Tag: Australia

Morocco Exports First Legal Medical Cannabis To Australia

Written by Johnny Green on August 17, 2025. Posted in Business.

Cannabis being exported from Morocco to markets in other countries is not a new thing. After all, Morocco has served as a top source for unregulated cannabis for decades. However, policymakers and regulators in Morocco have worked in recent years to transition the nation’s cannabis industry into a regulated system.

In March 2021, the government of Morocco approved a proclamation allowing the legal production of medical cannabis. The proclamation was followed by additional policies and the creation of a national agency to oversee Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry.

A significant focus of the cannabis policy modernization effort in Morocco was to promote international exports of medical cannabis products to other countries, aiming to boost the domestic Moroccan economy. This effort reached a major milestone this month, with Morocco’s legal cannabis industry completing its first export to Australia.

“Morocco has officially entered the international medical cannabis market with its first export to Australia.” reported APA News in its local coverage. “This initial shipment marks a significant milestone for the country, which is rapidly formalizing its cannabis industry.”

“A 50-kilogram batch of the local Baldiya cannabis variety was shipped to Australia this week, following a successful quality control sample sent in June.” the outlet also reported.

A recent study conducted in Morocco found that the Baldiya cannabis strain exhibits a higher level of chemical stability compared to other strains commonly cultivated in Morocco. The study was performed by researchers affiliated with various academic institutions in Morocco, and the findings of the study were published in the journal Food Chemistry Advances.

“In this study, a comprehensive analysis of Cannabis sativa L. cultivars was conducted, focusing on the phytocannabinoid profiles of resin from one local cultivar ‘Beldiya’ and four exotic cultivars over three consecutive crop years.” stated the researchers about the focus of their investigation.

“The cannabinoid composition of the resin from the studied cultivars was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with a triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-MS/TSQ Endura) to evaluate the chemical variability in phytocannabinoid compounds among the cultivars and across the harvest years.” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

“The results showed significant chemical polymorphism among the studied cultivars, with the clustering of phytocannabinoids, indicating three distinct chemical groups based on the concentrations of the major cannabinoids.” the researchers concluded. “In addition, only the local Northern Moroccan cultivar Beldiya demonstrated chemical stability across the three harvest years, whereas the exotic cultivars exhibited heterogeneity from one year to another.”

A market analysis from last year found that Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry could reach between $420 million and $630 million in value annually.

Research Finds That Nanoformulated CBD Is Effective For Skin Conditions

Written by Johnny Green on July 28, 2025. Posted in Science.

Skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, affect millions of people worldwide. International researchers estimate that over 125 million people suffer from just eczema alone, with roughly 30% of those eczema sufferers eventually developing psoriatic arthritis.

A team of researchers affiliated with various academic universities in India and Australia recently examined the efficacy of nanoformulated cannabidiol as a treatment for serious skin conditions and wound care. Their findings were published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics.

“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive chemical derived from Cannabis sativa L., has significant dermatological potential due to its antinflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing attributes.” the researchers wrote. “However, its clinical usage is limited by instability, minimal skin penetration, and poor solubility.”

“Nanotechnology-based delivery systems such as pickering emulsions, cryogels, lipid nanoparticles, and nanomicelles have emerged as promising strategies to enhance localized skin delivery, improve penetration, enable sustained release, and reduce adverse effects.” they also wrote.

“According to this analysis of 16 papers and 18 patents (2019-2024), CBD that has been nanoformulated offers improved tolerability, sustained release, and skin delivery. According to GRADE review, impacts on dermal absorption, inflammation, and wound healing demonstrated intermediate certainty, but outcomes such as skin penetration, controlled release, and safety showed high certainty.” the researchers found.

“Applications for acne, psoriasis, and eczema show enhanced patient compliance and efficacy. Despite clinical and regulatory obstacles, nano-CBD platforms provide a safe, focused, and efficient approach to improving dermatological care.” the researchers concluded.

A recent market analysis by The Business Research Company estimated that the global cannabis cosmetics market will grow “from $5.48 billion in 2024 to a projected total of $7.29 billion in 2025 at an impressive compound annual growth rate CAGR of 32.8%.”

Legal Cannabis Sales Could Add $10 Billion To Victoria’s Economy

Written by Johnny Green on July 20, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

If Victoria, a state in southeast Australia, were to allow a regulated adult-use cannabis industry to operate within its borders, the jurisdiction could witness a boost of as much as $10 billion in gross state product over the next decade.

