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Study Finds That Cannabis Reduces Pain And Depression In Elderly Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common health conditions found around the globe. Researchers estimate that roughly 1.5 billion people around the world suffer from chronic pain to some degree.

Additionally, it is estimated that more than 280 million people suffer from some level of depression globally. Obviously, there is some level of overlap between the two groups, with many people suffering from both chronic pain and depression.

Elderly patients are much more likely to suffer from one or both of the conditions. Fortunately, a recent study found that the use of medical cannabis products is associated with symptom reductions in elderly patients experiencing pain and/or depression. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Tel Aviv, Israel: The sustained use of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products is associated with significant reductions in pain, depression, and opioid use among elderly patients, according to observational data published in the journal Biomedicines.

Israeli investigators assessed self-reported outcomes in a cohort of 119 elderly (mean age: 79) patients prescribed medical cannabis products. (Israeli law permits qualified patients to access state-regulated cannabis products, and an estimated 100,000 Israelis are currently authorized to use them.) Most of the study’s participants suffered from chronic pain and consumed cannabis via tinctures. Subjects utilized cannabis products for at least six months.

Authors reported that medical cannabis use was associated with clinically significant reductions in patients’ chronic pain scores. They also reported that patients reduced their use of opioids by nearly half following cannabis treatment – a finding consistent with other studies.

Cannabis use was also associated with reduced symptoms of depression and overall improvements in patients’ daily living, especially among those over the age of 80. The latter finding is consistent with several prior studies reporting health-related quality of life improvements among older adults who initiate cannabis treatment.

Researchers concluded: “Cannabis contributes to the amelioration of depressive symptoms …while also achieving discernible pain alleviation. … Our findings also demonstrate the relatively favorable safety profile of cannabis therapy” in the elderly patient population.

Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis is not associated with a decrease in activities of daily living in older adults,” appears in Biomedicines. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Cannabis Use by Older Adult Populations.’

German Parliament

Bundestag Holds First Debate On German Legalization Measure

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

A long-awaited initial legalization measure debate was finally held in Germany’s Bundestag earlier this week after a reading scheduled for earlier in the week was delayed. The initial reading was scheduled for Monday, however, it was rescheduled for Wednesday due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The process behind the measure currently being considered by members of the Bundestag essentially started after the dust settled on the 2021 German election. A new governing coalition was elected during that year, commonly referred to as the Traffic Light Coalition, and members of the coalition made it abundantly clear that they wished to pass a national legalization measure.

For over a year, Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach then worked behind the scenes to craft a measure for lawmakers to consider, incorporating feedback he reportedly received from the European Union. The European Union has consistently taken the position that national sales, such as what many lawmakers in Germany want, are prohibited in Europe.

Eventually, in October 2022, Minister Lauterbach finally provided public insight into some of the general provisions he planned to include in his measure. Below is Health Minister Lauterbach’s presentation in full (broadcast in German):

After the public presentation, Minister Lauterbach then further lobbied the European Union, and eventually formally introduced his legalization measure in Germany. It was approved by the Federal Cabinet and recently avoided being derailed by opponents in the Bundesrat.

It is widely expected that the measure will evolve from its current form, however, it’s unclear exactly how much evolution could occur.

Cannabis opponents in the Bundestag have tried to further the efforts of opponents in the Bundesrat by filing motions to prevent the legalization measure from proceeding, but as Minister Lauterbach pointed out on social media, opponents are short on viable alternatives:

If the measure does proceed in its current form, it would legalize personal cultivation, possession, and use by adults of legal age. The measure would also permit noncommercial cannabis clubs to launch in Germany, similar to what is being launched in Malta, but it’s expected to be on a much larger scale compared to what is reportedly planned in Malta.

The measure now heads to the committee stage for further debate. The Bundestag’s Health Committee is scheduled to review the measure on November 6th. A final reading of the measure is currently scheduled for November 16th.

back pain

Cannabis Use Common For Canadian Patients Recovering From Work-Related Injuries

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Cannabis use as it pertains to employment is often a sore subject with consumers and patients due to the societal stigma surrounding cannabis, and in some cases, outright discrimination towards people in the workplace.

Unfortunately, many employers around the world prohibit cannabis use during off-work hours, even when the use is medical in nature. To be clear, no one is advocating for on-the-clock intoxication. However, workplace testing policies need to be based on science and recognize how long metabolized THC stays in a person’s system after the intoxication has worn off.

Ironically, cannabis is a popular choice when it comes to treatment regimens for employees who are recovering from work-related injuries, as determined by a recent study in Canada. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Toronto, Canada: Nearly one-quarter of Canadians with a painful work-related disability use cannabis during their recovery, according to data published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.

