Marijuana Could Be the Answer to Curing Alzheimer's Disease, Study Shows

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The statistics associated with Alzheimer's disease are downright depressing.

The disease, which typically affects the elderly and is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, currently afflicts 5.4 million Americans, and the Alzheimer's Association expects the direct and indirect costs of treatment to reach $236 billion in 2016. Some one in nine people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease, and within the U.S., it's the sixth-leading cause of death.

Opioid use decreases in US states that legalize medical marijuana - study

New research shows a decline in the use of opioid painkillers in US states that allow people to treat pain with medical marijuana, affirming the fears of Big Pharma who have been vigorously seeking to frustrate efforts to legalize the herb.

Advocates Worry Massachusetts Won’t Say ‘Yes on 4’

Election day is approaching and there are ten state ballot initiatives concerning marijuana reform, but only one state is in the running to become an East Coast trailblazer of legal adult-use cannabis laws. A majority vote in favor of question 4 on the 2016 state ballot would approve the legalization, taxation, and regulation of the plant for adults. That means Massachusetts voters are charged with the possibility of making the Bay State the bellwether for East Coast recreational cannabis.

Gov. Chris Christie signs bill approving marijuana for PTSD treatment

New Jersey medical marijuana is also approved to treat multiple sclerosis, terminal cancer and muscular dystrophy, among other medical diseases. Pictured: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie responds after being asked about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's emotionally charged feud with Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son, Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed by a suicide bomber, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. (Mel Evans, The Associated Press)

Veterans and others in New Jersey can now legally treat their post-traumatic stress disorder with marijuana.

Does access to medical marijuana reduce opioid deaths?

In the United States, 25 states have legalized medical marijuana, including 19 that let patients with a prescription buy pot from dispensaries. Proponents argue that expanding the availability of medical marijuana reduces opioid abuse and overdose deaths because it gives people an alternative for pain relief.

The 25 States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal

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It is presumed that states where medical marijuana is legal will be the most likely to have laws that provide for recreational use. The number of medical marijuana states numbers 25 at this point.

Opioid Companies Lobby Against Medical Marijuana

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Our next several blogs will catalogue the various ways drug companies have ruthlessly promoted our nation’s deadly opioid epidemic. This first installment on just the latest outrage- political lobbying to block the legalization of medical marijuana. Future blogs will each tell other aspects of this sordid story.

Legal Marijuana Prices Are Plunging in Colorado, but Not for the Reason You'd Expect

Cannabis' competitive landscape is going up in smoke.

As a whole, the marijuana industry has come a long way in a short amount of time.

Marijuana's Promise of Profit Remains Elusive (for Now)

SOURCE: GW PHARMACEUTICALS

It will still be a while before GW Pharmaceuticals' intriguing medical marijuana pipeline has a chance to reward investors.

Excitement surrounding medical marijuana led to a significant run-up in GW Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ:GWPH) share price earlier this year, but based on the company's recently announced quarterly and fiscal full-year earnings results, the promise of marijuana profit remains far off in the distance.

The Future of Clinical Cannabis: Part 3

Political Implications for the 2016 Presidential Election

The top-grossing pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies dominate the drug market. Their research and development (R&D) money buys the attention of the leading physicians and politicians in America. The trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), is most commonly referred to as ‘Big Pharma’ and they recover more money on their drugs than any university or government agency involved in the approval process. In turn, some of that money is spent on political campaign donations.

The Future of Clinical Cannabis: Part 2

In this stage of research and development (R&D), studying cannabis is most difficult because Big Pharma isn’t funding any of the research and scientists are facing barriers for federal approval of their studies.

The Future of Clinical Cannabis: Part 1

In a new trend for the federally prohibited plant, drug research and development companies like Insys Therapeutics, GW Pharmaceuticals, and Kalytera Therapeutics are researching and developing cannabis into pharmaceutical drugs. But it’s the U.S. headquartered firms who historically lead the way in producing innovative molecules that become drugs, according to the MIT principles and practice of drug development.

Guns Marijuana: Medical Pot Users Can't 'Bear Arms,' Court Rules

Guns and marijuana users don't go together, said a federal appeals court in upholding a ruling that medical pot users cannot buy weapons and affirming that "the Second Amendment does not protect the rights of unlawful drug users to bear arms."

Medical marijuana just became more accessible to US scientists: AUDIO

A dried cannabis bud - also known as marijuana.  Credit: Evan-Amos/Wikimedia Commons

Medical marijuana is legal in 25 states and Washington, DC, but scientists studying the drug still face tough government regulations limiting its growth and distribution.

Medical Marijuana Comes To The Land Down Under

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will formally legalize medical marijuana in November, The Canberra Times reported Thursday.

Why Did Cannabis Consumption Rise 3%, While Abuse Fell 30%?

New research published this week in The Lancet Psychiatry found that American cannabis consumption rose from 10.4 percent to 13.3 percent from 2002 to 2014. Which isn’t all that much, considering how much social attitudes and legal restrictions changed during that time.

