This week’s newsletter covers cannabis companies courting political favor, crony capitalism in the industry, and a roundup of recent research on CBD’s therapeutic potential, cannabis and brain aging, and psychedelics for mental health recovery.
Noteworthy Read
How Cannabis Brands Are Trying to Appease Trump (MJBizDaily)
Cannabis companies are increasingly trying to align with Donald Trump’s political ambitions as a strategy to protect the industry from federal crackdowns. From political donations to lobbying efforts, some businesses see support for Trump as a pragmatic move despite his mixed record on cannabis policy. This alignment comes amid broader uncertainty about federal reform and rising fears of renewed enforcement under a potential second Trump administration.
More Noteworthy Reading
Cannabis Crony Capitalism: From Matt Gaetz to Trulieve (Project CBD, by Bill Weinberg)
This 2022 piece remains sharply relevant today as scrutiny intensifies around political influence in the cannabis industry. It traces how former Rep. Matt Gaetz allegedly positioned himself as a paid advocate for Trulieve — one of the largest cannabis companies in the U.S. — highlighting the blurred lines between public service, corporate lobbying, and policy shaping.
Research Round-Up
Medical Cannabis Reduces Emergency & Urgent Care Visits for Chronic Pain Patients (Cannabis Science & Technology)
A study found that medical cannabis significantly reduced emergency and urgent care visits for patients with chronic pain.
Cannabis Use Reverses Cognitive Brain Aging (PubMed)
Researchers found cannabis use may help reverse aging-related changes in brain regions tied to memory and cognition.
Read more
View more in Endocannabinoid System
CBD Enhances Antitumoral Effects of Chemotherapeutic Drugs (Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry)
CBD may improve the effectiveness of common chemotherapy drugs by enhancing their ability to inhibit tumor growth.
CBD for Rosacea (PubMed)
A recent study highlights CBD’s potential to manage rosacea through anti-inflammatory and protective skin effects.
New Study Links Psychedelic Use to Mental Health Recovery in Times of Crisis (PsyPost)
Psychedelic experiences were associated with better psychological recovery after life crises, even outside clinical settings.
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View more in Psychedelics
A heartfelt thank you to the CBD brands whose generous support makes it possible for Project CBD to keep shining a light on the latest plant medicine research — your commitment to this work truly matters.
