March 6, 2025 — In this episode of What the Health, we explore the growing use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, especially among mature adults. John Salak welcomes guest, Dr. Leigh Vinocur from the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, to discuss the benefits and risks of cannabis use, the importance of professional guidance and the complexities…
DetailsNEW YORK, Feb. 6 (UPI) — People who need emergency care or hospitalization for cannabis use disorder are at an elevated risk of premature death within five years, a new Canadian study suggests. The study was published Thursday in JAMA Network Open. Read the news and Dr. Leigh’s expert opinion here. Originally published February 6, 2025…
DetailsUlcerative colitis and another bowel disease called Crohn’s disease are part of a chronic condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract. UC only impacts the large intestine (colon), while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from your mouth to your anus. Both conditions can be very debilitating, with symptoms…
DetailsWe know cannabis has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese texts discuss its use for sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including those related to sexual function. The primary receptors involved are CB1 and CB2, which are distributed throughout the…
DetailsCannabis-based products, especially those without overt intoxicating effects such as cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, have been increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various skin conditions. We know cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, their interaction with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) makes them a promising tool for addressing inflammation, sebum (oil) regulation, protecting the…
DetailsThere is a relationship between cannabis, our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and our metabolism. The role of cannabis and our ECS have been extensively studied with respect to appetite stimulation. Cannabis and THC, specifically, interact with the ECS receptors in our brain, and it’s known to stimulate appetite and cause what the public knows as the…
DetailsInterestingly, for thousands of years throughout history, women have used cannabis for a variety of obstetrical and gynecological issues. Famous cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo wrote a book on the topic called Women and Cannabis: Medicine, Science, and Sociology. He states one of the earliest reference dates to Ancient Mesopotamia, around the 7th century B.C.E. These ancient manuscripts…
DetailsAs a governor-appointed member of the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, many of my colleagues have asked for my thoughts on what will happen next with the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). As a physician who integrates medical cannabis into my patients’ treatments, I do…
DetailsCan using cannabis help ease migraine pain? I was asked to address this question by Hearst Magazines publication, GreenState , in my latest “Ask Dr. Leigh” column. You may be surprised to read about the latest research says on this topic! Read the story here.
The Hearst publication, Greenstate, recently asked me to offer insight into the risks of using cannabis while pregnant. Read the entire article here.
