Articles tagged with Cannabis
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
A study found that teens who engage in extreme dieting are more likely to smoke, use marijuana, and experience suicidal thoughts. Moderate dieters were less likely to exhibit these behaviors, suggesting a link between extreme dieting and underlying issues of self-esteem or peer influence.
Researchers at the University of California - Irvine have discovered two new compounds, URB532 and URB597, that relieve anxiety by inhibiting the breakdown of natural neurotransmitters, similar to Prozac. These gentler biochemical approaches may lead to more effective and side-effect-free treatments for anxiety and depression.
Research reported in this supplement describes how marijuana affects nearly every organ system, including cognitive function, heart rate, and respiratory health. The findings add to evidence that marijuana use is linked to various health hazards.
A USF/UCLA study shows that healthy humans who smoke marijuana alter the expression of marijuana receptors on immune cells in their blood. The findings suggest that cannabinoids might benefit someone with chronic inflammatory disease but not those with a chronic infectious disease like HIV infection.
A study found that certain alleles or genotypes of the CNR1 gene may confer a susceptibility to schizophrenia, especially of the hebephrenic type. The presence of specific polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Following the 9/11 attacks, a study found that nearly one-third of respondents increased their use of alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes, with the largest increase in alcohol consumption. The study also found that people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
A large randomized clinical trial found that synthetic THC and plant-extract marijuana derivatives were safe but showed no improvement in spasticity symptoms for multiple sclerosis patients. Side effects, particularly with the plant-extract, were common and may limit potential dosages.
A study of over 40,000 young participants found that marijuana smokers are more likely to have the opportunity and try hallucinogens. By age 21, nearly half of marijuana smokers had tried a hallucinogen, compared to one in 16 who had never smoked.
A Canadian study found that heavy marijuana use is associated with decreased IQ scores, but light and former use are linked to modest gains. The research, which followed 70 subjects over several years, suggests that the effects of marijuana on intelligence may be more complex than previously thought.
A one-year pilot study will examine the effects of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain, with a focus on dosing and side effects. The trial will recruit 32 patients and use four strains of cannabis to assess pain intensity and quality of life.
Researchers found that TV PSAs targeting teens with high sensation-seeking traits reduced their marijuana use by at least 26.7%. The campaigns also reversed the trend of more teens using marijuana as they get older.
Researchers find that higher prices and perceived risks of harm lead to lower marijuana use among high school seniors, while declining risk leads to increased use. The study utilizes nationally representative data to explore the relationship between price, perceptions, and marijuana use trends.
The University of California has established the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) to conduct rigorous scientific studies on medicinal cannabis. The center aims to assess the safety and efficacy of cannabis in treating specific medical conditions, such as severe appetite suppression, chronic pain, and nausea associated with...
A new study by University of Washington researchers shows that firm parental rules can prevent or delay teen use of alcohol and marijuana. The study found that clear family rules, consistent discipline, and knowing where kids are with can make a big difference in preventing early substance use.
A comprehensive study of HIV patients taking protease inhibitors found that marijuana use did not alter viral loads, with subjects who smoked or took oral dronabinol experiencing slightly greater declines in HIV RNA levels than those taking placebos. Adverse effects were minimal and not statistically significant.
Recent UI studies found that frequent marijuana users have substantially lower blood flow to certain parts of their brains, indicating altered brain function. However, smoking the illicit drug does not affect brain size or structure, contradicting previous claims.
A recent study found that smoking cannabis regularly may increase the risk of developing emphysema, a disease that damages lung tissue and reduces surface area. The study examined four young men who smoked heavily and found large areas of their lungs had disappeared and been replaced with cysts.
A Boston study found that marijuana smoke increases the risk of a heart attack by nearly five-fold within the first hour, but the effect decreases rapidly over time. The study used a multicenter design and included 3,882 patients who survived heart attacks.
Middle-aged and elderly marijuana smokers increase their risk of a heart attack by more than four and a half times during the first hour after smoking, according to a recent study. The study found that the risk of a heart attack is highest in the first hour after use, but drops significantly after two hours.
Researchers from Clemson University and UK scientists found that synthetic cannabinoids reduce spasticity and tremor in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to treatments without psychoactive side effects.