Pot Use Up as Perceived Risk Falls

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NIDA deputy director says shift tied to 'changes in the legal environment'

More people in the U.S. are using marijuana, as fewer perceive the drug to be harmful, researchers found.

Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation estimates that every week in the U.S., 200 people will learn they have multiple sclerosis (or as it’s more commonly called, MS). People like Jabe Couch, a father and husband from the Pacific Northwest. Few conditions are as long-lasting and progressively debilitating as MS, which causes damage to the brain, spinal cord, and affects the body’s immune system. A diagnosis can be devastating.

The State of Marijuana: A Unique Conference in the Cannabis Industry

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, we as cannabis users have a responsibility to represent the growing cannabis community in a positive way. While there are so many who are working hard to show that there is a classy side, a business side, a responsible side to the cannabis industry there are still many who are putting the majority of us in a negative light by carrying on old stereotypes. While it’s all fun and games to go party out in the desert with a free dab bar and an expert budtender, it doesn’t do much for trying to legitimize the industry and deplete the fears of those who have never been a part of it.

Fields of Green: An Inside Look at How Medical Marijuana Is Made in New York: VIDEO

Tucked in the rolling hills of Orange County, New York, inside a row of anonymous buildings and behind doors bristling with security, is an operation few have ever seen.

Study: Medical marijuana changes how employees use sick time: VIDEO

"Fact #1: Legalizing marijuana is bad for the workplace."

That's the stark warning from the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace, a nonprofit that works to combat drug use among American employees.

"The impact of employee marijuana use is seen in the workplace in lower productivity, increased workplace accidents and injuries, increased absenteeism, and lower morale," the institute writes. "This can and does seriously impact the bottom line."

Does it really, though?

Oregon Collects $25.5M in Cannabis Taxes

Oregon has processed $25.5 million in tax payments from recreational marijuana from January through the end of July.

Hogan, Frosh also concerned about lack of diversity in medical pot licenses

Darryl Hill, 72, a lifelong advocate for minority advancement in business and the first African American on the University of Maryland football team, was part of a team that applied for a medical marijuana grow license and was denied. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Attorney General Brian Frosh (D) have joined black state lawmakers in expressing dismay about the lack of diversity in Maryland’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry.

User-Friendly Search Service Wikileaf Appeals to Broad Market

When recreational cannabis was first implemented in Colorado and Washington State two years ago, consumers were met with a sometimes confusing and frustrating buying process. One dispensary could offer a strain for half of the price of their local competitors. Prices were a bit more predictable, consumer based and market-driven when recreational sales in Oregon started last fall, but there seems to still be a need for a user-driven cannabis search service that caters to less experienced consumers.

Cannabis and Relationships: Reframing Limiting Beliefs

One of the many things about cannabis effects I find so useful is it helps open up my mind to new perspectives and allows me to problem solve from different angles, and this is especially true when reflecting on relationships. My current favorite strain for deep, contemplative personal work is Cherry AK-47. (Thanks to SPARC in SF for hooking me up!) Its sweet flavor makes it incredibly pleasant to smoke and the effects deliver a euphoric, energetic head space that is highly conducive to making previously unrealized connections.

Could legalizing recreational pot help medical marijuana patients: VIDEO

The state maintains a list of people who have registered for a medical marijuana card. Supporters of “Yes on 4” believe recreational pot will help medical marijuana patients who don’t want to get the card.

Doctors face medical marijuana knowledge gap: VIDEO

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Medical marijuana has been legal in Maine for almost 20 years. But Farmington physician Jean Antonucci says she continues to feel unprepared when counseling sick patients about whether the drug could benefit them.

All Solutions For Medical Cannabis Point To Congress

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Today over 300 million Americans live in states with medical cannabis laws, and over 2 million individuals are legally using medical cannabis under these state programs. However, all of these patients and programs are in violation of federal laws.

The 4 States That Will Be Voting on Medical Marijuana This Year

Medical marijuana could be the law in the majority of states by the time Election Day is over.

Cannabis as a Potential Treatment for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder that occurs as a result of an increase in eye fluid pressure (intraocular pressure/IOP) due to an increased release of aqueous humor (eye fluid) in the front region of the eye or impaired outflow or drainage of aqueous fluid.

Medical marijuana ruling is a temporary win

A federal appeals court gave medical marijuana advocates what seemed like a big win this week with a unanimous ruling that the federal government may not prosecute people who grow and distribute medicinal cannabis if they comply with state laws.

Benefits of Cannabis Terpenes: Ocimene, Terpinolene, and Guaiol

Terpenes are a group of fragrant essential oils – secreted alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD – that contribute to the complex aromas and flavors of cannabis flowers. They are also generally responsible for many of the distinguishing characteristics and effects of different strains, and this discovery has led to a sharp increase in interest among researchers, producers, and consumers alike in recent years. While much research has yet to be done on terpenes, their potential to offer unique benefits to medical patients has only heightened this interest.

