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    • Joolz
      Trendy cannabidiol products such as CBD gummies and oils are a waste of money and even potentially harmful, according to Oxford scientists.   Researchers analysed 16 clinical trials and found that in 15 of them, the use of CBD was no better than a placebo at alleviating pain.   CBD is one of the chemicals found in the cannabis plant and is now a widely sold supplement in oils, vapes, weed gummies, and drinks at local supermarkets.   A highly-critical meta-analysis of existing studies around CBD by experts from the universities of Bath, Oxford, and Alberta, Canada, found there was “no evidence” the supplement worked, regardless of the dosage, how often it was taken or the route it was administered.   The report says: “For people living with pain, the evidence for CBD or hemp extract shows it is expensive, does not work, and is possibly harmful.”   The report found differing levels of CBD in products than what had been advertised, with none present in some cases.   Chemicals other than CBD were also present in some products, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive part of the plant that is used recreationally and is illegal in the UK and other countries. Experts also linked the use of CBD to increased rates of serious harm to users, including liver toxicity and hepatitis.   The products are not regulated by a medical body, and are freely available in the UK, promote health benefits including alleviating pain.   Around 20 per cent of Britons suffer from chronic pain and experts said the products made “wild promises” for people desperate to find a cure.   Dr Andrew Moore, co-author and former senior pain researcher at the University of Oxford, said: “For too many people with chronic pain, there’s no medicine that manages their pain. Chronic pain can be awful, so they are very motivated to find pain relief by any means. This makes them vulnerable to the wild promises made about CBD.”   He said there were “no consumer protections” and that without regulation of CBD sellers and products, it was “unlikely that the false promises being made about the analgesic effects of CBD will slow down in the years ahead”. Only medical cannabis has regulatory approval and is prescribed for people with severe forms of epilepsy, adults with chemotherapy-related nausea and people with multiple sclerosis.   Meanwhile, non-medical CBD items are regulated as “novel foods”. They must only adhere to safety, labelling and advertising rules, and are therefore not required to be consistent in content or quality. The Food Standards Agency updated its advice on CBD last year, lowering its recommended limit of CBD to 10mg per day from 70mg.   Prof Chris Eccleston, who led the research from the Centre for Pain Research at Bath, said: “CBD presents consumers with a big problem. It’s touted as a cure for all pain but there’s a complete lack of quality evidence that it has any positive effects. “It’s almost as if chronic pain patients don’t matter, and that we’re happy for people to trade on hope and despair.”   The authors warned consumers against purchasing products, not only because they do not work, but because they could inadvertently be purchasing a product that is “illegal to possess or supply”, particularly if bought online, as “there’s a good chance it will contain forbidden quantities of THC”.   The researchers suggested that there was a lack of willingness from health authorities to intervene in a “booming market”.   “There should be no excuses for misleading the public, and yet it is likely that the public is being misled and possibly placed in harm’s way,” the study said. “Other than being told to desist using incorrect advertising, it is unclear whether there are any penalties.”   The study was published in the Journal of Pain.   https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/03/25/cbd-gummies-oils-and-drinks-potentially-harmful-scientists/  
    • Joolz
      Following the recent legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine, Adam Kavalier PhD, explores what we know about its potential in the treatment of PTSD.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed into law reforms on medical Cannabis to provide relief to victims of trauma, resulting from the ongoing conflict with Russia. The law permits the use of medical Cannabis for patients suffering from serious health conditions, including PTSD. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health estimates that over six million people are living with PTSD and other mental health related issues, with a significant number also experiencing chronic pain. PTSD Background PTSD affects roughly one in three people who experience severe trauma, and is characterised by acute anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. It particularly burdens those who have served in military combat, with its high prevalence among war veterans. Conventional treatments such as antipsychotics and antidepressants often fall short in efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. Consequently, medical Cannabis has garnered attention as an alternative treatment for PTSD, promising fewer side effects and potential improvements in symptom management. Medical Cannabis and Evidence There is a growing body of evidence supporting that medical Cannabis is an effective low risk high reward therapy for patients suffering from a variety of conditions. PTSD is a good example of a disorder that has shown to be relieved by Cannabis treatment, but the evidence remains limited to observational studies and as with most Cannabis research, there is a critical need for more advanced studies. There has been only one controlled clinical study, but several observational studies and laboratory analysis have displayed promise for Cannabis treatment of PTSD.   