Campaign for Compassion

Our hearts are broken.
“We find peace knowing that Jackson stayed here with us for 10 years to teach us all kindness and compassion and how to be advocates for each other and for our children,” Cara said. https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-medical-ma*****na-advocate-dies-20210807-7zvqy2grffd2deuvpqtnfpbt6a-story.html

https://www.yorkdispatch.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2021/08/07/mothers-fight-medical-ma*****na-pennsylvania/5512471001/

Young medical ma*****na advocate who could ‘melt your heart’ succumbs to epilepsy in York County Teen whose illness helped push for medical ma*****na bill dies

The new phase II trial, to be funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, is to launch at 15 NHS hospitals and follows promising results from a phase I study in 27 patients. The phase II trial will assess whether adding Sativex (an oral spray containing cannabinoids THC and CBD) to chemotherapy could extend life for thousands diagnosed with a recurrent glioblastoma, which currently has an average survival of less than 10 months*. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2021/08/cannabis-brain-tumour-clinical-trial.aspx

World-first UK trial to assess whether cannabis-based drug could extend life for thousands with aggressive brain tumours The University of Birmingham will co-ordinate a major UK trial to analyse the efficacy of cannabis-based drug Sativex in treating the most aggressive form of brain tumours.

A recent study out of the Journal of Psychopharmacology called “Cannabis-induced oceanic boundlessness” found that large doses of can help improve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and other mental ailments, including distress related to cancer, and even dependence on ci******es and alcohol. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindseybartlett/2021/07/30/recent-study-finds-cannabis-aids-treatment-resistant-depression-and-alcohol-dependency/?sh=13c1491e3c4d

Recent Study Finds Cannabis Aids Treatment-Resistant Depression And Alcohol Dependency A recent study out of the Journal of Psychopharmacology called “Cannabis-induced oceanic boundlessness” found that large doses of cannabis are “comparable to those identified in trials of psilocybin that precede relief from cancer-related distress, treatment-resistant depression."

“We have people saying, ‘Hey, take this strain if you need to sleep.’ Well, each strain has a different concentration of THC, but it's also got all these other compounds. There are over 100 cannabinoids and then we have bioactive lipids called terpenes,” said Dr. Kent Vrana, director of the state certified medical ma*****na research center at Penn State's College of Medicine. “No one has studied to say that a strain is good for a disease.” https://www.courthousenews.com/you-can-smoke-it-but-you-cant-study-it-cannabis-researchers-get-creative/

You can smoke it but you can’t study it: Cannabis researchers get creative As more states legalize ma*****na for medical and recreational use, the plant's federal prohibition makes it difficult to study in the lab.

“This study represents a refreshing collaboration of scientists, clinicians, patients and advocates. The results affirm what has been suspected for a long time, that cannabinoid products have value in the treatment of epilepsy as well as associated neuropsychiatric conditions,” said Jay Salpekar, MD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Johns Hopkins University. “It is our hope that this study may embolden clinicians and patients to effectively partner in considering these treatments.” https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210727005841/en/Realm-of-Caring-Appoints-Research-Director-to-Oversee-Groundbreaking-Cannabis-Data-Registry-and-Medical-Studies

Realm of Caring Appoints Research Director to Oversee Groundbreaking Cannabis Data Registry and Medical Studies Realm of Caring (RoC), a nonprofit dedicated to cannabinoid research, has appointed Nicolas Schlienz, Ph.D., as its Research Director, a new role in t

Activists are disappointed that two ma*****na reform measures from Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are being blocked from floor consideration. Her proposals—which were aimed at appropriations legislation for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—would have made it so ma*****na possession or consumption could not be used as the sole basis for denying people access to public housing. One Norton amendment was narrowly focused on medical cannabis while a second measure would have covered all ma*****na use that’s legal under state laws. https://www.ma*****namoment.net/congress-to-vote-on-ma*****na-psychedelics-and-cbd-amendments-this-week-following-committee-action/

Congress To Vote On Ma*****na, Psychedelics And CBD Amendments This Week Following Committee Action | Ma*****na Moment A key House committee on Monday cleared a series of cannabis and psychedelics-related amendments for floor votes as part of large-scale spending legislation. That floor action could happen as soon as Tuesday. However, the panel also blocked two measures on housing protections for cannabis consumers....

