The Top 10 Articles from Cannabis Science and Technology in 2024

1. Long-Term Cannabis Use and Cognitive Function: Findings from a Longitudinal Study

Cannabis research studies proved to be a popular topic for our readers throughout the year, as evidenced by our top article. In this study, published in November 2024 in Brain and Behavior, researchers explored cannabis use and age-related cognitive decline in men, taking into account first use of cannabis and usage frequency.

Learn more and read the results.

2. Medical Cannabis Passes North Carolina Senate

Legislation related to cannabis was also popular. In June, the North Carolina Senate approved a measure that would make medical cannabis legal in the state for patients with qualifying conditions. The Senate’s latest attempt at legal medical cannabis access for patients was added to a bill on hemp regulations.

Read the details of the bill.

3. Understanding Aspergillus Contamination in Cannabis Flowers and the Risks to Immunocompromised Individuals

Our Feature article from our November/December issue was our third most popular article. This comprehensive analysis explores the nature of Aspergillus, the conditions that promote its growth, the health implications of its presence in cannabis, and the advanced methods used to mitigate these risks.

Read more on the impact of Aspergillus, case studies, regulations, and more.

4. Cannabinoid Treatment for Fibromyalgia Symptom Management: Results from a Case Series

Next, we covered a Tilray-funded case series that found that cannabinoid treatment provided pain relief and improved other symptom of fibromyalgia.

Read the study results and implications.

5. Delaware’s Cannabis Industry: A Secret Shopper Investigation Finds Mislabeling, Contamination, and Public Health Risks Among Gaps in Compliance

One of our news stories from September covered a "Secret Shopper" investigation conducted by Our Delaware and the National Clinical Directors Consortium. The investigation revealed alarming compliance issues in Delaware's cannabis industry, discovering instances of mislabeling, product contamination, and the presence of synthetic cannabinoids in cannabis products. The findings highlighted the necessity for better regulation, accurate labeling, and public health protection.

Read more details on the findings.

6. Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

This research overview examines studies on various aspects of cannabis use and pregnancy, including effects and outcomes, risks, reasons for use, and the challenges inherent in the studies themselves.

Take a deep dive into studies and data on this topic.

7. Cannabis and Dementia Symptoms: Healer Webinar Examines Relevant Research

Medical cannabis research was a topic of interest throughout the year. This webinar from June discussed several studies on medical cannabis and symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline.

Learn more from an analysis of five studies.

8. States Without Legalized Cannabis Have Higher Rate of Poison Control Calls for Delta-8 THC Products, Says Recent Study

A study published in August the Journal of Medical Toxicology explored the possibility that Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products may be leading to a higher number of calls being made to poison control centers in states where cannabis is still considered illegal.

Read more on the implications of this study.

9. Missouri’s Health Department Shifts Priorities in Enforcing the Governor’s Executive Order Against Intoxicating Cannabinoids

One of our news articles from September covered how the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will focus enforcement efforts on misbranded intoxicating cannabinoid products.

Read more on the letter from the deputy director and general counsel of the DHSS.

10. The Impact of Rescheduling Cannabis—Things to Prepare for Now

Last but not least, the June installment of the Stuck on Compliance blog explored how the proposed rescheduling of cannabis holds profound implications for the industry, affecting everything from research and taxation to banking and market dynamics.

Learn more about six impacts of rescheduling.

Stay tuned for more news, articles, blogs, and more in 2025!