Articles tagged with Cannabis
Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a significant association between marijuana use and an increased risk of death from hypertension. Marijuana users had a three-fold higher risk of dying from hypertension compared to non-users, with the risk increasing with each additional year of use.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System are conducting a five-year study to test whether medical marijuana reduces opioid use among adults with chronic pain. The study will enroll 250 HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults who use opioids and have received certification for medical marijuana use.
Researchers found chronic cannabis users showed no difference in cortisol levels during stressful situations compared to non-users, hinting at potential therapeutic benefits but also raising concerns about resilience and health. The study provides an important first step in investigating the effects of long-term cannabis use.
A study found that adolescents with an increasing pattern of marijuana use over their teens had the greatest dysfunction in brain reward circuitry, highest rates of depression, and lowest educational achievements. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marijuana use across adolescence to predict long-term impacts.
Researchers found an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into potent anti-inflammatory molecules, which bind to receptors in the immune system. This discovery demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce medicinal qualities similar to marijuana without a psychotropic effect.
A commentary in CMAJ argues that a two-streamed structure is necessary to keep patients safe and support research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. This structure would provide incentives for research, educational resources for healthcare practitioners, and reduce risk to patients.
A Seattle-focused study found that young people with chronic depression are at a higher risk of developing a cannabis-use disorder. The study suggests that preventing or reducing chronic depression during early adolescence could lead to a reduced prevalence of cannabis use disorder.
Researchers at NIST have measured the vapor pressure of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a fundamental property for developing accurate marijuana breathalyzers. The study uses PLOT-cryo technology to capture and analyze THC molecules, providing crucial groundwork for manufacturers.
A Canadian study found that frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The study suggests that emerging symptoms of depression are a key factor in this relationship, and highlights the need for targeted prevention programs to delay or prevent marijuana use amo...
Most reproductive-age and pregnant women who use opioids for non-medical purposes also use at least one other substance, including nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine. This finding suggests that public health efforts addressing the opioid epidemic should include interventions targeting concurrent use of multiple substances among these women.
A Dartmouth study found that adolescents in medical marijuana states with many dispensaries are more likely to try new methods of cannabis use, such as edibles and vaping, at a younger age. The researchers used online surveys distributed through Facebook to collect geographically diverse data on cannabis-related questions.
The guidelines, endorsed by Canadian medical and public health organizations, offer concrete recommendations to mitigate the risks of cannabis use. They address key areas such as abstaining from cannabis, mitigating risks for young Canadians, and harm reduction strategies.
A new study found that adult marijuana use rose significantly in states with loosely regulated medical marijuana laws, particularly among adults over 26. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder remained largely unchanged. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of regulation on marijuana use.
A new study found that college students in Oregon are using more marijuana following the state's legalization of recreational use. The study also revealed a link between heavy alcohol use and increased marijuana consumption among young adults.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that mixing booze and pot increases the risk of fatal two-vehicle crashes. Drivers who used alcohol, marijuana, or both were more likely to be responsible for causing fatal crashes compared to sober drivers. The researchers analyzed data from 14,742 fatal two...
Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that vaporized cannabis oil can produce cancer-causing compounds when heated. Formaldehyde levels were found to exceed the daily exposure limit with just one inhalation, highlighting potential health risks.
A new paper examines the diverging trajectories of cannabis and tobacco policies in the US, highlighting the differences in regulatory approaches. The study suggests that both communities could benefit from learning from each other's strategies.
A UK study found that regular and occasional cannabis use among teens is associated with a greater risk of other illicit drug taking in early adulthood. Cannabis use was also linked to harmful drinking and smoking habits.
Research finds that regular and occasional teen cannabis use is associated with a heightened risk of problematic substance misuse in early adulthood. Teens who used cannabis regularly were 37 times more likely to be nicotine dependent and three times more likely to have a harmful drinking pattern by age 21.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduce stress, while slightly higher doses cause increased anxiety. The study used a dose-dependent approach to investigate the effects of THC on stress in healthy volunteers.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has invested over $1.8 million in brain health research at Baycrest, led by Dr. Tomáš Paus and Dr. Bradley Buchsbaum. The studies aim to understand how cannabis use affects brain development and memory in young adults, as well as develop targeted treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group found that adult marijuana use declines with parenthood, but doesn't end. The research, published in Prevention Science, surveyed 808 adults over a 12-year period and found that parents' marijuana use is strongly related to their children's use.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that marijuana legalization will jeopardize young people's health due to its toxic effects on brain development. The journal calls for restrictions on potency and quantity to minimize risk, citing evidence that the human brain continues to mature until age 25.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that frequent recreational cannabis use increases the risk of gum disease. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 US adults and found that frequent users were twice as likely to have signs of periodontal disease as non-frequent users.
A special issue of Epilepsy & Behavior evaluates the benefits of medical marijuana for treating epilepsy, highlighting gaps in knowledge and education. Key findings include anecdotal data on cannabis use for epilepsy treatment and potential effects on brain function.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that cigarette smoke, marijuana smoking, and candles are significant sources of airborne particles in homes. The study also discovered that frying food and cleaning products increase fine particle levels, posing a risk to children's health.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of older adults prescribed opiates while hospitalized experienced poor outcomes, including being restrained and requiring bladder catheterization. Alternative pain management options like acupuncture and tai chi should be integrated into inpatient care, according to the study's findings.
A new study by RTI International found that using new marijuana products and edibles significantly increases the risk of experiencing an unexpected high. Most people who experience unexpected highs sleep it off or engage in protective behaviors, but some report unintended consequences such as having sex or ending up in hospital.
A study by the University of Waterloo found that frequent marijuana use among high school students negatively impacts academic performance, with those who started using regularly being four times more likely to skip class and half as likely to achieve high grades.