Pennsylvania's highest court ruled on Wednesday that the public has a right under the state's open records law to review applications for the state's coveted licenses. https://www.pennlive.com/business/2021/07/pa-supreme-court-ruling-in-pennlive-case-will-give-public-a-more-detailed-look-at-the-states-medical-ma*****na-industry.html

Pa. Supreme Court ruling in PennLive case will give public a more detailed look at the state’s medical ma*****na industry For four years, PennLive reporter Wallace McKelvey has been fighting for information on that industry using the state's Right to Know Law.

One of the proposals introduced by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) would block the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from using its funds to enforce an ongoing cannabis prohibition to evict residents of federally assisted housing if they live in a state where it is legal for recreational purposes. The congresswoman’s second amendment would only apply to . https://www.ma*****namoment.net/congress-could-vote-to-protect-people-from-losing-public-housing-for-ma*****na-use-next-week/

Congress Could Vote To Protect People From Losing Public Housing For Ma*****na Use Next Week | Ma*****na Moment Cannabis possession or consumption could not be used at the sole basis for denying people access to public housing under a pair of amendments to spending legislation that a congresswoman’s office shared with Ma*****na Moment. The full House of Representatives could vote on one or both of the measu...

"Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS, she tried many treatments to slow the progress of the autoimmune disease attacking her central nervous system, and said her body “could not tolerate” the slew of drugs. That’s when she learned that her best friend’s mother, who also has MS, used to control her symptoms." https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Veterans-push-for-research-access-to-medical-16295550.php -21202296

Veterans push for research, access to medical cannabis Nurse and military veteran Glenda Tyson, who is now battling the symptom progression of...

Friday July 30th, The Healing Research Center company is expanding to Robinson Township, and will provide the Pittsburgh area with its first drive-through medical cannabis dispensary. https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/pgh-is-getting-its-first-drive-thru-medical-ma*****na-dispensary/

Pgh is getting its first drive-thru medical ma*****na dispensary | Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Healing Research Center in Robinson Township is expected to officially open on Fri., July 30 and will operate Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cannabis company PharmaCann Inc. plans to open a Verilife dispensary at the former Home D Pizzeria location in College Township by the end of the year. https://onwardstate.com/2021/07/15/medical-ma*****na-dispensary-to-open-at-former-home-d-location/

Medical Ma*****na Dispensary To Open At Former Home D Location Cannabis company PharmaCann Inc. plans to open a Verilife medical ma*****na dispensary at the former Home D Pizzeria location in College Township by the end of the year.

Just in time for the industry’s growth spurt was settlement of licensing issues at a Cumberland Township cultivation and processing facility near Carmichaels, which could create jobs in a region where idled coal mines threw the local economy into a tailspin years ago. https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/07/13/AgriMed-Greene-County-Harvest-Health-Recreation-Trulieve-Cannabis-medical-ma*****na-Pennsylvania-Department-of-Health/stories/202107080153

Greene County pot farm resolves licensing issues as Pennsylvania market roars Sales of legal pot are booming in the U.S. with the Pennsylvania market projected to reach $1 billion in 2021, as a patch of rural Greene County turns...

Researchers at Temple University have partnered with Doylestown-based pharmaceutical company Neuropathix to develop a synthetic molecule based on cannabidiol (CBD) that can provide more potent pain relief than itself. They are currently studying it for a type of chronic pain caused by nerve damage due to chemotherapy. The CBD-based drug could offer an appealing alternative to addictive opioids and milder painkillers to treat chronic pain.

https://www.inquirer.com/science/cbd-medical-ma*****na-chronic-pain-neuropathy-20210706.html

Temple research finds that tweaking CBD may help it curb pain and opioid use in mice Doylestown-based Neuropathix is running safety tests required to start clinical trials in humans. The compound may help with neuropathy, a severe type of chronic pain associated with cancer treatment.

Sales of Seven Hills flower begin today and will launch exclusively in the Ayr Wellness dispensaries in Plymouth Meeting, New Castle, and Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. The initial launch includes a wide range of a dozen strains, including Wedding Crasher, Sapphire V***r, Space Monkey, Mimosa, Mendo Breath, Larry OG, Lemon Kush Headband, Humble Pie, Chem 4, Cheese, Cornbread and Bodhi Tree. https://www.newcannabisventures.com/ayr-wellness-announces-launch-of-seven-hills-flower-in-pennsylvania/

Ayr Wellness Announces Launch of Seven Hills Flower in Pennsylvania Ayr introduces second line of branded premium flower in Pennsylvania TORONTO, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ayr Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A, OTCQX: AYRWF) (“Ayr,” “Ayr Wellness,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), a vertically-integrated multi-state operator (“MSO”)...

