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It is time to embrace cannabis for medicinal use, say experts

Hundreds of thousands of UK patients are self-medicating with illegal cannabis-based products due to limited prescription availability. Researchers found that concerns about a perceived lack of scientific evidence and resistance from the medical profession hinder prescribing, despite substantial evidence of effectiveness in various dis...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 21, 2020

SDSU professor finds after-hours cannabis use has no impact on workplace performance

A recent study by Dr. Jeremy Bernerth and H. Jack Walker found that using cannabis after work hours does not compromise job performance as assessed by supervisors. In fact, the researchers suggest that after-hours cannabis use may offer some work-related benefits, such as helping employees relax and restore energy after a long day.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateAug 11, 2020

Prescribed CBD could help people quit cannabis

A randomized clinical trial found that prescribed doses of non-intoxicating CBD reduced cannabis use and increased abstinence days. Participants treated with 400mg or 800mg CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and more days abstinent compared to placebo.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2020

Legal marijuana may be slowing reductions in teen marijuana use, study says

A new study from the University of Washington found that teens may be more likely to use marijuana following legalization due to increased adult use and store proliferation. The study's lead author notes that early use during adolescence can have negative health consequences, making it concerning that teen use may be going up.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 20, 2020

Medicinal cannabis may reduce behavioral problems in kids with intellectual disabilities

A pilot study found that cannabidiol significantly reduced irritability, aggression, self-injury, and yelling in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. The intervention was safe and well-tolerated by most participants, providing hope for a larger-scale trial to definitively test its effectiveness.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJun 24, 2020

BrainHealth Research advances understanding of differences in effects of cannabis use

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found sex-related differences in the effects of cannabis use on brain activity and subjective response. Neural activity primarily underlies response to cannabis cues, with no differences between male and female users, while female users exhibit more intense subjective craving.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 18, 2020

Early exposure to cannabis boosts young brains' sensitivity to cocaine, rodent study finds

A Columbia-led study found that early exposure to cannabis makes young brains more sensitive to cocaine, shedding light on the neurobiology of drug use in adolescence. The research revealed key molecular and epigenetic changes in adolescent rats' brains after synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids were followed by cocaine.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

Pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 3, 2020