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Published: 20 November 2024

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(D.I comment: Toxic Cannabis Industry and the Three Market Debacle – ‘Regulating’ psychotropic toxins of idiosyncratic unpredictability is a farcical shell game for the entire sector with an incredibly inadequate and often tokenistic effort toward ‘health’ practices. Words like ‘safe’ or ‘safety’ and cannabis products in same sentence is at best an oxymoron; at worst it is just indicative of the level of denial, willful ignorance, or plain cover-ups in the addiction for profit sector that is the ‘Cannabis Industry’.)

University of Bath researchers found seven vaporizers sourced from the US contained dangerous SC compound Hannah Harris Green Sun 6 Oct 2024

A new study from the University of Bath revealed that seven vaporizers claiming to contain cannabis actually contained a much more dangerous “synthetic cannabinoid” (SC) compound.

Earlier this year, the same lab published a study showing that over one in six vaporizers confiscated from schoolchildren across the UK also contained SCs.

Sam Craft, an author on both studies, says his team decided to investigate the contents of seven vapes that one person presented to a drug and alcohol service after experiencing strange effects.

The person “was an experienced cannabis smoker”, says Craft, and they had decided to switch to vaping because they thought it would be less harmful.

One million people in England vape despite never having smoked regularly, study finds

Analysis of the vapes revealed that all of them contained the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA. There are hundreds of different SCs – officially named with these letter-number combinations, and referred to colloquially as “K2”, “Spice” and other slang terms.

Unlike natural cannabis, they are frequently associated with severe negative outcomes, including seizures and fatal overdoses. In England and Wales, SCs were responsible for nearly half of unnatural prison deaths from 2015-2020.

SCs are also illegal in the UK and the US. Still, they are showing up in the unregulated US hemp market that emerged as the result of the 2018 Farm bill, which inadvertently legalized all cannabis-derived products containing less than .3% delta 9 THC, cannabis’s most well-known psychoactive component.

SCs are distinct from semi-synthetic cannabinoids, like THC-O, and sometimes HHC and Delta-8 THC, which can be made by combining natural cannabis extracts with synthetic materials, and which are legal in much of the US.

That doesn’t mean they are without risk, according to Michelle Peace, a professor in the department of forensic science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Peace’s lab has studied the contents of vapes seized from a person who was arrested after experiencing schizophrenia-like symptoms. Her lab found the vapes contained semi-synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O.

Jim Crotty, a former DEA deputy chief of staff, says that SCs are appealing to illicit manufacturers because they are incredibly cheap to make and to sell. Instead of growing fields, manufacturers can make SC vapes with packets of powders they buy online.

Crotty says these products could be appealing to “vulnerable populations with limited income like youth and unhoused people”, who might find legal dispensary products unaffordable.

It’s unclear how big this problem is, partly because consumers themselves are unlikely to know they are using contaminated products. Peace says most consumers will “walk into any store” and assume that someone has made sure whatever they are buying has been tested for safety. But there is not yet federal regulation for the legal hemp market – “nobody’s watching”, what manufacturers put in their products, says Peace.

Crotty adds that cannabis is an easy drug to fake, because it’s so unpredictable.

“It doesn’t fall neatly into any one of the drug categories, right? Because depending on the amount, the potency, the individual that’s using it, it could lead to different effects,” he explained, adding that cannabis can feel like a stimulant, a depressant, a hallucinogen, or a little bit of all three.

Craft says that SCs can seem similar to natural cannabis, especially in very small doses, like in the vaporizers they studied. But, he said, the risk of “cardiovascular problems, the lack of consciousness and the acute psychotic symptoms are going to be far higher”.

At the moment, it is very difficult to tell if unregulated hemp products are labeled accurately in the US. Peace says that if you live in a state with legal recreational cannabis, you are much safer buying products from an authorized dispensary, although these are not entirely without risk either.

Legal and industry efforts are under way to bring safety standards for currently unregulated hemp products at least up to par with the state-legal cannabis industry. The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation act, introduced in Congress in September, would empower the FDA to regulate hemp products.

Some cannabis brands are taking it upon themselves to ensure products only contain what they say they do.

The recreational cannabis brand Wana launched a direct-to-consumer platform that sells vetted hemp products, and also educates consumers on what products are safe.

“We apply the same rigor of testing, transparency and ingredients to the hemp side as we are to the regulated markets,” says Joe Hodas, the Wana CEO. But, he says, “it’s a tough and lonely road”, in a side of the industry that seems largely unconcerned with safety.

