Author: Hilary Macht
Hilary Macht
Hilary Macht is a longtime health writer and former health editor whose work has appeared in dozens of media outlets including Everyday Health, The New York Times, Prevention, Civil Eats, and the Columbia Journalism Review. Her work is distributed by the National Center for Health Research and the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making.
Luxembourg health groups have issued urgent warnings after discovering high-risk synthetic cannabinoids in illegally marketed "THCA" products sold at a local CBD shop, raising broader safety concerns across Europe. Health officials and the harm reduction organization 4motion in Luxembourg have issued urgent warnings after discovering that illegally marketed cannabis products were laced with highly potent synthetic cannabinoids. This alarming discovery, originating from a local CBD shop's vending machine, has triggered wider safety concerns as similar contaminated products surface across Europe. The controversy began when an RTL Today journalist purchased a product labeled "Silver Haze THCA" from a vending machine in…
Researchers from the University of Calgary and Washington State University have confirmed the biological mechanisms behind cannabis-induced hunger. This development occurs amidst growing interest in the medical applications of cannabis, directly resulting in empirical evidence that THC vapor acutely increases food intake by altering the brain's reward valuation rather than digestive signals. Deconstructing the "Munchies": A Controlled Study While pop culture has long joked about the intense food cravings that follow cannabis consumption, the exact biological and behavioral mechanics have remained surprisingly understudied. To fill this gap, a team led by Matthew N. Hill, director of the Mathison Centre for…
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are among the most common reasons Australians seek medicinal cannabis. However, a deep dive into the clinical data reveals that while patients are predominantly prescribed high-THC inhaled products, the highest-quality research actually supports CBD-based treatments. Experts warn that high-THC cannabis not only lacks robust evidence for treating mental health conditions but may actively trigger psychosis and severe withdrawal symptoms in vulnerable populations. The Disconnect: Prescribing Trends vs. Clinical Evidence In Australia, the landscape of medicinal cannabis is dominated by prescriptions for mental health conditions. According to data from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the majority of these…
Medicinal cannabis use in Australia has surged since 2016, primarily prescribed for chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, a review of current clinical evidence reveals that these common applications lack rigorous scientific backing. While strong evidence exists for rare forms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, regulators warn that prescribing for general pain and mental health may be outpacing the actual science, carrying significant risks of dependency and side effects. The Disconnect Between Prescriptions and Evidence Since the Australian government expanded access pathways in 2016, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued more than 700,000 prescription approvals for medicinal cannabis. The vast…
The prescription of medicinal cannabis in Australia has skyrocketed, with over half of all approvals targeting non-cancer chronic pain. However, a deep dive into clinical trial data and guidelines from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reveals a stark contrast between patient anecdotes and scientific evidence. Researchers warn that the modest benefits of cannabinoids must be carefully weighed against the rising risks of cannabis use disorder and severe pharmacological interactions. The Surge in Approvals vs. Clinical Reality Since regulatory barriers were lowered in 2016, Australia’s health regulator has issued more than 700,000 approvals for medicinal cannabis products, which include oils, capsules, dried flowers, and gummies…
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet has dealt a major blow to the medicinal cannabis industry. Reviewing 54 clinical trials from 1980 to 2025, researchers found no evidence that cannabis effectively treats depression, anxiety, or PTSD, warning that rising THC levels may instead exacerbate underlying mental health disorders and delay proper psychiatric care. Clinical Efficacy of Cannabis by Condition The following table breaks down the findings of the Lancet meta-analysis regarding the use of cannabis for various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Condition EvaluatedClinical Finding (1980–2025 Data)Noted Risks / CaveatsDepressionAbsence of positive evidence.Masks symptoms; delays effective clinical treatment.Anxiety & PTSDEvidence of ineffectiveness.Provides only…
While medicinal cannabis is increasingly prescribed for chronic pain and anxiety, driving with THC in your system remains illegal in almost every Australian state, regardless of impairment. Although CBD-only products do not impair driving, THC significantly impacts cognitive function and motor skills. Patients must navigate strict roadside drug testing laws that cannot distinguish between legally prescribed medication and illicit use. The Physiological Impact: THC vs. CBD Medicinal cannabis is now widely prescribed in Australia to manage conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and severe sleep disorders. These medications are administered in various forms, including vaporized inhalation and oral oils. The…
Faced with an $850 million budget deficit, Colorado legislators are targeting the alcohol and cannabis industries to finance substance abuse treatment and a new mental health facility. Colorado Democrats have introduced legislation to increase taxes and fees on alcohol and marijuana, aiming to generate nearly $100 million annually. While proponents argue these industries should fund the social costs of their products, local breweries and distilleries warn that additional financial burdens could trigger further business closures and job losses in a struggling sector. Funding the Aurora Mental Health Institute To address a state budget shortfall exceeding $850 million, lawmakers are advancing House Bill…
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has proposed new regulations just as the state's medical cannabis program prepares to launch. Key changes include revised ownership transfer rules, extended deadlines for reporting lost cards, standardized fees, and simplified continuing education requirements. Public comments are open until April 3, 2026. Just as Alabama’s long-awaited medical cannabis program is poised for takeoff, the regulatory landscape is shifting again. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has introduced a fresh set of proposed rule changes. While these adjustments are not expected to delay the program's launch, they will impact operations in significant ways, ranging from…
Following the 2025 Executive Order to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, the United States has officially acknowledged the drug's therapeutic potential and lower abuse profile. However, this federal shift creates a dangerous legal paradox for pregnant people. Despite 74% of Americans living in states with legal access, 24 states still define in-utero substance exposure as child abuse, leading to Child Protective Services (CPS) interventions and criminal sanctions that disproportionately target women of color. The Legal Paradox: Federal Rescheduling vs. Fetal Personhood The transition to Schedule III signals medical legitimacy, yet pregnant individuals remain uniquely vulnerable to punitive policies. Even in jurisdictions where recreational use…