Cannabis is drawing interest among breast cancer patients for two different reasons: help with symptoms like pain, sleep, and nausea, and the hope that cannabinoids might directly fight tumors. On the symptom side, the evidence is strongest for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when standard antiemetics aren’t enough; synthetic THC medicines such as dronabinol and nabilone are FDA-approved add-ons, and recent randomized trials of balanced THC:CBD extracts also show benefit in difficult-to-control cases.

Pain data are more mixed but suggest possible help for some patients. In advanced cancer pain, oromucosal THC:CBD (nabiximols) has shown signals on secondary outcomes and at lower doses compared with placebo in randomized studies, though not consistently on every primary endpoint. These results indicate potential as an adjunct—especially for people who cannot tolerate higher opioid doses—but they don’t establish cannabinoids as superior standalone analgesics.

What about treating the cancer itself? Laboratory research continues to find plausible anticancer mechanisms in breast cancer models, including CBD’s effects on growth and metastasis pathways and the discovery that HER2 can form complexes with the CB2 receptor, a target linked to worse prognosis and therefore of therapeutic interest. These are preclinical findings; they point to paths for drug development but do not prove clinical benefit for patients today.

Looking ahead, let’s finally fund the large, well-controlled clinical trials that breast cancer patients deserve.  We need studies that compare specific cannabinoid and terpene formulations, define effective dosing, and measure not only symptom relief but also survival and quality of life. With sustained investment and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers, we can turn promising signals into clear guidance and deliver smarter, effective care for people facing breast cancer.

Cannabis-derived pain medicine VER-01, also called Exilby, showed meaningful relief for chronic low back pain in a large clinical study. The phase 3 trial enrolled 820 adults and compared the drug with a look-alike placebo for 12 weeks. People taking VER-01 reported an average drop of 1.9 points on a 0 to 10 pain scale, versus 1.4 points on placebo. Many also slept better and moved more easily, and the benefits continued during a six-month open-label extension.

VER-01 is an oral liquid made from a carefully standardized extract of a proprietary Cannabis sativa strain known as DKJ127. Each dose contains 2.5 milligrams of THC, 0.1 milligrams of CBG, and 0.02 milligrams of CBD, plus a characterized blend of terpenes and flavonoids. The drops are mixed in sesame oil, which serves as the carrier. THC is present at microdose levels compared with typical dispensary products, and the study reported no signs of abuse, dependence, or withdrawal.

Side effects were mostly mild to moderate. The most common were dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and sleepiness, and about 17 percent of participants stopped the drug early because of side effects. Even with those dropouts, the discontinuation rate compared favorably to what is often seen with long-term opioid therapy. In addition to less pain, participants used less rescue medication and reported improvements in sleep quality and day-to-day function.

Vertanical has submitted the drug for review in Europe and is planning with US regulators for a study to support FDA approval. If approved, VER-01 could give doctors a new non-opioid option for chronic low back pain, a condition where current medicines often fall short and long-term safety is a major concern.

Scientists in South Africa just uncovered a hidden layer of cannabis chemistry, and it was hiding in the leaves. Using a powerful two-dimensional lab technique, a team at Stellenbosch University profiled phenolic compounds in three strains: Cape Cookie, CBG, and Blue Sky. In total, they spotted 79 phenolic compounds, including 25 never before reported in cannabis. The findings, published in Journal of Chromatography A, show how much we still have to learn about this plant.

One headline discovery: a rare group of molecules called flavoalkaloids turned up mainly in the leaves of Blue Sky (a cross of LSD × Rocky Mountain Blueberry). Flavoalkaloids combine features of flavonoids (think plant colors and antioxidants) and alkaloids (a class that includes many bioactive compounds in nature). These hybrids are hard to detect and extremely uncommon, which explains why they were missed in earlier studies that focused mostly on cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

The team also found familiar phenolics, such as flavones and hydroxycinnamic acids, but the mix changed by strain and plant part. Blue Sky stood out for unique leaf chemistry, while Cape Cookie and CBG showed different phenolic fingerprints in both flowers and leaves. This diversity helps explain why strains with similar THC can still feel different. It’s more evidence that cannabis effects come from a team effort among cannabinoids, terpenes, and many lesser-known plant compounds.

Why should patients and professionals care? First, the results suggest that discarded leaves may hold useful molecules, not just the flowers. Second, these phenolics, especially flavoalkaloids, could have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity worth testing. Better maps of cannabis chemistry can guide smarter breeding, more precise formulations, and clearer expectations for outcomes.

