In today’s medical cannabis news, learn more about new evidence supporting the use of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain, Tourette’s, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and lung cancer. Meanwhile, we examine the significance of 420 and consider recent reform initiatives across Europe. Lastly, cannabis remains illegal in Georgia, but advocates there are keen to highlight cannabis potential medical benefits.
Five New Cannabis Studies on Pain, Parkinson’s, and PTSD
Original Source: Pain, Parkinson’s and PTSD – five new cannabis research studies
It’s hard to keep up with 2022’s record number of cannabis study articles. Studies are underway worldwide to determine its efficacy in treating a variety of illnesses, despite authorities’ requests for more research.
In recent months, cannabis has been shown to treat chronic pain, Parkinson’s, and Tourette’s disease. CBD slows tumor growth in an animal lung cancer model, and researchers advocate for cannabis-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
In lung cancer model, CBD inhibits tumor growth.
Researchers implanted NCI H1437 human lung cancer cells in mice and treated them with inhaled CBD or a placebo in a recent placebo-controlled experiment.
CBD “decreased tumour growth rate” and “suppressed expression of CD44 markers [a cell surface adhesion receptor highly expressed in many cancers] and the angiogenic factors VEGF and P-selectin which are present in tumour growth.”
According to the authors, “These results suggest, for the first time, that inhalant CBD can impede lung cancer growth by suppressing CD44 and angiogenesis.”
Tourette’s and tic disorders may benefit from cannabis.
A phase IIIb, randomised, placebo-controlled research assessed the safety and efficacy of nabiximols (Sativex) in adults with Tourette’s syndrome.
Secondary analyses showed “substantial trends” in tics, depression, and quality of life improvements. Males, those with more severe tics, and ADHD patients showed the highest improvement.
“Cannabis-based medication may benefit these subgroups,” the authors add.
“Our data further support the role of cannabinoids in treating chronic tic disorders.”
Chronic pain cannabis data.
Cannabis-based treatments improved chronic pain in over 700 UK Medical Cannabis Registry patients, according to researchers.
Cannabis-based oil, dried flower, or both cured 348 individuals. Quality of life, pain, and sleep improved in oil or combo therapy patients at one, three, and six months. At all three follow-ups, combo treatment improved anxiety. Continue reading
In a separate study of over 400 patients using cannabinoids to treat chronic pain, those using the treatment reported “large improvements” in all pain types, including “particularly difficult to treat chronic overlapping pain conditions,” improvements in comorbid symptoms like sleep, and low side effects. More here.
Parkinson’s disease opioid decrease and symptom relief
Medical cannabis treatment improves Parkinson’s disease symptoms and reduces opioid use, according to studies published in Clinical Neuropharmacology this month.
Cannabis consumption was examined in 69 patients. Symptoms improved in 87% of individuals. Cramping/dystonia, discomfort, spasticity, loss of appetite, dyskinesia, and tremor improved the most.
Cannabis treatment reduced opioid use in 56% of opioid users.
“The MC may improve motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with PD and may allow for reduction of concomitant opioid medication use,” the authors conclude. MC usage in PD patients needs large, placebo-controlled, randomised studies.”
Cannabis-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: a case study.
In February, a case study showed that cannabis-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) may treat D-PTSD, a dissociative form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
CAP and integrative cognitive behavioural treatment were given to a 28-year-old woman for five months.
After treatment, the patient’s pathological dissociation dropped by 98.5% and remained stable for over two years.
“There is urgency to identify D-PTSD treatments,” the authors write. The present case, while restricted, highlights CAP’s therapeutic potential, resulting to significant and durable improvement.”
European Cannabis Reform and 420
Original Source: 420 and cannabis reform in Europe – everything you need to know
The cannabis community celebrates cannabis culture on April 20, known as 420.
The event also allows campaigners, advocates, and consumers to fight for widespread acceptance and reform.
On the important day, we examine its meaning and Europe’s accomplishments.
What’s 420’s history?
The origin of 420 is unclear, however it is believed to have begun in the 1970s in the US.
In 1971, five San Rafael High School students met at 4:20pm by the campus’ Louis Pasteur statue to smoke, according to Time magazine.
Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich were known as the “Waldos” and used “420” to code cannabis. Read about them here. Reddix’s work with the Grateful Dead may have popularized the term.
Fans distributed posters in 1990 asking people to smoke “420” at 4:20 pm on April 20. After Steve Bloom, a former High Times reporter, found the flyer, the magazine began using the word. The publication recognized that the “Waldos” invented 420 in 1998, when it had become a global weed code.
Today, how is 420 celebrated?
Today’s 420 protests take occurring in green parks in major cities worldwide. Police will ignore thousands of shoppers in Hyde Park in London.
