Articles tagged with Cannabis
A new meta-analysis suggests that people who use cannabis are more than twice as likely to initiate opioid use and develop problematic patterns of use compared to those who don't use cannabis. However, the low quality of evidence makes it unclear whether there is a causal relationship between cannabis and subsequent opioid use.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...
Researchers found that cannabis terpenes mimic the effects of cannabinoids, providing pain relief without increasing negative side effects. The study suggests terpenes may be used to boost the efficacy of THC and reduce psychoactive effects, leading to a potential dose-reduction strategy for pain management.
A recent study published in Health Economics found that states with recreational marijuana laws experienced a short-term decline in opioid-related emergency department visits. This decline was most pronounced among 25- to 44-year-olds and men, suggesting that cannabis may be substituting for opioids as a pain relief measure.
A novel study of high-potency cannabis found memory impairments related to free recall, source memory, and false memories. However, vaping high-potency concentrates showed comparable performance to smoking low-potency flower, suggesting cautious optimism for the little-studied product.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC and CBD affects the development of mice's brain, leading to impaired response to fluoxetine. The results suggest caution when using CBD during pregnancy.
A four-fold increase in unintentional poisonings in children under 12 and a three-fold increase in ICU admissions for severe cannabis poisoning were seen after legalization. Edible cannabis products, highly concentrated and visually attractive to young children, are the primary cause of these increases.
Despite significant declines in perceived availability of marijuana and alcohol, adolescent use rates remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicotine vaping, however, declined significantly, with a sharp decrease in respondents who said they could easily obtain vaping devices.
A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.
A study of over 280,000 young adults found that cannabis use was associated with increased suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, regardless of depression levels. Women were more likely to experience these outcomes than men.
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that Ontario high school students are more likely to drive after consuming cannabis than alcohol, with 10% reporting driving within an hour of cannabis use. The study suggests that educating adolescents about cannabis risks may be effective in reducing dangerous driving behaviors.
A meta-analysis of pediatric patients treated with medical cannabis found the treatment to be successful in reducing seizures and nausea in children undergoing chemotherapy, while also noting potential negative effects on mental health, including fatigue and lethargy.
A review published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that cannabis use by young people with ADHD does not appear to have additional adverse effects on brain development or functioning. However, the authors note a need for further research to clarify possible effects and consider factors such as potency and frequency of use.
Researchers found a correlation between inflammatory profile and cannabis use on a daily basis or during adolescence, increasing the odds of suffering from a psychotic disorder. Immune system dysfunction can modify the association between cannabis use and psychosis.
A recent study found that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with reduced thickness in certain brain areas, according to researchers at the University of Vermont. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain structure and suggest a possible link between early cannabis use and neurodevelopmental changes.
A recent study found that sleep timing and duration are associated with an increased risk of cannabis use and binge drinking among teens and young adults. Late-night preference predicted a greater likelihood of any cannabis use, while later sleep timing on the weekend predicted more severe binge drinking.
A University of Alberta study found that zebrafish exposed to cannabis compounds in early development exhibit reduced neural activity later in life. The study suggests that similar effects may occur in humans, particularly during pregnancy. Neural activity decreased by 60-70% in groups exposed to THC and CBD.
Between 2017 and 2019, US poison centers saw a significant increase in reported cannabis-related exposures to both manufactured products and plant materials, indicating a growing need for awareness and regulation.
A new study found that older adults with functional impairments are at higher risk of using prescription opioids, tranquilizers/sedatives, and medical cannabis. This population is more susceptible to substance use disorders and mental health issues due to chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.
A UBCO study reveals that kids who grow up in homes where parents consume cannabis are more likely to use it themselves. The research suggests that understanding parental influence can help develop effective prevention programs by addressing how youth think about substance use based on their familial and personal experiences.
A new study found that US recreational cannabis legalization is associated with a 9.2% decrease in street/illegal cannabis prices, a 64% increase in heroin prices, and a 54% increase in heroin potency. The study also showed a significant decrease in law enforcement seizures of street/illegal cannabis and other drugs.
A web-based survey found that e-cigarette users had a higher risk of asthma, wheezing, and shortness of breath compared to non-users. The study also showed that past 30-day e-cigarette use was associated with increased respiratory symptoms even after controlling for cigarette and cannabis use.
Researchers have developed a peptide that enables THC to fight pain without the cognitive side effects associated with cannabis. In mice, the optimized peptide showed improved memory and reduced immune response, making it an ideal drug candidate for reducing cognitive side effects from cannabis-based pain management.
A recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic itch. The team found that THC, a compound in cannabis, attaches to brain receptors and reduces inflammation, leading to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness.
Research reveals a significant rise in frequent cannabis vaping among US high school seniors between 2018 and 2019. The study found that frequent use increased by 131.4%, with notable increases among female students, those 18 years or older, and students who used other drugs within the past year.
UConn researchers have successfully developed a micropropagation technique for cannabis, which can produce large quantities of healthy clones with predictable qualities. The method has the potential to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis by providing consistency and reliability in crops.
A study of over 17,000 US adults aged 50 and over found that many are using cannabis to relieve health problems without discussing their use with doctors. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cannabis and other substance use, as well as educate patients about potential safety issues.
This survey study investigated changes in marijuana use in e-cigarettes among students from 2017 to 2020, highlighting significant racial and ethnic differences. The findings suggest that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by marijuana use in e-cigarettes.
A study of 2.4 million hospitalised cannabis users found that those with an arrhythmia were 4.5 times more likely to die in hospital than those without. Patients with arrhythmias also had longer hospital stays and more co-existing health conditions.
A study of nearly five million live births found that babies born to mothers diagnosed with cannabis use disorders at delivery were more likely to experience negative health outcomes. Infants born to women with cannabis use disorders were also less likely to be hospitalized within the same year.
