420 with CNW — Ukraine Could Rely on Marijuana Imports While Awaiting Local Production

Cannabis experts in Ukraine suggest that it might take several years before the domestic cultivation of cannabis is operational within the country. The Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada, recently granted approval for a draft law, marking a crucial step toward establishing a legal framework for the medical cannabis industry.

The legislative action could open up import-export prospects for foreign and local companies looking to balance supply and demand, especially in the early phases of the Ukrainian market. However, despite Verkhovna Rada’s approval of the legislation, significant groundwork remains before medical marijuana can be legally sold in Ukraine. This is because the measure provides a broad outline of what constitutes acceptable business operations, but it is devoid of particular guidelines.

What’s certain is that medical marijuana distribution will take place through pharmacies and will be administered to patients with specific conditions who have prescriptions from physicians. This strategy is more in line with European regulatory models that prioritize pharmaceuticals than it is with North American regulatory frameworks that prioritize private enterprise and accessibility.

Ukraine has established a rigorous timeline for putting the law into effect. Six months after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives his approval — he is anticipated to approve the measure soon — it will go into force. Draft regulations should be created no later than three months after Zelenskyy’s approval, in accordance with the law.

Even though the law’s specifics are still unknown, Ukraine has made great strides toward developing a working medicinal cannabis market. Independent European medicinal marijuana adviser Hanna Hlushchenko highlights the necessity for the government to establish licensing standards. She is working in tandem with the Ukrainian Association of Medical Cannabis to help formulate the rules.

According to Hlushchenko, Ukraine will most likely enact regulations comparable to those in Europe, thus making cannabis a pharmaceutical sector. She also adds that facilities looking to grow and distribute medical cannabis must adhere to pharmaceutical supply chain laws and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. GMP is a rigorous quality-control accreditation commonly used in pharmaceutical production.

A European health authority’s GMP accreditation is usually necessary for export-oriented medical cannabis businesses. Merely meeting this requirement might cause future Ukrainian farmers to have to wait longer. Hlushchenko hopes that, if everything goes according to plan, authorized producers will start growing cannabis in Ukraine by late 2026 or early 2027. As for imports, she is optimistic that they might start by 2025, provided more work is done and President Zelenskyy gives his assent.

The possibility of Ukraine opening the door to medical cannabis imports presents North American companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) tantalizing opportunities that they could leverage in their bid to expand their global footprint.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — 2023 Data Shows Enrollment in Florida’s Medical Cannabis Program Kept Growing

A recent annual report has shown that the number of persons registered for the medical cannabis program in Florida experienced a gradual increase throughout the fiscal year 2023. However, the pace of growth showed a slight deceleration compared to earlier periods, attributed to the system’s maturation and increased focus on potential recreational cannabis legalization.

According to the report, patient enrollment saw a 15% increase in the fiscal year 2022–2023 compared to 2021–2022. The concluded fiscal year witnessed a decrease in daily doses, primarily influenced by Florida’s emergency rule, which imposed limits on daily dosing. Additionally, the report highlighted a consistent pattern where few certified doctors accounted for a significant portion of medical marijuana certifications.

In FY 2022–2023, 859,026 individual patients were enrolled, an increase from 757,600 in the previous year. In fiscal 2020–2021, the patient count was 607,220, indicating a noticeable upward trend. However, monthly enrollment has gradually declined from year to year.

According to the report, new patient enrollment increased by 27% between January 2020 and January 2021 and then fell by 6% between January 2021 and January 2022. In 2023, month-to-month enrollments fell by 3%, with 20,977 new patients being enrolled in June 2023.

When it came to qualifying conditions, the report highlighted post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the most prevalent condition, constituting 40.2% of reported cases. Other common conditions included extreme nonmalignant pain at 13.4%, multiple sclerosis at 8.8% and cancer at 3.6%. Moreover, 25% of patients met the eligibility requirements for conditions that were either similar to or of the same kind as those that were listed, with chronic pain, anxiety and various conditions related to the digestive system being prominent.

