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Author: Frank Schuler

CBD Percentages In Infused Liquid Products Reportedly Lower Than Advertised

Products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) are very popular these days, and widely available. Unfortunately, they are not always regulated properly. This is not to say that every CBD product on the market is harmful, however, there are still many unknowns when it comes to CBD products in different jurisdictions.

Some jurisdictions have taken steps to try to regulate CBD products, with varying degrees of success. Yet other markets, and certainly the marketplace for CBD products sold over the internet, have virtually no oversight.

As such, it should not surprise anyone to learn that a recent study determined that CBD percentages for many infused liquid products are often lower than advertised, which itself is an argument for (not against) regulating CBD products. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Leicestershire, United Kingdom: CBD-infused liquid products available in the United Kingdom typically contain lower percentages of CBD than are advertised on the products’ labeling, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Researchers affiliated with Loughborough University in England performed laboratory testing on 29 CBD-infused liquid products, including oils, drinks, and tinctures. Consistent with numerous other analyses of CBD-infused products from the United Kingdom, the United States, and elsewhere, investigators reported that few products contained CBD in concentrations that were consistent with the products’ labels.

“Few products had measured CBD concentrations within 10 percent of advertised concentrations, with most falling below advertised concentrations,” authors concluded. “These findings may be indicative of poor manufacturing standards, or that CBD undergoes degradation in consumer products. This reinforces concerns over the quality of CBD-containing consumer products and may highlight the need for improved regulation of such products.”

Analyses of commercially available CBD products available in the United States have consistently determined that these products are of variable quality and potency, and that they often contain contaminants, adulterants, or elevated levels of heavy metals. Nevertheless, these products remain unregulated by the FDA, which has thus far refused to take action to oversee either the manufacturing or the purity of CBD products.

Survey data compiled by the National Consumers League reports that more than eight in ten US voters desire greater federal regulatory oversight over the labeling and marketing of commercially available CBD products.

Full text of the study, “A comparison of advertised versus actual cannabidiol content of oils, aqueous tinctures, e-liquids and drinks purchased in the UK,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research. 

STORZ And BICKEL Announces Certification Of Medical Vaporizers

When it comes to cannabis consumption devices, one brand stands above all others. That brand is, of course, STORZ & BICKEL. The company’s iconic Volcano vaporizer revolutionized the way that people consume cannabis around the globe over two decades ago, and the flagship device continues to stand the test of time.

The company has since expanded its gadget offerings, and STORZ & BICKEL’s devices are often touted by members of the medical community as being the best devices to use if you are a suffering medical cannabis patient. Recently, the company’s devices received a new certification which further establishes them as some of the top devices for patients. Below is more information about it via a company news release:

TUTTLINGEN, Germany: STORZ & BICKEL GmbH (“STORZ & BICKEL”), the world’s leading manufacturer of high quality and medically certified vaporizers for cannabis and subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (Nasdaq: CGC), today announced the certification of its premium devices VOLCANO MEDIC 2 and MIGHTY+ MEDIC according to the new EU regulation for medical devices (“MDR “) known.

The new MDR regulations contain stricter quality requirements for medical devices manufactured or imported into the EU than the previous MDD (Medical Devices Directive).

The comprehensive certification process was carried out by TÜV SÜD, a renowned provider of certification, auditing and testing services. As part of the audit, several strict criteria of the standard (DIN) EN ISO 13485:2016 were evaluated, which require defined processes and the documentation of the quality management system of the audited body, the European Directive 93/42/EEC (MDD) and the European Regulation for Medical Devices (EU) 2017/745 – Annex IX Chapter I and III. In addition, the exam covered the MDSAP with country-specific requirements for Australia (TGA), Canada (HC) and the United States (FDA). STORZ & BICKEL passed the test with excellent results and no complaints.

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of medically certified cannabis vaporizers, we recognize the great responsibility we have towards our patients and we are very proud of this achievement,” said Juergen Bickel, Founder and Managing Director of STORZ & BICKEL. “We continue to build on our strong foundation of leading device design and rigorous quality assurance and control standards to ensure the availability of our world-class medical vaporizers to patients worldwide . ”

STORZ & BICKEL is expected to launch the VOLCANO MEDIC 2 and the MIGHTY+ MEDIC with MDR certification in August – once again setting a new industry standard and reaffirming the company’s commitment to exceptional quality.

You can find more information about STORZ & BICKEL at www.storz-bickel.com .

