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BREAKING
Medical News
Cannabiz Africa brings you the hottest breaking Medical cannabis news right here! From crucial developments in laws and reform to socio-economic changes in the industry. Find your latest dose of breaking news right here and stay onto of the earliest developments!
CBD Shots Prove There’s Life Left in the Old Nag as Israel Develops New Pain Treatment Product for Animals
20 February 2025 at 12:30:00
Israeli company Innocann, has developed a single shot CBD injection treatment for osteoarthritis that could have wide application in the international veterinary world. The Liposomal CBD treatment was administered to Ariel the elderly donkey with positive results and there could be future application for humans.
Dr Gallow in Demand: SA’s ‘Medical Cannabis Ambassador’ Hits the World Stage After Concluding Ground-breaking SA Research
19 February 2025 at 12:30:00
Dr Shiksha Gallow recently wrapped up SA’s first Pharma-ethics and DOH approved clinical trials involving cannabis and has now become a highly sought after presenter in the international medical cannabis arena. She is presenting two papers in Brisbane this week at the CIU Australian Medical Cannabis Conference. This follows her whirlwind tour of USA, Costa Rica, Thailand and the Philippines in the past few months
Welcome to the World of ‘Comseceuticals’: CBD Cosmetics Can Blend Beauty and Healing
14 February 2025 at 07:15:00
CBD is set to play an increasing role in cosmetic and beauty products such as skin and hair care as research highlights the cannabis compound’s anti-aging and antioxidant effects. It’s also been found to accelerate the healing of wounds.
Qure’s Brenda Marx: “Market Will Be Boosted By Govt Recognition of the Importance of Cannabis Testing
12 February 2025 at 15:00:00
The quiet announcement by the DTICC that product testing will be compulsory in funding applications is hugely significant says Qure's Brenda Marx. She says this requirement signals the start of a standardization process across the industry and will encourage laboratories to work more closely together.
DTIC Appoints Four Labs for Testing Cannabis Products as it Issues New Funding Guidelines
12 February 2025 at 11:00:00
The DTIC has issued new guidelines for entities seeking funding and has appointed Afriplex, NAFS, Qure and Vinlab as its official cannabis testing labs. The Department says funding applications for product development has to be accompanied by product test results from one of these four service providers.
‘TeleHealth’ Services Drive Rapidly Growing Australian Medical Cannabis Market
4 February 2025 at 07:00:00
Australia’s medical cannabis boom is being driven by an explosion of ‘telehealth’ clinics that have eliminated procedural bottlenecks and driven up prescription volumes. But they are also coming under scrutiny by authorities for ‘fronting’ for recreational use.
New Partnerships, New Paradigms: Eco Green Becomes SCIPP’s Satellite Lab To Research Indigenous Psychedelics
26 January 2025 at 08:30:00
Cape Town cannabis lab Eco Green Analytics has entered the traditional medicine research field by partnering with the Pretoria-based Southern Centre for Indigenous Psycho Pharma (SCIPP). It will offer its services to analyse medicines used by traditional healers and psylocibin mushrooms in a quest to unlock the therepeutic benefits of indigenous plants.
SA’s Medical Cannabis Expertise Spreads its Wings: Dr Gallow Invited to Philippines to Support Legalization Bid
15 January 2025 at 06:30:00
South Africa’s ‘Medical Cannabis Ambassador’, Dr Shiksha Gallow, recently trained and certified 40 doctors in medical cannabis in the Philippines where the practice is generally outlawed. She was keynote speaker at a conference pushing to legalize medical cannabis and urged the Manilla government to accept the legitimacy of cannabis as a healing plant.
Poland’s Medical Cannabis Shake-Up: Drastic Drop in Patients as Authorities Halt the “Prescription Machine’.
13 January 2025 at 09:30:00
Since November 2024, Poland has observed a drastic decrease in the number of prescriptions for medical cannabis. This change is a direct result of the tightening of regulations on ‘prescription machines’ by the Ministry of Health which specifies that prospective patients have to be personally examined by a doctor.