The new law adds to the list of serious medical conditions for which can be dispensed to include cancer remission therapy and neuropathies of the central nervous system. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/06/pa-gov-tom-wolf-signs-off-on-changes-to-medical-ma*****na-law.html

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf signs off on changes to medical ma*****na law Patients can continue to get a three month's supply at a time, rather than one month's, under revisions to the Pennsylvania program. But patients still can't grow it at home.

Regulators from California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and other states were among those who participated in the meeting. https://www.ma*****namoment.net/federal-officials-meet-with-state-ma*****na-regulators-to-discuss-legalization-impacts/

Federal Officials Meet With State Ma*****na Regulators To Discuss Legalization Impacts | Ma*****na Moment A coalition of state ma*****na regulators met with federal officials and members of Congress this week to discuss the potential impact that national legalization and other cannabis policy changes could have on the local programs they oversee. The Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) organized th...

Ayr Wellness Inc. opened the store in a former King’s Restaurant on Route 8 in the Northtowne Square shopping center. The 8,000-square-foot facility is designed for 30 point-of-sale stations, and it will employ about 20 people. https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/06/28/medical-ma*****na-cannabis-Ayr-Wellness-CannTech-PA-Richland-pittsburgh/stories/202106280073

‘Very much cannabis’ time’: Ayr Wellness opens Richland dispensary A medical cannabis company based in New York City has opened a dispensary in Richland Township, the company’s third store in Pennsylvania. Ayr Wellness...

The proposal also will allow people with misdemeanor criminal charges to work in the industry. An individual with felony narcotics charges could also work in if at least ten years had passed since they committed the act. https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pa-senate-scuttles-home-grow-amendment-but-passes-other-provisions-cleaning-up-states-medical-cannabis-law/Content?oid=19737543

Pa. Senate scuttles home grow amendment, but passes other provisions cleaning up state's medical cannabis law As part of a rush of last-minute legislation, the Pennsylvania General Assembly on June passed an omnibus bill making numerous tweaks to the state’s medical...

VA isn’t necessarily opposing research for veterans overall, but it argued that the proposed legislation is unnecessary because it is “already dedicating resources and research expertise to study the effects of cannabis on conditions affecting veterans.”

https://www.ma*****namoment.net/va-continues-to-oppose-ma*****na-research-bill-for-military-veterans-under-biden/

VA Continues To Oppose Ma*****na Research Bill For Military Veterans Under Biden | Ma*****na Moment A Senate committee on Wednesday held a hearing on a bill to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct clinical trials into the therapeutic potential of ma*****na for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain—but a VA representative said that the Biden administration is opp...

Philadelphia’s dispensary growth has lagged behind other cities. Baltimore, which opened its first dispensaries in 2017, just a year before Philly, boasts more than twice the number of locations. https://billypenn.com/2021/06/22/philadelphia-ma*****na-dispensaries-map-neighborhood-sunnyside-opening/

Where to find Philly's medical ma*****na dispensaries A third shop just opened in Center City, while some neighborhoods don’t have any. There’s an equity problem, officials say.

The University of Michigan team found that more than 70% of people with fibromyalgia who used substituted CBD for opioids or other pain medications. Of these participants, many reported that they either decreased use or stopped taking opioids and other pain medications as a result. People who said they used CBD products that also contained THC had higher odds of substitution and reported greater symptom relief. https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/body-work/people-fibromyalgia-substituting-cbd-for-opioids-to-manage-pain

People with fibromyalgia substituting CBD for opioids to manage pain The cannabis-derived substance provides fewer side effects, with less potential for abuse.

During public comments at the May 24 meeting, when the ordinance was introduced, Edward "Lefty" Grimes with Sativa Cross, an organization that advocates for cannabis patient's rights, told the council he was concerned because the borough is looking to ban medical ma*****na dispensaries. https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2021/06/18/sayreville-bans-recreational-and-medical-ma*****na-businesses/7727446002/

Sayreville bans recreational and medical ma*****na businesses, at least for now The ordinance amends Sayreville zoning to prohibit licenses issued for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail distribution of ma*****na

“Our results support prior studies suggesting may improve pain and minimize opioid utilization in both cancer and non-cancer settings. … Incorporating cannabis into routine cancer care may improve pain control and minimize opioid requirements.”
https://norml.org/news/2021/06/17/clinical-trial-cancer-patients-reduce-their-intake-of-opioids-following-medical-cannabis-treatment/

Clinical Trial: Cancer Patients Reduce Their Intake of Opioids Following Medical Cannabis Treatment - NORML Authors concluded: “Our results support prior studies suggesting cannabis may improve pain and minimize opioid utilization in both cancer and non-cancer settings.

