Articles tagged with Cannabis
A University of Washington study found that children whose parents used marijuana during adolescence are more likely to use marijuana and other substances, while those from non-using families have better grades, according to lead author Marina Epstein.
The Lancet report highlights the need for a new international approach to drug use, citing growing problems with stimulant use and emerging issues like cannabis legalization. The authors estimate that increased provision of opioid agonist treatment could help avoid up to 26% of opioid-related deaths.
A study analyzing Google searches from 2004 to 2019 found significant increases in interest for CBD, a chemical component of marijuana, with substantial growth in search volumes between 2017 and 2018. The researchers urge attention to CBD as a public health priority to understand its use and potential effects.
A systematic review of seven published studies suggests that medical marijuana may be associated with benefits such as decreased opioid overdose rates and improved quality of life. However, the results need to be confirmed by more rigorous scientific research due to limitations in study design and potential side effects.
Researchers suggest setting a unit level at 5mg of THC, which could be added to product packaging in countries where cannabis is legally sold. This system could provide clearer information on cannabis products and their strength, helping users make informed choices and minimizing potential health risks.
Researchers discovered a neurosteroid drug can correct behavioral problems and brain abnormalities caused by prenatal exposure to THC. This finding suggests a therapeutic approach for children born to mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy, highlighting the need for caution and guidance for pregnant women using cannabis.
A new study found no significant long-term effects of recreational cannabis laws on violent or property crimes in Colorado and Washington. However, there were some short-lived increases in certain types of crime following legalization.
Researchers have found no evidence of lipid accumulation as the cause of vaping-related lung injuries, suggesting a direct chemical injury from noxious fumes instead. The study's findings support concerns about the risks of vaping and call for better regulation and education.
Research reveals how CBD inhibits emotional processing in rats exposed to THC, reducing anxiety behaviors. The study proposes a bi-directional control of ERK1-2 phosphorylation as the key mechanism behind these findings.
A recent study examined marijuana use among US adults with and without medical conditions, finding that nearly one-third of adults reported using marijuana in the past year. The study suggests that marijuana use is common across various populations, with potential implications for both medical and non-medical conditions.
A pilot study by Desert Research Institute found high levels of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and butane at cannabis growing facilities in Nevada and California. These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone formation, posing health risks to workers and residents.
Students in CTC participating districts showed significant reductions in marijuana, cigarette, alcohol use, and delinquent behavior compared to non-CTC districts. The study highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based programs in promoting healthy youth development.
A new study is testing a text-delivered counseling program for young adults with cannabis use disorder. The program, called PNC-txt, aims to reduce heavy cannabis use and improve relationship and memory problems among participants.
Research highlights existing studies and recommended areas for further investigation into cannabis use among older adults, addressing concerns about public health policy and potential harms. Insights from five articles explore topics such as cannabis use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and related comorbidities.
The Society of Cannabis Clinicians has named Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research its official journal, expanding its mission to advance the understanding of medical cannabis. The partnership aims to promote rigorous clinical research on cannabis and disseminate new discoveries to practicing physicians and the scientific community.
A study found daily marijuana use is seven times higher among bisexual women than heterosexual women, with gay/lesbian women also reporting higher rates of daily and past-year medical marijuana use. The research highlights the need for targeted health-promoting policies for LGB individuals.
A systematic review suggests that cannabinoids in cannabis may help reduce nightmares and improve sleep for people with PTSD. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments and ensure their safety.
A new study suggests that chance and opinion cascades, rather than deeply rooted ideological differences, drive political polarization. The researchers found that early movers can trigger a cascade in which later partisans pile on to their party's position, leading to large political differences.
Researchers found a specific gene associated with autism undergoes changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, sparking further investigation into potential intergenerational effects. The study suggests a possible connection between cannabis use and autism, warranting urgent research given the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a portable breathalyzer that can detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a user's breath. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure THC levels and has been shown to be comparable to mass spectrometry methods.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that nearly one in four Arizona teens have used marijuana concentrate, a highly potent form of marijuana. The study also discovered that teens who used concentrates had more risk factors for addiction, including lower perceived risk of harm and peer substance use.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology found that 30% of young adult cancer patients (ages 18-39) tested positive for a breakdown product of cannabis. Cannabis users were more likely to be male and report having more severe symptoms, including pain and nausea.
