Author: Frank Schuler

Hypermobility Disorder Patients Report Improvements Following Cannabis Use

Written by Frank Schuler on March 22, 2025. Posted in Science.

Hypermobility disorders are serious health conditions involving excessive joint flexibility and instability. Examples include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). The conditions often involve the patient suffering from pain, injuries, and other symptoms.

According to researchers affiliated with the University of Edinburgh, “General Joint Hypermobility is a common condition found in 2–57% of the population.” For Ehlers-Danlos syndrome specifically, the rate is about 1 in 5000 people.

A separate team of researchers based in the United Kingdom recently conducted a study examining patients diagnosed with hypermobility disorders and their use of medical cannabis therapies. Below is more information about the research and its results via a news release from NORML:

London, United Kingdom: Patients suffering from hypermobility disorders report sustained symptomatic improvements following their use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), according to observational data published in the journal of the American College of Rheumatology, ACR Open Rheumatology.

British researchers assessed the use of botanical cannabis or oil extracts in 161 patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or similar hypermobility disorders enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British specialists may prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes from baseline in patient-reported outcomes at one, three, six, 12, and 18 months.

Patients reported sustained improvements in pain-specific metrics, as well as improvements in sleep and anxiety following cannabis therapy. The most reported adverse effects associated with cannabis treatment were headache and lethargy.

“This case series found improvements in perceived pain severity and interference, general HRQoL [health-related quality of life], sleep quality, and anxiety in patients with HSD [hypermobility spectrum disorder] or hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome] after CBMP prescription,” the study’s authors concluded. “At 18 months, between 18.01 percent and 25.47 percent of individuals reported a clinically significant improvement in their pain depending on the assessment measure used. … [T]hese findings may help guide current clinical practice and shared decision‐making between patients and physicians.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among patients enrolled in the UK Cannabis Registry have reported them to be effective for those diagnosed with cancer-related pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis registry: An analysis of outcomes of medical cannabis therapy for hypermobility-associated chronic pain,” appears in ACR Open Rheumatology.

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Cannabis Consumption Is Associated With Lower Opioid Usage Rates

Written by Frank Schuler on March 8, 2025. Posted in Science.

Cannabis opponents have historically portrayed the cannabis plant as a ‘gateway drug.’ Members of the mainstream media have also perpetuated this stereotype, as have film makers going back as far as the 1930s.

However, a growing body of scientific evidence is proving that the ‘gateway drug’ talking point is false. Many public health advocates and researchers have found that the use of many other substances, including the misuse of household items and pharmaceutical drugs, often predates cannabis use in society.

A recent study conducted in Canada found that cannabis consumption is associated with decreased rates of opioid usage, demonstrating that cannabis may actually be an ‘exit drug’ and not a gateway drug. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Vancouver, British Columbia: Polydrug consumers are more likely to cease using non-prescription opioids if they consume cannabis, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review.

Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia assessed the relationship between the use of cannabis and unregulated opioids among people who use drugs (PWUD) living with chronic pain.

They reported that the daily use of cannabis was positively associated with opioid cessation, particularly among males.

“Participants reporting daily cannabis use exhibited higher rates of cessation compared to less frequent users or non-users,” the study’s authors concluded. “Our findings add to the growing evidence supporting the potential benefits of cannabis use among PWUD, underlining the need for further research.”

The findings are consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabis use can mitigate opioid-related cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Full text of the study, “Cannabis use and illicit opioid cessation among people who use drugs living with chronic pain,” appears in Drug and Alcohol Review. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Relationship Between Marijuana and Opioids.’

Study: Medical Cannabis Doesn’t Negatively Impact Driving Performance

Written by Frank Schuler on March 8, 2025. Posted in Science.

No responsible cannabis advocate wants intoxicated drivers on public roadways. With that being said, just because someone has metabolized THC in their system does not automatically mean that they are intoxicated, and public policies need to reflect that scientific fact.

One jurisdiction that has struggled with this area of public policy is Victoria, a state in Australia. The Australian state was automatically banning the driving privileges of medical cannabis patients if they were found to have THC in their system while operating a motor vehicle on public roadways. Fortunately, that policy was changed starting on March 1st, 2025.

