Articles tagged with Cannabis
A recent study highlights large gaps in the cannabis genome, with less than 50% accurately mapped and 10-25% unmapped. The research aims to develop a molecular breeding program for cannabis comparable to other crops, with potential applications in human and animal health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cannabinoid treatment reduced subjective pain scores compared to placebo in patients with acute pain. Intramuscular cannabinoids were more effective than oral cannabinoids in reducing pain relative to placebo.
A recent investigation by The BMJ uncovered links between groups advocating for wider medical cannabis access and those pushing for recreational legalization. Industry funding for research into medicinal properties of cannabis has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential normalization of cannabis use.
A single dose of THC can induce a range of psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers, including schizophrenia-like symptoms. No consistent evidence suggests that cannabidiol moderates the effects of THC.
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.
Adding travel history to patient evaluation could help identify risk for potential exposure to COVID-19. The authors argue that this simple measure can trigger more detailed history, appropriate testing, and rapid implementation of protective measures.
Researchers have identified cannabigerol (CBG) as a potent antibacterial agent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). CBG targets the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, showing promise in treating MRSA infections.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid called CBG that shows promising antibacterial activity against drug-resistant MRSA. The study found that CBG prevents the ability of bacteria to form biofilms and destroys preformed biofilms, targeting the cell membrane of the bacteria.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who are bullied about their weight or body shape may be more likely to use alcohol or marijuana. The link between appearance-related teasing and substance use was strongest among overweight girls, raising special concerns about this group.
A study analyzing national survey data found that cannabis use increased significantly among women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with higher incomes or education levels. The proportion of adults who reported past-year marijuana use rose from 2.4% to 4.2% between 2015-2018.
A large observational study found an association between cannabis use during pregnancy and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and trauma diagnoses. The study analyzed data from over 1 million women screened for prenatal cannabis use in California.
Research found that community-level LGBTQ supportiveness is associated with lower odds of lifetime substance use among sexual minority boys and girls. Living in a large population center also reduced the risk of lifetime alcohol use for boys, while a progressive political climate increased the risk of marijuana use for girls.
A new RAND Corporation study found that about 12% of young adults surveyed were aware of heated tobacco products and 5% reported using them. The devices are being promoted by the tobacco industry as alternatives to cigarettes.
A preclinical study found that a human gene variant affects the brain's reward processing circuit and increases vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent females, leading to higher preference for cannabis. The study suggests genetic factors can contribute to increased susceptibility to cannabis dependence in select populations.
A study by Kloft et al. found that cannabis use increases susceptibility to false memories and misinformation in mock crime scenarios. This research has significant implications for the questioning of cannabis-intoxicated eyewitnesses and suspects during investigative interviews.
A handheld spectrometer has been developed to determine THC levels in cannabis plants, enabling farmers and law enforcement to quickly identify whether a plant is hemp or marijuana. The test distinguishes between various hemp and marijuana varieties with high accuracy.
New research shows that US states with medical marijuana laws have seen a decline in workers' compensation claims due to improved symptom management. The modest reductions suggest expanded access to medical marijuana may also boost work capacity and reduce reliance on social insurance programs.
A Washington State University study found that pregnant women use marijuana to manage health issues and reduce stress, with many feeling stigmatized by healthcare providers. The research emphasizes the need for patient-centered care and more information on marijuana's safety during pregnancy.
Researchers found that cannabis enthusiasts have a disconnect between their beliefs about the drug's medicinal use and empirical evidence, with most failing to accurately answer questions on its effectiveness for various medical conditions. The study also revealed a lack of awareness about potential risks associated with cannabis use.
A new study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly more common in adults with pain than those without pain. Adults with moderate to severe pain are at a higher risk for frequent non-medical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder.
A review suggests that marijuana use can increase cardiovascular health hazards, especially when combined with certain medications. Cardiologists are advised to screen patients for marijuana use and adjust dosing accordingly.
