Articles tagged with Cannabis
A major review of 63 studies involving over 265,000 people found that cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of committing violent acts and experiencing violence. Women were more likely to be victims of violence than men.
Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.
A study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that 11.4% of older adults who used cannabis in the past year met the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). This condition is characterized by a pattern of cannabis use that causes problems or interferes with daily life. The study highlights the importance...
Adults with hard-to-treat epilepsy who used cannabis most days had more seizures and became resistant to antiseizure medications compared to nonusers. The study suggests cannabis use is associated with more severe epilepsy, but cannot establish causation.
A study found that cannabis lowered some stress measures, such as cortisol levels, but others remained unaffected or increased. Subjective reports of participants showed a strong correlation with reduced stress, but physiological indicators like heart rate and heart rate variability were less affected.
A new NIH-funded study in Michigan aims to reduce cannabis use during pregnancy and improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. The study, led by Dr. Alyssa Vanderziel, will develop and test a digital intervention combining electronic screening and brief intervention with tailored text messaging to encourage behavior change.
A new study suggests that cannabis ads may shape viewers' expectations about cannabis and sex, with potential implications for sexual decision making and consent. College students who interpreted ads as suggesting cannabis use were more likely to expect benefits and say they might use cannabis before sex, regardless of the ad's content.
A new University of Oklahoma study examines whether targeted social media messages can increase parents' knowledge and help them take action to prevent teen vaping. The research aims to give parents the information and tools they need to recognize vaping and help prevent its use with their children.
A crossover randomized clinical trial found that cannabis edibles impaired simulated driving performance at blood THC concentrations below per se thresholds. The study's findings suggest that even low doses of THC can have significant effects on driving ability.
This study of 186,823 US adults reveals an increasing prevalence of moderate-to-severe cannabis use disorder among males and females between 2021 and 2024, while moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder prevalence remained stable. The findings highlight significant age and sex disparities in cannabis and alcohol use disorders.
A new study reveals that using cannabis in multiple forms may signal a higher risk of heavy use and addiction. About 1 in 7 cannabis users, who also use cannabis in nearly every form, are more likely to experience daily use and addiction.
Researchers found that cannabis users develop psychosis an average of two-and-a-half years earlier than non-users, with the difference increasing with age. The study, which examined 149 studies involving over 71,000 people, suggests a cumulative effect of cannabis use that builds over time.
Researchers discovered a statistically significant reduction in premature atrial contractions after cannabis inhalation, with no impact on daily activity levels. The findings challenge assumptions about the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and may lead to new approaches for preventing or treating abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers develop two virtual culturally grounded interventions to address substance use among urban American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. The studies show reduced substance use, including cannabis and alcohol consumption, as well as social connections with tribal communities.
A review of cannabis and cannabinoids' therapeutic use reveals potential health benefits while emphasizing the need for risk assessment and harm reduction strategies. The study highlights the importance of evidence-based guidelines for safe and effective treatment.
Researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin investigated the use of THC to alleviate PTSD-related nightmares. The study found that more than half of participants responded to treatment, with over a third experiencing complete disappearance of nightmares. The medication was also well-tolerated, with moderate side effects reported.
A recent national study analyzing over 11,800 adolescents found that substance use increases steadily with age, with 38% reporting use by age 16. The study highlights notable differences between boys and girls, particularly in polysubstance use patterns.
Research at Oregon State University found that frequent cannabis users wake up with more cortisol in their system, indicating a possible dysregulation of the body's daily stress response. This could lead to impairments in daily stress rhythms and a cycle of more cannabis use.
A study found that cancer care providers are more likely to be aware of the risks of cannabis use, but less comfortable discussing it with patients. In contrast, survivors feel more comfortable discussing cannabis with their care team and hold more positive attitudes towards its use.
