Articles tagged with Cannabis
Researchers found that marijuana-like compounds improved memory and reduced inflammation in older rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease. The study used synthetic compounds similar to marijuana to treat young and old rats, with the most notable improvement seen in older rats.
Researchers found that blunt smokers associate clinical symptoms with nicotine rather than marijuana dependence. The study of 92 blunts users in New York City suggests tobacco's presence may foster dependence on blunts.
A new study from the University of Washington found that children of smokers are more likely to smoke, binge drink or use marijuana in adolescence and adulthood. The study also discovered a link between substance use by parents and their children's behavior problems, with a transmission link observed across generations.
A study reveals that marijuana arrests shifted from rich areas to poor black and Hispanic neighborhoods in NYC between 1992 and 2003. The authors suggest issuing desk appearance tickets or asking smokers to stop instead of arresting individuals.
A new study in mice reveals that marijuana use at conception and early pregnancy can cause embryos to fail to reach the uterus, resulting in early pregnancy failure. The study found that THC, a major psychoactive component of marijuana, disrupts anandamide signaling, leading to impaired fertility and ectopic pregnancies.
Researchers found that early pubertal boys and girls were more likely to engage in abnormal eating behaviors and experience anxiety as young adults. The association suggests long-lasting changes in brain circuitry during early puberty, influencing behavior and cognitive functions.
A recent study by the American Thoracic Society found that marijuana smoking does not increase the risk of lung cancer or head and neck cancers. Heavy marijuana users, who smoked over 22,000 joints, did not have an increased risk of developing cancer.
A recent study using diffusion tensor imaging found no significant differences in brain integrity and volume between cannabis smokers and non-smokers. The findings suggest that moderate cannabis use may not have a direct impact on brain structure and integrity, but more research is needed to confirm these results.
A new study by the University of Queensland research has found a link between cannabis use and marital changes in children up to age 21. Children who experienced more frequent changes in their parents' marital status were more likely to report cannabis use, with almost half having used cannabis at some point.
A new DNA 'fingerprinting' technique separates hemp from marijuana by analyzing genetic markers. This method has the potential to distinguish marijuana varieties and aid in establishing origins of seized drugs, with implications for drug distribution networks and criminal defenses.
Frequent marijuana use leads to deteriorated cognitive functions, particularly in remembering new information. Long-term users showed significant impairment in cognitive abilities compared to non-users, with more severe decline over time.
A study examining drug use surveys found significant differences in how willing respondents were to disclose their use, particularly for marijuana and cocaine. The researchers suggest supplementing major surveys with drug tests to estimate willingness-to-disclose and its variation across different drugs and demographic characteristics.
A new anti-drug program, 'Be Under Your Own Influence,' has shown phenomenal success in reducing marijuana and alcohol use among teens. The campaign's focus on positive themes, such as independence and self-control, resulted in a significant decrease in substance use compared to schools without the program.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids, providing measurable antidepressant effects. The study found similar results to commonly prescribed antidepressants, suggesting URB597 as a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain and depression treatment.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to marijuana was related to abnormalities in the development of the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of fibers connecting language and auditory functions. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these changes in the brain are permanent or change over time.
Research suggests cannabis smoke contains the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke, but THC inhibits their activation in human cells, potentially reducing cancer risk. Cannabis has also been shown to kill cancer cells and reduce tumour growth.
Researchers have discovered a potential new target for cannabis-derived drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Cannabis-based medicines could help heal the gut lining, alleviating symptoms such as pain and weight loss.
The first year of marriage marks a significant change in relationships, leading to altered dynamics that influence marijuana use. Husbands are more likely to start or resume smoking if their wives do, while wives' influence on husbands is less pronounced.
Parents affect adolescents' substance use behaviors by influencing their images of typical smokers and drinkers, as well as their willingness to try substances. Strong parenting, especially in high-risk neighborhoods, has a positive impact on reducing substance use among teens.
