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Marijuana users substitute alcohol at 21

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.

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2015

University of Iowa studies impact of marijuana on driving

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...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 23, 2015

NYU study identifies teens at risk for hashish use

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

SourceNew York University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateApr 13, 2015

An alternative to medical marijuana for pain?

Researchers discover cannabinoid CB2 agonist AM1710 suppresses chemotherapy-induced pain in mice without tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic effect of AM1710 is preserved even after repeated dosing and blocking CB1 receptors produces no signs of withdrawal.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2015

Pro-marijuana 'tweets' are sky-high on Twitter

Researchers analyzed over 7.6 million tweets about marijuana, finding that 77% were pro-pot, while only 5% were anti-marijuana. Pro-pot tweets often encouraged use and made claims about health benefits, reaching a large audience of young people at risk for substance abuse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 22, 2015

Half of young victims of fatal crashes in 9 US states used alcohol or marijuana

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that half of young victims of fatal crashes in nine US states were under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana, or both. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2011 and found that 50.3% of deceased tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, or both.

What 20 years of research on cannabis use has taught us

A major new review of cannabis research reveals adverse effects on mental and physical health, including increased risk of addiction, psychosis, and respiratory problems. Chronic cannabis use is linked to lower educational attainment and intellectual impairment, while adolescent use is associated with a doubling of schizophrenia risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateOct 6, 2014

Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity

A new study from Washington State University found that estrogen levels significantly increase tolerance to THC in female rats, making them more vulnerable to negative side effects. The research suggests that women are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and addiction when using cannabis.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 3, 2014