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A South Dakota legislative subcommittee recommended on Wednesday that the state’s medical marijuana regulations prohibit the home cultivation by patients.

A recommendation from the South Dakota Legislative subcommittee comes from a group of lawmakers working to draft rules to limit provisions of Initiated Measure 26 (IM26), a ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana that was passed by nearly 70 percent of South Dakota voters in the November 2020 general election.

The announcement came from a subgroup of the South Dakota Marijuana Summer Study Committee, a panel of lawmakers that was assembled to make changes to IM 26. In addition to eliminating home cultivation, the panel is considering proposals including repealing legal protections for marijuana businesses and their attorneys and another that would allow local governments to prohibit cannabis businesses to operate in their jurisdictions.

“We’re not here to say no to marijuana,” said Republican state Representative Carl Perry. “What we’re here doing is making sure it’s good [policy].”

South Dakota Voters Approved Medical Marijuana in November

Following the passage of IM 26 and a separate ballot measure to legalize cannabis for use by adults, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced that implementing the medical marijuana initiative would be delayed. The delay came despite provisions of state law that approved ballot measures take effect on July 1 of the year following passage, which would have been this year.

“We are working diligently to get IM 26 implemented safely and correctly,” Noem said in a statement released by her office. “The feasibility of getting this program up and running well will take additional time. I am thankful to our legislative leaders for helping make sure that we do this right.”

For the longest time, marijuana was seen as pathological in the eyes of the research community. This was not because researchers believed so, but rather that the vast majority of the grants were given to studies that supported this premise.

These days, we’re changing our tune and some scientists and medical researchers are asking for a new standard in cannabis research. In fact, in this Psychiatric Times article, Dr. John Miller points out some glaring issues with cannabinoid research that needs to be addressed.

Here, I’ll be walking you through the basics of the article, focusing on his 10 suggestions for cannabinoid research.

One of the issues that Dr. Miller pointed out is that cannabis isn’t a single drug. Unlike all other drug research that focuses on a singular substance, cannabis is comprised of over 500 compounds that include cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids.

Perhaps there is a greater ratio of THC:CBD in one strain compared to another, which would undoubtedly affect the outcome of a study. Maybe there’s a greater presence of myrcene, a monoterpene that is often found in cannabis.

Psoriasis is a chronic medical condition that has severe implications on an individual’s physical and mental health, which is why the treatment plan has to be holistic and practical.

Approximately 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis. The widespread prevalence of this skin condition makes it a global health concern, which is why experts have been working rigorously to find a solution for this disease.

There is no proven cure for psoriasis, but there are some ways to treat or manage the symptoms of this disease. One solution that has been discovered recently and has become increasingly popular is CBD oils on the skin affected by psoriasis to heal and consume the CBD oil orally to help with the immune system.

If you have psoriasis and are looking into using CBD oil for your treatment, wondering what the possibilities of this treatment are, here is all the information you need to make up your mind and understand this new medical approach. Let’s talk about the symptoms of psoriasis and how CBD oils can target them before discussing the effectiveness of CBD oils in treating psoriasis.

Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. (OTCMKTS: DLTNF) has announced the appointment of David Kideckel to the newly created EVP Head of Strategy, Corporate Development & Capital Markets position to spearhead the company’s next growth expansion phase. David has around 20 years of combined experience in capital markets and industry. 

Delta 9 appoints David Kideckel to head the expansion phase 

Delta 9 CEO John Arbuthnot said, “I am extremely pleased to welcome David to our team, propelling our capital markets strategy and reach, through his wealth of experience. David was one of the leading cannabis analysts and has an exceptional network of contacts with an in-depth knowledge of the cannabis industry and its subsectors. David’s appointment reflects our commitment to having best-in-class talent to advance the Company’s growth trajectory strategically and expeditiously.”

David commented, “Of all the companies I have evaluated over the last several years, Delta 9 has incredible potential and I’m proud to join a seasoned team that is on the verge of steady and continuous growth within an explosive industry.”

Amyris launches first of the Terasana Clinical skincare products 

Amyris Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS) has launched the Terasana Clinical clean skincare brand. The launch is the first of the three brand launches the company anticipates launching this summer. The first skincare brand, Clear + Control Healthy Skin Serum, addresses irritation, skin flaking, dry skin, and redness. The proprietary formulation in the product combines Cannabigerol (CBG) and Squalane. 

CEO John Melo said, “CBG has a variety of proven skin benefits and through our well-established fermentation technology, we are able to manufacture CBG at scale and at a much lower cost than existing alternatives. We believe that clean CBG has opened up new avenues for innovation in sustainable and effective skincare and that it has the potential to be a breakthrough in addressing the acne market. We are on track to launch three new clean beauty consumer brands this month.”

New Israeli clinical trials will examine the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based treatments for some of the most painful and persistent gynecological conditions faced by women.