(Source: Guardian October 2024)

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Published: 20 November 2024

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Cannabinoid-mediated targeting of mitochondria on the modulation of mitochondrial function and dynamics

 A B S T R A C T: Mitochondria play a critical role in the regulation of several biological processes (e.g., programmed cell death, inflammation, neurotransmission, cell differentiation). In recent years, accumulating findings have evidenced that cannabinoids, a group of endogenous and exogenous (synthetic and plant-derived) psychoactive compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors, may modulate mitochondrial function and dynamics. As such, mitochondria have gained increasing interest as central mediators in cannabinoids’ pharmacological and toxicological signatures. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the cannabinoids’ modulation of mitochondrial activity and dynamics, as well as the potential implications of such mitochondrial processes’ disruption on cell homeostasis and disease. Interestingly, cannabinoids may target different mitochondrial processes (e.g., regulation of intracellular calcium levels, bioenergetic metabolism, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial fission and fusion, transport, mitophagy, and biogenesis), by modulating multiple and complex signaling pathways. Of note, the outcome may depend on the experimental models used, as well as the chemical structure, concentration, and exposure settings to the cannabinoid, originating equivocal data. Notably, this interaction seems to represent not only an important feature of cannabinoids’ toxicological signatures, with potential implications for the onset of distinct pathological conditions (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes), but also an opportunity to develop novel therapeutic strategies for such pathologies, which is also discussed in this review.

Conclusion: Findings thus far suggest that cannabinoids directly or indirectly affect mitochondria functioning through multiple molecular mechanisms. Ultimately, these cannabinoids’ actions may lead to biologically relevant effects on distinct cell lines and tissues, both damaging and protective. It is worth mentioning that cannabinoids are a structurally diverse family of compounds with numerous biological targets. This multiplicity of targets may justify, at least in part, the differentiated or preferential intracellular responses of specific cannabinoids and adds a new layer of complexity to distinguish the effects of cannabinoids through a specific receptor or signalling pathway. Further studies addressing the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids at the mitochondrial level will thus be fundamental to a deeper understanding of their pharmacological activities and risks associated with their misuse. Moreover, the cannabinoids’ modulation of mitochondrial activity and dynamics may be particularly crucial to the toxicological signature of cannabinoids and constitute an opportunity for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In fact, defects in mitochondrial function seem to be a common feature of many human pathological conditions, such as cancer, metabolic syndromes (e.g., obesity) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease) [176]. The selective targeting of mitochondria through the activation of specific cannabinoid-induced cellular pathways might become an appealing approach to obtain efficient treatments for mitochondria-related diseases in the future. (Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36516885/)

(D.I. Commentary: You will find in studying the above excerpt (and full research) that there is, in a number of instances, a dose dependent effect of cannabis shown on for example mitochondrial function. 

It is important to understand that to control all they do mitochondria have their own genetic blueprint.

High cannabis doses cause mitochondria dysfunction cellular damage and death. So, this is the problem with having unrestricted upper limits on available cannabis products. 

Therefore, simply looking at urine samples, as some pregnancy studies do, only tells you if women have used cannabis in the last month, so we don't separate low from high use and any immediate effect will be lost and we are not getting any real accurate understanding of the impact being made on the mitochondrial function, because there is no, or little data on THC and CBD or other cannabinoid concentrations in the cohort studied.

We are playing with receptors and functions we are only now learning the tip of the iceberg about. A broad-brush estimate of the number of mitochondria per cells is something like 5,000 for heart, around 2000 for liver, but 100,000 or so for oocytes, so these are the cells that can get really disrupted and none of this is good for foetal and human healthy development.)

Also see

• Maternal cannabis use in pregnancy and child neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Self-reported Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cannabis Use Among Women Before and During Pregnancy
• Cannabis Harms: An Overview of the Known Neurotoxicity and Thalidomide-like Genotoxicity of Cannabis
• Cannabis Use during Pregnancy: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Child Development.
• Genotoxicity and Neurotoxicity of Cannabis: 66th CND – Vienna UN 2023

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Published: 20 November 2024

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The Changing Landscape of Cannabis Use: The legalisation of recreational cannabis in California has led to significant shifts in consumption patterns, notably among pregnant individuals. A time-series study involving 300,993 pregnancies screened for cannabis use revealed a rise in prenatal cannabis consumption following the enactment of recreational cannabis legalisation (RCL). This increase was observed particularly in jurisdictions permitting adult-use cannabis retailers. The study highlights how legal changes can influence public health, warranting a closer examination of their long-term implications. According to a study published in PMC, legalisation led to easier cannabis access, greater acceptance, and reduced stigma, which contributed to increased prenatal cannabis use.”

Risks Associated with Prenatal Cannabis Use: According to the study, prenatal cannabis use carries several risks for both mothers and their babies. The findings indicate that 6.6% of pregnancies screened positive for cannabis use, with 3.6% identified through toxicology testing alone. Maternal risks include gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, while neonatal risks involve low birth weight and preterm birth. These outcomes underscore the importance of heightened awareness and careful consideration of cannabis use during pregnancy, particularly in areas where the substance is readily available.

