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.
Researchers found that cannabis use disorder is significantly associated with older age, male sex, black race, bipolar or other mood disorders, prior history of self-harm, and previous mental health service use. Cannabis use can worsen symptoms and interfere with successful mood disorder treatment.
Specialized ETFs focus on popular industries like cannabis and cybersecurity, but tend to lose value quickly. Investors who buy into these funds are often less sophisticated, leading to significant losses over time.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that the density of licensed and unlicensed marijuana retailers is associated with increased marijuana use among young adults. Young adults living near areas with high concentrations of licensed outlets were more likely to use marijuana, while those living near unlicensed outlets reported greater h...
Researchers found that exposure to acrolein, a chemical produced by tobacco combustion, increases cardiovascular disease risk; Higher levels of toxic chemicals were detected in tobacco smokers than marijuana only smokers. The study suggests reducing acrolein exposure could lower risk.
A new study found that marijuana use consistently increases throughout the calendar year, peaking during late fall or early winter before dropping at the beginning of the following year. The researchers believe this may be due to a 'Dry January' effect, where people stop using marijuana as part of a New Year's resolution.
A recent NIH study found that women who use cannabis while trying to conceive are around 40% less likely to get pregnant each month. The study of over 1,200 women aged 18-40 with one or two miscarriages found no difference in miscarriage rates but noted differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation.
A new study found that more than half of people using cannabis for pain experience clusters of multiple withdrawal symptoms when they're between uses. About 10% of patients experienced worsening changes in sleep, mood, mental state, energy, and appetite over two years.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that chronic cannabis use significantly dampens stress reactivity in female rats, but not males. The study suggests there may be significant differences in how chronic cannabis use affects males and females.
Research suggests cannabis use by people in opioid addiction care can lower fentanyl-positive urine tests and reduce overdose risk. A study of 819 participants found that those with THC positive urine were 10% less likely to have fentanyl, highlighting potential benefits for treatment outcomes.
Levels of nicotine and marijuana vaping among US teens remained high in early 2020, despite a slight decrease in some trends. Nicotine vaping declined among 10th and 12th graders, but daily use remained high. The MTF survey found that vaping device brands have shifted, with teens moving to disposable devices.
A survey is being conducted to characterize marijuana use among cancer patients receiving care at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The study aims to explore how often patients are using marijuana, why they're using it, and their perceptions of its efficacy in managing symptoms. The findings will provide insight into the prevalence and spec...
Researchers found that ozone reacts with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on surfaces to produce new compounds. The study characterized these compounds for the first time and found they form over time, decreasing THC levels.
A landmark study led by the University of Sydney found that cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis does not affect driving ability. In contrast, moderate amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce mild impairment lasting up to four hours.
A study of US adolescents aged 15-17 found that those who had not used substances exhibited enhanced neural responses when observing peers making safe choices. Peer influence was associated with safer health risk behaviors in adolescents.
The Association of Cannabis Specialists (ACS) has named Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research their Official Journal, providing evidence-based education and standards for cannabis medicine. The journal aims to enhance clinical best practices, safeguard patient care, and advance cannabinoid research.
The grants will focus on studying the impact of Proposition 64, employment conditions, and marketing on cannabis use among various demographics. UCLA faculty members will conduct research on workplace experiences, safety conditions, and career trajectory in the cannabis industry.
Over the past 50 years, cannabis strength has soared, with THC concentrations increasing by 14% in herbal cannabis and 24% in cannabis resin. This rise in potency is linked to an increased risk of problems such as addiction and psychotic disorders.
Two studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found that marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and post-procedure bleeding after PCI. However, marijuana smokers also experienced a decreased risk of acute kidney injury compared to non-users.
Researchers at USask are conducting a groundbreaking study to investigate the impact of maternal cannabis use during pregnancy on fetal brain development. They will be testing the hypothesis that chronic exposure to high-THC cannabis leads to increased anxiety and reduced cognition in rat pups.
Researchers recommend that healthcare providers discuss cannabis use with patients who have chronic pain and are using opioids. This conversation should be routine and judgment-free. The goal is to understand the patient's priorities and develop a plan based on evidence-based information.
A modeling study estimates that treatments with ICERs above $100,000 to $150,000 per QALY are unlikely to be considered cost-effective for the US healthcare system. The study suggests that spending less on low-effectiveness treatments could allow more funding for treatments with larger health gains.
Research from Washington State University found that adolescent males associate cannabis use with improved sexual activity, leading them to express intentions to use marijuana. In contrast, female peers were less swayed by similar messages.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis use reduced OCD symptoms by 49% and anxiety by 52% within four hours. The study also linked higher CBD concentrations to larger reductions in compulsions.
A new study by neuroscientists at Washington State University found that regular cannabis exposure in rats during pregnancy may cause long-term cognitive deficiencies, asocial behavior, and anxiety in their offspring. The research also revealed significant behavioral changes and cognitive deficits that persisted into adulthood.
A new study by the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that more college-age Americans are abstaining from alcohol, with a significant decrease in alcohol misuse. However, the study also shows an increase in marijuana use and co-use of alcohol and marijuana.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is not a substitute for non-medical opioids among adults with opioid use disorder. The research examined 13,271 days of observation and found that opioid use remained prevalent on days when cannabis was used.
A recent study found that regular exposure to marijuana advertising on storefronts and billboards increased the likelihood of adolescents using marijuana. Location of retail stores also played a role, with participants who lived close to shops being more likely to report intentions to use the drug.
A new study published in Addiction suggests that cannabis use does not substitute for non-medical opioids among adults with problem substance use. The longitudinal study of 211 participants found that opioid use was at least as high on days when cannabis was used as on days when it was not.
A recent study found that 61% of patients who used cannabis began using it after age 60, primarily for medical purposes. The most common reasons for cannabis use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with patients reporting relief from these issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of cannabis use amon...
Research led by UTSW scientists finds that endocannabinoids can shut down genes needed for pathogenic intestinal bacteria to colonize and cause disease. The study suggests that these native chemicals similar to those found in cannabis may eventually lead to new ways to fight gastrointestinal infections.
Patients who use cannabis before surgery require more anesthesia, report higher pain levels, and consume more opioids while in the hospital. Researchers emphasize the importance of disclosing cannabis use to anesthesiologists for optimal care.
A new study reveals that cannabis data is lacking on lesser-known compounds, but machine learning can help fill the knowledge gap. By analyzing a dataset of over 17,600 cultivars, researchers found that only 1.4% of strains had complete data on THC and CBD, highlighting the need for standardization in product labeling.
A new study finds that over half of women with menopause symptoms in Northern California are using cannabis to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. The study also shows that more than a quarter of participants express interest in trying cannabis for menopause symptom management.