Information on STORZ & BICKEL GmbH

STORZ & BICKEL GmbH is a global leader in the manufacture of high quality and medically certified vaporizers for cannabis. With quality, innovation and compliance, the company has consistently delivered exceptional products that meet the highest industry standards. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, STORZ & BICKEL is driving the advancement of vaporization technology, providing a safe and efficient means of consuming cannabis for medicinal purposes.

About Canopy Growth

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”) is a leading North American cannabis and consumer products company committed to unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives.

Through a relentless commitment to its customers, Canopy Growth delivers innovative products with a focus on premium and mainstream cannabis brands such as Doja, 7ACRES, Tweed and Deep Space. Canopy Growth’s CPG portfolio includes sugar-free sports drink brand BioSteel, targeted 24-hour skincare and wellness solutions from This Works, gourmet wellness products from Martha Stewart CBD, and category-defining vaporization technology from Germany’s Storz & Bickel.

Canopy Growth has built an extensive ecosystem to capitalize on opportunities in the U.S. THC market. These include rights to Acreage Holdings, a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with primary operations in densely populated states in the Northeast. As well as Wana Brands , a leading brand of edibles in North America, and Jetty Extracts, a California-based manufacturer of high-quality cannabis extracts and a pioneer of clean vape technology.

In addition to its best-in-class products, Canopy Growth leads the industry in its commitment to social justice, responsible consumption and community reinvestment – pioneering a future where cannabis is understood and embraced for its potential to contribute to greater wellbeing and a better life.

Visit www.canopygrowth.com for more information .

Cautionary Statements About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of theapplicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “estimates,” “intends,” “foresees” or “does not anticipate,” or “believes,” or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “may” or “will” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, The performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release. Examples of such statements and uncertainties include statements regarding new product launches as part of MDR certification, including the timing, expected outcome and quality of such new product launches, and expectations regarding other economic, business and/or competitive factors.

including changes in financial and stock markets and the impact of elevated rates of inflation; legal and regulatory risks in the cannabis industry, including the global regulatory environment and enforcement of cannabis-related regulations; reducing the concentration of the active substance; political risks and risks related to regulatory changes; risks related to anti-money laundering laws; Compliance with extensive government regulations and the interpretation of various laws, regulations and policies; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and other risks contained in Canopy Growth’s public records,www.sedar.com and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar , including under the heading “Risk Factors” in Canopy Growth’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023.

With respect to the forward-looking statements and information, Canopy Growth has made such statements and information based on certain assumptions it believes to be reasonable at the time. Although Canopy Growth believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements contained in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. There can be no assurance that these events will occur in the time periods indicated or at all. Should one or more of the aforementioned risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is based prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected results described herein. Although Canopy Growth has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and neither STORZ & BICKEL nor Canopy Growth undertakes any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements to reflect new information,

Media contact: Vatra Krasniqi , Head of Marketing and Communications, +49 7461 96970735, Vatra.krasniqi@storz-bickel.com ; Laura Nadeau , Manager, Communications, media@canopygrowth.com ; Tyler Burns , Director, Investor Relations, Tyler.Burns@canopygrowth. com

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation; Storz & Bickel

Cannabis Use Associated With Self-Reported Reductions In Anxiety Per Canadian Study

It is estimated that roughly 4% of the world’s population suffers from some level of anxiety, although, researchers do not know the actual number. The condition often goes undiagnosed for various reasons in certain parts of the globe, so it’s quite possible that the actual rate is much higher.

Anxiety involves intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Physical symptoms can include a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and fatigue.

Many of the pharmaceutical medications that are currently commonly prescribed to patients for anxiety involve a long list of possible side effects. Some cases of anxiety are so bad that pharmaceutical treatments don’t even work. Fortunately, CBD may be able to help in those cases. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Edmonton, Canada: Subjects report significant decreases in their anxiety levels following the inhalation of herbal cannabis, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Canadian researchers assessed the effects of cannabis inhalation on feelings of anxiety in 184 subjects over a four-year period. Study participants self-administered cannabis at home and reported symptom changes in real time on a mobile software application. Subjects consumed varieties of cannabis that were both THC and CBD-dominant.

Investigators reported: “Cannabis consumption resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety scores among both males and females (average efficacy of 50 percent) and efficacy was similar across the three cultivars.”

