Association of Psychiatry criticises Malta’s government for cannabis legalisation
Following the approval of the cannabis bill by the Maltese government and its signing into law by the country’s president, Malta’s psychiatric body has openly criticised the move. According to the Times of Malta, the Malta Association of Psychiatry said that the lack of planning surrounding the country’s new cannabis laws was “frankly frightening and […]
New study presents encouraging results for cannabis treatment for autism
Scientists in Israel have revealed the results of a recent study into the potential of cannabis formulations as a treatment option for autism disorder. The study aimed to understand how the two most common cannabis compounds – CBD and THC – could be useful. The study, which involved the administration of cannabis formulations in autistic […]
Adolescent cannabis use has plummeted in 2021, new study finds
Despite the legal cannabis market continuing to open up across the United States, a new federal study has found that cannabis use among adolescents actually decreased in 2021. According to a press release issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a recent survey of substance use behaviours and related attitudes among eighth, 10th, and […]
Pfizer spends $6.7bn to enter the medical cannabis industry
Pfizer, the company behind one of the coronavirus vaccines, has announced the acquisition of a biotech company, marking their entrance into the ever-evolving medical cannabis scene. Forbes reports that Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, has acquired all the outstanding shares of Arena Pharmaceutical for $100 per share in an all-cash deal, valuing […]
Nottingham nurse removed after convincing cancer patient to buy ‘cannabis oil’ from her
An agency nurse at one of the UK’s largest medical centres have been found to commit misconduct and struck off after an independent regulator heard she was selling cannabis oil to a cancer patient. The BBC reports that the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said Eliska Neuzilova, a nurse who, at the time, was working […]
The potential link between childhood trauma and psychotic symptoms in young cannabis users
A new study has found that there may be a link between childhood trauma and the development of psychotic symptoms in young cannabis users. The findings may represent a significant step in the conversation around cannabis and psychosis. Researchers at the University of Queensland concluded that childhood trauma (abuse and neglect) is a significant risk […]
The clear advice for those using cannabis alongside other drugs
A recently published study found that using cannabis while taking other drugs could result in some unexpected and unpleasant side effects. According to News Medical, researchers at the Washington State University concluded that the consumption of cannabis and drugs concurrently may come with a significant risk of harmful drug-drug interactions, such as toxicity or accidental […]
Global Commission on Drug Policy recommends an end to prohibition of drugs
The Global Commission on Drug Policy – a group that was formed a decade ago by leaders from Europe and the United Nations to tackle issues relating to drug use – has released a new report supporting an end to drug prohibition, among other recommendations. The report, titled Time to End Prohibition, notes that, while a […]
Psychedelic substance Ibogaine to be tested for potential as an addiction treatment
It is estimated that around 100,000 people die from drug overdoses in the US every year. The majority of these deaths are related to the use of both prescribed and illicit fentanyl – a powerful opioid that is used as a painkiller. The deadly opioid epidemic of North America has left researchers and lawmakers urgently […]
Study on how ‘magic mushrooms’ affect frontline healthcare workers given green light
A study that will examine how psychedelics, combined with psychotherapy, could affect the mental health of frontline workers, starts soon, making it one of the first studies of its kind. According to a report in MedPage Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has given the green light for the randomised trial. […]