A review article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimates that 2 million adults with cardiovascular disease in the US have used or currently use marijuana. Observational studies link marijuana use to increased heart risk, including stroke, arrhythmia, and decreased heart muscle function.
Research suggests that medicinal cannabis users may experience increased difficulty falling asleep and more frequent waking during the night due to tolerance development. Additionally, cannabinoids have been found not to be effective in reducing cancer-related pain.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that approximately 2 million adults in the US who have cardiovascular disease currently use or have used marijuana. The review also reveals that cannabinoids can interact with drugs used to treat heart disease, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that regular cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to reduced birth weight by up to 8% and decreased brain and liver growth. The researchers used a rat model and human placental cells to demonstrate the impact of THC on fetal development.
Media reports on chronic pain focus on opioid-based treatments and cannabis, overlooking evidence-based non-pharmaceutical options. Research analysis reveals limited attention to adverse effects of medicinal cannabis and inadequate resources for pain management.
Research highlights the risk of adverse effects from cannabis on breastfeeding infants, with CLCs playing a critical role in guiding mothers. Certified lactation consultants (CLCs) are encouraged to partner with healthcare providers to educate and counsel women using cannabis while breastfeeding.
A new study estimates that daily cannabis users in Australia accounted for over 80% of total cannabis consumption between 2007 and 2016. Prevalence of past cannabis use increased from 8.9% to 10.5% during this period, with 1 in 6 past year users being daily users.
Researchers found that smoked cannabis use impaired executive functions and increased the likelihood of relapse among cocaine addicts. The study suggests that harm reduction strategies using cannabis may not be effective in treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that chronic, heavy recreational marijuana use affects driving ability even when users are not intoxicated. Earlier onset of marijuana use was associated with poorer driving performance and increased impulsivity.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a molecule produced by the brain that reduces anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions. This discovery could lead to pharmacologic treatments regulating anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with stress-related anxiety disorders.
A recent study published in Addiction found that college students in states where marijuana was legalized by 2018 used more marijuana and were 18% more likely to have used it in the past 30 days compared to students in non-legalized states. In contrast, binge drinking rates decreased significantly in these states, with students aged 21...
The prevalence of marijuana detected in homicide victims increased significantly between 2004 and 2016, with a notable rise among adolescent victims. The study found that over two-thirds of victims aged 15-20 years tested positive for marijuana, highlighting the potential risks associated with marijuana use.
Cannabis edibles take on average four hours longer to produce noticeable effects than inhaled cannabis, increasing the risk of overconsumption. Vulnerable groups, such as children, pets, older people, and youth, are at particular risk due to delayed effects and potential for accidental overconsumption.
A study found that recreational cannabis stores in Colorado and Washington showed high compliance with ID rules, refusing buyers in 73.6% of visits at the entrance. The results suggest room for improvement in some states, particularly in how store personnel check IDs at entry.
A USC study found that social bots perpetuated bogus health claims about cannabis on Twitter, drowning out solid science. The study analyzed tens of thousands of cannabis-related posts and found that bot-generated tweets were more likely to discuss health claims.
Researchers discover a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease dyskinesias, a devastating side effect of long-term treatment. HU-308 reduces involuntary movements and improves symptoms in mice, offering a safer alternative to medicinal cannabis.
The study found that the proportion of students reporting ever using marijuana in an e-cigarette increased from 11.1% to 14.7% between 2017 and 2018. This increase was seen among certain demographic groups, including males, females, adolescents, high-schoolers, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics.
Marijuana vaping reported by US adolescents increased from 2018 to 2019, with a notable rise in 10th and 12th graders. The study found an absolute increase of 6.5% among 12th graders and up to 5.6% among 10th graders.
The 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey found that vaping of marijuana has more than doubled in the past two years, with past month use nearly tripling. Daily marijuana vaping also increased, reported at 3.5% among 12th graders. Overall, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents.
