October 25th Highlights

• Cannabis and Pharmaceuticals - According to data from the Prohibition Partners, currently, over 192 million people consume cannabis each year, this is based on polling of people across three continents; around 25% of this use is at least partly for medicinal purposes - most patients are accessing cannabis from non-circumvent channels. Cannabis is being sought as an alternative to mainstream medicine, and the result is a massive demand for medicinal cannabis products, not currently being met. As more and more countries join the march towards full medical legalisation, there will be an unprecedented opportunity to supply cannabinoid medications, and undoubtedly there will be a market segment for medicines produced with the precision and consistency the pharmaceutical industry is known for. There are only a handful of cannabis companies that are currently able to cater to this growing demand for pharmaceutical cannabis. You can read more about cannabis and pharmaceuticals on the Prohibition Partners report
• CBD Health and Wellness - This month, the TGA will release its decision on CBD scheduling. The proposed changes would allow for the sale of registered pure CBD products  (with 2% or less other cannabinoids) to adults in packets containing up to 1,800mg of CBD. This is 30 days supply of the recommended maximum daily dose of 60mg. Pharmacists would still need to consult with consumers to ensure they are aware of potential drug-drug interactions as CBD can affect the way certain other medications are metabolized. In Canada, the health authorities say there’s strong demand for over-the-counter, low-THC cannabis such as CBD, and most people want to use it for pain and inflammation if the country were to establish a legal market. In the fall of 2019, EY Canada conducted a survey of approximately 3,000 individuals to provide a uniquely Canadian perspective on cannabis consumers1. A segment coined “Wellness Inquisitor” was identified to include approximately 1.1 million Canadians who consume almost daily and spend about $165 each per month on cannabis products. Wellness inquisitors reported that quality (83%) and intended effects (76%) are the most important purchase criteria followed by terpene profiles (43%) and brand (40%). Clinical research (56%) and the advice of health care practitioners (42%) were reported to be the most important information sources and influences over this group’s purchasing decisions. Data source
• Access Data: Cannabis in New Zealand - recent Government data on New Zealand cannabis patients showed that 47 percent of medical cannabis use is for chronic pain, 11 percent for mental health conditions, 14 percent for sleep, 15 percent for digestion, four percent for neurological issues, two percent for skin complaints, and six percent for cancer. Government data also reveals that the volume of medicinal cannabis prescribed by doctors in New Zealand is up 84 percent in the first six months of 2020. The patient research, which was compiled and analysed by a group of doctors at the Cannabis Clinic, found the most common reason for seeking treatment is to assist with the management of pain, which made up 27 percent of applications. Data reference

Amicus Briefs filed in support of Dr. Sue Sisley’s petition to facilitate medical cannabis research for veterans with PTSD

Bill Gates backs start-up to eliminate harmful 'forever' chemicals

Billy Caldwell: victory for family as teenager finally given lifelong NHS medicinal cannabis prescription

Vending machines offering CBD products are targeted in Germany, Poland

MediPharm Labs enters new GMP manufacturing deal with Sunco Green Pharmaceutical Pty Ltd. in Australia

Bod Australia launches Swisse Wellness CBD products in the Netherlands

Medicinal cannabis prescriptions increase in NZ