APA Calls For Better Cannabis Access, Schedule II Reclassification
“Providing scientists with access to the range of products available through state dispensaries will be critical to understanding the effects of real-world use of cannabinoids.”
^ American Psychological Association (APA) Chief Scientific Officer Russell D. Shilling, Ph.D., submitted a written testimony on behalf of the APA on Jan. 15, 2020, to the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Health Subcommittee, calling for federal policies that would allow scientists to have better access to market-grade cannabis to better study the negative effects and benefits of cannabis use. Source: APA
EVALI: An Update
“National and state data from patient reports and product sample testing suggest tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly from informal sources … are linked to most EVALI cases and play a major role in the outbreak.”
^ The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update on the e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak on Jan. 14. The CDC noted that 82% of hospitalized patients with data on substance use reported using THC-containing products; 33% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products. Source: CDC
Illinois Dispensary Starts ‘Medical-Only Monday’
“Dedicating a day to work solely with our patients is the right thing to do for everyone.”
^ In a press release, Kim Kiefer, chief retail officer for Ascend Wellness Holdings, the Boston-based parent company of Illinois Supply & Provisions, said that the company’s focus will remain on serving medical patients despite adult-use legalization. As of Jan. 27, the Collinsville and Springfield, Ill., locations are open to registered patients only on Mondays, allowing staff to give more attention to the dispensary’s more than 6,000 patients. Source: St. Louis Business Journal
