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Poland Study Finds Cannabinoid Ointment Relieves Eczema Symptoms

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin in people who suffer from it. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. Researchers estimate that roughly 10% to 20% of children and 2% to 10% of adults worldwide have eczema.

Common treatments for eczema include over-the-counter products that may help to some degree. Pharmaceutical drugs are also sometimes prescribed for eczema sufferers, including non-steroid topical creams, steroid topical creams, and daily pill prescriptions.

A team of researchers in Poland recently conducted a study examining the application of cannabinoid-based ointments and eczema. Below is more information about the study and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Katowice, Poland: The topical administration of an ointment containing standardized percentages of CBD and CBG (cannabigerol) mitigates symptoms and improves the health-related quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema), according to observational data published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Polish investigators assessed the transdermal use of cannabinoids in nine patients diagnosed with AD. Study participants applied a cannabinoid-infused ointment containing 30 percent CBD and five percent CBG daily for eight weeks.

Cannabis treatment led to the remission of skin lesions and other changes in skin parameters, including improved hydration and less itching.

“Our results demonstrate that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life of patients with AD, leading to symptom remission in some cases,” the study’s authors concluded.

The results are consistent with those of prior studies finding that the topical application of cannabinoids provides benefits in treating various skin-related conditions, including psoriasis, erythema, pruritus, and acne. Cannabinoid treatment is also associated with wound healing in patients with refractory leg ulcers and has demonstrated positive results in patients suffering from the skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa.

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of biophysical parameters of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis after application of an ointment containing 30% cannabidiol and 5% cannabigerol,” appears in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

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Slovenian Parliament Introduces Europe’s Most Progressive Medical Cannabis Law

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The International Cannabis Business Conference team has received confirmation that Slovenia’s Parliament has officially introduced a medical cannabis policy modernization measure that, once adopted, will make Slovenia home to Europe’s most progressive medical cannabis model. Below are components of the proposed model:

Full Legalization for Medical and Scientific Use
The bill legalizes the cultivation, production, distribution, and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical and scientific purposes, under a regulated and controlled system.

Open Licensing: Everyone Who Qualifies Can Apply
The bill introduces a non-restrictive licensing system: any individual or company that fulfills the conditions can obtain a license. There will be no public tender and no state monopoly. Both public and private entities can produce and distribute medical cannabis.

Strict Quality and Production Standards
All cannabis for medical use must be grown and processed according to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring high-quality, safe products for patients.

Cannabis and THC Removed From Prohibited Drugs List for Medical and Scientific Purposes
Cannabis (plant, resin, extracts) and THC will be removed from Slovenia’s list of prohibited substances within the regulated medical and scientific framework.

Standard Prescription Process
Medical cannabis will be available on regular medical (MD and DMD) or veterinary prescriptions, like other medications. Special narcotic prescription protocols will no longer be required.

Ensured Patient Access
The law ensures a stable and continuous supply of cannabis through pharmacies, licensed wholesalers, and healthcare providers, so that patients are not dependent on imports or irregular access.

Recognizing Public Support For Referendum
The law follows the results of the 2024 advisory referendum, where 66.7% of voters supported medical cannabis cultivation. It received majority support in every voting district, indicating strong public backing.

Economic Opportunity
Slovenia’s medical cannabis market is projected to grow by 4% annually, reaching over €55 million by 2029. The bill opens the sector to domestic innovation, job creation, and export potential.

In Line With International Law and European Practices
The bill is aligned with UN drug conventions and builds on successful models from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic, ensuring legal sufficiency and international compatibility.

(This is breaking news, and this article will be updated as further details of the coalition agreement are identified.)

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 Expo Floor

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin Tickets Are Half-Price For German Cannabis Clubs

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Starting on July 1, 2024, adults in Germany can apply to local authorities to launch an adult-use cannabis social club, also referred to as a cultivation association. Clubs are a key component of Germany’s legalization model.

So far, over 133 cultivation associations have been approved, and several hundred more are having their applications processed. As time goes by, thousands of social cannabis clubs are expected to operate across Germany.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is bringing its flagship event back to Berlin, Germany later this month on April 29th-30th. One of the new features of the conference, which is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event, is an on-site consumption lounge. The lounge is the perfect place for Germany’s social clubs to exhibit.