The projection is part of an economic analysis commissioned by the Penington Institute. The economic analysis also found that a regulated recreational cannabis industry in Victoria could create as many as 17,000 new jobs and generate $2 billion for the government’s public coffers via taxed sales and industry fees.

“These figures were based on a scenario in which Victoria implemented a comprehensive regulatory model developed by the Penington Institute.” reported Cannabiz in its original coverage of the analysis. “The plan outlined 21 control measures, including bans on underage access, advertising and public use, and a licensing system covering cultivation, manufacturing and retail.”

“Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said the data demonstrated the scale of the economic opportunity, which was currently being occupied by a billion-dollar illegal market.” the outlet also reported.

The recreational-focused analysis was published against a backdrop in which opponents inside and outside of Australia’s government are pushing for stiffer medical cannabis industry regulations. Australia legalized medical cannabis in 2016.

“Given the increasing numbers of Australian using medical cannabis and an increase observed in poor prescribing practices, Ahpra and the National Boards last week released updated guidance to help practitioners meet their obligations. This follows the AMA calling on health ministers to address the issue, in part by providing adequate resources to Ahpra and the National Boards.” reported Hemp Gazette about recently shifting medical cannabis regulations in Australia.

“The AMA is also calling for stricter enforcement to stop medicinal cannabis companies from exploiting special access schemes and avoiding listing products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The ARTG lists all therapeutic goods that are legally allowed to be supplied in or exported from Australia; including medicines, medical devices, and other therapeutic products.” the outlet also reported.

Australia is on pace for over 200,000 medical cannabis approvals by the end of the year. Last year, Australian doctors issued about 178k approvals by comparison. Australia’s medical cannabis industry imported over 42,000 kilos of medical cannabis products in 2023 alone.

Nearly Half Of Australians Support Cannabis Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on June 26, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Nearly half of Australian adults (48%) now support modernizing the nation’s policies to permit adult-use cannabis activity, according to a recent poll conducted by Roy Morgan. The poll found that support for recreational cannabis legalization in Australia has increased by 15% over the last ten years.

“Opposition has fallen to 41%, also down 15 points since 2015 (from 56% and 49% in 2019), while 11% remain undecided. The latest figures reflect a decisive shift in national sentiment towards legalisation.” the pollsters stated.

“Over 69,000 Australians were asked: “In your opinion should the smoking of marijuana be made legal – or remain illegal?” from April 2024 to March 2025.” Roy Morgan also wrote on its website regarding their poll.

Similar to polls conducted in other regions, younger adults were more likely to express support for legalization. Fifty-four percent of Australians aged 18-24 indicated that they support such a policy change, and 58% of Australians aged 25-34 support legalization. For the 25-34 year old category, support has increased by 24% compared to a decade ago.

Only 36% of polled Australians aged 65 and over support legalization. However, that is an increase compared to 2019, when 33% in the age category expressed support. Forty-eight percent of polled Australians aged 50-64 support legalization, which is a 19% increase since 2019.

“Analysis shows support for the legalisation of marijuana now varies clearly by region, with both Australian territories in favour. The N.T leads with 57% in favour (35% opposed), closely followed by the ACT (which decriminalised personal possession and cultivation on 31 January 2020) at 56% in favour (36% opposed).” Roy Morgan stated. “Tasmania shows strong backing at 52% (36% opposed), and Queensland records majority support at 51% (39% opposed). It’s worth noting that these are the only two states where the regional population is larger than the urban population.”

“Australia’s debate on marijuana legalisation continues to evolve. With nearly half of Australians now in favour, the national mood has shifted significantly over the past decade. While younger adults lead the charge for change, notable opposition remains, especially among older and teenage groups. International trends (including further US state legalisations) and local policy discussions, such as the ACT’s earlier reforms, continue to influence public attitudes. These results highlight how attitudes are diversifying across age cohorts as Australia considers its next steps.” Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said.

In New South Wales (NSW), a recent parliamentary report recommended that the government decriminalize cannabis possession and use by adults. The report has yielded calls by lawmakers in NSW to enact the policy change.

“NSW government members have suggested cannabis reform is inevitable in the state after a parliamentary inquiry found the current regime is discriminatory because people with means can obtain medicinal cannabis legally while others are criminalised.” The Guardian reported in its original coverage.

“The NSW upper house inquiry released its landmark report into the effectiveness of cannabis regulation last week. The recommendations to decriminalise and consider legalisation were backed by six of the seven committee members – including Labor, Liberal and crossbench legislative council members. One Liberal member voted against the recommendations.” the outlet also reported.

