Articles tagged with Cannabis
Researchers found that households with reported in-home cannabis smoking had a child with detectable cannabis biomarker levels five times higher than those without in-home smoking. Reducing in-home cannabis smoking could substantially reduce children's exposure to toxic chemicals.
A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke at home have significantly higher urinary cannabinoid biomarker levels, indicating increased exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Reducing in-home cannabis smoking can substantially reduce child exposure to these harmful substances.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.
Researchers developed an Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE) to establish standardized cannabis dosing guidelines. The study found that two puffs from a joint, pipe, or vaporizer equal one bong hit in terms of psychoactive effects.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found no changes in opioid outcomes among the general population with the states' passage of medical and recreational marijuana laws. Decreases in opioid outcomes were observed among people reporting cannabis use but not when both medical and recreational use laws existed.
A longitudinal cohort study found that state cannabis legalization is associated with increased cannabis use disorder and poisoning diagnoses. Communities with increased access to cannabis may experience increased healthcare use and costs due to these rising diagnoses.
A recent study published in Social Science & Medicine reveals the complexities of conducting cannabis research in Canada, where researchers face structural barriers and concerns about scientific integrity. The study suggests key solutions to increase public funding, enhance transparency, and promote independence in research.
A new study explores whether CBD can reduce scan-related anxiety in advanced breast cancer patients, finding it was safe but did not significantly change anxiety levels. However, participants who consumed CBD experienced lower anxiety levels after treatment.
A study by Curtin University found that when cigarette prices increased, cannabis use among older Australians (aged over 50) rose, with 68,000 people expected to start using cannabis. Researchers used data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey and ran simulations to predict the impact of price increases.
Research from King's College London finds that frequent cannabis use increases psychosis risk, regardless of genetic load for schizophrenia. The study used polygenic risk scores to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.
A new Washington State University study reveals that teens' perceptions of parent cannabis use shape their attitudes towards the drug and intentions to try it. The research highlights the crucial roles of parental monitoring and closeness in adolescents' views on cannabis.
A recent review paper suggests that cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system in various ways, influencing attention, hyperactivity, and anxiety in individuals with ADHD. However, the picture is complicated by the complexity of cannabis products and legal restrictions on marijuana use.
Researchers found that alcohol use was a consistent factor in those who had never vaped cannabis to begin or experiment. Depression also predicted cannabis vaping initiation among certain demographics. The study suggests that targeting both alcohol and mental health prevention can help delay substance initiation in youth.
A new study found that cannabis use worsens reduced brain connectivity in individuals at high risk of psychosis. This deficit is associated with symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation, which are difficult to treat with current medications.
A recent study published by the University of Kansas found that cannabis users tend to consume less when they have responsibilities like job interviews or caring for children. People who rated the suitability of using cannabis in these situations more highly were also more likely to consider using the drug.
A new study found that excessive social media use among 11-12-year-olds is associated with increased experimentation with substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis. Schools and parents can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by implementing media literacy programs and monitoring content.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC increases dopamine release and rewires the fetal brain, leading to a higher risk of opioid addiction later in life. The research suggests that THC exposure during pregnancy may contribute to neurobiological vulnerabilities, making individuals more susceptible to addiction-like behavior.
A new study in Addiction Biology suggests that cannabis use can cause chromosomal damage, leading to increased cancer risk and birth defects. This genotoxicity may be transmitted to offspring via damaged sperm or eggs.
This study found that adolescents who used cannabis exhibited unique metabolomic patterns associated with psychotic-like experiences, including variations in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In contrast, non-users showed correlations between inflammatory metabolic changes and hallucinations.
Research by the University of Sydney has identified CBN as a constituent that improves sleep in rats. The study showed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to increased total sleep time.
The November issues of APA journals focus on research related to substance use disorders, including a special issue on the topic. The American Psychiatric Association has published several studies and guidelines on these topics, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals.
Recreational cannabis legalization in California is associated with higher rates of cannabis use during early pregnancy, driven by jurisdictions allowing adult-use retailers. The study found that individuals living in these areas were more likely to use cannabis during early pregnancy.
A study from the University of Georgia found that about 6% of pregnant women used marijuana during the last month, with many not associating it with health risks. The research highlights the importance of educating women about the potential negative effects of marijuana use during pregnancy.
A large observational study found associations between cannabis use and brain structure and function changes in later life. However, genetic analysis using Mendelian randomization suggests that these associations may not be causal, with possible explanations including unmeasured variables or differences in statistical power.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found prenatal cannabis exposure associated with poorer thinking skills and behaviors like impulse control and aggression in preschool-aged children. The study supports existing clinical recommendations against cannabis use during pregnancy due to potential health risks.
A US cohort study found that prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with differences in executive function and aggressive behavior in children at age 5. The study's results may inform clinical recommendations on cannabis use during pregnancy.
The study found a significant decrease in the percentage of adolescents reporting current marijuana use, from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Marijuana use was most prevalent among 12th graders, with a notable decline in usage rates across all grades.
A study led by Graciela Pineyro and Tomas Paus found that cannabis use in adolescence can lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex, affecting communication between neurons. The researchers used a combination of methods to demonstrate THC's impact on brain cells and identified genes associated with cortical thinning.
