Tag: Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian Patients Report Significant Reductions In Pain Following Cannabis Use

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

Canada was at the forefront of medical cannabis policy modernization, having adopted national medical cannabis reform in 2001. Canada remains an international leader in the emerging legal global medical cannabis industry, an industry that continues to experience tremendous growth.

According to a recent market analysis by The Business Research Company, the legal global medical cannabis industry “is projected to rise from $27.5 billion in 2023 to $33.3 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1%” and “is expected to reach $72.9 billion by 2028.”

A major driver of the expanding legal medical cannabis industry is patients using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain. A recent study conducted in Canada found that suffering patients report significant reductions in pain following medical cannabis use. Below is more information about the study and its results via a news release from NORML:

Hamilton, Canada: Cannabis products provide short-term relief for patients suffering from chronic muscle, joint, or nerve pain, according to data published in the journal Cannabis.

Canadian investigators assessed the short-term effects of cannabis on chronic pain in a cohort of 741 individuals over a 3+ year period. Study participants self-administered cannabis products at home and reported symptom changes in real time on a mobile software application (Strainprint). Most participants inhaled botanical cannabis. Twenty-one percent ingested cannabis oil extracts. Changes in participants’ pain scores were assessed using a 10-point scale.

On average, subjects reported a three-point reduction in their pain scores following cannabis use. Male participants were more likely than females to experience greater pain relief. Greater efficacy was associated with products either dominant or balanced in THC content as compared to CBD-dominant products.

“Our analysis of observational data from chronic pain patients who use medical cannabis found large reductions in pain, and that men were more likely to experience greater pain relief than women,” the study’s authors concluded. “Our findings require confirmation in rigorously conducted randomized trials that include a placebo control to account for non-specific effects.”

Separate data published in 2023 in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that nearly one in three patients with chronic pain use cannabis as an analgesic agent and many of those who do substitute it in place of opioids.

Full text of the study, “Predictors of response to medical cannabis for chronic pain: A retrospective review of real-time observational data,” appears in Cannabis. Additional information on cannabis and pain management is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

laptop teleworking computer zoom teams online

Canadian Legalization Not Associated With Increase In Work Hour Use

Written by Frank Schuler on January 11, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Canada adopted a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018. Leading up to the adoption of the measure, many cannabis opponents predicted that, among other things, legalization would lead to more people being under the influence of cannabis at their jobs.

As with alcohol use, adults should be able to consume cannabis off the clock as long as they are doing so responsibly. Furthermore, just because someone has metabolized cannabinoids in their system does not automatically mean that they are impaired.

Researchers in Canada recently examined data from before and after legalization took effect in Canada, and determined that there is no association between legalization and an increase in on-the-clock cannabis use. Below is more information about the study via a news release from NORML:

Toronto, Canada: Marijuana legalization is not associated with an uptick in the percentage of employees consuming cannabis either during or prior to work, according to data provided in a briefing paper by the non-profit research organization Institute for Work & Health.

Researchers with the group assessed workers’ attitudes and behaviors toward cannabis following Canada’s adoption of adult-use marijuana legalization. (The Canadian government legalized retail cannabis sales for those 18 or older in 2018.) Investigators reported “no change in workers’ consumption of cannabis before or at work” during the years surveyed.

Consistent with prior studies, researchers acknowledged that those who reported consuming cannabis products while away from their jobs possessed no greater risk of occupational injury than those who abstained. By contrast, employees who reported using cannabis during work hours possessed a nearly two-fold increased risk of accident compared to those who did not.

“These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing cannabis use at work from cannabis off work,” the paper’s authors concluded. “Rather than considering any cannabis use as an occupational safety risk, workplaces need to reframe their focus to use that is likely to lead to impairment at work and craft policies that center on preventing and managing impairment, as well as fitness for duty.”

