Articles tagged with Cannabis
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 by Carnegie Mellon University found a growing share of cannabis consumers report daily or near-daily use, exceeding those of daily and near-daily alcohol drinkers. Long-term trends in cannabis use parallel corresponding changes in US policy over 43 years.
A new study found that nearly 3% of healthy adolescents aged 11-15 have used commercial CBD products for medicinal or health-related reasons. The study identified predictors of commercial CBD use, including older age, certain health conditions, and parental attitudes towards cannabis use.
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.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that high-potency cannabis use between 16 and 18 doubles the risk of psychotic experiences from 19 to 24. Researchers analyzed data from the Children of the 90s study, which tracked over 14,000 individuals from birth to age 24.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis have detectable amounts of THC in their milk, even after 12 hours of abstinence. The amount of THC detected is low, but its impact on infants is unknown.
A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that approximately 60% of women with disabilities perceive no risk associated with weekly cannabis use. Women with disabilities are more likely to view cannabis as harmless than those without disabilities, highlighting the need for effective screening and dissuasion strategies.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that combining cannabis and nicotine use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of poor health outcomes for newborns. Infants born to mothers using both substances are at a fourfold higher risk of infant death compared to those using neither substance. Abstaining from at least one...
A new study found that sociodemographic variables are the most robust predictors of substance use initiation among adolescents. Factors such as religion, race, and income play a significant role in determining an adolescent's likelihood of initiating substance use.
A new study published by the University of Bath found that adolescents are more vulnerable to cannabis use disorder than adults, despite using cannabis less frequently. The study showed that adolescents reported greater negative impacts on daily functioning and symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
Researchers surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, finding they are motivated to exert effort while high and not lazy. Chronic use also affects self-regulation, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased thoughtfulness.
A repeated cross-sectional study of recreational marijuana laws and teen marijuana use from 1993-2021 found no evidence of an encouraging effect. The logistic regression and interaction-weighted models showed no significant association between the two variables.
A study analyzing nearly 900,000 high school students found that cannabis legalization and retail sales have limited associations with adolescent substance abuse. The researchers discovered modest decreases in cannabis, alcohol, and e-cigarette use following recreational cannabis legislation.
Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.
Research using 2011-2021 data found limited associations between recreational cannabis legalization and adolescent substance use. Recreational cannabis retail sales were linked to lower e-cigarette use and an increased frequency of cannabis use among users, leading to no overall change in cannabis use.
A US study found that medical cannabis enrollment increased overall between 2016 and 2022, but decreased in states with legalized recreational use. The number of patients using cannabis for medical purposes has risen by over 600% since 2016.
A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...
A recent study published by the European Psychiatric Association found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). The stud...
Vaping additives, particularly vitamin E, can damage the lungs by inhibiting gas exchange and lung stability. The study used Langmuir films to simulate the expansion and compression of the pulmonary surfactant, observing how the additive changed its properties and monitored changes as more were added.
Researchers found that medical cannabis legislation in the US improves mental health for individuals with chronic pain and those using marijuana for medical reasons. However, no negative impact was observed on recreational users or younger populations.
Researchers found that genetic variations in THC-metabolizing enzymes can influence how young adults experience cannabis, with slower metabolizers at higher risk for cannabis use disorder. The study suggests educating teens about the differences in cannabis effects could improve their understanding of risk factors.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pain has found that CBD products are ineffective in reducing chronic pain and may pose health risks. The research, led by the University of Bath, examined existing studies on CBD and concluded that there is no quality evidence to support its use as a pain reliever.
Researchers discovered toxic metal particles in unused cannabis vape liquids, with lead levels 100 times higher than acceptable limits. The contamination was linked to device production, not heating, and highlights the need for regulation and improved testing procedures.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed an advanced technology to rapidly classify cannabis plants by chemotype. This non-invasive method uses hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to differentiate between plant types, allowing for efficient quality control in production.
A recent study found that high school students who use both tobacco and cannabis products miss more school and have lower grades compared to those who don't use either product. The researchers analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which showed that students who used both tobacco and cannabis reported the highest percen...
A scoping review of literature found associations between cannabis use and non-cancerous urogenital illnesses like acute kidney injury and urinary retention. However, the data also suggest a therapeutic role of cannabis in certain urological conditions.
A nationally representative US survey found appreciable Δ8-THC use prevalence among adolescents. States without marijuana legalization or existing Δ8-THC regulations have higher prevalence rates, highlighting the need for surveillance and policy efforts.
A recent study found that 11% of 12th-grade students in the US used delta-8 THC, with higher rates in states without cannabis legalization or delta-8 regulations. The survey also showed that delta-8 use was more common in the South and Midwest regions.
A new study found that over 11% of US 12th graders used delta-8-THC in the past year. The substance's widespread availability and lack of regulation pose significant risks to youth. Delta-8-THC use was highest in Southern and Midwestern states, where it is widely sold.