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Tag: American College of Physicians

  • Oklahoma Could Be Stepping Into A Huge Marijuana Mess

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    Oklahoma could be stepping into a huge marijuana mess as the governor targets the booming cannabis market.

    Oklahoma is no stranger to political firestorms. From fierce school funding battles to headline-grabbing budget fights over Medicaid expansion, the Sooner State has been rocked by dramatic clashes between lawmakers and voters. Now, another tempest is brewing—this one green, and potentially explosive. As Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry boomed into one of the nation’s most lucrative markets, the governor’s office has signaled it might be time to slam the brakes, setting the stage of Oklahoma could be stepping in a huge marijuana mess.

    RELATED: Texas Works to Save Its Hemp Beverage Industry

    Since voters overwhelmingly approved State Question 788 in 2018, Oklahoma’s medical marijuana market has exploded into a significant economic force. In 2024 alone, dispensaries sold more than $715 million in medical cannabis products, generating roughly $82 million in tax revenue for the state through excise and sales taxes. Over the life of the program, revenue figures from licensing fees, excise taxes and sales tax contributions have added up to hundreds of millions of dollars funneled into state coffers, with education, substance abuse programs, and general funds all tapping into the proceeds.

    Health advocates and researchers point out medical cannabis isn’t just a cash crop. Numerous public health organizations—including the American Public Health Association, American College of Physicians and the Society of Cannabis Clinicians—have acknowledged cannabis can offer therapeutic value for patients with chronic pain, nausea and other debilitating conditions. A 1988 Drug Enforcement Administration administrative law judge concluded “marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man,” and many physicians support its use in certain medical contexts.

    That backdrop makes Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent push to revisit the state’s medical marijuana law all the more dramatic. Stitt has publicly questioned whether Oklahoma’s cannabis market has spiraled out of control, arguing there are now “more dispensaries than pharmacies” and linking the industry to broader public safety concerns. His call to scale back—or even shut down—the legal market has ignited fierce debate in the Capitol and across the state.

    Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond echoed the governor’s misgivings about how the program was initially implemented, describing it as “truly the Wild West.” But he also warned dismantling the program would likely trigger massive financial consequences. According to Drummond, the state could face obligations to reimburse hundreds of license-holders for investments made under the existing law, because repealing or undermining the program could be seen as an unlawful “taking.”

    RELATED: Is CBD Next On The Fed’s Hit List

    For business owners, farmers, tankful dispensary operators and investors who poured capital into cultivation facilities, retail locations, processing equipment and jobs in hundreds of small communities, the warning rings loud and clear. While precise data on total private investment in Oklahoma’s cannabis sector is hard to pin down, economic analyses have projected billions in sales and tax revenue under expanded legalization scenarios.

    As the Legislature and voters prepare for what could be one of the most contentious ballot battles in recent memory, Oklahoma finds itself at a crossroads. Will the state preserve a medical marijuana program supporters call a lifeline for patients and a boon for local economies? Or will it heed the governor’s calls to shut it down and face the political and financial fallout? For now, the drama is just beginning—and in Oklahoma, that means the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Evidence About Burning Mouth Syndrome And Cannabinoids

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    Evidence About Burning Mouth Syndrome And Cannabinoids shows cannabis may ease pain through CBD’s nerve-calming effects.

    If you mouth on fire frequently?  There is evidence about Burning Mouth Syndrome and cannabinoids. It is a weird, stubborn condition: people feel a persistent burning, tingling or scalding pain in the mouth with little or no visible signs. For many sufferers, the pain is daily and annoying enough to wreck sleep, mood and social meals — so new options are getting attention, including cannabis-based therapies. But before you reach for an edible or CBD oil, here’s what the research actually shows.

    RELATED: 5 Ways Microdosing Cannabis Can Boost Work Performance

    Short version about help with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). there is encouraging, early evidence cannabinoids — particularly CBD-dominant or topical cannabis extracts — might reduce neuropathic oral pain for some people. A small, open-label pilot found cannabis sativa oil reduced symptoms in people with primary BMS, suggesting a signal worth studying in larger trials. That study didn’t prove a cure, but it’s the kind of clinical pilot which pushes the field forward.

