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Approximately 147 million people worldwide consume cannabis, or marijuana each year; a number that continues to grow, especially in North America and Europe, according to the World Health Organization.

At the same time, the cannabis available today is more potent than ever before. A systematic review published in Addiction found that levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the active ingredient in marijuana—has been increasing for decades. The review found that, in a gram of herbal cannabis, the part typically smoked, THC concentrations have increased by approximately 2.9 milligrams each year since the 1970s. A standard dose of THC is considered to be between 5 and 10 mg, which typically produces a mild intoxication for non-regular users. In the review, researchers measured concentrations as high as 20 mg of THC per gram of herbal cannabis.

Now, new research finds that higher concentrations of THC lead to higher rates of addiction and mental health problems. The data come from a new meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry that included 20 studies comparing the effects of higher and lower potencies of marijuana.

The authors found that participants who used higher-potency marijuana were more likely to experience psychosis than those who used lower-potency marijuana. Higher potency marijuana, especially when used daily, also led to an increased risk of psychotic relapse.

Users of higher potency marijuana are also more likely to become addicted to the drug and develop more severe dependence. One study found that higher-potency marijuana was four times more addictive compared to lower-potency marijuana.

The review found that the effect of higher potency marijuana on depression and anxiety is unclear.

'The pandemic, with all its mental stressors and turmoil, has likely contributed to the rise'

The global cannabis drinks market is set to grow by a value of $8.3 billion in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3%, according to Future Market Insights.

DETROIT - Marijuana growers in Michigan are making too much product and it’s outpacing demand.

In just the past year, the price for an ounce of flower went down by 44%.

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency is now seeking input on how to solve the problem.

"The agency has been hearing concerns that the supply of marijuana produced by licensed growers exceeds, or may soon exceed, consumer demand. The concerns include that the wholesale price of flower is lower than the cost of production – or will be when harvests are highest in October," CRA said in a statement

CRA listed three potential forms of action for the public to consider prior to their quarterly meeting, which will be held on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Cannabis is now approved for treating various ailments, including restlessness, muscle tightness, persistent discomfort, and the reduction of vomiting and illness caused by chemotherapy.

The majority of businesses are making rapid progress in their research into the potential of therapeutic cannabis and hemp.

CHICAGO - Data Bridge Market research has recently issued comprehensive industry research on “Global Medical Cannabis Market” which includes growth analysis, regional marketing, challenges, opportunities, and drivers analyzed in the report. Key elements of this report range from industry outlook along with critical success factors, industry dynamics or market definition in terms of drivers and restraints, market segmentation and value chain analysis, key opportunities or developments, application and technology outlook, regional or country-level analysis to the competitive landscape. What is more, the Medical Cannabis report provides the data and information for actionable, most recent, and real-time market insights which makes it straightforward to even take critical business decisions

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the Medical Cannabis Market which was USD 11.0 billion in 2021, would rocket up to USD 54.34 billion by 2029, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 22.1% during the forecast period 2022 to 2029. In addition to the market insights such as market value, growth rate, market segments, geographical coverage, market players, and market scenario, the market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team also includes in-depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework.

According to the poll, nearly 13,400 physicians in Canada supplied prescriptions for an average of 2.1 grammes of marijuana each day to patients. The growing number of scientific trials of cannabis-infused medications for various therapeutic areas, particularly the usage of cannabidiol, is boosting market growth. There were around 400 completed or continuing clinical trials as of June 2018. Clinical trials sponsored by GW Pharmaceuticals totaled 40, whereas clinical trials sponsored by sanofi totaled 38. Furthermore, the narrative among physicians about the benefits and supporting clinical evidence is leading to an increase in patient prescriptions for cannabis-infused medicines.

Medicinal marijuana (MMJ), often known as medical cannabis, is marijuana and cannabinoids that doctors recommend for their patients. Due to production and political constraints, the use of cannabis as medicine has not undergone thorough testing. As a result, there has been little clinical study to determine the safety and effectiveness of utilizing cannabis to treat ailments.

The confusion as to whether it is synthetic or not comes into play when there is human involvement in the mass production of THC.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

A lot of people are perplexed about the present state of things in relation to delta-8 THC. This is a cannabinoid that can be retrieved naturally from the cannabis plant. Still, some people are uneasy about it, thinking it might be synthetic.

Unfortunately, even delta-8 THC consumers are among the people who do not completely understand the compound and wonder if it is synthetic or natural due to the high level of danger posed by other synthetic cannabinoids.

Noting all the issues that have been associated with synthetic THC in the past, might delta-8 be the same?

What Is Delta-8?  

Delta-8 is a cannabinoid in cannabis that has gained popularity due to its similarity to delta-9 THC, the primary component of marijuana that gets you intoxicated, causing euphoria, symptom relief, sedation, happiness, and so much more. Vast amounts of THC can be found in most strains of cannabis.

“The economic impact is large. It just doesn't seem fair that an entire industry is going to get destroyed as collateral damage for someone else's decisions.”

B.C. cannabis stores have already begun shutting down as their only supply source has been cut off by a 10-day-old B.C. General Employees Union strike at government distribution warehouses.

To take the temperature of stakeholders involved, the office hopes to open up a conversation to better meet industry needs.

News 6 traffic expert answers viewer questions.

ORLANDO - News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked, “Can you be charged with a DUI for using marijuana?”

“Yes,” Trooper Steve said. “If your normal faculties are impaired by anything that affects your operation of a motor vehicle, you could be charged with DUI.”

