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Dr. Leigh Offers Expert Opinion for United Press International Regarding Marijuana Addiction Link to Early Death

February 6, 2025 -- People who need emergency care or hospitalization for cannabis use disorder are at an elevated risk of premature death within five years, a new Canadian study suggests. Read the article and Dr. Leigh's comments by clicking "Read More" below.

Ask Dr. Leigh: can cannabis help ulcerative colitis?

February 5, 2025 -- Ulcerative colitis and another bowel disease called Crohn's disease are part of a chronic condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Learn how certain cannabinoids can impact these conditions by clicking Read More.

Ask Dr. Leigh: how does cannabis impact your sex life?

October 30, 2024 -- Cannabis-based products have been increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various skin conditions. Read the whole article by clicking Read More.

Ask Dr. Leigh: can cannabis treat skin conditions?

October 30, 2024 -- Cannabis-based products have been increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various skin conditions. Read the whole article by clicking Read More.

Ask Dr. Leigh: how does cannabis affect your weight?

August 28, 2024 -- There is a relationship between cannabis, our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and our metabolism. The role of cannabis and our ECS have been extensively studied with respect to appetite stimulation. Cannabis and THC, specifically, interact with the ECS receptors in our brain, and it's known to stimulate appetite and cause what the public knows as the munchies.

Ask Dr. Leigh: could cannabis help women through menopause?

July 24, 2024 -- Interestingly, for thousands of years throughout history, women have used cannabis for a variety of obstetrical and gynecological issues.

Rescheduling cannabis is progress, but it won't solve critical issues / Guest Commentary-Baltimore Sun

June 23, 2024 -- As a governor-appointed member of the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, many of my colleagues have asked for my thoughts on what will happen next with the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). As a physician who integrates medical cannabis into my patients’ treatments, I do welcome this change as an important step forward, but the journey is far from over.

Ask Dr. Leigh: Can cannabis help ease migraines?

May 22, 2024 -- You might be surprised to know what the science says about using cannabis to relieve migraine pain. Have a look at my recent "Ask Dr. Leigh" column on Hearst Magazine's, Greenstate, to read the full report.

Heart's Greenstate Asks Dr. Leigh About Using Cannabis During Pregnancy

May 11, 2024 -- Should pregnant mothers who use cannabis expect any anomalies with their child? Dr. Leigh offers her input for the Hearst publication Greenstate, based the available research. Read the entire article by clicking "Read More" below.

Ask Dr. Leigh: Can cannabis help with sports recovery?

April 17, 2024 -- As athletes are preparing for this Summer Olympics in Paris, I've been asked to address the role cannabis plays in athletic performance. Have a look at my recent "Ask Dr. Leigh" column on the Hearst publication, Greenstate, to read my view and what science has to say on the matter.

Ask Dr. Leigh: How can cannabis ease nausea from chemotherapy?

February 7, 2024 -- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is kind of a defense mechanism that affects between 60-80% of cancer patients on this therapy. See my latest column, "Ask Dr. Leigh" in Heart's Greenstate publication for insight about this condition and whether or not cannabis can help.

Ask Dr. Leigh: Can Cannabis Help Ease MS?

Dec. 27, 2023 -- Patents and readers have been asking if cannabis can help ease symptoms related to multiple sclerosis. While there is no cure for MS a present, treatments focus on managing symptoms while trying to slow the progression of the disease. Read why cannabis has gained attention recently for treating MS in my latest column, "Ask Dr. Leigh" for Heart's Greenstate publication.

Ask Dr. Leigh: What is HHC?

Dec. 4, 2023 -- HHC is the abbreviation for Hexahydrocannabinol. It's a relatively "new" compound in the cannabis marketplace, generating significant interest and curiosity. It is now being synthesized from other cannabinoids, which is why it is now characterized as a semi-synthetic compound. Read the entire column at Greenstate.com

Can You Overdose on THC? The Legend of Greening Out

November 13, 2023 -- Greenstate reporter Cara Wietstock asks Dr. Leigh if THC can be lethal and the related health risks.

Ask Dr. Leigh: Can Cannabis Help Dementia Patients?

Oct. 18, 2023 -- Using cannabis to support dementia patients is a topic under research. Here's the latest, which was published on Greenstate.com

Ask Dr. Leigh: How Do I Start a Medical Cannabis Regimen?

Sept. 13, 2023 -- A reader asked me about how to start a medical cannabis regimen...here's my answer, which was published on Greenstate.com

Is Marijuana a Stimulant? The Answer Isn't So Simple

July 27, 2023 -- Greenstate reporter Rachelle Gordon inquires with Dr. Leigh about cannabis being a stimulant or depressant.

Is Marijuana a Stimulant? The Answer Isn't So Simple

July 26, 2023 -- Americans for Safe Access (ASA) held a webinar discussing the details of their 78-page report, “Regulating Patient Heath: An Analysis of Disparities in State Cannabis Testing Programs.” Leading the presentation was Debbie Churgai, the Executive Director at ASA, with commentary from Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency Physician, and Shelby Huffaker, Public Health Researcher.

