A slew of new studies detailed at the 2015 American Thoracic Society International Conference in Denver, Colorado this week are raising concerns about e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs). While the new “drug device” studies are generally ongoing, and so unpublished, their cumulative effect was impactful.

Some e-cig flavorings alter lung function at cellular level

People who smoke cannabis as little as once a week are more likely to suffer respiratory symptoms such as morning cough, bringing up phlegm, and wheezing, according to University of Otago research.

However, the researchers’ study into the long-term respiratory effects of smoking cannabis found that after reducing or quitting cannabis smoking, these symptoms reduced to levels similar to those found in non-users.

In New Zealand, cannabis use is almost as widespread as tobacco with about half of young adults admitting to have used it in the previous year.

The scientist and award-winning author on keeping kids safe--and why he says the police are a bigger concern for his sons than drugs

The Drug Policy Alliance, the nation’s most influential organization working to end the war on drugs and its resulting mass incarceration and criminalization, initiated the “Telephone Townhall” series last year to increase public understanding about the myths about drugs that drove the explosion of laws and sentencing schemes that cemented the United States as the world’s largest incarcerator.

Terpenes are part of a plants defense system, deterring pests, predators and disease, while attracting the correct pollinators to ensure it’s reproduction and survival. When consumed by humans they also become part of our own body’s defense system, and can help fill in the blanks when we need it. Terpenes have been scientifically proven to boost the immune system, kill cancer cells, reduce inflammation, protect the central nervous system and more generally give aid to our body to perform it’s normal functions. Even if you’re healthy, they’re big helpers. If you have a health problem, they’re even bigger helpers.

Ryan Fox, founder and chief executive of Denver-based cannabis producer Kindman, says the legal marijuana industry is still evolving and that current cannabis shortages reflect the sector’s growing pains.

Here in Colorado we recently completed the second annual “420” celebrations since the legalization of recreational marijuana in early 2014. And for second straight year, cannabis dispensaries in Denver and elsewhere were crowded with happy consumers during the 420 weekend; people from all over the country and around the world, ready and willing to take part in the festivities.

Smoking cannabis just once a week makes a person more likely to suffer respiratory problems, a study has warned. 

Users were more likely to suffer symptoms of bronchitis, including coughing in the morning, bringing up phlegm, and wheezing.

But when they cut down on cannabis or quit smoking, most found the symptoms reduced to levels similar to those found in people who do not smoke the drug, researchers found.

However, people who had been heavy users had a persistent cough and wheeze even after they cut down or quit, suggesting heavy cannabis use can have long-term affects on the lungs.

The termmedical marijuana refers to using the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat a disease or symptom. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

However, scientific study of the chemicals in marijuana, calledcannabinoids, has led to two FDA-approved medications that contain cannabinoid chemicals in pill form. Continued research may lead to more medications.

Medical marijuana could be legal in Texas, sort of.

The Texas House of Representatives voted 96 to 34 to approve the second reading of a Senate bill that would allow limited use of Cannabidiol oils, a marijuana derivative, Progress Texas said in a press release..

And the proposals authors are Republican! Crazy.

Maybe the times are a changin'? 

Progress Texas Executive Deputy Ed Espinoza said the approval is historic.

He is right.

“Marijuana policy reform has made history in Texas! More than 20,000 people engaged in a serious conversation this year, and we are pleased to see strong support from a bipartisan majority," Espinoza said in a press release.

Boys who smoke cannabis before reaching puberty may grow less than those who don’t, according to research.

Scientists from Pakistan studied the hormones in the blood of 437 boys, including 217 who regularly smoked cannabis before puberty.

The researchers found puberty-related hormones such as testosterone were higher in the drug users and growth hormones were reduced.

By the age of 20, non-cannabis smokers were on average 4kg (8.8lbs) heavier and 4.6 inches (11.6cm) taller than smokers.

Scientists also found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol were significantly higher in saliva samples from boys taking cannabis.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate special committee unanimously passed legislation on Monday imposing a variety of new restrictions on medical marijuana, a week after a joint committee overseeing the state's marijuana rules stalled on a similar measure.

The Senate Special Committee on Implementing Measure 91 passed a proposal tightening regulations on the medical marijuana industry, such as limiting the number of plants growers can have, building an inventory tracking system for growers, processors and dispensaries, inspection requirements and an Oregon residency requirement.

Lawmakers say the lengthy set of new restrictions is necessary so the recreational program can pass muster with federal authorities.