Ruth Fisher, PhD

The Hemp Hound Agency has conducted a critical analysis of the FSA's 10mg ADI for CBD, referencing 14 key studies. The findings raise intriguing questions, ones that demand open discussion. It’s time for a public dialogue, because behind-the-scenes conversations won't help the industry move forward. Whether you agree, disagree, or want to challenge the findings, let’s engage and show the FSA that the industry is capable of constructive debate about the wider concerns and their management of the novel foods process. https://lnkd.in/eNF3NT5q

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Here, sharing an article I contributed to: "Rescheduling of Cannabis: What the Experts Think" on CBD Oracle. 🚀 This compilation joins thoughts from a dozen industry experts, around what moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III could mean for everyone involved – from users and researchers to businesses and policymakers. I had the chance to share my thoughts alongside a strong group of other experts in the field. We covered a lot of ground, from legal implications to scientific research and economic impacts. It’s a comprehensive look at a topic that’s more relevant than ever. Check it out the summary here: https://lnkd.in/es5E745R Or the full interviews here: https://lnkd.in/euGCHbiQ This discussion isn't going anywhere... no matter who gets elected, cannabis will be front and center of human culture from now on... Certainly so, if there's anything I have to say about it! 😉 Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌿💬

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The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (MI-CRA) "...gave strong consideration to the bidders ability to prevent fraud, abuse, and other unlawful and prohibited activities..." What??? As a laboratory consultant who works exclusively in the #cannabis industry, I believe #outcomes and #value are far superior to a slick sales pitch and low price. Since 2017, the only feedback I have heard from my Michigan cannabis business clients is that fraud, abuse, and illegal activities are rampant and have only accelerated. That doesn't seem like a desired outcome. Many exceptionally talented scientists and businesspeople I’ve worked with to establish and grow their laboratory businesses have suffered life-altering economic losses and barriers to future employment. They chose to stand against consumer fraud, ultimately closing their #laboratories and vaporizing several million dollars of investment along with years of backbreaking effort and now get ghosted by any non-cannabis scientific opportunity. That is the antithesis of value. I am strongly pro-MI CRA and fully acknowledge the complexity and difficultly of their mandate, but IMHO neither the published outcomes nor value appear to match the KPI's for this software selection.

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It has been almost 11 years since #colorado started adult use sales. Now the vest majority of americans live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or adult-use. We are starting to get reliable data. Data about consumer behavior is really important. New Frontier Data conducting a survey on the difference between people that use cannabis medically versus recreationally. They found that medical patients are typically are the most loyal customers and spend far more than adult use consumers. Adult use consumers are the most likely to obtain their cannabis for free and the most likely to spend under $50 when they do buy cannabis. Medical patients are the most likely to spend $400+ when they purchase cannabis. This reflects the need of medical patients to have consistent access to the same products. Thank you to John Schroyer from Green Market Report shedding light on this fascinating topic. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #plantmedicine #cannabiseducation https://lnkd.in/g7XiQx6z

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Patients and consumers: Demand Safe Medicine!!! Demand Safe Products!!! Great news for product safety standards in California could be very bad news for cultivators who are not in compliance with Categeoy 4 testing requirements. What is Category 4 testing, you ask? Category 4 testing in California’s cannabis industry represents a distinct and voluntary elevation of safety standards, a refinement born of both necessity and virtue. While the state, through its Department of Cannabis Control, mandates the testing of 66 pesticides, this regime—though foundational—is but a baseline. Category 4 testing emerges as a more meticulous endeavor, screening for nearly 400 pesticides and contaminants. It is a broader net cast into the murky waters of potential impurity. This heightened vigilance stems not from regulation but from a moral imperative—a response to unsettling revelations. Reports, such as those by the Los Angeles Times, have unveiled the limits of existing protocols, with products deemed compliant still harboring toxic residues in disconcerting quantities. In light of such findings, some among the industry have chosen to lead where the law has yet to follow. Retailers and brands committed to Category 4 testing signal not only their adherence to consumer safety but also their defiance of complacency. This initiative is not dictated from above; it is a choice, a testament to the integrity of those who have embraced it. Brands like KANHA, adopting this elevated standard, underscore their fidelity to both the craft and the conscience of cannabis production. Category 4 testing, then, is more than a procedure—it is a declaration. It proclaims a commitment to cleanliness, transparency, and the highest good of the consumer. It acknowledges that in a burgeoning industry, trust is not merely earned through compliance but through the courage to exceed expectation. It is the voluntary standard setting that we want to see across the entire cannabis industry. Starting in California, this enhanced focus will spread to other states and, eventually, worldwide. Patients and consumers should know that the medicine and products that they put in their body are not only marginally clean, but are in fact contaminant-free and botanically pure. Bravo to those early adopters who are committed to consumer safety and who are raising the standards for cannabis safety everywhere.

