Articles tagged with Cannabis
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
Researchers found that combined use of alcohol and THC affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing synaptic plasticity in rats. The effects were more pronounced in females and were likely due to changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
Research at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that marijuana smokers are 12 times more likely to develop centrilobular emphysema compared to non-smokers. Combined marijuana and cigarette smoking increased the risk of breathing difficulties and other serious respiratory symptoms.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.
A genome-wide study of over 1 million people identified dozens of genetic variants linked to cannabis use disorder and related health issues. The study found associations between cannabis use disorder and psychiatric disorders, as well as an elevated risk of developing lung cancer.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or death within one year.
A Rutgers study found that states with legalized medical marijuana experience a 0.5 to 1.5 percentage point decrease in regular nonmedical prescription opioid use among people who reported using opioids in the previous year. However, this reduction is concentrated in individuals with cannabis addiction, highlighting the need for compre...
A recent study found that most cannabis users (80%) have stopped using over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids and instead prefer inhaling high-THC cannabis to help with falling asleep. The study also showed that cannabis users experienced fewer headaches, nausea, and dry mouth compared to traditional sleep aids.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed an evidence-based interactive mapping tool to assist policymakers in regulating cannabis products. The tool includes 452 studies on high-concentration THC exposure and health outcomes, providing a public health resource for informed legislation.
Regular cannabis users show a greater understanding of others' emotions, while their brains exhibit stronger connections between regions related to emotional sensing. This study suggests potential therapeutic applications for conditions involving social interaction deficits.
Two preliminary studies presented at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 found a potential association between regular marijuana use and an increased risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Daily marijuana use was associated with incident heart failure in a study involving over 150,000 adults in the US.
Researchers found changes in microglial cells, a specialized subset of immune cells, that may worsen schizophrenia risk in adolescents. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that THC exposure during adolescence can lead to long-lasting negative effects on brain development and function.
Researchers urge caution due to harmful fungi that contaminate cannabis and hemp flowers, which can cause infections in susceptible individuals. The authors recommend developing a two-tier system to distinguish products intended for medical and recreational use to reduce harm to medical users.
A recent study found that Oregon middle school students received office discipline referrals for substance use offenses 30% more often after recreational marijuana legalization. Schools with nearby marijuana outlets showed the most significant increase in ODRs.
A recent study found that areas with local retail availability of legalized marijuana have higher rates of marijuana and alcohol co-use among high school students. The study suggests that 'greater retail availability may normalize' marijuana use for young people, even if they can't purchase it directly from retail businesses.
Cannabis legalization in Canada has yielded mixed results, with most consumers obtaining their cannabis from legal sources and a significant decrease in arrests and stigma. However, concerns persist about the impact on public health, particularly regarding increased emergency department visits and impaired driving.
A new study examines cannabis use patterns, motivations, and risk factors among college students at a large public university in the southeastern US. The researchers found that top reasons for cannabis use were relaxation and social pressure, while daily users reported higher quantity of cannabis per day.
A study of 26.9 million individuals in four Canadian provinces found that commercialized cannabis was associated with increases in cannabis-related health harms, including psychosis. Non-medical cannabis legalization without restrictions did not lead to a significant increase in hospitalizations due to cannabis.
A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attacks and strokes. Adults with cannabis use disorder in Canada experienced a 60% higher risk of first-time cardiovascular disease events compared to those without the disorder.
A study of 619 high-risk young adults in Ontario, Canada found that frequent cannabis users showed a decrease in use and consequences over time. Small increases in use were observed among those who never used cannabis before legalization, but without corresponding changes in negative outcomes.
A new study found that individuals visiting the emergency department for substance-induced psychosis have an 18.5% risk of developing schizophrenia within three years. Younger age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, particularly for cannabis use.
A new study confirms the increasing use of cannabis by midlife women to alleviate menopause symptoms such as anxiety, sleep problems, and stress. Over 40% of participants reported using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
A study of 80 online marijuana dispensaries found that most lacked adequate age verification features and accepted nontraceable payment methods. This enabled youth to hide their transactions, with almost 1 in 5 dispensaries requiring no formal age verification at any stage.
A new study by UCSF researchers has found that people who use both cannabis and tobacco have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all. The study analyzed data from 53,843 Americans and found that among dual users, 26.5% reported anxiety and 28.3% reported depression.
A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who use tobacco only or neither substance. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 US adults and found a significant association between co-use and poor mental health outcomes.
A Northwestern University study found that endogenous cannabinoid molecules released by the brain during stress can calm it down. These molecules activate the same receptors as THC and may provide a natural coping response to stress.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the commercialization of cannabis in Ontario, Canada led to a significant increase in emergency department visits for cannabis-involved traffic injuries, with rates rising by 475% over 13 years.