Researchers found that altering sample preparation conditions in chocolate samples can significantly impact cannabis potency test results. They discovered that the matrix effect of chocolate's fat content is suppressing the signal for Δ9-THC, which could have major implications for producers and consumers of cannabis-infused edibles.
Researchers found strong evidence that cannabis alleviates pain, with users experiencing a significant drop in pain suffering after consumption. The study highlights the potential of cannabis as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.
Researchers surveyed 1,029 people ages 18 to 40 at EDM parties in NYC and found that one-third experience a drug-related adverse effect over the past year. The study also revealed that alcohol use was associated with the greatest number of adverse outcomes.
A US study found a significant increase in depression, cannabis use, and binge drinking among former smokers from 2005 to 2016. The findings suggest that these risk factors could threaten progress in reducing cigarette use.
A new RAND Corporation report estimates that US spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine reached nearly $150 billion in 2016. The market for cannabis is roughly the size of the cocaine and methamphetamine markets combined, with total spending fluctuating between $120 billion and $145 billion each year.
Brooklyn Bioscience, a NYU Tandon startup, has developed an engineered enzyme to detoxify organophosphates from crops, including cannabis, wine grapes, and tea. The technology provides a low-cost, efficient solution for breaking down OPs into benign products.
A new study found that the prevalence of depression, cannabis use, and alcohol abuse among US former smokers increased from 2005 to 2016. The results show that former smokers are more likely to be male, married, and non-Hispanic white, with higher incomes and education levels.
Massachusetts kids experienced a doubling of cannabis-related poison control calls after medical marijuana was legalized, with single-substance exposure increasing 140% and edible products linked to most age groups. The study calls for stronger regulations to prevent unintentional exposure among young children and enhanced efforts to p...
Rates of marijuana exposure cases among children and teens in Massachusetts rose after medical marijuana was legalized in 2012, with most calls coming from healthcare facilities. The majority of exposures were intentional among teenagers and unintentional among young children.
A new study from Penn State found that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use is associated with heavier drinking, more frequent consumption, and higher levels of sensation-seeking characteristics. Individuals who used both substances simultaneously were also more likely to experience alcohol-related problems.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 128,000 participants found a significant association between e-cigarette use and increased risk of marijuana use among adolescents and young adults. The study suggests that e-cigarette use may be a gateway to marijuana use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study by University of Houston researcher found that adults taking opioids for severe pain also experience increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues when combining it with marijuana. This highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Researchers at Indiana University found that mice voluntarily consumed edible THC, resulting in decreased activity and lower body temperatures. The study's findings have implications for understanding the health effects of marijuana edibles on humans.
A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that marijuana access leads to significant reductions in opioid-related deaths. The research found a decrease of 20-35% in annual opioid mortality rates following recreational marijuana legalization in the US.
A new study found a blunted response to stress-induced dopamine signaling in the brains of individuals at high risk for psychosis who regularly use cannabis. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of cannabis on brain neurochemistry, particularly among populations at risk for psychosis.
A study of adolescent substance use reveals that context plays a crucial role in decision-making about simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use. Adolescents choose to use substances based on how the physiological effects will fit with the social, physical, and situational characteristics of the context.
A recent study found that higher maternal Choline levels during pregnancy can prevent fetal brain developmental problems caused by marijuana use. Infants exposed to prenatal marijuana had decreased cerebral nervous system inhibition and lower 'regulation' scores, leading to attention and social function problems later in life.
Researchers found that a soybean antioxidant compound blocked damage to blood vessels in laboratory tests, potentially preventing cardiovascular side effects of recreational and medical marijuana use. The study suggests JW-1 could be a new way to protect blood vessels without psychiatric side effects.