The trials, expected in early 2022, will test cannabis-based pharmacology products developed by Gynica, a Jerusalem-based femtech (female technology) startup that believes that the active ingredients in the plant can ease painful conditions in the female reproductive system such as dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, and endometriosis.

Conventional treatments like over-the-counter painkillers, hormone therapy, and even surgical intervention can be insufficient or even pose their own health detriments in the case of endometriosis, an often agonizing disorder that occurs when tissue similar to that which normally lines the uterus – the endometrium – begins to grow outside the organ.

Gynica says it is hoping to meet unaddressed needs in women’s health by developing cannabis-based solutions for these conditions.

Veterans in vulnerable subgroups are at a higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD) or consuming cannabis for adult (recreational or non-medical) use, according to a new study from researchers at Pennsylvania’s Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

The results indicate the prevalence of CUD and adult cannabis use over the past twelve months to be 1.8 per cent and 7.3 per cent, respectively, whereas lifetime prevalence clocked in at 5.7 per cent and 32.5 per cent. Past 12-month and lifetime CUD prevalence in adult cannabis consumers were calculated at 24.4 per cent and 17.4 per cent, respectively.Researchers also found correlations between CUD and/or nonmedical cannabis use and certain sociodemographic groups, including those who earn a lower income, are male, are young, are single (unmarried), and reside in a state with established medical cannabis legislation.

“Nonmedical cannabis use and use disorder were associated with most psychiatric and substance use disorders examined,” the authors note.

Lead author Kendall C. Browne, Ph.D., concluded that the findings are indicative of a need for increased screening and resources for veterans at a higher risk of developing CUD.

“Among veterans, the odds of nonmedical cannabis use and use disorder were elevated among vulnerable subgroups, including those with lower income or psychiatric disorders and among survey participants residing in states with medical marijuana laws,” Browne concluded.  “The study findings highlight the need for clinical attention (e.g., screening, assessment) and ongoing monitoring among veterans in the context of increasing legalization of cannabis.”

Marijuana advocates have argued for decades that the federal government has a cure for cancer and that cure is the cannabis plant.

There are no two ways about it. This article is probably going to come across a little harsh. The words and points made herein, for some, may even teeter on inappropriate, way too soon to discuss so explicitly. Let me humbly apologize in advance.

It is not, nor is it ever, my intention to exploit the pain and suffering of strangers for the sake of journalism. It is, however, my moral responsibility to shut down, when I can, the myths perpetuated by the cannabis advocacy community. This goes double if it means that I might be able to save someone battling cancer.

Photo by Ana Maria Serrano/Getty Images

Of course, with modern medicine being the powerhouse that it is, there is a slew of cancer treatment options out there, most of which are not at all pleasant to endure. Anyone who’s had a family member go through chemotherapy can attest to this firsthand. But it’s the best we got. There is no known cure for cancer. In any situation, a cancer patient can only hope that the doctors catch it early enough to increase the effectiveness of a treatment program. If they don’t, the patient must drive a very fine line down the hard road of keeping the faith and lost hope.

This week, cancer claimed the life of legendary cannabis advocate Eddy Lepp. He was one of the most respected members of the medical marijuana community, according to High Times, having served eight years in federal prison for growing low-cost and sometimes even complimentary weed for thousands of patients in need under California’s 1996 medical marijuana law. Among his advocacy efforts, the canna-veteran also believed marijuana helped with cancer.

Anxiety is a common occurrence. According to the ADAA, the disorder is found in around 43% of the general public in the United Kingdom. Even though the ailment is so common, only 37% of individuals who are affected seek treatment. The harmful side effects and reliance associated with anxiety drugs are the main reasons why people refuse treatment. As a safer alternative to traditional anti-anxiety drugs, more people are looking for a towards CBD in its various forms such as CBD hemp gummies for anxiety in the UK more and more these days. 

Wastewater samples taken during 2020 show that methamphetamine (ice) use plunged in Australia during the first COVID-19 lockdown while cannabis use spiked, according to a new study led by the University of South Australia.

Western Australia recorded the largest drop in ice loads, falling more than 50 per cent between April and June 2020, attributed to border closures restricting imports of the popular drug. Cannabis is largely produced locally so national supplies were still plentiful, and wastewater samples reflected this, with all states except the Northern Territory showing large increases in cannabis use.

Researchers from UniSA, The University of Queensland and University of Adelaide collaborated on the study, published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters.

Wastewater samples are taken every two months from 20 treatment plants across Australia, covering approximately half the population, and tested for methamphetamine (ice), MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, cannabis and alcohol. Samples collected before the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2016 - December 2019) were compared with those taken between February and June 2020 when Australia went into a national lockdown.

According to the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System, approximately half of Australia's cocaine users stopped using the party drug – or cut down drastically – during the lockdown when global supply lines were disrupted. This was reflected in the wastewater loads but once restrictions were eased, cocaine use returned to pre-pandemic levels. A similar pattern was seen with ecstasy use.