Most workplace drug testing policies rely on urinalysis screening, which detects the presence of the inert metabolite carboxy-THC. This metabolite remains present in urine for days, weeks, or even months after past use – long after any psychoactive effects of the drug have worn off.

By contrast, blood tests detect the presence of THC, cannabis’ primary psychoactive agent. However, THC is also fat-soluble. As a result, it may also remain detectable for several days following past exposure.

NORML has repeatedly argued that employers should not presume that the detection of either THC or its primary metabolite is evidence of impairment. Rather, NORML has called for the expanded use of performance-based tests, like DRUID or Predictive Safety’s AlertMeter.

Lawmakers in several states – including California and New York – have recently amended their employment laws so that most public employers may no longer terminate workers solely based on a positive drug test for the presence of THC metabolites.

The full text of the briefing paper, “Cannabis use by workers before and after legalization in Canada,” is available online. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Marijuana Legalization and Impact on the Workplace.’

Joints cannabis flower Joints cannabis flower Joints cannabis flower Joints cannabis flower Joints cannabis flower

Health Canada To Publish Cannabis Sampling Program Results In 2025

Written by Frank Schuler on January 6, 2025. Posted in Science.

Canada became the first G-7 country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018. Since that time, Canada has served as the top cannabis commerce public policy experiment on the planet.

Health Canada announced in 2023 that it would launch a program to test regulated and unregulated cannabis samples and publish the results of the cannabis sampling testing program. The first round of results is expected to be published this year.

“Health Canada intends to publish the results of this project on the Cannabis Laboratory page “in the coming months,” confirms a senior media relations advisor with the agency’s communications and public affairs branch via email.” stated StratCann in its local coverage.

“When it was announced, the agency said the new cannabis data-gathering program would allow it to “proactively collect information on the legal and illicit cannabis markets in Canada,” focusing on providing Canadians with more accurate info about cannabis health and safety risks.” StratCann also reported.

Every year since 2017, Health Canada has conducted its ‘Canadian Cannabis Survey,’ in which the government agency poses various cannabis-related questions to members of Canadian society. Canada adopted recreational cannabis legalization in 2018, and the survey helps lawmakers and regulators gain insight into how legalization has affected Canada.

Health Canada recently released the results of the 2024 survey, with data being collected from April 4^th to July 2^nd, 2024. The 2024 survey involved 11,666 respondents aged 16 years and older across all provinces and territories.

One of the main findings of this year’s survey is that only 3% of consumers “reported accessing cannabis through illegal sources,” which is a decrease from a reported 16% back in 2019. Many consumers reported cultivating their own cannabis and/or being gifted cannabis from friends and family. The Health Canada survey also found the following.

The number of respondents who reported getting cannabis from a legal source in 2024 was 72% – an increase from 37% in 2019 to 72% in 2024, with legal storefronts being the most common source since 2019.
There was no change in rates of cannabis use among youth (age 16-19) over the past year. Past 12-month cannabis use among youth aged 16-19 was 41%, similar to several previous years (44%, 44%, and 43% in 2019, 2020 and 2023 respectively).
Overall, the proportion of respondents who said they used cannabis and reported daily, or almost daily use has been stable since 2018 (approx. 25%), including among youth (approx. 20%).

“Since 2017, Health Canada has conducted the annual Canadian Cannabis Survey to better understand attitudes and knowledge regarding cannabis, as well as patterns of cannabis use in Canada. Through the information gathered, Health Canada can better understand where support is needed the most and develop program initiatives that will help educate and raise awareness around the use of cannabis.” Health Canada stated about its annual survey.

Health Canada: Only 3% Of Cannabis Consumers Obtain Products From Illegal Sources

Written by Hazel Norman on December 7, 2024. Posted in Business, Policy.