Researchers affiliated with the University of Toronto surveyed 1,650 adults who were disabled due to a physical work injury or illness. They reported that 22.4 percent of those who suffered from a work-related injury that involved “severe pain symptoms” used cannabis as part of their treatment. (Cannabis is legal for both medical and adult-use in Canada.)

Overall, 11.5 percent of all disabled employees reported using cannabis “to manage conditions associated with the work-related injury,” a finding that is consistent with prior studies.

Those who used cannabis products to assist in their recovery generally did not differ from their non-using peers with respect to their disability expenditures or health care benefit expenses.

Authors concluded: “This study is one of a limited number of studies [assessing] the association between cannabis use and disability benefit expenditures in a representative sample of work disability episodes. The evidence presented in this study of working-age adults recovering from a work-related injury or illness does not find a substantial association of cannabis use with disability benefit expenditures and health care benefit expenditures that would suggest either concerning harm, or significant benefit. These findings contribute information to support decision making among clinicians and disability insurance authorities on the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis use in settings that have legalized cannabis use.”

By contrast, US data reports declines in the number of workers’ compensation filings following the adoption of either medical cannabis legalization or adult-use legalization.

State courts in the United States have issued contradictory opinions regarding whether medical cannabis-related costs are eligible for reimbursement under workers’ compensation laws. Six states — Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania — currently allow for reimbursements. By contrast, seven states (Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington) expressly prohibit workers’ compensation insurance from reimbursing medical marijuana-related costs. Other states are silent on the issue.

NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano recently weighed in on the issue in an op-ed. He wrote:: “Most patients, most physicians, and most state laws view cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option. Therefore, the millions of Americans who rely upon medical cannabis products ought to be afforded the same entitlements as those who use other conventional medications and therapies. Those privileges should include insurance-provided reimbursement for medical cannabis treatment.”

Full text of the study, “An observational study of pain severity, cannabis use, and benefit expenditures in work disability,” appears in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.

doctor medical hospital clinic doctor medical hospital clinic

Radiation Therapists Are “Unprepared” To Discuss Cannabis With Cancer Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Humans have used cannabis for medical purposes going back thousands of years. In the grand scheme of things, cannabis was not prohibited until fairly recently and only for a short duration of time compared to how long humans have used cannabis.

Unfortunately, even though cannabis prohibition is a blip on the human/cannabis timeline, it has had a dramatically negative impact on human healthcare as it pertains to medical cannabis. In addition to research and safe access being hindered, knowledge of the cannabis plant was suppressed within the medical community.

That dynamic can be found in the results of a recent study conducted in Canada in which researchers determined that radiation therapists are “unprepared” to even discuss cannabis with cancer patients. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Toronto, Canada: Radiation therapists working in Canada, where the use of medical cannabis has been legal for more than two decades, acknowledge being unprepared to discuss the use of medical cannabis with their cancer patients, according to survey data published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

Investigators surveyed 282 radiation therapists. Just under one-fifth (19 percent) said that they frequently received inquiries from their patients about the use of medical cannabis. However, nearly 100 percent of those surveyed “believed that their radiation therapy training did not prepare them to support patients using cannabis.”

Authors concluded, “The findings of this study strongly advocate for the development of educational tools to meet Therapists clinical needs.”

Healthcare professionals in the United States and abroad – including nurses, pharmacists, clinicians, and nurse practitioners – consistently acknowledge that they are inadequately trained to counsel patients on matters specific to medical cannabis.

Survey data published in September reported that nearly one-third of US cancer patients turn to cannabis for symptom management, but most fail to inform their healthcare providers that they are using it.

Full text of the study, “Therapeutic cannabis use by patients with cancer in Canada: A national survey of the experiences, opinions, and information needs of Radiation Therapists,” appears in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

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First German Legalization Measure Reading In The Bundestag Scheduled For Wednesday

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

A long-awaited reading of Germany’s national adult-use cannabis legalization measure was originally scheduled for today, however, it was reportedly delayed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The measure is now scheduled to be read on Wednesday, October 18th at 6 p.m. CET.

The legalization measure being considered by the Bundestag was originally introduced by Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach earlier this year after extensive discussions with the European Union. Initially, it was hoped that the EU would permit regulated sales to adults nationwide.

Unfortunately, the EU’s position is that such a model runs contrary to continental agreements.

What was ultimately introduced was a multi-phased plan, with the first phase involving the legalization of personal cultivation, possession, and consumption. The measure would also create noncommercial clubs that would provide cannabis to members.