The event has received interest from mainstream media and marketers hoping to capitalize on the legalization of adult cannabis use in US states and Europe.
With media coverage often exacerbating “stoner” stereotypes, the event has also raised questions about whether mass civil disobedience is the best approach to change minds and promote cannabis reform.
420’s roots are in grassroots activism.
UK cannabis clubs and communities host low-key events outside of glitzy marketing efforts and clickbait headlines.
420 reform in Europe
This year’s celebrations should be bigger due to recent events that have set several European countries on the route to reform.
Last year, hundreds of Berlin activists demanded legalization. This Health Minister’s plan to legalize cannabis clubs, personal possession of up to 25g, and self-cultivation by year’s end was fitting.
While the proposals have been trimmed back from the initial national legalisation envisaged, consumers still gain and should celebrate.
In the Czech Republic, where adult-use cannabis legalization plans are anticipated next week, consumers will celebrate.
Plans include a 5g daily restriction and a consumer registry. The state’s drug policy coordinator, Jindřich Vobořil, and the Pirate Party estimate that the idea may earn €85 million in tax revenue.
After the beginning of its pilot adult-use “weed care” program earlier this year, some Basel residents will celebrate with legal cannabis.
The project allows over 300 people to buy a limited selection of approved items from certain pharmacies. In order to assess the consequences of regulated cannabis sales, participants will be asked about their cannabis use and health.
Two more trials in Zurich and Lausanne, Switzerland, and a similar pilot in the Netherlands are anticipated in October 2023.
Following Germany’s declaration, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert, told a local media outlet that proposals would be given to the cabinet soon.
After legalizing recreational cannabis for adults in 2021, Malta has the most progressive drug laws in Europe.
Adults can carry 7g of cannabis and grow four plants for personal use under the law. Consumers must join non-profit cannabis cooperatives instead of dispensaries or pharmacies.
UK, too?
Despite possessing one of Europe’s largest medical cannabis markets, the UK has lagged behind in cannabis legalization.
Today, Londoners smoke up in Hyde Park, but later MPs will discuss medicinal cannabis’s economic benefits.
The first UK medicinal cannabis industry discussion, led by Rt Hon David Mundell MP, takes place at 3pm.
In the coming days, Cannabis Health will cover the debate.
Cannabis Advocates in Central Georgia Claim Health Benefits
Original Source: Central Georgia legalization supporters say cannabis has health benefits
In Macon’s Ingleside area on Thursday, the second annual West Collective Jubilee and 4/20 Forum educated people about marijuana’s medical and recreational uses.
Legalizing the substance may help tackle the opioid epidemic, according to supporters.
Supporters want to focus on medical marijuana in Georgia, where it is illegal for any usage.
Due to its legalizing infancy, Georgia is in a terrific spot. Chealsea Breann, who helped organize the second annual West Collective Jubilee and 4/20 Forum, stated, “There’s an opportunity to really focus on the medicinal side of this plant.”
Cannabis can replace opioids, organizers say.
Our bodies have endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and brain. Breann added, “We have been severely depleted of a natural nutrient our body needs to survive.”
CBD may treat substance abuse problem, according to a Frontiers in Psychiatry study.
Macon Recovers’ Tripp Talley believes there are various methods to assist someone heal.
We’re impartial. Talley added, “Some people might be abstinence-based, some might use marijuana to not drink, or use something like suboxone or methadone to not use heroin.”
West Collective, a CBD boutique in Ingleside, is owned by Amanda West. CBD should be used safely, she argues.
“What’s OK for one person is not going to be OK for another, so we always advocate about starting slow and making sure you’re being safe and not overdoing it,” West said.
Breann said the event’s objective is to increase awareness and voices regarding marijuana use in Georgia.
“This is something that a lot of people want in the medical community, to the on-the-street consumers,” said Breann.
The state’s supporters hope it will change.
Society Garden hosted the event.
All proceeds will benefit the Macon Volunteer Clinic, which treats uninsured patients.
Summary of Today’s Cannabis Health News
Overall, recent months have seen an influx of research into cannabis’ potential as a treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette syndrome. CBD has been discovered to decrease tumor growth in an animal model of lung cancer, and researchers are making the case for cannabis-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
On the other hand, the cannabis community has adopted April 20 (the 20th) as a global holiday to commemorate the plant’s culture and acceptance.
Campaigners, advocates, and consumers will be able to work together at this event to promote wider adoption and change.
Finally, Macon’s Ingleside area played host to the second annual West Collective Jubilee and 4/20 Forum, an event that promoted cannabis awareness and education. Proponents of legalization argue that increased access to the drug could aid in the fight against the opioid crisis. Although medicinal marijuana use is illegal in Georgia at now, advocates there are working to change that.
