Back in 1963, when young Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam isolated and identified Cannabidiol (CBD) he probably never would have, in his wildest imagination, been able to imagine the controversy this benign little cannabinoid would create.

When he isolated CBD, Mechoulam was seeking to identify the “active” ingredient in cannabis, so he kept looking. Then, in 1964, shortly after the discovery of CBD, ∆-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was discovered, isolated and labeled “the active ingredient.”

Desperate measure is taken to tackle surge of violence in jails

Growing fears that some of Britain’s jails are awash with spice – a psychoactive drug blamed for an increase in violence behind bars – have seen one of London’s oldest prisons introduce an amnesty under which prisoners can hand in the drug without fear of being punished.

World economies can be mind-boggling systems made up of complex chains of supply and demand, buoyed by commodities and fueled by different currencies.

Owen Cornec and Romain Vuillemot, data visualization fellows at Harvard Kennedy School, wanted to reimagine the global spread of goods in a new visualisation. Dubbed the “Globe of Economic Complexity,” Cornec and Vuillemot’s colorful 3D world portrays cold economic fact as “clouds of confetti.”

The three medical marijuana bills left standing in Sacramento must now pass through the gauntlet of state Legislature scrutiny and recommended changes by Gov. Jerry Brown’s office after clearing a final round of committee hearings this week.

North Coast state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, called the discussions on the bills a “team effort.”

“Both the Senate and Assembly appropriations (committees) passed each bill out and each bill is dependent on the other, which means we are all working together to pass the first medical cannabis legislation in 20 years,” he said.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found exclusively in the cannabis plant, may treat acne, according to a study published in theJournal of Clinical Investigation, and published online by the National Institute of Health.

For the study, researchers used cannabidiol derived from cannabis on human sebaceous gland function (glands that secrete an oily or waxy matter to lubricate the skin and hair), and determined that CBD is effective in deterring the acne that this secretion can cause.

In 2012, Lucy, a certified nurse's assistant (CNA) and single mother of two young children, was riding home on the train when a mentally disturbed woman began shouting at her. Police officers in the next car noticed the commotion. They searched Lucy and found a few joints' worth of marijuana in her purse. Lucy was arrested and spent four days in jail. She lost her job and was sentenced to ten months of probation for marijuana possession. The state suspended her driver's license and charged her over $5,000 in court costs, probation bills, and drug test fees plus $150 for a psychiatric evaluation.

This week the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) published a list of the “Top 50 Most Influential Marijuana Consumers,” which is meant to show that former and current pot smokers can achieve “high levels of success or influence” despite weed’s reputation  for making people stupid and lazy. I’m not sure this is a lesson Americans still need to learn, but it is interesting to see how prohibitionist politicians deal with the pot in their pasts.

CHICAGO (AP) — Supporters of an Illinois doctor who's in trouble for a marijuana recommendation say his case could have a chilling effect on other doctors' participation in the state's medical cannabis pilot program.

Dr. Joseph J. Starkman, 36, faces possible suspension or revocation of his license for multiple violations of the Medical Practice Act. Starkman finished his testimony Friday, said Stephanie Wolfson, an attorney for Starkman who was at the hearing.

Medical marijuana was OK’d by Michigan voters with a 63% yes vote in 2008, yet implementation is always controversial. This week? A state official nixed treating autism, infuriating many parents . . .

Gov. Rick Snyder’s top state regulator on Thursday rejected a state panel’s advice to allow medical marijuana as a treatment for autism.

The decision followed three years of efforts by parents of autistic children, their lawyers and supporters to have Michigan become the first state to specify that marijuana could be used to treat autism.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Supporters of an effort to legalize medical marijuana hope to begin gathering signatures in early September.

Last week, members of Green the Vote filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office indicating their intent.