Medical Marijuana Research Articles

Attitudes and Knowledge of Medical Students in South of Israel Toward Medical Cannabis.

Public and medical interest in the use of cannabis has increased in Israel and the world over recent years. The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes of medical students from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on the use of medical cannabis. This is a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire completed by medical students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Attitudes and knowledge toward the use of medical cannabis were evaluated. A total of 243 medical students participated in the study. Of these, 111 (46.1%) were from preclinical years. The mean age was 27.31 ± 3.07, and 138 (57.3%) were female students. Most students (N = 193, 79.4%) agreed to a great degree or to a very great degree that there was a role for cannabis for medical purposes. Most students thought that medical cannabis should be recommended for use by pain specialists (N = 231, 95.1%), by oncologists (N = 208, 85.6%), and by psychiatrists (N = 192, 79%). A little more than half of the participants (N = 127, 52.5%) would agree to be licensed, as future physicians, to prescribe medical cannabis. A logistic regression analysis found that the students strongly agreed with legalization of medical cannabis and students who strongly agreed that medical cannabis should be in the health basket predicted a very strong agreement about its use (OR = 2.623, P ≤ 0.002, and OR = 3.285, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). Most medical students support the use of medical cannabis for medical purposes and are in favor of its legalization. As physicians of the future, it is important to assess the attitudes of medical students on medical cannabis.

Legal Review in Indonesia Positive Law Concerning Marijuana Use for Medical Purposes

The legalization of marijuana varies across countries, with some prohibiting its use while others are starting to legalize it for medical purposes. Despite its potential therapeutic benefits, marijuana use is often stigmatized due to concerns about addiction. In Indonesia, marijuana is classified as a Class I narcotic, prohibiting its use for medicinal purposes under Law Number 35 of 2009, which restricts access to medical marijuana and raises human rights issues for individuals seeking necessary treatments. This study aims to analyze the potential benefits of legalizing medical marijuana in Indonesia and propose regulatory changes that align with the evolving needs of society and human rights principles. The research method used is a normative legal research method, involving the analysis of legal documents, literature reviews, and interviews with experts in law and health to evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on medical marijuana use. The findings suggest that appropriate legal reforms can reduce stigma, ensure access to treatment, and uphold the right to health without the threat of criminal penalties. Therefore, revising narcotic laws to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes with proper regulations is crucial to provide those in need of treatment the opportunity to access marijuana legally without fear of criminal punishment, and to help reduce the stigma associated with its use.

Research Note: Medical Cannabis Tourism

ABSTRACTMedical cannabis is an emerging topic of interest as stakeholders come to terms with how the demand and supply of such controlled substances are regulated across nations. Then, by extension, the provision of medical cannabis has given rise to tourism encounters where people, places, and spaces intersect. However, medical cannabis tourism has received very little attention in scholarly literature. This research note seeks to provide an overview of developments related to medical cannabis, fundamental questions that tourism scholars and practitioners need to be cognisant of, and charts avenues for future research.

Overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: a scoping review using a systematic approach

ObjectivesThe use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis...

S16 - Factors Associated With Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adults Using Medical Marijuana in Florida

S16 - Factors Associated With Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adults Using Medical Marijuana in Florida

Exploring The Contours: Navigating Cannabis Use Among Older Adults

Cannabis has been employed medicinally throughout history, with recent renewed interest for use due to media awareness and medical marijuana legislation. The geriatric population, identified as those 65 years of age and older, is increasingly using cannabis-derived products, has a higher likelihood of having multiple comorbidities, and is subject to polypharmacy. These individuals are at increased risk of psychiatric and other medical adverse events due to their decreased physical and cognitive reserve and changes in their physicality. Recreational use of cannabis in this population has not been well studied, but medical marijuana use has been investigated more frequently. Increased nonmedical use increases the risk of adverse health consequences. Heavy regular use can lead to cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is formerly known as cannabis abuse and dependence, and may also lead to impaired social functioning and psychiatric comorbidity. The pattern of patients admitted to hospitals has dramatically changed recently, with an increased number of elderly patients being frequently admitted. As such, due to the ease of accessing CBD, this vulnerable cohort is seen more frequently in the hospital, and we need to be more vigilant and inquire about cannabis use as we do, asking about routine medications and over-the-counter supplements. In the U.S., marijuana laws have been changing rapidly, and Americans increasingly favor legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational uses. Policymakers should ensure that training on cannabis screening and interventions for CUD are provided to clinicians to equip them better to monitor and treat patients with cannabis-related problems.

Medical Cannabis Patients Under the Age of 21 in the United States: Description of Demographics and Conditions from a Large Patient Database, 2019-2023.

