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.
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…
Kansas lawmakers have introduced two new bills aimed at decriminalizing marijuana, featuring a novel provision to return 40% of generated revenue directly to state residents. Sponsored by 19 House Democrats, including Representative Ford Carr, the legislation separates recreational decriminalization from medical legalization. Estimates suggest a regulated cannabis industry could generate between $750 million and $1 billion annually for Kansas. Unlike previous attempts, these bills mandate that a significant portion of this revenue be allocated to address critical public needs such as childcare, homelessness, and property taxes. "It’s the residents that need the help," Carr stated, emphasizing that these allocations would…
A landmark scientific analysis from Canada has upended decades of drug policy logic, confirming that alcohol and tobacco cause significantly greater harm to individuals and society than cannabis. Published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the peer-reviewed study utilized a multi-criteria decision analysis to rank 16 psychoactive substances. The results are stark: Alcohol emerged as the most damaging substance overall, scoring nearly five times higher than cannabis on the harm scale. Core Finding: The "Harm Paradox" in Drug Policy The study's primary discovery is the massive discrepancy between legal status and actual harm. By evaluating substances across 16 distinct categories—ranging from mortality…
A concerning new study from McGill University challenges the safety of legal cannabis, revealing that the industry-standard sterilization method—gamma irradiation—does not fully eliminate toxic fungi. While this process reduces microbial loads, researchers found that viable spores and chemical residues remain on the flower. This poses a significant health risk, particularly for immunocompromised patients who consume medicinal cannabis believing it to be sterile. The "Zombie" Fungi Problem Cross-referencing clinical data from the Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry at McGill University indicates a critical failure in current safety protocols. Gamma irradiation works by bombarding cannabis with radiation to damage the DNA of…
The Channel Islands are initiating a historic shift in drug policy, with both Jersey and Guernsey independently advancing proposals to reform cannabis laws. Jersey’s States Assembly is scheduled to vote on February 3 regarding three distinct options for decriminalization, ranging from ending prosecutions for personal use to establishing a government-run sales trial. Simultaneously, Guernsey has launched a cross-committee investigation into full legalization, marking a decisive move away from strict prohibition. Jersey's Immediate Decision: The Three Paths Examining the legislative proposals submitted by Jersey’s Health Minister, Deputy Tom Binet, reveals a pragmatic approach to a public health issue. On February 3,…
A comprehensive new review published in the Cochrane Database has dismantled the popular belief that cannabis-based medicines effectively treat chronic neuropathic pain. After analyzing 21 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults, researchers found no strong evidence that cannabis products outperform placebos. While public interest in THC and CBD treatments continues to surge, this major scientific review suggests that for nerve damage, the relief users feel may be psychologically driven rather than chemically induced. The Gap Between Hype and Clinical Reality The Cochrane review highlights a critical "Hidden Trend": the disconnect between patient hope and pharmaceutical reality. Neuropathic pain—caused by damaged…