Purchasing limits would be involved, as would ‘buffer zones,’ limits on the number of clubs per jurisdiction, and a limit of 500 members per club. Those provisions are now being considered by national lawmakers.

Back in August, Germany’s federal cabinet approved the measure:

Earlier this month cannabis opponents in Germany’s other legislative body, the Federal Council (or Bundesrat), failed to block the measure from proceeding to the Bundestag for consideration.

Several members of the Bundestag have expressed a desire to change some of the provisions of Minister Lauterbach’s measure, and it will be very interesting to see how the measure evolves now that it is being considered by the chamber.

court decision hearing gavel

CBD Decree In Italy Is Temporarily Suspended

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Regulating cannabidiol (CBD) products has proven to be a difficult task for most of the world, and Italy is no exception. An August decree in Italy would have classified CBD as a narcotic substance, however, this month a court in Italy temporarily suspended the change.

The suspension is reportedly in effect until October 24th. Local activists with the Sativa Hemp Association Italy had the following to say about the court decision (translated from Italian to English):

Today we celebrate an important success thanks to the unwavering commitment and constant work of the associations at the supply chain table and to the precious intervention of the ICI association which has dedicated itself to this appeal since 2020 and which we have supported by making available all the material relating to recent unjustified seizures to support the precautionary measure and therefore obtaining the immediate suspension of the decree. Together for an important victory.

Mattia Cusani, general secretary of the CSI Association confirmed this news, indicating that the suspension could undergo further developments depending on the interpretations and future applications of the decree.

A request for immediate suspension of the Ministerial Decree of 7 August 2023 was made through a precautionary application. This move was made necessary following inspections and seizures of goods in the CBD, with allegations of violation of the art. 73 of Presidential Decree 304/1990, linked to narcotic substances. The TAR accepted this request, pushing the effectiveness of the Ministerial Decree until the council chamber on 24 October 2023.

This represents just the beginning of a long struggle, but it demonstrates the importance of unity and commitment to protecting the legal cannabis industry.

Italy’s Ministry of Health is reportedly set to argue in favor of the decree when afforded the opportunity in court, and the situation is worth monitoring. To echo what local activists are saying in Italy, this is likely the start of a marathon versus the start of a sprint. Italy is not alone in that regard, and entrepreneurs will have to continue to do their best to navigate the shifting landscape.

Berlin Exhibition Floor International Cannabis Business Conference

5 Reasons To Exhibit At The International Cannabis Business Conference

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The emerging legal cannabis industry is going global as nations around the globe work to modernize their cannabis policies and industry regulations. Long gone are the days when cannabis was taboo, and the cottage industry model was in place.

Competition within the legal cannabis space increases with every passing year, and as the industry continues its march to every corner of the planet it’s more important than ever before to stand out. That is harder to do at the global level for various reasons, not the least of which is that it’s very difficult to get in front of the right people at the right time.

Timing is everything in the business world, and cannabis-based businesses are no exception. One of the best returns on an investment in the emerging industry is to exhibit at an International Cannabis Business Conference event. Below are five reasons why.

Global Audience

The International Cannabis Business Conference event series is the only one of its kind to have a truly international following. Attendees come from all over the planet to attend our events, with past conferences being attended by representatives from 80 different countries.

The International Cannabis Business Conference team works with leading international policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, inventors, and industry service providers from every major cannabis market on earth and brings them together.  Exhibiting at an International Cannabis Business Conference event is the most efficient way to get your product or service in front of true international cannabis leaders.

Network With Other Exhibitors

Some of the best connections that are made at International Cannabis Business Conference events are among fellow exhibitors. Your company may provide a product or service that can be enhanced by forming a partnership with another company that provides a beneficial ancillary service that is also exhibiting at one of our events.

Networking is a vital function of any industry, and the International Cannabis Business Conference provides a world-class opportunity to do exactly that.

Unparalleled Venues

No other cannabis conference series on earth holds its events at such amazing internationally acclaimed venues. The International Cannabis Business Conference has held events in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Barcelona, and Germany, and each event was held in an iconic setting unlike anything else that can be in the emerging cannabis industry.

Timely Information

In addition to networking, exhibitors are also attendees of International Cannabis Business Conference events and benefit from the thoughtfully curated event curriculum. Keynote speakers and panelists at our events are on the cutting edge of their respective fields, and there is no better way to learn than from the people who are actually doing the work and getting the results.

