Is There Sufficient Clinical Evidence To Reschedule Cannabis?

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August 5, 2022

Is There Sufficient Clinical Evidence To Reschedule Cannabis?

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies all drugs under five distinct categories (from schedule I, to V). The listing and scheduling of drugs by the DEA is contained in the Controlled substances act (CSA).

Currently, cannabis is classified under schedule 1 in the US, together with other “hard drugs” such as peyote and heroin. Drugs in this schedule have “no known medical value and a high potential for abuse.” One can argue that if science can prove that cannabis indeed has medical value then it will no longer qualify to be classified under schedule 1, right?

illegal marijuana — Photo by ChrisSteer/Getty Images

A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research showed that to date close to 30,000 cannabis-related studies have been conducted. However, when it comes to getting FDA approval for drugs, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational drugs.

RCTs use “randomization” to eliminate bias. Because they have comparable groups, they are likely to provide the highest evidence for establishing a causal relationship between an intervention and the outcome.

The Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Goes Way Back

Cannabis sativa has been used as medicine in different parts of the world for over two millennia. However, due to propaganda and personal interests, cannabis use was banned by the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act and consequently it was removed from the 12th edition of US pharmacopeia. In 1985, pharmaceutical companies in the US received the go ahead to develop synthetic THC preparations on the form of dronabinol and nabilone which are still in use today.

Dronabinol is used to treat HIV/AIDS related anorexia and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Nabilone is also used to treat CINV and neuropathic pain

Nabiximols is an oromucosal spray containing THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio that’s used to treat MS pain and spasticity. It is approved for use in the UK and Canada, even though the drugs is still undergoing phase 3 clinical trials in the US.

Science-Backed Evidence to Reschedule Cannabis

This 2017 review by the National Academies of Science, Eng, and Medicine claims that the only evidence (randomized trials) for the efficacy of medical cannabis is for the following conditions:

Chronic pain
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Patient-reported spasticity symptoms in MS

Evidence for Chronic Pain

Five systematic reviews were considered and eventually Whiting et al 2015 was the most comprehensive. It included 28 randomized trials with a total of 2,454 participants. Most of this trials evaluated the efficacy of nabiximols in relieving chronic pain. The authors concluded that there’s substantial evidence to support cannabis use in treating chronic pain in adults.

medical marijuana — Photo by Visivasnc/Getty Images

Evidence for Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

The review by Whiting et al which included 28 RCTs with 1,772 participants was used here. Cannabinoid therapies included the following:

Nabilone
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Levonantradol
Dronabinol
Nabiximols

The authors concluded that oral cannabinoids (dronabinol and nabilone) are effective as anti-emetics in the treatment of CINV.

Evidence for MS Spasticity

Two systematic reviews were considered here, one of them being Whiting et al 2015. Nabiximols and nabilone showed a positive improvement in spasticity symptoms in both reviews. The authors concluded that there’s substantial evidence supporting the usefulness of oral cannabinoids in reducing spasticity symptoms in MS.

Conditions With Limited Evidence

The authors evaluated the usefulness of cannabinoids in treating several other conditions for which they found “insufficient or limited evidence.” They include the following:

Cancer
Irritable bowel syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Dystonia
Dementia
Glaucoma
Traumatic brain injury
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep Disorders
Post traumatic stress disorder
Schizophrenia and other psychoses

Three medical conditions seems like good enough evidence to remove cannabis from schedule 1, but is there other credible research that supports medical cannabis for other conditions?

In 2018, the FDA approved the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of severe childhood seizures: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. Does this ratify the medical value of cannabis?

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis and has been reposted with permission.

Why Arkansas Governor Opposes Legalizing Weed

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 5, 2022

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Why Arkansas Governor Opposes Legalizing Weed

“It’s going to take a lot of education in order to change that climate and to be able to show voters that this would be, in fact, harmful,” said Asa Hutchinson

By Nina Zdinjak

Governor Asa Hutchinson is encouraging law enforcement to “stand firm” against cannabis legalization, after the proposed measure to legalize adult-use cannabis was blocked from appearing on the state’s ballot in November. Here is why the Arkansas Governor opposes legalizing weed.

