cannabis science

Cannabis Science Developing Various Cannabis Strains for Future Drug Development

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Today, US-based Cannabis Science, Inc. announced that it has started production of several strains of cannabis and European Union certified hemp varieties to start scientific research to pick the best strains for development of proprietary formulations for clinical drug development.

Cannabis Science, a company specializing in cannabis formulation-based drug development and related consulting, said that it has started producing the various strains of cannabis and hemp varieties to conduct research to select those that are best for drug development, in order to bring cannabis formulations to the market for patients with critical illnesses, such as cancer and neurological disorders.

“Cannabis Science intends to leverage its team’s expertise to create a framework for research and clinical testing. We are excited to report further development and progress as we proceed forward,” said Mr. Mario S. Lap, Director and President of European Operations.

The facilities are located in the Alicante region of Spain. According to Cannabis Science, it is working with a local partner to initiate an agricultural program to prepare GMP production and to start building the research framework in order to conduct scientific testing of extracts and the active components contained in the cannabis plant with the objective of developing selected formulations for clinical use.

According to the company, its immediate focus is to treat cancer, which Cannabis Science considers to be one of the most important diseases in the world. In 2013, the company submitted patent application N2010968 in Europe entitled “Composition for the Treatment of Neurobehavioral Disorders.” The patent is for development of cannabinoid-based formulations to treat several neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. The first formulation in the series of products targeting neurobehavioral disorders is the pre-clinical development and use of the invention in food products through a licensing agreement with partner company OmniCanna Health Solutions.

Source: Cannabis Science, Inc.

Last updated: 7/31/14; 2:55pm EST

Cuomo

Gov. Cuomo Requests for a Speedy Medical Cannabis Implementation for Children with Epilepsy in New York

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On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo called for a swift implementation of New York’s recently passed medical marijuana law.

In a letter to the Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, Cuomo cited the deaths of two children from complications of seizure disorders which could have been treated with medical cannabis. This month, nine year-old Anna Conte and three year-old Olivia Marie Newton of Western New York died from their epilepsy. Their deaths serve as reminders of the urgent help that children with seizure disorders need.

New York’s Compassionate Care Act was passed last month to provide relief for children suffering from epilepsy across the state. Under the state law, the DOH has 18 months to implement the program, which allows patients with serious conditions and illnesses to access cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

In Cuomo’s letter, he asks Dr. Zucker to determine if there is a way to accelerate the process and shorten the 18 month implementation timeline for children with epilepsy.

“Striking the right balance to ensure public safety and public health are protected is crucial. That said, I ask that you review the eighteen month implementation timeline to determine if there is any way to accelerate the process for this specific dire population,” Cuomo wrote in the letter.

Medical cannabis advocates in New York agree, claiming that the law needs to be implemented immediately. Several families suffering from diseases that would benefit from medical cannabis have moved to states like Colorado, where medical cannabis is legal. Advocates express their concern of many patients dying before the law is implemented.

“Families with children struggling from epilepsy have fought for years for the passage of the Compassionate Care Act. Now that it is finally law, the children struggling with this condition deserve every condition we can make that could potentially ease their pain and suffering,” said Cuomo.

Read the letter here.

Last updated: 7/31/14; 12:00pm EST

 

White House

White House Responds to The New York Times Editorial on the Legalization of Marijuana

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The White House has responded to an editorial published earlier this week in The New York Times supporting legalization of marijuana, saying that the editorial fails to address public health problems associated with the drug.

On July 27, The New York Times editorial board said that the Federal government should legalize marijuana for adults 21 years and older, and compared the Federal marijuana policy to the failure of alcohol prohibition. Additionally, the editorial advocated for legalization of the drug based on the harm inflicted on young African American men who become involved in the criminal justice system as a result of marijuana possession charges.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy responded, agreeing that the criminal justice system is in need of reform and acknowledging that disproportionality exists, but said that “marijuana legalization is not the silver bullet solution to the issue.” The statement said that the editorial ignores the science and fails to address health problems linked to increased use of marijuana.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy cited studies on the negative effects of marijuana including a recent study that revealed impairment of the development of structures in certain regions of the brain following prolonged use of marijuana that began in adolescence. In the statement, the White House said that substance use in school age children has a detrimental effect on their academic achievement, marijuana is addictive and drugged driving is a threat to our roadways.

Additionally, the post argues that legalizing marijuana would neither eliminate the black market for marijuana, nor guarantee that states will benefit from the substantial revenue of retail marijuana sales.

