Journal of Cannabis Research最新文献

{"title":"Conflicting forces in the implementation of medicinal cannabis regulation in Uruguay.","authors":"Eliana Alvarez,&nbsp;Rosario Queirolo,&nbsp;Belen Sotto","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00189-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00189-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Uruguay is widely known as a pioneer country regarding cannabis regulation policies, as it was the first state to regulate the cannabis market for both recreational and medicinal purposes in 2013. However, not all aspects of the regulation have moved forward at the same speed. Medicinal uses keep facing several challenges that undermine patients' effective access to treatments and products. What are those persistent challenges for the medicinal cannabis policy in Uruguay? This paper aims to describe and understand the current state of medicinal cannabis in the country and identify the most critical challenges and conflicting forces for its proper implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To do so, we conduct twelve in-depth interviews with key informants, including governments officials, activists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and doctors. These interviews are complemented with information from the congressional committees' public records and other documentary sources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This research shows that the legal framework was thought to assure quality products over access. The main challenges of medicinal cannabis in Uruguay are related to three issues: (i) the timid development of the industry, (ii) a limited and expensive supply, and (iii) the emergence of an informal productive sector.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The political decisions regarding medicinal cannabis made in the last seven years have derived from a halfway policy that fails to guarantee patient access or promote the growth of a vibrant national industry. Positively, the several actors involved are aware of the extent of these challenges and new decisions have been made to overcome them, meaning that monitoring the future of the policy is very much needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10337049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9804778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potentials in animal model: in silico and in vivo studies of the involvement of Akt.","authors":"Dorcas I Akinloye, Damilohun S Metibemu, Mujidat T Shittu, Mariam A Lawal, Faith O Olatunji, Muideen A Oyediran, Oluseyi A Akinloye","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00190-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-023-00190-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Targeting protein kinase B (Akt) and its downstream signaling proteins are promising options in designing novel and potent drug candidates against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study explores the anti-HCC potentials of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) extract via the involvement of Akt using both in silico and in vivo animal models of HCC approaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Phytoconstituents of C. sativa extract obtained from Gas Chromatography Mass-spectrometry (GCSM) were docked into the catalytic domain of Akt-2. The Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) model of HCC was treated with C. sativa extract. The effects of C. sativa extract treatments on DEN model of hepatocellular carcinoma were assessed by One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the treated and untreated groups RESULT: The lead phytoconstituents of C. sativa extract, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) and cannabidiol form stable hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions within the catalytic domain of Akt-2. C. sativa extract (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) respectively gives a 3-fold decrease in the activities of liver function enzymes when compared with the positive control (group 2). It also gives a 1.5-fold decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation and elevates serum antioxidant enzymes' activities by 1-fold in HCC treated Wistar rats when compared with the positive control (group 2). In an animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma, C. sativa extract significantly downregulated Akt and HIF mRNAs in groups 3, 4, and 5 with 2, 1.5, 2.5-fold decrease relative to group 2. VEGF mRNA was downregulated by 1.5-fold decrease in groups 3-5 when compared to group 2. The expression of XIAP mRNA was downregulated by 1.5, 2, and 1.25-folds in groups 3, 4, and 5 respectively, in comparison with group 2. In comparison to group 2, COX-2 mRNA levels were downregulated by 1.5, 1, and 1-folds in groups 3-5. In groups 3-5, CRP mRNA was downregulated by 2-fold in comparison with group 2. In groups 3-5, p21 mRNA was upregulated by 2, 2.5, and 3-folds, respectively when compared with group 2. It upregulated p53 mRNA by 2.5, 3.5, and 2.5-folds in groups 3-5 in comparison with group 2. It downregulated AFP mRNA by 3.5, 2.5, .2.5-folds in groups 3, 4, and 5 respectively when compared with group 2. Histologic analysis showed that C. sativa extract reduced necrosis and inflammation in HCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>C. sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potentials in an animal model of HCC and with the involvement of Akt. Its anticancer potential is mediated through antiangiogenic, proapoptotic, cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In future studies, the mechanisms of anti-HCC effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9- THC) and cannabidiol via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathways should be explored.