Cannabis Substitution Program in London since April, similar initiatives in Halifax and Vancouver

Though little to no medical research links cannabis use with COVID-19 relief, that is definitely not the case in business where the pandemic proved to be a boon for the industry.

As the world continues to contend with COVID-19, much about the virus remains uncertain, including its interactions with cannabis. (original article appeared on Benzinga)

In the early months of the pandemic, various studies linked pot to both adverse and beneficial results. The trend continues today, with little conclusively known about the cannabis-COVID medical connection if indeed there is one.

"They have served their country, and we are proud to serve them."

Aqualitas Inc., a Nova Scotia-based licensed producer, is launching a new service aimed at educating, assisting, and onboarding veterans from across Canada into the company’s online medical cannabis platform.

The global CBD skincare market is booming. According to Grand View Research, the market was valued at $234.1 million in 2018, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32.9% from 2019 to 2025. That’s a strong catalyst for companies such as Ayurcann Holdings Corp. (CSE: AYUR)(FSE:3ZQ0), The Valens Company (TSX:VLNS)(OTC:VLNCF), Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (OTC:CBWTF)(TSX:XLY), Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY), Medipharm Labs Corporation (OTC:MEDIF) (TSX:LABS). In addition, Grand View Research notes, “CBD is considered safe and effective for all skin types but is particularly useful for people who struggle with sensitivity, inflammatory conditions, acne, and dryness related to skin.

In North America, it is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder in any given year, a mental health condition for which there are very few treatment options.

A case study of a U.K. woman whose lung tumour shrunk without the aid of conventional treatments while she was taking a daily dose of cannabidiol (CBD) oil has scientists suggesting it may be worth studying the use of CBD oil further.

The report, published in BMJ Case Reports in October, describes how the woman’s tumour shrunk from 41 mm to 10 mm in roughly two and a half years.

Cannabinoids are similar to endocannabinoids, which are manufactured by the human body to help in various processes, such as nerve function, energy metabolism, pain and inflammation and immune function, among others.

With each passing year, older adults have been getting more and more into marijuana. With that said, there are some potential issues to be aware of.

Thanks for marijuana legalization, the herb has been going through a phase of reevaluation. People of all ages are more open to trying it, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, especially when faced with the side effects of prescription medications. One of the fastest growing demographics are Baby Boomers.

More than one in five young adults who experience chronic pain say they use cannabis and/or CBD oil to manage it according to a recent survey.

The Harris Poll survey, carried out on behalf of the Samueli Foundation, found 65% of young American adults aged 18-34 report experiencing chronic pain. That’s significantly higher than in older adults (52%).

The most common forms of pain reported by young adults were back-related (32%), neck and knees (20% each)

Younger adults are also more likely to use cannabis and/or CBD oil for managing that page – 22% vs 11%.

A recent study of people diagnosed with clinical depression has found that those using medical marijuana had lower depression scores than those who were not cannabis users. Researchers also determined that study participants who began using medicinal cannabis in a follow-up period saw a reduction in both depression and anxiety symptoms.

A new set of studies aims to explore how weed affects people from diverse communities, including queer and trans folks

Between the legalization of cannabis in late 2018 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the amount of cannabis Canadians are using is increasing. At the same time, a greater emphasis has been put on mental health as people cope with the loss, isolation and hardship of the pandemic. Yet there are still many gaps in our knowledge of how cannabis use affects our mental health, and debate abounds over whether it is an effective coping tool or a harmful crutch.