“Any discussion on the issue should be guided by science and evidence, not ideology and wishful thinking. The Obama Administration continues to oppose legalization of marijuana and other illegal drugs because it flies in the face of a public health approach to reducing drug use and its consequences. Our approach is founded on the understanding of addiction as a disease that can be successfully prevented and treated, and from which people can recover. We continue to focus on genuine drug policy reform – a strategy that rejects extremes, and promotes expanded access to treatment, evidence-based prevention efforts, and alternatives to incarceration,” the White House wrote in the blog.

The editorial board of The New York Times argued that after weighing legalization of the drug, the scale is in favor of ending the ban. The piece acknowledged concerns regarding use of the drug, such as restricting sales to those under the age of 21.

To date, only two states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes for adults. In the US, 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, and about a dozen more states are considering some form of legalization. However, at the federal level, marijuana is still considered illegal and classified as a Schedule I substance considered one of the most dangerous drugs, along with heroin and LSD.

Source: The New York Times; Office of National Drug Control Policy

Last updated:  7/31/14; 10:55am EST

 

Marijuana in Teens

Study Finds Legalization of Medical Marijuana Not Linked to Increased Use in Teens

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Researchers found that a rise in use of marijuana among US teens over the past 20 years is not linked to the legalization of medical marijuana in several states.

Federal officials have argued that recent increases in use of marijuana among teens might be a result of better access to the drug in states where it is legal. However, a new study found that there is no evidence that legalization of marijuana for medical purposes increases teen drug use.

Researchers compared surveys of marijuana use by teens conducted annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data comes from a period when 16 states legalized medical marijuana and allowed the researchers to estimate the effect of legalization on outcomes such as marijuana use in the past month, frequent marijuana use and use of the drug on school property. Results of the study show that the probability a high schooler had used marijuana in the last 30 days was no more than 0.8 percent higher in legal states compared to states that had not approved medical marijuana.

“Our results are not consistent with the hypothesis that the legalization of medical marijuana caused an increase in the use of marijuana among high school students,” D. Mark Anderson of Montana State University, Daniel Rees of the University of Colorado and Benjamin Hasen of the University of Oregon wrote in their report.

Opponents of legalization of the drug have expressed concern on its impact on teens. A previous study, published in the Annals of Epidemiology in 2011, found that use among adolescents had risen in states where medical marijuana was legal, but concluded that more research was needed to determine a causal relationship. Further, the study found that between 2002 and 2008, use among teens was highest in states where the drug was legal; however use was already higher in those states before it was legalized.

Source: Medical Marijuana Laws and Teen Marijuana Use

Last updated: 7/29/14; 3:30pm EST

 

inergetics

Inergetics Successfully Completes Phase I Development of its CBD-Based Product Line

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Today, Inergetics, Inc. announced that it has successfully completed its first phase towards formulating its proprietary line of natural cannabidiol CBD-based nutritional supplements that the company is developing in partnership with Terra Tech Corp.

“This is a critical milestone for us in our quest to enter the marketplace as the gold standard of cannabinoid supplements,” said Carol Germano, RD, CNS, CDN, Chief Scientific Officer, Inergetics. “Innovation in cannabinoid extraction from food sources other than cannabis and hemp as well as leading technology to enhance bioavailability was our number one goal in this important phase of the initiative and we achieved it.”

Research has shown that cannabinoids have medical application for various conditions including epilepsy, glaucoma, osteoporosis, anorexia, Alzheimer’s disease and pain treatment. Following a successful CBD Medical Advisory Board meeting, led by Germano, Inergetics has successfully procured targeted cannabinoids from industrial hemp, cannabis and other unique dietary sources.

According to Inergetics, its CBD-based supplements are expected to be distributed through medical marijuana dispensaries in 2015.

“Our considerable momentum completing Phase I of our CBD product development is timely with growing validation in the marketplace as a major national news organization like The New York Times takes a position as it did this Sunday, July 27th in its editorial section calling for the national legalization of cannabis,” said Inergetics’ CEO Mike James.

On Sunday, The New York Times made history by publishing an editorial calling for an end to marijuana prohibition. The editorial compared marijuana prohibition to the failed alcohol prohibition policy of the 1930’s, and claimed that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco.

“In addition, it is important to note that the medical applications of cannabis and CBD are varied with the greatest opportunity in the broader consumer marketplace. Our progress is significant and puts Inergetics on the leading edge of this business,” said James.

Source: Inergetics, Inc.