Work Hard, Play Hard

No International Cannabis Business Conference would be complete without one of our infamous after-parties. In addition to the parties being held in world-class venues, they are headlined by top international entertainers such as Morgan Heritage, Magnifico, Jim Belushi, and many others. The after-party setting is a great way to cap off days of travel, hard work, and learning while unwinding and having a great time. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

cannabis plant

How Long Have Humans Used Cannabis?

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

The cannabis plant is arguably the most versatile plant on earth and humans have a long history of harnessing its properties for a myriad of purposes. That fact is at the heart of a recent paper published in the European Journal for Chemistry, as first reported by Marijuana Moment.

At the core of the research paper is the history of humankind’s contact with the cannabis plant and how humans have used parts of it as a source of fiber for things such as rope and clothing, for medical and wellness benefits, as part of religious practices, and for recreational use. Few, if any, other plants can boast such a wide array of uses.

“Along with rice, soy, barley, and millet, Cannabis is considered one of the five main grains by ancient people. The seeds found in Cannabis achenes, rich in proteins (such as albumin and edestin) and essential unsaturated fatty acids (such as linoleic and linolenic acids) served as food, input for other culinary purposes, and even soap production.” the paper’s authors stated.

Hemp-based nutrition products, including products designed for elite athletes, are very popular today, particularly protein products. During the 1900s the cannabis plant was subjected to a significant amount of negative propaganda, and as a result, many members of society falsely assumed that it was bad for human health. That perception has evolved a lot in recent years.

“To exemplify the long co-existence with hemp, ancestral archaeological relics date the use of this plant fiber as a fabric to approximately 8000 years before the common era (BCE) as a
material in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iran and Iraq), and to 4000 years BCE and 3000 years BCE as a material for ropes in China and Kazakhstan, respectively. Impressively, until
the beginning of the nineteenth century, it was estimated that around 80% of fabrics, candles, ropes, among other items, were produced from hemp.” the paper’s authors pointed out.

Using the cannabis plant’s fibers for textiles is not as common now as it was in previous eras, however, as more products are made from extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plants innovators are exploring ways to maximize the use of the fiber tissue left behind. In addition to using plant fiber for textiles, they can also be used as biomass fuel.

“Used for millennia as a food, fiber production and religious, therapeutic, and recreational instrument, a source of phytocompounds with proven efficacy for clinical conditions of difficult management, its planting, cultivation, use and acquisition are today prohibited – even for researchers who intend to work with this plant! – in the vast majority of countries. Recent efforts try to decriminalize the use of the drug and to expand the medical use and access to patients of Cannabis-based drugs through legislation, but despite successes around the world, it still finds its hindrances.” the paper’s authors stated.

“Cannabis is perhaps one of the greatest controversies in contemporary humanity.” the authors concluded.

Canada Cannabis Flag

‘Expert Panel’ Releases Cannabis Engagement Report In Canada

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Canada became the first G-7 nation to pass an adult-use national cannabis legalization measure roughly five years ago. It still remains the only G-7 nation to do so and provides the best insight into the effects of implementing a robust national legalization measure.

As part of the ongoing cannabis public policy modernization research effort in Canada an ‘expert panel’ was created to obtain feedback from the public. This week the panel released some of its findings. Below is more information about it via a news release from Health Canada:

Today, the Expert Panel conducting the legislative review of the Cannabis Act published its report entitled Legislative Review of the Cannabis Act – What we Heard Report. The report is a summary of what the Expert Panel heard during its engagement activities conducted between December 2022 and June 2023.

“We want to thank everyone who generously gave us their time and energy in sharing their perspectives and answering our questions,” said Morris Rosenberg, Chair of the Expert Panel. “We have heard a wide variety of perspectives throughout the consultations. A very rich and broad scientific literature was shared with us, as well as diverse lived and living experiences. We hope that we have captured the breadth and nuances of perspectives.”

The Expert Panel was established with a mandate to provide independent, expert advice to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on progress made towards achieving the Cannabis Act’s objectives and on the identification of areas to improve the functioning of the framework.

The Expert Panel engaged with almost 500 stakeholders in nearly 90 meetings as part of its first phase of work.

The next phase of the Expert Panel’s work includes the development of its final report for the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, which will continue to be informed by engagement activities throughout the fall. This report will provide advice and recommendations on areas of the legislative framework or its implementation that could be improved or reformed.

The final report is to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament by March 2024.

The Expert Panel continues to welcome written submissions as it develops the final report. Submissions can be sent to legreview-examenleg@hc-sc.gc.ca or to the following mailing address:

Cannabis Act Legislative Review Secretariat
Health Canada
Address locator 0302I
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

SOURCE Health Canada (HC)