The cannabis-psychosis debate is being driven by fear mongering, not facts: Globe and Mail

One of the most debated health concerns regarding cannabis is its association with psychosis – particularly for young people. Frustratingly, both sides often resort to cherry picking data or confusing correlation with causation. Anecdotes, rather than science often prop up these arguments.

Not only does this misinformed understanding restrict patients who could potentially benefit from cannabinoid-based medicine’s effects, but as the authors explain, "By ignoring these important contexts, we are framing the onset of mental-health issues as a result of someone's personal choices, and thereby further perpetuating stigma around these conditions for individuals experiencing psychosis or with schizophrenia."

As the conversation continues, it is important to recognize the importance of research over an easy narrative; facts over fear-mongering.

Read full article here.

What can medical cannabis be prescribed for in the UK?

From time to time, I like to share what is happening in other countries regarding access to medical cannabis. This article dives into the historic, recent changes to the laws in the UK.

The condition at the forefront of the campaign to legalize medical cannabis in the UK is childhood epilepsy, specifically, the cases of 13-year-old Billy Caldwell and 7-year-old Alfie Dingley. 

Both children have severe epilepsy and were initially prevented from using cannabis oil treatments that helped improve their condition. Their heartbreaking stories made international news and the outcry fueled the recent changes in the UK. Real progress has been made in Britain - but some argue that access is still too restrictive.

Read full story from Bustle.com here.

Parents claim marijuana saved their daughter from cancer: People

We have seen time and again the positive impact that cannabis can have on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. New research is now emerging that cannabis can actually kill cancer cells. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in this area but this is definitely one to watch closely:

“This isn’t fringe science anymore,” says Los Angeles pediatrician Dr. Bonni Goldstein, an expert in cannibinoid therapy who worked with the von Harz family. “Studies have shown that cannabis can help kill cancer, in conjunction with chemotherapy, and also help fight the side effects of chemo.”

Read the full article here.