Feeling the Squeeze: Over 25% SAHPRA Growers Deregistered in Last 3 Months
10 January 2025 at 08:00:00
A quarter of South Africa’s SAHPRA-licensed cannabis growers have been deregistered in the past three months. This reflects the difficulties export cultivators are facing in their struggle to crack international markets, tied-up capital and surplus inventory.
2025: A Year for Removing the Rocks on the Road to Cannabis Reform
8 January 2025 at 13:00:00
The South African cannabis industry has gone through a painful few years, constrained by Government’s slow and shambolic approach to regulatory reform. The irony is that to date the ‘grey zone’ appears to have benefitted the most so far from the Constitutional Courts 2018 decision to legalize private consumption, while other sectors of the cannabis economy have lagged behind. So what lies in store for SA cannabis in the year ahead? Cannabiz Africa publisher Brett Hilton-Barber has a look ahead.
Regulating Traditional Healers Will Reshape South Africa’s Medical Certification Landscape.
18 December 2024 at 06:00:00
The NPA says the Traditional Healers Act is being used as a front for cannabis retail and is illegal. This may be the case now, but there’s a whole debate coming about what constitutes medicine as the Government moves to bring traditional healers into the mainstream via a new set of regulations.
Searching for Sanity: Scientists Seek Solutions for Modern Mental Health Issues by Understanding Africa’s Ancient Plant Medicines
15 December 2024 at 09:00:00
A ground-breakng new ‘psycho-pharma research centre has been launched at the University of Pretoria to delve into the mysteries of African psychedelics and other medicinal plants to explore their potential to treat modern mental health conditions.
Brazil: Medical Cannabis Market Booming as the Pieces Fall into Place
14 December 2024 at 07:00:00
Medical cannabis use has climbed to new peaks in Brazil, with a 56% increase in patients seeking treatment. This in turn has led to a 22% increase in revenue in the sector as the South American giant shows how the healing benefits of the plant are having a knock-on effect on the economy.
High Hopes for Zimbabwe’s Medical Cannabis Sector Despite Challenges
14 December 2024 at 05:00:00
Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has noted farmers showing a growing interest in medical cannabis Zimbabwe for medicinal purposes, but production challenges are slowing the growth of the sector.
First South Africans Test Positive For Fentanyl as Killer Drug Surfaces in KZN and E Cape
9 December 2024 at 05:00:00
The first signs have emerged that South Africa is heading for a fentanyl crisis. Clinics in KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape report that patients have, for the first time, tested positive for the opioid that has caused tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.
Scratching the Next Surface: Minor Cannabinoids Hold the Key to Major Therapeutic Benefits
4 December 2024 at 06:00:00
From CBN to CBG and THCA, there are more than 100 cannabinoids in the plant with different psychoactive and non-psychoactive components. Indeed, each cannabinoid counts different attributes, with research only beginning to scratch the surface of how we can leverage specific cannabinoids for specific therapies.
Synergy Wellness: Building a Medical Cannabis Eco-System from the Ground Up
3 December 2024 at 10:00:00
Section 21 of the Medicines Act is the only way South Africans can buy cannabis legally so there's obviously been a surge of new ‘grey zone’ operators offering this service. Given that Section 21 itself is being so widely interpreted, where does the line of compliance lie? Cannabiz Africa spoke to market leader Synergy Wellness to find out more.
New Long-Term Study Busts Stereotypes About Cannabis Use and Mental Decline
22 November 2024 at 07:00:00
Men with a history of cannabis use over 44 years were not any more likely to show mental decline in old age than non-users. The ‘Brain and Behaviour’ Study is the latest report to debunk the myth that cannabis use leads to age-related cognitive decline.