Last updated: 7/29/14; 2:00pm EST

 

Florida on Medical Marijuana

Poll Shows Florida Voters Support Legalization of Medical Marijuana

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Florida voters have shown overwhelming support for legalizing the use of medical marijuana, according to a poll released Monday.

A new Quinnipiac University poll found that 88 percent of voters support the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes, while ten percent do not. Additionally, the poll found that most Florida voters are in favor of allowing adults to have small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, with 55 percent supporting the measure compared to 41 percent who opposed it.

“Forget the stereotypes of stodgy old folks living out their golden years playing canasta and golf,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll. “Almost nine-in-ten Floridians favor legalizing medical marijuana and a small majority says adults should be able to possess small amounts of the drug for recreational purposes.”

Younger voters have the highest support for the issue, with 95 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. Among voters over 65 years, 83 percent voted in favor of legalization of medical marijuana. The lowest level of support is among Republicans, with 80 percent supporting legalization of medical marijuana. Support among Democrats and independent voters were 94 percent and 89 percent, respectively.

On November 4, Florida voters will vote on Amendment 2, which, if approved, would allow people with debilitating conditions to get a medical marijuana card. Patients requesting a card would have to be examined by a physician, whom would be required to issue a recommendation to the state that the drug would benefit the patient.

“Even though a proposal to legalize medical marijuana, on a ballot this November, must meet a 60 percent threshold, these numbers make a strong bet the referendum is likely to pass,” said Brown.

Opponents of Amendment 2 question the poll’s findings since voters weren’t asked specifically about the proposed constitutional amendment. Both advocates and opponents have been campaigning heavily, and will likely to continue until November.

Source: Quinnipiac University

Last updated: 7/29/14; 11:30am EST

 

Perry Scott

US Rep Introduces Bill for National Legalization of Marijuana-Based Oil for Seizures

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On Monday, US Representative Scott Perry introduced legislation to nationally legalize a marijuana-based oil that has shown to reduce the amount and duration of seizures in children suffering from epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Scott Perry has introduced the “Charlotte’s Web Medical Hemp Act of 2014” to ensure that children and individuals with epilepsy and other debilitating seizure disorders have access to life-changing Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil and therapeutic hemp. Currently, more than 300,000 children in America suffer from some form of epilepsy, many of which experience more than 100 violent seizures a day. These violent seizures could be fatal without proper care. If passed, this legislation would allow individuals to access this potentially life-saving supplement, without having to move to alternate geographic regions to receive treatment.

“Earlier this year I was approached by three local families whose children suffer from severe epilepsy,” said Rep. Perry. “As a father, I can’t imagine how helpless and crestfallen I’d feel to be essentially out of options, without any significant way to help my child; and these families live with this circumstance every single day. Their heartbreaking situations compelled me to act at the federal level to enable their access to a supplement that literally has changed lives – not only in the form of relief for the individual who suffers from this condition, but subsequently for their families and loved ones as well. Unfortunately, this plant and its derivatives and extracts are currently banned for medical use at the federal level and are unavailable to the citizens of Pennsylvania; this legislation would remedy that. This bill in no way changes my stance on marijuana – I still disagree with the recreational use of marijuana; however, these children and individuals like them deserve a chance to lead a healthy and productive life and our government shouldn’t stand in the way.”

The bill is an incremental approach to providing relief to those suffering from ailments that could benefit from CBD oil and therapeutic hemp. The bill would remove CBD oil and therapeutic hemp from the federal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Therapeutic hemp is that which has no more than .3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical responsible for the ‘high’ from marijuana. The plants used in the oil are grown to be high in CBD, which is credited for the reduction in seizures, but low in THC.

“We applaud Congressman Perry and his leadership in creating access to this treatment for Americans with epilepsy who have run out of options,” said the Epilepsy Foundation’s President & CEO Philip M. Gattone, MEd. “As a parent of a child with epilepsy, I know how difficult it can be to stand by as your child has a seizure that you are helpless to stop. The Epilepsy Foundation has supported access to CBD oil – which is showing dramatic results for some patients. Access to a lifesaving treatment should not be determined or limited by a zip code. It is time for Congress to enact this sensible bill that could help save lives.”

The Charlotte’s Web strain of marijuana is named after seven-year-old Charlotte Figi, who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy. Charlotte was having up to 300 seizures per week, some of which lasted for hours, to having as few as two per month after treatment with Charlotte’s Web, which contains minimal traces of THC and high levels of CBD.

Perry’s bill will be assigned to a committee, where a passing vote will be required before it can be forwarded for consideration by the entire House.