Operators of Germany’s social clubs can attend the International Cannabis Business Conference event in Berlin at a discounted rate, receiving half off the regular admission price. Interested operators can check out the International Cannabis Business Conference website to receive additional details.

The International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025 will be held at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. The schedule for the Berlin event was recently released, and it is packed with insightful and timely presentations.

Competition is going to increase significantly within Germany’s industry, and the best way to learn how to maximize your opportunities and network with industry leaders is at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. Register now to secure your spot.

New additions at ICBC Berlin this year include (in addition to the on-site consumption lounge):

  • Free VIP tickets for all cannabis pharmacies and cannabis clinics
  • Lounges with food and drinks throughout the expo area
  • Celebrity meet-and-greets in the expo area
  • Speed networking area
  • Treasure hunt cards in the expo area

Euromonitor International estimates that the emerging global cannabis industry is currently worth 51.4 billion euros, with that figure estimated to top 60 billion euros in 2025. Germany’s cannabis industry alone is currently estimated to be worth nearly 1.2 billion euros. The legal German cannabis market is projected to reach an estimated $4.6 billion in value by 2034, according to a separate market analysis by researchers at The Niche Research.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at the April 2025 conference in Berlin, and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Bring your social club to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry pursuits to the next level.

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The Top German Cannabis Companies In 2025

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany remains the most exciting country in Europe in terms of cannabis policy and business. The nation’s emerging legal cannabis industry is continuing to ramp up after the adoption of the CanG law, with many sectors experiencing exponential growth.

It is an extremely exciting time for German-based companies that work directly in the cannabis industry or provide ancillary products and/or services to the emerging German cannabis industry. Below are the top companies that people need to keep an eye on in 2025 (in alphabetical order).

420 Pharma

420 Pharma is a medical cannabis producer in Germany. The company produces its own cannabis brand, “420,” which includes both flower and full-spectrum extracts. All of their cannabis flower is hand-picked and processed in a manner that ensures unaltered terpene profiles.

ActiTube

Originally founded in 2001, you can now get the ActiTube activated carbon filters in practically every European head shop. In German-speaking countries, you can get these in many tobacco shops, kiosks, late-night shops, tobacconists, and increasingly even at petrol stations. All ActiTube products are made in Germany, and ActiTube-activated charcoal filters can be composted without restriction.

Aphria/Tilray

Aphria was one of the three firms that won authorization to grow cannabis during the German cultivation bid. They subsequently merged with Tilray, but not before purchasing the sixth-largest mainstream medical distributor in the country (CC Pharma).

Astro Nova

AstroNova (formerly Astro-Med, Inc.) is a regional and global leader in developing and applying data visualization technologies. The company delivers total solutions that acquire, process, analyze, store, print, and present data in a variety of usable forms. These solutions are adapted specifically to customer requirements, including those of the cannabis industry, to enhance the quality, productivity, and profitability of their businesses.

Atami

Atami is a leading distributor of premium home cultivation products, including nutrients, substrates, and growth systems. In addition to selling products, the company produces a significant amount of useful content on its website for aspiring cultivators. With home cannabis cultivation becoming legal for adults in Germany starting on April 1st, 2024, many home cultivators are turning to Atami for help with their gardens.

Aurora Cannabis

Aurora Cannabis is a Canadian public company that also won one of the three cultivation slots in the German cultivation bid. The firm has a footprint across Europe at this point. It was one of the earliest public Canadian companies before establishing itself across the EU in recent years.

Becanex

As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Becanex plays a central role in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products, specializing in cannabis extracts. Becanex works in partnership with its clients to provide customized solutions that complement their therapeutic focus. Becanex’s expertise in research and development enables it to develop innovative products that are precisely tailored to the complex requirements of the medical cannabis industry.

BvCW

BvCW is the voice of the cannabis industry in Germany and represents all industry segments and company sizes to politicians and administration. BvCW’s specialist areas are divided into “Recreational Cannabis,” “Industrial Hemp & Food,” “Medical Cannabis,” and “Technology, Trade & Services.” BVCW combines industrial policy, technological, economic expertise, and advocacy for better political framework conditions.

