A Forbes article shedding light on #CBD and its effects on the livers of mice. Dr Peter Grinspoon and Devitt-Lee wisely talk some sense around the lousy methods and insensible dosage used on mice to command sensational headlines. http://bit.ly/2XMP36W
Surveys on medical professionals’ opinions on medical cannabis show that while many are still skeptical and do not think it is completely safe, younger doctors and those on the East coast are more supportive. This clash could be good for solving some common concerns with cannabis. http://bit.ly/2XQVxWz
Benjamin Caplan, MDSurveys show medical professionals’ opinions clashing around Cannabis
Throughout the ages, from health & wellness, religious rituals, and textile applications to the entertainment and social elements, cannabis has been a vital part of multiple sectors of human culture.
For millions, the modern cannabis revival is a welcome return home to a core element that has been missing for years.
Self-reported Medical and Nonmedical Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women in the United States
An observational study has revealed that the prevalence and frequency of cannabis use in pregnant women have increased over the past two decades.
No trends were seen although except a slight decrease in fetal growth in women who frequently used during the first two trimesters. The data concerning fetal growth, such as length and weight, were not statistically significant and would require further studies to appropriately indicate a correlation between cannabis use and decreased fetal growth.
The authors acknowledge that cannabis use may suffer from recall bias as women may underestimate the amount of cannabis they consumed or purposely withheld some information due to stigma, although some of the surveyed women were using recommended medical cannabis.
This article highlights the large issue surrounding women consuming cannabis while expecting. Cannabinoids are able to cross the placenta and therefore affect the fetus during development. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend the cessation of any cannabis consumption while pregnant although there has been limited data discussing the actual effects on fetal development. A previously featured article on this blog stated that cannabis use had no effect on birth outcomes but also noted uncertainty in the possible effect on fetal growth. Considering this uncertainty, physicians should push for more research so that women who take medical cannabis can accurately discern whether or not to cease consumption while pregnant.
Some believe that it is difficult to compete with industry giants, such as Tilray and Cronos. But, Israel’s long history of cannabis research and its innovative companies, leading tech and strong agricultural climate make it a likely region to attract many in the global cannabis market. http://bit.ly/2IPXbz8
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Benjamin Caplan, MDIsrael and the global cannabis market
Tennessee is yet another state looking to regulate hemp effectively, and a proposed solution to this is on-the-go testing kits to determine THC levels in hemp products. If executed well, this could prevent many from being charged with possession of cannabis and save money in the courts and prison systems http://bit.ly/2ISjm7V
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Benjamin Caplan, MDRegulation of hemp in Tennessee
According to anthropologists, Cannabis plants were burned in wooden braziers (circa 500 BCE) during ceremonies at the Jirzankal Cemetery in the eastern Pamirs region.
This suggests that cannabis was smoked as part of ritual activities in western China at least 2,500 years ago. Interestingly, phytochemical analyses reveal that these cannabis plants produced high levels of psychoactive compounds, suggesting that people used cannabis not only for medical purposes but also to get intoxicated.
Kudos to Kyle Jaeger for a helpful summary of last week’s US House’s vote on an amendment to block the Department of Justice from interfering in states’ legal cannabis programs. His work outlines which representatives stand where, with regard to #cannabis. Interesting to see, and how times change! http://bit.ly/2LgKO0P
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Benjamin Caplan, MDUS House of Representatives votes to support state legal cannabis
Statistics show that in the past 15 years, the number of pregnant women using marijuana, especially in their first trimester, has risen greatly. These numbers may be slightly skewed, but they show the importance of more research being done on the effect of cannabis on pregnant women. https://cnn.it/2WWQV1e