The number of respondents who reported getting cannabis from a legal source in 2024 was 72% – an increase from 37% in 2019 to 72% in 2024, with legal storefronts being the most common source since 2019.
There was no change in rates of cannabis use among youth (age 16-19) over the past year. Past 12-month cannabis use among youth aged 16-19 was 41%, similar to several previous years (44%, 44%, and 43% in 2019, 2020 and 2023 respectively).
Overall, the proportion of respondents who said they used cannabis and reported daily, or almost daily use has been stable since 2018 (approx. 25%), including among youth (approx. 20%).

Below is a breakdown of the rates of product types reportedly consumed in 2024 in Canada according to the survey results:

Dried flower/leaf (63%; down from 2018 and up from 2023)
Edible cannabis (55%; up from 2018)
Vape pens/cartridges (37%; up from 2018 and 2023)
Oil for oral use (24%; unchanged from 2019)
Beverages (21%; up from 2018)
Hashish/kief (16%; down from 2018)
Topical products (13%; up from 2019)
Concentrates/extracts (e.g., wax, shatter or budder) (13%, down from 2018)

Canada was the second country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure behind Uruguay (2013). Malta (2021), Luxembourg (2023), Germany (2024), and South Africa (2024) have also adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

62% Of Canadians Still Approve Of Cannabis Legalization

Written by Hazel Norman on November 2, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Canada became the second country on the planet and the first G-7 nation to adopt a national adult-use legalization measure in 2018. The only country to do so before Canada was Uruguay, where lawmakers approved a national adult-use legalization measure in 2013.

However, unlike Uruguay where legal recreational cannabis sales are limited to residents only, Canada permits recreational cannabis sales across the country to anyone of legal age. The legal age for cannabis purchases in Canada at the federal level is 18 years old, although provinces and territories can set a higher age limit.

The recreational cannabis commerce system in Canada is the most robust on earth. In addition to Uruguay and Canada, cannabis is also legal for recreational purposes at a national level in Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Canada is the only nation on that list that permits nationwide sales to adult non-residents.

Investigators affiliated with Research Co. recently surveyed Canadians to determine the level of support for legalization six years after implementation. The survey results are based on an online survey conducted from October 13 to October 15, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada.

“In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023) agree with marijuana being legal in Canada, while 33% disagree and 4% are undecided.” Research Co. stated about the results.

“Agreement with legal cannabis in Canada is highest in Quebec (66%), followed by Alberta (64%), Ontario (also 64%), British Columbia (60%), Atlantic Canada (56%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (53%).” the researchers also stated.

Research Co. also determined the following:

33% of Canadians report having tried cannabis before it was legal
14% only did so after legalization
51% of consumers report making all of their purchases through licensed retailers
74% support expunging charges for people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use

Recreational cannabis is currently legal in two dozen states in the U.S. and in Washington D.C. Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and courts in a handful of other nations have rendered decisions providing some level of protection to adult cannabis consumers.

Cannabis plant flower bud budding flowering

Legal Home Cultivation Coming To Manitoba In 2025

Written by Hazel Norman on September 30, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Canada legalized cannabis for adult use in 2018, making it the first G-7 nation to do so, and only the second country worldwide to make the public policy change. The only other country to legalize at a national level prior to Canada was Uruguay, which adopted its own national recreational cannabis legalization measure in 2013.

Part of Canada’s national legalization model involved permitting adults to cultivate cannabis plants in their private residences. However, not every province and territory got on board with the home cultivation component of Canadian legalization.

One of those jurisdictions is Manitoba, which still prohibits home cultivation. It appears that adults will be able to cultivate cannabis in Manitoba starting in 2025.

“Legislation to allow Manitobans 19 and older to grow their own recreational cannabis isn’t expected to kick in until the new year despite being passed in June.” reported Free Press in its local coverage.

“We expect the bill to come into force in early 2025,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said in a recent email.

“The (Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority) is drafting regulations to ensure the framework for growing cannabis at home prioritizes public safety, with a focus on protecting youth and ensuring cannabis plants are not accessible to young people,” the minister said according to the local reporting.