    Photo by LeslieLauren/Getty Images

    Why cannabinoids could plausibly help, BMS is often considered a neuropathic pain disorder (a problem with how nerves signal pain). Cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in modulating pain, inflammation and stress — all relevant to BMS. Broader reviews of cannabinoids for chronic and neuropathic pain report moderate benefit in some neuropathic conditions, which supports the idea targeted cannabis-based treatments might be useful for mouth pain too.

    One attractive idea is using topical or intra-oral CBD formulations (drops, rinses, or oil applied to the mucosa) to get local effects without strong psychoactive side effects. Emerging reviews and early trials suggest intraoral CBD or cannabis-containing mouthwashes can reduce inflammation, pain, and even change oral microbiota in some small studies — but these findings are preliminary and product formulations vary widely. If dryness (xerostomia) is an issue — a common BMS complaint — be cautious: some cannabinoid products and delivery methods can affect salivation differently.

    RELATED: Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

    High-quality randomized controlled trials for cannabis specifically in BMS are still limited. Systematic reviews of BMS treatments note while several options can help some patients, consistent, large-scale evidence is lacking — and the same is true for cannabinoids in this specific condition. That means clinicians and patients must balance promising pilot data with uncertainty and potential side effects.

    A few practical takeaways

    • If considering cannabis for BMS, prioritize CBD-dominant or topical formulations and avoid high-dose THC until you know how you react.

    • Talk with your dentist/oral medicine specialist first — rule out nutritional deficiencies, meds, or infections mimicking BMS.

    • Expect a trial-and-error approach: some patients report meaningful relief; others don’t. A 2023 patient survey also found many people with neuropathic pain reported symptom improvement with cannabis, but self-report data has limits.

    Bottom line: cannabis is a promising avenue for some people with BMS, especially CBD/topical approaches, but evidence is early. If you’re curious, involve your clinician, start low, and track outcomes — the science is moving, but not finished.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • Study Reveals Stance By Physicians And Public About Cannabis

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    New research has been done on support for marijuana legalization – and it is surprising

    The numbers are in, and they tell a story America’s been building toward for decades. A new study reveals stance by physicians and the public about cannabis. The MRI-Simmons 2025 National Cannabis Study reveals use, interest, and acceptance are now part of everyday American life. What began as a counterculture experiment has matured into a mainstream market—and a movement reshaping everything from medicine to espresso martinis.

    RELATED: 5 Ways Microdosing Cannabis Can Boost Work Performance

    Once seen as taboo, cannabis is now embraced by a broad cross-section of the country. Millennials and Gen Z lead the charge, but even boomers are catching up. The study shows a steep climb in the number of Americans who say they’ve tried or regularly use cannabis products, with sharp rises in interest in CBD, microdosing, and low-dose edibles designed for relaxation and wellness.

    The shift in attitude coincides with a historic change in federal policy. After more than fifty years as a Schedule I drug—a category reserved for substances with “no accepted medical use”—cannabis is finally on track for rescheduling. Federal agencies under the Biden administration have proposed moving it to Schedule III, recognizing its legitimate medical potential and easing research and tax barriers.  The industry is waiting for the federal government to make a move as the have suggested.

    The decision is backed by a growing chorus in the medical community. The American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and American Public Health Association all support more research access and medically guided legalization. For the first time, major medical institutions are signaling prohibition is outdated, unscientific, and harmful to patients.

    Polls now show nearly nine out of ten Americans support legal cannabis in some form. Even in conservative regions, medical use enjoys overwhelming approval. MRI-Simmons data finds public curiosity has evolved into cultural adoption—especially among wellness-oriented consumers who see cannabis as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than a rebellious act.

    The change is having ripple effects across industries, especially in alcohol. Beer sales have flattened as younger drinkers swap bar nights for low-dose cannabis drinks or CBD-infused mocktails. Wine and spirits are pivoting fast—introducing zero-proof lines and “cannabis-inspired” beverages to stay relevant. The alcohol industry, once a distant observer, is now studying the cannabis consumer closely.