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When it comes to alternative medicine, what do we really understand? For medical cannabis, the answer is almost nothing. While there are scientific methods for measuring the potency of cannabis products containing more than one cannabinoid using specific targets in the cell, none of these are used in the State compliancy testing. Instead the percent of 6-12 cannabinoids are quantified if they exceed a threshold as part of compliancy testing. Everyone in the industry refers to this a potency and that is totally wrong and misleading customers.   Imagine if you were asked to predict how a cake will taste by just looking at the raw ingredients sitting on the kitchen counter. The prediction based on ‘how much’ is hard at best and usually is wrong because of numerous factors that go into the recipe and the method or preparation. But this is exactly what is being done to predict the potency of a cannabinoid product when potency is solely based on measuring chemical composition.   A product with multiple cannabinoids has unpredictable potency because the cannabinoids in a full or broad spectrum product the multiple cannabinoids react with many factors on our cells (some positively and some negatively) resulting in a potency that is the net outcome of cannabinoids sending mixed signals to cells throughout our body.    Potency manifests in biology and not obvious from chemical composition. Therefore potency must be determining using endpoints in biology.    How did the global cannabis industry miss/ignore this? Blame the standards that regulated 9 delta THC. When there is more of pure THC in a product, one may predict that when consumed, there will be more ‘high’. But if THC is part of a blend of different cannabinoids, especially CBD, the prediction falls flat. Certainly, referring to chemical composition as potency falls flat whenever there is more than one cannabinoid being consumed.  Adult users know this as different types and qualities of the high. But this most definitely is true for all the other medical indications and remedies that people seek in experimenting with alternative medicine such as cannabis. Biological potency must be measured for each product, for each batch and for shelf life.   CannaMetrix emerged from medical science and drug discovery with a commercial, high throughput and affordable biological potency testing method that together with current compliancy testing will increase doctor and patient confidence through informed choice. See http://cannametrix.org and for information of interest: https://lnkd.in/eyQp6bWG

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🌟 Why Personalized Cannabis Therapies Are Transforming Chronic Pain Management Chronic pain isn’t just a physical condition—it’s a life-altering experience. For many, navigating treatment options can feel like a maze, with trial-and-error approaches often leaving patients frustrated. This is where personalized cannabis therapies step in, combining science with individualized care to deliver better outcomes. Let’s explore how this innovative approach is redefining pain management. 🌿 Off-the-Shelf vs. Personalized Therapies Off-the-Shelf Products: Prepackaged, standardized solutions. May work for some patients but lack flexibility. Personalized Therapies Tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Allows adjustments in: Cannabinoid Ratios: Balancing THC and CBD for precise symptom relief. Delivery Methods: From oils to topicals, matched to patient preferences. Dosing Precision: Fine-tuned to achieve results with minimal side effects. 🔬 What Does the Research Say? A Delphi consensus study highlights how customized cannabis formulations effectively target various pain types, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain (Bhaskar et al., 2021). Another study found that personalized cannabis use resulted in a 64% reduction in opioid dependency, fewer side effects, and improved quality of life (Boehnke et al., 2016). ✨ The Future of Precision Medicine Personalized cannabis therapies align with the global shift toward precision medicine, where treatments are designed around an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and condition. For chronic pain patients, this means: ✔️ Better symptom control. ✔️ Reduced reliance on opioids. ✔️ Enhanced quality of life. 💬 Let’s Start a Conversation What’s your take on personalized medicine for chronic pain management? Could tailored cannabis therapies change the way we approach treatment? Drop your thoughts or questions below—I’d love to hear your perspective!  #MedicalCannabis, #ChronicPainManagement #PainManagement #HealthAndWellness