Research highlights impact of cannabis cultivation and drying methods on VOCs and human perception, identifying optimal storage conditions to preserve aroma profiles. Human assessors associated monoterpenes with bright notes and sesquiterpene clusters with woody scents.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis packaging design features, particularly branding elements, can attract underage consumers, raising questions about existing regulations. Participants preferred colorful logos, bold typography, and images resembling familiar foods over warning labels and nutritional information.
A Rutgers Health study found that fewer than one in five older adults discuss their cannabis use with clinicians. The study analyzed reports from over 14,000 older adults and found that only one in three were screened for cannabis or drug use by a clinician in the past year.
A new study from Bradley Hospital researchers shows that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with reduced dopamine-related neurophysiology and altered reward processing. The study found that teens who repeatedly used cannabis showed signs of reduced tissue iron levels in brain regions involved in motivation and reward.
Research reveals cannabis and tobacco co-use is associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. This critical gap in research provides clinicians and scientists with vital new insights into the risks of co-use on vulnerable youth.
A new study by UNIGE and SCAHT reveals that cannabis use is associated with an increase in testosterone levels, particularly in the testes. However, this increase does not appear to have a direct link to fertility, and further research is needed to determine potential long-term effects.
A recent study reveals that nearly one in three adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) experience treatment delays, highlighting the need for system-level improvements. Younger adolescents, males, White non-Hispanic youth, and those in residential rehabilitation and outpatient settings are particularly at risk.
A new study identifies over 500 genetic loci associated with psychosis, including 122 novel associations, suggesting a close link between cannabis use disorder and psychosis. The research provides potential grounds for identifying those at risk and developing targeted interventions.
A new study published in Nature Mental Health found that using cannabis and tobacco together significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia among those considered high risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that co-use was associated with a nearly threefold increased ...
Researchers have identified potential mechanisms linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk in chronic cannabis users. A team led by Nicholas V. DiPatrizio found that specific compounds within cannabis regulate metabolism, leading to significant weight loss and improved glucose regulation in obese mice.
This qualitative study explores the use of edible cannabis among older adults as a management strategy for pain, sleep, and mental health concerns. The study highlights the importance of physician awareness and informed counseling for these patients.
A study by University of Utah Health found that older adults use cannabis edibles for non-psychoactive effects, seeking better quality of life. Many participants were influenced by positive anecdotes from friends or family members, highlighting the importance of word of mouth in their decision-making process.
A study published in New Phytologist has identified a genetic region on the X chromosome that determines the sex of cannabis plants. Researchers also found this same region in hops, suggesting a shared 'sex switch'. This discovery has practical implications for agriculture, particularly for crop yields and plant breeding.
A recent study analyzing data from two California school surveys found that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as the least harmful substance among their peers. The study, which examined responses from over 175,000 students, also identified age, experience, and social environment as factors influencing teens' perceptions of can...
A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine and others found that while cannabis arrests decreased by 62% for white individuals and 51% for Black individuals after legalization, racial disparities persisted. Legalization also led to a shift in law enforcement practices, with lower arrest rates for selling other illicit drugs.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that combining cannabis edibles and alcohol worsens driving impairment compared to consuming either substance alone. The research highlights the urgent need for wider public education about augmented effects from co-use and improved roadside detection methods.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that combining cannabis with opioids did not improve acute pain relief for people with knee arthritis. The study also showed that using the two drugs together increased side effects such as drowsiness and impaired thinking without added pain relief.
Teenagers who begin using cannabis show slower gains in thinking and memory skills as they grow. The study found that teens who used cannabis showed restricted growth over time compared to those who did not.
A study of nearly 700,000 health records reveals that young people with cannabis use disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, recurrent major depression, and anxiety disorders. In contrast, adults with cannabis use disorder are less likely to develop these conditions.
A comprehensive review of 54 randomized controlled trials found no evidence that medicinal cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression, or PTSD. However, the study suggests that medicinal cannabis may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as reducing seizures associated with epilepsy and managing pain.
