The Bengal Bite 🐯 | The Science of Cannabis | July 10, 2020

Despite federal roadblocks, research continues and “the science of cannabis” is beginning to yield important discoveries in areas such as depression treatment, pain relief, and sleep management.

We envision that expanded research will unlock uses for the plant we have not yet begun to contemplate. “The science of cannabis” has the potential to bring immeasurable benefits to patients and consumers as well as massive disruption to multiple industries.

Lastly, the science behind cannabis extraction is to thank for the tremendous increase in concentrates products available to today's patient and consumer. 7/10, 4/20's lesser known cousin, is the cannabis community's day to celebrate the benefits of concentrate "oil" (710 = OIL upside down). Happy 7/10 to those who are celebrating, and for those who want to learn more, this link offers an excellent primer.

The Bengal Capital Team

Study finds cannabis effective for treating depression

According to a new study published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, dried cannabis flower consumption significantly reduces symptoms of depression and works much faster than pharmaceutical antidepressants. Read more on this study in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine here.

Microdoses of THC are optimal for pain relief, say cannabis researchers

“Israeli med-tech company Syqe Medical has conducted the first clinical trial to demonstrate that extremely low and precise doses of inhaled THC – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis – can effectively relieve pain, while avoiding the common side effects associated with cannabis use.” Read more on this Israeli research in GrowthOp here.

How marijuana laws complicate scientists' search for crucial answers about cannabis, hemp

With cannabis still designated as a Schedule I controlled substance, many researchers are restricted in scope by federal regulations governing the psychoactive chemical THC. “There’s a lot of evidence that could be gathered and it’s just not being done. We desperately need research,” said Arthur Fougner, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York. Read more on these laws in Democrat and Chronicle here.

Science reveals the cannabis industry's greatest myth: you're buying weed wrong (and so is everyone else)

In today’s legal, recreational cannabis market, two factors - price and THC content - tend to influence what the consumer decides to buy, but recent research has begun to show that THC content is a poor indicator of product quality and potency.  As more scientific research occurs and the general consumer becomes more educated, there are several new factors that may ultimately drive cannabis purchasing decisions. Read more on how to purchase cannabis the right way here in Forbes.

'Dabbers' of cannabis concentrate display effects similar to pot smokes, despite elevated THC

“New results from a Colorado study indicate that inhaling cannabis concentrates, or 'dabbing,' doesn’t affect a person’s balance or sense of being 'high' any more than smoking the flower form of the drug, despite causing high levels of THC in the blood.  The findings could lead to eventual changes in how law enforcement uses roadside sobriety tests to determine whether a driver is under the influence of cannabis." Read more on this Colorado State University study here.