Articles tagged with Cannabis
The US hemp industry is expected to grow as the country's demand for healthful foods increases, thanks to the nutritional profile of hemp. The crop contains all nine essential amino acids, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and has been shown to have potential health benefits.
A recent study by King's College London and Sapienza University of Rome found that frequent use of high potency 'skunk-like' cannabis can cause damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter consists of large bundles of nerve cell projections, enabling communication between different regions of the brain.
The concentration of THC in Danish cannabis has tripled over 20 years, reaching an average of 28% per cent in recent samples. This significant increase is attributed to the growing trend of skunk farms in Denmark, which provide high-quality cannabis plants with elevated THC levels.
Research found that prenatal exposure to marijuana improves a child's ability to track moving objects, while alcohol has a negative effect on visual processing. The study suggests that health professionals can counteract the negative effects of drug use in pregnancy.
A large national survey found nearly 10% of Americans have lifetime drug use disorder diagnoses, resulting in significant impairment and comorbidities. The study also highlights the importance of treatment, with only 24.6% of those with lifetime diagnoses receiving treatment.
A study of Colorado local government officials found that public opinion (95.5%) and tax revenues (50%) were significant factors in their decisions to permit recreational marijuana use. Existing medical marijuana policies also played a role in shaping these decisions.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in the endocannabinoid system that may protect individuals from marijuana dependence after experiencing childhood sexual abuse. The study found that a specific allele of the monoacylglycerol lipase gene, known as rs604300, was associated with an increased risk of cannabis dependence symptoms.
A new review found scant scientific evidence supporting cannabinoid use in rheumatic diseases, citing only four small studies with limited information. Rheumatologists cannot recommend cannabinoids as a therapeutic option due to high side effects and limited long-term efficacy data.
A new MSU study analyzed historical data from India to find reliable economic information on drug use. It shows that users switch between opium and cannabis when the price of one goes up, a phenomenon called substitution. This finding has significant policy implications for tackling addiction.
The O'Neill Institute and WOLA are developing guidelines for public health approaches to legalizing marijuana, drawing from research and experience in regulating other products like tobacco and alcohol. The project aims to minimize public health harms and maximize benefits, with a focus on expert input from the public health community.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 167 fisher deaths were attributed to rat poisoning from illegal marijuana grows, with exposure rates rising by 6% between 2012 and 2014. The poison, often used as bait, has been linked to 10% of fisher deaths and affects the animals' ability to recycle vitamin K.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that fishers in California are being poisoned by rat poisons used on illegal marijuana farms, leading to a 233% increase in poisoning-related deaths. The toxicants are particularly deadly for male fishers, which are five times more likely to die from poisoning than predation compared to females.
A new urine screening method can detect even small amounts of chemicals resulting from secondhand marijuana exposure, addressing the challenge of assessing health effects. The developed method is 10 to 100 times more sensitive than current tests and could be used for large-scale population studies.
Researchers found that ischemic stroke in young adults who use marijuana is more likely to be caused by intracranial arterial stenosis due to a buildup of plaque. This condition was found in 45% of marijuana users, compared to 14% of non-users.
A new study suggests that a mother's use of marijuana during pregnancy may indicate the use of other illicit drugs. The study found that 26% of mothers or their newborns tested positive for THC, with concurrent detection of opioids (12%), amphetamines (11%), and cocaine (6%) also common.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
A study found nearly 3 out of 10 marijuana users experienced a disorder in 2012-13, affecting 6.846 million Americans. The prevalence of marijuana use doubled over the period from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013.
Research from Oregon State University found that college students who used marijuana or binge drank were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex. Students in serious relationships also had less condom use, despite putting themselves at risk for STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
A Canadian research team found that daily cannabis users did not experience serious adverse events, while showing improvement in pain and quality of life. However, non-serious adverse events like headaches and respiratory problems were reported.
If Canada legalizes cannabis, public health must be the top priority to prevent commercialization and potential harms. Experts argue that policy-makers should draw from research on tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis to create a regulatory framework that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm.