Pain Relief is what Most Medical Cannabis Patients Are Looking For
20 November 2024 at 05:00:00
In the United States nearly one-third (32%) of medical cannabis patients cite chronic pain as their primary condition for medical cannabis use, with anxiety the second most common (26.8%) followed by insomnia (18.5%).
Zimbabwe's Ivory Medical Launches Therapeutic Product Range Integrating Cannabis and Traditional African Medicine
11 November 2024 at 06:00:00
Zimbabwe has been struggling to develop its medical cannabis value chain but this looks set to change as Ivory Medical brings an innovative product range to market. Its CannaQure range, launched last week, integrates traditional African medicines into cannabis-based therapeutic products.
African Pharmacists Need to Take Cannabis Seriously – Or Risk Being Trapped in the ‘Knowledge Gap’
7 November 2024 at 04:00:00
Only nine countries in Africa have legalized medical cannabis to some degree, but for the rest of the continent the global medical cannabis revolution is passing it by. Nonetheless, African pharmacists should tackle their own knowledge gap in anticipation of cannabis becoming part of integrated public health systems in the future.
‘Understaffed’ SAHPRA ‘Over-Reliant’ on ‘High Risk’ Fee Income from Big Pharma
25 October 2024 at 05:00:00
SAHPRA’s government grant has been declining for years and the regulatory authority is increasingly reliant on fee income, which it says is a “high risk situation”. It has appealed to Treasury for further funding saying that it is understaffed and needs to invest in technical infrastructure.
Uganda Issues Medical Cannabis Export Guidelines
22 October 2024 at 12:00:00
Uganda’s cannabis policy is to legalize cannabis only for export. Kampala is currently not considering domestic consumption of industrial, medical or recreational cannabis, but has recently issued guidelines for prospective exporters.
SAHPRA Concerned Over Medical Cannabis Prescription 'Misuse': Section 21 Clampdown On Its Way
17 October 2024 at 08:00:00
Sources close to SAHPRA say a clampdown on the ‘misuse’ of medical cannabis prescriptions is on its way. The regulator is concerned that many ‘Section 21’ medical cannabis patients are actually using their prescriptions for ‘recreational’ purposes and intends taking remedial action.
Hawks Warn Fentanyl Has Entered Local “Drug Trafficking Conveyer Belts” Yet Two Gauteng Rehab Facilities Close Doors Because of Funding Challenges
14 October 2024 at 09:00:00
The deadly opioid fentanyl is now firmly part of the South African ‘drug conveyer belt’. This is the warning from the head of the Hawks who expects substance abuse levels to increase. This comes at a time when two major Gauteng private rehab centres have closed doors because of Government 'funding challenges', leaving hundreds of patients stranded.
Medical Cannabis SA: Here’s What You Need to Know
8 October 2024 at 09:00:00
There has been a huge upsurge of Section 21 medical cannabis patients in the last year, with SAHPRA expressing concern that many ‘dispensaries’ offering this service are actually just a front for ‘recreational’ sales. Just what is the current legal landscape in terms of medical cannabis in South Africa? Bassani Medical Cannabis CEO Mike Stringer lays down the line.
UK Study: Many ‘Cannabis Vapes’ Contain a Dangerous ‘Synthetic Cannabinoid”
8 October 2024 at 06:00:00
‘Synthetic Cannabinoids’ (SC’s) are prevelant in the cannabis vapes sourced from the US being sold in the UK. A University of Bath study has revealed that vaping might not be such a ‘less harmful’ way of ingesting cannabis than previously believed.
Cannabis and Sex: Three US States Invite Public Comment About Treating Female Orgasmic Disorder with Medical Cannabis
26 September 2024 at 05:00:00
Over 40% of women worldwide have difficulty in attaining orgasm and this is now being treated as a serious health issue. In the US, the states of Oregon, New Mexico, and Arkansas opened public comment periods regarding adding Female Orgasm Difficulty/Disorder (FOD) as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis.
