2025 Reseach Roundup

1. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Dr. Ethan Russo on Science and Solutions

On January 17, 2025, the Veterans Action Council (VAC) held its live, hourlong Roundtable #84, discussing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) with guest speaker neurologist and medical researcher, Ethan Russo, MD. Founded in 2020, the VAC is a group of international veterans working with organizations, policymakers, researchers, and more with the aim of policy reform and increasing access healthcare, including to natural medicines and alternative therapies such as cannabis. This Roundtable was introduced by VAC member Etienne Fontan, with several members asking nearly two dozen questions on various aspects of the syndrome. With Venetia Whiteley, Dr. Russo co-authored “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: genetic susceptibility to toxic exposure,” published in Frontiers in Toxicology in October 2024.

2. Survey Collects Perspectives on Warning Signs for Cannabis Use and Pregnancy

A recently published study examined whether signs warning of potential adverse health effects from cannabis use during pregnancy are effective. As the study’s abstract notes, five US states (Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington) require mandatory warning signs (MWS) in dispensaries. However, public health policy on cannabis is lacking the public’s perspectives on the warning signs. The study, “Mandatory Warning Signs for Cannabis: Perspectives and Preferences of Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis,” was published in January 2025 in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. It was funded through a grant from the California Department of Cannabis Control.

3. Clinical Trial Finds Delta-8 THC Holds Similar but Milder Effects than Delta-9 THC

According to new research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, consuming delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) orally causes dose-dependent psychoactive effects similar to delta-9 THC but were milder. The clinical trial sought to investigate the effects delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC have. Researchers affiliated with Johns Hopkins University utilized 19 healthy adults to gather their data. Participants were given brownies that had been infused with synthetic delta-8 THC (10, 20, 40 mg), synthetic delta-9- HC (20 mg), or a placebo. The trial made history as the first study in over five decades to look into the effects detla-8 THC has on human subjects.

4. CBD Gummies Study Reveals Inconsistent Product Labeling

Researchers from the University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky), conducted a study recently that confirmed that the cannabis industry is still experiencing inaccurate product labeling. The study focused particularly on the cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), and investigated 56 CBG gummy products that were available for purchase online from a variety of brands. To analyze the products selected researchers utilized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS).

5. Study Shows Low-THC Hemp Beverages Decrease Alcohol Consumption As Senate Hemp Legislation Looms

MoreBetter Ltd, an organization that works with real-world data and public health research, recently conducted a national study that discovered that “low-dose hemp-derived infused beverages are linked to improved well-being, reduced alcohol use, and minimal impairment.”

In regard to the FY 2026 Agriculture–FDA Appropriations Bill and with the release of data from this study, has linked a connection between low dose hemp beverages and “measurable” public health benefits. MoreBetter Ltd, is encouraging for lawmakers to look over the data before moving to vote for hemp language in the omnibus package that will restrict the industry.

“The data show that adults are using hemp beverages responsibly to relax, reduce alcohol consumption, and feel better without high levels of intoxication,” said Kevin Provost, CEO of MoreBetter Ltd. “Banning these products now would erase years of harm-reduction progress and contradict the Real World Evidence that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Congress claim to rely on.”