Once upon a time – and for a LONG time – the only cannabis research permitted in the U.S. was on government-sanctioned cannabis cultivated in Mississippi.

But fewer government research restrictions coupled with improved global legalization efforts created an exciting new shift in cannabis research during 2022.

Interesting New Cannabis Research

While many studies remain focused on the effects of THC and CBD, some researchers are starting to look at cannabis products available commercially. They’re also looking into terpenes and other components outside of THC and CBD.

The following four discoveries were among the more interesting in 2022.

1. Cannabis Could Protect Against Some Age-Related Brain Decline

As we age, the way different brain regions communicate changes. These shifts can lead to cognitive decline and memory impairment. Curious as to whether cannabis could be a viable treatment for this, scientists in Colorado used neuro-imaging to look at the brains of adults over 60 who used cannabis at least once per week.

Despite all the jokes about memory loss while smoking weed, it turns out that those who used cannabis regularly had stronger communication patterns between those brain regions than adults who didn’t use cannabis. In fact, the regular users had communication that was closer to that of younger non-using adults.

While this specific study wasn’t a controlled or randomized experiment, it does point to the possibility that small amounts of regular cannabis use may help combat cognitive decline.

2. CBD May Not Buffer Negative Effects From THC

Given the complexity of the cannabis plant, researchers are still trying to get a handle on the entourage effect. Up to this point, the overriding belief was that CBD can counter some of THC’s negative effects. As a result, cannabis products containing ratios of 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 CBD to 10mg THC ratios have flooded dispensary shelves.

But when researchers performed a double-blind experiment involving 46 cannabis users, they found that the CBD did very little to blunt the THC at these ratios. The researchers measured not just psychological responses, but physiological responses as well including blood pressure and heart rate.

While there’s more research needed on higher CBD:THC ratios to determine if these are more effective, the best practice for those with THC sensitivity is to stick with lower doses rather than try to lessen them by adding CBD.

3. CBD-Rich Cannabis Helps Those With Autism

Speaking of higher CBD:THC ratios, Israeli scientists experimented with a 20:1 CBD to THC cannabis oil to address secondary symptoms suffered by those with autism. Clinical trials revealed that subjects experienced reductions in anxiety and self-injury behaviors, fewer rate attacks, and improved sleep.

Above and beyond those though, cannabis use improved communication skills and enabled daily-living skills including eating, cleaning, and getting dressed in children and adolescents. All of this gives parents great hope that their children may someday live more independent lives.

  4. Terpenes Are More Attractive Than THC Levels

There are many studies addressing cannabis consumer’s preferences.  These can be helpful for cannabis marketing experts and business owners.

But one of the more interesting studies in 2022 revealed that it isn’t so much the THC levels that determine the desirability of a vape product or flower. It’s the terpenes; those hundreds of aroma compounds in each plant that give it its unique flavor and odor.

In other words, researchers determined that a product’s smell is the best predictor of enjoyment and highlights the importance of terpenes in a product’s quality.

The World of Cannabis Continues to Bloom

If you’re a cannabis business owner, you know that this industry is forever evolving and changing. You need to work with only the most experienced in the industry to ensure the success of your company.

And to stay on top of new cannabis research and other news, keep checking back with our blog.

The post What Did New Cannabis Research In 2022 Reveal? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Meanwhile, Israel is at the forefront of research in the industry. This is partially because that’s where cannabis research originated. But it’s also the result of having far more freedom to conduct research there.

In the antiquated United States, there is only one solitary place where growing marijuana for research is permitted. With a new ruling however, it looks like that’s FINALLY going to change.

The Mississippi Monopoly

Since 1968, the University of Mississippi (more affectionately known as Ole Miss) has had the monopoly on growing weed for research purposes. This is, as we all know, because the federal government continues to insist that cannabis is a Schedule I illegal drug. Thus, they would only permit one grower. (Insert eye roll here.)

Back in 2016, the Obama Administration sought to expand the research program and allow for additional growers. The program stalled out during Trump’s Administration, but the expansion process is now being completed by the Biden Administration.

Folks have known for a long time of the huge drawbacks of drawing conclusions from research done on cannabis from a singular location. For example, a university study done in 2019 found that the weed from the University of Mississippi had a genetic profile closer to hemp than what dispensaries are currently peddling. It was also moldy, contained sticks, and was not properly tested before being sent to researchers.