Existing research on medical cannabis patients has often overlooked those younger than 21. This study aimed to detail the frequency and rate of pediatric medical cannabis patients in the US using a large patient database. Utilizing Leafwell Patient Database data from 2019 to mid-2023, we described demographics and qualifying conditions, employing descriptive statistics and χ2 tests to discern differences between minors (0-17 years) and young adults (18-20 years). We calculated rates per 100,000 population by state. Analyzing 13,855 patients, 5.7% were minors and 94.3% were young adults. Anxiety emerged as the primary self-reported condition for both groups, yet differences were seen for other conditions. Differences were observed by race/ethnicity, health insurance status, residency in adult-use states, and number of reported conditions. Notably, both groups reported a similar average number of conditions. This study underscores demographic distinctions between minor-aged medical cannabis patients and young adults. There is a need for comprehensive clinical research addressing efficacy, safety, and tailored guidelines specific for pediatric medical cannabis patients. Such insights are pivotal for healthcare providers and policymakers in navigating medical cannabis treatment protocols.

Addressing Confusion and Inconsistencies Surrounding the Provider Role in Medical Cannabis Programs.

More than 40 states in the United States have established medical cannabis programs that authorize the use of cannabis for specific medical conditions. Initially, these medical cannabis programs aimed to offer compassionate care primarily for terminal or rare, untreatable conditions. However, the scope of these programs has broadened to include nonterminal and more common conditions, including various medical and mental disorders. This expansion introduces several health care challenges: a lack of robust research evidence for many listed conditions, a sense of unpreparedness among providers, and a disparity in provider roles, expectations, and responsibilities across different states, leading to potential confusion. To address these issues, medical organizations need to develop expert consensus or guidelines that underscore evidence-based shared decision-making and patient monitoring standards. Medical education should also include such training. Concurrently, medical providers must prioritize evidence-based treatment over public opinion, exercise clinical judgment, and take responsibility for their recommendations.

The Impact of Associations on Accessibility of Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil Looking at Fasciculated Roots of Policy and Access to Products

This mini-review analyzes the crucial role of associations in improving access to medical Cannabis in Brazil. It highlights the facilitating role of social control, which paves the way for access to medical Cannabis in the country by promoting public debates and generating evidence from real-life experiences. These associations exert a significant influence on the development of policies and patient access to Cannabis-derived products. Despite the lack of specific regulatory frameworks, they are emerging as essential entities in the healthcare landscape, particularly for patients in need of Cannabis-based treatments. In addition to facilitating access to medicine through advocacy and legal support, these organizations are also involved in the production and supply of medical Cannabis. This review addresses the current challenges facing the associations, such as strict prohibitionist policies, the need for quality standards, and limited research. It also discusses potential opportunities in the absence of a robust regulatory environment, with growth supported by a fasciculated root system

Regulation of The Use of Marijuana for Medical Purposes: A Comparison of Civil Law and Common Law Legal Systems

This study aims to determine the Regulation of the Use of Marijuana for Medical Purposes: Comparison of Civil Law and Common Law Legal Systems. This research uses normative juridical research methods using literature studies derived from Legislation, scientific journals, books related to medical cannabis discourse and analyzed qualitatively. Regulations related to Class I Narcotics in Indonesia are regulated in Law Number 35 of 2009 and Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 30 of 2023. The use of cannabis as medicine is an urgent need. European countries are at the forefront of legalizing medical cannabis. Some European countries with a Civil Law legal system have different regulations in legalizing marijuana for medical purposes based on ownership restrictions. Meanwhile, countries with a Common Law legal system establish medical cannabis legalization policies based on the needs of patients, the quality of health provision, and the protection of patient rights. This study concludes that countries with a Common Law legal system have a pragmatic, case-based legal style that functions through logical reasoning while countries with a Civil Law legal system are more about practical implications.