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Learn about the dangers posed by unregulated Delta-8 and other intoxicating, hemp-derived, synthetic cannabinoid products which are widely available throughout our our communities. Please watch this short video to better understand the risks these products pose to our children's health and the public's well-being, then contact your Ohio State Representative and State Senator and let them know that we want regulation of these products in Ohio. https://lnkd.in/eZYFJQxn https://lnkd.in/gEs3Gx7i

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Did you know Stripe, currently valued at ~$65B, actively hinders the dissemination of Cannabis Medicine knowledge? 🚫🌿 They ban “content creation” related to cannabis education: See Stripe Restricted Businesses: https://lnkd.in/eKSsh8iH Now, they’re targeting a physician who's educating about evidence-based cannabis benefits. Despite their stance, @stripe has reversed decisions for some: See this report by Hightimes News: https://lnkd.in/e38nPpv9 What does this show? Selective and inconsistent treatment of customers? Male bias? Physician bias? Something worse? What’s behind this corporate behavior? The inconsistency in the way they treat customers is especially interesting; They approve some but not others. This screams corporate disorganization which should concern their investors, at least because it will surely embolden their competitors like Square PayPal Stax Payments Adyen wePay Authorize.net 2Checkout (now Verifone) Chargebee Wise Visa Mastercard #CannabisNews #CannabisEducation #Bias #CorporateAccountability #CannabisNews #CannabisIndustry #CannabisEducation #Censorship NORML @benadlin Cannabis Business Today Cannabis Capital Cannabis Banking

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OTC acetaminophen: responsible for 56,000 emergency department visits, 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths per year (NIH data) OTC alcohol: more than 178,000 deaths every year, played a role in at least 7.1% of emergency department visits (NIH data) OTC tobacco: more than 480,000 deaths every year or about 1 in 5 deaths (CDC data) OTC aspirin: A numerically higher rate of the secondary end point of death from any cause was observed with aspirin than with placebo. (NEJM 2018) OTC PPI (acid reflux drugs): Pooled mortality rate higher among PPI users compared with non‐PPI users; In Charlot et al, 2011, mortality increased during 1‐year follow‐up in people taking PPIs (NIH data) OTC NSAIDs: "From the first day of use, all NSAIDs increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, myocardial infarction, & stroke." (NIH data) CBD: No deaths; Overdose = good night's sleep; Proven properties: anticonvulsant, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic, neuroprotectant, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-addiction, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, reduces chemo-induced nephropathy and neuropathy, stabilizes blood sugars. When does the stigma end?

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“The rise of single-product telehealth clinics is not unique to cannabis – others have sprung up around the weight loss drug Ozempic and nicotine vapes. But they are a departure from the standard model, in which doctors prescribe and pharmacists dispense. Australian Medical Association guidelines state that doctors should generally avoid dispensing medicines they prescribe unless the benefits to patients outweigh any safety concerns. “Where dispensing by a doctor does occur, it should be based on clinical need and not be for the purpose of material gain as this introduces risks of real or perceived conflicts of interest,” the guidelines state” How interesting to see that other sectors are looking to adopt the product-centric care provision model that affords a level of proximity - bordering in coziness- between producer, clinician and dispensing entity has long been criticized in traditional pharma. I’ve always wondered - why is it allowed for medical cannabis? https://lnkd.in/gY4xsTPc