Dr. Leigh Appointed By Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

July 17, 2023 -- I am so excited to share my appointment to the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council from our wonderful Maryland Governor Wes Moore. As both an emergency physician and a medical cannabis physician, I consider myself a healthy skeptic. While I have seen the immense therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, it is not the panacea, like any medication it has a risk benefit ratio. As far as adult-use legalization which just started in Maryland this July 1st, as an emergency physician, I also fully understand the impact and have treated many substance-use disorder patients. And while responsibly using cannabis by adults, may not be more harmful than other legal substances like alcohol and tobacco and especially not as harmful as the prescription substances that have ravaged our country these past couple of decades, I cannot understate the importance of mitigating risk to the public. And luckily our great state of Maryland had the foresight to create this council as part of adult-use legalization to ensure public health, safety and harm-reduction. I am excited and honored to serve, the Governor, his administration and the people of Maryland in this way.

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Ask Dr. Leigh: What is the Entourage Effect?

July 5, 2023 -- While cannabis has more than 100 cannabinoids and at least 550 other compounds, studies and anecdotal reports show that maximum benefit is achieved when all of these elements are taken together -- also known as the "entourage effect" -- instead of taking isolated compounds such as THC or CBD. Read Dr. Leigh's report at Greenstate.com

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Ask Dr. Leigh: Cannabis and Immunotherapy for Cancer

June 5, 2023 -- Can cannabis help or hurt cancer-related treatments. Dr. Leigh provides the answer in this installment of her "Ask Dr. Leigh" column, published on Greenstate.com.

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Ask Dr. Leigh: What is the Endocannabinoid System?

April 12, 2023 -- I first heard the term endocannabinoid system (ECS) in 2008 from a colleague doing research. It wasn’t something we learned about in medical school and residency training. Even though its discovery was in the late 1980s to early 1990s, many medical schools today do not include the ECS in their curriculums.

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Ask Dr. Leigh: Can Cannabis Help With Anxiety and Depression?

January 17, 2023 -- With approximately 20 percent of Americans being treated for anxiety and depression, many wonder if cannabis relieve these conditions, as many claim. Dr. Leigh breaks down the science behind why cannabis may or may not help.

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Marijuana-Linked ER Visits By Seniors Are Rising

January 16, 2023 -- Dr. Leigh helps Health Day reporter Cara Murez understand possible reasons for the increased rate of emergency room visits by seniors.

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It’s time to pass comprehensive, clinically meaningful cannabis legislation | GUEST COMMENTARY, The Baltimore Sun

December 26, 2022 -- This month President Biden signed into law the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, and it’s a good first start. But as a board-certified emergency physician working directly with medical cannabis patients in Maryland since our medical cannabis law passed, I know we need to do more.

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What Voters Should Be Thinking About in States Where Cannabis Legalization is On the Ballot

November 3, 2022 -- Five states, including my home state of Maryland, have legalization of adult-use cannabis on the ballot this Midterm election. I have been getting so many questions from patients, family, friends and colleagues as a medical cannabis physician/consultant about my thoughts on any potential concerns or issues. Here is the opinion piece I wrote for the Hearst publication, Greenstate.

Can CBD Help You Study?

October 21, 2022 -- Greenstate.com checks with Dr. Leigh about whether or not CBD can help with focus. The answer might surprise you.

Can Cannabis Help With ADHD?

October 18, 2022 -- Dr. Leigh breaks down the evidence answering whether or not cannabis help symptoms associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in this latest installment of Ask Dr. Leigh on Greenstate.com.

Can CBD Safe For Kids?

October 17, 2022 -- More parents are turning to CBD to help their children with various behavioral issues, but is it a safe option? Dr. Leigh sifts through the fact and fiction to help readers know the truth in this article published by Greenstate.com.
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Medical cannabis use growing among seniors—along with need for cannabis-trained doctors

September 29, 2022 -- Seasons, a website supporting caregivers, sought guidance from Dr. Leigh for their article about a study that showed a growing number of seniors turning to medical cannabis for pain. Read her comments by clicking Read here below.
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Dr. Leigh Highlights Need for Cannabis Education in Alumni Spotlight

September, 2022 -- The University of Maryland-Baltimore, School of Pharmacy where Dr. Leigh was among the first in the country to receive a Master's degree in medical cannabis science and therapeutics, was recently featured her in the Alumni newsletter. Dr. Leigh points to the paucity of education in medical schools today on medical cannabis science and therapeutics with less than 9% of them including it in their curriculum. Click Read Here for the entire article.

Ask Dr. Leigh: What's the Difference Between Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization?

July 13, 2022 -- Published on Greenstate.com -- Many people mistakenly think that decriminalization and legalization are interchangeable terms when it comes to cannabis law, and they are not. Decriminalization removes criminal penalties for personal use of small amounts of cannabis, which still remains an illegal substance to manufacture or sell.

