Medicinal Cannabis Matters | Friday roundup 25th April 2025
Global Shifts, Local Wins: The Stories That Mattered This Week
This week, medical cannabis made headlines for all the right reasons. A landmark review of cancer studies confirmed what many patients and clinicians have long suspected — that cannabis-based therapies are widely supported in oncology research. In Europe, Portugal is gaining ground as a leader in regulated cultivation, while new data continues to back its use in managing chronic pain and fatigue. One of the most powerful moments came from a case series on epilepsy, where patients previously unresponsive to medication became seizure-free after starting cannabis-based treatment. And in the US, North Carolina’s latest bill signals a growing legislative shift toward broader access.
These stories aren’t just news — they reflect a global shift in how medical cannabis is understood, applied, and prioritised.
Cancer Research Finds Overwhelming Support for Medicinal Cannabis
In one of the largest reviews of its kind, researchers analysed over 10,000 studies related to medical cannabis and cancer. The findings? Nearly 75% of those studies supported the use of cannabis-based therapies for symptom relief or disease management. From managing nausea and appetite loss to showing early signs of tumour suppression, the evidence is building.
Published in Frontiers in Oncology, the study used AI sentiment analysis to assess clinical opinion and outcomes. Lead researcher Ryan Castle called the level of support “more conclusive than expected” — a sentiment that mirrors what many clinicians on the ground are seeing in their own practice.
Portugal Emerges as a European Leader in Medicinal Cannabis
Portugal has quietly become one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to medicinal cannabis. With its centralised regulatory system, favourable growing conditions, and a government keen to support innovation, the country is attracting international investment and shaping what a safe, scalable cannabis economy can look like.
Since legalising medicinal cannabis in 2018, Portugal has issued licences to some of the industry’s most trusted producers. Its national health regulator, INFARMED, ensures oversight without unnecessary delays — a balance that many countries are still struggling to find.
Real-World Evidence: Cannabis Shows Sustained Benefits for Pain and Fatigue
In a new study covered by Medscape, patients using prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain and fatigue reported improvements that went beyond short-term relief. The results suggest that with ongoing, clinician-led care, cannabis-based therapies can support better day-to-day functioning and reduce reliance on traditional medications.
For patients managing complex or treatment-resistant conditions, this kind of long-term improvement is more than hopeful — it’s meaningful, and it’s measurable.
Cannabis Brings Seizure Freedom to Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Patients
A small but powerful case series published in Frontiers in Neuroscience shared the experiences of nine patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Each one had previously struggled to manage seizures with conventional treatment. After switching to cannabis-based therapies, all nine experienced seizure freedom — a remarkable outcome for a condition often marked by unpredictability and risk.
While more research is needed, this early evidence adds to the growing case for cannabis as a serious contender in complex neurological care.
North Carolina Moves Toward Legalisation
Across the US, momentum for cannabis reform continues to grow. This week, lawmakers in North Carolina introduced Senate Bill 350 — a proposal to legalise both medical and recreational cannabis. If passed, it would make North Carolina the latest in a long line of states to modernise their approach to cannabis legislation and expand access for patients.
For advocates, it’s another sign that the public and policymakers are beginning to align — shifting focus from prohibition to progress.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance.