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So, let's break this down: 2018 The Home Office announce that CBD products are subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regs 2001 (MoDR) Jan 2021 Kit Malthouse asks the ACMD to review CBD products with a focus on whether criminals could extract controlled cannabinoids for illicit use. ACMD respond in December, suggesting a controlled cannabinoid intake of 50 micrograms per 12 controlled cannabinoids, with consideration for THCa Because it can turn to D-9. 2022 FSA start mentioning that they were waiting for Home Office updates on THC levels before applications could be processed 2023 The Home Office, after sitting on the ACMD report for nearly two years, state they agree in principle to the ACMD's findings. If the Home Office accepted those findings, the UK would effectively be working by 0.1% THC for consumer products, and not 1mg per container regardless of size. This would open up trade in the UK, but not to the point where UK companies could truly compete with the EU and US's 0.3%. 2024 The Home Office doubles down on MoDR in licensing updates, effectively dismissing the ACMD opinion and throwing the UK back to the bottom of the trade barrel.. What's more, there's new testing requirements, which come with considerations for 12 controlled cannabinoids, 9 of which have no evidence for the potential of abuse, or to be able to induce a psychoactive event. We've been waiting for that, but recommendations for those 12 cannabinoids was from an ACMD opinion in 2016. The chairman of that group was a known employee of GW Pharmaceuticals, which then calls the intention and integrity of relying on MoDR into question. I find myself drawn to Article 7 of EU Reg 178/2002. (Screenshot in comments) Section 1: health protection chosen in Great Britain may be adopted, pending further scientific information for a more comprehensive risk assessment. There has been no health concerns raised with controlled cannabinoids, only criminal concerns. So, the FSA adopted MoDR, but they should have then gathered scientific information and studies to determine a safe level in consumer products, which shouldn't be governed by drug legislation. That's if there was a safety concern that is, otherwise you would assume that MoDR wouldn't have been announced, and the industry would be working by 0.2% THC. But the FSA has never intended to conduct safety studies, only to follow the Home Office's lead, which shows the FSA has ceded control over foods to an agency that has power of drugs. The funny thing is that I have an email from Paul Tossall saying that the FSA own novel foods whilst saying that the Home Office didn't try to pressure the FSA in 2017 to define all cannabinoids as novel foods. Section 2: If trade is important to you, look for the comment with the screenshot of Article 7 The measures shouldn't impact trade, and the measures should be reviewed within a reasonable timeframe...

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Unveiling New Marijuana - Cannabis Cannabinoids: THCP and CBDP Marijuana research is an ever-evolving area, continuously revealing brand-new cannabinoids with one-of-a-kind residential or commercial properties. Amongst the current explorations are THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) and CBDP (cannabidiphorol). These unique substances promise to reshape our understanding of cannabis and its prospective benefits. This blog delves into the fascinating world of THCP and CBDP, exploring their chemical structures, prospective benefits, present research study, and future ramifications. With extensive testing from accredited labs like a Third Party CBDTesting Lab, these discoveries hold terrific pledge for both the cannabis market and medical applications. What are THCP and CBDP? THCP and CBDP Defined THCP: THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a newly uncovered cannabinoid that resembles THC yet is possibly a lot more potent. This increased effectiveness is thought to arise from its distinct chemical structure, which allows it to connect extra highly with the body's endocannabinoid system. THCP's discovery opens the door to brand-new possibilities in cannabis-based therapies, specifically in locations where high strength is helpful. CBDP: CBDP, or cannabidiphorol, is one more newly recognized cannabinoid that carefully resembles CBD. Nonetheless, minor variations in its framework may lead to one-of-a-kind therapeutic advantages not seen with conventional CBD. This could consist of enhanced anti-inflammatory properties or various other health advantages, making it a considerable discover for clinical research and item development. Continue…. Link Here⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gaN5UF_b JUNE 19, 2024, 1:47 AM #cannabinoid #cannabis #researchanddevelopment #THCP #CBDP

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A new set of criteria for qualifying for a public convenience and advantage waiver was proposed at today’s Cannabis Control Board meeting. The criteria include the following: 1. Distance from Other Retail Dispensaries: The proposed location must be at least: - 1,000 feet from any existing retail dispensary in jurisdictions with a 1,000-foot minimum distance requirement. - 2,000 feet from any existing retail dispensary in jurisdictions with a 2,000-foot minimum distance requirement. 2. Geographic, Structural, or Topographic Barriers: The existence of barriers (such as waterways, major roadways, highways, or significant travel distances) that separate the proposed location from existing dispensaries. 3. Travel Distance: The actual distance between the proposed location and existing dispensaries, as measured by pedestrian or vehicle routes. 4. Unique Factors of the Proposed Location: Factors that may justify the location, such as: - High consumer demand for additional retail dispensaries or microbusinesses. - The presence of illicit or former illicit cannabis dispensaries near both the proposed and existing locations. - Other relevant factors that may support the need for greater access to adult-use cannabis in the area. 5. Notification to Local Authorities: The licensee must send a notification to the local municipality or community board, informing them of their intention to request a waiver from the Board for not meeting the 1,000-foot or 2,000-foot minimum distance requirement. The municipality or community board will have 45 days to respond before the Board considers the application. Mr. Kagia mentioned that the Board would consider more than this information alone when deciding to grant a waiver and that it would be up to their discretion. Chairman Wright raised concerns about the 45-day period, and the Board voted to approve the criteria with an amendment for licensees who have already received municipal support.

