On today's Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science, Dr. Alex Terrazas PhD gives his take on the latest findings in cannabis research.

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a standardized language to describe the complex aromas of cannabis and hemp, aiming to enhance communication between consumers, retailers, and growers. The study revealed distinct aroma profiles, offering an alternative to solely relying on THC and CBD levels when assessing cannabis quality.

Cannabis workers in Michigan and across the country are developing a dangerous form of work-related asthma, with some cases even proving fatal. Researchers emphasize the need for the cannabis industry to take immediate action, such as improving ventilation and using less-irritating disinfectants, to protect workers.

The legal marijuana market in New York is heating up, with prices dropping by a significant 17% since legalization. The average price of cannabis products has fallen more than fifteen percent in just two years, attributed to the rapid expansion of the legal market and increased competition.

#CannabisResearch #CannabisIndustry #WorkplaceAsthma #NewYorkCannabisMarket #CannabisAroma #CannabisConsumerInformation #CannabisLegalization #CannabisRegulation #CannabisWorkersHealth #CannabisCompetition #CannabisMarketPrices

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On today's Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science, Dr. Alex Terrazas PhD gives his take on the latest findings in cannabis research.

But first. here is The Cannabis Boomer's top cannabis news story.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:0:19]

Unlocking the Aroma Secrets of Cannabis and Hemp.

In a groundbreaking move, researchers at Oregon State University have developed a standardized language to describe the complex aromas of cannabis and hemp. This innovative study aims to enhance communication between consumers, retailers, and growers in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.

"Aroma plays a key role in how consumers judge cannabis quality, yet until now there's been no standardized language to describe it," explains Tom Shellhammer, a professor of food science and technology at Oregon State. The study involved a panel of individuals who evaluated the aroma profiles of various hemp and cannabis samples, revealing a fascinating array of scents. Cannabis was often described as having a skunky and musty aroma, while hemp exhibited more citrus and fruity notes.

Researchers have now developed a comprehensive aroma lexicon, categorizing 25 distinct terms into four distinct profiles: fruit, berry, and candy; citrus and chemical; cheesy and vomit/fecal; and funky, earthy, musty, straw, fuel, black tea, woody, and nutty toasted. Shellhammer emphasizes that this research offers an alternative to solely relying on THC and CBD levels when assessing cannabis quality. "As the cannabis industry transitions from unregulated to legal frameworks, it's critical to offer consumers tools for assessing product quality beyond terpenes and THC," he said. This groundbreaking work marks a significant step in empowering consumers to make informed choices in the rapidly evolving cannabis market.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:2:19]

Our next top story:

Workplace Asthma Plagues Cannabis Industry Workers.

Cannabis workers in Michigan and across the country are developing a dangerous form of work-related asthma, with some cases even proving fatal. A new study from Michigan State University has uncovered alarming trends in the industry.

Researchers found 30 cases of work-related asthma, with five occurring in Michigan. The culprits appear to be cannabis dust and the harsh disinfectants used in processing facilities. Two workers have died from asthma complications, highlighting the severity of this issue. Dr. Kenneth Rosenman, the study's co-author, warns that the problem is likely even more widespread, as many workers fail to report their symptoms.

Rosenman emphasizes the need for the cannabis industry to take immediate action. Improved ventilation, the use of less-irritating disinfectants, and regular medical screenings could go a long way in protecting workers. Doctors also have a responsibility to properly document work-related conditions and ensure patients receive the workers' compensation they're entitled to. With the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, addressing this public health crisis should be a top priority.

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Our final top cannabis story today is:

New York's Marijuana Market Booms as Prices Plummet.

The legal marijuana market in New York is heating up, with prices dropping by a significant 17% since legalization. The average price of cannabis products, including weed, edibles, concentrates, and vaporizers, has fallen more than fifteen percent in just two years.