A 2021 metareview in AIMS Neuroscience assessed 11 studies where medical Cannabis was used to treat PTSD, many reported reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life, although most were single-arm observational studies [2]. Further evidence comes from a cross-sectional study published last year in Clinical Therapeutics, which surveyed 510 U.S. veterans on their use of Cannabis for conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, and associated comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. In this study 91% of Cannabis users noted an enhanced quality of life, and 21% reduced their dependency on opioid painkillers. This self-reported survey also highlighted Cannabis as a more effective alternative to other available treatment options [3].    In a separate longitudinal study involving 150 participants tracked over a year, substantial decreases in PTSD symptom severity were observed with Cannabis use. Remarkably, participants who acquired Cannabis from dispensaries had more than double the likelihood of no longer meeting PTSD criteria by the end of the study. This indicates a potential use of Cannabis in trauma recovery beyond initial symptom management. Furthermore, the study highlights that the success of PTSD treatment may depend on the type and source of Cannabis used [4].   Laboratory research corroborates clinical findings by demonstrating the role of the endocannabinoid system in PTSD. Evidence shows that PTSD is linked to increased availability of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors [5]. Furthermore, THC has been observed to diminish activity in the amygdala, the brain region that governs fear responses. These insights bolster the theory that THC could regulate threat-related processing in individuals with PTSD, providing a potential pharmacological route for treating stress- and trauma-related disorders [6].    By contrast, an FDA-approved clinical study conducted in 2021 found no significant benefits of Cannabis use for symptoms of PTSD [7]. The study faced criticism for using poor quality drug material, unrepresentative of the Cannabis patients obtain from dispensaries and pharmacies. The recent expansion of DEA sanctioned research cultivation licenses and the potential rescheduling of Cannabis in the US offer hope for more robust FDA-approved studies in the future. For the time being, observational studies remain vital for guiding policy and medical application. A Critical Opportunity The effectiveness of a new program is reliant on thorough doctor education and integration of research programs. The Ukrainian Association of Medical Cannabis and The Ukrainian Medical Cannabis Association were formed to develop the industry and spearhead educational and research endeavors.   Hanna Hlushchenko, a Ukrainian-born Cannabis expert has played an important role by contributing to drafting of the law, and is orchestrating educational initiatives. Additionally, Hlushchenko has facilitated collaboration between Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko and his German counterpart Karl Lauterbach, visiting German medical Cannabis companies to garner support and gain insights from a successful and mature medical program.   We can find examples of valuable resources from more developed markets such as the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) and the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC), which offer educational platforms, and are supported by Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). Research programs, such as the UK’s T21 project and the Quality of Life Evaluation Study (QUEST), can provide evidence for effective decision-making as programs evolve.   Development of similar initiatives can bring greater success to Ukraine’s program, and these initiatives can also contribute to a more global understanding of medical Cannabis’ impact, particularly for veterans who often lack access and financial support for Cannabis therapy despite its potential to enhance their quality of life.   This new legislation has provided a unique opportunity to offer potentially life-changing treatments for severe war-related conditions on a broad scale and amidst an ongoing war.   A continued proactive approach will render it appealing for developed markets to participate, not only in offering products but also in providing essential support for education and research programs. Such efforts could bolster the establishment of a robust program, extend critical aid to a nation in distress, and showcase to the world the potential impact of medical Cannabis treatment to heal the traumatic wounds of war.   References: Sinclair, S., President Zelensky Signs Bill Legalizing Medical Cannabis In Ukraine. Forbes, 2024.  Rehman, Y., et al., Cannabis in the management of PTSD: a systematic review. AIMS Neurosci, 2021. McNabb, M., et al., Self-reported Medicinal Cannabis Use as an Alternative to Prescription and Over-the-counter Medication Use Among US Military Veterans. Clinical Therapeutics, 2023. Bonn-Miller, M.O., et al., The Long-Term, Prospective, Therapeutic Impact of Cannabis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2020. Grotenhermen, F., Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cannabinoids. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 2003. Rabinak, C.A., et al., Cannabinoid modulation of corticolimbic activation to threat in trauma-exposed adults: a preliminary study. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2020.  Bonn-Miller, M.O., et al., The short-term impact of 3 smoked cannabis preparations versus placebo on PTSD symptoms: A randomized cross-over clinical trial. PLoS One, 2021.     https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2024/03/28/healing-wounds-of-war-cannabis-ptsd-and-the-war-in-ukraine/
    • Joolz