As of June 3, DOH reports that 548,468 patients are registered with 349,272 active certifications. https://www.delcotimes.com/news/medical-ma*****na-sales-strong-but-recreational-legalization-still-on-back-burner/article_9c7944ba-cbc8-11eb-8834-8f5a22f6989e.html

Medical ma*****na sales strong, but recreational legalization still on back burner Medical ma*****na sales in Pennsylvania topped more than $900 million over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and could soon see $3 billion in total sales with just a few

The bill is now under consideration by the Senate Law and Justice Committee. https://www.abc27.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-s-medical-ma*****na-update-bill-aims-to-lower-prices-increase-job-opportunities/

Pa.’s medical ma*****na update bill aims to lower prices, increase job opportunities A bill that would update Pennsylvania’s five-year-old medical ma*****na act is making its way through the legislative process. The state House of Representatives passed it this week.

Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., BEYOND / HELLO™ Easton will begin serving Pennsylvania patients at 3812 Easton-Nazareth Highway. https://www.newcannabisventures.com/jushi-opens-its-13th-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-dispensary/

Jushi Opens Its 13th Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Dispensary Jushi Holdings Inc. Announced its Subsidiary, Franklin Bioscience – NE LLC, Will Open Its 20th BEYOND / HELLO™ Retail Location Nationwide with 13th Store in Pennsylvania. BEYOND / HELLO™ Brings New Retail Design to Second Location in the Lehigh Valley New... ™Easton ...

Laurel Harvest Labs, located on 721 Bethlehem Pike, is one of eight clinical research licensees in the state. https://patch.com/pennsylvania/lansdale/new-medical-ma*****na-dispensary-opens-montgomeryville

New Medical Ma*****na Dispensary Opens In Montgomeryville The pharmacist-owned operation is also partnering with Temple University on cutting edge cannabis science research.

Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) filed the legislation—titled the Fully Informed Veteran Act—which would allowing VA doctors to provide basic information and resources about state-legal programs to veterans. https://www.ma*****namoment.net/military-veterans-could-discuss-state-ma*****na-programs-with-va-doctors-under-new-bipartisan-congressional-bill/

Military Veterans Could Discuss State Ma*****na Programs With VA Doctors Under New Bipartisan Congressional Bill | Ma*****na Moment A bipartisan duo introduced a congressional bill on Friday that would make clear that U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors can discuss state-legal ma*****na programs with veterans. Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) filed the legislation—titled the Fully Informed Veteran A...

“The president’s budget is simultaneously positive and concerning. On one hand, unlike his predecessors from both parties, he is the first sitting president to call for continued protections for programs,” NORML Political Director Justin Strekal said. “But on the other hand, unlike President Obama, this budget denies the right of self-determination to D.C. citizens when it comes to the overwhelming desire of the public and local government to regulate cannabis for adults.” https://www.ma*****namoment.net/biden-budget-keeps-medical-ma*****na-protections-but-would-block-d-c-from-legalizing-recreational-sales/

Biden Budget Keeps Medical Ma*****na Protections But Would Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Sales | Ma*****na Moment President Joe Biden wants to maintain a long-standing policy that’s protected state medical ma*****na laws from Justice Department interference as part of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal—a notable administration decision given that previous presidents from both parties have called for its e...

Next month, the pardons board will hear the case of Ezell’s daughter, Victoria Ezell, a nurse who pleaded guilty, served probation and also lost her license because of the ma*****na case. https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2021/05/27/Governor-Tom-Wolf-pardons-eye-doctor-ma*****na-sick-dying-wife-Dr-Paul-Ezell-Pennsylvania-cannabis-legalization-recreational-medical-John-Fetterman/stories/202105270131

Gov. Wolf pardons Pennsylvania eye doctor who grew ma*****na for his sick wife Dr. Paul Ezellhas said he began growing ma*****na to help his dying wife reduce her use of prescription opioids