Upon discovering this, The Scottsdale Research Institute sued the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to allow other places to grow weed for research.

And Now for Something Completely Ironic

So here’s the twist.

The DEA is finally ready to end the University of Mississippi’s 50+ year monopoly. It ruled that it will work with new producers on the “production, storage, packaging, and distribution” of marijuana.

This is the same DEA which, for decades, had a major role in the federal government’s War on Drugs. So yeah, it’s pretty ironic.

But it’s progress, right? (We hope so.)

So Does This Mean More Cannabis Research in the U.S.?

Where cannabis is concerned, the DEA will no longer be just, as its name implies, an enforcer of drug laws. Their plan is to oversee a marijuana supply chain that involves purchasing research marijuana from an array of growers and shipping it to researchers funded by places such as the National Institutes of Health. They’ll also permit some growers to ship small amounts directly to research labs.

Of course, there are those who have doubts that the DEA can effectively handle a cannabis supply chain. But for the time being, scientists are rejoicing in this new ruling. And they’re pleased with how fast the DEA is moving – which is unusual given that it’s a government agency. Once the agency completes the review process of current applicants, they’re already poised to issue new licenses.

“This is a victory for scientific freedom,” said Sue Sisley, the president, and principal investigator at the Scottsdale Research Institute. As she told Science magazine, “It’s finally a chance to use real-world cannabis in our own studies and supply genetically diverse cannabis to scientists across the nation.”

We’re on board with that.

Are You a Cannabis Entrepreneur?

With the huge advantages resulting from more cannabis research in the U.S., now it a great time to get into the cannabis business.

If you’re looking to establish your cannabis business – or already have one – you need highly effective cannabis marketing and public relations from pioneers in the business.

That’s where we come in. Contact us today to get the expertise you need to make your cannabis business shine.

The post More Cannabis Research in the U.S.? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Just what IS the skinny on cannabis for sleep?!

There are no definitive answers. In fact, researchers are still trying to figure out why THC has a mellowing effect for some, while ramping up nervousness in others.

But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that points to its effectiveness in battling insomnia for a significant number of people.

If you’re one of those lucky folks, there are some things you should know about the complicated relationship between cannabis and precious sleep.

The Skinny on Cannabis for Sleep

Whether you’ve recently starting using cannabis for sleep, or you’ve been at it for a while, it may interest you to know the following:

1. Indica Vs. Sativa

For a long time, popular opinion dictated that sativa got you jazzed, while indica delivered a serious chill factor. It’s not quite that clearcut.

Yeah, pure indica strains are more likely to put you “in da couch” than their sativa counterparts. But there are additional complexities such as the terpene profile.

You should also be aware of whether the THC and CBD levels are high or low. Speaking of which…

2. CBD and THC Have Different Effects on Sleep

Up until now, the vast majority of studies on sleep and cannabis have examined high-THC cannabis. And as we mentioned above, if THC kicks up your anxiety, it’s probably not going to be ideal for sleeping.

Meanwhile, the research on CBD and sleep has been scarce. In one small study of 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, two-thirds of them reported that one month’s use of CBD helped them sleep. One-fourth of them, however, said their conditions worsened.

3. Say Goodbye to Vivid Dreams

If you love your dream world, then you should know that cannabis inhibits REM sleep and dreaming. And the less time you spend in REM, the fewer dreams you’ll have.

On the flip side, if you stop using cannabis, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a rebound in REM sleep and your dreams will be even more vivid.

4. Natural Sleep Remedies Can Boost Cannabis Efficacy

If you switched out your valerian root, melatonin or chamomile tea for cannabis, you may want to bring them back into the fold.

Research shows that natural sleep enhancers such as lavender and hops have many of the same terpenes that are found in cannabis – but in a higher concentration.

Pairing them up with cannabis can greatly enhance your ability to sleep.

5. Inhale or Ingest?

For those looking to fall asleep faster, inhalation is the way to go. Cannabis-infused edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in but the effects can last longer and help those who have trouble staying asleep.

6. Nighttime Use Could Create Cannabis Hangover

No, it’s not like an alcohol hangover. But you may feel a little dehydrated, lethargic or even congested if you regularly use cannabis for sleep. Then again, you may not.

Much like not drinking cheap wine, if you choose a high quality cannabis from a respected dispensary, you’ll decrease the risk of hangover.

7. May Not Be Good for Those under 15

Again, there’s minimal research on this. But what that minimal research shows is the potential for young adults using cannabis to help them sleep may develop sleeping problems into adulthood.

