In the past, whenever marijuana was mentioned, the first thing that popped into most people’s mind is the adverse health effects associated with smoking pot. However, this perception is quickly changing owing to the numerous scientific studies which show that marijuana has some medicinal properties. The findings of these studies have also significantly contributed to the legalization of medical marijuana in several countries around the world.

Oscar-, Grammy-, and Emmy-winning actress and self-proclaimed weed lover Whoopi Goldberg is throwing her name behind a new line of medical marijuana-based edibles and bath products aimed at women.

Hailed by MSNBC as a "culmination of a movement toward changing the narrative on legal weed," the Whoopi & Maya products — a bath soak, sipping chocolate, tincture, and rub — are supposed to soothe menstrual cramps and discomfort.

While Canada engages in complex dialogue about how best to regulate the sale of cannabis for adult use, tens of thousands of Canadians are currently authorized to use cannabis to treat a variety of symptoms and medical conditions. They have obtained this authorization from a physician or nurse practitioner, the only way they can use it legally under current regulations.

A cancer patient in agonising pain has shared graphic pictures of his tumour-scarred back as he calls for cannabis to be legalised.

When Wollongong father Paul Lawrence, 53, wakes up in the morning he feels like he has been 'hit by a train'. 

As large-scale growing operations become better regulated, and consumers look increasingly for transparency about how products they're consuming are made, pesticides in cannabis are a cause of widespread concern for users.

Over the last two years, medical cannabis has exploded onto the international radar. Canada’s adoption of marijuana for medical purposes regulations (MMPR) and creation of a legal, medical cannabis industry is at the forefront of a complex global discussion.

A patient suffering from severe Tourette's Syndrome has been given the OK to use a medicinal cannabis product.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has green-lighted the use of Aceso Calm Spray, after recommendations from health officials.

It's the third application for a cannabis based medicine to be used.

Mr Dunne said he's approved it once before.

The other application was withdrawn before a decision was made.

"The fact that the two cases that have come to my desk in the last year have both been approved suggest that if people complete the application get the information together, know what they're talking about, the chances are they will get a positive response." said Mr Dunne.

MGC Pharmaceuticals will grow cannabis in Australia as part of its plan for the medicinal cannabis market.

Releasing a five-point plan for the local market, the company says it is working on applying for a growing license from relevant state departments 

A short time ago, its shares were up more than 10% to $0.031.

Co-founder Nativ Segev says the medicinal cannabis market in Australia is an emerging opportunity for Australian patients, growers and the pharmaceutical industry. 

“As Australia places itself on the global medicinal cannabis map, MGC Pharmaceuticals plans to play a crucial leadership role in the development of the domestic industry,” he says.

The five point strategy:

Illinois state Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon, proposes that Illinois medical marijuana products would be required to carry warning labels about possible side effects.

Republican lawmaker says goal of listing side effects is to treat medical marijuana like any other prescription drug.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois medical marijuana would be required to carry warning labels about possible side effects under a bill proposed by a Republican lawmaker.

A new study identified specific genes that may make someone more likely to become dependent on marijuana.

Researchers at Yale University examined the genes of nearly 15,000 people to try to determine the relationship between genetics and addiction.

Between 18 percent and 36 percent of participants exhibited a dependency on marijuana, according to TIME. Previous research estimated 10 percent of marijuana users become addicted, but a high amount of marijuana addicts were used for this study to increase the chances of discovering associated genes.