizing Psychedelics Could Become a Ballot Question in Massachusetts 

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/legalizing-psychedelics-magic-mushrooms-ballot-question-massachusetts/

https://www.psychedelicweek.com/p/psychedelic-groups-mass-ballot-new-approach-ma

Kuznitz, A. Lawmakers Pitched on Decriminalizing Psychedelics 

https://www.statehousenews.com/?login=yes&trial=yes&path=cms%2Fcontent.aspx&db=a&select=2023833

Mental Health Options, an advocacy group based in Massachusetts, has filed paperwork to list psychedelic decriminalization as a ballot question for voters.

Massachusetts Advocacy Group Files to List Psychedelic Decriminalization Question on Ballots

In Wilmington, North Carolina, efforts have been underway for quite some time to legalize medical cannabis. By legalizing this medicinal plant, it would allow for individuals suffering from cancer or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to gain access as a treatment option. However, State House Speaker, Tim Moore, discussed the bill and mentioned that it would likely be on hold until the earliest, next year because the bill currently does not have enough support in the chamber from Republicans (1).

Back in March 2023, the bill passed the Senate but unfortunately, hasn’t had much luck in the House (2). There was a similar bill last year as well that passed the Senate but didn’t survive the House.

The comments from Moore, didn’t go over well with veterans who are one of the top groups suffering from PTSD. US Army Veteran David Hamill uses cannabis to alleviate anxiety and stress. “The ability to get up and go and do and not be in pain,” said Hamill (1). “Not have, you know, the depression and anxiety being controlled and yet [be able to] function.” Hamill, like many veterans, are very agitated and disgruntled that the medical cannabis legalization bill won’t see the light of day this year and is calling for lawmakers to act.

The bill is being sponsored by Republican Senator Bill Rabon (1), who serves New Hanover, Columbus, and Brunswick counties, discussed with a House committee in May 2023 (3) that cannabis was a helpful tool during his cancer treatment. “No science behind it, but I can tell you. I know,” said Rabon (1,3). “I know that there’s tens of thousands of people in the state that could benefit just as I did.” Aside from legalizing medical cannabis, the bill would give doctors the ability to prescribe cannabis as a treatment option for PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and many other health ailments.

Hamill feels that the current law in North Carolina does not help veterans enough. “The medications that I was on, if I took the right medication or the right combination, I couldn’t work the next day,” he said (1). “So, I had to find ways to either suffer and get through it or find a way to relieve it that was some other way.” Hamill stated that the “other way” was cannabis. “The cannabidiol (CBD) and the other little tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, they might make a small dent,” said Hamill (1). “But the first time I ever tried the illegal form of cannabis through another friend of mine, it was almost life-changing.”

On House Bill 75 (4), Rabon added an amendment which was passed by the House unanimously earlier in 2023. This amendment mentioned that the bill cannot be enacted unless medical cannabis is also legalized (1).

Solon, Z. Veterans Frustrated as House Speaker Says Medical Marijuana Legalization Unlikely to Pass This Year 

https://www.wect.com/2023/07/12/veterans-frustrated-house-speaker-says-medical-marijuana-legalization-unlikely-pass-this-year/

https://ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S3v3.pdf

Staff, W. N.C. House Committee Discusses Medical Marijuana Bill 

https://www.wect.com/2023/05/30/nc-house-committee-discusses-medical-marijuana-bill/

House Bill 75 (2023-2024 Session) - North Carolina General Assembly 

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2023/H75

North Carolina State House Speaker, Tim Moore, announced that a medical cannabis legalization bill which would have benefitted many, such as veterans, is unlikely to pass in 2023.

Veterans Grow Frustrated After Hearing Medical Cannabis Legalization May Not Pass in 2023

Recently the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) have discovered the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) in a native Brazilian plant, 

 (1). This exciting new finding might have the ability to grow the availability of medical cannabis in Brazil, where production and CBD use is limited by high costs and strict regulation.

The popular cannabinoid was seen in the flowers and fruit of the 

, a small tree constantly seen across the country of Brazil. The plant is also known in Portuguese as candiúba, crindiúva, or pau-pólvora. It does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

“It would be an easier and cheaper source of cannabidiol [in Brazil],” said Rodrigo Soares Moura Neto, the lead researcher in the study.

