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Hypermobility Disorder Patients Report Improvements Following Cannabis Use

Written by Frank Schuler on . 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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German Coalition Calls For Scientifically Supported Cannabis Distribution

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

In an open letter to Germany’s Bundestag, a coalition of more than 30 organizations comprised of scientists, industry members, politicians, and associations called for the launch of scientifically supported model cannabis distribution projections, also commonly referred to as pilot trials.

“The goal is to create a reliable database for future regulatory steps and to objectify the debate. The initiators argue that regulated distribution could strengthen both health protection and economic opportunities.” the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), who was a signer of the open letter, stated in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“According to representative surveys , a majority of the population wants specialized cannabis stores. Scientific pilot projects for dispensing cannabis could represent a first step toward this goal. Therefore, we support and sign this open letter to the German Bundestag.” stated the German Hemp Association (DHV) on its website (translated from German to English).

Below is the coalition’s full language (translated) of their joint open letter to members of Germany’s Bundestag:

Despite cannabis being illegal for many years, initial surveys have provided insight into the prevalence of consumption. According to recent studies, 10% of adults (one in ten) have consumed cannabis in the last twelve months. Cannabis remains the most commonly consumed (and largely illegal) substance in the EU. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and reliable data on cannabis consumption and its social and economic impacts.

This knowledge gap makes it difficult to make a well-founded assessment of the overall situation and its consequences. It leads to emotional debates rather than objective decision-making. The Consumption Cannabis Act (KCanG) has essentially legalized the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes, but its implementation presents considerable practical challenges. While consumption is legal, acquisition outside of cultivation associations remains prohibited. This discrepancy between theory and practice illustrates the complexity of the issue and underscores the need and opportunity for a well-founded, data-based approach to future political decisions in the area of ​​cannabis regulation.

Evidence-based discussion instead of ideology

The importance of academic freedom as a foundation for progress and innovation is clearly emphasized in the exploratory paper of the CDU, CSU, and SPD. It emphasizes that academic freedom, enshrined in the Basic Law, must not only be protected but is also a key prerequisite for independent research and the acquisition of new knowledge—free from political ideology.

In light of the upcoming decisions regarding drug policy in the new legislative period, we ask you to continue to facilitate regionally and time-limited, scientifically supported cannabis research projects. These projects offer a historic opportunity to create a robust database for fact-based discussions and responsible decision-making – for the benefit of the health and safety of our citizens, to promote our economy, and to preserve our innovative strength.

Such open-ended studies allow for the much-discussed issues surrounding recreational cannabis to be examined on a small scale and for data-driven models to be developed that demonstrate how safety, government control, and economic growth are compatible. The goal should be to replace the ideological debate with facts in order to objectify this charged topic. Scientifically supported research projects are not intended to create incentives for consumption, but rather to research existing consumption and make it safer.

Controlled research and evaluation

What do such consumer cannabis research projects look like? Scientists have already developed diverse, regionally tailored research approaches. When designing the studies, international research approaches and findings from ongoing studies abroad, such as in Switzerland, were considered and integrated into the study designs.

By testing different dispensing models in a controlled manner (such as dispensing through pharmacies in one region and specialized stores in another), we fully exploit the potential for innovation and knowledge. Diversity instead of one-size-fits-all solutions enables the necessary comparison to determine, for example, which regulation provides the highest level of youth protection or the best health outcomes.

Independent scientific monitoring ensures that we can learn from every research approach. It is important that the research projects are regionally and time-limited, closely evaluated and monitored, and digital monitoring of the supply chain is ensured. Naturally, only quality-assured cannabis products are distributed in these controlled research projects, which also has positive effects on health protection: controlled THC levels, warnings, accompanying education for study participants, and quality-tested goods, in stark contrast to the frequently contaminated products on the illegal market, as an analysis of street cannabis from 30 German cities shows.