Cannaleo

Cannaleo provides software solutions and technology advising to medical cannabis pharmacies in Germany, including the implementation of full-service medicinal cannabis ordering systems. The Cannaleo Digital GmbH team is made up of various experts with many years of experience in the areas of software development, medicinal cannabis, as well as business development & consulting.

Canopy Growth

Canopy Growth is a world-leading cannabis company focused on unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives, particularly in Germany. From supporting personal wellness to fostering economic opportunity and striving toward social justice, Canopy Growth is showcasing the capacity of cannabis as a force for good. Canopy Growth offers high-quality products with best-in-class cannabinoid effects. Rooted in a belief that every moment in the day can be enhanced by the tailored use of cannabinoid products, Canopy Growth is redefining experiences with cannabis and demonstrating the true potential of this powerful plant.

Cansativa Group

Cansativa is the central platform and partner of the German Cannabis Agency (BfArM). The company helps Germany’s government facilitate medical cannabis transactions.

Cantourage

Cantourage provides fast-track access to the German and EU markets for medical cannabis cultivators worldwide. The Berlin-based company is passionate about bringing the world’s best cannabis to Germany. Cantourage is consistently breaking new ground and using the potential of a dynamically developing industry.

Canymed by Grunhorn

Canymed is a Berlin-based pharmaceutical wholesaler that helps cannabis companies import from non-EU countries to Germany and sell their products in pharmacies. Canymed manages the process of application for the allowance of importation, market approval by their QP, and wholesaling to pharmacies and other registered institutions or companies.

Demecan

DEMECAN is the only independent German company that is permitted to cultivate medicinal cannabis in Germany. The company’s production facility is near Dresden, and the focus of the facility is to ensure the consistently high quality of DEMECAN’s cannabis products.

EUCannaJobs

EUCannaJobs is Europe’s premier platform shaping the future of employment in the burgeoning cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries in Germany and across Europe. EUCannaJobs is more than just a job board; they are a catalyst for connecting talent with innovative companies and driving the growth of the dynamic cannabis sector.

GOC Nexus

GOC Nexus is a cutting-edge cannabis technology company whose innovative cold plasma technology is revolutionizing the cannabis industry through its unique combination of efficiency, product safety, and the preservation of therapeutically valuable compounds. The company recently received funding from a leading German financial institution, Volksbank Donau-Mindel. Volksbank Donau-Mindel was joined in the successful funding round by a concurrent investment from SYNBIOTIC SE, Germany’s largest publicly listed cannabis company, and was coordinated by leading European cannabis investment firm The Talman House. SYNBIOTIC SE is a member of The Talman House.

Grow in AG

Grow In AG was founded in 1995 and now offers one of the largest international ranges of carefully tested and selected products for successful plant cultivation. In March 2020, Grow In AG merged with the English wholesaler HydroGarden LTD (UK). Together, Hydrogarden and Grow In AG now form the largest wholesaler for hydroponic growing accessories in Europe.

Gunnercooke

German-based gunnercooke is one of the fastest-growing international law firms and has offices in the United States, Germany, CEE, Austria, Scotland, and England. The firm is a team of more than 500 professionals and has a client roster that includes Nike, Mercedes, Lidl, Santander, DHL, and a growing list of leading German and European cannabis companies.

Heidolph Scientific

Heidolph Scientific Products GmbH is a scientific laboratory product maker based in Schwabach, Germany. Numerous medical cannabis companies in Germany and Europe use Heidolph Scientific devices and products to manufacture, analyze, and ensure the quality of their medical cannabis products.

HempGroup

HempGroup is a cannabis industry wholesale partner for premium cannabis products. The German company works with specialist retailers and companies that value quality, variety, and reliability. With a wide range and selected brands, HempGroup offers virtually everything that cannabis companies need to help ensure success.

Hiperscan

HiperScan GmbH is a successful, medium-sized technology company with headquarters in Dresden and over 60 employees. HiperScan GmbH branched off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems, Dresden, in 2006. HiperScan is responsible for the very successful and cost-effective NIR-analysis system Apo-Ident, which is distributed in Germany and internationally. It is a near-infrared spectrometer that has been specially designed for identifying raw materials in pharmacies. With this system, HiperScan is the market leader for raw material identification in German pharmacies.

