Analysis: Lifetime Cannabis Use Not Associated With Elevated Risk of Hypertension

Neither recent nor lifetime cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension or high blood pressure among older adults, according to data published in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego assessed the relationship between cannabis smoking and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), … Continued

Study: Cannabis Use Not Associated With Later IQ Decline

Lifetime cannabis use is not associated with cognitive decline, according to longitudinal data published in the Journal Brain and Behavior. Investigators assessed the relationship between cannabis use and age-related cognitive decline in a cohort of 5,162 men. Subjects’ IQs were assessed during early adulthood (mean age: 22) and then again in late midlife (mean age: … Continued

What Health Conditions Do Patients Use Medical Marijuana To Treat? New Study Sheds Light

Recently published data from tens of thousands of medical marijuana patients across the U.S. show that pain, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the leading conditions qualifying patients for state medical cannabis programs. The report was authored by researchers at Leafwell—a platform for obtaining medical marijuana cards—along with Duke University Medical School and the … Continued

Nevada Officials Adopt Rule To Stop Penalizing Boxers And MMA Fighters Over Marijuana

Nevada regulators have officially adopted a rule change that will protect athletes from being penalized for using or possessing marijuana in compliance with state law. While the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) voted to send the regulatory amendment to the governor last year, they were also required to go through a separate rulemaking process to … Continued

Medical Marijuana Improves Chronic Pain And Mental Health Symptoms While Reducing Prescription Drug Use, Study Shows

Results of a new yearlong study of prescribed medical marijuana for patients with chronic pain and mental health issues observed an association between cannabis use and symptom improvement, with most side effects limited to dry mouth and sleepiness. At least some of the benefits appeared to fade as the 12-month study period went on, however. … Continued

Cannabis Treatment Reduces Chronic Nerve Pain With ‘Minimal To No Side Effects,’ New Scientific Review Finds

A newly published review of research on marijuana and chronic nerve pain concludes that treatment with cannabinoids offers “significant relief from chronic pain” with “minimal to no side effects”—potentially providing patients a “life-changing alternative” to conventional pharmaceuticals. “The positive effects of cannabinoids in pain management are clear and their merit in the treatment thereof is … Continued

Survey: Cannabis as Effective as Prescription Medicines for Treatment of Hand Pain

Patients with hand pain-related pathologies frequently turn to cannabis for pain relief, according to data published in the journal Hand. Researchers affiliated with the University of Chicago surveyed 122 patients suffering from hand-related pain. Fifteen percent of respondents acknowledged using cannabis to manage their symptoms.Investigators reported: “Compared with pre-usage pain scores, both cannabinoids and Rx/OTC … Continued

Teen Marijuana Use Dropped In U.S. As States Enacted Legalization, New Study Using Federal Data Shows

A newly published study tracks what it calls a “significant decrease” in youth marijuana use from 2011 to 2021—a period in which more than a dozen states legalized marijuana for adults—detailing lower rates of both lifetime and past-month use by high-school students nationwide. The findings run contrary to claims from legalization opponents who said the … Continued

Federal Agency Notes Widespread Medical Marijuana Use By Cancer Patients, Saying Rescheduling Can ‘Open The Doors’ To More Research

A federal health agency, The National Cancer Institute,  is acknowledging that a sizable portion—between about 20 percent and 40 percent—of people being treated for cancer are using cannabis products to manage side effects from the condition and associated treatment.Such widespread uptake by patients raises concerns that use is outpacing scientific knowledge on efficacy and risks, … Continued

Cannabis Oil Can Help Heal Skin Wounds By Creating ‘A More Conducive Environment For Tissue Regeneration,’ Review Finds

A new scientific review says cannabis oil may help promote the healing of skin wounds, finding that it offers “promising benefits.” Cannabis oil can reduce so-called “reactive oxygen species” (ROS) during the healing of wounds.  “Additionally, the antibacterial and analgesic properties of cannabis contribute to reducing the microbial load and minimizing the complications associated with … Continued