Germany-based Sanity Group is teaming up with the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) to open two legal recreational cannabis stores in Switzerland as part of the country’s pilot study into dispensing marijuana.

Overall, the Sanity Group-ISGF pilot project is the sixth that was given the green light. But unlike the other Swiss projects, which will dispense cannabis via pharmacies or clubs, the Sanity Group-ISGF project will use stores as a point of sale. The inaugural retail outlet of the project will be established in the municipality of Allschwil later this year, with an additional location to follow in Liestal.

In May 2021, an amendment to the Switzerland Federal Narcotics Act came into force, allowing pilot trials involving the dispensing of recreational cannabis.

ISGF and Sanity Group announced that they have obtained the final approval from the Federal Office of Public Health to perform the cannabis pilot study.

That followed approval from the Ethics Committee Northwest and Central Switzerland last year.

In a news release, Sanity Group said the study aims to learn more about regulated access to cannabis and provide a scientific basis for possible approaches to future marijuana regulation in the country.

The study will examine the regulated sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes and will be led by Michael Schaub, the ISGF’s scientific director.

The Swiss government said the scientific pilot trials are designed to provide insights into:

• The physical and mental health of consumers, plus their performance and productivity.
• Consumption patterns.
• Socioeconomic aspects.
• The drug market in a specific geographic area.
• Youth protection.
• Public safety

“The insights gained from the study can contribute to an informed health policy discussion on the responsible use of cannabis and serve as a basis for decisions on long-term regulation,” Schaub said.

“We want to investigate whether we can gain better access to high-risk users with, for example, mental health problems, to refer them to appropriate cantonal care centers.”

Sanity Group stated that as many as 3,950 consumers in the Basel-Landschaft area had the opportunity to take part in the study. Participants will undergo a medical aptitude test to gain admission to the study. They are also required to undergo surveys to monitor their consumption behavior. Physical and mental health surveys will take place every three to six months. The study, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, will run for five years.

Cannabis, often known as marijuana, has been a topic of significant interest and debate for decades. As society’s perspective on this plant has evolved, so has the scientific understanding of how it interacts with the human body and mind. In this blog post, we will delve into the science of cannabis and explore how it affects the body and the mind.

The Cannabis Plant

Cannabis is a diverse and intricate plant known for containing several chemical compounds, including over 100 cannabinoids. Amongst compounds, the two most extensively studied and well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids are central to our comprehension of how cannabis influences the human body and mind.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The importance of understanding cannabis’s effects lies in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological system found in all vertebrates, including humans. The ECS plays a critical role in preserving homeostasis, which is the internal equilibrium within the body.

It comprises receptors, endocannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds in the body), and enzymes that break down these endocannabinoids.

Interactions with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

THC and CBD have distinct interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), although their effects may vary. THC, primarily present in the marijuana plant, exhibits an affinity for binding to CB1 receptors within the brain and central nervous system. This interaction is responsible for the well-known psychotropic effects often associated with cannabis use. These effects may encompass alterations in perception, mood fluctuations, and disruptions in memory.

CBD, on the other hand, has a more complex interaction with the ECS. It doesn’t directly bind to CB1 receptors but can influence them indirectly. CBD is non-psychoactive and is renowned for its potential therapeutic effects, which include pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that CBD can modulate the effects of THC and even reduce its psychotropic impact when both compounds are present.

Methods of Consumption

Smoking and vaporizing offer a quick onset of effects, but these effects may have a relatively brief duration. 

Edibles and topicals, on the other hand, have a slower onset but can provide longer-lasting relief. The method of consumption significantly influences the user’s experience and the intensity of the effects.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

Short-term effects of cannabis use can vary from person to person. Some may experience euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception, while others might feel anxious, paranoid, or experience memory impairment. Additionally, cannabis can increase heart rate and risks to individuals with certain medical conditions.

Long-term, heavy cannabis use can lead to a condition known as cannabis use disorder, characterized by withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and a compulsion to use the drug. Cognitive effects, particularly in adolescents, have been a subject of concern. Research has shown that heavy, long-term cannabis use during adolescence may impact memory, attention, and learning.