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🌿 Advocating for Cannabinoid Therapies 🏥" In a recent Television interview, I emphasized the crucial role of education for doctors prescribing Cannabinoid Therapies. -The Ministry of Health in Panama hasn't authorized any cannabis products, and those bought on the streets lack official approval and quality control. -I cautioned patients against purchasing unapproved cannabis products due to potential health risks like heavy metals, fungus, and pesticides, among many other risks. -In Panama, only MDs are allowed to prescribe Medical Cannabis. -Education is crucial to the broader acceptance of cannabis as medicine. As someone who has taught thousands of medical professionals globally, they will not prescribe unless they are correctly educated about the benefits and risks of cannabinoid therapies. My commentary starts at 1:30 in Spanish in the video below. Please support our community content by liking and commenting on this post. Please follow me on Instagrm: drsandracarrillo for unique content not posted to Linkedin. Twittr: md_carrillo Medicannips IPS Medical Cannabis Clinics, Colombia. https://lnkd.in/guCTjCMM #cannabis #marijuana #medicalcannabis #cannabisscience #medicine  #thc #cbd  #education #Health #Panama Asociación Médica Colombiana de Cannabis Medicinal #Asomedccam

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Cannabis remediation—what does it actually mean, do we need it, why are some people wary of it? What is “Remediation”? Cannabis remediation, or decontamination, is the process of removing unwanted elements—like pesticides, mold, or heavy metals—from cannabis to ensure it meets regulatory standards and quality expectations. The aim? Safe, compliant products. Yet concerns remain, from whether it masks poor production practices to if it degrades quality; some online even suggest it could contribute to adverse effects like cannabis-induced anxiety or CHS —though no evidence supports this theory at this time. There are numerous different kinds of remediation, but here are a few of the most common: Color Filtration: Filters out waxes, chlorophyll, and pigments with minimal impact on cannabinoid or terpene profiles.    Contaminant Removal: When a product fails regulatory testing, remediation can reduce pesticide or heavy metal levels. For some, this is a red flag, as it "cleans up" products that might otherwise be rejected. Preemptive Remediation (Pre-test): When all products are treated before testing to preemptively “clean up” potential contaminants before they are found an documented. While this improves margins and overall compliance rates, critics say it can encourage sloppy production practices, which seems like definite possibility. There may be trade-offs too! Many remediation methods (e.g., ozone treatment or gamma irradiation) reduce microbial contamination but may alter taste, potency, or terpene profile. Some remediation critics worry about residuals or byproducts —although most studies so far show only minor changes to the end product and have yet to find concerning changes post-remediation. (one exception may be residual mycotoxins, which can remain even after mold is killed by remediation). So, should remediation be allowed? Certainly—safety and compliance are critical for businesses and up to now we don't have evidence to say it raises health concerns. But transparency is key. Consumers should know if remediation was used to make informed choices about their cannabis. This seems logical to me. This has been a long requested post from Louis J. Rinaldi, MBA -- what else should be discussed?

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Interesting to see how a new department in the FDA (the Center for Cannabinoid Products) would be created to establish rules and enforcement mechanisms under the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act ("CSRA"). The FDA would consider the following rules for cannabinoid products: 1. A national age restriction of 21 to purchase hemp-derived cannabinoid products. 2. Testing and labeling requirements, including restrictions on advertising and product claims. 3. A ban on “artificially or synthetically derived cannabinoids of any kind,” defined as a cannabinoid “produced using chemical synthesis, chemical modification, or chemical conversion.” 4. A ban on hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing “more than one serving, dose, or equivalent.” Many states have taken regulatory or legislative action to prohibit or regulate hemp-derived cannabinoid products; this bill respects states’ rights to do so. The CSRA provides a federal floor to ensure there is significant and consistent regulation for these products nationwide, and this legislation clarifies that states are permitted to further regulate and tax hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The CSRA would also i.) create a new $125 million underage cannabis use prevention grant program through HHS to prevent young people from using cannabis and cannabinoid products; ii.) establish a new $200 million state cannabis-impaired driving prevention grant program and a nationwide anti-drugged driving campaign; iii.) funds research to develop a cannabis impairment standard and a drugged driving standard to create a “cannabis breathalyzer;” iv.) prohibits added flavors and any packaging or labeling that could appeal to children, like cartoons, anthropomorphic figures, and candy or snack forms, along with several other mandates. https://lnkd.in/gu3xUSkB

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