Erin McEvoy

The 2023 Portland show will include four tracks–analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation, psychedelics–plus a discussion on medical cannabis for veterans, and more!

In early March 2023, the US Justice Department launched an online application for individuals who were pardoned for simple possession of cannabis under President Biden's October 6, 2022 proclamation. Applicants can now receive a certificate of proof of their pardon.

If passed into law, SB 1466 would reduce cost of renewing a medical cannabis card in Arizona, among other changes. The bill passed the senate with bipartisan approval 24 to 6 on March 2, 2023 (1).

A civil lawsuit filed in Arkansas by a medical cannabis patient alleges that three cannabis growers and one testing laboratory inflated the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in numerous cannabis products.

In early 2023, Yale School of Medicine announced the foundation of a new center for cannabis research. The center’s inaugural director recently provided commentary on the goals and direction of the research.

While many psychedelics are classified as Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act, the recent resurgence of interest in their potential therapeutic benefits means the landscape around psychedelics is rapidly evolving. New laws and regulations are proposed and passed at the local, state, and federal levels. Research continues to increase as well, contributing to the questions and perspectives surrounding the various uses of psychedelics. In this interview, Dustin Robinson, Esq., CPA, Managing Principal of Iter Investments; Co-Founder of Nucleus; Founding Partner of Mr. Cannabis Law; and Co-Founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law explains how he navigates the complex legal landscape of psychedelics, the surprises and challenges he encounters, and how he envisions psychedelics in the United States in the near future.

Recently, the University of Oxford began an international study to examine the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating psychosis or psychotic symptoms.

On February 13, 2023, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) declared in a letter that the cannabinoids delta-8 and -9 THCO are both considered controlled substances due to their chemical structures.

The House and Senate introduced a revised bill to mandate Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct research on the effects of medical cannabis on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain.

A major focus area when it comes to medical cannabis is patient and healthcare education, or rather the lack of that education and rampant misinformation. When Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN, saw this gap in educational resources firsthand for people who are looking to use cannabis as a treatment, she decided to launch Trusted Canna Nurse with a mission to break stigma through education. Voted a Cannabis Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year by Cannabis Nurses Networks in 2022, Mbengue and her team offer cannabinoid education, consultations, and a line of products for the spectrum of chronic illnesses. In this interview, Mbengue shares how and why she provides guidance as a cannabis nurse for symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, cancer, autism, chronic pain, and more. She also describes the difficulties presented by the lingering stigma of cannabis and explains her hopes for the role of nurses in medical cannabis.

Cannabidiol (CBD) was recently studied in Mexico as a treatment for traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s Disease.

Next month the University of Connecticut (UConn) will hold a two-day cannabis symposium covering a wide variety of topics.

Starting July 1, 2023, Australia will allow the use of psilocybin and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for therapeutic use in a medical setting to treat mental health conditions.

On February 2nd, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) held an editorial/press briefing to present their 2022 State of the States report, which graded each US state and four territories on patient access to cannabis. ASA is the nation’s largest member-based organization promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

In response to a call for comment on the proposed New York Office of Cannabis Management symbol, the Doctors for Cannabis Regulation submitted a letter outlining the design flaws of the proposed symbol and recommended adopting the International Intoxicating Cannabinoid Product Symbol instead.

A statement released on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from Dr. Janet Woodcock, the principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced that the FDA will work with Congress in formulating regulatory oversight to balance risk and access for products in the cannabidiol (CBD) market.

As access to edible cannabis increases for adults across the United States, children are also becoming more exposed as well.

Results from recently published survey studies on the effect of psilocybin and bipolar disorder offered support for the design of future clinical trials.

This 1 CME credit article evaluates evidence-based behavioral treatments, medications, and management strategies for cannabis use disorder.

A study published in January 2023 examined the effects of high and low doses of cannabigerol (CBG) on mice liver.

In late 2022, Leaf411, a cannabis-trained nurse guidance service, announced that they resumed their affordability program for patients struggling to pay for their medicine. In a recent update, Leaf411 outlined their continued response to requests for assistance they are receiving from across the country.

The study, which began before states started legalizing cannabis, published its results on the impact of a legal cannabis environment on cannabis use and alcohol use disorder.

Josee Guindon, DVM, PhD of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, was named as the recipient for this award, which recognizes dedication, perseverance, and skill in studying and researching the endocannabinoid system.

A farmer in Ireland who was arrested for growing and selling cannabis from his farm received a suspended sentence. Currently, cannabis is illegal in Ireland, except within a limited medical program.

A recent study from the University of Connecticut showed that the new “retipping” method of propagation resulted in quality cannabis flowers while using less space.

In results from a recent study, respondents reported that cannabis use led them to decrease their use of pharmacological treatments, including opioids.

Starting January 1, 2023, every insurance provider in Colombia must cover the costs of medical cannabis prescriptions for patients.

In December 2022, hospital staff in Hays, Kansas reported a terminally ill cancer patient to police for use of a cannabis vape pen.

Village Farms International, Inc., announced that starting later this month it will increase its global presence by beginning to ship cannabis products to the Israeli medical market.

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) held their 10th annual Unity Conference virtually from December 12-14, 2022. Here we present coverage of the third and final day of the conference.