A study found that babies born to mothers with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience negative health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Infants born to these mothers were also at a higher risk of infant mortality.
A case report warns of a potential link between medical cannabis and early puberty in children with severe childhood epilepsy. The 2-year-old boy's testosterone levels were abnormally high after using cannabis oil, raising concerns about the hormonal consequences of cannabis use.
A new study published in Translational Psychiatry reveals that individuals with high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia are disproportionately affected by cannabis use, experiencing a 60% higher risk of psychotic experiences. Cannabis users, compared to non-users, have higher rates of psychotic experiences across the board.
Despite growing demand, Ontario doctors are hesitant to prescribe medical cannabis due to potential ill-effects and limited knowledge about its effectiveness as a painkiller. The study highlights the need for more evidence, education, and guidance to help physicians better assist patients seeking this treatment.
A University of Granada study found that smoking cannabis significantly worsens visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity. Notably, over 90% of users believe the drug has no effect on their vision, highlighting a need for awareness-raising campaigns to inform users about the risks.
A recent University of Guelph study found that early cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from 35 young subjects aged 19-30, revealed subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function among cannabis users.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical cannabis products often contain more THC than expected, while some products labeled as CBD-only contained no detectable levels of THC or CBD. This raises concerns about the accuracy of product labeling and its impact on patient safety.
A comprehensive analysis of 80 scientific studies found a 'window of impairment' of 3-10 hours caused by moderate to high doses of THC. Impairment duration varies depending on dose, method of consumption, and user's regularity., The study suggests that laws should focus on safety on the roads rather than arbitrary punishment.
A new study found that adolescents who frequently see billboard or storefront advertisements for recreational cannabis are more likely to use the drug weekly and have symptoms of a cannabis use disorder. Researchers used social media sites and apps to recruit 172 teens, ages 15 to 19, who lived in states with legal recreational marijuana.
Legalization of recreational cannabis may be associated with a small but significant increase in fatal motor vehicle collisions. The number of individuals who reported driving after recent cannabis use increased significantly after legalization.
A study published in Spine found that patients with cannabis use disorder undergoing spinal surgery experienced higher complication rates, including stroke, respiratory issues, and prolonged hospital stays. Chronic cannabis users were also more likely to require rehabilitation facilities upon discharge.
Increased rates of emphysema were found in marijuana smokers, particularly paraseptal emphysema, compared to non-smokers and tobacco-only smokers. Marijuana smoking is also associated with airways disease, including bronchial wall thickening and bronchiolar mucoid impaction.
A recent study suggests that inherited behaviors and traits appearing during adolescence, such as depression and neuroticism, can increase the risk of adult cannabis use. The research analyzed data from over 20,000 adolescents and found a small portion of the risk was attributed to genetic effects on these traits.
Researchers found that a synthetic cannabinoid activates astrocytes, which release adenosine to reduce nerve activity and tremors. This new approach may offer targeted treatment with fewer side effects for patients suffering from essential tremor.
Researchers found that state medical and recreational cannabis laws were associated with lower rates of self-harm and assault injuries. The study suggests that these laws may have contributed to a decrease in violent behavior, potentially due to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.
A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University professor Jonathan Caulkins explores the effects of reduced production costs on cannabis and opioid use. Sharp declines in prices may alter consumption patterns and lead to changes in drug markets, including reduced violence and disruption of criminal organizations.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, persists in breast milk for up to six weeks. The study supports recommendations to abstain from marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides the most detailed accounting of the cannabis industry's greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that US indoor cannabis cultivation results in life-cycle emissions of between 2,283 and 5,184kg CO2 per kg dried flower.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that adolescents who vape cannabis are at greater risk for respiratory symptoms indicative of lung injury than those who smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine. The study found that vaping marijuana was associated with a stronger relationship between respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnosis.
Research suggests that using cannabis for migraine relief may lead to medication overuse headache in patients with chronic migraine. The study found that individuals using cannabis had a significantly higher risk of developing medication overuse headache compared to those who did not use cannabis.
A study found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with increased cannabis use by women before, during, and after pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 1 million pregnancies, showing a significant increase in cannabis use among those living in states where recreational marijuana was legal.
A new report in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found significant increases in marijuana use among California adolescents, especially those in historically low-risk groups. Researchers attribute this to the growing normativity of marijuana use due to legalization.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found significant reductions in blood pressure among older adults using cannabis. The study, published in European Journal of Internal Medicine, suggests a potential therapeutic benefit for this population.
A study found that teens in Oregon counties with high retail outlet densities for marijuana and alcohol had increased co-use and beliefs favoring use. The results suggest that social access to these substances is more likely than commercial.
A study found that frequent cannabis use by young people is associated with a decline in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) points over time. The decline was primarily related to reduction in verbal IQ scores, potentially affecting performance in school and future employment prospects.
A study by Université de Montréal psychiatry professor Didier Jutras-Aswad and his team found that cannabidiol is not an effective treatment for cocaine use disorder. The 78-participant clinical trial showed no reduction in craving or relapse risk with cannabidiol, contrary to its growing popularity as a potential addiction treatment.
Researchers found that counties with more legal cannabis dispensaries had lower opioid-related mortality rates, with a 17% reduction associated with one additional dispensary. This association held for both medical and recreational dispensaries, particularly for deaths linked to synthetic opioids.
A recent UC study found that drugged driving is outpacing drunk driving in the US, with 4.49% of adults reporting marijuana use while driving compared to 8.52% for alcohol. The study also reveals higher rates among sexual minorities, African Americans, and males.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that cannabis-using entrepreneurs generated more original business ideas but less feasible ones. However, the effect was only observed in those with a strong passion for exploring new business ideas. On the other hand, experienced entrepreneurs were not affected by cannabis use.