Individual Variability

It is important to note that individual responses to cannabis can vary significantly. Genetics, prior exposure, tolerance, and the environment in which the drug is used (known as “set and setting”) all contribute to the diversity of experiences. What might be enjoyable and therapeutic for one person could be anxiety-inducing for another. Responsible and informed use is essential to mitigate risks.

Medical Applications

Cannabis has found applications in the field of medicine. Research and clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in managing pain, treating epilepsy, and alleviating nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. As the understanding of cannabis’s potential benefits grows, more medical applications may emerge.

Legality and Regulations

The legal status of cannabis varies significantly worldwide. Some regions have legalized it for either medicinal or recreational purposes, while others maintain strict prohibitions. These legal differences not only affect the availability of cannabis but also impact research and education related to its usage.

In summary, the study of cannabis is a multidimensional field encompassing an understanding of the plant’s compounds, the endocannabinoid system, and the various methods of consumption. Its effects on the body and mind can span from therapeutic to potentially harmful depending on numerous factors. As the legal landscape changes and scientific research progresses, our comprehension of this intricate plant will continue to develop. Responsible usage, well-informed decision-making, and ongoing research play a crucial role in navigating the realm of cannabis.

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a fascinating link between the use of marijuana and the practice of yoga, shedding light on the significance of “set and setting” in shaping the mental health benefits of cannabis. This in-depth research, conducted by Sarah Elizabeth Ann Daniels and published as a psychology dissertation at the University of British Columbia, delves into the crucial impact of contextual factors on the well-being outcomes of cannabis. While these factors are extensively studied in the realm of psychedelic therapy, their implications in the context of therapeutic cannabis use have long been overlooked.

Exploring Contexts Influence:

The primary objective of this study was to delve into how the surrounding environment, one’s mindset, and individual behavior can influence the experience of using cannabis. In the domain of psychedelic therapy, these factors are well-documented as powerful determinants of therapeutic outcomes. While in the realm of therapeutic cannabis, they have not received the same level of attention.

Key Findings:

The results of this study emphasizes the pivotal role that an individual’s activities during cannabis use can play. Much like in the case of psychedelic substances, this research underlines the concept that “set and setting” during cannabis use significantly impacts its therapeutic benefits.

To examine this theory, Daniels conducted a comprehensive study involving 47 participants, each self-administering cannabis on two separate occasions, one week apart. During one session, each individual engaged in yoga and pursued typical activities that they enjoy when using cannabis, such as eating, watching TV, doing housework, socializing, or hobbies. Participants’ experiences were assessed using measures of “state mindfulness,” “mysticality of experience,” and “state affect.”

Mindfulness and Mystical Experience:

The study revealed a compelling finding: participants reported significant improvements in mindfulness when combining yoga with cannabis. Moreover, their experiences took on a more mystical quality, a phenomenon usually associated with the use of psychedelic substances. Despite cannabis not being traditionally classified as a piece of psychedelic, recent evidence suggests that it shares several commonalities with psychedelic-induced altered states.

Emotional Impact:

Notably, there was no significant difference in state affect (emotions and mood) between the sessions that included yoga and those that did not.

Implications for Cannabis Therapy:

Daniels highlighted the importance of scrutinizing “extra-pharmacological factors,” such as set and setting when evaluating the therapeutic potential of cannabis. She emphasized that adopting this approach was pivotal in clarifying early research on psychedelic substances.

The outcomes of this study could have far-reaching implications for optimizing the advantages of cannabis use and minimizing potential risks, particularly in therapeutic settings. Offering specific behavioral guidelines and education regarding the role of set and setting may significantly enhance the clinical outcomes for individuals using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Significance of the “High”:

Daniels pointed out the value of altered states of consciousness induced by cannabis. In contrast to the trend in pharmaceutical development that seeks to eliminate psychoactive effects, this study suggests that the “high” itself may possess intrinsic therapeutic value.

In Conclusion:

This study underscores the vital importance of considering contextual factors, notably “set and setting,” when assessing the effects of cannabis use on well-being. By understanding how these factors influence the cannabis experience, researchers and healthcare professionals can better harness the potential therapeutic benefits of the plant. While the combination of marijuana and yoga is not a novel concept in the cannabis community, it may present a promising avenue for enhancing the mental health benefits of cannabis. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and ascertain their applicability in clinical settings.