The Cannabist Company has sold its three medical dispensaries to VP Investment Holdings, the team behind Restore Integrative Wellness Center. The stores in Scranton, Allentown, and Wilkes-Barre will be rebranded to Restore right away. For patients, your medical card and ability to buy medicine are unchanged. You’ll just see a new name on the door and likely new signage and systems inside.

 As part of the deal, Restore signed a supply agreement to keep carrying items made by Cannabist’s grow/processor affiliate, gLeaf (based in Saxton, PA). That means many of the oils, flower, and concentrates you’re used to should remain available, with the potential for even better consistency as Cannabist focuses more on wholesale cultivation and manufacturing. Expect menus to evolve, but the goal is steady access to high-quality medical cannabis.

What might feel different in-store are the loyalty programs, daily deals, and checkout experience, since each brand runs its own systems. If you shop at one of these locations, plan to: bring your ID and medical card as usual, ask a budtender about any changes to rewards, and check the online menu before you go. If you use online ordering, you may need to create a new account under the Restore brand.

Why the shift? Cannabist says selling the retail sites helps it simplify operations and invest in cultivation, while staying present in Pennsylvania through wholesale. 

A small but promising pilot study published in Biomedicines (Aug 2025) found that a hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD oil may ease anxiety symptoms. Twelve adults with moderate generalized anxiety used a sublingual formula containing 31.52 mg/mL CBD and 0.77 mg/mL THC (plus trace CBG/CBC and terpenes), taking 0.5 mL twice daily—about 30 mg CBD/day. By week one, most participants reported meaningful relief; by week six, all showed significant reductions on multiple anxiety scales, along with better sleep and mood. Cognitive testing stayed stable or improved, and no serious side effects were reported. (Note: even tiny amounts of THC can trigger a positive urine test.)

These results add to a broader, still-developing picture. Several controlled studies using CBD isolate (without other cannabinoids/terpenes) have shown anxiolytic effects, like simulated public speaking trials in healthy volunteers and patients with social anxiety after 300–600 mg of CBD, as well as a teen study at 300 mg/day and an open-label trial up to 800 mg/day. What makes the new pilot especially interesting is the much lower dose (30 mg/day) in a full-spectrum product, suggesting that cannabinoids plus terpenes may work together (“entourage effect”) to deliver benefits at lower doses than isolate trials.

For patients and clinicians, the takeaway is cautious optimism. Full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD at 30 mg/day showed early signals for reducing anxiety and improving sleep and quality of life, and it was generally well tolerated. These findings correlate with what we have seen with Green Bridge patients as well. The next step for the field is rigorous research that maps which cannabinoids and terpenes, in what ratios and doses, help which patients, so care can move from trial-and-error to evidence-guided, condition-specific regimens.  Check out our Cannabis and Anxiety Resource page by clicking the button below!

 

At Green Bridge Society, we believe education is key to making the most of medical cannabis. That’s why we’re hosting live online Q&A sessions, designed to provide trusted, science-backed information to patients, caregivers, and anyone looking to learn more about medical cannabis.  Join us for this free online event on October 16th at 7PM. We will also cover some of the newest research. Click on the button below to register! Check out clips from previous events on our YouTube Channel! 

We’re saying goodbye to Greensburg and preparing to welcome you to our brand-new location in New Stanton, PA!

This move allows us to continue our mission of providing patients with:

📍 Greater convenience and accessibility

🤝 Compassionate, patient-focused care

🌱 The same dedication to quality and transparency you’ve come to expect from Maitri

Our Greensburg location on Monday, 10/06 will be closing as we make this transition, but we can’t wait to serve you at 100 Bair Blvd. in New Stanton very soon.

Thank you for growing with us — your continued support makes this next chapter possible. 💚

 

Come join us at Big Sewickley Creek for a day filled with good vibes, great music, and even better company! Our Grateful For ____ Bash is the perfect way to celebrate all things gratitude, community and culture. Come ready to enjoy live music, s'mores over the campfire and kick it with Pittsburgh Rap artists, JKJ and The COME UP BOYS. Whether you're a seasoned vet in the industry or just looking to meet more good people, this event is for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and spread some love. Each ticket comes with a drink ticket, snacks, and a commemorative print and sticker. 100% of the donation will go to support meals for homeless at The Veteran's Place this holiday season.