An "ethically approved" clinical trial to test whether cannabis can replace opioids in the management of chronic pain has kicked off in SA, with "very promising" results in the pilot phase.

This is according to a statement from investment holding company Labat Africa, which has a focus on medical cannabis. Labat, which is listed on both the JSE and Frankfurt stock exchanges, exports over a quarter of its SA health Products Regulatory Authority-approved medical cannabis crop from Kenton-on-Sea to Australia and Europe.

Its recent acquisitions include Miami-owned CBD brand Echo Life.

It’s been more than five years since Australia first introduced a medicinal cannabis program, and a new study has shed light on who exactly gets those scripts.

As reported by The Guardian, researchers from University of Sydney revealed a bunch of juicy statistics around who is being given prescriptions, and for what conditions. It found that chronic pain was the most common reason for medical cannabis being recommended to patients, accounting for 61 percent of prescriptions. Anxiety made up 16 percent of scripts, and sleep disorders 5.6 percent.

The study also shows that pre-pandemic, the age group receiving prescriptions ranged from 45 to 52-years-old. But since 2020, prescriptions are predominantly going to a much younger group, aged 20 to 31.

It is hoped a Shepparton research project will unearth answers on the effects of cannabis oils in cannabis users.

The 12-week project is seeking anonymous participants to determine the efficacy of Cannabidiol oil for mood and sleep issues in cannabis users.

The study, led by Shepparton-based Professor Edward Ogden, will include 33 participants who will meet with a researcher monthly to record results.

CBD oil is an alternative therapy which has promising results in trials for treating addiction around the world.

CBD, unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol — the other main compound found in marijuana — contains no psychoactive or addictive qualities.

Queitly, or not so quietly, depending on your social media algorithms, Australia has been building itself as a medicinal cannabis superpower over the past six years.

The medical use of the otherwise illegal plant has been federally protected since 2016, with Health Minister Gret Hunt previously stating that he wants to make Australia a global, green superpower.

Australia has dozens of medicinal cannabis producers. Vast warehouses full of growing buds exist in hidden locations right across the country, with Toowoomba becoming something of a hotspot for this agricultural alternative.

Australia’s Creso Pharma Limited (ASX:CPH) says it has reached final stage of development for a new hemp-based lozenge product containing cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).

The cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) tend to steal the limelight, but there are many other cannabinoids in cannabis; among them CBDA.

CBDA hit the headlines recently when University of Oregon researchers suggested it could prevent the coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 from invading human cells. The important thing to note is further CBDA research is needed and a conclusion as to its efficacy may be some way off, although CBDA clinical trials may start soon. Creso Pharma notes it has not carried out any of its own research in relation to CBDA and SARS-CoV-2.

Creso Pharma Limited (ASX:CPH) announced last week it intends acquiring Colorado based natural body care company, Sierra Sage Herbs, LLC.

Creso says the acquisition will provide it a foothold in the USA’s CBD market through SSH’s existing 90,000 points of sale with major retailers and more than 150,000 direct to consumer relationships – and there’s more to come with Sierra Sage Herbs anticipating it will add an additional 20,000 points of sale with key retailers in the months ahead.

“We intend to aggressively leverage these relationships and the group’s existing customer base by introducing them to Creso Pharma’s existing product suite for human health, animal health and sports and recovery,” said Creso CEO and Managing Director William Lay.\

Getting a medicine to market in Australia, even a non-prescription one, is not easy.

Since  early 2021 , the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has allowed the sale of low-dose cannabidiol (CBD) preparations over the counter at Australian pharmacies. But you won’t find any at your local chemist

The 35-year-old was stranded on an open aluminum boat in the middle of heavy rain.

The cult hero products sold out within five days

CBD skincare is making waves in the beauty industry and has been endorsed by celebrity fans Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristen Bell, who have raved about the benefits of cannabidiol. Growing in popularity, hemp skincare can drastically improve various skin conditions, thanks to its ability to reduce sebum production and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Recently, Hey Bud Skincare – Australia’s number one-selling hemp skincare range – launched two new CBD skincare products which sold out within just five days. But now, they’re back in stock – and we have a 15% discount code…

The two CBD products on offer? Hey Bud’s Daily Hemp Gel Cleanser, and Hyaluronic Acid + Hemp Serum, which garnered a waiting list of 27,000 people.