CLEAR Cannabis Law Reform

"There have been calls to loosen regulations around medical cannabis to increase access for those who need it, but the government must resist and view cannabis with the same scrutiny as any other new medicine."

This is a misguided and deeply flawed editorial position which is extremely disappointing. One would have hoped for leadership from The Pharmaceutical Journal, not this miserable, poorly-thought through, evidence-free defence of the indefensible position of the medical establishment.

"Medical cannabis reform in the United Kingdom is coming too slowly to fulfill demand from consumers and from patients, who must make do on what the underground market provides."

Simon Manthorpe, CEO of EOS Scientific: "Personally I think it would do more good than harm to legalise cannabis in the UK. Multiple studies have been conducted illustrating several health benefits. One noticeable effect of this is the reduction of inflammation, as well as the absence of pain. Therefore, it is becoming much more commonplace for people to use CBD oil as a method to relieve the pains of arthritis."

"Cannabis can actually make elderly people sharper, help them focus better, and improve their memory! That’s the inference drawn from a study by a German-Israeli research team who ran a series of THC tests on elderly mice. Not only did the older mice perform as well as the young, sober mice, but their brain tissue physically changed and showed traits of cognitive youth following THC administration. The next step for this German-Israeli research team is to conduct a clinical trial on humans to determine how helpful cannabis would be in treating dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive afflictions."

"The wealthy, muscular, perma-tanned American, Dan Bilzerian, has been dubbed the King of Instagram for documenting his apparently lavish lifestyle of extravagant parties, fast cars, yachts, adventure sports and guns while constantly surrounded by a posse of near-naked, adoring women. He's in the UK trying to break into the nascent cannabis market with his company Ignite. Already established in the US and Canada, the company is selling vaping liquids and e-cigs, edible drops and lip balms which contain a cannabis extract known as Cannabidiol or CBD."

He's a controversial figure for some but let's live and let live and if he helps to advance the cannabis cause that's a good thing.

"The UK neurologist who will advise NZ doctors on prescribing medicinal cannabis, Professor Mike Barnes, is calling on the profession here to get itself ready to prescribe the drug." (Interview available on Audio 25 minutes)