Huber

Huber is one of the leading technological providers of high-precision temperature control solutions for research and industry. Huber’s products ensure precise temperature control in laboratories, pilot plants, and cannabis industry production processes from -125 to +425 °C.

KD Phyto

KD Phyto is a trusted partner in responsibly sourced cannabis and hemp-derived active ingredients for pharmaceutical applications and customized cannabinoid formulations for topical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. With a strong focus on cannabinoids, KD Phyto ensures that ingredients comply with all German/European regulations and are manufactured following international EU-GMP standards and ICH guidelines, producing high-quality, safe, and effective products.

KFN+

KFN+ law firm, led by Kai-Friedrich Niermann, advises large CBD and medical cannabis companies, as well as companies and associations interested in the emerging recreational cannabis market. With a broad range of expertise in cannabis and business law, KFN+ provides comprehensive legal support to companies and individuals. From contract drafting and company formation to day-to-day legal support, KFN+ assists cannabis companies with customized solutions in all legal matters, including white-collar criminal law where necessary.

Little Green Pharma

Little Green Pharma is one of the most recognizable medical cannabis brands in Europe (as well as Australia). The company delivers innovative solutions to world-class operations in both Denmark and Australia.

MJ_Universe

MJ Universe GmbH was founded by Lisa Katharina Haag. MJ Universe provides consulting services to the emerging legal cannabis industry. The company is committed to projects dedicated to accelerating cannabis as a medicine, advocating for a more progressive and realistic regulatory framework, and to activities that mainstream cannabis. MJ Universe’s mission is to unlock the full potential of cannabis. Furthermore, MJ Universe is the publisher of krautinvest.de – Germany’s leading B2B magazine with news, background information, and market trends.

Next Tröber Europe

Hamburg-based Next Tröber Europe GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading importers of lighters, smoking accessories, and promotional products in Germany. For more than 70 years, Next Tröber Europe has been developing, designing, and marketing lighters, smoking, and promotional items.

PURIZE Filters

PURIZE is a young, dynamic company that specializes in the production of high-quality activated carbon filters. The company’s mission is to elevate smoking enjoyment through innovative, environmentally friendly products. PURIZE’s versatile team has been manufacturing in Germany since the company’s founding in 2016, specifically in the beautiful Lausitz region of southern Brandenburg.

Purpl Scientific

Purpl Scientific is a technology company dedicated to providing accurate, affordable tools to the emerging legal cannabis industry that provide insight and intelligence about products and potency. The company packs a ton of new-generation technologies into its hand-held applications that are exceedingly powerful, amazingly fast, extremely affordable, and controlled with the click of a button.

Sanity Group

Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing), and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts.

SKW Schwarz

SKW Schwarz is an independent law firm with around 130 lawyers, four locations, and a common goal: they think ahead. In a world where everything is in motion, cannabis companies need legal advice that recognizes change as an opportunity. As a full-service law firm and member of TerraLex, SKW Schwarz is globally networked and advises in all relevant areas of commercial law.

Storz & Bickel

Storz and Bickel is the creator of the Volcano, which still ranks as one of the greatest cannabis consumption devices on earth despite being introduced to the world over two decades ago. Storz and Bickel’s products serve as the industry standard for cannabis consumption around the world.

SYNBIOTIC SE

SYNBIOTIC SE is a leading European corporate group operating in the dynamic environment of the cannabis and industrial hemp market. As a publicly listed company, SYNBIOTIC SE offers its investors the exceptional opportunity to fully capitalize on the potential of this rapidly growing market.

Tom Hemp’s

Tom Hemp’s specializes in natural products made with love and passion from the German capital, Berlin. All of their products are made with 100% European industrial hemp, are EU-certified, and are free from pesticides and herbicides. In addition to its online store, Tom Hemp’s has over 100 brick-and-mortar locations in several European countries.