 

Marijuana

Oregon to Vote on Recreational Marijuana this November

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Oregon voters will decide whether they want to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana this November.

The petition, known as Petition 53, has qualified for the November ballot. The petition was submitted earlier this month by New Approach Oregon, a Portland-based marijuana policy reform group. According to Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, more than 87,000 signatures have been verified by her office.

Under the proposed initiative, Oregon residents 21 and over would be able to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana at home and one ounce in public. Similar to the regulatory model of Washington State, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission would be the agency in charge of regulating and monitoring the industry. Taxes imposed on marijuana would be used to distribute to schools, law enforcement and drug prevention and education programs in Oregon.

Oregon has already decriminalized cannabis and legalized its use for medical purposes. Gov. John Kitzhaber has signaled his support for the use of marijuana for recreational purposes if a bill makes it to his desk. Many believe that the bill will pass in Oregon, with a recent poll showing that 57 percent of the state’s potential 2014 voters support legalizing recreational use.

In addition to Oregon, Alaska voters will also decide this fall on whether to approve recreational marijuana.

Gambling NH

Medical Marijuana Advocates Gather in New Hampshire to Speed up Implementation Process

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Wednesday marked one year since New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan signed a bill that legalized medical marijuana. 

A year later, and the law has yet to take effect.

Outside the State House, patient advocates, politicians and others gathered to outline their complaints on how slowly the state is moving to implement the law. The gathering, organized by the Marijuana Policy Project, presented a list of grievances and requests to the Governor.

State officials said they are attempting to move quickly to implement rules for ID cards, dispensaries and other provisions that go along with the program. However, for the individuals who want to start treatment with marijuana without fear of criminal charges, the state is not moving fast enough.

“Patients have nothing to celebrate on the first anniversary of New Hampshire’s medical marijuana law,” said Matt Simon, the Goffstown-based New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Implementation of the program has been beset by needless delays, and people with debilitating conditions still face criminal penalties for possessing any amount of marijuana.”

Residents of New Hampshire have continued to face criminal prosecution, because the state Attorney General’s office have instructed that the Department of Health and Human Services not issue patient ID cards until the first dispensary opens. Without these ID cards, patients have no legal protections. Dispensaries have yet to open in the state, since the DHHS has yet to produce even a draft of rules for how dispensaries can legally operate.

The group also brought up the issue of the exclusion of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a condition covered by the law, and called on the governor to reduce penalties for crimes related to marijuana. They also were against including the police chief, Andrew Shagoury of Tuftonboro, as a representative of the public on the state’s medical marijuana advisory council.

According to Michael Holt, HHS rules coordinator, the DHHS approved the rules for the ID cards last month and adopted them yesterday. These rules will take effect next August. Additionally, he said that the department is also drafting rules for dispensaries that are anticipated to enter the formal rulemaking phase within the next few months. The state is expected to meet the January 2015 deadline to finish those rules and begin issuing licenses or making selections for state’s dispensaries as, according to Holt.

Last updated: 7/24/14; 12:40pm EST

AHPA

AHPA Releases Medical Marijuana Manufacturing Guidelines

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The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) recently released business guidelines for the manufacturing of medical marijuana.

The association’s long-awaited medical marijuana manufacturing guidelines include regulatory recommendations tied to the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and storage of cannabis-derived products. The guidelines are aimed at businesses with cannabis extracts and those with infused products, such as edibles.

Patient Focused Certification (PFC) is a new nationwide program aimed to bring greater standardization to the medical marijuana industry. The PFC, a project of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), uses the recently completed AHPA guidelines in combination with standards set by American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) for the plant’s identity, purity, quality and botanical properties. The guidelines have been developed to bring greater accountability to the industry and increase safety for consumers.

The guidelines come on the heels of the first forced product recall of marijuana edibles, as Colorado business “At Home Baked” pulled products from shelves last week due to controversy over its method of manufacturing water hash.

“Although medical marijuana is one of the safest medicines used today, it’s important for patients to have industry standards that ensure the highest quality and reliability,” said ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer. “The APHA guidelines issued today not only provide a blueprint for product recalls, like the one in Denver, but also establishes sound manufacturing procedures that will help avoid such recalls in the future.”

On July 17th the Denver Department of Environmental Health recalled the marijuana-infused edibles because of potential contamination from unsanitary equipment. There have been no complaints or reports of sickness to date, however the line of products have been recalled from dozens of Colorado dispensaries where the product was being sold.

For the APHA guidelines, click here.