A recent study found that delta-8 THC products often lack clear and consistent labeling, with high doses found in products marketed to youth. The study highlights concerns for consumer safety, as the products are subject to fewer regulations than medical and recreational cannabis.
States adopting recreational cannabis laws in addition to medical cannabis laws experienced a 45% relative reduction in cannabis seizure counts. This decline suggests a reduction in illegal cannabis supply and changes in law enforcement priorities.
A new study found that cannabis intoxication disrupts many types of memory, including verbal, visuospatial, and episodic content memory. Participants who consumed cannabis performed significantly worse than the placebo group on most measures, with significant differences appearing in 15 of the 21 tests.
Researchers discovered that CBD and CBG can significantly reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health by creating a backup energy reserve and restoring cellular cleaning crews. These compounds also showed promising effects on treating metabolic diseases, including reducing body fat mass and improving insulin sensitivity.
A Canadian study of 35,000 Canadians found a significant link between cannabis use and increased rates of anxiety and depression. The study suggests that stronger products, wider availability, and stress relief may be contributing to the observed patterns.
A new study based on extensive data from Swedish school surveys found that changes in average cannabis use among adolescents are reflected across the entire group. The distribution of cannabis use has remained highly stable over time, with increases or decreases occurring in parallel across all user groups.
Researchers have identified the specific smell receptor that causes mosquitoes to avoid borneol, a natural compound found in camphor tree oils. Activating this receptor triggers a neural pathway leading to avoidance behavior, offering potential strategies for designing more targeted and effective mosquito repellents.
A large new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that past-year cannabis use during adolescence is associated with a significantly higher risk of incident psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders. Cannabis use preceded psychiatric diagnoses by an average of 1.7 to 2.3 years.
A cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar conditions. The study's results inform the development of interventions and policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use.
A study by Washington State University and the University of Calgary found that cannabis use increases appetite in humans and rodents alike, regardless of food consumption or body mass index. The researchers discovered that the brain's cannabinoid receptors play a key role in stimulating hunger, paving the way for future treatments.
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
A new study led by Dr. Chu Chen suggests that combining THC with celecoxib may improve cognition and reduce Alzheimer's-related brain pathology in mice. The combination produced better outcomes than low-dose THC alone, including improved learning and memory performance and reduced markers of neuroinflammation.
A survey of 438 adults who used cannabis in the past year found that nearly 56% also drank alcoholic beverages, with users more likely to substitute cannabis for alcohol. Respondents reported consuming fewer alcoholic drinks and binge drinking less frequently after starting cannabis beverages.
A new study found that cannabis use was associated with lower blood pressure among street-identified Black Americans, but no alleviation of anxiety and depression. The research suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular health and highlights the need for violence-reduction programs to support these communities.
Researchers found viable spores of mycotoxigenic fungi, DNA fragments, and traces of toxins remained after gamma irradiation, highlighting the need for stricter testing and better safeguards in the cannabis industry. This is particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk.
An updated Cochrane review of 21 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults found no high-quality evidence that cannabis-based medicines reduce neuropathic pain more than placebo. Small improvements were reported by patients using products with both THC and CBD, but these changes were not clinically meaningful.
A new study found that varenicline, a medication used to quit smoking, can help men with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis use. However, the same treatment showed no significant effect on female participants. Women who received varenicline reported higher withdrawal and craving scores and lower medication adherence compared t...
New research suggests that mobile health interventions tailored to individual needs can reduce harms associated with heavy drinking and cannabis use. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of personalized feedback and protective behavioral strategies in reducing substance use risks, paving the way for innovative digital interventions.
The funding will support research at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Letters and Science, and Fielding School of Public Health. The studies aim to inform evidence-based regulation and public health priorities.
A large national study found that even occasional cannabis use among teens can lead to worse school performance and emotional distress. The more frequently teens used cannabis, the greater the risk of these problems. Experts recommend frank conversations with teens about cannabis risks.