Researchers uncover how cannabis creates potent pain-relieving molecules, targeting inflammation and offering a non-psychoactive alternative to opioids. The discovery enables the development of naturally derived pain treatments with potentially significant benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
The number of pregnant women using cannabis daily before and during pregnancy is increasing, according to Kaiser Permanente research. Cannabis use has risen from 6.8% in 2009 to 12.5% in 2017, with daily use increasing most rapidly.
Marijuana use among pregnant women in Northern California increased significantly between 2009 and 2017, with daily use rising from 1.17% to 3.05%. The study analyzed data from nearly 277,000 pregnancies, suggesting a possible trend towards more recreational marijuana use during pregnancy.
A new study finds that recreational marijuana legalization leads to a 8% increase in online searches for tobacco products, while searches for alcohol drop by 11%. However, the study also reveals that teenagers lose interest in cannabis after its legalization, contradicting common concerns about increased teen usage.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that marijuana users administered more discipline techniques to their children than non-users, including timeouts and physical abuse. This contradicts the popular belief that marijuana use leads to a more relaxed parenting style.
Researchers found small increases in nonmedical prescription opioid use and slight decreases or no change in prescription opioid use disorder among nonmedical users. Medical marijuana laws had little impact on individual-level opioid outcomes, suggesting insufficient policies to reduce misuse.
A large-scale clinical trial has demonstrated that cannabis-based medication can effectively reduce the rate of relapse in individuals with cannabis dependency. Participants treated with nabiximols used significantly less illicit cannabis and showed improvements in physical and psychological well-being.
A study by the University of Saskatchewan found that medicinal cannabis oil containing CBD and THC can reduce or end seizures in children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy. The research team tested a dosage regimen that showed significant improvements in quality of life for the children, with some experiencing complete seizure freedom.
A study of over 1.4 million high school students found no association between medical marijuana laws and teen marijuana use, but recreational laws were associated with a decrease in both past 30-day and frequent marijuana use.
A peer-reviewed survey of 1,000 people in Colorado found that 80% of cannabis users for pain relief also stopped using prescription painkillers. Additionally, 84% of those using cannabis to aid sleep reported a reduction or stoppage of over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that cannabis use increased by 9% per quarter and shifted from the illicit market to the legal one since retail sales began in 2014. The research team analyzed wastewater samples from two treatment plants in Western Washington, estimating the size of the legal marketplace.
A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.
A new RAND Corporation study found that young adults who live near medical marijuana dispensaries use marijuana more frequently and have more-positive views about the drug. The associations were strongest among those living near dispensaries with storefront signs, suggesting regulating such advertising could curb excessive use.
Chemical analysis of ancient wooden braziers from Chinese tombs reveals evidence of early cannabis smoking rituals, dating back to approximately 2500 years ago. The study suggests that people were aware of specific populations of the plant and interacted with them for psychoactive properties.
A chemical residue study in ancient incense burners from high-elevation burials in western China has provided the earliest clear evidence of cannabis use for its psychoactive properties. Researchers found that people were selecting plants with higher levels of THC and burning them as part of mortuary rituals.
Archaeologists and laboratory scientists discovered psychoactive compounds in ancient incense burners from the Pamir Mountains, indicating higher levels of THC. This study provides clear evidence that ancient people in eastern Central Asia used cannabis for its psychoactive properties.
Researchers found that states with strict cannabis laws had lower opioid prescription rates in people aged 18 to 54. Opioid prescriptions increased with age, but this trend was reversed in states with stricter cannabis laws. The study suggests a potential public health benefit of medical cannabis laws
A new national study by UBC researchers found that strong family and school connections are key to preventing substance use among transgender youth. The study analyzed data from 323 trans youth ages 14-18 and found that those with supportive families were 61% less likely to smoke tobacco and 88% less likely to report smoking cannabis.
Contrary to earlier research, a study found that medical cannabis laws were associated with a 23% increase in opioid overdose mortality. The reversal of the association occurred despite controlled data analysis and small population usage rates of just 2.5%.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that marijuana use can decrease sperm count and delay ovulation. The study also suggests that marijuana may affect couples with subfertility or infertility but has no impact on those without fertility issues.