A study found large increases in cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department visits in Ontario, Canada. The research suggests that commercialization of non-medical cannabis may have accelerated these incidents, highlighting the need for greater prevention efforts.
Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.
Experts recommend avoiding cannabis during adolescence, pregnancy, and driving due to links to psychosis, depression, and motor vehicle accidents. However, cannabidiol shows promise in reducing seizures and managing chronic pain.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...
In a study of primary care patients in a state with legal recreational cannabis use, moderate to severe cannabis use disorder (CUD) was common among those who used cannabis. Nonmedical use was associated with more prevalent CUD, highlighting the need for assessing patient cannabis use and symptoms in medical settings.
A study by Texas A&M University found that pregaming is linked to unsafe alcohol use and other risky behaviors among college students. Pregaming was associated with a two-day increase in alcohol use frequency and was found to be around 2.5 times more likely to lead to cannabis or other drug use.
A Rutgers-led study found a clear association between mental health disorders, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) among pregnant and postpartum women in the US. The research highlights specific types of mental health disorders linked to cannabis use and CUD.
Researchers found that young vapers are at risk of respiratory symptoms such as bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath, even if they or others around them smoke cigarettes or cannabis. The study also highlights the need for regulatory oversight of vaping products.
A new study by UCLA chemists reveals that many HHC products contain less of the biologically active isomer, which can lead to inconsistent effects. The researchers have developed a method for synthesizing the more active isomer, reducing variability in products.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
An Oregon State University study found that young adults not in college became more frequent users of cannabis and met criteria for cannabis use disorder after state legalization. The prevalence of frequent cannabis use increased by 5 percentage points among non-college young adults, while college students saw a smaller increase.
A new meta-analysis published in Addiction journal found that cannabis legalisation is associated with increased rates of cannabis poisoning. The risk of poisoning was higher among studies focused on children, who are particularly vulnerable to severe toxicity, including coma and neurological effects.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that THC-O-acetate produces moderate relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief, but no psychedelic effects similar to LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. The study suggests that people may overreport their experiences due to social media hype and online claims.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
A UTHealth Houston study found that regular cannabis users are more likely to experience complications before, during, and after surgery. Patients with a cannabis use disorder (CUD) were approximately 20% more likely to suffer significant postoperative complications than those without CUD.
A study by Potnuru et al. found cannabis use disorder associated with modestly increased perioperative morbidity and mortality after major elective surgery. The findings support preoperative screening for cannabis use disorder to inform risk stratification.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that state laws allowing medical cannabis use did not reduce prescriptions for opioids or other therapies for chronic non-cancer pain. The results challenge previous studies suggesting a link between medical cannabis laws and reduced opioid prescribing.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.
A new study by UNM researchers found that patients who reported feeling 'high' experienced 7.7% greater symptom relief, but also a more than 20% increase in negative side effects. The study suggests that feeling 'high' may be an unavoidable component of using cannabis medicinally.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a rise in binge drinking among people aged 31 and over in US states with recreational cannabis laws. Binge drinking declined among younger age groups, including those aged 12-20 and 21-30.
A large Danish study suggests that cannabis use disorder is associated with an increased risk of developing depression and bipolar disorder. The research analyzed data from over six million individuals and found a two-to-three-times higher risk of developing bipolar disorder in both men and women.
A study found that harm reduction treatment reduced substance use, including cannabis and polysubstance use, among people experiencing homelessness. Participants in the treatment group used cannabis 41% fewer days than the control group. The approach led to improved quality of life and basic needs, making it a sustainable option.
A Phase 2a clinical trial found that AEFO117 significantly reduced the effects of cannabis in daily smokers and decreased both positive mood effects and decision to use cannabis. The drug, developed by Aelis Farma, appears to counteract the high associated with THC without disrupting physiological and behavioral functions.
Researchers have uncovered a possible explanation for why frequent cannabis users are leaner and less prone to diabetes than non-users. The study found that adolescent exposure to low-dose THC disrupts energy balance and adipose organ homeostasis in adulthood, leading to reduced fat mass and increased lean mass.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present studies on pediatric pulmonary vascular disease, asthma, and sleep disorders. The findings focus on prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children with severe obstructive sleep apnea and associations between diet and lung function decline.
A study by NIST and University of Colorado Boulder collected breath samples from participants before and after smoking high-THC cannabis, revealing that distinguishing between recent use and past use remains challenging. The research aimed to develop a reproducible protocol for breath measurements, which will help answer key questions ...