Physician certifications, crucial for patient participation in the program, exhibited a steady increase. Between the fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the overall yearly number of certifications climbed by 15%, from 1,142,172 to 1,315,123. This growth rate was marginally less than the 24% increase from 2021 to 2022.

Monthly certificates increased by 48% between January 2020 and January 2021 and by 24% between January 2021 and January 2022. In FY 2022–2023, certifications rose by 21%, but at a slower rate from January 2022 to January 2023. June 2023 had 117,313 certificates, a rise from January 2023’s 113,992 total.

The majority of certifications were granted by a small percentage of doctors, which was consistent with previous years’ findings. Only 1% of certificates were issued by the lower 40% of qualified physicians in FY 2022–2023, compared to 84% of certifications issued by 19% of qualified physicians over the same period.

The report delved into detailed lists of the top doctors recommending medical cannabis and low-THC products, revealing that some, who were anonymously identified by a special two-letter code, issued certifications for thousands of patients over the years.

This growing number of patients registering for medical cannabis access suggests that companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have a steady demand for the medical marijuana products that they sell in dispensaries within the state.

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420 with CNW — Armed Services Personnel, Families, Veterans Support VA Doctors Recommending Cannabis

A survey from The Ohio State University (OSU) has found that a majority of active armed services personnel and retired veterans, as well as their families, believe Veteran Administration (VA) doctors should be allowed to recommend psychedelics and medical marijuana to patients who stand to benefit from these treatments.

OSU researchers surveyed active-duty military personnel, veterans, their families, and even nonmilitary respondents from late August to early September 2023 on their thoughts about making medical marijuana and psychedelics accessible as treatment options. The 1,168 participants surveyed for the poll included 315 active as well as retired members of the military, 426 individuals from military families, plus 427 people outside the military.

Researchers say that due to the huge caseload of health problems in the veteran society plus the necessity of a variety of treatment alternatives for retired military service members, some scientists are exploring if and how veterans should access alternative treatments such as cannabis and psychedelics.

Medical marijuana has been around for more than two decades and is now legal in dozens of states across the United States. Several studies have found that the controversial plant has numerous potential health benefits and can help alleviate the symptoms of conditions that typically affect veterans, including anxiety disorders and chronic pain. However, VA doctors aren’t technically allowed to recommend medical marijuana to their patients because they are limited to prescribing medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use.

Study authors also noted that studies on veteran issues rarely explore how veterans’ perspectives on specific drug issues in relation to the views held by individuals within their immediate plus broader communities.

The recent study drew its participants from the volunteer American Population Panel and asked those participants whether they were in agreement with a quartet of statements regarding cannabis and psychedelics. The last statement said that VA doctors should be able to recommend both marijuana and psychedelics if they believe their patients could benefit from them due to the “unique hardships and health conditions” veterans experience.

The majority of all the three groups surveyed said both drugs can be efficacious therapies. Even more stated that VA physicians should be permitted to recommend them to patients who may benefit. Additionally, all groups supported the idea that VA doctors shouldn’t need the FDA’s approval to recommend either psychedelics or cannabis.

The results of this survey underscores what the broader cannabis industry, including leading entities such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have always believed, that marijuana could benefit in one way or the other nearly every section of the population that is struggling with health issues.

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420 with CNW — NORML Analysis Reveals 32,000 Studies on Cannabis Have Been Published in Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, researchers have contributed to the scientific discourse on cannabis through the publication of more than 32,000 papers, with 4,000 emerging in 2023 alone, according to NORML’s analysis. The comprehensive exploration challenges critics who state that marijuana lacks the necessary scrutiny to justify legalization.

NORML’s data relies on keyword searches within the National Library of Medicine—PubMed.gov. This year marks the third consecutive occasion where the volume of marijuana-related papers surpassed 4,000, underscoring a sustained interest in understanding both the benefits and risks amid the ongoing legalization.

