The CannaHealth Podcast

MMJ for Autism, FDA on CBD, Opioids, & More!


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MMJ For Autism Law Approved on World Autism Day

Colorado Governor Jared Polis approved a bill on April 2, World Autism Day, allowing medical marijuana to be used in the treatment of autism. Former Governor John Hickenlooper struck down the bill twice in previous cycles claiming there was insufficient evidence of the efficacy of cannabis in the treatment of autism, a stance Gov. Polis did not agree with. The bill passed in the general assembly twice previously only to be vetoed by Hickenlooper. Polis signed the bill into law, giving parents of children with autism another avenue of treatment that had previously been denied them.

From the article:
"It's National Autism Day today, and we are acting by expanding patients' access to cannabis products that help those with autism," Polis told a crowd in his office before signing the bill. "We know that not just anecdotally, but with a mounting amount of good scientific data that is coming in."


FDA Commissioner Gottlieb's New Statement on CBD Oversight

A statement released by the FDA in early April hints at stricter control and tighter restrictions of products infused with hemp-derived CBD. The formation of a “high-level internal agency working group” to explore unlawful or unsubstantiated marketing claims is forthcoming, according to the statement. The organization also plans to take aim at CBD companies for interstate sales as well as marketing CBD products as nutritional supplements. Citing the potential for liver damage as well as the long-term effects of exposure to CBD over multiple products, the FDA plans to do extensive research to aid in FDA regulatory oversight of cannabis-derived products.

From the article:
"As our actions today make clear, the FDA stands ready to protect consumers from companies illegally selling CBD products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure serious diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, psychiatric disorders and diabetes. The agency has and will continue to monitor the marketplace and take enforcement action as needed to protect the public health against companies illegally selling cannabis and cannabis-derived products that can put consumers at risk and are being marketed and distributed in violation of the FDA’s authorities."

Can Marijuana Help End the Opioids Crisis?

In states where medical marijuana is legal, doctors write few prescriptions for opioids and patients generally use lower doses of prescribed opioids. While there are no formal studies proving that marijuana is helpful in the decreasing the rate of opioid addiction, a so-called “exit drug,” anecdotal evidence abounds. In fact, most states that allow medical marijuana allow anyone with a current opioid prescription to obtain a MMJ card. In light of the opioid crisis, public opinion is swaying in favor of easier access to medical cannabis along with medical research.

From the article:
In 2017, a record 47,600 Americans died of opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grim tally represents an increase of more than 10% from 2016, the previous record year. More Americans die from opioid overdoses than car crashes or gunshots.


Medical Marijuana Sales Approved in Georgia

The Georgia General Assembly passed a bill allowing for the production of medical cannabis within state borders. In 2015 Georgia voted to allow medical cannabis oil to be used for the treatment of seizures, some cancers, and a handful of other illnesses, but in a remarkable lack of foresight, did not allow for the sale or transport of cannabis oils, leaving patients at loss on how to actually obtain the medicine. The bill allows for up to 6 private companies to grow cannabis legally in the state with the potential for two universities to also start medical marijuana programs.

From the article:
“Over the years, I’ve met with children who are battling chronic, debilitating diseases. I’ve heard from parents who are struggling with access and losing hope,” [Georgia Governor] Kemp said. “This compromise legislation is carefully crafted to provide access to medical cannabis oil to those in need. This is simply the right thing to do.”


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The CannaHealth PodcastBy CannaHealth