“Drivers who use medicinal cannabis in Victoria will no longer be subject to automatic licence bans under a new law coming into effect in the state. From the 1st of March, such motorists will have the opportunity to argue in court that they weren’t impaired while driving.” reported SBS News in its local coverage.

The policy change is backed by the findings of a recent study conducted in Australia which found that medical cannabis use does not negatively impact driving performance in experienced users. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Queensland, Australia: Patients who consume botanical cannabis over extended periods do not exhibit significant changes in their simulated driving performance, according to data published in the Journal of Safety Research.

Australian researchers assessed patients’ simulated driving performance at baseline and 45 minutes after they vaporized prescribed doses of cannabis flowers. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.)

“After vaporizing one dose of their prescribed cannabis flower, participants exhibited no significant changes in performance on any of the video-based tasks (hazard perception skill, gap acceptance, following distance or speed) compared to baseline,” investigators reported.

The study’s authors concluded, “The findings … suggest that a dose of vaporized cannabis (consumed in accordance with prescription) may not affect hazard perception ability or driving-related risk-taking behavior among medicinal cannabis patients.”

The study’s findings are consistent with those of several others determining that daily cannabis consumers, and patients especially, exhibit tolerance to many of cannabis’ psychomotor-influencing effects. According to the findings of a literature review published in the journal of the German Medical Association, “Patients who take cannabinoids at a constant dosage over an extensive period of time often develop tolerance to the impairment of psychomotor performance, so that they can drive vehicles safely.”

Full text of the study, “The acute effects of vaporized cannabis on drivers’ hazard perception and risk-taking behaviors in medicinal patients: A within-subjects experiment,” appears in the Journal of Safety Research. Additional information is available in the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Marijuana and Psychomotor Performance.’

CBD May Mitigate Severe Behavioral Symptoms In Children With Autism

Written by Frank Schuler on March 2, 2025. Posted in Science.

One of the most sensitive areas of cannabis policy, science, and industry is medical cannabis use by children. No responsible cannabis consumer advocates for kids to consume cannabis except for in the most limited, tailored medical circumstances.

It is an issue that needs to be taken very seriously and parents should only proceed after talking to their family doctor(s) to make sure that it is the right move for their situation.

With that being said, there are instances when medical cannabis therapies can help younger patients. According to the results of a recent study in Argentina, cannabidiol may help mitigate severe behavioral symptoms in children diagnosed with autism. Below is more information via a news release from NORML:

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The adjunctive use of CBD is safe and effective in mitigating severe behavioral symptoms in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to data published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior.

Argentinian researchers assessed the efficacy of purified CBD in young patients (ages three to 17) with autism. CBD was administered as an add-on medication for six to 12 months.

Consistent with prior studies, investigators reported that CBD treatment improved the quality of life of patients and their families. In nearly half of the patients treated, the use of prescription medications decreased following the initiation of CBD therapy.

The study’s authors concluded, “Our results suggest that treatment with purified CBD is effective and safe and could benefit patients with severe ASD by improving some of the core symptoms, including repetitive behaviors and social interaction, as well as associated comorbidities.”

The findings are consistent with those of placebo-controlled trial data showing improvements in ASD-related symptoms following the use of cannabinoid products. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits to young people and adults with autism.

Full text of the study, “Purified cannabidiol leads to improvement of severe treatment-resistant behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder,” appears in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. Additional information on cannabinoids and ASD is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Cannabis Provides Sustained Relief For Cancer-Related Pain In UK Study

Written by Frank Schuler on March 2, 2025. Posted in Science.

Cancer is one of the worst things that can ever happen to a person. Anyone who has survived a battle with cancer or had a friend or family battle cancer knows that unfortunate fact firsthand.

According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, “in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths” and “about 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.”

One of the ongoing symptoms of cancer is chronic pain. A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom found that cannabis therapies may offer sustained relief for cancer-related pain. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

London, United Kingdom: Cancer patients report less pain and improved sleep following their use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), according to observational data published in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy.

British researchers assessed the use of botanical cannabis or oil extracts in 168 cancer patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (British specialists are permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes in patient-reported outcomes at one, three, and six months.