    RELATED: Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

    As cannabis moves from stigmatized to standardized, the conversation has matured. It’s less about getting high and more about how people choose to relax, recover, and reconnect.

    The MRI-Simmons 2025 study doesn’t just track consumer data—it captures a cultural turning point. Cannabis is now part of the American mainstream, supported by science, normalized by policy, and embraced by the public.

    The only question left is how fast the rest of the system will catch up.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • New Data About Cancer And Cannabis

    New Data About Cancer And Cannabis

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    While there is a need for more research, the data has good news.

    The American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians along with the federal agencies Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all spoke up about the need for additional research to unlock medical benefits of cannabis. The acknowledge it can help, but need more information, including more understand about dosage. Now, a study reveals more data about cancer and cannabis which only reenforces their call to action.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    While cannabis is not a treatment for cancer, studies support marijuana-derived cannabinoids. TCH and CBD can help relieve symptoms and ease the side effects of cancer, including chemotherapy. More research can be done on treatment, but how do patients feel about using medical marijuana? The University of California San Diego and VA Health Care researchers partners for the one-year study. Team conducted a comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 adult cancer patients at various stages of cancer treatment. What they discovered wasn’t a common sense surprise.

    The lead researchers Corinne McDaniels-Davidson’s published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. They explored the decision-making process, perceived benefits, and risks of cannabis use to address symptoms in adults with cancer.

    “There’s a vacuum in the world of cancer care. Many oncologists don’t talk to their patients about cannabis or refer them to a pain management specialist instead,” said McDaniels-Davidson, who is the associate director at the SDSU School of Public Health.

    “Our data shows about a third of the patients surveyed used cannabis after their diagnosis, but only a few of those patients said they had told their oncologist,” said McDaniels-Davidson.

    Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years. The archeological site in the Oki Islands near Japan contained cannabis achenes from about 8000 BC, but it developed a bad name in the early 20th century. But the understanding it works is still strong. Survivors who perceived cannabis had any benefits were five times more likely to use it. Those who perceived there were any risks were nearly 60% less likely to have used it post-diagnosis.

    RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

    According to the study, cancer survivors diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 were also more likely to use cannabis.  Among those who used cannabis, 19% said they believed the misconception that it could treat or cure cancer.  Cannabis can not cure cancer, a fact which needs to be made clear, but it increasing can help treat the disease. This study gives medical professional another tool to talk with patients.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • Is CBN Right For You

    Is CBN Right For You

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    Sitting at the crossroads of THC and CBD – CBD helps with sleep and pain. Could it be right for you?

    Marijuana is been proven a benefit to the medical world and the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services, the American College of Physicians and the Food and Drug administration all support increasing it’s reach and for more research.  It has been shown to be particularly helpful with chronic pain, nausea, and sleep. The cannabis plant provide a variety of cannabinols, including CBD, marijuana and CBN. But the medical question is CBN right for you? It sits at the crossroads between CBD and THC can be useful with health issues.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    Like CBD and THC, CBN is among the 100+ molecules in the cannabis plant. When THC is heated and exposed to CO2 (oxygen), it converts to CBN. The compound is said to have a mild psychoactive effect, slightly more so than CBD but much less than THC. Specifically, it is said to have a sedating effect on most users and to have promising sleep aid applications, similar to melatonin (among other potential uses).

    Photo by Bacsica/Getty Images

    The marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable, provided that no unapproved health claims are made and could be nationally legal as long as they have a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. Unlike CBN and like THC, CBN is legal in some states, but not federally. The FDA likes to point out that the 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserved FDA’s authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. But the marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable nonetheless, provided that no unapproved health claims are made.

    RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?

    Unlike CBD, CBN not been approved as a drug, and FDA itself has acknowledged “parts of the cannabis plant that do not contain THC or CBD might fall outside the scope of the [drug exclusion rule].” As with CBG, if CBN is approved as a drug at some point down the line, it also seems likely that the drug exclusion rule would not apply: this is because the rule contains an exception for substances marketed as foods or dietary supplements prior to any FDA clinical investigation. People are already marketing CBN products as foods and dietary supplements.

