Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana

The Justice Department has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy. Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since 1970. This change acknowledges marijuana’s medical uses and its lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs. The proposal, approved by Attorney General Merrick… Continue reading Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana

How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

For the last few years, the legal status of marijuana in the United States has been changing rapidly. The most commonly taken drug in the country, an estimated 48.2 million people used marijuana in 2019 according to the CDC. While it remains illegal at the federal level, a number of states have legalized its medical… Continue reading How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

Marijuana Plays No Role in Starting or Stopping Opioids

A recent review concludes that there is no link between the use of cannabis and a person’s use of illicit opioids. The study challenges the notion that cannabis serves as a gateway drug influencing individuals to try narcotics. It also also dismisses the idea that weed is effective in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction. The… Continue reading Marijuana Plays No Role in Starting or Stopping Opioids

Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis

Medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) are getting a lot of media coverage — so what’s the latest, as it relates to lung cancer? See two recent high-profile articles that weigh the possible risks and benefits of cannabis for cancer and respiratory disease. And add your perspective. (Psst, checkout past PatientsLikeMe write-ups on medical marijuana and CBD for some background.)… Continue reading Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis

Marijuana and MS: Get the scoop

From legality to availability, recreational use and potential use as treatment, marijuana is a hot topic. In the MS forum, members are talking about marijuana and its potential to relieve symptoms of MS like pain, tremor and spasticity. We wanted to know more, so we asked our Health Data Integrity team to take a look… Continue reading Marijuana and MS: Get the scoop

Cannabis for PD treatment? Member Ian says it’s something to shout about

Member Ian (Selfbuilder) blogs and vlogs about using cannabis products to treat his Parkinson’s disease symptoms, even though marijuana (including medical marijuana) is illegal and stigmatized where he lives in the U.K. Why is he speaking up? “I know that I would not be here now if it wasn’t for the relief provided by my… Continue reading Cannabis for PD treatment? Member Ian says it’s something to shout about

Q & A with Dr. David Casarett, author of “Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana”

If you’ve been following the blog lately, you might already know Dr. David Casarett – he’s a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and the author of “STONED: A Doctor’s Case For Medical Marijuana.” He recently worked with PatientsLikeMe on a survey that asked members how they felt about marijuana, and… Continue reading Q & A with Dr. David Casarett, author of “Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana”

Results From PatientsLikeMe Survey Highlight Patient Beliefs About Medical Marijuana

Cambridge, MA, July 14, 2015—A new survey of 219 PatientsLikeMe members has found that patients with certain conditions who use medical marijuana believe it is the best available treatment for them, with fewer side effects than other options and few risks. The survey, conducted in June 2015, is among the first to gauge patient perceptions… Continue reading Results From PatientsLikeMe Survey Highlight Patient Beliefs About Medical Marijuana