The Office for National Statistics has released data that shows deaths attributed to drugs reached a figure of 4,859 in 2021 an increase of 6.2% from the previous year, making it the most deadly year since records began in 1992, with nearly double the number of deaths in 2012 when the current government came to…
No increase in adolescent cannabis use after legalisation, study finds
A study conducted by researchers affiliated with Michigan State University in America found that cannabis use in under-age people does not increase in relation to a state’s adoption of a legal adult-use (21 and over), recreational cannabis market. Researchers published the results of their study in the journal NIH in July 2022, two months after…
84% of Brits unaware cannabis flower is available on prescription
A survey by cannabis clinic Mamedica has found that 84% of British people are unaware cannabis flower is available on prescription from specialist clinics. The survey, completed by 4000 participants, also found that 60% of respondents would consider cannabis as an alternative to traditional medicine, and that 59% would consider cannabis as a treatment if…
Officials discuss recreational cannabis market as Luxembourg hosts European summit
Ministers and senior officials from The Netherlands, Germany, Malta and Luxembourg met for talks in Luxembourg last week to discuss “the regulation of cannabis for non-medical and non-scientific uses” in what has been dubbed a “historic” summit. At the talks, officials discussed a number of issues, including how current cannabis prohibition laws aren’t working for…
Teenagers who consume cannabis not at greater risk of mental health issues, but may be at greater risk of addiction
Teenagers who consume cannabis are no more likely to experience symptoms of poor mental health, but may be at greater risk of developing a cannabis addiction, a new study by UCL and King’s College London has found. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, suggests that adolescents who used cannabis were no more likely…
Switzerland set to lift medical cannabis restrictions
The Swiss government announced today that it will lift restrictions on cannabis for medical use from August 1st 2022. Presently, patients have to seek exceptional permission from the health ministry to be prescribed the drug, causing unnecessary delays. The decision to use a cannabis-based medicine for therapeutic purposes will now rest with the doctor, in…
Spain approves medical cannabis sales by end of the year
A subcommittee in Spain’s Congress of Deputies has approved a draft bill to allow medical cannabis sales in the country, according to a report in Spanish newspaper ABC. The draft bill has been sent to to the Health Commission for a final vote on Thursday, where it is expected to be approved. Following this, the…
How To Change Your Mind set for release on Netflix
Netflix has announced a new 4 part mini-series about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs. Based on the best-selling book How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan and directed by Academy Award winner Alex Gibney, the series will examine the new wave of research into the potential of four drugs; LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and…
Canada to begin 3 year drug decriminalisation trial
Canada has announced it will temporarily decriminalise the possession of small amounts of some illicit drugs in British Columbia, during a three-year trial. Adults found in possession of a combined total of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA will not be arrested, charged or have their drugs seized. Instead, those found in possession…
Man caught with over £10,000 worth of cannabis spared prison after outpouring of support from patients
A 46-year-old father of 2, who was caught with almost a kilo of cannabis, has avoided prison after the support of hundreds of people who insist he saved their lives. Cannabis patient Andrew Baines was caught by police with almost a kilo of cannabis and 30 cannabis plants at his home in January 2020. He…