WEECO Pharma

WEECO brings together some of the best EU-GMP manufacturers and brands from around the world on a single distribution platform. The company has all the necessary approvals and licenses to distribute medical cannabis products in Germany and worldwide. The sustained commitment to quality makes WEECO a well-known player in the German medical cannabis landscape and a trusted partner for both the domestic market and international buyers.

Wessling

Since the company was founded in 1983, Wessling has aimed to offer their business partners high-quality, tailor-made analytical and consulting services as well as holistic solution concepts and laboratory testing for the areas of real estate, environment, food, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

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Study Finds Canadian Legalization Is ‘Displacing Illegal Cannabis Market’

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Canada became the second country to ever adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018 and was the first G-7 nation to adopt the public policy change. The first country to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization measure was Uruguay in 2013.

Since 2018, Canada’s recreational cannabis market has served as the international leader in size and scope and has also served as the top cannabis commerce public policy model for international researchers to examine.

A team of researchers affiliated with the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, and the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University conducted a study analyzing legalization’s impact on Canada’s unregulated cannabis market. The study’s findings were recently published in the academic publication International Journal of Drug Policy.

“We used interrupted time series analysis to evaluate whether recreational cannabis legalization (legislative passage in October 2017/implementation in October 2018) was associated with changes in quarterly national household expenditures on medical cannabis, illegal cannabis, and all cannabis types combined (licensed, illegal, and medical) in Canada from 2001 to 2023, adjusting for price fluctuations.” the researchers stated about their study’s methodology.

“When recreational cannabis legalization was passed, medical cannabis represented 11.8% of the market and illegal cannabis 88.2%. At five years post-recreational cannabis legalization implementation, medical cannabis decreased to 3.7%, illegal cannabis decreased to 24.3%, and licensed cannabis took over 72.0% of the market. The overall cannabis market increased in size by 75% over these 5 years.” the researchers stated about their findings.

“Recreational cannabis legalization in Canada appears to be achieving one of its primary goals by displacing the illegal cannabis market, and medical users also appear to be transitioning to the recreational market.” the study’s authors concluded.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at a national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, two dozen states in the U.S. have adopted recreational cannabis legalization measures, and adult-use commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

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Israel Announces 165% Tariffs On Canadian Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Israel is an international leader in medical cannabis in many ways, having allowed legal medical cannabis activity by patients going back to the 1990s. It is also considered the birthplace of modern medical cannabis research.

The Israeli medical cannabis market is large in size and scope, which makes it a popular destination for medical cannabis product imports and exports. Historically, medical cannabis products from Canada have been popular in Israel. However, that could be changing in the future, with Israel announcing stiff tariffs on Canadian cannabis.

“Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry has announced the nation will impose tariffs on Canadian cannabis at rates as high as 165% for the next four years.” StratCann reported. “The decision still needs to be approved by the country’s Knesset Finance Committee and Finance Minister.”

“In its adoption of the Minister of Economy’s Advisory Committee recommendations, the new levy tariffs will be 165% on all Canadian cannabis imported into Israel, except for Decibel (12%), Village Farms (28%), Organigram (53%), and Tilray (70%).” the outlet also reported.

Persistence Market Research estimates that “the global medical marijuana market is expected to grow from USD 33.1 Bn in 2025 to USD 83.1 Bn by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.”

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Vaporized Cannabis Provides “Significant Improvements” For MS Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Cannabis consumption has evolved in recent decades. For many years, cannabis was typically eaten or it was combusted with a flame, and the resulting smoke was inhaled. These days, cannabis is vaporized by more and more medical cannabis patients for various reasons.

According to SNS Insider, the cannabis vape market “was valued at USD 5.06 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 17.11 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 14.53% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.”

Researchers in Greece recently conducted a study involving vaporized medical cannabis and multiple sclerosis patients. Below is more information about the study and its results via a news release from NORML:

Athens, Greece: Vaporized cannabis containing standardized percentages of CBD and THC is associated with sustained improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to longitudinal data published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Greek researchers assessed the efficacy of a vaporized cannabis formulation containing 13 percent CBD and 9 percent THC in a cohort of 69 MS patients. Study participants’ symptoms – including bladder dysfunction, muscle spasticity, and disability progression rate – were assessed at baseline, at three months, and six months.