A small step for medicinal marijuana

DEA doesn't reclassify drug but expands growth for research

The Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced it won’t reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug, but it did make one change that will allow more research on the drug’s medicinal properties.

A Federal Court Just Gave a Huge Victory to the Medical Marijuana Industry

The federal government cannot pay to prosecute state-sanctioned marijuana use, the federal court said

The Department of Justice cannot spend money to prosecute people who violate federal drug laws but are in compliance with state medical marijuana laws, a federal court ruled on Tuesday. The ruling prevents federal law enforcement from funding prosecution of anyone who obeys a state’s medical marijuana laws.

DEA Paves Narrow Path for Cannabis Research

It’s a federal decision that could mean a sea change for the cannabis world. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) released a new policy on Thursday morning that will, for the first time, supply quality cannabis to the world of American researchers. The new policy statement from the DEA (in consultation with NIDA and the FDA) outlines a new approach to the availability of medical grade marijuana for science.

Medical Cannabis in Israel to Become More Accessible

• Availability of medical cannabis in Israel to reach an all-time high
• Israeli justice minister mulls decriminalization of marijuana
• Israel must leave marijuana smokers alone

The DEA's Scheduling Decision: What Does It Mean?

Marijuana will remain on the government's list of most highly regulated and dangerous drugs, the Obama administration says, despite growing popular support for widespread legalization.

As states OK medical marijuana laws, doctors struggle with knowledge gap

(Photo: Seth Perlman, AP)

Medical marijuana has been legal in Maine for almost 20 years. But Farmington physician Jean Antonucci says she continues to feel unprepared when counseling sick patients about whether the drug could benefit them.

Gupta: DEA's missed opportunity on medical marijuana: VIDEO

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There is really just one salient question when it comes to today's decision by the Drug Enforcement Administration to expand the number of growers of research-grade marijuana while still not changing the scheduling of marijuana: Will this decision make it significantly easier for scientists to study the medical benefits of marijuana?

U.S. will affirm its prohibition on medical marijuana

Marijuana plants growing at a Minnesota Medical Solutions greenhouse in Otsego, Minn. last year. The crop is part of the state's medical marijuana supply.  (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune/AP)

The government on Thursday will refuse again to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, reaffirming its conclusion that the drug's therapeutic value has not been proved scientifically, according to government officials, and defying a growing clamor to legalize it for the treatment of a variety of conditions.

Gallup Poll: Cannabis Use Rises Among Adults

More than one in eight adults in the United States — 13 percent — smoke cannabis, according to a Gallup poll released this week.

Does Cannabis Legalization Affect Employer Drug Testing?

As cannabis legalization continues to be a hot button issue this election season, some business owners and employers are conflicted about their policies of drug testing. Most legal cannabis business owners likely only have an issue with their employees being high on the job. But some employers in other industries with businesses in legal states – which could finally include California this fall – are conflicted about whether to continue testing their employees for cannabis.

Supporters of medical marijuana for PTSD waiting on New Jersey governor

New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie
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Veterans and others in New Jersey are waiting on Gov. Chris Christie to decide whether they'll be allowed to legally treat their post-traumatic stress disorder with marijuana.

THESE STATS ARE EXACTLY WHY BIG PHARMA IS SCARED OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Long Story Short

A study published recently in the journal Health Affairs found that there are significantly fewer prescription drugs being used in states with legal medical marijuana programs. These stats could play a key role in big pharma’s ongoing fight against cannabis legalization.

Medical Marijuana Makes Its Market Debut In Boston As City's First Dispensary Opens

Nearly four years after medical marijuana was approved by Massachusetts voters, the first Boston dispensary opens Wednesday.

Health Dept. sluggish on medical marijuana report: VIDEO

More than a month ago, News 4 began asking the Department of Health when it would have a progress report on the Compassionate Care Act, the state’s medical marijuana program.

RESEARCH SHOWS MARIJUANA CAN REDUCE SIDE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Research shows medical marijuana can reduce the side effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) and provide relief to those suffering from this illness. MS is an autoimmune disease and progressive neurodegenerative condition. It affects the nervous system, which gradually impacts the entire body.

City Council president, mayor at odds on marijuana referendum

Boston City Council President Michelle Wu

Boston City Council President Michelle Wu and Councilor Tito Jackson will formally endorse the state ballot push to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The move, to be announced at a State House event Wednesday morning, puts them directly at odds with Mayor Martin J. Walsh, who is helping to lead the charge against the referendum.

Illegal Patient Profiles: Finding Life Beyond Prescription Pills

Most doctors think pills are the answer to your problems. It’s not totally their fault; it’s what they were taught in medical school, the same medical schools that teach next to nothing about the medicinal value of cannabis.

Medical marijuana war heads to next battle: VIDEO

Marijuana was sold legally in Florida for the first time this week since it was outlawed by the federal government in 1937.