Economic opportunities

The controlled distribution of cannabis within the framework of research projects offers not only scientific insights, but also tangible economic benefits. Already, around 4.5 million adults in Germany consume cannabis for recreational purposes at least once a year and spend approximately €4 billion annually on it – money that currently flows largely untaxed into the coffers of the illegal market players, who must be combated.

A regulated distribution within the framework of research projects would channel at least a portion of these funds into legal channels. Legal distribution points could generate (tax) revenue, a portion of which could flow directly into prevention programs and youth protection. Furthermore, new jobs subject to social security contributions in science and industry could contribute to regional value creation.

Research institutions and municipalities are ready to go

Several German cities, including Frankfurt am Main, Hanover, and several Berlin districts, as well as more rural communities, renowned scientists, addiction support experts, and innovative companies are already lined up and willing to take responsibility for testing new solutions. We are united by the goal of reducing existing risks (e.g., from the consumption of contaminated products from the illegal market), offering low-threshold support to those seeking help, educating users, and researching the displacement of the illegal market and the scientific potential of a legal market.

This willingness to innovate must be harnessed. Germany has the opportunity to generate new knowledge through exemplary approaches. This knowledge will also be recognized internationally—we can assume a pioneering role in Europe by boldly but carefully pursuing new paths.

Appeal

Dear decision-makers, freedom of research is enshrined in Article 5 of our Basic Law. The planned projects represent nothing other than applied research into drug policy and its associated impacts on internal security, organized crime, and the protection of minors and health.

We appeal to you, also in light of the exploratory paper mentioned above, to recognize the importance of these research projects. This is not about ideological symbolism, but rather a pragmatic, knowledge-based approach that combines both economic rationality with the health and safety of citizens.

Please advocate for the rapid and unbiased implementation of scientifically supported commercial distribution of recreational cannabis in selected regions. Allow scientists to collect the data you need for informed policy decisions.

We – experts from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry – are ready to support you with our know-how.

Sincerely,
the undersigned

March 2025

List of more than 30 signatories from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry:

  • Arcaden Pharmacy OHG
  • Cannabis Industry Association e. V.
  • Federal Working Group of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv)
  • Cannabis Cultivation Association Hannover eV
  • Cannabis Cooperative Hannover eGiG
  • Cannabis Social Club Hannover eV
  • Cansativa GmbH
  • Canymed GmbH
  • Cimander, Dr. med. Dipl.-Chem. Konrad F., Addiction Medicine Specialist, Competence Center for Cannabis Medicine
  • Demecan GmbH
  • German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
  • German Hemp Association
  • Dr. Cannabis Academy
  • Enua Pharma GmbH
  • Four 20 Pharma GmbH
  • Gottschling, Prof. Dr. med. Sven, specialist in pediatrics and pediatric hematology and oncology, Saarland University Hospital, Dr. Cannabis Academy, German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
  • Haucap, Professor Dr. Justus, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
  • LEAP – Law Enforcement against Prohibition Germany eV
  • Müller-Vahl, Prof. Dr. Kirsten R., Specialist in Psychiatry and Neurology, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School
  • New Judges’ Association – Association of Judges
    and Public Prosecutors
  • Lower Saxony Cannabis Cultivation Associations NICA eV
  • Niermann, Kai-Friedrich, Attorney at Law
  • Peschel, Dr. Thomas, Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Patrida Diamorphine Treatment Berlin
  • Sanity Group GmbH
  • Schmidt-Semisch, Prof. Dr. Henning, Department 11: Human and Health Sciences Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen
  • Steinmetz, Dr. Fabian, Regulatory Toxicologist
  • Stöver, Prof. Dr. Heino, Social science addiction researcher
  • TMG Media Group
  • Association of Cannabis Supplying Pharmacies
  • Vigia AG/Cannavigia
  • Voitl, Elke, Head of the Department for Social Affairs and Health of the City of Frankfurt am Main
  • Wurth, Georg, Expert
berlin germany

Over 250 German Cannabis Pharmacies To Gather In Berlin

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany is home to the largest legal medical cannabis industry in Europe, with cannabis pharmacies serving as the foundation of Germany’s emerging industry. Legal medical cannabis sales launched in German pharmacies in 2017, and since that time the sector has grown exponentially.

Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry was already enormous in scope and market value before the nation’s new CanG law took effect. However, since April 1st, 2024, when the first provisions of adult-use legalization became effective in Germany, the nation’s medical cannabis industry hit an entirely new rate of growth.

A main contributing factor to the dramatic medical market increase in Germany is the removal of cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics List, which was a key component of the new CanG law. The removal of cannabis from the list made it easier for doctors to prescribe cannabis in Germany, in addition to improving the medical cannabis supply chain and boosting domestic medical cannabis production.

Medical cannabis continues to be the biggest winner of Germany’s adult-use policy modernization effort so far, despite the boost in patient numbers still being in the early stages. Before April 1st last year, researchers estimated that Germany had between 200k and 300k active medical cannabis patients. That number is projected to increase to as much as 5 million in the not-so-distant future.

Additionally, according to a recent report by the Bloomwell Group, prescriptions for medical cannabis in Germany increased by roughly 1,000% between March 2024 and December 2024. Medical cannabis imports are also increasing in Germany, with imports surging over 70% in the first three months following the enactment of the CanG law compared to the same period in the prior year.

The International Cannabis Business Conference will once again bring its flagship two-day conference to the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel on April 29th-30th amidst this historic shift in Germany’s medical cannabis industry. International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event, and this year’s installment will be bigger and better than ever with a heavy focus on Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry.

Over 250 German cannabis pharmacies are expected to be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin as part of a new feature of the conference. All German cannabis pharmacies can receive free VIP tickets to the two-day event. Interested cannabis pharmacies in Germany are encouraged to contact the International Cannabis Business Conference team so that they can sign up to receive their VIP tickets.

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin is the perfect place for cannabis pharmacy operators to showcase their brands, and to network with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers. Conversely, attending the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin is an effective and efficient way for medical cannabis product makers, investors, and entities offering pharmacy industry services to meet directly with representatives from over 250 German pharmacies. It is an unparalleled opportunity to establish profitable business relationships that could last decades into the future.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025 and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and regulators. Bring your company to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry pursuits to the next level. Prospective attendees can register now and save $200 before ticket prices go up on April 2nd at midnight. Make sure to secure your spot before the event sells out.

cosmetics

European Commission Clarifies Hemp-Derived CBD Is Permitted In Cosmetics

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

The hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market is increasing in size and value with every passing year, including the cosmetics sector. Just the skincare subsector of the CBD cosmetics market alone is worth billions of dollars according to market analysts.

“The global CBD Skincare Market is poised for rapid expansion, with forecasts revealing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.76% from 2025 to 2030.” analysts at Research and Markets stated recently.

“This exponential growth indicates a market size increase from US$4.759 billion in 2025 to US$9.892 billion by the end of the decade, reflecting consumers’ rising inclination towards products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) and signaling a significant shift in skincare trends towards natural and effective ingredients.” the analysts also stated.

Europe is a market where hemp-derived CBD cosmetics are particularly popular, and the European Commission recently clarified that cosmetic products containing hemp-derived CBD are permitted.

“The European Commission has responded to a request for clarification from CannaReporter regarding the recent decision by Infarmed IP to withdraw from the market several cosmetic products containing cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant.” CannaReporter stated it its original coverage.

“In this regard, the EC reiterates that the classification of CBD as a narcotic (whether synthetic or extracted from hemp) is not in line with the understanding of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) or with European Regulation. It was also clarified that a scientific evaluation is underway to define safety criteria for CBD and THC in cosmetics.” the outlet also stated in its reporting.

A recent market analysis by Meticulous Market Research estimates that the overall global CBD-infused products market “is expected to reach $291.39 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 30.6% from 2025 to 2032.”

