Articles tagged with Cannabis
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that delaying marijuana use until age 17 is associated with better brain function and fewer cognitive declines. Adolescents who started using cannabis earlier showed poorer verbal skills and vocabulary, as well as difficulties with problem-solving and daily adaptation.
Medical students in Colorado express strong support for marijuana legalization, but hesitate to prescribe it due to limited data and training. Most believe further research is needed on its physical and mental health benefits.
A study by University of Colorado School of Medicine students found that nearly half believe marijuana has significant physical health benefits and 37% think it has mental health benefits. Despite this support, many medical students expressed hesitancy to recommend marijuana themselves due to a lack of data and training.
Researchers have identified a non-addictive pathway to pain relief by targeting endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. The study suggests that selective activation of CB2 receptors can contribute to the medicinal benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.
A recent study found that cannabis use among older Americans is increasing, with most users taking it less than once a week. The study suggests that social attitudes, state laws, and individual health needs are shaping these paths, and recommends a national survey to inform public policy.
Researchers developed a new method to detect trace levels of cannabinoids in breast milk, which could help determine health risks for infants exposed through second-hand use.
A study found that marijuana legalization significantly reduced perceptions of harm in eighth- and 10th-graders, but increased past-month use by 2-4% in Washington state. No change was seen in Colorado. The authors attribute the increase in teen use to reduced stigma and perceived risk after legalization.
A new study found that teen perception of marijuana's harmfulness decreased by 14.2% and 16.1% in Washington's 8th- and 10th-graders after recreational legalization, while marijuana use increased by 2.0% and 4.1%. No changes were seen in Colorado.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that states with medical marijuana laws experienced an 11% reduction in traffic fatalities, with the greatest impact on drivers aged 15-24 and 25-44. Dispensaries were also associated with a significant reduction in traffic fatalities among this age group.
A recent study from the University of Bristol found stronger evidence that schizophrenia risk predicts cannabis use, rather than the other way round. This suggests that people with schizophrenia may use cannabis as a form of self-medication to manage symptoms.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a significant rise in past-month marijuana use among women of reproductive age between 2002 and 2014. The prevalence increased from 2.4% to 3.9%, with higher rates among younger and pregnant women.
A new study from Colorado State University found that using cannabis for depression or anxiety relief may not be the long-term answer. Researchers analyzed data from 178 college-aged users of recreational cannabis, who reported lower symptoms of one condition compared to another.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
The 2016 Monitoring the Future survey reveals a significant decline in teen substance use, particularly among eighth graders, with past year use of any illicit drug at its lowest ever. Marijuana use also shows a promising trend, with past month rates dropping to 5.4% among eighth graders.
A new study found that only 20% of cannabis dispensary staff have medical or scientific training, despite recommending treatments to patients. The lack of training is concerning, as some recommendations may be ineffective and worsen patient conditions.
A small study found an abnormality involving the retina that may account for altered vision in regular cannabis users. The study used pattern electroretinography to measure retinal ganglion cell function and found a significant delay in transmission of action potentials.
A new study detected traces of THC, a primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the urine of children exposed to secondary marijuana smoke. Higher concentrations were found in non-white children compared to white children. Researchers call for further investigation into secondhand marijuana smoke exposure as a potential health risk.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have found measurable amounts of THC in the urine of young children exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke. The study highlights the need for education and awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke to children in areas where marijuana use is common.
A study found that cannabis users in Australia recommended package warnings that focused on driving ability, mental health, and addiction risk, mirroring some expert warnings. However, users also suggested unconventional warnings not typically recommended by experts, highlighting the need for caution in packaging cannabis products.
A recent NYU study found a 71% increase in marijuana use among adults aged 50 and older, with most users starting before age 18. The study's findings challenge the myth that older adults do not use recreational drugs, highlighting the need for further research on its effects in this population.
A study found that marijuana use prevalence increased by 6% among men earning less than $20,000 annually between 2007 and 2014, compared to only 2% for women in the same income group. This widening gender gap is linked to economic hardship and insecurity during the Great Recession.
A UBC study found that marijuana use could help some alcoholics and opioid addicts kick their habits, as well as alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and social anxiety. However, cannabis may not be recommended for conditions like bipolar disorder and psychosis.
A study led by Indiana University researcher Andrea Hohmann found a compound that reduces chronic pain in mice without addiction risk or 'marijuana high'. The compound modulates the brain's cannabis receptors and amplifies the therapeutic effect of endocannabinoids.
Prohibition laws on drugs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing addiction and violence, with a quarter of a billion adults worldwide taking illegal drugs. Doctors are calling for health and human rights to be prioritized over punitive responses.
Active marijuana use was linked to an increased risk of developing stress cardiomyopathy, a sudden weakening of the heart muscle reducing its ability to pump. Marijuana users were more likely to experience cardiac arrest and require implanted defibrillators compared to non-users.
Research suggests high-potency cannabis, with high THC and no CBD, increases risk of dependence. The study, which analyzed over 400 young cannabis users, found those who preferred high-potency cannabis were twice as likely to show problematic use.
A large Danish cohort study found that substance abuse increases schizophrenia risk by 6 times, with specific associations for cannabis, alcohol, and other substances. The study suggests a complex relationship between schizophrenia and substance abuse, with second-hand exposure to cannabis linked to increased risk.
An international team of scientists has created a three-dimensional atomic-level image of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), revealing an expansive and complicated binding pocket network. The findings have potential to guide drug design for pain, inflammation, obesity, fibrosis, and other indications.
The study provides a three-dimensional image of cannabinoid receptor 1, which is found to be embedded in the surface of many nerve cells. This discovery could explain how pain medications meant to mimic cannabis use without the 'high' can cause unintended side effects.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that adults 26 years and older increased their past-month marijuana use from 5.87% to 7.15% after medical marijuana laws passed, but there was no effect on adolescents or young adults. Perceived availability of marijuana also increased among those over 25.
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
College student marijuana use has continued to rise since 2006, with daily or near-daily use increasing from 3.5% in 2007 to 4.6% in 2015. In contrast, nonmedical use of prescription narcotic drugs has declined among college students, falling from 8.8% in 2006 to 3.3% in 2015.
A new study by University College London found that smoking cannabis makes people less willing to work for money in the short term. The researchers tested motivation levels in volunteers and cannabis addicts, finding no difference between the two groups when not under the influence.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that the number of US adults using marijuana increased between 2002 and 2014, with a corresponding decrease in perceived risk of harm. Despite this, the prevalence of marijuana use disorders remained stable, highlighting the need for effective education and prevention messages.