Paul Armentano, NORML deputy director, highlighted the exponential growth in scientists’ curiosity surrounding marijuana, emphasizing the enhanced comprehension of the plant as well as its active components, mechanisms of action and impact on users and society. Armentano urged policymakers to shift their perspective away from the unknown and engage in evidence-based discussions about cannabis and reform policies based on existing knowledge.

The assertion that marijuana remains inadequately studied frequently emerges in legislative debates at both the federal and state levels. Even President Joe Biden, despite his campaign promises of modest marijuana reform, maintains his opposition to federal legalization, arguing that further study is essential.

Contrary to such claims, the scientific literature on marijuana is vast. Advocates, however, express frustration at a perceived bias in federal research priorities, historically favoring investigations into potential harms rather than benefits.

While 32,000 scientific papers in a decade is impressive, it is reasonable to assume the total would be even greater if not for cannabis’ Schedule I classification. This classification, criticized as a significant research barrier, may see change following legislative efforts to streamline the research process.

Cannabis research in 2023 encompasses a wide array of topics, including government-funded and private studies exploring therapeutic applications, usage trends, drug substitution, minor cannabinoids and the policy implications of legalization. Examples include studies indicating that state-level legalization does not increase underage use and the potential unintended consequences of continued criminalization, such as the promotion of unregulated delta-8 THC products.

A recent scientific paper highlighted significant improvements in the quality of life and reductions in fatigue among patients with chronic health conditions during the first three months of medical marijuana use. These studies represent a fraction of the comprehensive examination of cannabis in 2023, covering political, scientific, cultural and economic aspects.

Simultaneously, the FDA detailed its evaluation of mor than 800 investigational new drug applications involving marijuana, underscoring the profound changes in product form factors, cultural attitudes and the legal landscape surrounding marijuana.

This extensive amount of research on marijuana probably doesn’t surprise industry insiders such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that often feel that detractors tout “limited research” as a convenient yet incorrect excuse for not ending prohibition.

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420 with CNW — Think Tank Says Legalizing Cannabis Federally Could Generate $8.5B in Taxes

A recent analysis from the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit think tank, suggests that the nationwide legalization of cannabis across all states could significantly boost annual cannabis tax revenue, projecting it to reach $8.5 billion. The foundation proposes a comprehensive federal and state taxation model for cannabis, aiming to keep costs low to discourage illicit sales while advocating for higher tax rates on more potent marijuana products.

The current state-by-state approach to marijuana taxation, according to the report, is chaotic. Therefore, there is a need for a reevaluation of the existing framework considering both public health and revenue implications.

According to the report, cannabis sales generated nearly $3 billion in tax revenue for legal states in the past year. The foundation anticipates that this figure could nearly triple if marijuana were legalized nationwide.

While drawing parallels to tobacco and alcohol taxation may seem logical in theory, the report argues that the lack of a standardized marijuana product makes this approach impractical. Unlike tobacco, marijuana lacks a universally recognized product form, and its intoxicating component, THC, poses challenges in measurement comparable to alcohol content.

The proposed alternative is a taxation system based on weight or potency, depending on practicality, instead of the current method of percentage-based taxation on sales price. A weight-based system, according to the foundation, is effective for capturing harm from smokable products. It also provides a simpler entry for new products into the market, avoiding excessively high barriers for product testing solely for tax purposes.

The Tax Foundation highlights three key lessons from state experiences with marijuana taxation. First, it advises keeping tax rates low enough for legal markets to compete with the illicit market, preventing impaired effectiveness due to excessively high tax rates. Second, it recognizes the significant revenue potential of legal marijuana markets but cautions that it may take years to materialize, with potential volatility under certain tax models. Third, the foundation stresses the importance of consistency across jurisdictions, particularly as interstate commerce becomes a possibility.

Currently, most state marijuana markets impose excise taxes on cannabis products, with rates ranging from 6% in Missouri to 37% in Washington state. Some states, including New York and Connecticut, have integrated potency-based tax policies, though this approach remains uncommon.

Although various federal proposals to impose additional taxes on cannabis have been introduced, short-term advancement is unlikely. Nevertheless, the United States Census Bureau is monitoring state-level marijuana tax trends, providing an interactive map detailing the proportion of state revenue from cannabis taxes.