“And the reason I oppose it is simply this: that it will increase the usage of marijuana,” Hutchinson said at the Arkansas Municipal Police Association Convention.”I believe that marijuana is a harmful drug. It is as simple as that. I look back to Alaska. In the 70s, they decriminalized marijuana. Marijuana use went up dramatically, particularly among their teens, and Alaska reversed courses and re-criminalized marijuana.”

Several hours before the initiative was dismissed, Hutchinson urged law enforcement officials to get ready for the debate on marijuana legalization, believing it might end up on the November election ballot, reported The Sentinel-Record.

“Now, they’re going to sell this as something that’s going to help law enforcement. Fifteen percent of the revenue from the taxes on the sales of marijuana will go to a fund to support law enforcement stipends, 10% of it will go to UAMS in Little Rock, and 5% will go to drug courts,” the governor said.

“And so, once again, they’re selling a harmful drug to the citizens of Arkansas based upon promises that look good. Now, those promises might be a reality, but I think you’ve got to be prepared for this debate.”

marijuana joint — Photo by PhotoAlto/Katarina Sundelin/Getty Images

The governor noted that the polls are close, with only 54% of voters backing the initiative.

“It’s going to take a lot of education in order to change that climate and to be able to show voters that this would be, in fact, harmful,” he said.

Why Was The Initiative Rejected?

The State Board of Election Commissioners dismissed the ballot title, and popular name of the proposition, even though it received enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

The commissioner said the initiative was rejected because the ballot title was not precise enough, citing THC levels allowed in cannabis edibles.

“If I’m a voter, I might be all for this, but I’d like to safeguard that edible limit,” Commissioner J. Harmon Smith said.

Steve Lancaster, attorney for Responsible Growth Arkansas, said they plan to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

“The type of detail that the board expected, or demanded in this case, would make our ballot title thousands and thousands of words long,” Lancaster told reporters following the vote. “That just simply is not workable for a ballot.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

The Best CBD To THC Ratio To Look For In Your Cannabis Products

Terry Hacienda

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August 5, 2022

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The Best CBD To THC Ratio To Look For In Your Cannabis Products

You have to know what ratio suits you best. And the only way to do this is to sample some strains.

The expansion and growth of the legalized marijuana market in several countries imply that cannabis smokers are free to choose from several options of cannabis. People that procure their products from the right legal sources tend to notice the THC and CBD content percentage stated clearly on the product.

In addition to the CBD to THC ratio, other key details are also stated. However, some consumers have no idea of the usefulness of the CBD to THC ratio, and the few that do tend not to pay attention to it unless they have to.

THC Benefits That Have Nothing To Do With Getting High — Photo by jopstock/Getty Images

Most times, the consumers that pay the most attention to the ratio are the medical patients being prescribed cannabis-based medication. So, what then is the CBD to THC ratio, why is its important, and what is the best CBD:THC ratio?

Brief Description of THC

THC is short for Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the most popular cannabinoid in cannabis plants and products. In the raw and suppressed form of cannabis, THC is present as an acidic compound.

The psychoactive high induced whenever cannabis is consumed can be attributed to this compound. This reaction happens because THC binds to a receptor in the nervous system. Hence, causing an alteration in the user’s cognitive and behavioral ability.

Brief Description of CBD

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is the second most famous compound in cannabis. it is not responsible for any form of psychoactivity when ingested. Cannabidiol is responsible for countering the psychoactive effects of the THC compound.

The distinct feature of CBD is that it influences the endocannabinoid system (ECS). For this alone, it has a high potential of being medically beneficial to the human body. Research is still being carried out to figure out the scope of its usefulness.

person holding amber glass bottle — Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

The Disparity Between CBD and THC

CBD induces its effects through the ECS. This system is found all over the body; it is made up of reception that interacts with the naturally produced endocannabinoids in the body.

On the other hand, THC can be attributed to the cozy, effusive, and placed feeling induced whenever a psychotropic strain is consumed. It also produces a feeling of hunger in its user. Simply put, the THC affects the cerebral activity of the body to induce the mood and behavioral changing features in its users.

Of course, both compounds interact, however, their interaction is to counter the effect of the other. CBD reduces the psychotropic effects of THC.

The Importance of CBD to THC Ratio in Cannabis

These compounds occur naturally in a very high concentration. When cannabis is ingested, both compounds are primarily responsible for the effects that are induced.

A user’s experience can significantly be altered when one of both compounds is higher or lower than the other, since both are responsible for the crucial benefits users seek to find when using cannabis.