Patients’ use of cannabis products was “associated with improvements in all pain-specific PROMs [patient-reported outcome measures] at all follow-up periods,” investigators reported. Study participants also reported improved sleep and less anxiety. No significant adverse effects from cannabis were reported.

The study’s authors concluded: “Initiation of CBMPs is associated with improvements in pain-specific and general health-related quality of life outcomes in CP [cancer pain] patients over six months, with a relatively low incidence of mild-to-moderate AEs [adverse events] and no life-threatening AEs. … RCTs [randomized controlled trials] and longer observational case series are warranted, but this study can help inform their rollout, serving as a valuable pharmacovigilance tool for the use of CBMPs in CP, either as an alternative therapeutic option or as one part of multimodal treatment.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products among patients enrolled in the UK Cannabis Registry have reported them to be effective for those diagnosed with anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for cancer pain,” appears in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy.

Cannabis May Induce Remission In Crohn’s Disease Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on February 23, 2025. Posted in Science.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and a very serious health condition that affects the suffering patient’s digestive tract. Chron’s disease can cause inflammation and ulcers in any part of the patient’s digestive system.

International researchers estimate that 6 million people are affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) globally. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease.

Researchers in Pakistan recently conducted a meta-analysis focusing on medical cannabis use and Crohn’s disease, finding that medical cannabis therapies may be associated with clinical remission of the health condition. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Karachi, Pakistan: Cannabis use is associated with clinical remission in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and it represents a promising therapeutic option for managing the disease, according to a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science.

A team of Pakistani investigators reviewed data from five randomized clinical trials involving 176 participants. In three of the trials, subjects used either cannabis cigarettes or a placebo. In two of the trials, subjects ingested either plant-derived extracts or a placebo.

Researchers determined: “The analysis indicates that cannabis may be beneficial in inducing clinical remission. … Specifically, individuals receiving cannabis treatment exhibited substantially higher rates of clinical remission at eight weeks compared to those in the control group.”

The study’s authors concluded: “In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that cannabis could be a promising therapeutic option for managing CD with minimal side effects. The findings … support its potential as an adjunct or alternative therapy, especially for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.”

Full text of the study, “Cannabis use in Crohn’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials,” appears in the Irish Journal of Medical Science. Additional information on cannabis and Crohn’s disease is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Cannabis Provides Improvements In Brazilian Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on February 23, 2025. Posted in Science.

According to international researchers, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years with an estimated 8.5 million individuals living with the serious health condition.

“Parkinson’s disease resulted in 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years, an increase of 81% since 2000, and caused 329,000 deaths, an increase of over 100% since 2000.” states the World Health Organization.

Researchers based in Brazil recently published the results of a case report that found that the use of medical cannabis oil provided symptomatic improvements in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Below is more information about the study and its results via a news release from NORML:

João Pessoa, Brazil: The daily administration of plant-derived cannabis extracts containing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids is associated with significant improvements in a patient with late-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to the case report published in the Brazilian Journal of Biology.

Brazilian investigators documented clinical improvements in a 77-year-old PD patient following his use of cannabis oil. The patient consumed up to five drops of cannabis oil twice daily for three months.

The study’s authors reported symptomatic improvements within one week of cannabis therapy. The patient’s symptoms continued to improve throughout the trial period, resulting in a reduction in his use of prescription medicines.

“This case reports a significant improvement in both motor and non-motor functions in a patient with advanced PD following the administration [of] a full-spectrum CBD-rich oil containing THC and other phytocannabinoids,” they concluded. “These compelling results suggest that cannabis oil may offer a valuable and effective therapeutic option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.”

Full text of the study, “Cannabis oil in treating Parkinson’s disease: Improvement of motor and non-motor symptoms: A case report,” appears in the Brazilian Journal of Biology. Additional information on cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Brazil Announces 12-Year Cannabis Cultivation Research Effort

Written by Frank Schuler on February 12, 2025. Posted in Science.

Brazil is home to an emerging legal cannabis industry, and the nation is also home to a national agricultural research agency named Embrapa. Embrapa recently announced that it will launch a research project focused on cannabis cultivation, which is expected to last 12 years.