There are medical laws that pertain to transportation, but we’re talking about driving under the influence of the drug, Trooper Steve said.

“Under no circumstance, whether you’re prescribed marijuana or another type of narcotic, can you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of that substance,” he said.

The first day of classes is just around the corner and this year, some Rhode Island students will soon be able to take medical marijuana at school.

"It's about providing health equity, student health equity,” said Linda Mendonca, President of the National Association of School Nurses and a consultant for the Rhode Island Department of Health.

School districts must develop a medical marijuana policy for their students. Those policies would then only apply to students who have a medical marijuana card, which requires permission from a parent and a doctor.

Right now, the Department of Health says just 20 children statewide have medical marijuana cards, along with 154 older teens ages 18 and 19 -- out of about 150,000 students in K through 12th grade.

​"Smoking medical marijuana is prohibited. It's pretty clear. Self-administration of medical marijuana is prohibited as well,” Mendonca said.

School nurses would have to keep the drug locked up, and document each time it was dispensed to a student. Marijuana is not FDA approved, and it's still illegal at the federal level. That means nurses may choose to have a parent or caregiver administer it to students at school, rather than doing it themselves.

The new zoning rules make it easier to gain Pima County approval for new marijuana dispensaries, manufacturing facilities and cultivation businesses.

“It aligns more closely with the city’s (Tucson) codes, as in the dimensions and setbacks,” said Chris Poirier, deputy director of Pima County development services. “Even with the Type III permits, it is still much easier than what had to be done to start one of these businesses.”

The proposal for reducing restrictions for marijuana business permits passed the Pima County Board of Supervisors 3-2 earlier this month. 

There’s a new cannabis flower brand in Massachusetts, and it’s LIT. 

Ayr Wellness, one of the largest publicly traded cannabis companies in the United States, recently announced that it partnered with Lit to bring its line of cannabis genetics to its Massachusetts dispensaries.

Lit is the latest West Coast cannabis flower brand that is trying to make the jump to the East. Short for Lost In Translation, the brand was co-founded by Ray Schiavone, who originally launched it in Nevada with Tahoe Hydroponics Company. 

Even with elaborate and accurate equipment, there are likely to be many legal battles fought over how legitimate the equipment is.

As marijuana becomes legal and regulated in many states, law enforcement is often struggling to keep up with the times. There is definitely a learning curve when something that was illegal suddenly becomes legal, and this is particularly true with marijuana. In fact, determining whether someone is under the influence of cannabis remains a difficult thing to prove in a court of law.

The study, published in the American Journal on Addictions, is among the first to examine nicotine use among patients of a medical marijuana dispensary.

What are the substances, which enhance one's nicotine addiction? In a first, a study published in the American Journal on Addictions, is among the first to examine nicotine use among patients of a medical marijuana dispensary. According to a study, people who use medicinal cannabis are more prone to consumption of nicotine products than the general population. 

Concerns have been expressed that young people are using vapes which contain cannabis extracts, and that these products are being purchased online or “under the counter”.

Denis Murray, one of the country’s senior adolescent addiction counsellors, confirmed that a vape given to him by a concerned parent contained an oily liquid which subsequently tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — a controlled drug.

A recent report is raising questions over whether teen vaping can lead to marijuana use later in life.

Findings from the Centers for Disease Control found that 1 in 9 high school students said they had vaped in the past month. And research from a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open found that adolescents who use e-cigarettes are over three times more likely to move on to marijuana.

Dr. David Fagan, vice chair of pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, told FOX 5 NY he isn’t surprised, as he says kids have more access than ever before.

"Now we’re saying nicotine may be the gateway which hits pleasure-seeking areas of the brain which then you’ll say ‘I’ll try cannabis’," Dr. Fagan said. "As more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana there’s this idea it’s safe and harmless."

Other findings from the study show that more than 1 in 10 youths who say they have never used cannabis go on to do so within a year. 

"A lot of adults think vaping is a way to quit smoking," said Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President and CEO of Family and Children’s Association. "We know when it comes to young people vaping tobacco is the training wheels before they move on to marijuana."

The board approved a resolution by a 4-2 vote during last week’s meeting for City Manager Aeric Ripley, City Attorney Tony Constanzo and other staff members to begin developing an ordinance regarding the establishment of adult-use marijuana facilities in the city.

The Alma city commission is considering allowing the sale of recreational marijuana. The board approved a resolution by a 4-2 vote during last week’s meeting for City Manager Aeric Ripley, City Attorney Tony Constanzo and other staff members to begin developing an ordinance regarding the establishment of adult-use marijuana facilities in the city.

Commissioners Audra Stahl and Danny Wernick cast the dissenting votes without comment. Commission Nick Piccolo was absent.

Three years ago the city commission OK’d the sale of medical marijuana but opted out of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation Marijuana Act that would have allowed the sale of recreational marijuana.

At that time commissioners cited state laws “were vague” and wanted to wait until the regulations became more clear-cut.

Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE: IIPR) -- often referred to as IIP -- quickly became one of the hottest growth stocks in the cannabis industry.

The real estate investment trust (REIT), buys and leases industrial properties to licensed medical marijuana operators. At its peak in February 2021, it had grown 916% in five years.

But its stellar growth has come to a screeching halt. Concern over the legalization of cannabis, followed by a class action lawsuit, and now a default from its largest tenant have pushed shares down 64% from recent highs.

Investors rightfully are wondering if the stock is going up in flames, or if it's bound to recover. Here's what's going on, and where the stock could be headed in the future.