Authors reported greater efficacy among younger (under 40) subjects. Investigators also reported that female subjects typically required lesser doses to achieve similar anxiolytic effects. Study participants reported minimal side effects from cannabis.

The study’s investigators concluded: “Overall, cannabis was effective in relieving anxiety and well-tolerated at the doses consumed, independent of CBD and THC ratios. While one cultivar was not significantly more effective than the others, we did identify some gender and age differences in optimal dosing across the three cultivars. We suggest that the outlined THC:CBD ratios and optimal inhalations may be used as a starting point for patients and healthcare practitioners looking to use cannabis as an anxiolytic in order to mitigate the trial-and-error aspect of initiating medical cannabis treatments. Additionally, we recommend the above dataset be used as the foundation for future clinical trials to fully elucidate the efficacy of cannabis for the management of anxiety under more controlled conditions.”

The results of a 2021 US study using similar methods also reported that cannabis inhalation was nearly always associated with self-reported decreases in distress-related symptoms. Data published in June from the United Kingdom similarly reports that the use of cannabis products is associated with sustained improvements in patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.

Full text of the study, “Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Cannabinoid Combination Reduces Tic Frequency For Tourette Syndrome Patients

It is estimated that as many as one percent of people globally suffer from Tourette Syndrome to some level, although many cases go undiagnosed around the world for various reasons. Tourette Syndrome is a nervous system disorder that involves the patient making repetitive movements and/or unwanted sounds.

Most cases of Tourette’s Syndrome start when the patient is a child, with some cases getting worse as the individual ages. Typical treatments for Tourette Syndrome include pharmaceutical medications and/or psychological therapies.

Cannabis is another form of treatment for Tourette Syndrome, albeit an emerging form of treatment that is not as common. A recent study in Australia found cannabis to be effective in some cases. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Queensland, Australia: The consumption of plant-derived cannabinoid extracts reduces tic frequency and severity in patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS), according to placebo-controlled clinical trial data published in an imprint of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Australian investigators compared the use of cannabinoid extracts versus placebo in a cohort of patients with severe TS. Extracts contained 5 mgs of THC and 5 mgs of CBD. Doses were escalated over time to 20 mgs of THC and CBD daily. Patients underwent a six-week course of treatment.

Researchers reported: “An oral 1:1 THC:CBD formulation titrated upward over 6 weeks up to a daily dose of 20 mg of THC and 20 mg of CBD led to a significant reduction in tics as measured by the total tic score on the YGTSS [Yale Global Tic Severity Scale], as well as a reduction in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety, without major adverse effects.”

Adverse events associated with cannabis treatment were reported to be “mild.”

The study’s authors concluded: “This study adds to a small body of literature suggesting that oral 1:1 THC:CBD is an effective treatment for tics and psychiatric comorbidity associated with severe Tourette syndrome. Although the adverse-effect profile was mild in this relatively short study, further work is necessary to identify the longer-term effects of cannabis use in Tourette syndrome, such as the possible development of tolerance to the anti-tic effect. … Larger and longer trials taking the adverse-effect profile of these agents into consideration are warranted.”

Israeli data published last month reported sustained benefits in the management of TS among patients who used cannabis for several years.

Full text of the study, “Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in Tourette Syndrome,” appears in NEJM Evidence. Additional information on cannabinoids and TS is available from NORML’s publicationClinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Fibromyalgia Patients Experience Symptom Improvements, Reduce Prescription Use Following THC Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a serious health condition creating problems across the globe. It’s a condition that affects people of all ages. It is estimated that as many as one out of every twenty people on the planet suffers from the condition to some degree.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.”

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for fibromyalgia, however, researchers in Germany have found evidence that THC can be an effective treatment for some patients, and for some, lower their reliance on prescription drugs. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Burghausen, Germany: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) respond favorably to the administration of oral THC, according to observational data published in the German medical journal Schmerz.

German researchers assessed the efficacy of oral THC capsules (dronabinol) in 62 patients hospitalized with fibromyalgia.

Compared to untreated patients, those consuming oral THC suffered from fewer bouts of depression and experienced “significant improvements” in their quality of life. Patients taking THC were also far more likely than others to either reduce or discontinue their use of pain medications – a finding that is consistent with numerous other studies of patient populations.

Authors concluded: “The results of the present analysis indicate, similar to other studies, that THC could be a medicinal alternative to the substances previously recommended in various guidelines.”

Their conclusions are consistent with those of prior studies finding that FM patients who begin using cannabis products report greater quality of life and reduce their levels of opioid consumption.

