Articles tagged with Cannabis
A new study in Journal of Addiction Medicine suggests that people who use medical marijuana are at higher risk for non-medical prescription drug use, including pain relievers. The study analyzed over 57,000 responses and found that medical marijuana users were about 60% more likely to report any prescription drug use.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises against using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence on its effectiveness and safety. Effective treatments like CPAP therapy are available from licensed medical providers.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that racial minority adolescents have a high prevalence of substance use and are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research team analyzed data from over 20 years of national surveys and found that Pacific Islander, multiracial, and Ame...
Most older adults (4/5) support allowing medical marijuana if recommended by a physician, while 2/3 advocate for more government-sponsored research on its health effects. The poll also reveals conflicting views on pain management, with prescription medications seen as more effective in controlling dosages.
Two studies investigate the correlation between state-legal cannabis use and opioid prescription rates among Medicaid enrollees and Medicare Part D recipients. The findings suggest that implementing medical cannabis laws may lead to a decrease in opioid prescribing rates and spending.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.
A new study reveals that millions of Americans are searching for and purchasing illicit marijuana online, with the majority of search results linking to mail-order retailers. The study found that marijuana shopping searches nearly tripled in the US between 2005 and 2017, peaking at over 2 million searches per month.
A recent study found that riding with an impaired driver is prevalent among emerging adults, with 33% reporting the behavior at least once in the previous year. The study also showed that young adults are more likely to ride with a marijuana-impaired driver than an alcohol-impaired driver.
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that cannabis industry workers in Colorado are generally job-secure and valued safety, but lack formal training and face hazards such as ergonomic concerns and slips, trips, and falls. The industry needs to establish best practices and guidelines to improve worker health and safety.
A Northwestern University study found that coffee consumption decreased endocannabinoid system metabolites, which regulate stress response, cognition, and appetite. The study also suggests coffee may facilitate the excretion of steroids, potentially affecting diseases such as cancers.
A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.
Cigars used for blunt-making dominate the marketplace in states where recreational marijuana is legal, with fruit-flavored and small pack sizes being particularly popular. This finding highlights the need for stricter regulations on tobacco products to reduce public health risks associated with their use.
A recent study by the Academy of Finland found that daily and heavy smoking are independently linked to a higher risk of psychoses. Smoking begun at an early age was a particularly significant risk factor, with prevention of adolescent smoking likely to have positive effects on mental health in later life.
A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that individuals resolving cannabis problems do so at younger ages compared to those resolving problems with alcohol or other drugs. They also reported starting regular use at a younger age and were less likely to seek formal treatment, but more likely to participate i...
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found no significant change in adolescent recreational marijuana use following enactment of medical marijuana laws. The study analyzed data from four large-scale US surveys and concluded that medical marijuana laws do not increase recreational pot use among teens.
Recent studies on medical marijuana laws find no significant link to increased adolescent recreational use, contradicting previous claims. The evidence also suggests that legalizing medical marijuana does not necessarily reduce opioid overdose deaths, as other factors contribute more significantly to the decline in deaths.
A new medical guideline from the University of Alberta suggests that the benefits of medical cannabis for pain treatment may be outweighed by its harms. The guideline recommends considering medical cannabinoids only in specific cases with adequate evidence and after standard therapies have been tried.
Researchers found medical cannabis significantly relieves pain and improves quality of life for seniors with minimal side effects. The study surveyed 2,736 patients aged 65+ who received medical cannabis through Israel's largest supplier, Tikun Olam.
A 25-year study found a higher risk of fatal traffic crashes after 4:20 p.m. on April 20 compared to the same time period on other days. The study analyzed data from 1.3 million drivers involved in 882,483 crashes between 1992 and 2016.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that April 20 was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of a fatal traffic crash. The overall increase amounted to 142 additional deaths over a 25-year study period.
A study of four medical marijuana outlets found that customers didn't match the local population, with significant differences in age, ethnicity, and location. Dispensaries appeared to target niche markets, including younger customers and those seeking specific products.
Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association warns that schizophrenia and psychiatric issues may be triggered by marijuana use, especially among young people. Physicians are advised to counsel patients on dosing and risks, as well as consider a family history of mental illness.
A recent study in Oregon revealed that more than half of the public consider alcohol to be more harmful than marijuana. The study found a significant correlation between age and perceived harm, with younger people substantially more likely to view alcohol as more harmful.
A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.
Researchers are struggling to develop a reliable roadside test for marijuana intoxication, as THC levels can vary greatly depending on factors such as consumption method and pairing with alcohol. New biomarkers and tests are being explored to improve safety on the roads and address the complexities of cannabis use.
A researcher is using Twitter to engage African-American young adults in discussions on blunt use and the health hazards associated with it. The goal of the study is to develop an effective digital health intervention to reduce blunt smoking and decrease related morbidity and mortality rates.
A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.
Researchers found increased risk of congenital malformations with methimazole and propylthiouracil use during the first trimester. This association confirms the importance of minimizing MMI use in pregnancy and suggests reevaluating the current recommendation to switch from MMI to PTU.
A study by UC Davis found seven of 10 Northern spotted owls tested positive for rat poison, while 40% of 84 barred owls also contaminated with the poison. The illegal marijuana farms are contaminating the food web and posing a significant threat to the survival of these owl species.
A NYU study found that substances like alcohol and ecstasy increase both sexual desire and dysfunction, while marijuana has mixed effects. The study suggests different substances are associated with distinct sexual risks for users.
A recent Oregon Research Institute study found that recreational marijuana legalization had no significant effect on the number of youth who used marijuana, but increased the frequency of use among those already using it. The study suggests that community sales policies may not reduce teenage marijuana use and highlights the need for p...
