This week brought significant developments across the cannabis landscape, from new federally funded research on medical marijuana and cancer symptoms to high-profile political opposition against a Massachusetts repeal initiative. Meanwhile, a new analysis of nearly 145,000 lab samples raises questions about how regulated cannabis flower measures up against an existing national water activity standard.
A federally funded study published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer found that “most cannabis users reported that it improved their cancer-related symptoms,” including pain, appetite, mood and insomnia, while also serving as a substitute for opioids for nearly a third of them. Researchers with the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Penn State Cancer Institute and Fox Chase Cancer Center surveyed 186 patients, about a quarter of whom (26 percent) had used cannabis since their diagnosis. Symptom improvement was reported for insomnia (89.7% of users), appetite (85.7%), mood (83.7%), joint pains/stiffness (83.3%), stress/anxiety/depression (81.6%), cancer-related pain (80.7%) and digestive symptoms (67.9%).
The researchers cautioned the study has limitations, including its cross-sectional design, reliance on self-report data, and no differentiation of cannabinoid content, dosage or route of administration.
Democratic Gov. Speaking on WCVB Boston’s weekly Sunday morning political program On the Record, Gov.
Healey said: “I’d vote no [on Question 8]. We’ve got to keep recreational marijuana here in Massachusetts. It’s an important industry, the cannabis industry, and I hope the voters keep cannabis.” In April, Gov.
Pressley said in a statement released by the ‘No on 8’ campaign: “Cannabis legalization and regulation is positive for small businesses, local communities, and restorative justice. And keeping marijuana legal in Massachusetts is both economic justice and racial justice policy.” US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey also stated their opposition to Question 8 in interviews with Marijuana Moment. Warren said: “Legalizing cannabis is better than continuing an unregulated, underground market.
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