The Role of Local Policies: The study revealed that the surge in prenatal cannabis use was mainly seen in regions where adult-use cannabis retailers were legally permitted. Prior to the full implementation of RCL, 57.8% of pregnancies occurred pre-RCL, with 26.5% occurring post-RCL. The data suggests that local policies significantly shape consumption behaviours, highlighting the impact of greater accessibility of cannabis products in these jurisdictions. This underscores the importance of local policy decisions in influencing public health trends.

The Need for Informed Choices: As cannabis legalisation spreads across the United States, it is crucial for expectant individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Health professionals can provide essential education and guidance to ensure informed decision-making regarding substance use in such a critical period. While some may view cannabis as a safer alternative for managing pregnancy-related symptoms, comprehending the full spectrum of risks is vital for protecting maternal and neonatal health.

The study highlights the complex link between legalisation and public health. As an organisation that supports drug-free living, it’s important to raise awareness and educate people to prioritise the health and well-being of future generations.

Source: JAMA Network

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Published: 07 November 2024

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The recent amendment to Victorian driving laws, set to take effect March 1, marks a significant shift in how medicinal cannabis users who test positive for THC while driving will be treated under the law. While proponents celebrate this as a victory for medical cannabis patients, serious concerns about road safety emerge from extensive research on cannabis impairment and driving ability.

Under the new legislation, magistrates will have discretionary power when dealing with drivers who test positive for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) if they hold a valid prescription for medicinal cannabis and appear unimpaired. This changes the previous mandatory six-month licence suspension and fine system. However, driving with THC present in one’s system remains an offence.

The complexity of THC impairment presents significant challenges for road safety. Unlike alcohol, where blood alcohol concentration correlates strongly with impairment levels, THC’s effects are far more variable and complex. Research from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows that driving impairment can persist for at least six hours after smoking cannabis, even with doses as low as 18mg of THC. However, typical cannabis consumption often involves much higher doses – a standard joint containing 400mg of flower with 15% THC concentration can deliver around 60mg of THC, potentially extending impairment duration significantly.

Recent research published in Scientific Reports (2021) raises particular concern about cannabis users’ visual function and self-perception of impairment. The study found significant adverse effects on all visual parameters analysed, including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, and night-vision disturbances. Crucially, the research revealed that cannabis users may be unaware of their visual impairment, creating a dangerous situation where drivers might feel capable of driving while actually experiencing significant visual degradation.

Data from jurisdictions with longer histories of cannabis law reform provide sobering insights. Colorado’s Department of Public Safety reported that 66.3% of DUI case filings in 2018 tested positive for cannabinoids, with nearly half having THC levels at or above 5ng/mL, their legal limit. Studies from Washington State showed that cannabis-involved fatal crashes doubled after legalisation, increasing from 9% to 19%.

The Canadian perspective, detailed in research by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, highlights how THC impairs crucial driving skills including:

• Speed control
• Lane positioning
• Reaction time
• Divided attention
• Route planning
• Decision-making
• Risk assessment

The argument that regular medicinal users develop tolerance to THC’s impairing effects is problematic. While some studies suggest partial tolerance development, research indicates that when tolerance occurs, users typically increase their dosage to achieve desired effects, potentially maintaining or even increasing impairment levels.

Furthermore, a 2024 study from Massachusetts General Hospital revealed that THC significantly disrupts the prefrontal cortex’s normal connections and activity – the brain region crucial for decision-making and self-control. This disruption was measurable and correlated with intoxication severity, potentially affecting drivers’ ability to respond to changing road conditions.

The new Victorian legislation creates a challenging situation for law enforcement. How will officers determine whether a THC-positive driver is truly unimpaired? The research consistently shows that subjective self-assessment of impairment is unreliable, with users often underestimating their level of impairment.

While the law change aims to protect legitimate medicinal cannabis users from unfair penalties, it may inadvertently create a dangerous precedent. Australia’s successful road safety record has been built on clear, evidence-based policies regarding impaired driving. Introducing subjective assessment of impairment for THC-positive drivers could compromise these standards and potentially lead to increased road safety risks.

The evidence suggests that any THC presence while driving poses potential risks to public safety, regardless of its source or legal status. As this legislative change takes effect, careful monitoring of its impact on road safety will be crucial, as will continued research into reliable methods for assessing cannabis impairment in drivers.

Dalgarno Institute

Sources

• Major change to cannabis laws for millions of Australians
• Effects of cannabis on visual function and self-perceived visual quality
• Cannabis (THC) messes with your Executive Functions – Can disrupt and impede good decision making and add to dysregulation
• Dalgarno Institute Website – ‘Medicinal’ Cannabis & Driving – Is it an Issue? (DRR)