State Cannabis and Psychedelic Legislation and Microdosing Interest in the US

ImportanceDespite growing interest in psychedelics, there is a lack of routine population-based surveillance of psychedelic microdosing (taking “subperceptual” doses of psychedelics, approximately one-twentieth to one-fifth of a full dose, over prolonged periods). Analyzing Google search queries can provide insights into public interest and help address this gap.ObjectiveTo analyze trends in public interest in microdosing in the US through Google search queries and assess their association with cannabis and psychedelic legislative reforms.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cross-sectional study, a dynamic event-time difference-in-difference time series analysis was used to assess the impact of cannabis and psychedelic legislation on microdosing search rates from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. Google search rates mentioning “microdosing,” “micro dosing,” “microdose,” or “micro dose” within the US and across US states were measured in aggregate.ExposureEnactment of (1) local psychedelic decriminalization laws; (2) legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy and statewide psychedelic decriminalization; (3) statewide medical cannabis use laws; (4) statewide recreational cannabis use laws; and (5) all cannabis and psychedelic use restricted.Main Outcome and MeasuresMicrodosing searches per 10 million Google queries were measured, examining annual and monthly changes in search rates across the US, including frequency and nature of related searches.ResultsSearches for microdosing in the US remained stable until 2014, then increased annually thereafter, with a cumulative increase by a factor of 13.4 from 2015 to 2023 (7.9 per 10 million to 105.6 per 10 million searches, respectively). In 2023, there were 3.0 million microdosing searches in the US. Analysis at the state level revealed that local psychedelic decriminalization laws were associated with an increase in search rates by 22.4 per 10 million (95% CI, 7.5-37.2), statewide psychedelic therapeutic legalization and decriminalization were associated with an increase in search rates by 28.9 per 10 million (95% CI, 16.5-41.2), statewide recreational cannabis laws were associated with an increase in search rates by 40.9 per 10 million (95% CI, 28.6-53.3), and statewide medical cannabis laws were associated with an increase in search rates by 11.5 per 10 million (95% CI, 6.0-16.9). From August through December 2023, 27.0% of the variation in monthly microdosing search rates between states was explained by differences in cannabis and psychedelics legal status.Conclusion and RelevanceThis cross-sectional study found that state-led legislative reforms on cannabis and psychedelics were associated with increased public interest in microdosing psychedelics.

Optimization of Trimming Techniques for Enhancing Cannabinoid and Terpene Content in Medical Cannabis Inflorescences.

Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences are widely used in the medicinal field as treatments for a variety of symptoms and illnesses due to their unique phytochemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes. Common postharvest procedures for cannabis inflorescence include trimming, followed by drying, curing, and subsequent storage. The postharvest trimming step, particularly its timing (pre- or post-drying) and the extent of trimming, is not optimally refined in terms of its impact on the cannabinoid and terpene content. In this study, our objective was to identify the optimal trimming conditions for a commercially available medicinal cannabis hybrid chemovar, with the goal of maximizing its cannabinoid and terpene content. To achieve this, we investigated the effects of pre- versus post-drying trimming and evaluated the impact of mild versus aggressive trimming prior to drying on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles using liquid and gas chromatography. Our results indicated that pre-drying mild trimming yielded the highest cannabinoid concentration, possibly due to optimal balance between stress signals and precursor influx from the sugar leaves to the inflorescence. On the other, post-drying trimming yielded the highest terpene content. Identifying the optimal trimming conditions that maximize both cannabinoid and terpene levels in cannabis is challenging. Therefore, growers face a decision in their trimming practices: to prioritize either enhanced cannabinoid content or increased aromatic terpene concentrations, as optimizing for both simultaneously appears to be difficult.

Effects of medical cannabis use on physical and psychiatric symptoms across the day among older adults

IntroductionOlder adults are increasingly using medical cannabis (MC). It is unclear if therapeutic effects increase problematic use patterns. The current study addresses this issue by examining symptom trajectories across the day and using trajectories to predict problematic use. MethodsOne-hundred six older adults (age range 55–74) who endorsed medical conditions approved for treatment using MC were recruited online. Participants received six text messages/day to assess momentary symptoms for 15 days. ResultsParticipants provided 5,156 momentary assessments across 1,106 use days. Symptom trajectories were examined across the day. There was a decline in all symptoms following use. Negative affect, pain, and nausea evinced momentary negative reinforcement associations with cannabis intoxication. Momentary negative reinforcement was associated with adverse cannabis outcomes. Declines in post-use trauma symptoms and momentary negative reinforcement effects for negative affect were both associated with cannabis use disorder symptoms. DiscussionThese data suggest that MC may be effective in reducing common symptom clusters. However, the negative reinforcing effect (i.e., the link between use and symptom relief at the event level) may complicate the therapeutic nature (i.e., symptom reduction). Identifying interventions to maximize benefits while minimizing costs may increase the efficacy and safety of MC in older adults.

Employee health and corporate innovation: Evidence from medical cannabis legalisation

AbstractWe study the effects of employee health on corporate innovation by exploiting staggered medical cannabis legalisation across states from 1995 to 2020. Medical cannabis legalisation increases medical access, thereby significantly influences employee health. Using a difference‐in‐differences empirical design, we find that firms became more innovative after their states legalised medical cannabis use. In particular, we show that firms produced more patents, generated more patents with significant impacts, and attained higher patent value following the passage of bills to legalise medical cannabis. We identify a possible mechanism through which employee health spurs innovation: lower worker turnover. Lower worker turnover encourages firm‐specific human capital investments and facilitates inter‐generational knowledge transfer. Taken together, our findings support the hypotheses that medical cannabis legalisation improves employee health, overall well‐being and their innovative capacities.