Given the amounts of tax dollars that sector players such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) are already paying, a projection of $8.5 billion in taxes on a national scale is possible if the right regulatory measures are put in place to facilitate legal sales while curbing the black market.

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420 with CNW — Governors Ask President Biden to Reschedule Cannabis

A collective appeal has been made by six state governors to President Joe Biden, urging him to facilitate the rescheduling of cannabis by year’s end. The letter, jointly signed by the governors of New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland and Louisiana, stresses the economic and fiscal advantages that would accrue to marijuana businesses if rescheduling occurs.

Currently classified as a Schedule I substance under the CSA, cannabis is federally considered a hazardous substance. Reclassifying it to Schedule III designates it as a lower-risk substance and would provide increased protection to the existing state-level cannabis industry and its consumers, benefiting both public health and the economy.

Last year, President Biden initiated a review of cannabis’ schedule, tasking the attorney general and HHS secretary with the exploration of reclassifying the substance from Schedule I. In August, the HHS sent a letter to the DEA advocating for the cannabis reclassification to Schedule III. Despite this, notable progress in rescheduling cannabis has been lacking since then.

The governors, in their letter, lend their support to the call for cannabis rescheduling, underscoring that 38 states have legalized cannabis for either recreational or medical use. Furthermore, 88% of people in the country back legalization, according to a 2022 Pew Research survey.

The economic advantages serve as a compelling endorsement for cannabis rescheduling. The letter reveals that state programs have contributed $14.9 billion in tax revenue to fund law enforcement, education and other historically underfunded priorities. Economically, reclassifying cannabis would alleviate the restrictions imposed by Section 280E of the IRS, allowing cannabis businesses to claim ordinary deductions, just as other U.S. businesses do.

The governors elucidate in the letter that relieving cannabis businesses of the burdens of Section 280E would render the industry financially viable, simultaneously preserving jobs and ensuring the health and safety of consumers. The governors also express concern about consumer health risks stemming from the absence of a federal cannabis policy, citing worries about unregulated products. They advocate for cannabis rescheduling to fortify protection against the unlicensed market and argue that maintaining its Schedule I status and prohibition policies is futile given the significant consumer demand for marijuana.

The fate of cannabis rescheduling lies with the DEA, which holds final authority over drug scheduling. The DEA has historically rejected rescheduling, citing reasons such as a lack of reproducible and known chemistry, limited expert support, and insufficient efficacy and safety studies. Once made, the DEA’s decision will be subject to a proposed regulation and notice-and-comment period and may face legal challenges because no specified timeframe is currently in place.

Cannabis rescheduling would remove one of the many hurdles that U.S.-based marijuana companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have to navigate in their bid to serve a growing client base.

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420 with CNW — Immigrants Still Face Legal Consequences for Marijuana Use Despite State-Level Legalization

In Minnesota, individuals aged 21 years and older are permitted to legally possess and use marijuana. However, despite being legal at the state level, marijuana remains prohibited under federal law. This legal nuance is particularly pertinent for immigrants who haven’t obtain U.S. citizenship, according to Julia Decker, the policy director at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

Decker emphasizes the federal control over cannabis, noting that engaging in any related activities or possessing marijuana could result in immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation. This distinction holds regardless of one’s legal status, even if an individual possesses a green card or other lawful immigration documentation.

The complexity arises because, under Minnesota state law, an individual might possess a small quantity of cannabis for personal use without facing criminal charges. However, immigration applications often inquire about any uncharged or unconvicted criminal acts, complicating matters for applicants swearing under penalty of perjury or oath. Even in the absence of a criminal case, Decker warns of potential consequences.

Linus Chan, a clinical professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School, points out the challenge attorneys face in navigating a system where the distinction between state and federal law isn’t always clear. He notes that people often overlook the difference between state and federal law when determining whether an act constitutes a crime. This lack of clarity extends to areas such as conviction expungements, where a state expungement may not carry weight at the federal level.