A new study found that cigarette smoking rates increased among individuals with substance use disorders, including hallucinogens and heroin, while decreasing among those with cannabis use disorders. More than half of individuals with a substance use disorder reported cigarette use in the past month, compared to 18% without a disorder.
The 2017 NIH Monitoring the Future survey shows that nearly one in three 12th graders use some kind of vaping device, with significant declines in hookah and cigarette use. Meanwhile, teen opioid misuse has reached historic lows, with past year misuse of Vicodin dropping to 2% among high school seniors.
A study of medical cannabis dispensaries in Washington and Colorado reveals how communities vote affects marketing strategies, with traditional approaches dominating counties where recreational use was rejected. Dispensaries in favor of recreational sales adopted more risk-taking marketing tactics, emphasizing convenience and price.
Ontario students are drinking, smoking, and using drugs at the lowest rates since the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey began. However, new data on fentanyl use raises health risks for this potent opioid drug.
A study found that 92% of pediatric oncology providers are willing to help children with cancer access medical marijuana, but lack of standards is a major barrier. Providers were more cautious about recommending it due to federal prohibition and institutional policies.
A Michigan State University study suggests that THC in marijuana can reduce inflammatory white blood cells and decrease proteins released by the body, potentially slowing down mental decline in HIV patients. The researchers found that patients who used marijuana had lower levels of inflammatory cells compared to those who didn't use it.
A new study from Washington State University found that frequent marijuana use can strengthen the relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with opioid addiction. This suggests that marijuana may not be an effective treatment for managing these symptoms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to use marijuana on a daily basis. The strongest relationship between cigarette smoking and daily cannabis use is among 12 to 17 year olds, who are 50 times more likely to be daily cannabis users than non-smokers.
Teenage cannabis use at least 2-3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years. The study found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania, suggesting a potential causal link.
The NIH has awarded the Center for BrainHealth $2.5 million to examine cannabis use disorders and understand brain mechanisms behind problems related to cannabis use. The study aims to identify individual and cultural effects on severity of cannabis use disorder and inform public health policies.
Researchers found nearly 1 in 7 adult patients reported using marijuana at least once a year, with young adults more likely to use daily. Daily cannabis use was linked to higher risks of addiction and complications, particularly among young men with depression.
Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, finding initial impairments in neurocognitive function and subjective feelings of high. The results suggest that common use scenarios may not be fully represented by the low drug concentrations used in the trial.
Daily marijuana use and past month rates rose for men and women aged 26 and older in states with medical marijuana laws. Daily use was generally higher among individuals aged 18-25 compared to those ages 12-17 and 26 or older, regardless of state laws.
A study found that 43% of online cannabidiol products had more and 26% had less than the indicated amount on their labels. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and testing standards to ensure these products are used for medicinal purposes.
A new study by Penn Medicine researchers found that nearly 70% of cannabidiol products sold online are either over or under labeled, posing serious health risks to consumers. The study highlights the need for regulation and oversight in the rapidly expanding CBD industry.
A review of cannabinoids' therapeutic antitumor potential highlights their ability to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells. While promising, the evidence is currently based on limited human studies and animal models, emphasizing the need for further research.
Research by UConn Health scientists found that teens who used marijuana and alcohol heavily were less likely to achieve adult life goals. Heavy teen use of marijuana or alcohol was associated with lower levels of education, reduced full-time employment, and lower social economic potential.
Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.
Research at Boston University School of Medicine found that frequent marijuana use is associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with HIV who have an alcohol or other drug use disorder. The study suggests that marijuana may have detrimental effects on cognitive function in this population, particularly as they age.
Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of participants didn't develop problems with marijuana during young adulthood. The remaining quarter showed varying levels of limited, persistent, and delayed problems, often linked to childhood family conflict and instability. Anxiety disorders were a common issue among these users.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that frequent marijuana users had increased coital frequency compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 Americans aged 25-45 and found a positive association between marijuana use and sexual activity across all demographics.
A quarter of adults with problematic marijuana use have anxiety disorders in childhood and late adolescence. The study also found that some teens who abuse pot outgrow habit in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment and peer bullying were linked to an increased risk of chronic marijuana abuse, but not necessarily earlier use.
A systematic review found only two pediatric uses of medical cannabis to be supported by existing studies: reducing seizures and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the effectiveness and risks of medical cannabis in children and adolescents.
A recent study by Saint Peter's University Hospital found that US resident physicians are unprepared to counsel patients on medical cannabis, citing concerns over safety and addiction potential. The study highlights the need for further education among resident physicians in this area.
Researchers investigated optimal fertilizer rates and soilless growing substrates to grow cannabis plants with higher medicinal components and greater yield. The study, published in HortScience, is the first of a series investigating ideal horticultural practices for indoor cannabis production.
A study published in JNeurosci found that chronic exposure to THC may alter inhibitory function in GABA neurons, increasing dopamine levels and promoting addictive qualities. This discovery could lead to a new target for treating cannabis use disorder.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that customers prefer independent storefronts for buying cannabis over growing their own or getting it from dealers. The researchers argue that this 'store-front' system should remain when recreational marijuana use becomes legal.
A new study found that sustained cannabis use is associated with an increase in violent behavior in young people after discharge from a psychiatric hospital. Chronic cannabis use also leads to deficits in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that inhibits impulsive behavior.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered an antidote that rapidly stops the intoxicating effects of synthetic cannabinoids like 'Spice'. The study used mice to test a molecule called AM251, which blocks cannabinoid receptors and leads to a loss of behavioral effects within minutes.