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10337064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9817377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Why a distinct medical stream is necessary to support patients using cannabis for medical purposes.","authors":"Cecilia Costiniuk,&nbsp;Caroline A MacCallum,&nbsp;Michael Boivin,&nbsp;Sergio Rueda,&nbsp;Gary Lacasse,&nbsp;Zach Walsh,&nbsp;Paul J Daeninck,&nbsp;Shari Margolese,&nbsp;Enrico Mandarino,&nbsp;Jagpaul Kaur Deol,&nbsp;Tatiana Sanchez,&nbsp;Alan D Bell","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00195-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00195-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since 2001, Canadians have been able to obtain cannabis for medical purposes, initially through the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) came into force on October 17, 2018, replacing the ACMPR. The Cannabis Act enables Canadians to possess cannabis purchased from a licensed retailer without authorization for either medical or nonmedical purposes. The Cannabis Act is currently the guiding legislation which governs both medical and nonmedical access. The Cannabis Act contains some improvements for patients but is essentially the same as its previous legislation. Beginning in October 2022, the federal government is conducting a review of the Cannabis Act and is questioning whether a distinct medical cannabis stream is still required, given the ease of access to cannabis and cannabis products. Although there is overlap in the reasons for medical and recreational cannabis use, the distinct legislation of medical versus recreational use of cannabis in Canada may be under threat.</p><p><strong>Main body: </strong>A large segment of the medical, academic, research, and lay communities agree that there is a need for distinct medical and recreational cannabis streams. Perhaps most importantly, separation of these streams is necessary to ensure that both medical cannabis patients and healthcare providers receive the required support needed to optimize benefits while minimizing risks associated with medical cannabis use. Preservation of distinct medical and recreational streams can help to ensure that needs of different stakeholders are met. For example, patients require guidance in the form of assessing the appropriateness of cannabis use, selection of appropriate products and dosage forms, dosing titration, screening for drug interactions, and safety monitoring. Healthcare providers require access to undergraduate and continuing health education as well as support from their professional organizations to ensure medical cannabis is appropriately prescribed. Although there are challenges in conducing research, as motives for cannabis use frequently straddle boundaries between medical versus recreational cannabis use, maintenance of a distinct medical stream is also necessary to ensure adequate supply of cannabis products appropriate for medical use, to reduce stigma associated with cannabis in both patients and providers, to help enable reimbursement for patients, to facilitate removal of taxation on cannabis used for medical purposes, and to promote research on all aspects of medical cannabis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cannabis products for medical and recreational purposes have different objectives and needs, requiring different methods of distribution, access, and monitoring. HCPs, patients, and the commercial cannabis industry would serve Canadians well to continue to advocate to policy makers to ensure the continued existence of two distinct streams and must s","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10318655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9755976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Propylene glycol and Kolliphor as solvents for systemic delivery of cannabinoids via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes in preclinical studies: a comparative technical note.","authors":"Kaveh Momenzadeh,&nbsp;Diana Yeritsyan,&nbsp;Nadim Kheir,&nbsp;Rosalyn M Nazarian,&nbsp;Ara Nazarian","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00194-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00194-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance administration to laboratory animals necessitates careful consideration and planning in order to enhance agent distribution while reducing any harmful effects from the technique. There are numerous methods for administering cannabinoids; however, several parameters must be considered, including delivery frequency, volume of administration, vehicle, and the level of competence required for staff to use these routes properly. There is a scarcity of information about the appropriate delivery method for cannabinoids in animal research, particularly those that need the least amount of animal manipulation during the course of the investigation. This study aims to assess the feasibility and potential side effects of intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection of CBD and THC using propylene glycol or Kolliphor in animal models. By evaluating the ease of use and histopathological side effects of these solvents, this study intends to help researchers better understand an accessible long-term delivery route of administration in animal experiments while minimizing the potential confounding effects of the delivery method on the animal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Intraperitoneal and subcutaneous methods of systemic cannabis administration were tested in rat models. Subcutaneous delivery via needle injection and continuous osmotic pump release were evaluated using propylene glycol or Kolliphor solvents. In addition, the use of a needle injection and a propylene glycol solvent for intraperitoneal (IP) administration was investigated. Skin histopathological changes were evaluated following a trial of subcutaneous injections of cannabinoids utilizing propylene glycol solvent.