Everyday Health Taps Dr. Leigh For Fireworks Safety

June 29, 2022 -- Dr. Leigh tells reporter Lisa Rapaport that emergency rooms get filled with patients with burns and severe injuries on July 4th. Here's how to minimize the risks. (Photo: Adobe Stock, Canva)

How To Know Your Supplement is High Quality

June 21, 2022 -- Too often our diets do not cover the spectrum of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health. So, we turn to supplements. But how do we know if the supplement we're taking actually contains the ingredients listed, or is considered to be high quality?

The Organ Every Man Over 50 Should Care About

May 26, 2022 - Published on Medium.com -- Prioritizing health as we age is a common discussion. Many conversations revolve around maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, maintaining a social life and focusing on one’s overall quality of life. However, there is one small, but vital organ that is not discussed enough among men: the prostate.

TODAY.com Asks Dr. Leigh to Clarify CBD Dangers

May 20, 2022 - Woman ends up in hospital after taking high doses of CBD, other supplements. The 56-year-old patient had a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm when she was admitted to the emergency department. Today.com reached out to Dr. Leigh, a medicinal marijuana expert, to clarify CBD's dangers and instruct consumers how to avoid any risk.

Ask Dr. Leigh: Why are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana Sometimes Inconsistent?

April 11, 2022 -- Published on Greenstate.com --
Q: Why do the benefits of my medical cannabis sometimes vary slightly every time I use it, even when I buy the same product from the same dispensary?

Dr. Leigh helps The Today Show with nuclear fears sparking demand for iodine pills

March 15, 2022, 12:02 PM PDT / Source: TODAY / By A. Pawlowski
Fears of a potential nuclear conflict or accident after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are sparking a huge interest in iodine tablets, which can protect the body from some of the harmful effects of radiation. Google searches for “iodine pills for nuclear attack” were up 90% in the U.S. in the last week.

Get Savvy About Your Heart Health

February 14, 2022 - Published on SavvyAuntie.com -- Getting a heart-shaped box of chocolates shouldn’t be the only heart concerns for Savvy Aunties this Valentine’s Day. February kicks off “The Heart Truth,” a campaign to raise awareness about women’s number one killer--heart disease!

Smoke Weed to Beat COVID? Not So Fast

January 25, 2022 -- Dr. Leigh, a medical cannabis expert, cautions readers about taking up smoking weed after a recent study out of Oregon State University showed cannabis compounds may block COVID-19 infection.

Health Europa Reports The Current Landscape of Medical Cannabis in the United States -- Featuring Dr. Leigh

Oct. 27, 2021 -- Dr Leigh Vinocur, Chief Medical Officer of cannabis consulting company Ananda Medical Practice and member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, discusses the state of cannabis research, treatment, and legalization in the US.

Prioritizing Mental Health Shouldn't Be Risky for Physicians

July 22, 2020 -- Originally published on Medpage.com -- The scale of suffering and death is taking a large psychological toll. As an emergency physician on the frontlines of the pandemic, initially I feared for the safety of my friends and colleagues ...

"We Knew We'd Be Unprepared" For COVID-19 Outbreak

April 10, 2020 - Published on drozshow.com -- A pandemic, like COVID-19, hitting the U.S. has been one of doctors’ greatest fears for years: We knew one would eventually come and we knew we'd be unprepared. For at least 10 to 15 years, the American College of Emergency Physicians has been going to the federal government asking for help and support to secure our public health and emergency medical system to handle surge.

You Talk to Your Kids About Safe Sex, Why Not Safe Relationships?

January 23, 2014 - Published on huffpost.com -- Early adolescence is the critical juncture to talk to our children about what constitutes a healthy relationship. Because teen dating violence affects one in five female high school students, and it doesn't have to be that way.

Three Disturbing Trends That Can Land Your Teen in the ER or Worse

September 24, 2013 -- Published on Huffpost.com -- When I served in the ER, sometimes I had to ask myself, "where do they come up with this stuff!"

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When It Comes to Breast Cancer, Less May Be More

April 1, 2013 -- Published on huffpost.com -- A new study published infinds that women who had early stage breast cancer had better survival rates if they had lumpectomy and radiation as opposed to total mastectomy.

Confessions of a Mirror Addict

December 2, 2012- Published on huffpost.com -- I am writing in defense of the mirror! A Today Show segment highlighting Autumn Whitefield-Madrano's blog on HuffPost on mirror fasting, struck me as odd. More than odd, actually -- it is a form of denial, the proverbial ostrich sticking its head in the sand! Don't pay attention or don't look and it doesn't exist.

Moms, Of Course It's Your Fault...Again

March 11, 2012 -- Published on huffpost.com -- Just in case you busy multi-tasking moms out there don't have enough worries to feel guilty about, now a new study says we can add our teenager's weight problem to that list.

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