“Significant improvement was observed across all outcome assessments” following patients’ adjunctive use of cannabis, researchers reported.

“This study represents an initial step toward understanding the real-world application of vaporized THC: CBD formulations in MS management,” the study’s authors concluded. “The findings … highlight the potential benefits of CBD 13 [percent] | THC 9 [percent] vaporized formulations in managing MS symptoms, particularly when integrated into the existing treatment framework of DMTs [disease modifying therapies] and other MS symptomatic therapies.”

In 2010, British health officials granted regulatory approval to an oromucosal spray (nabiximols) containing standardized percentages of CBD and THC for the treatment of MS. That product is now available by prescription in various countries – including Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Spain – but remains unavailable in the United States.

Full text of the study, “Evaluating vaporized cannabinoid therapy in multiple sclerosis: Findings from a prospective single-center clinical study,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Additional information on cannabis and MS is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

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Medical Cannabis Associated With “Meaningful Improvements” In Patients’ Quality of Life

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Nearly five dozen nations now permit some form of legal access to medical cannabis. Tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies have focused on the medical benefits of cannabis, finding that it is an effective form of medicine. Legal medical cannabis is big business, too.

According to Persistence Market Research, “the global medical marijuana market is expected to grow from USD 33.1 Bn in 2025 to USD 83.1 Bn by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.”

A team of health researchers in Australia recently conducted a study examining medical cannabis’ impact on the health-related quality of life of patients who use it. Below is more information about the study via a news release from NORML:

Sydney, Australia: The use of physician-authorized medical cannabis products is associated with “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements” in patients’ health, according to observational study data published in the journal PLOS One.

Researchers assessed the efficacy of cannabis oil extracts containing standardized ratios of THC and CBD in more than 2,000 patients over one year. (Under Australian law, physicians may authorize cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional prescription treatments.)

Consistent with prior studies, patients reported sustained improvements following cannabis therapy.

“Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in HRQL [health-related quality of life], fatigue, pain, and sleep for people with chronic health conditions,” investigators concluded. “Similar improvements were found in pain outcomes for participants with chronic pain; sleep disturbance for participants with insomnia; depression scores for patients with depression; and anxiety scores in patients with anxiety. … The findings from this study contribute to the emerging evidence-base to inform decision making both in clinical practice and at policy level.”

Similarly designed studies involving patients enrolled in the United Kingdom’s medical marijuana access program have shown cannabis products to be safe and effective for those suffering from cancer-related pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, hypermobility disorders, and inflammatory arthritis, among other conditions.

Full text of the study, “Improvements in health-related quality of life are maintained long-term in patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia: The QUEST Initiative 12-month follow up observational study,” appears in PLOS One. Additional information about the therapeutic use of cannabis is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Application for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

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Chile Is Considering Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use at a national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, two dozen states in the U.S. have adopted recreational cannabis measures, regional adult-use pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and top courts in multiple other countries have ruled against adult-use prohibition policies.

Chile is another country that may join the list of legalized nations, with lawmakers having recently introduced a measure that would legalize cannabis for adult use in the South American country if approved.

“Chile is entering a new chapter in its cannabis policy. Lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive bill to regulate adult-use cannabis, advocacy groups are rallying behind it and one of the country’s top presidential candidates has pledged to push for legalization if elected.” stated Benzinga in its original coverage.

“The bill outlines several major changes: adults would be allowed to cultivate up to six flowering plants, store up to 800 grams annually and carry up to 40 grams in public. Consumption would remain restricted to private spaces; public use—including in schools, transport or around minors—would be prohibited. Cultivation collectives of up to 500 members would be legal as long as distribution is limited to members and not commercialized.” the outlet also reported.

Cannabis legalization models differ across the globe, with no two jurisdictions having the exact same legalization model. Canada has the most robust adult-use commerce system, with sales permitted nationwide, including sales to non-residents. Uruguay also permits adult-use sales, yet they are limited to residents only.

What is being proposed in Chile is more akin to legalization models in Germany and Malta, both of which permit home cultivation, personal possession, and cultivation associations. However, the cultivation and possession limits being proposed in Chile are considerably greater than what is currently permitted in Germany and Malta.