Cannabinoid and COVID studies launch hope—and hype.

A study published in Science Advances found that CBD may help in the battel with COVID. The Journal of Natural Products reported research that suggests CBDGA and CBDA could affect viral spread. While this early-stage cell and animal research is preliminary, scientists and consumer advocates warn people against grabbing CBD and tossing their masks. Get the story at Stat News.

Buyer beware and validate scientific claims.

 The New York Times debunked research cited in Wana Brands’ marketing materials for its Fit gummies. Marketing materials said 100 out of 100 of participants who took the brand’s cannabinoid-packed weight loss gummies lost weight in a trial performed under the guidance of the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic, however, has no record of the research. Read on at The New York Times.

Cannabis beverages set to skyrocket though regulatory challenges slow launch.

The market for cannabis beverages is projected to reach over $8 billion by 2027 according to Fortune Business Insights, but complex state-specific laws are slowing the category’s emergence. Find out which issues brands are considering as they ponder entering the market. Read more at Natural Product Insider.

Learn about the FDA DAP.

FDA Cannabis-Derived Products Data Acceleration Plan (DAP) is a portfolio of pilot initiatives and partnerships focused on advancing data-driven safety signal detection and building advanced technology capabilities. The DAP’s primary goal is to leverage novel data sources and advanced data analytics to identify current and emerging safety vulnerabilities in the Cannabis-derived products (CDP) market.

Analysts’ lower sales forecasts—by a lot.

Analysts slashed revenue expectations for sales forecasts for New York-based Tilray, Ontario-based Canopy Growth and Alberta-headquartered Aurora Cannabis by hundreds of millions of dollars, affecting marijuana and cannabis derived products. Smaller, nimbler rivals have taken their toll, say analysts, but that’s not the only reason. Learn what else darkened the forecast at MJBizDaily.

Explaining 2021’s cannabis rollercoaster ride.

Check out five charts by MJBizDaily that visually tell the story of the unpredictable year, including finance, legislation and cannabinoid expansion. Politics and the pandemic combined for sustained turbulence. Take a look and learn how last year’s ups and downs sets the industry up for 2022.