Best of the Week: March 7 – March 13, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. CST Celebrates International Women's Day 2025

To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), Cannabis Science and Technology put the spotlight on women by compiling women-related content, new and old. From research to interviews, women are such an important part of the cannabis science space that Cannabis Science and Technology is dedicated to covering closely. Enjoy International Women’s Day 2025!

2. New Study Highlights Sleep Quality Improvement from Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

A recently published study in Health Science Reports, investigated the role hemp-derived cannabinoids could play in improving sleep quality. The cannabinoids included in the research were tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD).

Study organizers utilized a cannabinoid supplement placed in an oral soft gel which “contained 3 mg Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, 6 mg cannabinol, 10 mg cannabidiol, and 90 mg of a proprietary food-grade terpene blend,” and a placebo option, which were given out to 20 participants experiencing symptoms of insomnia.

Participants that were provided with the cannabinoid supplement saw “significant improvements [from] baseline for sleep latency, sleep duration, and global sleep quality.” Participants also experienced “significant improvements in ‘mental health,’ [and] ‘feeling healthy and full of energy'” after consuming it for ten days.

3. Hemp Products Ban Extended for Products Containing Any Amount of THC in California

Back in September 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a ban on intoxicating hemp products that was then written by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Office of Administrative Law approved and instated the ban on September 23, 2024. This ban forbids the sale of hemp products containing any “detectable amount of THC.”

At the end of March, the current ban was set to expire but the CDHP filed a notice this week to extend the ban further

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the industry group the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, mentioned that the Governor proposed a ban instead of “addressing legitimate regulatory concerns shared by all good actors” and implementing a hemp products regulation law passed in 2021.”

4. Health Canada Considers Possibilities for Non-Prescription CBD Products for Humans and Animals

In a March 2025, health consultation, Health Canada explained how it would be exploring a potential way for certain health products containing CBD to be accessible to Canadians without a prescription. Additionally, it is seeking ways to regulate CBD health products as non-prescription veterinary drugs for animals. Ultimately, the goal is for humans and animals to receive effective, safe, and evidence-backed CBD products to treat minor health problems. Health Canada is currently gathering feedback from industry stakeholders to potentially be used in the development process of CBD products without a prescription.

5. Survey Asks: Is Cannabis or Alcohol More Harmful?

On March 10, 2025, international online research data and analytics technology group YouGov revealed results from a survey concerning opinions on cannabis and alcohol use. The survey asked the question, “Which one do you think is more harmful to a person’s health?”

Nearly 20,000 US adults were surveyed and almost 60% of the respondents indicated they viewed regular alcohol use as more harmful, while 19% thought regular cannabis was more harmful. Additionally, 10% responded with “Neither,” and 13% responded with “Not sure.”