Researchers identified a striking similarity in personality traits between problem gamblers and individuals with alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine dependence. Young adults with problem gambling diagnoses tended to exhibit negative emotions, impulsive behavior, and risk-taking tendencies, suggesting a common underlying profile.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring cannabinoids, such as 2-AG, play a role in stress-induced analgesia. A new drug targeting the enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase could manipulate these compounds to provide pain relief without psychoactive side effects.
A study of 72 adolescent marijuana users found that nearly two-thirds experienced four or more symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, including anxiety and irritability. The majority of participants also reported experiencing some withdrawal symptoms after abruptly stopping daily or near-daily use.
Researchers found two cases of severe anxiety and impaired psychomotor functions in male subjects who received oral cannabis, despite low blood concentrations. The study suggests that ingesting THC may produce potent metabolites that induce psychotic effects, contradicting previous expectations of safety with low doses.
A study of over 13,700 US school students found that those involved in substance use, delinquency, and school problems were at high risk for continued marijuana use. The study identified five stages of marijuana involvement and recommended targeting these areas for prevention efforts.
A new UK survey found that 947 people use cannabis for medical purposes, with 68% reporting improved symptoms. Younger people and those with chronic pain were more likely to use it for medicinal reasons.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that marijuana use impacts brain blood flow, even after a month of abstinence. The research involved 54 marijuana users and 18 control subjects, who underwent transcranial Doppler sonography to measure blood flow velocity and pulsatility index.
Heavy marijuana smokers face an increased risk of respiratory problems and are more likely to require medical services for these issues. The study suggests that the additive effect of marijuana on lung health is a significant concern for public health.
A new study led by McGill University aims to collect data on the safety of medical cannabis use in Canada. The COMPASS study will follow patients with chronic pain and assess various safety issues, including adverse events and cognitive function.
Researchers discover marijuana-like compounds can slow disease progression in ALS patients and protect brain cells from Parkinson's damage. THC and cannabidiol treatments delay disease progression by seven days and extend survival by six days in mouse models.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that marijuana use can cause tubal pregnancies by over-stimulating the CB1 receptor, necessary for embryo transport. The receptor's role in regulating muscle contraction to move embryos through the oviduct was discovered using a mouse model.
A new study suggests that high levels of church attendance in the ninth grade may protect some African-American teenagers from engaging in risky behaviors throughout their high school career. The research found that more religious activity in the ninth grade was associated with smaller increases in marijuana use among boys and cigarett...
Researchers found that delta-9-THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in some subjects. These symptoms included paranoia, thought disorder, and problems with memory and attention.
Recent studies on marijuana use among multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients have yielded mixed results, highlighting the need for further research to determine its efficacy. Patients reported using marijuana therapeutically to manage pain, spasms, mood, sleep, and stress, but also experienced side effects and variable doses.
A large study of over 400 oral cancer cases and 600 healthy controls found no link between marijuana use and increased risk of oral cancer. Marijuana users with certain genetic variations were also not at higher risk than those with normal genes.
A review of general population longitudinal studies found consistent associations between cannabis use and lower educational attainment and increased use of other illicit drugs. However, the evidence was less clear on psychological health problems and problematic behavior. The authors emphasize the need for more research to better unde...
A study published by the NIH found that US adult marijuana abuse and dependence increased significantly over a decade, with notable rises among young African-American and Hispanic men. The study used the DSM-IV classification system to assess trends in marijuana use, abuse, and dependence.
A study found that marijuana use disorders increased significantly between 1991-1992 and 2001-2002, especially among young black and Hispanic men. The increased potency of marijuana is thought to be a contributing factor.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found a potential link between adolescent marijuana use and increased risk of cerebellar strokes. Dr. Thomas Geller's study revealed three cases of teenage boys who suffered strokes after consuming large doses of marijuana.
A randomized, controlled study found that a Project ALERT program significantly reduced new cigarette and marijuana use among seventh-grade students. The program modified student attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, resulting in lower rates of binge drinking and overall alcohol abuse.
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics reveals how cannabinoids produce hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature. The research suggests that nitric oxide plays a role in regulating cannabinoid-induced hypothermia.
