Author: Sian Ferguson

Swiss researchers find a surprising 23% testosterone increase in young cannabis users, debunking common myths.

Researchers at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in San Francisco presented preliminary findings showing that the impact of cannabis legalization on psychosis remains unclear. Occurring amid ongoing federal rescheduling efforts, the systematic review highlights a frustrating disconnect between worsening clinical cases and mixed public health data. Dr. Jeonghyun Shin of Maimonides Medical Center noted that across the 33 studies reviewed, cannabis dose and the age of first use play critical roles in determining psychosis risk. However, translating these individual risks into broad policy impacts has proven difficult. The review identified several alarming trends regarding individual cannabis use: Despite…

Whitney Economics and the Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC) have published a new report confirming that severe cannabis price compression is an inevitable phase of legalization. This dynamic, observed across the U.S., Canada, and Germany, directly stems from operators and regulators consistently underestimating supply capacity during early market development. The report, titled “What You Need to Know: Pricing Compression and Its Impact on International Cannabis Markets,” draws on extensive market data and operator perspectives from multiple continents. It utilizes a predictive modeling framework adapted from logistics economics to forecast how pricing behaves at each stage of market development. The core…

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have demonstrated that whole-plant cannabis extracts can induce weight loss and improve metabolic health in obese mice. This breakthrough helps explain the long-standing paradox of why cannabis users often exhibit lower body weight and reduced diabetes risk despite the drug's appetite-stimulating effects. To investigate this phenomenon, the UCR team conducted lab experiments on obese adult mice. The mice were fed a western-style diet, high in fat and sugar, for 60 days. Thirty days into this diet, researchers introduced either pure THC or a whole-plant cannabis extract with an equivalent THC concentration. The…

Researchers from the University of California San Diego have confirmed that microdosing psychoactive substances is a widespread phenomenon across the United States. Occurring against a backdrop of shifting drug policies and growing wellness trends, this practice is surprisingly dominated by cannabis, as millions seek alternative ways to manage their daily functioning and mental health. Microdosing—the practice of taking a fraction of a recreational dose (typically one-fifth to one-twentieth) to achieve subtle effects without strong intoxication—has long been a popular topic in tech and wellness communities. However, scientific data on its prevalence has been scarce. To bridge this gap, researchers analyzed data from…

An international team of researchers has confirmed a profound link between major depressive disorder (MDD) and cannabis use disorder (CUD). Analyzing data from over three million participants, the study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that individuals with depression are exponentially more likely to struggle with cannabis addiction. By collating data from 55 international studies, including the US National Inpatient Sample and the Danish Civil Registration System, the research team quantified a connection that scientists have observed for decades. The findings demonstrate a stark contrast in prevalence rates when compared to the general public. Population GroupCo-occurring Condition PrevalencePeople with CUD31.12%…

The UK Parliament has officially passed the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, permanently banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, while introducing strict new public vaping restrictions to protect minors. The UK Parliament has enacted a landmark public health law permanently banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. Championed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration and initially proposed by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the legislation aims to entirely eliminate smoking among the next generation by 2040 while significantly reducing long-term pressure on the national healthcare system. Health…

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a 1,200% increase in hospitalizations and poisonings linked to kratom over the past decade. Despite industry claims that kratom is a safe, plant-based alternative for pain and opioid withdrawal, the FDA and addiction specialists emphasize that its active compounds bind to brain receptors identically to heroin and oxycodone, carrying severe risks of liver disease, seizures, and fatal overdose. The Staggering Rise in Kratom Hospitalizations Proposals to regulate or outright ban kratom are advancing in state legislatures across the United States, making headlines in local newspapers. However, as lawmakers debate…

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have demonstrated that CBD and CBG can significantly reduce hepatic steatosis and improve insulin sensitivity. The study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, suggests that these cannabinoids "reboot" the liver's cellular cleaning system, offering a potential new therapeutic pathway for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Comparative Impact of CBD and CBG on Liver Metabolism The following table summarizes the physiological improvements observed in the MASLD mouse models following four weeks of cannabinoid treatment. Metabolic MarkerEffect of CBD & CBG TreatmentHepatic Steatosis (Liver Fat)Significant reduction in triglycerides and harmful lipid buildup.Blood Sugar…

Using cannabis for creativity refers to the practice of consuming specific strains or products to lower mental barriers, enhance divergent thinking, and spark artistic inspiration. For decades, artists, musicians, and writers have turned to the plant as a tool to unlock their imagination. But is it a magic bullet for your magnum opus, or just a way to make the process more enjoyable? Let's explore how to harness the potential of cannabis to get high and get inspired. Can Cannabis Actually Make You More Creative? The relationship between weed and creativity is a tale of two perspectives: the scientific and the…