The high—THC

The relief— THC, and CBD

Therefore, you have to figure the best ratio that suits you before you consume any marijuana product.

Comprehending CBD to THC Ratios

More than 70% of the marijuana products sold at legit stores are THC-dominant strains with very low CBD content present in them. Some of the common ratios inscribed on the containers of cannabis products include 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, etc.

What is the correlation of these numbers to your wants?

The ratio depicts the percentage of CBD to the amount of THC content present in the product. It is important to state that the ratio is quite different from the quantity of these compounds in the product.

For example, in a product with a 1:1 ratio, both compounds have equal amounts in each dose of the product.

Will Congress Boost Hemp Total THC Limit To 1%? — Photo by anankkml/Getty Images

Best CBD:THC Ratio in Cannabis

There isn’t a widely accepted best ratio for cannabis. All ratios have an advantage over each other. So, it all depends on the user’s preferences and reason for using.

Each ratio group will be explained here, along with their advantages.

1:1 Equal Ratio

This implies a uniform dose of both compounds in the product. This provides a less intense buzz that does not inhibit normal body functions and activities.

These types of products are preferred for taking the stress off daily activities.

High CBD, Low THC

This includes products with 5:1, 12:1, 3:1, ratios. These products induce intense relief and calm. It is used medically to offset anxiety symptoms and a very fast heart rate.

The ‘high’ effects seen here are very subtle.

smoking from pipe exposes you to more germs than a toilet seat — Photo by Bill Oxford/Getty Images

High THC, Low CBD

These forms of products have 1:2, 1:5, etc written in them. This ratio implies that a rewarding high with a subtle amount of CBD will be achieved.

The high THC content is complemented by the little CBD content present. Hence a smooth and clarifying high is gotten. It is usually used by smokers with anxiety.

High CBD, Zero THC

Right now, it is impossible to find a cannabis strap with zero THC content at 1:0. Rather, the THC content will be in trace amounts— less than 1%.

These products cannot get a user high. They are oftentimes

used by people who need just CBD in their system.

High THC, Zero CBD

This is the ratio a lot of users prefer to procure.

Strains with this ratio induce the most potent high. And are used most times by recreational smokers.

Bottom line

The CBD:THC ratio is very important to note when purchasing a cannabis product. You have to know what ratio suits you best. And the only way to do this is to sample some strains.

You have to take extra care not to overindulge when sampling the potent strains. Although, I would suggest that you begin from the less powerful cannabis strains or products.

Finally, in an event that the product needed failed to include a ratio— You need to, first of all, look closely at the labels. Secondly, you could ask the storekeeper for more information.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Arkansas Cannabis Legalization Ballot Struck Down Despite Securing More Than Enough Signatures — Here’s Why

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 5, 2022

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Arkansas Cannabis Legalization Ballot Struck Down Despite Securing More Than Enough Signatures — Here’s Why

Under the proposed amendment, people aged 21 and older could legally possess up to an ounce of cannabis, while state-licensed dispensaries would be approved to sell recreational marijuana.

By Jelena Martinovic

A proposed measure to legalize recreational cannabis in Arkansas was blocked from appearing on the state’s ballot this November. The State Board of Election Commissioners rejected the ballot title and popular name of the proposition after receiving enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, reported Associated Press.

The commissioner rejected the measure on the grounds that the ballot title is not clear enough when it comes to the impact of the amendment, citing the issue of the level of THC allowed in edible marijuana products.

legal marijuana vote — Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels

“If I’m a voter, I might be all for this, but I’d like to safeguard that edible limit,” Commissioner J. Harmon Smith said.

Under the proposed amendment, people aged 21 and older could legally possess up to an ounce of cannabis, while state-licensed dispensaries would be approved to sell recreational marijuana.

Eddie Armstrong, former Arkansas Democratic House minority leader and head of the activists’ group Responsible Growth Arkansas, submitted the petitions to the secretary of state’s office last month. He said recently that they’d collected more than twice the number of signatures needed to qualify the proposal for this year’s general election.

“Because of the time frame to get this done, they stopped at 90,000 verified signatures and now have moved on to the casino petition,” Kevin Niehaus, a spokesman for the Arkansas secretary of state’s office, said. “Knowing how many signatures they still had left to go and with it already reaching 90,000 signatures, they felt comfortable saying they made it.”