Researchers argue that current cannabis policies are driven by politics, not science, and call for a shift towards harm reduction and health promotion. The field should use the social ecological model as a framework for developing comprehensive policies.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that cannabis use among young adults in Georgia did not increase following recreational use legalization. However, they discovered an age of first use increased significantly and cannabis use was associated with other risk behaviors.
The study found that frequent users of high-potency cannabis had changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene. This effect was not explained by tobacco's impact on DNA methylation. The research provides valuable insights into how cannabis use may alter biological processes.
A new clinical trial reveals that synthetic cannabis, specifically dronabinol, can effectively reduce agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease by an average of 30%. The treatment showed similar calming effects to current medications without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.
A Rutgers Health study found that 71% of chronic pain patients supported federal legalization of medical cannabis, while 59% of physicians held similar views. Personal experience and education on cannabis use played significant roles in shaping attitudes among both groups.
Research from Trinity College Dublin found that lower sustained attention in adolescence can predict a larger increase in cigarette and cannabis use by age 23. The study suggests using early biomarkers like sustained attention to identify vulnerable adolescents and guide targeted interventions.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A significant increase in drug overdose rates was recorded in Colombia between 2010 and 2021, with a notable rise among young women. The study found that the pandemic contributed to higher levels of anxiety and mental health problems, leading to overuse of drugs, particularly tranquilizers/sedatives/antidepressants.
A recent study by the Center for BrainHealth found that long-term cannabis use is associated with poorer sleep quality, which in turn affects memory performance. The research, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, involved 141 adults with cannabis use disorder and 87 non-users.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found a slight increase in ADHD risk and heightened vulnerability to cannabis consumption in children exposed to cannabis in utero. The study suggests caution when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy, highlighting the need for continued research into long-term effects.
A recent analysis found that cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are associated with increased workplace absenteeism. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that even infrequent cannabis use can lead to more workdays missed due to illness or injury.
A large multicenter study found that adults with cannabis dependence are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than non-users. The researchers suggest that the primary reason for this increased risk is the damaging effect of cannabis smoke, which may be worse than tobacco smoke.
A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.
A new study found that Cannabigerol (CBG) significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion, with stress ratings also decreasing. CBG's effect on memory was unexpectedly positive, enhancing the ability to recall lists of words.
A significant increase in cannabis use among adults with diabetes has been found, with a 33.7% rise in prevalence between 2021 and 2022. Cannabis use may be driven by perceived therapeutic benefits and increased access to products after legalization.
A cohort study found that prenatal cannabis use was associated with several negative maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for further research on how different aspects of prenatal cannabis use may impact these associations.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and potential mental health conditions in childhood and adolescence. Researchers identified potential biological mechanisms, including reductions in neuroinflammation, that could explain this association.
A study from UC San Diego found a 1250% surge in microdosing-related Google searches from 2015 to 2023, correlating with relaxed policies on cannabis and psychedelics. Microdosing involves taking 'sub-perceptual' doses of psychedelics for claimed health benefits, but its effectiveness lacks clinical evidence.
Research on mice exposes to cannabidiol during gestation shows altered behaviors and brain changes, affecting nerve cells involved in processing emotions. The study suggests a public health priority to understand CBD's impact on developing nervous systems.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that cannabis users are nearly twice as likely to need hospitalization and intensive care when infected with COVID-19. Cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe illness, similar to tobacco smoking.
A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
A new study found that the rate of cannabis-related disorders diagnosed among pregnant women in Québec increased by more than 20% after the enactment of the Cannabis Act. The average number of CRD diagnoses per month jumped from 14.5 to 23.5 per 100,000 pregnant women.
Rates of cannabis-related disorders increased from 2017 to 2022 among Medicare-insured older adults, particularly in states that legalized adult and medical cannabis. Higher average annual increases were observed in these states compared to others.
Research reveals diverse impacts of anxiety, depression, and discrimination on substance use among young adults, with varying effects by race or ethnicity. The study suggests that everyday discrimination is associated with increased likelihood of substance use in all product forms.
A new qualitative research project explores young adults' (18-30) leisure motivations for using cannabis, revealing a shift towards viewing it as a recreational activity. Participants describe cannabis as offering a leisure state of mind and a way to enhance socialization and pleasurable experiences.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a positive association between heavy lifetime cannabis use and cardiovascular disease mortality among female participants. The study suggests that long-term cannabis use may have negative effects on mortality rates, highlighting the need for further research.
A large health system study found cannabis use was prevalent among primary care patients, with most using it to manage health-related symptoms. The study suggests clinicians could benefit from integrating cannabis use information to assess patient risk for cannabis use disorder.
A study by UCLA researchers found that one in six primary care patients reported cannabis use, with most using it for symptom management despite identifying as recreational users. The study suggests the need for routine cannabis screening in healthcare settings.
Recreational marijuana legalization in US states is associated with a 9% increase in college freshmen enrollments, primarily driven by out-of-state students. The study found no negative impact on degree completion or graduation rates.
Researchers found that five cannabis terpenes reduced chronic neuropathic pain levels comparable to morphine. The combination of terpenes and morphine enhanced pain relief without negative side effects. Terpenes offer an alternative to opioids for pain management with a better side effect profile.
A new study suggests that teens using cannabis are at an 11 times higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder compared to those not using cannabis. The research found a strong association between cannabis use and risk of psychotic disorder in adolescence, but not in young adulthood.