Articles tagged with Cannabis
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.
A study of 7,191 fatal accidents involving young drivers in the US found that half were under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. The researchers found no significant substitution effect between alcohol and marijuana use, suggesting increased availability may lead to concurrent use.
The 2014 Monitoring the Future survey shows declining rates of teen prescription opioid abuse, cigarette smoking, and certain illicit drug use. However, e-cigarette use among teens is high and concerns remain about its health effects.
A CAMH survey found that 2.2% of Ontario adults seriously contemplated suicide in the last year, with significant increases in self-rated poor mental health and cannabis use. The report also showed declining rates of non-medical prescription opioid use and a decrease in smoking prevalence.
A Vanderbilt University study suggests replenishing 2-AG levels in the brain could alleviate mood and anxiety disorders. By restoring normal levels of 2-AG, researchers may have found a potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression and anxiety.
Preliminary research suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can damage blood vessels as much as tobacco smoke, raising concerns about its impact on cardiovascular health. The study found that blood vessel function dropped by 70% after exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.
Chronic marijuana users have smaller brain volume in the orbitofrontal cortex but increased brain connectivity. The study found that earlier onset of regular marijuana use induces greater structural and functional connectivity.
The study found that 33% of high school seniors support full legalization, while 28.5% believe it should be treated as a minor violation. High school seniors who identify as female, black or Hispanic, and reside in urban areas are more likely to favor liberal marijuana policies.
A UK study of over 2,000 children found that occasional cannabis use during adolescence has no impact on educational or intellectual performance. However, frequent use was linked to marginally worse exam results at age 16.
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.
A study published by LA BioMed researchers found that patients who tested positive for THC in their system had a lower mortality rate than those who didn't, with only 2.4% of THC-positive patients dying compared to 11.5% of THC-negative patients. The researchers suggest that THC may help protect the brain after traumatic injury.
New research suggests that early exposure to THC may cause long-term damage to the immune system, leading to increased risk of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Studies involving adolescent mice found that THC treatment resulted in severe alterations of immune responses in adulthood.
A study of frequent marijuana users found that negative emotions increased in the days leading up to use and didn't improve with cannabis. The research suggests that this can create a vicious cycle where people continue to use the drug despite feeling worse afterward.
A large meta-analysis shows that frequent cannabis use during adolescence is associated with reduced educational attainment, increased risk of depression, suicide, and cannabis dependence. The study found that daily users are seven times more likely to attempt suicide and 18 times more likely to experience cannabis dependence.
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.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that 40% of cannabis-using adolescents experienced withdrawal symptoms, despite widespread perception of cannabis as nonaddictive. The presence or absence of withdrawal did not affect long-term treatment outcomes.
A new NYU study found that teen alcohol consumption is linked to unsafe driving and compromised relationships with peers, while marijuana consumption compromises relationships with authority figures. Marijuana use also leads to lower school or job performance and increased regret.
A study of 634 couples found that frequent marijuana use by both spouses predicted lower levels of intimate partner violence. The relationship between marijuana use and reduced partner violence was most evident among women without prior antisocial behavior.
A new study found that states allowing medical marijuana have lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, with a 24.8% lower annual mortality rate after laws were enacted. The alternative treatment may provide relief for some individuals and reduce the risk of overdose.
New research suggests states with medical marijuana laws have 25% lower prescription opioid overdose death rates compared to those without. This could be due to people choosing alternative treatments for chronic pain, or the law changing how prescription medications are abused.
A study found that states with medical marijuana laws had significantly lower average annual opioid overdose death rates compared to those without such laws. The years following implementation of these laws were also associated with decreasing overdose death rates, with strongest declines in early years.
A CU Denver study found that government regulations are causing an inequitable distribution of marijuana dispensaries in disadvantaged areas. The majority of allowable land for marijuana businesses is located in the city's poorest and most ethnically and racially diverse neighborhoods.
Frequent marijuana use can lead to poor attention, memory, and decreased IQ in teenagers and young adults. Brain imaging studies have shown significant changes in brain structure among adolescents who increased their marijuana use.
A recent study tested two brief counseling interventions for unhealthy drug use among primary care patients, but found no significant reduction in drug use. The authors suggest that brief counseling may be inadequate to address the complexities of prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that marijuana-dependent individuals' brains respond differently to drug-related cues compared to non-dependent users. The research used fMRI scans to reveal altered brain activity patterns, which may inform tailored addiction treatment strategies.
Scientists at UEA discover the cannabis compound THC can reduce tumor growth by targeting two specific cell receptors. The findings could lead to the development of a synthetic equivalent with anti-cancer properties.
According to a new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine, nearly all emergency patients who reported using any drug other than marijuana had problem drug use. The study found that 46.6% of cannabis users met the criteria for having a drug problem, with most also showing signs of addiction and substance abuse.
Researchers analyzed tweets from a popular marijuana account and found that 82% of recipients were under 19 years old, with 54% aged 17-19. The study highlights the need for discussion about pro-drug messages on social media platforms and their potential impact on vulnerable youth.
A study by King's College London suggests that genes increasing schizophrenia risk also contribute to higher cannabis use. Individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia are more likely to use and consume cannabis in greater quantities.
A recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that marijuana use is associated with increased risks of addiction, impaired critical thinking and memory functions, and lower IQ in teens. The study also highlights the need for physicians to convey to families the potential health consequences of early marijuana use.
