A week full of mixed messages for the cannabis industry. American consumers signal a willingness to try alternative therapeutic treatments. Congress considers funding medicinal cannabis for vets. At the same time, MasterCard suspended the use of its debit cards for cannabis purchases. For details, read more.
On the plus side:
More promising research is out on medicinal cannabis and chronic pain. Penn State was granted $1M to study industrial hemp projects. A poll out this week found 61% of American voters favor psychedelics for therapeutic use, signaling a willingness to adopt less traditional treatment approaches. The House amended the military spending bill to allow VA physicians to prescribe medicinal cannabis.
1)Medical Marijuana Linked to Lower Pain and Reduced Dependency on Opioids and Psychiatric Prescriptions, University of Florida Study Shows
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10361798/
2)Penn State Awarded $1M for Developing Industrial Hemp Projects
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/penn-state-awarded-1m-toward-developing-industrial-hemp-projects/
3)61% American Voters Back Psychedelics for Therapeutic Abuse
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/poll-61-of-u-s-voters-back-legalizing-psychedelics-for-therapeutic-use/
4)House Amends Military Spending Bill to Allow VA Docs to Recommend Medicinal Cannabis
On the negative side:
Mastercard has suspended the use of their debit cards to for Cannabis purchases. This week it directed financial institutions to stop allowing cannabis transactions. The state of Ohio rejected over 100,000 as advocates scramble to meet the submission deadline.
1)Mastercard No Longer Allowing Cannabis Purchases on Debit Cards
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/mastercard-cannabis-cease-desist-payment-warning/
2)Ohio Rejects 100, 000 Signatures. Advocates Have 10 days to Collect More.
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/ohio-2023-ballot-cannabis-signatures-short/
Why we think this important:
Urotensin-II is involved in CBD-mediated reduction in blood pressure. Link to the study.
The Role of CBD in Lowering Blood Pressure: A Closer Look at HYPER-H21-4 Trial
Join us as we delve into an exciting study, HYPER-H21-4, which looks at how cannabidiol (CBD) affects blood pressure and vascular health in people with essential hypertension. Don’t worry, we’ll break down all the important info in a way that’s easy to understand.
Understanding the Study:
The HYPER-H21-4 trial was a special type of study called a randomized crossover trial. It involved 51 patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension). The researchers wanted to find out if CBD, a component found in cannabis that doesn’t make you feel high, could have a positive impact on blood pressure and vascular health.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it’s a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike another well-known compound calledfound in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not cause intoxication or make people feel “high.” Instead, it is believed to have potential health benefits.
The Focus on Serum Urotensin-II:
In this study, the researchers wanted to see if changes in a substance called “serum urotensin-II” might be related to the effects of CBD on blood pressure. Serum urotensin-II is a substance in the body that can narrow blood vessels, leading to higher blood pressure. By studying this substance, the scientists hoped to understand how CBD might affect blood pressure regulation.
How the Study Worked:
The patients were divided into two groups. The first group received CBD in the form of oral supplements for five weeks, while the second group received a placebo (a fake treatment) for the same period. Then, after a short break, the groups switched, with the first group receiving the placebo and the second group getting CBD for another five weeks.
The Exciting Results:
After five weeks of taking CBD supplements, the researchers made an interesting discovery. The serum urotensin-II levels decreased significantly compared to the starting point in the patients who received CBD, but not in those who took the placebo.
The Connection to Blood Pressure:
Now, here’s where it gets even more intriguing. The scientists found that the patients who experienced the most significant drop in serum urotensin-II levels also had the most substantial reduction in their average blood pressure over 24 hours. This connection between the two suggests that CBD might help lower blood pressure by affecting the levels of serum urotensin-II.
Important Findings:
The study found that the reduction in serum urotensin-II levels caused by CBD was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, regardless of the patient’s age, sex, body mass index (BMI), or previous treatments for hypertension.
What’s Next:
While these findings are exciting, the researchers emphasized that more studies are needed to confirm and fully understand how CBD works to lower blood pressure and improve vascular health. It’s essential to gather more evidence to ensure that CBD can be safely used as a treatment for hypertension.
Conclusion:
In summary, the HYPER-H21-4 study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of CBD in lowering blood pressure for patients with mild to moderate hypertension. The discovery of the link between serum urotensin-II and blood pressure changes paves the way for further research in this exciting field. As more evidence accumulates, doctors and scientists may better understand how CBD can be used to improve cardiovascular health and help those with hypertension lead healthier lives.
Remember, it’s essential to consult with medical professionals before trying any new treatments, and never stop or change your current treatments without proper guidance from your doctor. Stay curious, and keep an eye out for new developments in CBD research!