Changes in medical cannabis use in Ontario, Canada (2014 to 2019): Trajectory of trends, medical authorization patterns and association with recreational cannabis legalization

ObjectivesWe characterized trends in medical cannabis use; examined characteristics associated with medical cannabis use without medical authorization; and examined the association between recreational cannabis legalization and medical cannabis use in Ontario, Canada. MethodsData were from a repeated, population-based, cross-sectional survey of adults (N = 19,543; 2014–2019). Cannabis use was categorized as either medical cannabis use, recreational cannabis use or no cannabis use. The analytical strategy included jointpoint regression, logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression. ResultsMedical cannabis use increased from 4 % to 11 % (Annual Percentage Change [APC]: 25 %, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 17 %–33 %) and recreational cannabis use increased from 9 % to 15 % (APC: 9 %, 95 % CI: 3 %-15 %) between 2014 and 2019. Being 18 to 29 years old compared with being 65+ years old was associated with an increased likelihood of medical cannabis use without medical authorization (Odds Ratio [OR]: 4.05, 95 % CI: 2.12–7.72), while being of fair or poor self-perceived health compared with excellent, very good or good self-perceived health (OR: 0.61, 95 % CI: 0.40–0.95) was associated with a decreased likelihood of medical cannabis use without medical authorization. Recreational cannabis legalization was associated with an increased likelihood of medical cannabis use compared with no cannabis use (OR: 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.19–1.85) and of recreational cannabis use compared with no cannabis use (OR: 1.35, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.65). ConclusionsAlthough medical cannabis use increased, it was largely used without medical authorization. Guidance and education that encourages medical usage under clinical supervision is recommended, and mitigation of known barriers to medical cannabis authorization.

Prevalence of Cannabis Use around the World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2000-2024.

This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of cannabis use to inform drug prevention strategies, policy-making, and resource allocation. This study initially screened 177,843 studies published between January 1, 2000, and January 15, 2024, using peer-reviewed databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Ultimately, 595 studies were identified for data extraction, and 39 of these were selected as country-representative studies. Heterogeneity among the selected studies was assessed using the chi-squared test and I2 statistic, while sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. The prevalence of cannabis use varied between 0.42% and 43.90% across 33 European countries, 1.40% to 38.12% across 15 North and South American countries, 0.30% to 19.10% across 16 Asian countries, and 1.30% to 48.70% across 18 Oceania and African countries. The pooled prevalence of cannabis use was 12.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.0, 14.3] in countries where cannabis is legalized, compared to 5.4% (95% CI: 4.3, 6.9) in non-legalized countries. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of cannabis use has disproportionately increased in most countries with the implementation of medical or recreational cannabis legalization policies and relevant geographic proximity. Increased efforts are needed to monitor newly cannabis-legalized countries and prevent initial use.

The Operation Model Development for Medical Cannabis Using of Public Hospitals in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

The Operation Model Development for Medical Cannabis Using of Public Hospitals in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

Medical marijuana in the treatment of cancer-associated symptoms.

Previous cancer studies have indicated that medical marijuana addresses a significant unmet need, namely chronic pain treatment and conferring oncology supportive care. However, the clinical research evaluating medical marijuana is preliminary and requires further consideration. We conducted a PubMed search primarily comprising retrospective and prospective studies, systematic reviews, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from approximately 2020-2023. The search included specific terms that incorporated medical marijuana, cancer treatment, cancer-related symptoms, pain management, and side effects. A total of 40 studies were included in the review, many of which were either of acceptable or good quality. Select investigations indicated that medical marijuana was associated with decreased overall pain levels and improvements in nausea and vomiting. Alternatively, the results from RCTs have found that the benefits from a placebo were equivalent to medical marijuana in both the treatment of cancer-related pain and providing an opioid-sparing effect. Despite the potential cancer-related benefits derived from medical marijuana, the study design and results for many of the investigations on which the evidence is based, were neither uniform nor conducted via RCTs; hence, the efficacy and appropriateness of medical marijuana in treating cancer-related conditions remain indeterminate.

Cannabinoids: Potential for Modulation and Enhancement When Combined with Vitamin B12 in Case of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like Δ9-THC and CBD. Cannabinoids exert distinct regulatory effects on physiological processes, prompting their investigation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research highlights their potential in modulating protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction, crucial factors in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining homeodynamics in neurodegenerative disorders and explores innovative therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles and RNA aptamers. Moreover, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglial activity, offering multifaceted neuroprotection including mitigating aggregation. Additionally, the potential integration of cannabinoids with vitamin B12 presents a holistic framework for addressing neurodegeneration, considering their roles in homeodynamics and nervous system functioning including the hippocampal neurogenesis. The potential synergistic therapeutic benefits of combining CBD with vitamin B12 underscore a promising avenue for advancing treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their effects and potential applications, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this field and its potential to reshape neurodegenerative disease treatment paradigms.

Health Care Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Medicinal Cannabis: The Case of Lebanon

Health Care Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Medicinal Cannabis: The Case of Lebanon