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although IP delivery of cannabinoids with propylene glycol as solvent is a viable method and is preferable to oral treatment in order to reduce gastrointestinal tract degradation, it has substantial feasibility limitations. We conclude that subcutaneous delivery utilizing osmotic pumps with Kolliphor as a solvent provides viable and consistent route of administration for long-term systemic cannabinoid delivery in the preclinical context.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10280893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9709951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"No difference in COVID-19 treatment outcomes among current methamphetamine, cannabis and alcohol users.","authors":"Ann Rydberg,&nbsp;Christopher A Dodoo,&nbsp;Terry D Schneekloth,&nbsp;Osama A Abulseoud","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00193-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00193-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Poor outcomes of COVID-19 have been reported in older males with medical comorbidities including substance use disorder. However, it is unknown whether there is a difference in COVID-19 treatment outcomes between patients who are current cannabis users, excessive alcohol drinkers and those who use a known hazardous stimulant such as methamphetamine (METH).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Electronic medical records (EMR) of COVID-19 patients with current METH (n = 32), cannabis (n = 46), and heavy alcohol use (n = 44) were reviewed. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, current drug use was confirmed by positive urine drug testing, and alcohol use was identified by a blood alcohol concentration greater than 11 mg/dl. Multivariate linear regression models as well as the firth logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of substance use group (METH, cannabis, or alcohol) on treatment outcome measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 122 patients were included in this analysis. There were no significant differences found between drug groups in regards to key SARS-CoV-2 outcomes of interest including ICU admission, length of stay, interval between SARS-CoV-2 positive test and hospital discharge, delirium, intubation and mortality after adjusting for covariates. About one-fifth (21.9% in METH users, 15.2% in cannabis users, and 20.5% in alcohol users) of all patients required ICU admission. As many as 37.5% of METH users, 23.9% of cannabis users, and 29.5% of alcohol users developed delirium (P = 0.4). There were no significant differences between drug groups in COVID-19 specific medication requirements. Eight patients in total died within 10 months of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Two patients from the METH group (6.3%), two patients from the cannabis group (4.3%), and four patients from the alcohol group (9.1%) died.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The study outcomes may have been affected by several limitations. These included the methodology of its retrospective design, relatively small sample size, and the absence of a COVID-19 negative control group. In addition, there was no quantification of substance use and many covariates relied on clinical documentation or patient self-report. Finally, it was difficult to control for all potential confounders particularly given the small sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite these limitations, our results show that current METH, cannabis, and heavy alcohol users in this study have similar treatment outcomes and suffer from high morbidity including in-hospital delirium and high mortality rates within the first-year post COVID-19. The extent to which co-morbid tobacco smoking contributed to the negative outcomes in METH, cannabis, and alcohol users remains to be investigated.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10280862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9706690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis for morning sickness: areas for intervention to decrease cannabis consumption during pregnancy.","authors":"Karli Swenson","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00184-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00184-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing, with 19-22% of patients testing positive at delivery in Colorado and California. Patients report using cannabis to alleviate their nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and pain. However, preclinical and clinical data highlight harmful effects to offspring physiology and behavior following fetal cannabis exposure. This narrative review identifies potential areas for intervention to decrease cannabis consumption during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A combination of keywords, including \"cannabis\", \"cannabis\", \"weed\", \"pregnancy\", \"morning sickness\", \"child protective services\", and \"budtender\" were searched in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as in social media forums, governmental webpages, and other publicly available sources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The literature search identified several areas for intervention to reduce cannabis use during pregnancy, including physician and pharmacist training, engagement with pregnant patients, regulation of dispensary workers, and the role of child protective services.