“Brazil’s agricultural research agency Embrapa, which helped turn the country into a leading grains exporter, is preparing a 12-year research program that could do the same for cannabis cultivation in the farming powerhouse.” stated The Gazette in its original reporting.

“Embrapa’s plans include creating a cannabis seed bank and adapting varieties to the Brazilian soil and climate, while helping to identify and develop regional cannabis production hubs around the country.” the media outlet also reported.

Kaya Mind estimates that Brazil is now home to about 672,000 medical cannabis patients, which is a 50% increase compared to 2023. The market researchers estimate that only one-third of those patients currently make their purchases legally through the nation’s pharmacies and another 22% access medical cannabis products through collectives.

According to leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, the overall region’s growing cannabis market is worth a considerable amount of money.

“Central and South America together are an $8 billion total market; however, its low-cost manufacturing and drive towards EU GMP and GAP certifications is making the region an attractive source of supply for the EU.” Whitney stated in a recent newsletter.

Whitney’s analysis was originally provided as part of his presentation at the inaugural Andean Hemp and Cannabis Trade Summit in October where he presented on the Central and South American hemp and cannabis markets.

In addition to the overall market value analysis, Whitney Economics also provided the following market information:

Five countries in Central and South America make up 89% of the regional demand
Brazil is home to the largest domestic market ($2.5 billion)
Total Central and South American market demand requires 6.3 million pounds of cultivated output
Peru is an estimated $0.8 – $2.2 billion domestic market
Peru’s hemp industry has strong opportunities in fibers, grains, and isolated cannabinoids

A separate market analysis by Coherent Market Insights projects that the global cannabis cultivation market size “is expected to reach US$ 136 Bn by 2030, from US$ 42.9 Bn in 2023, at a CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period.”

Legal Retail Cannabis Isn’t Associated With Rise In Emergency Department Visits

Written by Frank Schuler on January 31, 2025. Posted in Business, Science.

Canada was not the first country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. That distinct title goes to Uruguay, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2013, five years before Canada did so. However, Canada was the first G-7 nation to legalize recreational cannabis and remains the largest legal adult-use cannabis commerce experiment on earth.

According to a recent market analysis by Research and Markets, revenue generated by Canada’s legal cannabis cultivators “has ballooned at a CAGR of 43.4% to reach $13.1 billion over the past five years.”

Canadian cannabis companies dominate the legal global cannabis industry, an industry that analysts at The Business Research Company estimate was worth “$21.79 billion in 2023” and “$26.56 billion in 2024” and is projected to grow to an estimated “$58.93 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 22.0%.”

Researchers at Allied Analytics offer up even rosier estimates and projections, finding that the legal cannabis market “was valued at $25.7 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $148.9 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2022 to 2031.”

A common claim made by cannabis opponents who try to thwart the growth of the emerging legal cannabis industry hinges on ’emergency room visits spiking due to cannabis legalization.’ The results of a recent study conducted in Canada throw cold water on those claims. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Toronto, Ontario: The establishment of licensed cannabis retailers is not associated with any uptick in marijuana-related emergency department (ED) visits, according to longitudinal data published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

A team of Canadian researchers assessed the impact of cannabis store openings on ED visits in 278 communities in Ontario.

They found “no evidence that the allocation of cannabis retailer licenses led to changes in cannabis-related ED visits.”

Similarly, no changes in ED visits related to either alcohol use or opioids were identified.

“Despite the anticipation that the introduction of licensed cannabis retailers might influence such health outcomes, our findings suggest no significant changes in ED visit rates following the allocation of retail licenses,” the study’s authors concluded. “This research highlights the complex relationship between the availability of cannabis retail options and public health metrics. … Given these findings, policymakers may consider focusing on understanding regional factors (e.g. cannabis pricing and retailer hours of operation) beyond retail density that could influence substance-related health outcomes.”

Other studies have failed to identify any association between dispensary openings and rising local crime rates. Studies have documented a relationship between dispensary openings, rising home values, and reductions in opioid-related mortality.

Full text of the study, “The impact of recreational cannabis retailer allocation on emergency department visits: A. natural experiment utilizing lottery design,” appears in the International Journal of Drug Policy. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Societal Impacts of Cannabis Dispensaries/Retailers.’