Articles tagged with Cannabis
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.
Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.
A new study found that approximately one-quarter of surveyed cancer patients used marijuana in the past year, mostly for physical and psychological symptoms. The study also revealed that legalization increased the likelihood for use among patients.
Researchers warn of the dangers of cannabinoid abuse, particularly seizures, caused by synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-018. A potential treatment with CB1R antagonist AM-251 has been proposed for cases of cannabinoid overdose.
A roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Daniele Piomelli, U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, and Lori Ajax explored the intersection of medicine, law, and society regarding cannabis. The panelists shared their perspectives on topics including addiction risk, business operations, and cancer pain relief.
A study found that only 9% of medical schools teach their students about medical marijuana, leaving physicians-in-training unprepared to address patient questions. The research highlights a mismatch between state laws and medical education, emphasizing the need for more training on the benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana.
A preliminary study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that marijuana use can cause temporary paranoia and psychosis-related effects in individuals at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This population includes those with family history of psychosis or other risk factors.
Western researchers have identified a specific mechanism in the prefrontal cortex for the mental health risks associated with adolescent marijuana use and developed a way to reverse those risks using pharmaceuticals. The study found that reducing GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, can lead to hyperactive states in the brain's dopami...
A NYU study found that 3% of high school seniors reported current synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use, with nearly half using more than three times in the past month. Daily or almost-daily use was also common among SC users, particularly males and African Americans.
The international drug control treaties are under scrutiny as more countries legalize cannabis, leading to calls for policy reform. Professor Wayne Hall suggests a cautious approach to reform, advocating for incremental liberalization of drug policies through trials and evaluations.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that cannabidiol reduces symptoms such as impaired memory in adolescent mice exposed to THC, suggesting a protective effect of CBD against the negative effects of chronic THC use.
A recent study of healthy young adults found no association between marijuana use and change in kidney function over time or albumin in the urine. Further research is needed to assess the effects of marijuana on older adults and patients with kidney disease.
A recent study found that while marijuana use amongst youth has remained relatively unchanged, admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities have increased. Researchers attribute this rise to a heightened perception of high-risk behavior among young people, particularly as states legalize marijuana.
The scientific evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive, with only low-strength evidence suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers found significant risks associated with cannabis use, including increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and psychotic symptoms.
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 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.
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.