Last year, a passed resolution from the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), restricted medical cannabis use by only allowing doctors to prescribe CBD in health conditions related to epilepsy in children and adolescents. The national health agency, Anvisa, imposed rules regarding commercialized CBD. Products must not have more than 0.2% of THC in its formula. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set the limit of THC to 0.3%.

“In the case of the Brazilian plant, this would not be a problem, as there is no THC in it. There also wouldn’t be judicial restrictions on planting, as it can be planted as much as we want. In fact, the plant is already spread all across Brazil,” Neto said.

Now the lead researcher is gathering a team of biologists, chemists, botanists, and geneticists who will research the most efficient ways of extracting CBD from the 

 tree. Within the next 6 months, the team will start the 

 process of analyzing whether the CBD from the native Brazilian plant contains the same properties as CBD found in the 

With their research, the team aspire that their data will help overcome the legal barriers they experience in Brazil and help make medical CBD more widely available.

Malleret, C. Native Brazilian Plant Contains Cannabidiol, Researchers Find 

https://brazilian.report/liveblog/politics-insider/2023/06/20/native-brazilian-plant-cannabidiol/

A Brazilian university has detected cannabidiol (CBD) in a native plant called Trema micrantha blume.

Brazilian Plant Found to Contain CBD

Kim Stuck, breast cancer survivor, founder and CEO of Allay Constulting.

Cannabis use played a crucial role in Kim Stuck’s breast cancer journey, as she told 

“I know from my personal experience, it was the best thing that I could have ever done,” she said. “I don't think I could have made it through without cannabis. I couldn't even imagine not having cannabis during that time.”

Stuck is the CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, a Colorado-based compliance strategy and services provider for the hemp and cannabis industry, and she has worked in the cannabis industry since 2014.

When Stuck was 38, her gynecologist—aware of Stuck’s family history with breast cancer—recommended she receive her first mammogram.

“Most of the people in my industry are in the industry because they had a loved one that had some kind of medical issue…(who) use cannabis and it helped them,” breast cancer survivor, Kim Stuck said.

“That next week, I went in and got a mammogram,” she said. “And I got a call on Friday evening, saying, ‘We need to schedule you for another screening on Monday,’” she said. ‘And I was like, ‘OK. that's weird.’ (I) went back in (and) sure enough, they found a lump. That next day, they were really quick about it, got the biopsy, and I found out that I had stage 2 cancer.”

After receiving a diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer last year, Stuck turned to cannabinoid and psilocybin therapies to supplement her standard chemotherapy regimen—a strategy that, she said, her care team whole-heartedly supported.

“I went into my doctor's (office) and I thought I was going to be walking into a fight,” she said. “Because I was ready to fight and say, 'I'm taking cannabis and mushroom therapies, because I believe in this medicine.' I've never had to really use it and on a medical basis other than for, you know, sleeping better, and things like that, so it was definitely a switch and I was a little scared to tell my doctors about it. But unbelievably, I was shocked, they were completely on board.”

Stuck was able to draw on her professional connections—“Most of the people in my industry are in the industry because they had a loved one that had some kind of medical issue … (who) use cannabis and it helped them,” she said—including the team at the non-profit organization Realm of Caring, which works to share information on cannabinoid therapies.

Less than a year after receiving her diagnosis, Stuck’s cancer is in remission and she is advocating for cannabis use among patients.

Patients with cancer who used cannabis for palliative purposes experienced improvements in pain, sleep, cognitive function and reaction times, according to the findings of a new study.

“We think there's potential and it's worth studying,” said co-author Gregory Giordano of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. “People are using, we should study it, and we need to know more to be able to guide physicians and cancer patients and survivors as well.”

“I'm surprised it took so long for these (sorts of) studies to come out,” Stuck said. “I mean, even back when my aunt in the late ’70’s had cancer—she actually had breast cancer three times, like throughout her life and she I remember my parents being like, 'Oh, yeah she's smoking cannabis, because it helps with nausea and pain and that kind of thing,' even back then.”