In July, the activists filed petitions containing 192,828 voter signatures supporting the marijuana legalization amendment.

What’s Next?

Responsible Growth Arkansas’ attorney Steve Lancaster plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

“The type of detail that the board expected, or demanded in this case, would make our ballot title thousands and thousands of words long,” Lancaster told reporters following the vote. “That just simply is not workable for a ballot.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Sen. Cory Booker Says He’s Optimistic About Federal Marijuana Decriminalization After Signaling Possible Compromise

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 4, 2022

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Sen. Cory Booker Says He’s Optimistic About Federal Marijuana Decriminalization After Signaling Possible Compromise

“We have more and more state senators coming on to the major bill, and now more Republicans stepping up looking to help us perhaps land to compromise,” said Booker.

By Nina Zdinjak

Weeks after the long-awaited marijuana decriminalization Senate bill was presented, it has faced a lot of criticism, mostly for its complexity. Many industry experts, such as Cantor Fitzgerald’s Pablo Zuanic and Emily Paxhia, co-founder of one of the longest-running dedicated cannabis investment funds, Poseidon Asset Management agree that the chances of the bill passing the Senate are slim. The bill is called the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA).

“There is too much packed into CAOA for this to get through, this was a Hail Mary bill put forth by Schumer and the supporting democrats,” Paxhia recently told Benzinga.

Chuck Schumer's Long-Awaited Federal Marijuana Legalization Bill Unveiled — Photo by Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Nevertheless, one of the bill’s leading sponsors, Senator Cory Booker, remains optimistic about seeing marijuana decriminalized at the federal level. “I’m actually gaining enthusiasm,” Booker told Pix11 on Wednesday.

“We have more and more state senators coming on to the major bill, and now more Republicans stepping up looking to help us perhaps land to compromise.”

The statement came on the heels of Booker having revealed that he is open to compromise, signaling the possibility of his chamber passing a marijuana banking measure with certain social equity components, before taking action on the CAOA.

“I’m open to compromises that are going to achieve my goals of safety, of investment opportunities that are equal for business communities, and, finally, to make sure we do something for all of these people right now who have marijuana possession charges that deserve some relief from the impact that it’s having on their economic and family wellbeing,” Booker told NJ Spotlight News last week.

Previously, Booker had opposed passage of the SAFE Banking Act on its own, out of concern that it did not deal with restorative justice. Hence the news of his shift to accepting a possible compromise came as a surprise to many. It could also signal a challenging fate for CAOA despite Booker’s apparent enthusiasm.

In addition to expressing his optimism about reform, the senator stressed the importance of pushing for cannabis legalization on the federal level.

“You know since I got here, this prohibition on marijuana has particularly hurt low-income minority communities,” Booker said. “They were more marijuana arrests in 2019 for possession, than there were all violent crime arrests combined. And so we are wasting so many resources. What we need to do is decriminalize this on a federal level.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Can Cannabis And Hemp-Infused Drinks Replace Your Boozy Drinking Habits?

Terry Hacienda

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August 4, 2022

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Can Cannabis And Hemp-Infused Drinks Replace Your Boozy Drinking Habits?

If you area marijuana fan, then cannabis beverages could be for you.

We are living in fun, you might even say, chill times. If you live in a legal state, chances are you’ve seen at least a few different kinds of cannabis infused non-alcoholic beverages. From infused wines, beers, seltzers, sparkling waters, and pre-mixed cocktails, the choices are fascinating and interesting to say the least. So can cannabis and hemp-infused drinks replace your boozy drinking habits?

Manufacturers have figured out how to infuse beverages the right way, providing consumers with a tasty beverage that may very well be able to replace alcohol. They taste just as good — sometimes even better — and they get you high or at the very least, relax you.

Drinking THC: What To Know Before You Try — Photo by VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

According to experts, the marijuana-infused drink market could be valued at $2.8 billion each year from 2025 onwards. However, many think these estimates are actually conservative since the drug is still federally illegal, but it could change drastically if the tides change.

Given how accessible marijuana infused beverages now are, you can literally replace them in situations where you would normally drink booze: at parties, at home, gatherings with friends, even festivals and concerts. They’re ready to drink, tasty, and provide a similar experience to alcohol, but without the alcohol. Instead, you can choose from varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). But could getting high be a good alternative to getting drunk?

