cannabis

A Canadian team analysed samples from women undergoing in vitro fertilisation and found that higher concentrations of THC metabolites—the main psychoactive substance in cannabis—were associated with a higher rate of oocyte maturation and a lower number of embryos with the correct number of chromosomes. The latter could be replicated at similar concentrations under laboratory conditions. The authors, who published their findings in the journal Nature Communications, acknowledge that the study does not have sufficient statistical power to draw conclusions, but it does warn of possible risks to women's fertility.

This week, Spain’s Ministry of Health launched a process to develop a Royal Decree on the medical use of cannabis, assuring that it will be "a rigorous measure based on the best scientific evidence available.” The goverment is conducting a public consultation until 4 March to gather the opinions of citizens, civil society organisations, professional associations and scientific societies. In this explainer, we attempt to answer the main questions that arise regarding the medical use of cannabis. 

In an anonymous online survey of dog owners in Denmark, 38% of respondents said they administered cannabinoid products - such as cannabidiol drops - to their pets without a prescription, even though their use is not legal in animals. Reasons given included pain, behavioural problems and allergies in their dogs. Some 2,000 people responded to the survey, the results of which are published in the journal PLoS ONE.