Editor’ note: Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider. Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects.
Do not use marijuana or cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant.
Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery.
Children should not be exposed to marijuana, cannabis or CBD products.
[caption id="attachment_67028" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Pexels.com [/caption]
With more people's attention turning to natural solutions for health and leisure, the wellness sector has experienced a wonderful metamorphosis lately. Many people would rather avoid the negative effects of conventional medications, even if they are effective. Thus, natural chemicals from plants and other organic sources have become somewhat well-known. These substances provide a holistic approach to wellness, enabling people to keep balance in their mental and physical condition.
Plant-based cannabinoids are one especially interesting class of natural wellness remedies. Nowadays, consumers seeking substitutes for traditional choices go to HHC flower products online for their daily wellness regimen. For individuals looking for a more natural route to well-being, these products offer relaxing advantages free from the strong effects linked with other substances. These natural substitutes are fast going mainstream as accessibility rises, and more evidence supports their efficacy.
Pexels.com [/caption]
With more people's attention turning to natural solutions for health and leisure, the wellness sector has experienced a wonderful metamorphosis lately. Many people would rather avoid the negative effects of conventional medications, even if they are effective. Thus, natural chemicals from plants and other organic sources have become somewhat well-known. These substances provide a holistic approach to wellness, enabling people to keep balance in their mental and physical condition.
Plant-based cannabinoids are one especially interesting class of natural wellness remedies. Nowadays, consumers seeking substitutes for traditional choices go to HHC flower products online for their daily wellness regimen. For individuals looking for a more natural route to well-being, these products offer relaxing advantages free from the strong effects linked with other substances. These natural substitutes are fast going mainstream as accessibility rises, and more evidence supports their efficacy.
Elena Stains[/caption]
Elena Stains
Medical Student
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In 2019 to 2020, 2.5% of Americans reported using cannabis for medical needs, compared to 1.2% in 2013-2014, representing a 12.9% annual increase1. Forty states and the District of Columbia have legislation for some form of medical cannabis (MC) in 2024. Because MC is not federally legalized, each state creates its own legislation on the conditions that qualify a person for MC, without any standardized process to determine what qualifying conditions (QC) are proven to be aided by MC. Thus, the QCs chosen by states vary widely. Common QCs include cancer, dementia, and PTSD.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) published a report in 2017 on the evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids for over twenty conditions2. This report reviews the evidence of effectiveness of medical cannabis for the most common QCs chosen by states. The researchers at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to compare the evidence found by the NAS report with the QCs of 38 states (including the District of Columbia) in both 2017 and 2024. QCs were categorized based on NAS-established level of evidence: limited, moderate, or substantial/conclusive evidence of effectiveness, limited evidence of ineffectiveness, or no/insufficient evidence to support or refute effectiveness (Table 1).
Amy Kennalley[/caption]
Amy Kennalley, MBS
First Year Medical Student
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study
Response: The legalization of medical marijuana (MMJ) and the number of qualifying conditions are expanding across the USA, emphasizing the need to understand the implications of MMJ dispensary distribution for equitable access. Pennsylvania (PA) legalized MMJ in 2016, with the first dispensary opening its doors in 2018. The state currently recognizes 24 medical conditions for MMJ use, including six for which there is insufficient or no evidence for their efficacy as a treatment. Prior research suggests that there is a link between proximity to dispensaries and overall MMJ use. However, a gap exists in our understanding of how dispensary locations might be associated with the specific qualifying conditions for which individuals receive their certification.
In response to this knowledge gap, our study delved into the medical marijuana dispensary access in PA and explored associations with both MMJ certifications and the community demographics. Utilizing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we investigated how proximity to MMJ dispensaries related to the proportion of individuals certified for MMJ use within a specific area or Zip Code Tabulation Area. Additionally, we analyzed the proportion of certifications for conditions with varying levels of evidence supporting the efficacy of MMJ.
This pioneering study represents the first of its kind in PA, shedding light on the association between MMJ dispensary locations and certifications. Likewise, it is the first in the US to investigate the link between dispensary locations and specific qualifying conditions. By examining these dynamics, we aim to contribute vital insights to inform policy and practice, ensuring equitable access to MMJ treatment for individuals with diverse medical needs.
Dr. Di Ciano[/caption]
Patricia Di Ciano, PhD
Luke Cavanah[/caption]
Luke Cavanah, BS
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: It is well-known that schedule II stimulants, which are those that are highly addictive and include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine, have had increasing use and misuse in the US.
Despite understanding the presence of this phenomenon, the reason for it is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to see if rising rates of schedule II stimulants are related to the legalization of medical marijuana. We were interested in this because schedule II stimulants are primarily used as the treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic cannabis use has been demonstrated to cause neurocognitive deficits resembling that of ADHD, and the conditions have been shown to affect similar brain regions.
Dr. Kruger[/caption]
Jessica Kruger PhD
Clinical Associate Professor of Community Health and Health Behavior
University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The 2018 Farm Bill authorizing hemp production led to new cannabinoids in the consumer marketplace. As the market becomes increasingly saturated with suppliers, companies continually diversify available products.
The rapid emergence of novel cannabinoids outpaces systematic research necessary to inform regulations and harm reduction. Empirical evidence is needed to guide policies, practices, and education of consumers. Product manufacturers, social media participants, and cannabis oriented on-line news sources have claimed that THC-O-acetate is a "psychedelic" cannabinoid, producing experiences similar to those associated with LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT.
Dr. Potnuru[/caption]
Paul Potnuru, MD
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
The John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