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This comprehensive review identifies multiple areas for improvement to benefit pregnant patients. Recommendations are independent and can be implemented simultaneously by the identified groups. Limitations of this research includes the relatively limited availability of data focused specifically on cannabis consumption during pregnancy and the complexity of the sociopolitical field of substance use during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cannabis consumption during pregnancy is increasing and causes harm to the developing fetus. To educate pregnant patients about these risks, we must address the gaps in education from multiple contact points.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10276456/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9661581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The therapeutic potential of purified cannabidiol.","authors":"Saoirse Elizabeth O'Sullivan,&nbsp;Sanne Skov Jensen,&nbsp;Gitte Nykjaer Nikolajsen,&nbsp;Heidi Ziegler Bruun,&nbsp;Rhenu Bhuller,&nbsp;Julia Hoeng","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00186-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00186-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for therapeutic purposes is receiving considerable attention, with speculation that CBD can be useful in a wide range of conditions. Only one product, a purified form of plant-derived CBD in solution (Epidiolex), is approved for the treatment of seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. Appraisal of the therapeutic evidence base for CBD is complicated by the fact that CBD products sometimes have additional phytochemicals (like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) present, which can make the identification of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in positive studies difficult. The aim of the present review is to critically review clinical studies using purified CBD products only, in order to establish the upcoming indications for which purified CBD might be beneficial. The areas in which there is the most clinical evidence to support the use of CBD are in the treatment of anxiety (positive data in 7 uncontrolled studies and 17 randomised controlled trials (RCTs)), psychosis and schizophrenia (positive data in 1 uncontrolled study and 8 RCTs), PTSD (positive data in 2 uncontrolled studies and 4 RCTs) and substance abuse (positive data in 2 uncontrolled studies and 3 RCTs). Seven uncontrolled studies support the use of CBD to improve sleep quality, but this has only been verified in one small RCT. Limited evidence supports the use of CBD for the treatment of Parkinson's (3 positive uncontrolled studies and 2 positive RCTs), autism (3 positive RCTs), smoking cessation (2 positive RCTs), graft-versus-host disease and intestinal permeability (1 positive RCT each). Current RCT evidence does not support the use of purified oral CBD in pain (at least as an acute analgesic) or for the treatment of COVID symptoms, cancer, Huntington's or type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, published clinical evidence does support the use of purified CBD in multiple indications beyond epilepsy. However, the evidence base is limited by the number of trials only investigating the acute effects of CBD, testing CBD in healthy volunteers, or in very small patient numbers. Large confirmatory phase 3 trials are required in all indications.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10262148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9692462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort.","authors":"Meenu Minhas,&nbsp;Stephanie E Lunn","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00192-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00192-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of the current study was to examine patterns of medical cannabis use in those using it to treat anxiety and to investigate if the anxiolytic effects of cannabis were impacted by gender and/or age.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patient-reported data (n = 184 participants, 61% female, 34.7 ± 8.0 years) was collected through the Strainprint^® app. Tracked sessions were included if the method of administration was inhalation, treatment was for anxiety and the product used was dried flower. The final analyzed dataset encompassed three of the most commonly utilized dried flower products in anxiety sessions. Independent sample t-tests were used. The core analysis examined within subject changes overtime (pre-medication to post-medication) and interactions between time with two candidate moderators [gender (male, female) and age (18-29, 30-39, and 40 + years old)] by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For significant main effects of interactions, post hoc tests were conducted using a Bonferroni correction. A secondary analysis examined differences in proportion of emotives endorsed as a function of gender or age using chi-square test of independence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cannabis consumption resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety scores among both males and females (average efficacy of 50%) and efficacy was similar across the three cultivars. However, gender differences in efficacy were identified in two of the cultivars. All age groups experienced significant reductions in their anxiety post cannabis consumption; however, the 40 + year old group had significantly less efficacy than the other groups. The overall optimal dosing for the entire cohort was 9-11 inhalations for males and 5-7 inhalations for females, with some variation in dosing across the different cultivars, genders and age groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We found all three cultivars had significant anxiolytic effects and were well-tolerated. Some limitations of the study are the moderate sample size, self-reported diagnosis of anxiety, unknown comorbidities and experience with cannabis, whether other drugs or cannabis products were used, and restriction to solely inhaled administration. We suggest that the gender and age differences in optimal dosing could support both healthcare practitioners and patients initiate medical cannabis treatment for anxiety.