Among the University of Colorado Boulder study’s 25 participants—with a mean age of 54.3, and 13 of whom were female—17 (68%) reported no cannabis use in the week prior to the baseline appointment, but only eight (32%) reported no cannabis use in the 30 days before the baseline appointment. During the study’s two-week use period, patients consumed edible products for an average of 8.1 days, ingesting 116.4 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 162.7 mg of cannabidiol (CBD), or 8.3 mg of THC and 11.6 mg of CBD per day, according to the authors.

“Sustained cannabis use was associated with improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function and reaction times…but no change in general quality of life was observed,” the authors wrote, noting that high levels of CBD use were associated with steeper improvements in pain intensity and sleep quality, and that after acute use participants reported improvements in pain intensity and “increased feelings of subjective high.”

High levels of THC use were associated with steeper increases in feelings of subjective high, and improvements in pain were associated with improvements in subjective cognitive function, according to the study.

“Doing this kind of research is tough, particularly if you want to use real world cannabis products that people can buy from dispensaries,” said Giordano. “We use a mobile laboratory, just like a van equipped to run research appointments so that we can study people after they use in their in their own homes, because we can't have these products on campus, and we can't provide it for them, so they have to purchase it themselves.

“We can't tell (participants) what to use, how much to use kind of all those details, so we have to do this kind of observational research right now where we can provide some basic safety information, but we can't give them all the guidance or all this assignment kind of stuff that you might want to do. And so we're getting people who are already interested in using and then just kind of watching them use, (that) is how we were able to get around this challenge.”

Nearly 80% of oncologists surveyed in a study published in 2018 in the 

 had discussed medical marijuana with their patients, and nearly half had recommended its clinical use, but less than 30% of doctors believed they were knowledgeable enough to make those recommendations, according to a news release from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Evidence has shown patients “using medical cannabis with minimal medical oversight,” obtaining authorization from providers unfamiliar with their medical history and relying on unregulated sources of information such as dispensary personnel, according to a study published in April in the journal 

, which found that 82.23% of cancer survivors who use cannabis reported doing so for medical purposes, compared to 62.58% of cannabis users with no history of cancer. Overall, 10.83% of individuals with no history of cancer and 7.57% of cancer survivors reported cannabis use.

Less than a third of patients reported having knowledge of the potency of the cannabis products they consumed in a survey of patients with cancer and survivors presented in April at the American Association for Cancer Research 2023 annual meeting in Orlando.

The Colorado team, Giordano said, would like to address some limitations of its initial study with a follow-up endeavor that would have components including blinding randomization and a larger sample size of participants.

“We're really interested in the different cannabinoids—the primary cannabinoids, THC and CBD—and how those may show different potential benefits or risks in this population. …We saw people taking more CBD over the two-week period, we saw associations with steeper improvements in pain intensity compared with the folks taking more THC,” Giordano said. “So, parsing out those relationships with the different cannabinoids in a larger sample would be really cool.”

how cannabis helped Stuck during chemotherapy

at Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2023!

Our sister publication, CURE, recently spoke with Kim Stuck, breast cancer survivor and author of the Cannabis Science and Technology blog Stuck on Compliance.

Survivor Says Cannabis Use ‘Was the Best Thing’ During Cancer

Beginning June 28, New Hampshire (NH) started to allow visitors from other states and Canada the option to buy medical cannabis from one of their seven Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) up to 3 times a year (1).

Individuals will have to have at least one of the qualifying conditions (2) recognized by the state to be able to purchase medical cannabis.

Those interested must also show a valid ID with a medical cannabis card or other documentation. Purchases in NH will be limited to 2 ounces of medical cannabis within a 10-day period. “Sanctuary, an ATC with locations in Conway and Plymouth, is celebrating the development by offering out-of-state shoppers a $50 credit for their first two purchases of more than $50 or more,” (1).

NH’s medical cannabis program was approved in 2013. Sales didn’t begin in the state though until 2016.

Unfortunately, adult-use cannabis legalization efforts have stalled after the NH Senate voted against the measure.

Robertson, K. NH Allowing Out-of-State Visitors, Canadians to Buy Medical Marijuana 

https://mjbizdaily.com/new-hampshire-allows-out-of-state-visitors-canadians-to-buy-medical-marijuana/

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/therapeutic-cannabis/qualifying-medical-conditions

New Hampshire allows out-of-state visitors, including those from Canada, to buy medical cannabis.

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