Then again, whether these young adults were already prone to insomnia is impossible to say. More studies are required. In the meantime, it’s still best practice for young adults to use cannabis with great discretion.

Will Cannabis Help You Sleep?

Now that you know the skinny on cannabis for sleep, only you can determine if it’s something that will (or will continue to) work for you.

But for now, it’s looking pretty promising for a lot of folks.

Stay informed with the latest in the cannabis industry by checking back with us.

And if you’re a cannabis business owner, turn to us for trusted advice on the best marketing and public relations strategy to forward your business. Contact us today for a consultation.

The post The Skinny on Cannabis for Sleep appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Except that there is.

Political leanings aside, Mississippi is not the problem. It’s the medical grade marijuana that’s been coming from that single farm that’s the problem.

To be blunt (no pun intended), it’s crap.

So the news about the DEA’s willingness to expand medical marijuana research has American scientists who study cannabis fully rejoicing. As much as a scientist can fully rejoice, at least.

Scientists Should Not Be So Quick on the Rejoicing

Here’s why: The DEA has made this promise before. Back in 2016, to be exact.

By this time, scientists recognized just how abysmal was the cannabis coming out of the University of Mississippi. We’re talking THC and CBD levels at far lower than what most consumers are using.

Given that the farm operates under a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this shouldn’t surprise anyone.

So the DEA stepped in and said, “Alright then. Here’s an idea. Let’s license more growers so that we can offer scientists a wider variety of high-quality research material!” And there was rejoicing.

But it didn’t happen. So who’s to say that THIS time is the charm?

Dr. Sue Sisley. That’s who.

What Drove the Decision to Expand Medical Marijuana Research

Sisley is a well-known cannabis researcher and the head of the Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) in Arizona. Since that 2016 decision, Sisley and her peers at the Institute have repeatedly contacted the DEA about growing their own cannabis.

But to no avail. The DEA didn’t respond to any of the communications.

Sick of the pushing, pulling and cajoling, Sisley took legal action. She filed a lawsuit in June to force the DEA to carry out the measures it announced it would in 2016.

She felt that it was crucial that the DEA make good on their pledge to the public to end the NIDA monopoly and license other growers for research.

The announcement from the DEA has not sent her out onto the streets rejoicing though.

How the DEA Is Spinning It

Skimming over the fact that they had to be sued to take action, U.S. Attorney General William Barr applauded the DEA’s efforts.

The DEA is eating it up – positioning this sudden change of opinion as a unilateral step forward.

“We believe registering more growers will result in researchers having access to a wider variety for study,” said the DEA’s suddenly bright-eyed Acting Administrator.

Uh yeah. Duh.

But will they do it this time?

The DEA Filed SRI’s Application

They also filed 32 other pending applications to grow marijuana for research purposes. Even so, Sisley remains “cautiously optimistic.” And with good reason.

The DEA’s chameleon-like ability to do a complete about face while simultaneously falling back on their promise is impressive. But it doesn’t exactly instill trustworthiness.

Interestingly enough, the decision to file the applications came just two days before the DEA was scheduled to deliver a court-ordered response explaining why it had not processed SRI’s three-year old application.

Sisley feels that the top priority now is to hold the DEA accountable to this promise and ensure they follow the timelines they laid out on the day of the announcement.

Of course, even if they do follow everything to a T, it’s going to take some time for these additional cannabis sources to be available.

But for now, it feels like a victory.

The Cannabis Landscape Is Constantly in Flux

The DEA’s announcement to expand medical marijuana research is just one of the many happenings in the marijuana world.

If you want to stay up to date on the latest, keep checking back with our blog.

And if you’re a cannabis business trying to figure out how to stay ahead in this ever-changing industry, then contact us today. As experts in cannabis marketing and public relations, we’ll keep you in the loop.

The post DEA Agrees to Expand Medical Marijuana Research appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

A recent study revealed that the cannabis from a federally authorized cultivation site is genetically closer to hemp than the cannabis varieties currently available at dispensaries.

So what’s the big deal? Why not do research on marijuana from other sites then?

Because there is only that ONE federally authorized cultivation site. (They’re almost as rare as unicorns.)

And that their research-grade marijuana is closer to hemp than cannabis is… problematic.

How the Recent Study Was Conducted

This wasn’t the first study done on the only federally authorized research-grade marijuana, which happens to be cultivated at the University of Mississippi.

