July’s Cannabis Science News Roundup
This months cannabis science news: THC affecting placental and fetal DNA, psychedelic cannabinoids, and micro-class permits
Jessica Allerton | | News
Every week, we carefully curate the top stories from across the fields of medical research, testing, processing, and plant science. We also bring you the latest in the world of cannabis business and legislation. Want it all in your inbox? Sign up here.
Has cannabis legalization impacted opioid prescriptions?
An interesting study by Beth McGinty and colleagues at Weill Cornell Medicine, USA, has shed light on the effects of cannabis legalization in US states on prescriptions for opioid related therapies. The team analyzed data from 12 US states that implemented medical cannabis laws and 17 comparison states. They found that these laws made an average difference of 0.05 percentage points in the proportion of patients that received opioid-based prescriptions. Though they couldn’t identify the effects on patients with chronic noncancer pain, these results could indicate that the relaxation of cannabis legalization hasn’t led to a reduction in opioid prescriptions – as some may have hoped. Further research may be required to learn more about what’s happening here.
What’s Going On?
Research and Medicine
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston analyze hospitalizations from major elective surgeries in the US over a three-year period – discovering that cannabis use increases a patient’s risk of surgical complications. Link
THC-laced edibles consumed by pregnant monkeys leads to placental and fetal DNA methylation at genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), study finds. Link
With an increased interest in semi-synthetic cannabinoids, scientists debunk theories that THC-O-Acetate is a psychedelic cannabinoid. Link
Cannabis use is associated with epigenetic changes, according to study with over 1,000 participants. Link
Business + Regulation
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTA) send cease-and-desist letters to six companies marketing delta-8 THC edibles in the style of popular products, such as Doritos, Cheetos, and Nerds snacks. Link
Canadian cannabis entrepreneurs are turning to micro-class permits and micro-cultivation facilities to decrease costs while maintaining quality and quantity of product. Link
Associate Editor, The Analytical Scientist
