Author: Sian Ferguson

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…

Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code refers to a federal tax provision that prohibits businesses trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances from deducting standard business expenses. For the cannabis industry, this has meant a crushing tax burden. However, recent legal and regulatory shifts are creating a potential pathway for significant relief, both prospectively and retroactively. The Convergence of Litigation and Rescheduling Two major developments are currently reshaping the tax landscape for cannabis operators. First, the U.S. Tax Court is weighing the case of New Mexico Top Organics, Inc. d/b/a Ultra Health v. Commissioner. A central question in this litigation…

On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14370, titled "Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research." This directive marks a pivotal shift in federal cannabis policy, signaling an intent to modernize regulations that have long stifled the industry. While the order itself does not immediately legalize marijuana or decriminalize its use, it sets in motion a series of federal actions that could fundamentally reshape the landscape for medical marijuana, CBD, and hemp-derived products. The core of the "Marijuana EO" is a directive for federal agencies to accelerate the process of reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule…

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug under federal law. This significant shift moves cannabis from a category defined as having "no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse" to one recognized as having "low to moderate potential for dependence," aligning it with drugs like Tylenol with codeine. "People begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain," Trump stated regarding the decision, which aims to facilitate newer and faster medical research. Michael Khemmoro, COO of Mango Cannabis, welcomed the move as a…

In a significant legislative shift, the U.S. Congress has voted to ban most hemp-derived products, a move tucked into the recent spending bill that averted a government shutdown. Set to be enforced starting November 2026, this ban threatens to upend the market for popular items like CBD tinctures, balms, and the rapidly growing category of THC-infused drinks. The new rules will drastically alter the pricing, availability, and composition of these products, leaving consumers and businesses scrambling to adapt. Redefining Legal Hemp: The 0.4mg Limit Currently, federal law defines legal hemp as any cannabis plant product containing less than 0.3% delta-9…