Home cultivation is currently permitted at a national level in Uruguay, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. A number of other countries have witnessed court decisions being rendered that also provide some level of protection for adults cultivating a personal amount of cannabis in their homes.

Cannabis cultivation is also permitted in several states in the U.S. that have adopted adult-use legalization measures, although not every legalized state permits such activity. Washington State, which was one of the first states to legalize in the U.S. along with Colorado in 2012, still prohibits recreational home cannabis cultivation.

Patients With Rheumatic Conditions Report Substituting Cannabis For Prescriptions

Written by Frank Schuler on September 17, 2024. Posted in Science.

Rheumatic diseases affect suffering patients’ joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common rheumatic conditions include (but are not limited to) osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, infectious arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Genetics plays a major role in the potential development of rheumatic conditions. Obesity increases the probability of an individual developing a rheumatic condition. Common treatments for rheumatic diseases include medications, regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and rest. Over 18 million people suffer globally from rheumatic arthritis alone.

A team of researchers in Canada recently conducted a survey and determined that a large number of patients with rheumatic conditions report replacing pharmaceutical prescriptions with cannabis therapies. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Montreal, Canada: Patients with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and other rheumatic conditions frequently substitute cannabis in place of prescription medications, according to survey data published in the journal Open Neurology.

Researchers affiliated with McGill University in Montreal and the University of Michigan surveyed 763 US and Canadian patients with rheumatic conditions.

Consistent with other studies, 63 percent of respondents reported substituting cannabis products for other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (55 percent), opioids (49 percent), sleep aids (30 percent), and muscle relaxants (25 percent). Following substitution, most participants reported decreases or cessation in their medication use. Respondents typically reported turning to cannabis because it offered “better symptom management” and was associated with “fewer adverse effects.”

Those who substituted medical cannabis in place of other medications reported greater improvements in pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasm, inflammation, and global health.

“The acceptance of MC [medical cannabis] as a treatment strategy for rheumatic conditions is evolving,” the study’s authors concluded. “These encouraging results of medication reduction and favorable effect of MC require confirmation with more rigorous methods. … Comparative effective clinical trials of MC versus other pain treatments are needed, as are more prospective studies investigating the effects of MC on the use of medications and other substances in rheumatic populations.”

Full text of the study, “Substituting medical cannabis for medications among patients with rheumatic conditions in the United States and Canada,” appears in Open Neurology. Additional information is available in NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Canadian Patients Turning To Cannabis To Treat Chronic Skin Condition

Written by Frank Schuler on August 13, 2024. Posted in Science.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic autoinflammatory skin condition that results in the suffering patient developing painful bumps or boils, tunnels, and abscesses under their skin. The condition is often referred to as ‘acne inversa.’

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa. Common treatments include using skin care products such as antiperspirants, antiseptic washes, and retinoids. In severe cases, pain management therapies and medications are also incorporated.

A team of researchers in Canada recently conducted a scientific literature review and found that a growing number of suffering hidradenitis suppurativa patients are turning to medical cannabis products to treat their condition. Below is more information about the review and its findings via a new release from NORML:

Vancouver, Canada: Patients diagnosed with the skin condition Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS aka acne inversa) frequently consume cannabis products and report that they improve their quality of life, according to a literature review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. HS is a chronic skin condition characterized by the reoccurring formation of small painful lumps under the skin, typically in the armpit and groin.

Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota reviewed data from six studies, encompassing 34,435 patients.

They reported, “Findings show higher cannabis use among HS patients, demonstrating efficacy in pain management, sleep, anxiety relief, itch relief, and improved quality of life.”

The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabis may play a role in analgesia, improved quality of life, pain, itch, and overall mental health in patients with HS and healthcare providers including dermatologists should increase their familiarity in appropriate use of cannabis-related products. … Efforts to reduce the stigma of utilizing cannabis-related products for medical purposes, education, and open discussion about the harms of illicit substances with patients are highly encouraged.”

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of cannabis-related product use among patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A narrative review,” appears in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.