Cannabis use by veterans with post-traumatic stress is linked to reduced stress and better same-night sleep quality, according to data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

A team of investigators affiliated with the RAND Institute and the University of Southern California assessed cannabis and alcohol consumption on stress and sleep quality in a cohort of 74 recently discharged military veterans with elevated post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Study participants provided baseline data and completed daily follow-up assessments for three months.

On days when subjects acknowledged using cannabis, they reported “lowers levels of stress that day … and better sleep quality that night.” By contrast, subjects who consumed greater levels of alcoholic drinks during the day reported “poorer sleep quality that same evening.”

Researchers concluded: “While alcohol use appears to perpetuate a reinforcing cycle of stress and poor sleep, cannabis use may offer short-term stress relief and perceived sleep benefits. … Future research should aim to elucidate the chronic effects of cannabis use on sleep and stress to guide evidence-based recommendations for veterans seeking to manage these issues.”

To read the full study, visit sciencedirect.com.

Trial shows delta-8 THC milder than delta-9

Orally ingested delta-8 THC produces dose-dependent psychoactive effects that are similar but milder than those associated with equivalent quantities of delta-9 THC, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Researchers affiliated with Johns Hopkins University assessed the effects of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC in a cohort of 19 healthy adults. Study participants consumed brownies infused with standardized dosages of either synthetic delta-8 THC or synthetic delta-9 THC. The trial is the first study in over five decades to assess the effects of delta-8 THC in human subjects.

To read the full study, visit sciencedirect.com.

Study finds CBD reduces chronic pelvic pain

Women suffering from chronic pelvic pain frequently report that CBD mitigates their symptoms.

Researchers affiliated with the University of Michigan surveyed 477 women diagnosed with pelvic pain who also reported current marijuana use. 

About 81% of participants reported reduced pain following their use of CBD products. Many respondents reported improved sleep, reduced anxiety, less depression, less fatigue and better overall health. A large proportion of those using CBD reported substituting it instead of prescription medications — a finding consistent with prior research.

Prior surveys estimate that some 20% of subjects with chronic pelvic pain consume either cannabis or CBD therapeutically, with many reporting that cannabinoids reduce their reliance on prescription opioids.

To read the full study, visit jogc.com.

Poll finds widespread support for cannabis legalization

Voters strongly support legalizing cannabis and other marijuana-related policy reforms, according to national survey data compiled by the firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates and first reported by Marijuana Moment.

The poll, which includes an oversampling of Republicans, finds that 66% of respondents support legalizing the adult-use of marijuana, 68% believe that states should be able to determine their own marijuana policies free from federal interference, and 70% believe that it should be rescheduled federally.

Republican voters expressed support for legalization by a double-digit margin.

“(The) electorate … is clearly ready for cannabis to be legalized for adult use,” pollsters summarized in an accompanying memo. “There is no significant political or demographic group that doesn’t believe cannabis should be legal for consenting adults.”

Commenting on the polling data, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “At a time when voters and politicians are largely divided, there is one issue that Americans largely agree upon: It’s time to legalize and regulate marijuana.”

“Legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis access is not only good policy, but it’s also good politics. State and federal politicians who continue to ignore their constituents’ sentiments on these issues do so at their own political peril,” Armentano added.

Other recent polls — including polling data compiled in December by the politically conservative-leaning think tank, the Manhattan Institute — have similarly reported overwhelming public support for marijuana legalization.

While on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump posted to social media: “As president, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including SAFE banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.”

However, since becoming president, he has not publicly revisited the issue, NORML reported. Further, an administrative petition initiated by the Biden administration to reclassify cannabis under federal law was stayed by a judge in January. No actions have been taken by the US Drug Enforcement Administration to advance the process since then.

Most recently, Republican lawmakers Rep. David Joyce (OH), Max Miller (OH) and Democrat Dina Titus (NV) filed the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act. Joyce and Titus are co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

The measure protects state-legal cannabis markets and establishes regulations governing interstate commerce, among other changes in federal policy.

“Whether a state is pro-legalization or anti-legalization, we can all agree that the current federal approach to cannabis policy is not working,” Joyce said in a statement.

“The STATES 2.0 Act remedies this issue by bridging the gap between federal and state policy to create a more logical approach to cannabis regulation that allows each state to put the policies in place that work best for their communities and unique needs. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the Administration to protect states’ rights and make our communities a safer place.” 

This article appears in Apr 17-24, 2025.