‘Co-Use’ of Cannabis and Vaping Contributing to a Looming Youth Mental Health Crisis
A University of Pretoria health expert warns that a mental health crisis is looming among young South Africans amid alarming increases in both vaping and cannabis use. Known as co-use, the trend is being fuelled by poor regulation, loopholes in the law and insufficient attention to youth mental health and well-being.
Counterfeit Crooks Brazenly Hijack Synergy Wellness Labelling as Grey Zone Lawlessness Grows
South Africa’s rapidly growing cannabis sector faces a new wave of criminal opportunism as counterfeiters exploit grey-market retail channels to sell fake cannabis products disguised as legitimate medical brands.
US Experts Finally Recommend Medical Student Training Includes Understanding the Endo-Cannabioid System
The United States may be the first country to formally introduce the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS) into medical student training programmes. This comes as ongoing scientific breakthroughs in medical cannabis research expose deep gaps in the way medicine is taught at mainstream universities.
New ‘Remarkable Anti-Inflammatory Compound Discovered: Hello Cannabizetol (CBGD)
Cannabizetol (CBGD), is the latest cannabis compound discovered. According to Italian and Swiss scientists the new cannabis compound appears to have “remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory” properties and continues to expand our knowledge of the plant.
Brazil Becoming a Medical Cannabis Powerhouse
With over 670,000 registered patients and approximately 50,000 doctors prescribing cannabis for medicinal purposes, Brazil is poised to become one of the largest producers of medicinal cannabis worldwide. However, the main obstacle to expansion is the ban on flowers and THC.
Cost is a Barrier for US Medical Cannabis Patients
A US study has shown that almost 80% of medical cannabis patients say that the cost of being part of the state-approved system is an issue. The high costs of being a legal medical patient is keeping the illicit market alive, with 10% of the study group admitting to sourcing their medical cannabis from the street.
If Cannabis Possession and Consumption is Legal, What’s The Legal Rationale Behind the Prohibition on Dealing?
Fields of Green for All was admitted as amicus curiae (Friend of the Court) in the prosecution of Neil Lidell, in The Haze Club case back in 2021 and made a submission on behalf of all private cannabis clubs, questioning the legal rationale behind prosecuting dealers. These words hold true today, and the point made is sharper than ever given the ongoing ad-hoc arrests relating to cannabis transactions.
Psychiatry Association Warns ‘Ketamine Craze’ Coming to SA – Along with its Breakthrough Benefits and Associated Dangers
The anaesthetic ketamine has evolved into a so-called game-changing treatment for depression and its use in South Africa is on the rise. More and more ‘ketamine clinics’ are appearing online offering treatments and cashing in on the lack of guidelines, while recreational use of the drug appears is gaining popularity.
Thailand Restricts Cannabis to Medical Use Only
In a significant shift, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has officially restricted cannabis use exclusively to medical purposes, rolling out new regulations aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring its benefits are channeled solely for health.
DTIC Unveils its Route Markers to Navigate SA Towards the Legal Trade in Cannabis
The DTIC has finally put the missing piece in the National Cannabis Master Plan jigsaw puzzle and has completed the picture of what South Africa can expect by way of a commercial cannabis framework. The DTIC has now put out for public comment its draft recommendations on the way forward and the framework it envisages.