Full text of the study, “Tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with fibromyalgia: A retrospective study of changes in pain, psychometric variables, and analgesic consumption during inpatient and interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy,” appears in Schmerz. Additional information on cannabis and FM is available from NORML’s publicationClinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Mike Tyson Reunites With Tiger In New TYSON 2.0 x Futurola Partnership Video

Mike Tyson, the iconic boxer, entrepreneur, entertainer, cannabis advocate, and co-founder of premium cannabis brand TYSON 2.0., has unveiled an exciting new video standing alongside a tiger, smoking one of his bestselling Futurola x TYSON 2.0 Blunt Cones, sold in 13 countries, as a nod to the brands shared global success.

“We are thrilled with the success of our partnership with Tyson 2.0,” said Patrik Eriksson, Partner of Futurola. “Together, we have created a truly innovative and high-quality product line that has resonated with consumers around the world.”

Each Futurola x TYSON 2.0 Blunt Cone is a masterful blend of tobacco-free, cruelty-free, vegan, blunt paper and terpenes from Tyson’s favorite TYSON 2.0 strain, “The Toad.” Individual blunt cones are rolled with care by skilled artisans, following the most stringent quality-control standards to ensure consistency in the finished result, and each is individually packaged in shatter-resistant glass tubes.

“We are confident that our partnership will continue to be successful in the years to come,” said Eriksson. “We have many exciting new products in the pipeline, and we look forward to sharing them with our customers around the world.”

Mike Tyson’s passion and dedication are reflected in everything we do at TYSON 2.0. Futurola shares this devotion to excellence, so the commercial made perfect sense,” said Adam Wilks, CEO of TYSON 2.0. “And by revisiting Mike’s iconic relationship with tigers in this video, we symbolize the powerful bond between our brands, TYSON 2.0 and Futurola, and our shared commitment to delivering an undisputed experience customers expect from us.”

About Tyson 2.0
TYSON 2.0 launched in October 2021, founded by cultural icon Mike Tyson and serial entrepreneur Chad Bronstein. Today it is one of the fastest-growing cannabis brands in the United States. TYSON 2.0’s award-winning cannabis line includes choice flower, pure concentrates, and consumables that pack a punch, all renowned for their exceptional quality, consistency, and affordable pricing. Today, TYSON 2.0., a Carma HoldCo brand, has its cannabis, branded accessories, and other products across a vast global network of more than 100,000 retail outlets that span 17 countries.

TYSON 2.0 is available in select U.S. states and Canadian provinces through partnerships with best-in-class cannabis operators so that discerning cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy undisputed cannabis anywhere. To learn more, visit www.tyson20.com or shop TYSON 2.0 merchandise at www.shoptyson20.com.

About Futurola
Since 1996, Futurola has been Amsterdam’s leading rolling papers and smoking equipment brand. Futurola’s roots date back to 1984 when the famous coffee shop, “Future,” opened near Central Station. Today Futurola is widely recognized as Europe’s top brand of hand-crafted rolling papers, machines, and other superior smoke rolling accessories. To learn more about Futurola, visit: www.futurola.com.

Media Inquiries

Brian J. Roberts
Chief Communications Officer, TYSON 2.0.
908-616-7822
360893@email4pr.com

SOURCE TYSON 2.0

This article first appeared at PRNewswire

Cannabis Safe And Effective In Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder According To UK Study

Generalized anxiety disorder involves a patient persistently worrying or having anxiety about one or more areas of life, with the worrying or anxiety being out of proportion to the source or event. Generalized anxiety can occur at any age.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can include, but are not limited to panic attacks, constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration. Various treatments exist to treat generalized anxiety disorder, with the most common ones being pharmaceutical antidepressants and mood regulators.

A growing number of patients are turning to the cannabis plant for relief, and according to a recent study in the United Kingdom, cannabis products are safe and effective at treating generalized anxiety disorder. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

London, United Kingdom: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit sustained improvements in their symptoms following the use of cannabis products, according to data published in the journal Psychopharmacology.

British investigators assessed the safety and efficacy of plant-derived cannabis products (either oils, flower, or a combination of both) in over 300 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. All of the participants possessed a doctor’s authorization to access cannabis products. (Since 2018, specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Authors assessed the efficacy of cannabis at one, three, and six months.

Researchers reported improvements in patients’ anxiety, sleep quality, and overall quality of life at each time point assessed.