The federal immigration law, as Chan points out, provides no exceptions for medically prescribed cannabis or employment at a dispensary. Although a marijuana conviction doesn’t automatically hinder naturalization or trigger deportation, the risks are heightened for individuals lacking citizenship, according to both Chan and Decker.

Decker underscores the necessity of recognizing the arbitrary nature of legal distinctions, especially concerning marijuana laws. She suggests that, particularly in the context of citizens versus noncitizens, the disparities in legal standards can seem fundamentally unfair across various issues.

As cannabis legalization in Minnesota is still in its early stages, Decker recommends individuals navigating the immigration system seek advice from immigration lawyers. Meanwhile, legal experts closely monitor how these changes may impact the future citizenship prospects of Minnesota residents.

The shifting legal landscape prompts a proactive approach for immigrants, ensuring they comprehend the nuances and potential ramifications within the complex intersection of state, federal and immigration law.

These legal contradictions between federal and state law also create complexities for marijuana companies, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), as they conduct their legitimate operations.

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420 with CNW — Rescheduling Cannabis Could Lead to Broader Acceptance by the Mainstream Medical Industry

Moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) could have significant implications for medical cannabis recommendations by doctors and potential insurance coverage for marijuana treatments. Currently, doctors refrain from prescribing state-regulated medical cannabis due to the risk of losing their licenses given that it lacks approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Even if the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reschedules cannabis, the prohibition on doctors prescribing state-regulated medical marijuana (MMJ) products would persist. Nevertheless, doctors could continue to recommend non-FDA-approved cannabis products to individuals seeking MMJ cards, allowing them to register as marijuana patients in their states.

Moving cannabis to Schedule III would enable doctors to prescribe FDA-approved marijuana medicines. This would align with the current practice where physicians are authorized to prescribe Schedule III substances, such as Tylenol with codeine, only if they have FDA approval.

Leah Sera, codirector of the University of Maryland’s Graduate Studies in Medical Marijuana program, highlighted that physicians prescribing Schedule III substances would be a substantial change. However, she warned that the scope may not be as extensive as the current dispensary offerings. FDA approval would still be necessary, requiring marijuana drugs to undergo the approval process before prescription, sale and dispensing in pharmacies.

Rescheduling might stimulate increased research and development of marijuana-based drugs. However, the lengthy FDA approval process means that prescriptions for new cannabis-related products could be years away, according to Justin Brandt of the Bianchi and Brandt law firm.

Sera notes that while rescheduling won’t permit doctors to prescribe medical cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries, it could positively impact their attitudes toward the substance. “Rescheduling might not directly allow prescriptions for state-licensed dispensary products, but it could foster informed discussions between medical providers and patients about marijuana and its potential benefits and risks,” she stated.

Attorney Eric Berlin, an attorney at Dentons Law Firm, states that moving marijuana to Schedule III could also render FDA-approved cannabis products eligible for insurance coverage. Currently, insurance covers only FDA-approved drugs.

However, there are exceptions, as some states such as New York, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Connecticut allow workers’ compensation reimbursement for medical cannabis. In contrast, others do not obligate insurance carriers to reimburse for medical marijuana costs. Some states, such as Massachusetts, outright prohibit insurance coverage for medical cannabis.

Julie Schum of the Quintairos, Prieto, Wood and Boyer law firm noted that insurers might find covering medical marijuana more cost-effective than opiates since at least 30% of worker’s compensation claims involve opiate prescriptions. Such a decision would lead to a lot more insured people opting for medical cannabis products from enterprises such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) if they were sure insurance would cover the cost.

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420 with CNW — Ohio GOP Governor Asks Legislature to Modify Voter-Passed Cannabis Measure Before It Takes Effect

Last week, the governor of Ohio urged legislators to revise the state’s cannabis legalization law before adult possession and cultivation became legal in December. The measure in question, Issue 2, was approved by voters a few days prior. Gov. Mike DeWine appealed to GOP leadership in the legislature to amend provisions that would limit public consumption, alleviate risk of impaired driving and restrict advertising.

