Author: Katsiaryna Bykov
Katsiaryna Bykov
Katsiaryna Bykov, PharmD, ScD, is a pharmacoepidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Originally trained as a pharmacist, she completed her research doctorate in epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and has been conducting research on medication use, safety, and effectiveness for more than a decade.
Workplace drug testing refers to the evaluation of employees or job applicants for the presence of illicit drugs or alcohol, a practice that is undergoing a seismic shift as we head into 2026. With federal policy on the brink of major change and state laws increasingly protecting cannabis use, employers face a critical year for policy review and adaptation. The Impact of Reclassifying Marijuana The most significant potential disruptor for 2026 is the federal rescheduling of marijuana. On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a…
Cannabis regulation in Thailand refers to the evolving legal framework governing the sale and use of the plant, which has shifted from broad decriminalization in 2022 to stricter controls aimed at medical use. As the country approaches a pivotal election, the government is moving to rein in the thousands of dispensaries that have emerged. Tightening the Reins on Dispensaries According to a draft regulation from the Health Ministry, cannabis will be designated as a "controlled herb," restricting sales to specific authorized venues. These include: Crucially, establishments will be required to have at least one practitioner trained by the Department of…
"California Sober" refers to a lifestyle choice where individuals abstain from alcohol and hard drugs but continue to use cannabis. As Dry January 2026 kicks off, this concept is moving from the fringe to the mainstream. Millions of people are choosing to drink less, but rather than going completely without intoxication, a growing number are swapping their Cabernet for cannabis tonics and edibles. The Shift: From Abstinence to Intentional Consumption For decades, Dry January was synonymous with white-knuckling through a month of total sobriety. However, the narrative is changing. It's less about quitting everything and more about re-evaluating one's relationship…
A comprehensive new systematic evidence review has shed fresh light on the efficacy of cannabis products for pain relief, offering findings that may surprise many users and healthcare providers. The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, concludes that while products containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may provide small, short-term improvements in pain, they also carry an increased risk of adverse side effects. Perhaps most notably, the review found that products containing mainly or only cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrated almost no benefit for pain management. The review is an…
On December 18, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a significant Executive Order titled Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research. This directive instructs the Attorney General (AG) to expedite the ongoing rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Furthermore, it calls on executive branch officials to enhance research and regulatory coordination regarding medical marijuana and hemp-derived cannabinoid products. While the headlines may suggest immediate change, the reality is more nuanced. The Executive Order itself does not reclassify marijuana; rather, it pushes federal agencies to complete a process that has been underway for…
Ireland is poised to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes within the next six months, following the introduction of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill. Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor presented the legislation to the Dáil, stating its singular purpose is to outlaw these devices to curb youth nicotine addiction and address environmental waste. The move responds to growing concerns from parents and educators about the prevalence of vaping among teenagers. Health officials warn that vaping can act as a gateway to traditional smoking, with the Minister emphasizing the goal of reducing youth smoking rates to zero. Environmental…
As the popularity of CBD (cannabidiol) continues to surge among humans for managing pain, anxiety, and inflammation, pet owners are increasingly turning to hemp-derived supplements for their furry companions. Now, a massive new study analyzing data from nearly 50,000 dog owners has shed light on the real-world effects of CBD on dogs, revealing a particularly intriguing finding: long-term use may significantly reduce aggression. The research, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, represents the most extensive evaluation of CBD use in U.S. companion animals to date. Scientists from Arizona State University and the University of Tennessee analyzed data from the Dog Aging…
A recent scientific study published in the journal Discover Mental Health has found that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, and certain cannabis derivatives may offer therapeutic potential in reducing tobacco addiction. The Dutch researchers behind the study suggest that combining psilocybin with psychological support could provide a viable alternative for individuals seeking to quit smoking. The authors of the study analyzed eight academic papers to assess the current evidence supporting the use of psychedelics in combating tobacco addiction. While they acknowledged that the existing evidence is limited, they emphasized that the findings justify the need for further clinical…
Cannabidiol (CBD), a substance derived from the cannabis plant, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic applications. While some studies suggest that CBD may help prevent seizures and reduce anxiety, the question of its suitability for children remains a complex and often controversial topic. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the current understanding of CBD's effects on children, the risks and benefits associated with its use, and the essential considerations for parents and caregivers contemplating CBD as a treatment option. Understanding the Difference Between CBD and THC Before discussing the suitability of CBD for children, it is…
Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are increasingly popular, promising relief from insomnia, hot flashes, chronic pain, and seizures. While some claims are supported by research, others are simply hype. However, trying CBD isn’t without risks. CBD is a biologically active compound, which means it can have unintended consequences, including interactions with supplements, herbal products, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription drugs. The Nature of CBD: More Than Just a Harmless Supplement Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a biologically active compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD doesn't produce a "high," but it does interact with the body in significant…