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10251626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9610924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Desert Whale: the boom and bust of hemp in Arizona.","authors":"Anastasia K Stats,&nbsp;Ken G Sweat,&nbsp;Robert N Masson,&nbsp;Kendra D Conrow,&nbsp;Amy E Frazier,&nbsp;Maxwell C K Leung","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00187-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00187-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This paper examines the factors that led to the collapse of hemp grown for cannabidiol (CBD) in Arizona, the United States of America (USA), and particularly in Yuma County, which is a well-established agricultural area in the state.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This research uses a combination of mapping analysis along with a survey of hemp farmers to assess the reasons why the hemp industry collapsed as well as to foster solutions to these problems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2019, 5430 acres were sown with hemp seed in Arizona with 3890 acres inspected by the state to determine if they could be harvested. By 2021, there were only 156 acres planted, and only 128 of those acres were inspected by the state for compliance. (Crop mortality accounts for the difference between acres sown and acres inspected.) CONCLUSIONS: A lack of knowledge about the hemp life cycle greatly contributed to the failure of high CBD hemp crops in Arizona. Other problems included noncompliance with tetrahydrocannabinol limits, poor sources for seeds and inconsistent genetics of the hemp varieties sold to farmers, and diseases that hemp plants were susceptible to such as Pythium crown and root rot and beet curly top virus. Addressing these factors will go far in making hemp a profitable and widespread crop in Arizona. Additionally, hemp grown for other traditional uses (e.g., fiber or seed oil) as well as new applications (e.g., microgreens, hempcrete, and phytoremediation) offers other pathways for successful hemp agriculture in this state.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10251686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9608600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reasonable access: important characteristics and perceived quality of legal and illegal sources of cannabis for medical purposes in Canada.","authors":"N Rielle Capler,&nbsp;Lynda G Balneaves,&nbsp;Jane A Buxton,&nbsp;Thomas Kerr","doi":"10.1186/s42238-023-00185-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00185-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Throughout the past two decades of legal medical cannabis in Canada, individuals have experienced challenges related to accessing legal sources of cannabis for medical purposes. The objective of our study was to examine the sources of cannabis accessed by individuals authorized to use medical cannabis and to identify possible reasons for their use of illegal sources.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individuals who participated in the Cannabis Access Regulations Study (CANARY), a national cross-sectional survey launched in 2014, and indicated they were currently authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes in Canada were included in this study. We assessed differences between participants accessing cannabis from only legal sources versus from illegal sources in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and characteristics of medical cannabis they considered important. A secondary analysis assessed differences in satisfaction with various dimensions of cannabis products and services provided by legal versus illegal sources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Half of the 237 study participants accessed cannabis from illegal sources. Individuals accessing cannabis from illegal sources were significantly more likely to value pesticide-free products, access to a variety of strains, ability to select strain and dosage, ability to observe and smell cannabis, availability in a dispensary, and availability in small quantities than did individuals accessing cannabis from only legal sources (all p < 0.05). Additionally, participants gave significantly higher satisfaction scores to illegal sources than to legal sources on service-related dimensions of cannabis access (all p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings contribute to an understanding of reasonable access to medical cannabis from a patient perspective and how to assess whether it has been achieved. Characteristics of cannabis products and services valued by patients and appropriate to their needs should be incorporated into legal medical cannabis programs to promote the use of legal medical sources. While pertaining specifically to medical use of cannabis in Canada, the findings of this study may also be instructive for understanding the use of illegal cannabis sources for non-medical purposes in Canada and provide insight for other jurisdictions implementing cannabis regulations for both medical and non-medical purposes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cannabis Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10251568/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9981896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}