A recent analysis by Research and Markets found that “the Australia legal cannabis market was valued at USD 126.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 420.33 million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 22.16%.”

Survey Finds Endometriosis Patients Prefer Cannabis Over Prescription Medications

Written by Johnny Green on June 21, 2025. Posted in Science.

According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis “is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.” International researchers estimate that as many as 190 million women suffer from the serious health condition worldwide.

“The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There is no known way to prevent endometriosis. There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.” The World Health Organization states about endometriosis.

A team of researchers affiliated with various health and academic institutions in New Zealand and Australia recently conducted a survey asking about endometriosis, medical cannabis use, and how cannabis therapeutics compared to traditional pharmaceutical medications. The survey’s findings were published in the academic journal Reproduction and Fertility.

“People with endometriosis report consuming cannabis to manage their symptoms. Given the range of differing legalities and access pathways across the world, this study aimed to investigate the drivers and barriers to cannabis use worldwide.” the researchers stated about their work.

“An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed internationally by endometriosis organisations and was open to anyone consuming cannabis for endometriosis symptoms. Survey questions included motivations for both starting and ongoing cannabis consumption, concerns over cannabis use, reasons for stopping cannabis, and communication of cannabis consumption with healthcare providers. Eight hundred and eighty-nine responses were collected across >10 countries.” the researchers stated about their survey methodology.

“Illicit cannabis (56.7%) was the most common access pathway. 99% of respondents stated they would continue to use cannabis to manage their endometriosis-based symptoms, with 90% reporting they would recommend its use to a friend or relative with the disease. The most common motivation(s) for cannabis consumption were inadequate pain control (68.6%) and bothersome side effects of medications (56.3%). Similar motivations were reported for ongoing cannabis consumption, with concerns over dependence/addiction on pharmaceutical medications (43.9%) being another common motivation. Those using illicit cannabis were significantly less likely (P < 0.0001) to disclose their cannabis consumption to medical professionals.” the researchers found.

“Cannabis was viewed as superior to pharmaceuticals both in terms of effectiveness and side-effect profile.” the researchers concluded.

The results of a separate survey previously published in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that nearly 20% of patients diagnosed with endometriosis report consuming medical cannabis to help manage their symptoms.

Australian Researchers: Cannabis May Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

Written by Johnny Green on June 14, 2025. Posted in Science.

International researchers have found that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental health disorders, and that anxiety disorders affect an estimated 301 million people around the globe. Additionally, anxiety disorders are more common in women than men, and only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment for it.

A team of academic researchers based in Australia and affiliated with various institutions recently conducted a systematic review focusing on medical cannabis use and how it may impact the symptoms in patients with anxiety-related disorders. The review’s findings were published in the academic journal Psychiatry Research.

“With rising anxiety disorder diagnoses, many individuals are seeking alternatives to standard pharmacotherapies, like medicinal cannabis. This systematic review focuses exclusively on anxiety-related disorders and examines a wide range of cannabis-based preparations and interventions.” the researchers wrote about their review.

“We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo (October–December 2023) for peer-reviewed empirical studies, excluding case series, case studies, and review papers. Inclusion criteria were studies on adults (18+ years) diagnosed with anxiety-related disorders, examining the efficacy or effectiveness of medicinal cannabis. Studies on recreational cannabis or cannabis-use-disorder were excluded. The MASTER and QualSyst tools were used to assess bias.” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

“Among the 13 highest-quality studies, 70 % (n = 9) reported a positive improvement for disorders including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 30 % (n = 4) reported a negative result for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, test anxiety and SAD.” the researchers found.

“Medicinal cannabis demonstrates potential in reducing anxiety symptoms, but the long-term benefits and overall impact on quality of life remain unclear. Further high-quality, longitudinal research with standardised dosing is needed.” the researchers concluded.

The results of the Australian systematic review build on previous research, including a prior clinical trial conducted last year in India, which found that a “CBD oral solution showed therapeutic efficacy, excellent safety, and tolerability in treating not only mild to moderate anxiety disorders, but also associated depression and disturbances in sleep quality with no incidences of withdrawal anxiety upon dose tapering and at the end of the treatment.”

Another prior study conducted in the United Kingdom found that “treatment with CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] is associated with statistically significant improvements across anxiety-, sleep-, and HRQoL-specific PROMs [patients-reported outcome measures] after 12 months…”

Study: Cannabis Legalization Not Associated With Increased Adolescent Use

Written by Johnny Green on June 10, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Modern cannabis prohibition policies were enacted starting in the early 1900s, and since that time, cannabis advocates around the world have worked very hard to reform laws that prohibit cannabis activity, including cannabis commerce.