Industry experts attribute this price drop to the rapid expansion of the legal market. The number of licensed pot stores in the state has soared past 500, stocking a growing variety of products from an increasing number of farmers and cultivators. "Competition is high," says Britni Tantalo, president of the New York Cannabis Retail Association. "We have all these brands fighting for shelf space, and more doors are opening every day."

This increased competition is great news for consumers, who can now find a wider range of products at more affordable prices. In New York City, the average price for cannabis is thirty-three dollars, while in the Buffalo/Western New York region, it's even lower at just over twenty-six dollars. However, Long Island remains the most expensive, with an average price of over fourty dollars per sale, likely due to fewer cannabis shops in the area. As the legal market continues to expand, experts predict prices will continue to drop, further undercutting the illicit market and making it easier for New Yorkers to access high-quality, regulated cannabis products.

And now the Cannabis Boomer reviews recent cannabis science publications.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:5:29]

For today's research articles, we continue to look at cannabis and driving, with three new studies.

Cannabis in road traffic - a retrospective analysis to identify possible cut-off-values by Ludwig and others published in Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology.

This retrospective study investigated whether a specific THC serum concentration or cannabis influence factor value could be identified, above which behavioural and driving impairments significantly increase.

The key findings indicate that while cannabis impairs psychomotor and cognitive functions, and THC serum concentrations are roughly correlated with driving impairment, the researchers were unable to define a clear cut-off-value above which a significant increase in impairment could be detected. Slightly higher THC serum concentrations and cannabis influence factor values were observed in cases with concrete evidence of criminal offenses, but the differences were small and there was too much overlap between the groups to define a useful cut-off-value.

The findings suggest that while there is a measurable relationship between THC serum concentration and impairment, this relationship is too weak to scientifically define a cut-off value. Regarding the revised legal threshold for THC serum concentration in Germany, the researchers found that approximately one-third of the evaluated cases would no longer be subject to legal penalties if the new threshold were applied.

The study's main methodological shortcoming is its retrospective nature, which may have limited the researchers' ability to control for confounding factors and establish a clear causal relationship between THC levels and driving impairment.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:8:0]

Our second article is:

Edible cannabis use on simulated driving performance by Won and others in Traffic Injury Prevention.

This study assessed the impact of edible cannabis use on driving performance in a simulated environment, considering factors such as frequency of use, THC dose, and rural versus urban settings.

The key findings indicate that edible cannabis use significantly impaired driving performance, with more frequent users and higher THC doses exhibiting greater impairment. The study also found that driving performance was more affected in urban settings compared to rural settings.

The researchers used a driving simulator to evaluate participants' driving performance after consuming edible cannabis. Participants were divided into groups based on their frequency of use and the THC dose they consumed.

The findings have important clinical and practical implications, as they suggest that edible cannabis use can significantly impair driving ability, which is crucial for public safety.

The study's limitations include the use of a simulated driving environment, which may not fully capture the complexities of real-world driving conditions. Additionally, the study did not assess the long-term effects of edible cannabis use on driving performance.

And finally is this interesting article by Fitzgerald and others in the Journal Clinical Chemistry:

Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis Statutes and Blood Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations following Short-Term Cannabis Abstinence.

This study examined the relationship between blood THC concentrations and per se driving under the influence of cannabis laws in the United States.

The key findings were that blood THC levels remained above the legal limits for several days after last cannabis use, and that these limits may not accurately reflect impairment.

The researchers conducted a controlled cannabis administration study, measuring blood THC levels in participants over time following short-term abstinence.

The results have important implications for the interpretation and application of per se THC limits for driving under the influence.

The study was limited by its small sample size and controlled setting, which may not fully reflect real-world driving conditions.

#CannabisResearch #CannabisIndustry #WorkplaceAsthma #NewYorkCannabisMarket #CannabisAroma #CannabisConsumerInformation #CannabisLegalization #CannabisRegulation #CannabisWorkersHealth #CannabisCompetition #CannabisMarketPrices