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South Africa Department Of Health Bans Cannabis Edibles

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

South Africa is on a short list of countries that have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures. The African nation is joined by Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany.

The Department of Health in South Africa recently announced a complete ban on cannabis edibles. Cannabis edibles are popular with medical cannabis patients and recreational consumers for various reasons, not the least of which is that they are a smokeless form of consumption.

“In a shocking move, the Department of Health has quietly banned the production and selling of cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs in South Africa.” reported ION in its local coverage. “This unexpected turn of events contradicts the government’s decriminalisation of cannabis by the Constitutional Court in recent years.”

“In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government aims for South Africa to spearhead the commercial production of hemp and cannabis.” the outlet also reported.

South Africa’s President signed a limited adult-use cannabis legalization measure into law back in May 2024.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”). The CfPPA regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.” The President’s office stated in a press release at the time.

“The consequent regulatory reform enabled by the CfPPA will, amongst others, entirely remove cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. This will further enable amendment of the Schedules to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and provide for targeted regulatory reform of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act, as well as other pieces of legislation that require amendment to allow for the industrialisation of the cannabis sector.” the press release also stated.

Back in 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition as it pertained to adult individuals to be unconstitutional. The 2018 decision stemmed from a lower court decision in Western Cape in March 2017 which determined that a ban on cannabis use by adults at home was unconstitutional.

The 2018 decision in South Africa left many unknowns, including how much cannabis a person could cultivate and possess in a private setting. The Court largely punted many policy decisions to lawmakers, who then proceeded to drag their feet for several years.

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Cannabis Pilot Trials In The Netherlands And Switzerland

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

Europe is home to a unique form of cannabis public policy experimentation. Multiple jurisdictions, the Netherlands and Switzerland, permit regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials.

The trials allow recreational cannabis commerce to occur at a local level for research purposes. The data and information collected via the trials, in theory, help policymakers and regulators when crafting national laws and regulations.

Updates from both jurisdictions have surfaced recently in media coverage, and by many measures the pilot trials are going well, particularly in Switzerland according to a new government report.

“Switzerland’s adult-use marijuana legalization pilot program is “running smoothly,” with “no indication of any disturbances to public order,” a government-commissioned report finds as lawmakers are considering legislation to broadly end cannabis prohibition across the country.” reported Marijuana Moment in its original coverage.

“About two years after the pilot program launched in seven municipalities across the country, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) study—carried out by the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland—generally determined that the initiative has been a success.” the outlet also reported.

Things are a bit more mixed in the Netherlands. Not due to public safety or health concerns, but rather, due to concerns over an upcoming supply change to the nation’s program that participants are indicating could cause issues.

“The regulated cannabis cultivation experiment is supposed to enter its next phase on April 7. From then on, the coffeeshops in the participating municipalities are only allowed to sell cannabis from regulated growers. But the experiment is not ready to move on.” reported NL Times in its local coverage.

“There is too little supply from the regulated growers, and the quality is sometimes insufficient, coffeeshop owners said in a letter to the mayors of the participating municipalities. They worry that the experiment will fail if the deadline isn’t postponed.” NL Times also stated.

Another country that has given preliminary approval to regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials is Germany, although the nation’s pilot program launch has experienced delays.

Current European Union agreements prohibit nationwide recreational cannabis commerce such as what is found in countries like Uruguay and Canada. However, EU agreements do permit local recreational cannabis commerce activity for research purposes, so for now, that is what EU-member nations have to work with in addition to permitting home cultivation and cultivation associations.

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Cannabis Legalization In Australia Would Generate $700 Million In Annual Revenue

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

A recent estimate from Australia’s Parliamentary Budget Office projects that the enactment of adult-use cannabis legalization in Australia could generate as much as $700 in annual revenue.

“The $700 million in annual revenue would come from a mix of sales tax, corporate taxes and a 15-percent special tax on cannabis.” reported Marijuana Moment in its original coverage. The government estimate is part of a renewed legalization effort recently announced by Australia’s Greens Party.