Tailor Your Experience

Cannabis drinks come in a wide variety of THC and CBD levels. From a mild 2mg of THC to as much as 10 servings of 10mg THC in a drink, the options out there are virtually limitless.

Newbies to the cannabis infused drink game can start with low doses, increasing your consumption gradually as it lets you have more control on how high you want to get. For many people, 20mg of THC is enough to feel a good buzz without getting too wasted. Pacing your drinks out just like you would with alcohol will let you have more control for a pleasurable experience without regrets.

Ideal For Beginners

Beginners have a wide array of low-dose THC cannabis drinks out there. There’s no need to worry about getting too high since low dose drinks let you enjoy social (or solitary!) “drinking” situations as you please. Simply take smaller sips so that you can gradually enjoy its effects. Whereas taking one THC gummy can deliver the same effects, one full can or serving of a THC infused drink will also give you the same effects.

RELATED: Is Weed Kosher?

Health Benefits

By replacing alcohol with cannabis drinks, you can enjoy a wide range of therapeutic and medicinal effects. From reducing inflammation to treating anxiety, depression, and even physical pain, drinking cannabis drinks can have you feeling so much better than you may have ever anticipated. Meanwhile, drinking alcohol does the opposite: numerous studies have shown the association between alcohol use and health problems: liver disease, breast cancer, increased anxiety, and much more.

Creative Ways To Imbibe

Cannabis beverages can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. They also make delicious mixers: you can simply add them to a non-alcoholic drink of your choice or use it as a mixer to create your own tailored cannabis infusion. Make a marijuana ice cream float, turn them into popsicles, enjoy it on its own… the possibilities for a good time are virtually endless.

CBD for a Relaxing Time

There are also CBD-infused beverages for those who prefer not to get high. Instead, you can count on CBD drinks for a more relaxing high. These can be consumed in social occasions, and can even replace your wine habit because they are also sedating and can be taken before bed.

In addition, CBD drinks offer many potent health benefits such as fighting inflammation, cancer, and anxiety. They also cater to more health-conscious consumers who don’t want to get blazed.

Why Cannabis-Infused Drinks Are Hit Or Miss — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Improved Mood

When you’re having a rough or stressful day, cannabis drinks can improve your mood without you needing to light a joint or smoke it up.

In fact, you don’t even need a lot of it: a low-dose drink with as little as 5mg THC is all you need to feel better. In the past, you may have reached for a bottle of alcohol to make you feel better at the end of a crappy day. But with cannabis infused drinks, a little will go a long way in an uplifted mood. Studies have shown that cannabis does indeed do an effective job at improving one’s well-being; it stabilizes your mood while reducing emotional symptoms that you may have if you struggle with depression or anxiety.

RELATED: Can You Freeze Weed?

Who Do Cannabis Drinks Appeal To The Most?

Sure, maybe cannabis infused drinks aren’t for everyone; some people may still prefer a glass of wine or cocktail, while others still prefer to have an edible or smoke a joint. However, if you already enjoy consuming CBD or THC in reasonable amounts, and prefer actually ingesting it to vaping or smoking, then cannabis beverages could be for you.

They are a generally milder form in a socially-accepted format (drink) which also offers the same benefits that you would get from THC or CBD. Additionally, individuals who may have health problems such as asthma, which prevent them from smoking, may see the value of cannabis drinks.

On top of that, recovering alcoholics can also benefit from it. Even those who tend to go over the top sometimes, blacking out occasionally with alcohol, cannabis drinks can give you the same social benefit but still functioning as a safe middle ground so that you don’t have to fall off the wagon. And you aren’t exactly sober in the process too.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Where Do Most Physicians Turn To For Cannabis Education?

Lydia Kariuki

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August 4, 2022

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Researchers behind a recent survey were surprised to find that physicians’ level of knowledge of medical cannabis did not vary between states.

A recent survey has revealed that 71% of physicians affiliated with the Society of Cannabis Clinicians learned about medical cannabis from conferences. Only 1 participant out of 37 participants reported having learned about medical cannabis from medical school.

This survey confirms that cannabis education is not available in mainstream medical schools at either undergraduate or graduate levels, an issue that has been highlighted by the cannabis community on countless occasions. However, a majority of the physicians reported being content with the amount of cannabis information that is available to support physicians prescribing medical cannabis.

