Articles tagged with Cannabis
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that adolescent rats exposed to THC experienced molecular changes and increased motivation to self-administer heroin in their adulthood offspring, highlighting potential long-term effects of marijuana use on future generations.
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.
Researchers have identified a natural defence mechanism in the brain that prevents cannabis' harmful effects, opening doors to new treatment options for addiction. Pregnenolone, a hormone produced by the brain, blocks the activation of CB1 receptors, reducing intoxication's effects.
A new study by RAND Corporation estimates Washington state marijuana consumption to be about twice as large as previously thought, ranging from 135 to 225 metric tons in 2013. The analysis used federal data and a survey of marijuana users to improve upon previous estimates.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that heavy marijuana users had abnormal changes in their brain structures related to working memory, performing poorly on memory tasks. The study suggests that chronic marijuana use may contribute to changes in brain structure associated with schizophrenia and potentially impair motivation.
Small labs are setting up to analyze medical marijuana products for potency, purity and safety. They also check for mold, mildew, microbial contamination, pesticides and solvents.
Researchers at University of South Carolina discover THC influences microRNAs, altering gene expression and potentially treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. The study identifies specific microRNA targets for controlling inflammation and immune response.
A recent study found that cannabis use among adolescents is stable or increasing in developing countries, unlike richer nations where it's declining. The research suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in shaping cannabis use patterns among young people.
Researchers discovered that Δ9-THC causes an increase in COX-2 levels, leading to memory impairments. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen can prevent these side effects by inhibiting COX-2 levels.
Two healthy young siblings experienced acute ischemic strokes soon after smoking synthetic marijuana, highlighting the risks of this illicit drug. The study urges physicians to be aware of the potentially toxic effects of recreational synthetic drugs and to ask about pot and spice use in patients.
Research reveals that regular cannabis users exhibit increased impulsive behavior, impaired critical thinking skills, and reduced executive function, while cocaine users show heightened impulsivity and decreased impulse control. Long-term use of both substances may trigger addictive behaviors due to altered brain function.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that truck drivers frequently use substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, and cocaine while on the road. The prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, trip duration, and work conditions.
A study of 29,054 high school seniors found that those who use marijuana are less judgmental of other socially acceptable drugs like LSD and amphetamine. Conversely, youths from urban areas and those with strong religious beliefs tend to disapprove of harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Tel Aviv University researchers discover that compounds found in marijuana can prevent inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis. The study uses mice with MS-like symptoms to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and THC.
A new method developed by researchers could help diagnose and treat thousands of young adults and teens who end up in emergency rooms after taking synthetic marijuana. The study found significant differences in how individuals' bodies process the drugs, which could explain why some people experience more severe effects.
The global supply of illicit drugs has likely not been reduced in the past two decades, with street prices falling and purity/potency increasing. This study analyzed data from seven international surveillance systems to conclude that law enforcement efforts are failing to curb supply and contribute to violence and public health issues.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied 589 adults and found no association between marijuana frequency and health status, healthcare utilization, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or medical diagnoses.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with increased risk of addiction and mental health problems. The study suggests that specific genetic and behavioral factors influence an individual's likelihood of developing a dependence on cannabis.
A study of 12,000 young Swiss men found that those who consume addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis are more likely to seek information on these topics. Despite this, prevention campaigns may not be effective due to the complexity of individual knowledge and behaviors.
Researchers found that marijuana use in adolescence can lead to impaired cognitive abilities and abnormal brain activity, persisting into adulthood. The study suggests a critical period of development during adolescence where marijuana exposure can have lasting effects on brain function and cognition.
A study published in International Journal of Drug Policy found a significant increase in cannabis psychosis hospital admissions following cannabis reclassification in 2009. The study challenges the government's claim that stronger forms of cannabis cause mental health problems.