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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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Preoperative Considerations: One of the primary concerns in treating cannabis users is preoperative counselling. Patients are often advised to taper their cannabis use before surgery to minimise the risk of adverse effects. Increased cannabis use is associated with higher rates of myocardial ischemia and a greater tolerance to standard anaesthesia doses, which can complicate surgical procedures. Therefore, thorough preoperative evaluations are essential to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with cannabis use.
Intraoperative Challenges: During surgery, cannabis can influence anaesthesia management. Patients using cannabis may require higher doses of anaesthetics due to increased tolerance, leading to prolonged sedation and recovery times. These factors necessitate heightened vigilance and potentially adjusted anaesthetic protocols to ensure patient safety.
Postoperative Care and Cannabis: Postoperative care for cannabis users presents additional challenges. While studies offer mixed results, some suggest a correlation between cannabis use and increased incidences of postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Conversely, topical cannabinoids may enhance wound healing, presenting a nuanced picture of cannabis’s role in recovery.
Drug Interactions and Cannabis Use Disorder: Cannabis also poses significant drug-drug interaction concerns, particularly with anticoagulant medications commonly used in postoperative care. These interactions require careful management to avoid complications. Additionally, the prevalence of cannabis use disorder among patients underscores the importance of screening. Short screening tools can help identify patients at risk, providing an opportunity to address potential complications proactively. (Source: JAMA)
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Review of the oral toxicity of cannabidiol (CBD)
A B S T R A C T: Information in the published literature indicates that consumption of CBD can result in developmental and reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity outcomes in animal models. The trend of CBD-induced male reproductive toxicity has been observed in phylogenetically disparate organisms, from invertebrates to non-human primates. CBD has also been shown to inhibit various cytocahrome P450 enzymes and certain efflux transporters, resulting in the potential for drug-drug interactions and cellular accumulation of xenobiotics that are normally transported out of the cell. The mechanisms of CBD-mediated toxicity are not fully understood, but they may involve disruption of critical metabolic pathways and liver enzyme functions, receptor-specific binding activity, disruption of testosterone steroidogenesis, inhibition of reuptake and degradation of endocannabinoids, and the triggering of oxidative stress. The toxicological profile of CBD raises safety concerns, especially for long term consumption by the general population. (Click Here for Complete Research)
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Cannabis use and its potential health risks have become a topic of increasing relevance as its legalisation and social acceptance grow. A pivotal study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery explores the potential link between cannabis use and head and neck cancer, drawing parallels with historical patterns seen in tobacco use and cancer.
Historical Context: Tobacco and Cancer
In the mid-20th century, tobacco was widely marketed as not only safe but beneficial for one’s health. The tobacco industry’s influence was significant in the suppression of early research linking smoking to cancer. It took decades of comprehensive research to establish smoking as the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, highlighting the dangers of industry influence overshadowing public health priorities. This historical narrative serves as a crucial backdrop as society begins to grapple with the potential risks of cannabis.
Current Research Findings on Cannabis
Study Overview: The study by Gallagher et al. investigates the association between cannabis use and head and neck cancer. Conducted with a focus on whether the expanding acceptance of cannabis might mirror the historical underestimation of tobacco risks, the study raises critical questions about cannabis’s carcinogenic potential.
Biological Comparisons: Tobacco vs. Cannabis - Cannabis and tobacco share similarities in that both are often consumed through smoking, exposing users to a spectrum of harmful compounds. However, the carcinogens in cannabis, compared to those in tobacco, are not as well documented, and further research is needed to clarify the specific cancer risks associated with cannabis use.
Industry Influence and Public Perception: The cannabis industry’s growth, bolstered by legislative support and public enthusiasm, mirrors the rise of the tobacco industry in its earlier days. The study underscores the importance of prioritising public health and scientific research over commercial interests, cautioning against allowing industry influence to delay necessary health warnings and regulations.
Public Health Implications: The potential connection between cannabis use and cancer necessitates comprehensive research and informed public health strategies. The study stresses the importance of addressing these issues proactively, echoing concerns that without due diligence, society might confront a public health crisis reminiscent of the tobacco era’s legacy.
Research and Policy Recommendations: The study advocates for extensive research into the health effects of cannabis, particularly its association with cancer. Key research areas should include the biological mechanisms of cannabis on cellular health and the long-term health outcomes of its use. Additionally, public health policies must be informed by robust science to effectively mitigate potential risks.
(Source: JAMA Otolaryngology)
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- Heavy Cannabis Use Tied to Increased Head and Neck Cancer Risk
- Epidemiological overview of multidimensional chromosomal and genome toxicity of cannabis exposure in congenital anomalies and cancer development
- Cannabis Causing Cancer
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Following a tragic crash that killed six high school girls in Oklahoma, the head of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urging parents to warn their teenagers about the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. The NTSB has released its final report on the March 22, 2022 collision, which provides detailed insights into the causes and implications of the accident.
Background of the Crash
The collision occurred in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, involving a Chevrolet Spark hatchback and a gravel-hauling semi. The investigation revealed that the 16-year-old driver slowed for an intersection but then accelerated through a stop sign. The NTSB concluded that she was likely impaired by recent marijuana use and distracted by having five other teenagers in the car.
NTSB Findings and Recommendations
Impairment from Marijuana
The NTSB report highlights several key impairments caused by marijuana:
- Decreased Motor Coordination: Marijuana use can significantly impair motor skills necessary for driving.
- Slowed Reaction Time: Users may react more slowly in critical driving situations.
- Impaired Judgement of Time and Distance: Accurate perception of time and spatial relationships is crucial for safe driving.
Broader Concerns: Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy pointed out that the issue of cannabis impairment while driving extends beyond teenagers. With more states legalising recreational marijuana, both teens and adults tend to underestimate its risks when driving.
Legal Status of Marijuana: As of now, marijuana is legal for recreational use in 24 states and Washington, D.C., for individuals aged 21 and older. However, driving while impaired by marijuana is illegal across all states and Washington, D.C. In Oklahoma, recreational use is not permitted, although medical use is allowed.
Safety Alert and Parental Guidance: The NTSB has issued a safety alert urging parents to discuss with their children the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. The board emphasised the importance of educating young drivers on making responsible choices to avoid impaired driving and not riding with impaired drivers.
Broader Implications: The NTSB’s findings underscore the critical need for increased awareness and education around the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana. As legalisation expands, understanding how marijuana affects driving abilities becomes increasingly important to prevent similar tragedies.
(Source: AP News)