The aim of the survey was to investigate the knowledge level and source of knowledge of Prescribing Physicians in California as well as other states. Because California was the first state to legalize cannabis, the researchers assumed that physicians in this state would be more knowledgeable about cannabis. Surprisingly, this didn’t emerge as true from the survey.

The survey forms were sent out electronically to members of the society. Only physicians were eligible for the study and participation was purely on a voluntary basis with no incentives offered. A total of 133 members were eligible for the survey and 45 participated. Here are a few key findings that were highlighted by the survey:

71% of the participating physicians obtained most of their cannabis knowledge from conferences
Over 50% of physicians reported being satisfied with the medical cannabis information that is available
Over 75% had sufficient knowledge of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system

The researchers were surprised to find that physicians’ level of knowledge of medical cannabis did not vary between states. Physicians in California were not more knowledgeable as compared to physicians from others states, in spite of the fact that California has the oldest medical marijuana program.

RELATED: CBD For Diabetic Use

It was concluded that more effort needs to be put into ensuring that physicians’ knowledge of medical cannabis is enhanced. To achieve this it may be necessary to review medical school curricula to include the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid-based medicine.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis and has been reposted with permission.

State Lawmakers Call For Federal Marijuana Legalization And Banking Reform

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 4, 2022

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State Lawmakers Call For Federal Marijuana Legalization And Banking Reform

By Joana Scopel

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently voted to adopt a revised policy directive expressing support for federal marijuana descheduling and cannabis banking reform, reported Marijuana Moment.

The measure passed the organization’s 2022 legislative summit in a voice vote on Wednesday. A state lawmaker present at the event told Marijuana Moment that most of the discussion leading up to the vote focused on the need for federal banking reform. However, there was no debate on the language of legalization.

legal marijuana — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

In 2017, NCSL passed a directive calling for the descheduling of cannabis, however, the most recent measure revised this year hinted that states should be able to set their own cannabis policies without federal intervention.

To amplify that position, NCSL members voted to include an explicit call for federal legalization. Added to the policy directive is another new section that pushes Congress to pass cannabis banking reform as well.

“Under federal law, cannabis businesses in states that have legalized the sale of cannabis are unable to utilize the country’s banking system, forcing them to operate as primarily cash-only entities,” stated the NCSL directive.

“This reliance on cash makes cannabis businesses prime targets for theft, burglary, armed robbery, and other property crimes. NCSL urges Congress to pass legislation allowing financial institutions to provide banking services to legitimate state-authorized cannabis-related businesses,” reads the directive.

This year’s summit, held in Denver, pointed to more explicit language in its support for congressional action to solve the problem. In addition, the summit involved an NCSL-organized visit to a Colorado cannabis cultivation facility, hosted by Columbia Care.

The group also hosted a panel focused on how lawmakers use data to develop state cannabis laws. To this end, the event featured a representative from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The policymaking process often provides opportunities to craft rules and regulations addressing common public health and safety concerns and measure data over time,” NCSL said in a summary document.

“The early involvement of state and local health officials brings a range of perspectives and expertise into the policymaking process, according to interviews. Early and more recently adopting states have looked to each other for examples of evolving policies and new ideas, creating an ever-changing policy landscape.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Smoking Pot Makes You 55% Less Likely To Develop This Cancer

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 3, 2022

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Smoking Pot Makes You 55% Less Likely To Develop This Cancer

While the study revealed that “patients with cannabis abuse were 55% less likely to have HCC compared with patients without cannabis abuse,” the researchers highlighted that this only confirms correlation and that they could not definitely confirm direct causation.

By Nina Zdinjak

Marijuana users have 55% fewer chances of developing one of the most common malignancies worldwide — hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), according to a study published this year in the medical journal Cureus.

HCC is considered the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world, and based on a study that analyzed data for millions of people in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, cannabis consumers have significantly lower chances of developing this disease.

Researchers from Georgetown University Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, who led the study, said that the association between HCC and marijuana has already been noticed in ice, but to their knowledge, it hadn’t yet been confirmed in humans.

The study used data from the NIS database between 2002 and 2014 and included a total of 101.23 million patients. Out of the total, 996,290 were patients who consume marijuana, while the control group with no cannabis usage included 100.23 patients.

