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.
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…
Senate Bill 56 refers to new Ohio legislation set to take effect in March that would ban or heavily restrict hemp-based THC products, including delta-8 edibles and beverages. A coalition of retailers and advocates, "Ohioans for Cannabis Choice," sought to repeal this law through a voter referendum, but their initial petition has hit a roadblock. Attorney General Yost's Rejection Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost rejected the group's petition late Tuesday, stating that the summary language was misleading. He identified six specific areas of concern, noting omissions and misstatements that could confuse voters about the law's true scope. For instance, Yost pointed…
Quotas for controlled substances refer to the maximum legal limits set by the government for the cultivation, production, and trade of narcotics and psychotropics to meet national needs while preventing diversion. On December 29, 2025, Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 1772, establishing these critical limits for 2026, a significant step for its developing medical cannabis industry. 2026 Quotas for THC and Medical Cannabis For the first time, the Ukrainian government has defined specific quotas for substances based on medical cannabis, covering scientific use, manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and pharmacy compounding. The approved limits for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including ∆9 THC, are…
Intoxicating hemp refers to products derived from the hemp plant that contain psychoactive cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, which have proliferated in a legal gray area since the 2018 Farm Bill. For years, the narrative has been consistent: these products are unregulated, undercut licensed cannabis, and too often reach minors. While these concerns are valid, they mask a fundamental question about governance. The "ID Paradox": Why Is Carding So Hard for Hemp? If a 65-year-old can be carded for buying a six-pack of beer, why is it deemed "impossible" to verify age for hemp-derived THC? The United States has a…
Prenatal cannabis exposure refers to the consumption of marijuana products containing THC or CBD during pregnancy, a practice that scientists are increasingly scrutinizing due to its potential to disrupt fetal development. As legalization spreads and potency increases, understanding these risks is critical for expectant mothers. Why Do Some Pregnant Women Use Cannabis? Despite the warnings, some pregnant women turn to cannabis products like THC gummies or joints. The reasons are often rooted in symptom management. According to John Howland, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan, cannabis is sometimes used as an alternative to prescribed medications to alleviate…
DNA methylation refers to a biological process where chemical groups attach to DNA molecules, effectively acting as switches to turn genes on or off without altering the underlying genetic code. As marijuana becomes increasingly mainstream, with 48 million Americans reporting use in 2019, understanding its deep biological impact is critical. New Research: Marijuana and Epigenetic Changes A recent study from Northwestern Medicine, published in Molecular Psychiatry, offers fresh insights into how cannabis might affect our biology at a molecular level. Led by Dr. Lifang Hou, the research team analyzed blood samples from over 900 adults participating in a long-term heart health…
A comprehensive new review of medical cannabis research has delivered a surprising conclusion: for many conditions where it is commonly promoted, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. The study, published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analyzed 124 studies selected from over 2,500 papers published between 2010 and late 2025. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) reaffirmed that medicinal cannabis appears effective for specific, FDA-approved uses. These include reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite in HIV patients, and treating certain severe childhood seizure disorders. However, the authors argue these are…
A new experimental study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has provided intriguing evidence suggesting that smoking cannabis may acutely reduce alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. The research, led by Jane Metrik and her colleagues, found that participants who smoked cannabis with a higher concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumed significantly less alcohol immediately afterward compared to those who smoked a placebo. The study aimed to clarify the often-conflicting relationship between cannabis use and alcohol cravings. While some previous research suggested cannabis might hinder alcohol dependence treatment, other studies have hinted at a potential reduction in drinking. This new experiment sought to…
President Donald Trump is reportedly poised to issue a landmark executive order as early as Monday that would reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. Multiple sources have indicated that the order aims to move cannabis to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act. This shift would be a massive boon for the industry, primarily by unlocking significant tax breaks for cannabis businesses that are currently hindered by Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition to rescheduling, sources suggest the president may also deliver a major win for the CBD sector by allowing Medicare insurance…