“Prescription of CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] in those with GAD is associated with clinically significant improvements in anxiety with an acceptable safety profile in a real-world setting,” they concluded.

The findings are consistent with those of other studies documenting both short-term and sustained reductions in anxiety following patients’ use of either cannabis or CBD products.

Prior studies assessing the use of cannabis products in patients enrolled in the UK registry have similarly reported them to be effective and well-tolerated among those suffering from chronic painpost-traumatic stressdepressionmigraineinflammatory bowel disease, and other afflictions.

Full text of the study, “Clinical outcome data of anxiety patients treated with cannabis-based medicinal products in the United Kingdom: A cohort study from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry,” appears in Psychopharmacology.

New Canadian Study Demonstrates Why Cannabis Regulation Works

One of the main goals of legalizing cannabis commerce in any given jurisdiction is to battle the unregulated market in a meaningful way. When that topic comes up, it is always worth mentioning that the unregulated cannabis market will never be 100% eliminated, and that the goal is to mitigate it as much as possible by permitting regulated sales.

Canada remains the only country on earth where anyone of legal age can purchase cannabis products with no THC caps, regardless of their residency status. Uruguay also permits nationwide sales, however, sales are limited to residents only.

Researchers in Canada recently conducted a study to try to measure the effectiveness of permitting retail outlets, particularly as it pertained to surrounding areas. The results of the analysis add to a growing body of evidence demonstrating legalization’s success and the need for retail outlets in a legalization model. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Ottawa, Canada: Canadians are more likely to obtain cannabis products from the legal market if they live in close proximity to licensed retailers, according to data published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Investigators with the Canadian Centre of Substance Use and Addictions in Ontario assessed cannabis use trends in a cohort of over 15,000 consumers. Respondents reported that they were least likely to obtain their cannabis from unregulated sources if they lived near a legal retailer. (Canada legalized cannabis sales to those ages 18 and older in 2018.)

The study’s authors concluded: “Legal cannabis stores are increasingly accessible to people living in Canada. … Household proximity to a legal cannabis store was associated with sourcing cannabis from legal retail stores. … Findings suggest that proximity to legal cannabis stores may aid uptake of the legal market.”

Since 2019, the percentage of Canadian consumers transitioning to the legal cannabis market has grown year over year. According to 2022 data, a majority of consumers (58 percent) say they obtain cannabis flowers from licensed retailers.

Full text of the study, “Proximity to legal cannabis stores in Canada and use of cannabis sources in the first three years of legalization, 2019-2021,” appears in theJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

 

CBD Is Associated With Symptomatic Improvements In Dementia Patients

Cannabis tinctures, particularly ones containing CBD, are growing in popularity around the globe within the medical cannabis community for a multitude of reasons. For many years, cannabis flower was the most prominent form of medical cannabis, however, more and more patients are increasingly going the concentrated product route, including incorporating tinctures into their wellness strategies.

Tinctures are preferred by many cannabis patients because they do not typically contain many ingredients, and it is a smokeless form of cannabis consumption. For some patients, inhaled forms of medical cannabis are not an option.

The rise in the use of cannabis tinctures is paralleled by new questions regarding whether cannabis tinctures containing CBD are effective for patients suffering from dementia, both in the short and long term.

A team of researchers in Greece recently examined the use of CBD tinctures among dementia patients, and the results of the study were insightful. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Macedonia, Greece: The administration of a CBD tincture is associated with symptomatic improvements in patients with dementia, according to data published in the journal Clinical Gerontologist.

Investigators assessed the safety and efficacy of a three percent CBD tincture in a cohort of 20 dementia patients with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms. Ten of the patients received CBD treatment for six months, while the other ten received traditional therapies.

They reported: “The follow-up assessment … showed significant improvement of BPSD [behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia] in all our patients who received CBD, and no or limited improvement in the second group, regardless of the underlying neuropathology of dementia.”

Researchers concluded: “We suggest that CBD may be a more effective and safe choice for managing BPSD than the typical intervention. … Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating [it] into their practices to reduce BPSD in PwD [people with dementia]. … Future large randomized clinical trials are needed to re-assure these findings.”

The findings are consistent with those of several prior studies concluding that the administration of CBD-dominant cannabis plant extracts reduces agitation and provides other behavioral improvements in dementia patients.

Full text of the study, “The effect of cannabidiol 3% on neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia – Six-month follow up,” appears in Clinical Gerontologist.