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Cannabis-based products show limited short-term benefit for chronic pain, with increased risk of adverse effects

A systematic review found that cannabis products with higher THC concentration provide small improvements in pain and function, but at the cost of increased risks of common adverse events. CBD-only formulations showed no benefits. Long-term research is needed to guide patients and policymakers.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 22, 2025

Clinical trial finds cannabis use not a barrier to quitting nicotine vaping

A new clinical trial found that varenicline, a medication for quitting nicotine, was effective in vaping cessation regardless of cannabis use. Cannabis use did not appear to be a barrier to successful vaping cessation, and participants who used cannabis had similar odds of achieving abstinence as those who did not.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2025

New computer simulation could light the way to safer cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals

A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2025

Want to curb cannabis-related crashes? Don’t forget older adults, study finds

A new study suggests that prevention campaigns for cannabis-related vehicle crashes should target middle-aged and older adults, who are at risk of driving after using the drug. Adults over 50 who use cannabis daily or have mental health reasons are most likely to drive after using THC-containing products.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2025

Medical cannabis program reduces opioid use

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults with chronic pain who used medical cannabis had a 22% reduction in opioid use. The study, led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, suggests that supervised use of medical cannabis can relieve chronic pain and reduce reliance on prescription opioids.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2025

Increased use of cannabis seen among adolescents with psychiatric illnesses after cannabis sales became legal

After cannabis sales became legal, rates of cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders increased significantly among adolescents aged 12 to 17 presenting for psychiatric emergencies. The study found a fourfold increase in cannabis use and a similar rise in cannabis-related disorders among this age group.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Smoking cannabis and eating highly processed foods raises cardiac health risks, USF study finds

A recent USF study found that smoking cannabis and consuming omega-6 enriched processed foods compromises the immune system, leading to weakened heart function and increased inflammation. The combination can weaken the body's defense mechanism, making it harder for the heart to repair damage caused by inhaling cannabis.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalLife Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

Study links early cannabis use and health problems

A new study found that adolescents who start using cannabis early are more likely to need healthcare for mental and physical problems as they enter adulthood. Those who began using cannabis before age 15 were more likely to seek care for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and physical health issues.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2025

Teenagers and young adults who use cannabis have a higher risk of progressing to regular tobacco use

A study published in Tobacco Control found that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, even if they haven't previously tried tobacco. The study estimated that 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis, with significant implications for tobacco control programs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateOct 23, 2025

BGU-RADAR Center and US universities chart roadmap for medical cannabis education and clinical practice

The BGU-RADAR Center, in collaboration with leading US universities, has developed a consensus statement on essential knowledge and skills for integrating medical cannabis into clinical practice responsibly. The statement outlines key competencies for healthcare providers to counsel patients effectively on medical cannabis use.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateOct 8, 2025

Cannabis use associated with a quadrupling of risk of developing type 2 diabetes, finds study of over 4 million adults

A new study analyzing real-world data from over 4 million adults found that cannabis users face almost four times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within five years compared to non-users. The study suggests that long-term metabolic effects of cannabis use may be linked to insulin resistance and unhealthy dietary behaviors.

Combined alcohol and cannabis use linked to adverse consequences in young adults, York U led study finds

A new longitudinal study by York University found that young adults using both substances in times of high stress and emotional distress reported more negative life consequences. The study suggests that understanding combined use can help young adults mitigate the risk and seek healthier coping mechanisms.

SourceYork University·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2025

Largest ever study into cannabis use investigates risk of paranoia and poor mental health in the general population

Research from King's College London and University of Bath found that people who self-medicate with cannabis for physical or mental discomfort are more likely to develop paranoia and anxiety. The study also discovered a link between childhood trauma and increased paranoia scores, which is exacerbated by cannabis use.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2025

High concentration THC associated with schizophrenia, psychosis, and other unfavorable mental health outcomes

A systematic review found that high-concentration delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products are linked to unfavorable mental health outcomes, including psychosis and schizophrenia. The review of 99 studies suggests that higher THC concentrations increase the risk for adverse mental health effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 25, 2025

Cannabis products at unlicensed shops lack safety labels, use kid-friendly packaging

A study by Columbia University researchers found that unlicensed cannabis products often lack required health warnings and safety features, while also using appealing packaging to attract minors. The study highlights a need for coordinated regulation to ensure product safety and prevent misleading marketing.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 5, 2025

New study shows young adults who use high strength cannabis do not ‘titrate’ to less risky levels of use

A new study found that young adults using high-strength cannabis in California tend to consume more and experience greater symptoms of cannabis use disorder. The study, which surveyed over 400 participants, showed a significant association between THC potency and cannabis consumption frequency and quantity.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2025

Research alert: Cannabis use disorder triples risk of oral cancer

A recent study by researchers at University of California San Diego School found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are more than three times more likely to develop oral cancer within five years. The study highlights the potential long-term health risks associated with problematic cannabis use and emphasizes the need for furth...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateJul 29, 2025

US adolescents with cannabis use disorder failing to complete rehabilitation

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that US adolescents with cannabis use disorder have low treatment completion rates, ranging from 34.2% to 33.8%. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out, transferring facilities, and being terminated. Adolescents who began using cannabis at a younger age...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPediatric Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2025

Cannabis use and benign salivary gland neoplasms

A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found an association between cannabis use disorder and benign salivary gland tumors. The researchers call for further prospective research to confirm this association and understand the relationship between cannabis use and these tumors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 17, 2025

Cannabidiol and liver enzyme level elevations in healthy adults

A randomized clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) administration led to liver enzyme level elevations in 5.6% of participants and potential drug-induced liver injury in 4.9%. Hepatic enzymes returned to normal within weeks after discontinuation. Further research is needed on CBD's long-term effects and safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 7, 2025

Tests to detect marijuana-impaired driving based on ‘pseudoscience’

Law enforcement use subjective tactics to detect marijuana impairment, but these methods have limited scientific basis. Scientists must get involved to develop reliable tools, and funding from legal marijuana sales could support research. A new perspective calls for a more evidence-based approach to road safety.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 30, 2025