The governor has already scheduled a meeting with House Speaker Jason Stephens and Senate President Matt Huffman to discuss how to address what he terms as “holes” in this statutory measure. In his statement, the governor stated that while individuals could now smoke marijuana having been afforded the right to by the initiative, other individuals had a right to not be exposed to the smell of marijuana.

Both Stephens and Huffman have already talked about their independent interests in amending the marijuana law, centering on tax policy and limits of THC. The approved measure, Issue 2, already contains restrictions on the consumption of marijuana in public as individuals are prohibited from smoking cannabis in places where the smoking of tobacco is not allowed.

The governor’s aim may be to clarify or expand the law’s provisions on consumption, which needs to be done soon, given the limited time remaining to act on this before the legislation takes effect.

Some believe that this move does not respect the will of the voters, however, with Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol spokesperson Tom Haren noting that he couldn’t believe elected officials weren’t respecting the outcome of an election.

The coalition is focused on establishing regulatory frameworks to allow individuals aged 21 years of age and older to grow, possess and buy marijuana in Ohio. Haren added that every voter in the state of Ohio had a right to expect that elected officials would respect and implement their will.

This sentiment was also echoed by Representative Casey Weinstein, who sponsored the bipartisan legalization measure and championed for marijuana reform in the legislature. Weinstein stated in a recent interview that voters in Ohio were very clear at the ballot, noting that legislators needed to heed the call and uphold the will of the voters.

Following the resolution’s approval, the Ohio Department of Commerce published an FAQ guide for residents to learn about the new law and timeline for implementation. However, regulators continued to emphasize that the policies may be subject to change depending on how the legislature acts.

Regardless of the final form that the legalization law takes, Ohio entrepreneurs could finally have a chance to start and run recreational marijuana companies that grow to reach the level of entities such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that are thriving in other legal marijuana markets.

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420 with CNW — University of Buffalo Professor Receives $3.2M Grant to Study Cannabis Among Cancer Patients

The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Cancer Institute has allocated $3.2 million to fund a study exploring the impact of marijuana use on cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. The grant, announced by the University of Buffalo (UB), aims to conduct a comprehensive yearlong examination of how cannabis use by cancer patients affects their response to conventional cancer treatments. Specifically, the study focuses on patients undergoing immunotherapy, a treatment known for its reduced side effects compared to chemotherapy.

Speaking at a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) meeting last month, an NCI representative expressed the organization’s desire to support studies looking into the potential benefits of cannabis use in cancer treatment. He stated that while the majority of oncologists have discussed marijuana use with patients, comparatively few were well-informed about the subject.

The study will be a collaborative effort between UB, Oregon Health and Science University, and Thomas Jefferson University. It will be conducted in three separate locations, with each site enrolling 450 cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment.

Studies conducted by UB indicate that approximately 40% of cancer patients turn to marijuana as an option to alleviate pain, enhance their mood and improve sleep quality. Nevertheless, despite cancer and its treatments being qualifying conditions in a majority of states where recreational or medical marijuana use is legal, there is a paucity of long-term studies examining the potential benefits and drawbacks of marijuana use for individuals undergoing immunotherapy.

Lead researcher Rebecca Ashare expressed the need for rigorous research in this domain, stating that although some cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be advantageous in mitigating pain, they may also exert a suppressive effect on immune function.

To conduct the study, the research team will divide the participants into two groups: marijuana users and nonusers. Over the course of one year, the researchers will analyze blood samples, patients’ outcomes and medical records at six separate intervals. The grant will also facilitate a study into the impact of neighborhood disparities on outcomes related to immunotherapy and marijuana use.

Ashare stated that the overarching goal is to significantly impact cancer-symptom-management science and ultimately improve patient care and safety. It will draw upon the collective expertise of a multidisciplinary team well-versed in various domains, including health equity, cancer symptom management, medical marijuana, oncology, substance misuse and immunology.

This study could be of great interest to marijuana businesses such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) because the outcome is likely to provide more information about how cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy can best benefit from medical marijuana.

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