A new study reveals that poor sleep timing and maintenance significantly predict academic problems, comparable to binge drinking and marijuana use. Healthy sleep habits are crucial for academic success.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have discovered a novel pathway for marijuana to suppress immune functions, suggesting its potential in treating autoimmune diseases. The study found that THC can change histone molecules leading to inflammation suppression.
A new study reveals that marijuana users are more likely to experience sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and feeling daytime sleepiness. The association is strongest in adults who started marijuana use before age 15, with those who began early being twice as likely to struggle with severe sleep issues.
Studies suggest that medical marijuana and CBD may help reduce seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome. However, current data is mostly anecdotal and not well-controlled. Researchers emphasize the need for rigorous investigation of medical marijuana's safety and efficacy before drawing conclusions.
Researchers found a significant increase in marijuana-positive drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado after medical marijuana commercialization in 2009. The proportion of such drivers increased from 4.5% to 10% between 1994 and 2011, outpacing the 34 non-medical marijuana states.
Researchers found that college students were more likely to drive and ride after marijuana use compared to alcohol use. The study suggests that social norms regarding marijuana use are changing, leading to increased acceptance of driving under the influence of marijuana.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Washington found that underage male college students who report using marijuana in the previous 28 days had a high prevalence of driving under its influence. The study also revealed that riding with a marijuana-using driver was more...
Researchers at the University of Washington found that among active-duty Army personnel who use illicit drugs, synthetic marijuana is the most abused substance. Synthetic marijuana, also known as Spice, contains chemicals that mimic THC and can have unpredictable health effects.
Using substances at school is linked to increased odds of serious health risks such as depression and intimate partner violence. Students who used alcohol or marijuana on campus had a higher chance of experiencing these issues compared to those who used substances only out-of-school.
The American Academy of Neurology review found that medical marijuana can help treat spasticity, pain, and overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients. However, its effectiveness in other neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia, and epilepsy remains uncertain.
Teens who used both drugs in the past year had higher rates of traffic tickets/warnings and car accidents. Kids who used alcohol and marijuana at the same time were about 50 to 90 percent more likely to admit to unsafe driving than their peers.
A French study found that marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular-related complications, including heart attacks and peripheral artery diseases. Researchers analyzed 35 cases of marijuana-related complications and reported a significant increase in cardiovascular events among young and middle-aged adults.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital compared data from states with and without medical marijuana laws, finding no significant increase in adolescent marijuana use. The research suggests that state medical marijuana policies do not have a downstream effect on teenage drug use, contrary to concerns from the public.
New research outlines how regulations on alcohol and tobacco may inform policies on legalizing marijuana. The study aims to help policymakers understand the decisions they face while taking a public health approach.
A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.
Research finds brain differences in young adults who smoke marijuana at least once a week, including altered reward processing regions and shape/density changes. Casual marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, highlighting the importance of studying long-term effects.
According to a new UT Dallas study, published in PLOS ONE, the legalization of medical cannabis has no correlation with increased crime rates. In fact, some types of violent crime, such as homicide and assault, may decrease after medical marijuana laws are implemented.
The guideline states that certain forms of medical marijuana in pill or oral spray form may help reduce patients' reported spasticity symptoms, pain due to spasticity, and frequent urination. However, long-term safety of medical marijuana use is not known, and potential side effects include seizures, dizziness, and psychological problems.
A Sam Houston State University study found that parents' substance use significantly increases the likelihood of their children using drugs. The study tracked 655 parents and 1,227 offspring over 27 years, revealing patterns of intergenerational drug use.
Research from The Netherlands found that high-potency cannabis users still take in more THC than lower potency smokers. Despite attempting to compensate by inhaling less smoke, titration efforts were only partially successful, resulting in roughly half of the THC strength being absorbed.
The study found cocaine use dropped sharply across the US from 2006 to 2010, while marijuana consumption increased significantly during the same period. Researchers also estimated that Americans spent over $100 billion annually on illicit drugs between 2000 and 2010.
Researchers identify cannabinoid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The discovery may help explain why marijuana users take the drug to reduce anxiety.
Patients with rheumatic conditions are turning to herbal cannabis for symptom relief, but medical evidence is lacking. The study advises healthcare providers to discourage patients from using this drug as therapy due to potential harm and availability of other therapies.
A study by New York University finds that high school seniors, normally at low risk for marijuana use, reported intention to try marijuana if legal. The researchers anticipate a 5.6% absolute increase in lifetime prevalence among this age group.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.
Non-alcohol drug prevalence in fatally injured drivers has increased significantly, particularly for marijuana, which tripled in 10-year period, according to Columbia University researchers studying toxicological testing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
A new study reveals that hempseed oil contains a variety of substances promoting good health, including sterols, aliphatic alcohols, and linolenic acids. The oil's omega-3 fatty acid content may help prevent coronary heart disease.
Studies conducted by University of Tennessee researchers found a strong link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse in intimate partner relationships. In contrast, marijuana use was not associated with an increased risk of violence. The findings suggest that domestic violence prevent...
A study published in the EMBO Journal found that cannabis consumption during pregnancy can lead to defective nerve cell development, affecting higher cognitive functions and memory formation. The study identified THC as a key contributor to these developmental deficits.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a wide range of dangers associated with synthetic marijuana use. The substance has been linked to altered mental status, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties, resulting in over 263 emergency room visits in Colorado alone.