“We noticed that patients with cannabis abuse were younger (34 vs 48 years), had more males (61.7% vs 41.4%) and more African Americans (29.9% vs 14.2%) compared with the control group (P<0.001 for all). Besides, patients with cannabis use had more hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and smoking, but had less obesity and gallstones,” the study authors said.

And while the study revealed that “patients with cannabis abuse were 55% less likely to have HCC compared with patients without cannabis abuse,” the researchers highlighted that this only confirms correlation and that they could not definitely confirm direct causation.

“We suggest prospective clinical studies to further understand the mechanism by which various active ingredients, particularly CBD in cannabis, may possibly regulate hepatocellular carcinoma development,” they wrote.

Pre-Clinical Study Showing Cannabinoid Therapies Stop Liver Cancer Growth

While this study does not confirm that marijuana can keep people’s livers safe from HCC, other recent studies are closely in line with the suggestion. In April, the biotech company, Can-Fite BioPharma completed pre-clinical studies demonstrating cannabinoid-based therapies stop liver cancer growth. The studies showed that CBD-rich T3/C15 cannabis fraction inhibited the growth of liver HEP-3b hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the A3AR by inhibiting Wnt- and NF-kappa B-related regulatory pathways. The company’s lead drug candidate Namodenoson is expected to enter the Phase 3 study in Q4 2021.

breast cancer — Photo by fstop123/Getty Images

Previous Studies On Marijuana And Cancer

Colon Cancer: In March, An Israeli biotech company that develops medical products based on cannabis and fungal extracts, Cannabotech reported cell model study results showing that its “Integrative-Colon” products killed over 90% of colon cancer cells. The Integrative-Colon products are based on a combination of several cannabinoids from the cannabis plant and various mushroom extracts.

Pancreatic Cancer: Experiments conducted on a cell model showed that a botanical drug based on an extract of the Cyathus striatus fungus and a cannabinoid extract from the cannabis plant eliminated 100% of pancreatic cancer cells relatively selectively and without damaging normal cells. The results were revealed in April 2022.

Breast Cancer: A study conducted by Hadassah Medical Center physicians and published in December revealed a sixfold improvement in killing breast cancer cells when using specific Cannabotech’s medical cannabis products in combination with standard oncology treatments and drug protocols such as chemotherapy, biological and hormonal, over the existing treatment.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Eating Ultra Processed Foods Has This Weird Effect On Your Brain

Maria Loreto

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August 3, 2022

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Eating Ultra Processed Foods Has This Weird Effect On Your Brain

Researchers examined 10,000 middle-aged and older adults and found that those who consumed over 20% of their calories from processed foods experienced a faster decline in cognitive performance.

Ultra-processed foods is a term we’re likely all familiar with: junk foods that have very little to no nutritional value. More specifically, the term refers to “industrial formulations of food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates) that contain little or no whole foods and typically include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives,” according to a new study that found these foods are bad for our brains.

The study was presented at this week’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego and pointed out how these foods are linked to cognitive decline.

fast food munchies — Photo by Ziga Plahutar/Getty Images

The results of the study are concerning since ultra-processed foods can be easily packaged and disguised as healthy, particularly since they’re convenient and can save a lot of time for people, including frozen meals, hot dogs, ice cream, breads, crackers, and more.

Researchers in Brazil examined 10,000 middle-aged and older adults and found that those who consumed over 20% of their calories from processed foods experienced a faster decline in cognitive performance. In America, where diets are made up of 58% ultra-processed foods, this is very concerning.

Previous studies have linked ultra-processed foods with a variety of diseases, from obesity to cardiovascular disease. This new study focused on the food’s effect on the mind and found that inflammation was the culprit.

“That’s because they cause inflammation, which can affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Processed foods also operate on a micro level with billions and billions of bacteria cells that (impair) functioning,” Rafael Perez-Escamilla, professor of public health at Yale University, told USA Today.

Ultra-processed foods are a serious problem in the US, being cheaper and easier to access than a large number of healthy, whole foods. They have longer shelf lives and are easier to cook, becoming a convenient option for people who don’t have the time to cook or are simply looking for cheaper options.

Still, it’s important for people to know this information on these types of foods, and to keep in mind that they take a toll in the long run, depriving you of years of health.

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Researchers examined 10,000 middle-aged and older adults and found that those who consumed over 20% of their calories from processed foods experienced a faster decline in cognitive performance.

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