Leading up to cannabis reform votes and implementation, cannabis opponents often make predictions that such reforms will result in increased cannabis use by adolescents. A team of international researchers based in Australia and the Czech Republic recently conducted a study focusing on the topic of cannabis reform and adolescent usage rates.

The study’s findings were published in the academic publication International Journal of Drug Policy.

“Several jurisdictions have pursued reforms that regulate cannabis production and/or sale for adult (non-medical) use. Looking at outcomes of such reforms across multiple jurisdictions may help to identify outcomes that are inherent to non-criminal cannabis supply, as well as provide insight into the outcomes of specific regulation models.” the researchers wrote about their study.

“We identified nine indicators of cannabis policy outcomes and aggregated them into three domains (social outcomes, outcomes in cannabis use, health-related outcomes). We assessed these outcomes across five jurisdictions with different models of regulating cannabis supply (Netherlands, Spain, U.S. states that legalized cannabis, Uruguay, and Canada).” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

“We used a three-level systematic literature review, prioritising studies with quasi-experimental design (i.e. comparative and longitudinal). We categorised the studies according to their design and the type of outcome (increase, decrease, or no outcome).” they also wrote.

Currently, recreational cannabis sales are limited to adult residents in Uruguay. Canada permits recreational cannabis sales to anyone of legal age. The Netherlands limits legal sales to participants of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials, fewer than half of the states in the U.S. permit adult-use sales, and sales in Spain operate in a ‘legal grey area.’

“Across long-standing as well as recent cannabis supply regimes, and across different models of cannabis supply, our review identified common outcomes: a decrease in cannabis-related arrests, an increase in adult (but not adolescent) cannabis use, and increase in healthcare utilization (not traffic-related).” the researchers found.

“Regulating cannabis supply may be associated with benefits in the social area and with potential harms regarding public health; there may though be trade-offs depending on the choice of a cannabis regulation model. Jurisdictions may attempt to mix and match the present models of cannabis regulation to achieve the best ratio of benefits and harms.” the study’s authors concluded.

Cannabis is also legal for adult use at a national level in Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. However, of those countries, only Malta and Germany currently provide legal channels for acquiring recreational cannabis beyond home cultivation. Both Malta and Germany are home to legal member-based cultivation associations. Adult-use cannabis legalization is also expected to be implemented soon in the Czech Republic.

Switzerland is another jurisdiction where regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating. The largest regional adult-use cannabis pilot trial in Switzerland is operating in Zurich, where a total of 4,400 people between the ages of 18 and 80 are participating.

“Over 90 percent of participants now obtain their cannabis products from legal sources, i.e. from one of the three specialist stores or one of the nine pharmacies taking part.” Blue News reported about Zurich’s pilot trial.

Another jurisdiction in Switzerland participating in regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials is Basel. The results of a previous study, which was the first academic reporting of its kind, were published on the University of Basel’s website in addition to being published in the academic journal Addiction.

“Public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.” the researchers of that study concluded.

“Furthermore, the study was able to dispel fears that legalization could exacerbate the psychopathological symptoms associated with cannabis consumption in addition to consumption itself: after the first six months, there was no difference between the two study groups in terms of depression, anxiety or other symptoms.” stated the University of Basel on its website.

“The interim assessment after two years of study shows a significant improvement in the mental state of the approximately 300 or so participants who are still taking part.” the University also wrote.

Earlier this year, Marijuana Moment reported that a government-commissioned report found that Switzerland’s adult-use cannabis legalization pilot program is “running smoothly,” with “no indication of any disturbances to public order.”

“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.

Previously published government data from the United States found that in jurisdictions where adult-use cannabis legalization was adopted, consumption rates among minors had reduced post-legalization compared to pre-legalization. The results of a Canadian study that was published earlier this year found that while reported overall cannabis use in Canadian society increased post-legalization, “misuse decreased.”

Cannabidiol Found To Be An Effective Antifungal Treatment

Written by Johnny Green on June 9, 2025. Posted in Science.

A team of academic researchers based in Australia and the United Kingdom recently collaborated on a study examining cannabinoids and their ability to be used in antifungal treatment regimens. The researchers found cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) to be particularly effective.

“Fungal infections pose a major threat to human health with increasing incidence of antifungal resistance globally. Despite the need for novel antifungal drugs, few are currently in clinical development.” the researchers wrote. The study’s findings were published in the academic database PLOS.