Previous studies found that the marijuana – funded, interestingly enough, by the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – had lower levels of THC and CBD when compared to commercial cannabis products.

Intrigued by this, researchers at the University of Northern Colorado set out to understand the genetic variances.

It was a comprehensive study that looked at 49 different cannabis samples, including the NIDA-supplied marijuana, various commercial-grade indica, sativa and hybrid strains, and hemp.

Much to the surprise of researchers, genetic analysis revealed just how different NIDA’s marijuana is from the cannabis most people are consuming.

The NIDA marijuana shared a closer “genetic affinity with hemp samples in most analyses” than it did with commercially available marijuana, the study authors wrote. “To our knowledge, this is the first genetic study to include research-grade marijuana from NIDA, and its placement with hemp samples was unexpected.”

Research-Grade Marijuana Is Closer to Hemp?

As we said before, this is problematic.

The main concern being, of course, just how applicable the results of research using the government marijuana are when it comes to evaluating the effects of products people are consuming.

Federally approved marijuana research has relied on the NIDA supply. If the research was solely concerned with THC and CBD content, the samples might be useful. But study participants who consume the NIDA varieties could be experiencing effects that are quite different from those getting their marijuana from dispensaries.

“As the interest for medical Cannabis increases, it is important that research examining the threats and benefits of Cannabis use accurately reflect the experiences of the general public,” the researchers wrote.

Uh, yeah.

Pushing for Change

It’s no secret that the limited supply and lack of diversity of cannabis varieties available from this sole source in Mississippi is hindering research.

That’s why Attorney General William Barr recently received two letters from a group of bipartisan senators stressing the importance of kicking up the number of federally authorized growers of research-grade marijuana.

In one letter, the senators point out that adding more facilities wouldn’t represent a violation of international treaties. In the second letter, they focus more broadly on the need to expedite processing applications for additional cultivators.

“Our nation’s need for meaningful federally sanctioned research is critical,” the senators write.

“Research and medical communities should have access to research-grade materials to answer questions around marijuana’s efficacy and potential impacts, both positive and adverse. Finalizing the review of applications for marijuana manufacturing will assist in doing just that.”

Now it’s up to Barr and the other folks at the Justice Department to make it happen.

Keep Moving Forward

The fact that the sole source of research-grade marijuana is closer to hemp is a little unnerving. But at least there are responsible lawmakers in D.C. doing their part to advocate for the industry.

In the meantime, if your cannabis business could use a little more publicity, we’re here to advocate for you. Contact us today to see how we can boost your public relations.

The post Federally Authorized Research-Grade Marijuana Is Closer to Hemp Than Cannabis appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

What a strange turn of events. Even just fifteen years ago, it would have been hard to imagine that the government would support medical cannabis research – let alone FORCE it.

But as the world has become (at least a little) more enlightened in terms of the benefits of medical marijuana, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has been slow to get on the bandwagon.

Which is weird, considering how much medical cannabis could benefit military veterans. Yet it’s also not weird, considering the often old-school conservative viewpoints often possessed by the military complex.

So what’s a veteran to do?

Many Veterans Already Use Medical Cannabis

When compared to the general population, veterans experience a disproportionately high rate of certain medical conditions. So yes, there seems to be a correlation.

Among other conditions, veterans can experience persistent and even disabling pain as the result of injuries to the back, neck and spinal cord, as well as the debilitating effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from active combat.

In treating veterans, the main goal has been to figure out how to continue to function while minimizing physical and emotional pain. And we all know that turning to just opioids has, thus far, NOT been the answer.

But cannabis has helped. Aside from relieving pain, it can also help control the nausea associated with taking even small amounts of opioid drugs. It’s also powerful in addressing the nausea, vomiting and dizziness that can accompany severe, prolonged pain.

Cannabis has also been found to help many patients suffering from conditions that can afflict veterans as a result of their service, including cancer, ALS, traumatic brain injury, PTSD and phantom limb pain.

So Why Has the VA Resisted Cannabis Research?

Despite the evidence, the VA has a history of not wishing to classify conditions affecting veterans as being the result of military service.

For example, soldiers exposed to radiation during their participation in weapons trials in the 1950s and 1960s were sworn to secrecy. Then there was the whole Agent Orange debacle. And it would take more than 20 years for scientists to identify the changes in the brains of Gulf War veterans with an unpleasant menagerie of neurological symptoms.

