Growing practices and the use of potentially harmful chemical additives from a web survey of mainly small-scale cannabis growers in 18 countries.

Background: There is emerging recognition of the risks of harmful chemical pesticides, fertilizers and 'nutrients' by cannabis growers. One group of chemicals, Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), many of which have been banned from food crops for decades, have been found unlisted in a number of fertilizers and supplements marketed at cannabis growers.

Methods: This paper predominately uses data from a 2020-21 convenience web survey of mainly small-scale, recent (last 5yrs) cannabis growers from 18 countries (n = 11,479).

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis cultivation and use in 18 countries.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying measures to mitigate infection affected many areas of society, including the supply and use of cannabis. This paper explored how patterns of behaviour among people who cultivate cannabis were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions.

Methods: An anonymous web survey of people who cultivated cannabis was conducted from Aug 2020 to Sep 2021, spanning 18 countries and 11 languages (N = 11,479).

Exploring the substitution of cannabis for alcohol and other drugs among a large convenience sample of people who use cannabis.

Background: The substitution of cannabis for alcohol and other drugs has been conceptualised in a harm reduction framework as where cannabis is used to reduce the negative side-effects, addiction potential, and social stigma of other drugs. There is currently mixed evidence with recent reviews suggesting cannabis co-use patterns may vary by age and ethnicity. Yet few studies have had large enough samples to examine this demographic variation in detail.

Implementation of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand: six emerging trends.

Aim: To evaluate the implementation of the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (MCS), including how products, prices, prescribing and patient access have evolved since 2020.

Method: Analysis of administrative data obtained via Official Information Act (OIA) requests and publicly available information on products and prices.

Results: Six emerging trends were identified: 1) quarterly supply of medicinal cannabis products has increased fourteenfold since the implementation of the Scheme in 2020, 2) most products are now THC-dominant rather than CBD, 3) most products are in the form of dried cannabis flower rather than oral liquids/oils, 4) prices of products have declined to be comparable to the illegal market, 5) specialised private cannabis clinics have expanded patient access, and 6) inequities persist due to expense, and disproportionately affect Māori and those on lower incomes.