For decades, opioids like Codeine, Tramadol, and Morphine have been the default prescription for severe pain. But at what cost? 🔹 Over 500,000 people in the U.S. have died from opioid-related overdoses since 1999 (CDC). 🔹 Nearly 30% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. 🔹 Despite their widespread use, opioids are often ineffective for chronic pain, while increasing dependence and serious side effects. Yet, despite these risks, opioids are still handed out as the go-to solution. The question is: why? Read here: ✍️ Written by: @releaf_uk Clinical Dr Alex Van Heerden

Labour’s first parliamentary debate on medical cannabis reform echoed past government excuses, frustrating advocates. Despite prior support in opposition, Health Minister Karin Smyth insisted NHS prescribing requires more clinical evidence. Critics slammed the government’s reliance on restrictive trials, blocking patient access. Will Labour take real action or keep stalling?

RT @releaf_uk: This World Cancer Day, we’re highlighting the importance of compassionate care and support during cancer treatment. 💚 We ne…

RT @releaf_uk: This World Cancer Day, our lovely Releaf patient has shared how Releaf has helped her to 'become Lou' again during her Cance…

ICMYI: The airline Jet2 has apologised to a medical cannabis patient—and is said to be ‘reviewing its policies’—after their medication was confiscated on a flight from Belfast.

Dorset-based CBD brand HEMPE has secured NSF certification for its CBD gel, making it the first topical CBD product to be certified for safe use by professional athletes and military personnel. Founded by former commando Farard Darver after an injury in Afghanistan, HEMPE developed the gel as a safe alternative to traditional painkillers. The certification ensures the gel meets strict safety standards and complies with drug-testing regulations. Used by professional athletes, including West Ham United footballer Tomáš Souček, the product is praised for its fast-acting relief and versatility. HEMPE is now in talks with top sports teams globally to expand its reach.

Jet2 has apologised after a Belfast medical cannabis patient, David Toms, had his prescribed medication confiscated on a flight to Turkey, despite having all required documentation. The incident caused significant distress, ruining Toms’ health and holiday. Airlines are now being urged to align policies with legal cannabis prescriptions and patient rights under the Equality Act. Jet2 is reviewing its policies but offered only a partial refund and £50 compensation. Will this push airlines to better support medical cannabis patients? Read below 👇

Ocean Development Ltd. and CBD Flower Shop Ltd. are suing the UK Home Office for £3.4m, claiming Border Force unlawfully detained legal hemp shipments. This follows Jersey Hemp’s similar 2024 win but highlights ongoing legal ambiguity, harming the CBD industry. Will this case finally bring regulatory clarity to the UK’s CBD market?

Hundreds of families in the UK are giving their children illegal cannabis products due to a lack of access on the NHS, according to a new report.

The first medical cannabis products have officially been registered in Ukraine, meaning patients should be able to access treatment in the coming weeks. Curaleaf International has successfully registered three separate oil-based products in the country, which legalised medical cannabis last August. While it will be the first to see its products distributed to patients in the country, it will not be the last, as sources suggest the new market has received ‘considerable attention from international stakeholders,’ many of which are eager to introduce products in Ukraine. However, for businesses keen to break into this new market, there are a number of unique complexities that could prolong the rollout of the market.

A Columbia University study found no broad changes in opioid use after U.S. states adopted medical or recreational cannabis laws. However, decreases in opioid misuse were seen among cannabis users in states with medical cannabis alone. Can cannabis laws help tackle the opioid crisis?

A Canadian study highlights ethical challenges in cannabis research, where reliance on industry sponsorship can compromise integrity. Experts call for public funding to ensure unbiased studies that prioritise public health.

Data from the UK Medical Cannabis Patient Registry suggests medical cannabis may enhance quality of life and IBD outcomes, with improved symptom management, especially for anxiety or higher THC doses.

Preliminary research on Formulation Femme, blending Ayurvedic herbs & medical cannabis, revealed significant relief from menstrual cramps in a Phase 1 trial. With no adverse effects & most participants pain-free post-trial, larger studies are now planned.

French patient associations have warned that medical cannabis patients could soon face a disruption in treatment as its long-running experiment comes to an end with no next steps in place.

Starting April 2025, Dutch coffee shops in the Closed Coffee Shop Chain Experiment will sell only regulated cannabis, marking a key step in addressing the 'backdoor policy' and assessing a fully regulated supply chain.

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) has secured FDA clearance to conduct a clinical trial examining the use of smoked cannabis for the treatment of PTSD symptoms among veterans.

In a long-awaited and major step forward for the UK’s CBD sector, the regulator has announced a new roadmap that could see the first products given official approval by Spring next year.

A new decree will allow 5,000 Czech GPs to prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain, significantly expanding access. Advocates call it a vital step forward but stress the need for further reforms, including access for children with severe conditions.

RT @prohibition_p: ICW - Issue 377 🗞️ 👨‍⚖️ #Denmark ushers in new era for medical cannabis reform 🌱 #Florida’s medical cannabis market set…