A study by Queen Mary University of London suggests regular cannabis use may be associated with an enlarged left ventricle and early signs of impaired heart function. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the cardiac impact of recreational cannabis use.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that three-quarters of teen vapers report using nicotine, marijuana, or multiple substances. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 teens and revealed significant associations between cigarette smoking intensity and vaping behavior.
Research suggests a significant increase in cannabis use among individuals with depression over the past decade. The prevalence of cannabis use was approximately twice as common among those with depression compared to those without it. Daily cannabis use was also more common among those with depression, particularly young adults.
The study found that cannabis use was approximately twice as common among those with depression in 2017 compared to those without. The prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use among those with depression was significantly higher, especially among young adults.
Young adults who use heavily are more likely to receive medical marijuana cards, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found. The study analyzed data from California participants aged 18-20 and showed that frequent marijuana use was the primary driver of card acquisition.
A new study found that street segments with recreational dispensaries in Denver experienced an 18% increase in property crime, while those adjacent to dispensaries saw higher levels of drug and disorder crimes. However, the sales revenue generated by recreational dispensaries largely offset the costs of these crimes.
Patients with active cannabis dependence and abuse are at nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack after surgery, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. Researchers analyzed records of over 4 million adults from 2006-2015 and found a significant increase in cannabis use disorders among surgical patients.
A new study from UNLV Medicine doctors found daily marijuana use during pregnancy may lead to low birth weight, delayed fetal growth, and increased placental vascular resistance. The researchers reviewed sonogram data from nearly 450 pregnant women who self-reported daily marijuana use.
A Portland State University study found that vape additives, particularly terpenes, can form more toxins than the main psychoactive chemical THC when inhaled. The researchers discovered that vendors were adding up to 30% more terpenes to their products, which can impact flavor and smell but also pose health risks.
A recent study found that US poison control centers received over 67,300 calls regarding exposures to natural psychoactive substances from 2000-2017. The majority of cases involved marijuana, with a notable increase in hospital admissions and serious medical outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pain found that inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%. The study analyzed archival data from over 1,300 patients who used medical cannabis to track changes in their symptoms before and after use.
Recent study finds parental marijuana use is a risk factor for increased substance abuse among adolescents and young adults, with no association found between parental marijuana use and opioid misuse by children. The study analyzed data from 24,900 parent-child pairs, accounting for environmental factors.
A new study suggests that cannabis cultivation and residential development can cause significant streamflow depletion, with impacts felt most in late summer. Researchers found that groundwater pumping for cannabis irrigation has a larger impact on streamflow than traditional agriculture, posing a risk to local ecosystems.
A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.
Daily cannabis use reduces illicit opioid use among people with chronic pain, researchers found in a study published in PLOS Medicine. The study of over 1,100 participants suggests that cannabis may be a beneficial alternative to opioids for pain management.
Research at McMaster University found that cannabis use didn't reduce illicit opioid use during treatment and failed to retain people in treatment. The study involved over 3,600 participants and provided limited insight into the potential benefits of cannabis as an 'exit drug' for opioid use disorder.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that recreational cannabis legalization led to a 26% increase in past-month marijuana use and a 37% rise in cannabis use disorder among adults aged 26 and older. The researchers also observed a small increase in cannabis use disorder among adolescents.
A new study found that problematic marijuana use increased by 25% among adolescents aged 12-17, while past-month frequent use rose by 23% among adults aged 26 or older after recreational legalization. The study suggests investing in substance use prevention and treatment to prevent unintended harms.
After recreational marijuana legalization, past-year cannabis use disorder among 12-17 year-olds increased from 2.18% to 2.72%. Frequent marijuana use among 26+ year-olds also increased, from 2.13% to 2.62%, and those with cannabis disorder rose from 0.90% to 1.23%. No association found among 18-25 year-olds.
Two new studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that frequent cannabis use among young people is linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart rhythm disturbances. Young users who smoked cigarettes or e-cigarettes were three times more likely to have a stroke compared to non-users.