Medicines Act Amended to Pass Control of Non-Medical Cannabis to Agriculture Dept
25 September 2024 at 15:00:00
The Medicines Act has been amended, allowing control over non-medical cannabis to be passed on to the Agriculture Department. This means that future decisions, such as acceptable THC levels for various cannabis products, will ultimately be decided on by Agriculture, and not by the Health Department.
Cannabinoid Research: CBD & THC May Not Balance Each Other Out After All
9 September 2024 at 09:00:00
The two most studied compounds in cannabis may not balance each other out like it's commonly claimed. THC and CBD are often pitted against each other, but their effects on the human body may not be in a tug-of-war after all. A new study reveals CBD may not take the edge off THC, but in fact, taken at high doses may enhance the psychoactive effect.
SA’s Medical Cannabis Future Lies in Africa and the Local Market – Compliance Makes Europe an Expensive Exercise
29 August 2024 at 14:00:00
South Africa produces some of the cheapest cannabis in the world but high compliance standards make it prohibitively expensive to get into Europe. At a recent Cheeba webinar, panelists suggested that local cultivators forge long-term relationships with jurisdictions that aren’t so fussy until such time as the local medical cannabis market is sorted out.
Ukraine Legalizes Medical Cannabis as Russian Invasion Unleashes Widespread Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
19 August 2024 at 06:00:00
Ukraine has legalized medical cannabis as one of the ways of dealing with the Russian invasion which has obviously been deeply stressful to a large number of civilians and soldiers. One of the main reasons behind legalization is the potential healing effect cannabis may play in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
UK Concern that Medical Cannabis is Being Overtaken by ‘Pseudo-Recreational Market’
16 August 2024 at 06:00:00
Cannabis medical prescriptions in the United Kingdom have shot up in the past year, many of them for ‘unlicensed cannabis-based medicines’. A clampdown appears imminent against those doctors who are issuing medical scripts to ‘patients’ who are really wanting just to get stoned.
New Study: Drugs are Affecting the Environment, Big Pharma Needs to Make ‘Greener’ Products
8 June 2024 at 08:00:00
A report published by Nature Sustainability shows that human drug usage is becoming a threat to wildlife. Among the findings are that addiction, anxiety and sex reversal have been reported in species by researchers as a range of substances contaminate ecosystems around the world.
CBD Over-Hyped in Pain Treatment, Probably Doesn't Work Says International Review Panel
28 April 2024 at 06:00:00
A review of 16 randomised controlled trials testing the efficacy of CBD products for pain found they did not work. Although CBD may have positive effects in treating other conditions, a group of UK and Canadian researchers have said CBD products are over-hyped in treating pain.
Cannabis and Sex: Is Female Orgasmic Disorder a Qualifying Condition For Medical Cannabis?
23 March 2024 at 09:00:00
A new study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that the potential benefits of the plant include increased orgasm frequency, improved satisfaction and greater ease achieving in achieving orgasm.
Afriplex, CRI, Releaf Take the Lead in Ground-Breaking Medical Trial That Proves Cannabis is Safer Alternative to Opioids in Chronic Pain Treatment
1 February 2024 at 10:00:00
Paarl-based Afriplex, the centre-piece of cannabis group Impilovest, has emerged as a leading player in a study that indicates that cannabis is highly effective in the treatment of opioid addiction.
Cannabis Bill: Latest Public Input Warns of Increased Danger Legalization Poses to Kids
18 October 2023 at 12:00:00
The latest round of public input on the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill was restricted to comment on new provisions relating to children and the plant. IOL reports that stakeholder opinion was divided. The deadline for comment was 13 October 2023.
US Study Shows Safe Daily CBD Dose is Up to 13 Times Higher Than What SAHPRA Allows
21 September 2023 at 14:00:00
There’s been a lot of controversy around acceptable daily doses of CBD, with SAHPRA setting a 20 mg limit. Now a US study headed for Congress says safe dosages could be 13 times higher, with up to 160 Mg of CBD/day being safe for most healthy adults.