The cannabis plant is made up of dozens of cannabinoids, with CBD being a particularly popular cannabinoid in recent years for researchers. CBDV is a lesser-known cannabinoid, and research focused on it is more limited compared to CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

“Here we evaluate the antifungal activity of five phytocannabinoids against several clinically relevant fungal pathogens, with a focus on the priority pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.” the team of researchers stated in their published review. “Our results demonstrate that Cannabidiol (CBD), and particularly Cannabidivarin (CBDV), have broad activity against C. neoformans and other fungal pathogens, including dermatophytes that cause common tinea.”

“We found that both CBD and CBDV acted in a fungicidal manner and prevented biofilm formation in C. neoformans. Phytocannabinoid treatment impeded factors important for virulence and antifungal resistance, including reduced capsule size and disruption of mature biofilms. Proteomics analysis revealed that the antifungal activity of CBD and CBDV was linked to destabilisation of the membrane, alterations in ergosterol biosynthesis, disruption of metabolic pathways, as well as selective involvement of mitochondrial-associated proteins.” they also wrote.

“We next tested the ability of CBD to topically clear a C. neoformans fungal infection in vivo using the Galleria mellonella burn wound model, and we observed greatly improved survival in the CBD treated larvae. This study illustrates the potential of phytocannabinoids as antifungal treatments and opens up new routes towards development of novel antifungal drugs.” the study’s authors concluded.

A recent market analysis by Emergen Research determined that “the Cannabidiol (CBD) Consumer Health Market is expected to grow from USD 20.52 billion in 2024 to an estimated USD 81.76 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.60%.”

Analysis Finds ‘Few Changes In Cognitive Performance’ Post-Cannabis Use

Written by Johnny Green on May 31, 2025. Posted in Science.

One of the main talking points used by cannabis opponents is that ‘cannabis is bad for the brain’ and that its use will result in significant declines in cognitive performance. The talking point is often applied to public policies as they pertain to driving under the influence.

A team of researchers affiliated with the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Queensland, both in Australia, recently performed an analysis examining cognitive performance after patients have used medical cannabis products. The results of the analysis were posted in the academic journal Drug and Alcohol Review.

“This program of research investigated the acute effects of orally ingested (Study 1) and vaporised (Study 2) cannabis containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on cognitive functions relevant for driving in two samples of medicinal cannabis patients (Study 1 N = 41 oral users; Study 2 N = 37 flower users).” the researchers wrote.

“Participants completed counterbalanced baseline (no cannabis) and cannabis consumption (post-cannabis) appointments scheduled approximately 1 week apart. During each session, participants were administered a cognitive battery assessing information processing speed, sustained and divided attention, inhibitory control and mental flexibility. In the post-cannabis condition, the battery was completed 90 min after consuming one dose of cannabis oil (Study 1) or 15 min after vaporising one dose of cannabis flower (Study 2).” the researchers stated about their methodology.

Many jurisdictions where medical cannabis is legal, including Australia, are struggling with how to strike the right balance between keeping people from operating motor vehicles when they are too impaired and not persecuting medical cannabis patients who are not impaired and simply have metabolized THC in their systems.

“In both samples, acute cannabis oil and flower administration did not induce a change in information processing speed, divided and sustained attention, or inhibitory control performance (after excluding participants with a positive drug indication at the start of either session), highlighting the moderating role of tolerance.” the researchers found.

It is worth noting that the population size of this analysis was not large, and further research is needed. However, the results of this analysis in Australia are in line with findings from other studies that have examined medical cannabis use and cognitive performance.

A 2018 meta-analysis conducted in the United Kingdom also found that “the acute effects of single cannabinoid administration are less prominent in regular cannabis users compared to non-regular users” and that “repeated cannabinoid administration more consistently suggest less prominent effects upon repeated exposure.”

In laypeople’s terms, patients who use cannabis more regularly are less likely to be impaired after cannabis consumption compared to infrequent consumers. That is an important distinction because per se cannabis DUI laws are such that they penalize frequent consumers for having built up metabolized THC in their system, even though those consumers are less likely to be impaired at the time of testing.

Conversely, the metabolized THC thresholds of per se cannabis laws often result in infrequent cannabis consumers testing below the THC threshold, even though they are more likely to be impaired after cannabis use. As such, cannabis DUI laws need to be based on sound science, and not arbitrary metabolized THC thresholds that ultimately do not detect true intoxication levels.