Teen ecstasy use declined for the second consecutive year due to increased perception of its risks, according to a University of Michigan study. Marijuana use also decreased in upper grades, with perceived risk increasing and overall use falling.
Researchers found that girls who became pregnant were more likely to experience higher levels of juvenile delinquency than their peers. However, those who chose to keep their babies had lower rates of delinquency compared to never-pregnant girls.
A Phase II study found dronabinol significantly reduced behavioral agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The medication also improved caregivers' burden and daily living skills.
A large-scale trial found no major effect of cannabinoids on spasticity but showed small reductions in walking time and subjective improvements in patients. The study suggests that cannabinoids may be clinically useful in treating MS symptoms, particularly when other treatments fail.
The UK trial found no objective evidence that cannabis benefits people with multiple sclerosis, but a majority of patients reported improved symptoms. The study involved over 600 patients and assessed the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing muscle stiffness and improving overall wellbeing.
Project ALERT reduced new smoker and marijuana user rates among seventh and eighth graders by 24%. The program also decreased binge drinking by 24%, counteracting critics who claim school programs fail to reach existing smokers and drinkers. Early users face increased risks for various high-risk behaviors.
A UB research study found that sperm from marijuana smokers exhibit abnormal swimming behavior, moving too fast and too early, which can lead to infertility. The study suggests that THC may be causing improper timing of sperm function or bypassing natural inhibition mechanisms.
Dronabinol significantly reduced agitation in 66% of Alzheimer's patients and improved functional status in 69%, while also addressing weight loss. These findings suggest dronabinol as a potential treatment option for managing behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A randomized, controlled study involving medical marijuana found no harmful changes in HIV virus levels or immune system function in patients with HIV. Participants experienced weight gain, but no change in their undetectable status.
Research reveals that obese individuals are more likely to develop symptoms of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes, with lower blood oxygen levels. In contrast, smoking marijuana or taking synthetic cannabinoids in HIV patients did not affect key treatment indicators, according to a new study. A no-fault medical malpractice syste...
A recent study found that while opinions on cannabis are more liberal, attitudes towards other drugs like heroin and ecstasy remain strong. Most people support prescribing cannabis for medical purposes, but strict laws still apply to these substances.
A study published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society found that chronic cannabis use has a small impact on learning and forgetting, suggesting selective memory defects. The research team suggests that heavy marijuana users often abuse other drugs with potential long-term neurological effects.
Researchers found that exposure to synthetic cannabinoids can disrupt attention and performance in tasks requiring sustained focus. The study's findings suggest that cannabis users may experience serious long-term attention problems.
Researchers found lasting cognitive deficits in individuals who started smoking marijuana before age 17. Those who began using marijuana at a younger age performed significantly worse on tests assessing verbal functions compared to those who started later or used it sparingly.
Researchers found that cannabis compounds have previously unknown qualities, potentially enabling the discovery of new treatments for neurological disorders. The study suggests that tailored varieties of cannabis may be used to prevent neurodegeneration and manage conditions such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases.
Recent marijuana use was more predictive of continued tobacco smoking than marijuana use months prior. Participants who used daily marijuana were over three times more likely to still smoke tobacco. Approximately 66% of recent marijuana users tried to quit tobacco during the following 13 years.
A study by Bettina M. Beech of the University of Memphis found that low-income young adult blacks light up to relieve stress due to various life challenges. Smoking rates among black high school students have increased 80% in the past decade, contrary to lower rates among white peers.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 15% of Ontario students with driver's licenses reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20% admitted to driving after using cannabis. These findings are particularly concerning given the high incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions among adolescents.
A large Australian twin study found that early marijuana users were two to five times more likely to develop problems with other drugs and alcohol. The study controlled for genetic and familial factors, suggesting a complex relationship between early marijuana use and later substance abuse.
A 22-year study tracked the health histories of 736 youths from childhood into early adulthood, finding that moderate to heavy tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of depression and psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. The study suggests a complex relationship between drug abu...