According to a new study, teen marijuana use has decreased significantly since 1999, from 47% to 37%, but is still higher than other illicit drugs. The study found a narrowing gender gap and increased usage among black teens, with rates of marijuana use surpassing those of methamphetamine.
Researchers found that current and former marijuana users are more likely to have prediabetes, but not type 2 diabetes, compared to never users. Marijuana use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes in middle adulthood, particularly among those who used the drug excessively.
College students' daily marijuana use has increased to 5.9% in 2014, the highest rate since 1980, with use on 20 or more occasions in the prior 30 days reported by one in every 17 students. This increase parallels an uptick in high school seniors' marijuana use.
Researchers found that THC delayed skin graft rejection in mice due to suppressed immune response, potentially leading to new antirejection therapies for humans. Further studies are necessary to confirm benefits in humans.
Studies found that cannabis use is associated with smaller left amygdala and right ventral striatum volumes, but no causal link was established. An editorial warns of potential risks for individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, particularly women.
Research found that cannabis use by age 16 affects cortical maturation in male adolescents at high genetic risk for schizophrenia. This study suggests a link between cannabis exposure and lower cortical thickness in these individuals.
A large-scale genetic study of marijuana and hemp revealed a lack of knowledge about cannabis due to its controlled status. Researchers found that cannabis plants are often incorrectly labeled and breeders' claims about strain ancestry are not accurate.
A recent study at the Center for BrainHealth found that nicotine use alters the effects of marijuana on the brain. The researchers discovered an association between smaller hippocampal brain volume and increased memory performance in individuals who use both marijuana and tobacco compared to those who only use marijuana or tobacco excl...
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that areas with a higher density of marijuana dispensaries experience a greater number of hospitalizations involving marijuana abuse and dependence. Hospitalizations with marijuana abuse or dependence codes increased from 17,469 in 2001 to 68,408 in 2012.
A study of 408 teenage males found that chronic marijuana use was not linked to later physical or mental health issues such as depression, psychotic symptoms or asthma. The researchers controlled for other factors that could have influenced the findings, including cigarette smoking and access to health insurance.
A University of Michigan study found that teens using marijuana for medical reasons are 10 times more likely to say they're addicted than those who use it illegally. The study highlights the need for improved medical marijuana policies to address teen addiction.
A recent study found that marijuana use among teens is increasing, particularly among black teens, while cigarette and alcohol use are decreasing. The study analyzed data from over 600,000 high school seniors between 1976 and 2013 and found a marked decline in cigarette use and an increase in marijuana use.
A University of Minnesota study identifies a single gene responsible for the difference in psychoactive content between hemp and marijuana. The discovery could strengthen hemp producers' arguments that their products should not be subject to the same narcotics laws as hemp's cannabinoid cousin.
A new study found that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, significantly enhances the healing process of bone fractures. The study, conducted on rats with mid-femoral fractures, showed that CBD markedly improves bone healing after just eight weeks.
Researchers found that blocking a specific pathway involving cannabinoid and serotonin receptors can reduce detrimental cognitive effects while preserving pain relief. The breakthrough aims to create safe cannabis-based therapies without memory impairment or other adverse effects.
Researchers have found a way to separate cannabis' medical benefits from its negative effects by blocking a specific pathway. This breakthrough could lead to safe cannabis-based therapies that preserve pain relief and memory function.
A recent study by University of Illinois economists found that marijuana users between 18-24 years old drastically reduced their marijuana use when they turned 21 and gained access to alcohol. The study suggests that alcohol may be substituting for marijuana, with women showing a greater decrease in marijuana use than men.
A new RAND Corporation study found that adolescents who saw medical marijuana ads were twice as likely to use the substance or report plans to use it in the future. The study suggests a need to revise prevention programming for youth as legalization and visibility surrounding marijuana change.
A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.
A new NYU study reveals that using marijuana to alleviate boredom increases the risk of reporting powder cocaine or hallucinogen use, while 'experimentation' is associated with lower risk. Infrequent use does not increase risk, and most teens who use marijuana do not progress to using other drugs.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teenagers are unclear about the risks of marijuana and e-cigarettes, receiving conflicting information from various sources. The study suggests that future messages should address the addictive potential, health risks, and presence of nicotine in these products.
