In a recent clinical trial, researchers have come to various intriguing conclusions regarding the medicinal properties of Cannabis. The study, titled ‘Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial,‘ was first published on Nature.com and detailed the researcher’s findings on one cannabinoid in particular – Cannabigerol (CBG). The researchers responsible for the trial were led by Washington State University, Associate Professor of Psychology, Carrie Cuttler.
Coping with Cannabinoids like CBG
Despite cannabis being used for medicinal purposes over thousands of years, modern science has had little influence over our understanding of the plant due to restrictive legal classification in most countries. This, however, began to change a few years ago as stringent classifications were eased, and some countries, like Canada, even fully legalized both medicinal and recreational use of the plant.
What this means is that much of the anecdotal praises heaped upon the plant could now be put to the test through clinical trials like the one discussed here today. Thankfully for proponents of cannabis use, it would appear as though we are finally confirming what we have already suspected for ages – Cannabis boasts some amazing properties, trumping many modern alternatives.
As mentioned, the cannabinoid (a compound found within the cannabis plant) studied is known as Cannabigerol (CBG). While there are scores of cannabinoids found in the plant – each with their own beneficial properties – it was found that CBG had a significant, positive effect on helping users cope with the following.
It was also found that the CBG, which was derived from Hemp, has a positive effect on verbal memory. This is particularly interesting, as the consumption of cannabis has long been linked to a negative effect on verbal memory. The researchers noted that this is likely due to the absence of the most well-known psychoactive ingredient in cannabis during testing, which is known as THC.
Importantly, all of the above medicinal properties were provided to the patient in the absence of impairment. The team does note that while the trial was a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover field trial, it did not conduct physical assessments such as vital signs on participants.
As it stands, the aforementioned clinical trial involving CBG is only one of several currently underway. In fact, the researchers noted in their paper that the trial was the first of its kind, with existing data/insights to draw upon. Now that a basic understanding of CBG and its effects on the human mind has been established, this trial should act as a reference point for others that are sure to come and fill in some of the remaining gaps knowledge gaps.
Beyond Cannabis and into Fungi
Notably, cannabinoids are not the only previously frowned upon substances receiving fresh looks in recent years due to their potential therapeutic value. A plethora of Fungi are also currently being studied, which could change the way we approach modern medicine.
In fact, there are various ongoing trials involving the use of psilocybin – the active ingredient found in ‘magic mushrooms’ – which have provided auspicious results when being used to treat conditions like depression and PTSD.
One such breakthrough was covered here at securities.io in our article ‘Losing Ones Sense of Self – How Psilocybin Breakthrough Could Spark Fresh Investments.‘
It should be noted that while trials have shown promising results, the use of psilocybin as a medication is not as widely accepted as cannabis at this point and is most likely multiple years behind in establishing a robust industry. For the forward-thinking investor, though, this could present an interesting opportunity to gain exposure to potential massive industry growth if regulations are eventually eased.
Investing in Cannabis
1. Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is one of the largest cannabis companies in the world, headquartered in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. It produces and sells a variety of cannabis products, including dried flowers, oils, soft gel capsules, and hemp. Canopy Growth is also involved in medical cannabis research and has a wide range of brands under its umbrella, such as Tweed, Spectrum Therapeutics, and Martha Stewart CBD.
From an investment standpoint, Canopy Growth is intriguing for multiple reasons. Not only has it secured investments from notable companies like Constellation Brands, but it also has a robust portfolio of products that are available on an international scale. In fact, Canopy Growth products are now available in over twelve countries and counting.
2. Tilray Inc.
Tilray is a global pioneer in the research, cultivation, production, and distribution of cannabis and cannabinoids. Based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, Tilray serves both medical and adult-use markets. The company offers a wide range of cannabis products, including whole flowers, ground flowers, oils, and capsules. Tilray has also expanded its footprint internationally, establishing operations in countries like Germany and Portugal.
Like Canopy Growth, Tilray is another company that specializes in offering cannabis products on an international scale. It also has a strong presence in both the recreational and pharmaceutical markets for cannabis, diversifying its revenue stream.
Notably, Tilray recently acquired another cannabis-focused company called Aphria, with the resulting merger creating one of the largest cannabis companies by revenue in the world.
Final Thoughts
There was a period in time pre-COVID when the cannabis industry was booming as easing regulations opened up scores of opportunities for savvy investors. Like any new market, it took a few years of price discovery before valuations came back at more reasonable levels. Now, the industry has matured to a point where it is much more predictable than it has been in the past, and with new clinical studies being released that demonstrate the benefits of cannabis, now may be the time to reevaluate investing in companies like Canopy Growth and Tilray.
To learn more about the cannabis industry, visit mycannabis.com, where you can find breaking news, guides, reviews, and more.