A new study led by the University of Delaware found that kids who are bullied in fifth grade often suffer from depression and begin using alcohol and other substances a few years after the incidents. The study also shows that peer victimization has lasting effects on substance use five years later.
Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.
Colorado hospital ER visits for teen marijuana-related issues increased fourfold after legalization, with 66% of patients exhibiting mental illness symptoms and 65% requiring psychiatric consultations. The study suggests targeted education and prevention strategies are needed to address the public health impact on adolescent populations.
A nearly three-year study in Denver found that legal marijuana shops are associated with an increase of about 84 more property crimes per year in adjacent areas. However, violent crime remained unchanged, suggesting that the negative effects of marijuana outlets may be limited to non-violent offenses.
A US national survey study found that illicit cannabis use and disorders rose significantly in states with medical marijuana laws compared to others. The increase was attributed to factors like perceived safety and availability, highlighting the need for education on risks and treatment services.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers links cannabis use in adolescence to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The research found that psychoactive compound THC triggers brain defects associated with the disorder in genetically susceptible individuals.
Research finds that medical marijuana laws are associated with higher rates of illicit cannabis use and disorders, particularly in states with earlier laws. The study analyzed data from three national surveys and found significant increases in cannabis use and disorders between 1991-1992 and 2012-2013.
Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.
A new study published in the journal Addiction suggests that cannabis use is associated with a lower risk of psychosis than previously believed. For patients with schizophrenia, cannabis exacerbates symptoms. Regulation of cannabis markets could help reduce health risks, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
A recent study found that female student-athletes who engage in community service and civic engagement are less likely to use dangerous substances. The research suggests that helping others can create positive change in the community and reduce stress-related substance abuse.
A recent study by UCSF found that young adults experience greater pleasure from smoking cigarettes while under the influence of alcohol compared to marijuana. The study, which used self-reported data from 500 participants aged 18-25, suggests that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol may be more pleasurable than co-use with marijuana.
A high-sensitivity troponin T test can safely rule out myocardial infarction (MI) in patients presenting to emergency departments with possible acute coronary syndrome. The test, combined with a non-ischemic electrocardiogram, indicates low risk for MI and allows for safe discharge of patients.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that being overweight at any point in adulthood increases the risk of death from various causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers analyzed weight history over 16 years and found that people with a maximum BMI in the overweight or obese categories were at ele...
Researchers have identified approximately 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis. These genes play a role in producing natural products like limonene, myrcene, and pinene, which are responsible for the plant's characteristic aromas.
A new study by McMaster University suggests that cannabis use is associated with an 82% increased risk of continuing opioid use among women in methadone treatment. The research found that nearly 60% of men and 44% of women using methadone also use cannabis.
A Vanderbilt study found that increasing the supply of a natural chemical called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain promotes resilience to acute stress exposure. The study suggests that boosting this signaling system could represent a new treatment approach for mood and anxiety disorders, including PTSD.
A new study by James McIntosh suggests that early marijuana use can lead to negative impacts on physical and mental health, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and increased risk of respiratory diseases. Young users who start using marijuana before the age of 15 are more likely to experience these effects.
A prospective study found that symptoms of depression, drinking alcohol, or using marijuana increased the risk of synthetic marijuana (SC) use one year later. SCs are potent chemicals similar to THC, often sold as potpourri or incense and appealing to adolescents due to ease of access and affordability.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart failure. Even after accounting for other health conditions and lifestyle risk factors, marijuana use was independently linked to a 26% increase in stroke risk and a 10% increase in heart failure risk.
A recent study found that over 60% of people support legalization due to increased tax revenues, job creation, and reduced prison crowding. In contrast, anti-legalization arguments emphasizing public health concerns received less support.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that college students who consume medium-to-high levels of alcohol and marijuana have a consistently lower GPA over two years. The study tracked 1,142 students for two years after they began college and found that those who used both substances experienced lower GPAs throughout the period.
A recent review highlights cannabidiol's effects on fear and drug memory processes, suggesting its potential as a treatment for anxiety-related and substance abuse disorders. Cannabidiol is not linked to the cannabis 'high' and may alleviate symptoms without unwanted side effects.
The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that 63% of patients with medical cannabis used it instead of their prescription drugs. The main reasons for this switch were reduced side effects, better symptom management, and a perception that cannabis is safer than prescription drugs.
Research published in BMJ Open found that brainy teens are less likely to smoke, but more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis. The study tracked the substance use of over 6,000 English teenagers from age 11 to 19, revealing persistent patterns into adulthood.
A new study conducted by RTI International found that many edible marijuana products lack clear labels, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are consuming. The study suggests improvements such as web-based education and graphics on labels can inform buyers and the public about safe consumption practices
The expansion of legal marijuana cultivation in US states is causing significant environmental damage, including high water and energy demands, local contamination, and air pollution. Researchers are urging the need for more studies on the industry to protect public health and the environment.
McGill University has become the world's first Open Science academic institution, aiming to accelerate research and discovery of new treatments for neurological diseases. The MNI is opening its books to international partners, ensuring transparent data sharing on genomic and health data.
Experts recommend that laws legalizing marijuana outline restrictions on age, frequency of use, potency, and advertising to prevent abuse. They also emphasize the need for additional research to guide informed policy decisions.
Researchers found synthetic marijuana compounds are chemically distinct from marijuana, activate different receptors, and pose health risks. Studies reported acute and long-term adverse effects, including seizures, psychosis, dependence, and death.
Research suggests that cannabinoids in medical marijuana could alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings. A specific compound, cannabidiol, shows promise in reducing anxiety related to cravings and restoring neurobiological damage.