Articles tagged with Cannabis
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.
A new case study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine reports a unique example of a patient with ALS who overcame nausea and vomiting linked to chronic cannabis use by reducing, but not discontinuing, cannabis use. This finding adds to clinicians' ability to respond to rare adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
The Stanford University School of Medicine study found that legalizing medical marijuana does not reduce the rate of fatal opioid overdoses. The researchers concluded that access to medical cannabis may not be a factor in reducing opioid deaths, contrary to earlier findings.
A UC Riverside researcher is leading a three-year study to investigate the long-term impact of cannabis exposure on metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. The project aims to explore how cannabis affects glucose homeostasis and its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.
Research at the University of York found women are underrepresented in studies on cannabis and psychosis, with limited information on female reactions to the drug and a lack of focus on countries outside of America, Europe, and Australia.
Researchers suggest that cannabinoids may relieve symptoms of OCD and related disorders through targeting the endocannabinoid system. Animal study data and preliminary human clinical trial results support continued pharmaceutical development.
A recent study found that older adults are using cannabis for various reasons, including pain management and depression. Despite the benefits, many report barriers to accessing medical marijuana, such as a lack of provider education and stigma. The study suggests that healthcare providers need to be more open to discussing cannabis use...
A survey of 48 oncologists and healthcare providers found that most believe medical marijuana has benefits for cancer patients, but are uncomfortable prescribing it. The main concerns include uncertain dosing, limited knowledge of available products, and potential interactions with other medications.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method to analyze the genetic characteristics of cannabis strains, providing a powerful tool for addressing industry claims and concerns. The analysis reveals distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoids and terpenes.
A recent UTSA study found that vaping is associated with an elevated risk of engaging in criminal activities such as violence and property theft among 8th and 10th grade students. The study suggests that vaping may embolden adolescents to engage in delinquent behaviors due to the ability to conceal illicit substances.
A synthetic, non-intoxicating analogue of cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to be effective in treating seizures in rats, reducing both frequency and severity with equal efficacy to herbal CBD. This breakthrough offers a safer and more accessible alternative for epilepsy treatment, potentially paving the way for clinical trials.
Adolescent cannabis use linked to impairments in working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive function. Cannabis exposure also associated with schizophrenia-like effects and affective abnormalities.
A UCSF study found that recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado led to a 10% increase in motor vehicle accidents, as well as a 5% increase in alcohol abuse and overdoses. However, it also resulted in a 5% decrease in hospital admissions for chronic pain.
A QUT analysis of studies on attitudes towards medicinal cannabis found that health professionals are broadly supportive but concerned about psychiatric harm and misuse. They also lack knowledge across all aspects, including pharmacology and legislation.
Top doctor David Nutt and mother of Alfie Dingley Hannah Deacon argue that many children are still not getting the treatment they need. Despite a law change in 2018, access to medical cannabis remains slow due to lack of training, fear of prescribing off licence, and difficulties obtaining supplies.
A study of 600 adult marijuana users found that cannabis use motivates exercise, improves enjoyment, and boosts recovery. While cannabis may not enhance performance, it could serve as a benefit to exercise engagement.
A new RAND Corporation study found that co-use of cannabis and tobacco or nicotine products is associated with poorer mental and physical health, as well as greater problematic behaviors among young adults. More than a third of surveyed young adults reported using both substances together.
A roadside survey found that nearly one in seven drivers with children in the car tested positive for THC, highlighting the need for better roadside testing for THC. The study also showed that drivers with children were less likely to test positive for THC than those without children.
A new UCL-led study investigates three genetic markers that influence cannabis addiction. Researchers found differences in cognitive mechanisms and identified a specific gene associated with increased craving and attraction to cannabis-related imagery.
A study by researchers at the University of Buffalo found that nearly two-thirds of cannabis users choose unhealthy snacks like chips when high, despite stereotypes suggesting otherwise.
A new study found that CBD buffers against THC's effects on the brain, potentially making higher-CBD cannabis strains less harmful. The research used fMRI to gauge how different cannabis strains impact brain function.
A recent study found that 40.3% of people with cancer used marijuana in the past year, compared to 38.0% without cancer. Meanwhile, prescription opioid use was higher among those with cancer (13.9%) than without (6.4%).
Research suggests marijuana users are more likely to maintain a healthy weight compared to those who don't use cannabis. The study of over 33,000 participants found that persistent users were less likely to be overweight or obese.
A study found that regular cannabis users require significantly higher doses of sedatives like fentanyl and propofol for routine procedures. This may lead to increased risk of adverse side effects due to dose-dependent side effects.
A new study in rats reveals that marijuana exposure during pregnancy can lead to behavioral and memory problems in babies. The research pinpoints how the drug alters neural connections in the hippocampus, a key area for learning and memory.
A clinical review provides interim advice on prescribing cannabis-based products and cannabinoids for certain conditions. The guidance highlights the importance of educating patients and clinicians about different products and their effects, particularly the difference between THC and CBD.
Research found that daily cannabis use was three times higher among those with past-month serious psychological distress compared to those without it. The study suggests potential consequences of increased cannabis use for vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical efforts to reduce excessive use.
