• From Alice Mead of GW Pharmaceuticals’ US branch, Greenwich Biosciences, in response to speculation that GW had lobbied for a prohibitionist “FAQ” issued by the California Department of Health:
“We had absolutely nothing to do with the CA FAQ. These conspiracy theories are completely unfounded. Greenwich was as surprised as everyone else.”
• From an industry association called “The Hemp Roundtable” in response to the controversial FAQ:
• From Alan Alda via Twitter:
I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but my life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!

I take boxing lessons 3 days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill – all Dr. recommended. I even juggle a little. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than I was before. Maybe I should rephrase that. Really, I’m good.

• From Joe D. Goldstrich, MD:

I found the conclusions of this article, in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research to be quite fascinating:

“This is the first demonstration that ‘liking’ enhancements caused by anandamide stimulation of ventral striatum are interdependent with opioid signals, echoing prior findings that these systems also interact during natural and drug reward seeking, or ‘wanting.

• From Ellen Komp via statnews.com  <ellen@canorml.org>

Opioid makers gave millions to patient groups to sway prescribing
Among the groups that received some of the largest funding were the U.S. Pain Foundation and the American Academy of Pain Medicine, which received $2.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. We asked the U.S. Pain Foundation for comment and will update you accordingly. The American Academy of Pain Medicine issued a statement that addressed funding, but not the specific findings in the report.