Introducing: Modern Medicine with Dr. Blake Pearson
Introducing, Modern Medicine with Dr. Blake Pearson, a new online program in collaboration with Blue Water Healthy Living, that will pull back the curtain on Western Medicine and explore the scientific and real-world evidence for emerging treatments for some of the most common–and complex–health conditions affecting people today.
Cannabis doctor Blake Pearson on health insurers demanding opioids before cannabis
Cannabis doctor, Blake Pearson, on health insurers demanding opioids before cannabis.
New study alert: Effects of CBD on behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia
A new study has found that CBD-dominant medical cannabis oil can significantly decrease agitation in people living with dementia.
Patient Testimonial: Medical cannabis & sleep
Medical cannabis, alongside improved sleep hygiene, can be a very effective tool in improving sleep quality - and alongside that, mood, pain, and overall quality of life.
Could cannabis help fight cancer?
Could cannabis be an anti-cancer agent and help fight this brutal disease? A new review says it shows real promise.
More than 1 in 5 long-term care residents prescribed antipsychotics off-label
More than one in five long-term care residents has been prescribed antipsychotic medications off-label. This disturbing trend is what led Dr Blake Pearson to launch a research study investigating the role for cannabinoid therapy as a safer alternative to manage symptoms from Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Multiple sclerosis & medical cannabis
Can medical cannabis help multiple sclerosis pain and spasticity?
Nearly 60% of CBD products are mislabeled, a new study finds, with some containing heavy metals
Hey America! Need another reason to legalize cannabis at the federal level? Here's another new study showing that nearly 60% of CBD products marketed in the United States don't match the percentage of CBD advertised on products' labelling. Still not convinced? Researchers in the same study have detected the presence of lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, and other heavy metal concentrations in edible CBD products.
Cannabidiol (CBD) effective in youth with treatment-resistant anxiety
A new Australian study, has found that CBD can reduce anxiety severity and has an adequate safety profile in young people with treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. The Cannabidiol Youth Anxiety Pilot Study, found a 42.5% reduction in anxiety severity and impairment after 12 weeks on CBD. The open-label study found that subjects had fewer panic attacks and were able to participate more in their daily activities. Although the study was small (31 people aged 12-25), these results are very promising given that anxiety is the most common form of mental difficulty in young people, affecting more than 1/3 of those aged 15-24.
The ‘other’ way cannabis can help treat cancer
By helping to gently manage cancer symptoms and reduce side-effects from anti-cancer treatments, medicinal cannabis can improve outcomes and achieve better results for individuals battling cancer.
First Canadian federal research grant to study “magic mushrooms” as a treatment for depression
Toronto’s CAMH gets first federal grant to study “magic mushrooms” as a treatment for depression.
Olivia Newton-John: Icon for medical cannabis access & research
Following a courageous battle with breast cancer, Olivia Newton-John’s greatest legacy is sure to be her tireless work for medical cannabis access and research.
Canadians fighting for psilocybin access sue federal government
Canadian patients fighting for psilocybin access sue federal government, in this potentially landmark case which uses the same argument which led to Canada’s first medical cannabis laws.
Yoga & medical cannabis for endometriosis
Following her endometriosis diagnosis, Ellie was given four possible options: take the contraceptive pill, take hormone injections, try to get pregnant, or have a hysterectomy. Ellie decided to take a more natural approach. Since she tried cannabis for the first time to ease her pelvic pain, Ellie said she was "gobsmacked" by the impact.
Reducing opioids in long-term care
Seniors living in Canada’s long-term care homes are twice as likely to be prescribed opioids than their peers living in the general population. They’re also at greatest risk of hospitalizations due to adverse drug reactions. Cannabinoid-based medicines offer a safer alternative and must become more accessible in long-term care.
Cannabis for better sex? Here’s what we know
While academic research is currently limited, there is a growing body of clinical and anecdotal evidence to suggest that cannabis can be helpful in a range of sexual health concerns.
Synthetic vs. Natural Cannabinoids: Some thoughts
Natural cannabinoids vs. Synthetic Cannabinoids: Yet another frustrating play by health insurance companies!
Active ingredient in cannabis protects aging brain cells
Active ingredient in cannabis protects agains aging brain cells, according to new Salk Institute study. May provide benefit for multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other types of dementia.
New Netflix doc explores psychedelics in the treatment of certain mental health conditions
Who else has started watching the much anticipated new Netflix documentary series, "How to Change Your Mind?" I started it last night and man it's good! Each episode focuses on the history and therapeutic uses of a different psychedelic drug: psilocybin (mushrooms), LSD, MDMA and mescaline.
Do opioids cause more harm than good after surgery?
Do post-operative opioids cause more harm than benefits compared to non-opioid medications? A new study out of McGill University says YES. Yet more evidence as to why insurers should provide coverage for safer analgesics like medical cannabis.