This week’s newsletter covers new survey data on military veterans and cannabis use, hemp’s potential for environmental sustainability, the impact of cannabis legalization on anxiety prescriptions, and an investigative look at illegal synthetic cannabinoid products flooding the California market.
Noteworthy Read
Veterans and Cannabis Use for Pain Relief (NORML)
A recent survey reported by NORML reveals that nearly half of U.S. military veterans use cannabis to alleviate pain, with many participants also noting improvements in sleep quality and reductions in symptoms related to PTSD and anxiety. Despite these reported benefits, veterans continue to face barriers to safe access and open communication with healthcare providers due to federal prohibition and VA restrictions. The findings add to growing calls for expanded research and policy changes to better serve veterans’ health needs.
More Noteworthy Reading
Five Ways Cannabis Can Contribute to a Green Future (The Conversation)
This article outlines five key ways cannabis and hemp can support environmental sustainability, including carbon sequestration, soil remediation, sustainable textiles, biodegradable plastics, and reducing reliance on chemical-intensive crops.
Hempcrete as Insulation for Sustainable Housing (Indonesia Focus)
A recent paper highlights the benefits of hempcrete — a biocomposite made from hemp and lime — as a sustainable building material. The study emphasizes its potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional insulation in housing construction.
Legal Cannabis Linked to Drop in Anxiety Medication Prescriptions (PsyPost)
A new study finds that the legalization of cannabis is associated with a significant decrease in prescriptions for anxiety medications, suggesting that some patients may be turning to cannabis as an alternative treatment.
Research Round-Up
California Lab Tests Expose Massive Fraud, Illegal Products & the Cannabis Equivalent of Ultra-Processed Junk Food (Project CBD)
A new study from an industry advocacy group in California examines the content of dozens of unregulated intoxicating “hemp” products that are easily available in the Golden State despite being banned by state law.
The study’s findings indicate that many so-called hemp products are infused with synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids, which can actually make users feel loopier than natural Delta-9 THC. What’s more, synthesized Delta-9 THC is present in many of these products, despite being prohibited in both California’s cannabis and hemp programs. And finally, these products, mostly vended through websites, are effectively dodging the taxman — raising no revenues for state or local governments.
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View more in Synthetic Cannabinoids
A heartfelt thank you to all of the CBD brands whose generous support makes it possible for Project CBD to shine a light on the research, reporting, and policy conversations shaping the future of plant medicine. We couldn’t do this work without you.
