Daily Cannabis Use Shows Promise in Tackling Opioid Dependence
A new study published in the Drug and Alcohol Review reveals that daily cannabis consumption could be a valuable tool in helping chronic pain patients reduce their opioid use.
The research, conducted by a team from the British Columbia Centre on Substance Abuse, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University, tracked 1,242 people who use drugs and suffer from chronic pain over nearly eight years.
Interestingly, 764 of the participants had an “opioid cessation event.” Results indicated that those who used cannabis on a daily basis were much more likely to discontinue opioid use than those who used it less often or not at all.
When results were sorted by sex, the benefits were particularly pronounced among male participants.
The researchers suggest that variations in cannabis use behavior and its pharmacological effects between genders could be influencing these outcomes.
This research contributes to an increasing volume of evidence backing cannabis as a viable alternative to opioids. Cannabis legalization has been associated with decreased opioid prescriptions and fewer overdose fatalities in other studies, highlighting its potential as a medicine for pain management and opioid tapering initiatives.
In light of the current opioid epidemic, these results have widespread public health ramifications.
They are consistent with the argument that increasing access to recreational cannabis could help to alleviate the opioid epidemic by creating a less addictive option for chronic pain management.
Source: Marijuana Moment
Cannabinoid Strips for Weight Loss: A New Metabolic Breakthrough
In a landmark placebo-controlled study by NeX Therapeutics, researchers investigated the weight loss and metabolic impact of innovative mucoadhesive strips that deliver tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The study enrolled 44 middle-aged subjects—predominantly women—over a 90-day period.
Two doses were administered: a lower dose (8 mg THCV and 10 mg CBD) and a higher dose (16 mg THCV and 20 mg CBD).
The results were remarkable. Subjects utilizing the strips experienced statistically significant weight loss with reductions in abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, and lower rates of total and LDL cholesterol. The higher dose regimen was particularly effective, outperforming both the lower dose and the placebo group.
The study comes after growing evidence that cannabis compounds can modulate metabolic processes through the endocannabinoid system.
Researchers say these cannabinoid compounds could provide a dual therapeutic advantage: helping with weight loss and simultaneously improving overall metabolic health.
Although the sample size was limited—particularly in the high-dose and placebo groups—the promising findings herald a new direction in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, a chronic condition involving inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk.
With obesity and metabolic disease continuing to increase worldwide, the prospect of a non-invasive, cannabis-based therapeutic strategy is both timely and innovative.
Larger, longer-term trials are needed to replicate these proof-of-concept data and to establish long-term safety.
Source: UCF.eu
Green Extraction Paves Way for Cannabis-Based Cancer Combat
Scientists at Prince of Songkla University came up with an environmentally friendly way of extracting cannabis components through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with D-limonene and vegetable oils as alternatives to hazardous chemicals.
They developed a standardized D-limonene extract (DEC) and tested it against cancer cell lines and compared its activity to that of pure THC and CBD.
While the pure cannabinoids were highly effective cancer-killers at low doses, the D-limonene cannabis extract showed encouraging selectivity – it was moderately toxic to the breast cancer cells but had little effect on normal cells.
This green extraction process is not only less polluting but potentially more efficient than conventional processes using toxic solvents.
Although further research is required, this study creates new avenues for the utilization of naturally-derived cannabis products in the treatment of cancer.
Source: Pubmed
Cannabinoid Mix: Sleep and Mood Benefits Unveiled in New Pilot Trial
A new pilot trial published in Health Science Reports has demonstrated the sleep and mood benefits of a new cannabinoid supplement in adults with subthreshold insomnia.
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 participants (mean age 47.4) completed two 10-day treatment periods with a two-week washout in between.
The supplement being tested—a proprietary oral soft gel—was a blend of cannabinoids containing 3 mg of THC, 6 mg of cannabinol, 10 mg of cannabidiol (CBD), and a 90 mg dose of a specialty terpene blend.
Participants were assessed with a battery of validated questionnaires measuring sleep quality, insomnia severity, mood states, stress, anxiety, and general health-related quality of life.
Relative to placebo, the cannabinoid supplement had a significant impact on improving sleep quality and efficiency, lowering insomnia symptoms, and increasing health-related quality of life.
Importantly, anxiety measures also improved significantly following treatment, and mood subscales of tension, anger, fatigue, and depression showed trends for improved outcomes, though these failed to achieve statistical significance.
The crossover design of the study added strength to these findings by allowing each participant to act as their own control.
Provided it is replicated in larger groups, the new supplement would be a significant advancement in addressing ubiquitous sleep issues without side effects typical of conventional sleeping pills.
Source: Pubmed
Thai Cannabis Boom: Data Unveils a New Wave of Thai Cannabis Shops
A recent report has spotted a new trend among cannabis enthusiasts: the spread of Thai cannabis shops, which speaks to an increased demand for Thai cannabis products in the UK and beyond.
The data covers key statistics, trends, and consumer intelligence pertaining to Thai cannabis retailing. Apparently, the specialty shops have seen steady growth in traffic and online presence, reflecting an earthquake in the cannabis industry.
Specialty strains that are popular with locals and international consumers eager to experience new tastes and sensations are now stocked by a number of stores. The increase is the result of several factors: shifting consumer attitudes, improved supply lines, and the global normalization of cannabis culture.
In addition, the data underscores how digital platforms have been fuelling the trend. Social media and e-commerce are being increasingly used by Thai cannabis retailers as a means to reach wider customers, simplify experiences from discovery to purchase.
As more individuals clamour for quality, culturally distinct cannabis products, such businesses are poised to reap a growing market share.
The review also suggests that as regulatory frameworks keep developing and public perception keeps changing, Thai cannabis can keep growing in its influence.
Analysis of the data presents a picture of a dynamic, evolving industry that offers valuable foresight to policymakers, retailers, and investors in navigating the next chapter of cannabis commercialization.
Source: Dope Smoker