Their resistance to cannabis research even caused them to enlist a policy whereby they refused VA health services to veterans who used medical cannabis. In 2011, a directive was issued to ensure that this could no longer be the case.

In response to their resistance, the government has been relatively lenient in terms of medical cannabis research on veterans. But this new bill would change that some.

How This Legislation Is Different

Introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), this bill would direct the VA to conduct clinical trials on the effectiveness of medical marijuana in the treatment of conditions common among military veterans.

Last year’s version of this bill stated that the VA may conduct and support research that related to the efficacy of cannabis. The latest version stipulates that the VA shall begin conducting clinical trials on cannabis.

“Our bill will make sure the VA takes proactive steps to explore medicinal cannabis as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for veterans suffering from injuries or illness received in the line of duty,” says Tester, the ranking member on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials would cover the potential therapeutic applications of marijuana for post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. The VA would be required to study how it impacts opioid, benzodiazepine and alcohol consumption, as well as spasticity, inflammation, sleep quality, anxiety, agitation, mood, quality of life, social functioning, suicidal ideation and frequency of nightmares or night terrors.

Even so, the VA remains reluctant about engaging in marijuana research. Which should come as no surprise.

They’re claiming that they’re committed to finding and researching effective ways to cope with chronic pain and PTSD for veterans, but that federal law restricts their ability to conduct research.

And that, friends, is nothing more than fake news.

What a relief it will be when we finally wake up and eradicate federal prohibition. Hopefully much of the ignorance will go with it.

The post New Senate Bill Could Force VA to Begin Researching Medical Cannabis appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

The study found that medical marijuana laws reduce the number of daily doses filled for opioids among Medicare Part-D and Medicaid enrollees.

It also found that states with medical marijuana programs have fewer overdose deaths from opioids than states who don’t have medical marijuana programs.

“The beauty of marijuana is that it works and, number two, people don’t overdose or kill themselves with it,” said Dr. David Crocker of Michigan Holistic Health.

Crocker said it’s very common for people to start by using prescription opiates for pain and then upgrade to the deadly drug heroin, which causes them to overdose. He said he believes marijuana can help treat chronic pain along with other positive effects.

“It helps the pain directly, but a lot of our patients will come back a couple of months later and say, ‘Well, yeah, my pain’s better, and I’m sleeping better, and I’m getting along with my spouse better, and I just generally feel better and I’m much happier,'” said Crocker.

Overall, he said he believes legalizing marijuana will lead to more lives saved.

The post New Opioid vs. Marijuana Study appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Julie Mack of Mlive explains how opioid prescriptions in Michigan have risen 41% from 2009 to 2015. She says, according to state data, Michigan healthcare providers wrote enough prescriptions for opioid drugs in 2015 and 2016 to provide every Michigan resident with his or her own bottle of narcotics. In fact, she says Michiganders are twice as likely to overdose on prescription painkillers than heroin.

Many have been questioning whether the medical cannabis industry could help combat the overwhelming opioid crisis. In December 2017, a national marijuana patient advocacy group called Americans for Safe Access distributed a blueprint explaining how cannabis medicines can help break the addiction cycle in prescription pain medication abuse.

This paper uses Michigan as a case study in order to see the correlation between the effectiveness of the state’s medical marijuana program and the decreasing amount of deaths and hospitalizations reported. Based on national statistics, ASA reported that, “Michigan’s medical marijuana program resulted in 531 lives saved and 23% fewer hospitalizations in Michigan from opioid exposure.”

After proving an increase in lives saved due to medical marijuana, ASA continues by explaining how more than 5 million Michigan residents currently can’t register for medical cannabis use due to things, including, living in poverty or assisted living situations, employers testing for cannabis, and being a federal employee or an organ donor.

They say these limitations are a problem and suggest that advocates and legislators respond to the enrollment crisis with the following actions: pass laws to allow hospice and assisted living facilities to use medical cannabis on the premises and become caregivers, create low-income and hardship waivers for ID costs, pass laws banning drug testing for THC for employment, create a Medical Cannabis Research and Development Fund and more.

In their blueprint, ASA includes a draft of legislation that would modify the MMMA and other laws in order to help accomplish most of these changes.

To view the full blueprint, visit safeaccessnow.org/opioidblueprint and click download the report.

The post Opioid Crisis vs. Medical Marijuana in Michigan appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.