A new study conducted at the University of Iowa's National Advanced Driving Simulator found that drivers who use both alcohol and marijuana together weaved more on a virtual roadway than those using either substance independently. The study, which analyzed the effects of inhaled cannabis on driving performance, also found no double eff...
A study found that most edible cannabis products sold in dispensaries carried labels with inaccurate THC levels, posing a risk to patients. The researchers called for better regulation and oversight of marijuana edibles to prevent overdosing and ensure accurate labeling.
A review of 79 randomized trials involving 6,500 participants found moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain and lower-quality evidence for nausea and vomiting. However, the effectiveness of cannabis for other conditions remains unclear, with increased risk of adverse effects.
An analysis of edible medical marijuana products found that many had inaccurate labeling, with some containing lower amounts of THC and higher amounts of CBD. Regulation and quality assurance are needed to ensure accurate product labeling.
A nationwide study reveals a significant rise in marijuana exposure among children under 5, with over 75% of cases involving ingestion. The study calls for states to include child safety measures in their laws when considering marijuana legalization.
Researchers at WSU Vancouver found that hunter-gatherer cannabis users had significantly lower rates of intestinal worm infection compared to non-users. The study suggests that the Aka people may be unconsciously using cannabis as a form of 'medical marijuana' to ward off parasites.
A study found that 67% of male Aka foragers in the Congo Basin used cannabis, protecting against parasitic worm infections, which are a major health problem in developing world populations. The researchers also suggest that tobacco use may have similar protective effects.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that targeted interventions can prevent, reduce, or delay cannabis use amongst high-risk youth. The study showed a significant reduction in cannabis use rates among sensation-seekers, with a 75% decrease six months post-intervention.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals an association between teen sleep patterns and substance use, including alcohol and marijuana. Adolescents who sleep less or stay up later are more likely to have used these substances over the past month.
Researchers found no significant differences in co-occurring substance use between medical cannabis patients using prescription pain medication and those who did not. Medical cannabis may be a safer alternative for chronic pain management, but communication between doctor and patient is key.
Researchers found that nonsmokers who inhaled secondhand cannabis smoke under extreme conditions experienced mild effects, including memory and coordination problems. The study provides significant insights into the impact of secondhand cannabis smoke on individuals and has implications for workplace drug testing.
Researchers found that a medical marijuana pill was safe and well-tolerated, but did not show significant improvement in behavioral symptoms of dementia. The study suggests further research is needed to test the effectiveness of higher doses.
The Quebec Cannabis Registry allows physicians to better manage medical cannabis use and monitor patient safety. The database will compile clinical data from patients using medical marijuana, providing valuable insights into its efficacy and risks.
Researchers suggest four strategies to prevent marijuana use among minors: increasing prices through tax policy, regulating retail availability, preventing accidental ingestion by children, and restricting marketing. These measures can help minimize youth access to marijuana.
A new study reveals cannabis consumers have a less active hippocampus and are more susceptible to false memories. Chronic use of cannabis can accentuate age-related memory problems.
A new study finds that simultaneous marijuana and alcohol users have double the odds of drunk driving, social consequences, and harms to self compared to those who use either substance alone. The research also reveals that concurrent users tend to have heavier drinking patterns.
A new NYU study examines prevalence and correlates of hashish use among US high school seniors, finding that males are more likely to use the potent form. The study also found that frequency of marijuana use increases risk for recent hashish use, with students who feel 'hooked' on marijuana nearly doubling their odds
Research in The FASEB Journal suggests that fenofibrate may become a viable treatment option for relieving pain, stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and preventing depression. The study found that fenofibrate activates cannabinoid receptors, which could lead to the development of new drugs targeting these receptors.
Scientists have found that marijuana potency has tripled in some strains since legalization, with some samples containing up to 30% THC. However, many products lack cannabidiol, a compound with potential medical benefits, and contain contaminants such as fungi and solvents.