Research published in Tobacco Control found that e-cigarette growth between 2011 and 2015 was not associated with the 'renormalisation' of smoking among teens. favourable perceptions of regular smoking also fell at a faster rate after e-cigarettes proliferated.
Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life. The study's findings raise concerns about prenatal exposure to cannabis and its potential long-term effects on brain development.
A new study found that cancer patients use more potent forms of medical marijuana with higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), relieving symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. Non-cancer patients, on the other hand, prefer CBD-rich formulations for their therapeutic benefits.
After Colorado's marijuana legalization, a three-fold increase was seen in cannabis-related emergency department visits. Edible exposure led to about 33 times more ED visits than expected. Psychiatric ED visits were also more common following edible consumption.
A recent study found that cannabis use among Canadian youth increased steadily after discussions on legalization and medical marijuana, with female and Indigenous students leading the rise. Rates of lifetime and past-year use were highest among male and Indigenous students, while Asian students had lower rates.
A new study found that inhaled doses as little as 2 mg of the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 can significantly impair cognitive function. The study also revealed that mixtures of synthetic cannabinoids can lead to serious adverse effects.
A study found that medical marijuana laws lead to a decline in reported pain and an improvement in overall health assessments among respondents with qualifying health conditions. The study also shows that these laws increase full-time work hours, suggesting improved labor supply among older adults.
A case-control study found a strong link between daily cannabis use and psychosis, with high potency cannabis increasing the risk even more. The study estimated that one in five new cases of psychosis may be linked to daily cannabis use, highlighting potential public health implications for changes in cannabis legislation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teen marijuana use decreased significantly after legalization in Washington state. High school seniors who work more than 11 hours per week were more likely to report using marijuana, highlighting the need for employers to enforce zero-tolerance policies and ensure...
A study of 204 older adults found that medical marijuana reduced symptoms of chronic disease, including pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety, in 69% of participants. Additionally, one-third of participants reduced their use of opioids, making it a potential alternative treatment option.
Scientists at UC Berkeley engineered yeast to produce pure cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, at a lower cost than extraction from marijuana plants. This breakthrough could enable easier medical research on the complex chemicals in cannabis.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico found that THC content is more important for symptom relief than previously thought. The study analyzed real-time measurements of cannabis effects using a mobile app and found that patients experienced an average symptom improvement of 3.5 points on a 0-10 scale.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that marijuana and tobacco co-users with a close link between their use were more dependent on tobacco and smoked more cigarettes per day. This study highlights the need for personalized cessation programs to address the unique challenges faced by co-users.
A new study from the University of Kent found no association between countries with tougher policies and lower rates of teenage cannabis use. Despite calls for harsher penalties, the research suggests that cannabis policy liberalization is not linked to reduced adolescent cannabis use.
A study by University of Colorado Denver researchers found an association between marijuana dispensaries and increases in neighborhood crime and disorder rates, with strongest associations weakening over time. The study suggests that dispensaries may be a factor in crime spikes following legalization.
A large-scale study of American high school students found that legalizing medicinal marijuana has led to a drop in cannabis use among teenagers. The study, which used data from over 800,000 students across 45 states, found a 1.1% reduction in teen cannabis smokers in states with medical marijuana laws compared to those without.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found cannabis use among adolescents is associated with a significant increased risk of depression in adulthood. The study's findings suggest that widespread cannabis use among young people makes the scale of the risk more serious, with a population attributable risk of around 7%.
A new international study reveals that adolescent cannabis use can harmfully alter mental health, even in teenagers without pre-existing depressive symptoms. The risk is particularly elevated in North America, where adolescents have higher rates of cannabis use compared to peers in other developed countries.
Research analyzing 23,300 people found marijuana use during adolescence increases risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts in young adulthood. There was no similar association with anxiety.
A case report describes a patient who developed cardiac events after consuming potent marijuana edibles, emphasizing the importance of understanding THC's effects on the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to educate patients with cardiovascular disease about cannabis use and its complications.
Long-term MDMA users display increased empathy and better emotional understanding than those using other drugs, challenging previous suggestions of heightened social distress.
A study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group examines parents' attitudes and challenges around marijuana use, highlighting the need for guidance and education. Parents want to learn how to talk to their kids about marijuana risks and effects, and seek information from trustworthy sources.
A Monash University study found that recreational cannabis sales led to an average of one additional traffic fatality per million residents in US states where it was legalized. The increase was short-lived, lasting about a year after legalization. The study also reported spillover effects on neighboring jurisdictions.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that men who have smoked marijuana at some point in their life had significantly higher concentrations of sperm compared to men who have never smoked. The study also found no significant difference in sperm concentrations between current and former marijuana smokers.
Researchers found that moderate cannabis use is associated with higher sperm concentrations and testosterone levels compared to non-smokers. However, the study highlights the need for more research on the effects of cannabis on reproductive health due to limitations in the data collection process.
A new study found that most medical marijuana users in the US are treating chronic pain, with 85.5% of patients reporting an evidence-based condition. The study analyzed data from states with legalized medical use of marijuana and found a dramatic increase in patient numbers over time.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabis treatment showed significant improvement in symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in over 80% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved quality of life, mood, and ability to perform daily activities.