If you are looking to buy CBD (cannabidiol) oils, it is extremely important that you dig deep to find the latest and accurate information about high-quality CBD oils. This is because CBD oils now are an industry in themselves and there are always bad apples who look to profit off of customers by scamming or misleading them into buying inferior products.

The worst part is that it is not always easy for interested CBD oil buyers to find out which CBD products and brands are supported by trustworthy claims. New merchants and brands are flooding the market with the growth in popularity of CBD oil. It is no surprise that each one of them claims to be dealing in the best cbd oils and of the highest quality. However, along with the cbd industry, online selling became very popular in short time. The good thing is that you can blindly trust authority cbd oils review websites and choose your best cbd oil from the list.

How To Identify High-Quality CBD Oils?

CBD Oil is an extract taken from cannabis plants. It is important to note here that CBD, though present in marijuana too, is primarily extracted from agricultural hemp for medicinal purposes. It is for the simple reason that these cannabis varieties contain minimum Tetrahydrocannabinol (the substance that makes people feel high. This is one point that makes CBD less controversial and more versatile for people.

How is CBD Oil Manufactured?

Unfortunately, there are not many regulations that control the manufacturing process of CBD oils. In other words, different CBD brands make use of different extraction methods for processing CBD oil from hemp.

The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board will continue discussions about allowing West Virginians eligible to use medical marijuana to grow plants.

Board members met last week to continue discussions as well as possible concerns related to access to dispensaries and cost.

Gov. Jim Justice signed the state medical marijuana law in April 2017, which allows patients to use medical cannabis plants and products for medical treatment.

Rusty Williams, a patient advocate for the board, has supported allowing people to grow plants.

James Thomas’ hips began to bother him three or four years after he had joint replacement surgery. He turned to medical marijuana and is still testing out the right formulation.

What do the latest studies show for marijuana for lung cancer patients?

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer affecting both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021 alone there were around 235,760 new lung cancer cases and the year isn’t even over yet.

It is the leading cause of death among men and women, despite the fact that cases continue to reduce because more people quit smoking cigarettes each year – the number one preventable risk factor for lung cancer.

But given how common lung cancer is, can cannabis help? Considering how cannabis has already been widely used for helping treat other forms of cancer, much is still unknown about its efficacy for cancer. Additionally, many people still lack awareness surrounding the cannabis plant because most people think that you can only smoke it – which doesn’t make sense if you already have a disease afflicting your lungs.

So what to the experts have to say about medical marijuana use for lung cancer?

“So when we utilize phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant, we are actually replenishing our body’s own cannabinoid system. By doing so, it helps us deal with pain and inflammation much more effectively,” she tells SurvivorNet.

Texas’ medical marijuana is best known for being one of the most restrictive in the county, limiting its medicinal relief to fewer than 6,000 and only to those with neurological disorders or terminal cancer.

However, a new law that passed during the Legislature -effective September 1st– will now allow people with PTSD and cancer patients to use low doses of THC cannabis, as part of the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

This new law will also increase the previous THC cap in medical marijuana to 1%, which experts say it’s still a pretty small quantity.

“Because [the program] was so narrow for so long, many patients were forced to go to the neighboring states around Texas that have robust medical programs to gain access to the plant,” said Jax Finkel, the executive director of Texas’ chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

“And in fact, many patients have had to actually leave the state permanently for access — medical refugees,” Finkel added.

The state Medical Marijuana Advisory Board voted Tuesday to reject five requests to add to the list of conditions that qualify people for medical marijuana, even while board members acknowledged that, in several cases, patients with the conditions could benefit from using medical cannabis.

The board rejected bids to allow medical marijuana to be used to treat traumatic brain injury, hepatitis, Hepatitis C, chronic insomnia that isn’t responding to other treatments and major depressive disorder that isn’t responding to other treatments.

Pennsylvania’s 367,925 active medical marijuana patients have all been diagnosed as having one or more of 23 serious medical conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety disorder, cancer, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid use disorder and chronic pain.

A move to amend the applications by the board was stymied by the board’s own policies.

Under the board’s existing policies, board members don’t have the option to amend an application submitted to them – the board must either refer the proposed new condition to one of its subcommittees to recommend the change or the board can notify the applicants to resubmit the request with the changes sought by the board, said Carol Mowery, assistant legal counsel for the Department of Health.

These days, there are numerous reasons why you should be cutting back on your alcohol consumption.

For one, we’ve long known that it causes several illnesses including heart disease and cancer and two, with the pandemic, alcohol can compromise your immune system. During the pandemic, so many people took up the habit of drinking at home, during Zoom parties, and these so-called “quarantinis” can have a majorly negative impact on our health – at a time when we need it more than ever.

Excessive consumption of booze can turn around our lives for the worse. It can cause domestic abuse problems, and affect our families as well as personal relationships. However, a tip over the edge can turn a booze lover into a full-fledged alcoholic, which is already advanced abuse of alcohol.

If you’re having a hard time cutting back on your drinks, new research supports the hypothesis that cannabis can help – in more ways than one.