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

Medical cannabis sales in Australia have quadrupled during the last two years, with Australians estimated to have spent an estimated $1 billion on medical cannabis in 2024. Medical cannabis was first legalized in Australia in 2016.

“The Pennington Institute’s Cannabis in Australia report has revealed spending has skyrocketed from $230 million two years ago to a predicted $1 billion by the end of this year.” 9News stated in its local coverage at the end of last year.

“The spending correlates with usage, which jumped from just 3.9 per cent of survey respondents in 2019 to almost 30 per cent admitting they use prescription marijuana.” the outlet also reported.

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France Expected To Take Key Step Towards Authorizing Medical Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Policymakers in France are reportedly expected to make a meaningful step towards authorizing cannabis production and dispersal for medical use, beyond the current limited medical cannabis pilot trial.

“According to our information, the two decrees governing the specifications of cannabis-based medicinal products for medical use and the safety of their production are in the process of being notified to the European Commission (EC). This notification, via the TRIS procedure, constitutes an essential regulatory step before the integration of medical cannabis into common law.” reported Newsweed in its local coverage.

“Following this notification, a three-month standstill period begins, allowing the Commission and other Member States to examine the texts and issue observations.” excerpts from Newsweed’s report stated. “In the absence of any major objections, medical cannabis regulations in France could therefore be validated by Europe after this period. The decrees will then have to be signed by the executive to come into force.”

As of 2022, the European Union Drugs Agency estimated that France had the greatest cannabis consumption rate of any of its member nations, with a reported 10.6% of France’s population having consumed cannabis at least once within the last year.

Health authorities in France announced late last year that the nation’s medical cannabis trial experiment will be extended until July 31st, 2025. The announcement was welcomed news to the reported 1,800 suffering patients estimated to be currently participating in the trial.

The French medical cannabis experiment received initial approval from the federal Senate back in 2019, however, the launch of the trial was delayed until the spring of 2021 due to various reasons. Initially slated for two years, France’s medical cannabis experiment was eventually granted a one-year extension and was set to end in 2024 before receiving the latest extension pushing the estimated end of the trial to the summer of 2025.

According to a recent newsletter sent out by international cannabis economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics, France is home to the largest total addressable cannabis market in the European Union with a value of $11.3 billion (midpoint).

A previous study by an economic advisory board within the nation’s prime minister’s office determined that the French government spends roughly €570m annually on cannabis prohibition enforcement. The study recommended that France adopt adult-use cannabis legalization and launch a regulated recreational industry.

Emmanuelle Auriol, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics who authored the study’s report and findings, estimated that such a policy change could create as many as 80,000 new jobs, and generate €2.8bn in taxes annually.

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84% Of Polled UK Doctors ‘Open To Prescribing Cannabis For Chronic Pain’

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

According to the results of a recent survey commissioned by medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, 84% of polled UK doctors indicated that they would be open to prescribing cannabis for chronic pain if it was part of the NHS toolkit.

“The survey of 250 practicing doctors in the UK, commissioned by the medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, found that eight in 10 (78%) believe opioids are prescribed too frequently for pain relief, while one in three say the NHS is not prepared for the dramatic increase in patients predicted.” reported Cannabis Health News in its original coverage.

“An early economic analysis published last year found that prescribing cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain could save the NHS almost £4 billion annually (based on current prevalence rates).” the outlet also reported.

A separate report recently published by the advocacy group Transform Drug Policy Foundation found that adult-use cannabis legalization could generate as much as £1.5 billion in revenue and savings.

The report, which was posted on the organization’s social media account, determined that over £1.2 billion would be generated from taxes and fees annually, and an additional £284 million would be saved annually by the nation’s criminal justice system no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition policies.

“There would be costs incurred for Govt by regulatory infrastructure – inspection, monitoring, compliance, trading standards etc – but largely covered by licensing/other fees.” the organization stated on social media.