    Photo by Adrianna Calvo via Pexels

    But the question is still, is CBN right for you? With regards to sleep, it is can be a bit stronger than CBD alone. While melatonin is a known as a good over the counter sleep aid, it doesn’t work for everyone.

    A clinical study looked into sleep improvements from 15 mg of CBD with or without 15 mg of CBN compared with 5 mg of melatonin. In the study, all groups reported improved sleep quality, and there were no significant differences between products. Since this study didn’t look at CBN alone, it isn’t a direct comparison. But it seems to indicate that products containing an equal amount of CBD and CBN are similarly effective to melatonin for sleep. And adding a CBD/CBN product to melatonin didn’t provide any added benefit.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    CBN use showed relief in muscle and joint pain conditions with inflammation. Limited studies show The study also noted that pain relief was better when CBD and CBN were used together.

    So CBN can be helpful if you need a little extra in over the counter help.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

    Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

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    In surprise to no one considering the history of the administration leaders, Biden administration starts to wind down legal marijuana

    Mom and pop businesses have been struggling the last 2 years. Thousands are in hte cannabis business, many having the hope from the Biden/Harris 2020 campaign about helping them. Almost 4 years later, there has been no change, and while marijuana use soars, federal government are putting hundreds of businesses out even in fully legal states. The DEA action is paving the way for a robust illegal market.

    Has Biden administration killed put a knife into the cannabis industry. Has former foe of cannabis managed to effectively put a stop to the legal cannabis industry? Biden has been in the federal government for 51 years. His tenure has given him unique insight in how government works, the timeline and how to move projects forward. Until recently, Biden and Harris were anti-marijuana, but recognizing the direction of voters, especially younger voters, they made a pivot. But was it a move to try to engage the youth movement without having to deliver a final product? The announcement by the Drug Enforcement Administration to delay until at least 2 December has thrown the industry into a tailspin with stocks dropping due to the announcement.

    RELATED: Is New York Finally Getting Its Marijuana Act Together

    Biden is quick to comment “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.”  In 2020 the Biden/Harris ticket promised to help the industry by readdressing cannabis.  But in reality, Biden waited over 3 years before he made the move.  An experienced lawmaker understands the wheels of change moves slowly. Especially when the an agency like the DEA is resistant to the change. The timing of the start to reschedule cannabis allows the campaign to say “look what we are doing”, but actual change may or may not happen. In reality, Biden told the public he values cannabis, but he didn’t put a true push on an easy change until months before the end of his term. Most likely knowing the clock would run out. It is disappointing as the Veterans Administration acknowledged it is an important option for veterans, especially with those with PTSD.

    Anne Milligan, is the administrator of the DEA and was appointed by the current administration. The DEA is a federal agency overseen by the presidential administration and has made it clear it is not onboard with 85+% of the population’s view on cannabis. It has also not been pleased Health and Human Services (HHS), The American Medical Association, Canada, the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Physicians have all recommended rescheduling based on the science behind the plant’s medical benefits

    The industry is full of mom and pop organizations who are trying to help build a new economic engine. Gen Z, understanding marijuana is healthy than alcohol, has embraced weed and beer sales have been down. Consumer use has soared among all age groups.  Legal states have been reaping the economic benefits, but the DEA doesn’t seemed to be phased by the change of the public acceptance.

    While Harris drinks alcohol, Biden and the GOP presidential nominee do not. Harris and Biden have a history of being strong legal cannabis foes. On the campaign trail, Harris seems to support the industry, but has done nothing publicly or via government regulations to help the small businesses in the sector.

    Both Harris and Biden are seasoned policy markers, so it would come as no surprise the timeline or the announcement. Harris has revitalized part of the Democrat campaign with other opportunities to engage younger voters. Has the current administration pulled another bait and switch with the industry?

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help Soreness After Summertime Activities

    Should the Harris team lose, it gives House Speaker Mike Johnson a chance to end legal marijuana also. He is dead set against any form of legalization. Some leaders in the industry have doubts about the Biden/Harris take on marijuana and have been expanding into hemp, which Senator Mitch McConnell championed. So like another president, Gerald Ford when NYC was in trouble, Biden sent a very clear message to the industry.

    Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

     

     

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    Terry Hacienda

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