Cannabis and Rugby: Not So Fast With The Red Card!
28 August 2023 at 13:00:00
With the Rugby World Cup about to get underway, we ask the question: is cannabis a performance-enhancing drug? This has become a debating point in New Zealand rugby circles after a player was banned for having THC in his system.
Shiksha’s Journey: Cannabis is Real Medicine, It Can Heal! Geddit?
30 July 2023 at 12:00:00
The Durban Cannabis Expo has concluded with one of the highlights being an address by acclaimed cannabis clinician Dr Shiksha Gallow. The ‘poster girl’ of the South African cannabis industry (and we say this with respect) opened up in a panel discussion how the plant had helped heal her and her partner, Wayne, heal after a motorcycle accident in 2020.
Unpacking Psychedelic Therapies: Basically They Enable the Brain to Make New Neural Connections and Break Past Patterns
19 May 2023 at 14:00:00
There’s been an explosion of interest in the potential healing power of psychedelics with more and more research coming onto the market. This is an excerpt from a paper by Edel Hyland of Queen’s University, Belfast, that sums up what psychedelic medicine is all about.
AI and Biotech: Developing New Drugs Faster
18 May 2023 at 09:00:00
The way drugs are developed is being rewritten as we speak. Discovering and approving new drugs is a lengthy process that requires years of development and a dismal success rate, but artificial intelligence (AI) could rev up the process in a major way.
Danish Study of 7 Million Health Records Highlights Risk of Cannabis Use Disorder – Especially Amongst Young Men
14 May 2023 at 10:00:00
As many as 30% of cases of schizophrenia among men aged 21-30 could have been prevented had they avoided cannabis use disorder, according to the study published on 11 May 2023 in Psychological Medicine.
Is the Tide Turning? SA Medical Cannabis Industry May Be Shaking Off the Blues as Over a Billion Rand of Investment Comes Knocking on the Door
11 May 2023 at 05:00:00
There are few players in the southern African cannabis industry that don’t have scars to show from the past few years as the sector has struggled to get off the ground. But those who’ve had deep pockets and have managed to stay the way are set to benefit from a new momentum in the medical cannabis export sector as new investments come in and international demand rises.
Oh No! SAHPRA Still Determined to Upset Everybody! Regulator Classifies Non-Psychoactive Cannabis Compound CBG as a Schedule 6 Substance
14 February 2023 at 10:00:00
In an astounding development, the South African Health Regulatory Authority has classified CBG as a Schedule 6 substance! This is a complete setback for commercialisation and undermines the President’s intentions to develop a cannabis and hemp economy.
Cannabis and Adolescents: Increasing Potency May Trigger Psychosis and Depression
9 February 2023 at 08:00:00
Cannabis has been touted as one of the safest psychoactive substances in the world, but that is not to say consumption is risk free. What are the effects of marijuana use on teenage brain development? Are there some people who should not use cannabis even if it’s legal? Dr Richard Friedman of Cornell University provides some cautionary advice.
What’s the Buzz? Honey Bees Respond Positively to CBD As Importance of Antioxidents in All Life Systems Becomes Apparent
8 February 2023 at 12:30:00
Bees are a crucial pollination agent and are in danger the whole world over. A study by Polish researchers has shown honey bees respond positively to CBD, but the implications go further than the health of our pollinators. It suggests that cannabis could be beneficial to antioxident systems in other species too.
Ibogaine: Bio-Pirates Target Gabon’s Sacred Plant As Worldwide Demand Soars
1 February 2023 at 13:00:00
Ibogaine’s healing properties are as yet to be thoroughly researched and Gabon’s sacred plant is classified as a Schedule 1 substance in the US because of its psychoactive effects. However, it increasingly being used by opioid detox clinics in Mexico, New Zealand and the Netherlands as its popularity grows rapidly, despite the dangers associated with it.
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