      he cannabis industry has been rapidly expanding in recent years, driven by changing legal landscapes and growing consumer demand. However, this burgeoning sector is not immune to the pervasive threat of viruses that can devastate cannabis production. These microscopic adversaries can infect cannabis plants, leading to reduced yields, compromised quality, and significant economic losses for growers. In this article, we will explore current molecular tools available to cannabis labs looking to test for viruses in plant material, and important factors to consider when building out a diagnostic lab for cannabis plant health testing.  Plant viruses  Plant viruses consist of genetic material (RNA or DNA) enclosed in a protein coat, often with additional outer layers, and they lack the cellular machinery found in host cells, relying on infected plant hosts for replication. Plant viroids are tiny, circular RNA molecules lacking a protein coat, consisting solely of a short, single-stranded RNA with a characteristic secondary structure that allows them to infect plants and cause diseases. Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) is the most prevalent viroid on cannabis and is a major concern to growers due to its association with flower dudding and reduced yields. Diagnostic products Molecular tools are essential for detecting plant viruses. In many cases it is impossible to diagnose a virus infection in a plant without molecular confirmation, the main reason for this is that many viral symptoms (visible changes to the plant) can be confused with abiotic issues such as nutrient, water, and environmental stress.    Antibody-based detection assays: These tests usually take the form of a lateral test strip or an ELISA plate assay. These types of tests are able to detect the presence of the virus when the virus protein interacts with a complementary antibody in the test triggering a chemical reaction that results in a visual band on a lateral flow test or an absorbance (colour intensity) change in an ELISA based test.   These tests are relatively accurate, require a simple sample prep procedure (grinding sample in a buffer), and are usually cheaper per sample than nucleic acid-based assays. Unfortunately, viroids do not have a protein coat, they are naked circular RNA molecules, thus the only methods that can be used for viroid detection are nucleic acids based test kits.   Nucleic acid-based detection assays: Nucleic acid-based detection assays come in a variety of forms including: isothermal lamp-based assays, qPCR assays, traditional PCR, and RT-PCR microarrays. Each method has benefits and drawbacks, in general, nucleic acid-based assays require more sophisticated equipment to operate, thus incurring high capital costs. Equipment includes: Real-time PCR machines, microarray plate readers, thermocyclers, and isothermal blocks with the associated reader. All of these assays first convert RNA to DNA with an enzyme called reverse transcriptase (as most plant viruses and all viroids are RNA based).   The DNA is then amplified with polymerase enzymes and special fluorescent dye interactions occur resulting in a signal that indicates the replication of the virus or viroid of interest. In general qPCR and RT-PCR microarrays have higher sensitivity than isothermal LAMP-based assays, however sensitivity is dependent on many factors discussed below.   Factors that can impact the accuracy of your plant virus diagnostic results Viral titres: Viral titres refers to the amount of viral particles that are present in the sample you are testing. If a virus infection recently occurred in a plant it can take time for the number of virus particles in the plant to reach a detectable level. This is one of the reasons it is important to have a regular testing program for your grow operation.   Nucleic acid extraction methodology: (How are you extracting the genomic material of the virus out of your sample?): One of the most critical and often overlooked steps in nucleic acid-based detection assays is the methodology used to extract the nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) from the living plant tissue. RNA is a very unstable molecule and it is essential to extract it with methods that result in high quality RNA. The best extraction methods rely on liquid-phase organic solvent extraction such as CTAB (Cationic detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide). This method requires a significant amount of time and technical expertise. The next best method are silica-based column extraction kits; these kits contain necessary reagents, spin tubes and simple protocol to extract quality RNA from your plant sample and ensure the best chance of detecting a virus, though they can be more expensive per sample. The cheapest but lowest quality nucleic acids can be extracted with a crude extraction kit, which usually comes in the form of a simple lysis buffer. This extraction method can work well with high titre viruses, however, it is more likely to result in false negative calls, as nucleic acid recovery can be more variable.   Storage and maintenance of extracted nucleic acids or plant tissues: RNA and DNA samples extracted and eluted in nuclease-free water should be kept on ice and frozen at -20°C (week - months) or -80°C (years). If retesting samples make sure to prevent a large number of freeze/thaw cycles, this can degrade the DNA /RNA and diminish positive results over time. Crude lysis samples usually do not fare well and it is often best to prepare them quickly and add them to the PCR reaction immediately, rather than storing the lysed sample in the freezer and attempting a retest.    Sampling location/tissue type on plant to detect pathogen of interest: Some viruses and viroids replicate more readily in specific host tissue. It has been reported that HLVd is more likely to be detected in root tissue. In many viruses young leaf tissue is best to test as this is where the most active cell division is occurring and thus more viral replication is occurring in these active cells.   Physical Stability of the virus being tested: Some plant viruses are stable for years on a naked surface, while others cannot exist outside of their associated insect vector or plant host. If your virus of interest is less stable it may be more important to use a high quality extraction method for detection upstream of your kit.   Genetic variability of the virus or viroid in question: Some viruses are very diverse, detection kits can only work for the sequence they were designed for. If the virus is in a different group within a species the test may not work. It is important to understand the genetic variability of the virus you are testing for and to review technical documents from manufacturers to ensure the test can pick up all members of a specific virus species.   https://www.cleanroomtechnology.com/plant-viruses-and-viroids-in-cannabis-production  
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