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60% of women with disabilities view cannabis as a ‘harmless’ drug

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2024

Study highlights key predictors of adolescent substance use; special issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry focuses on substance use disorders

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2024

Health risks of using cannabis are higher in adolescents than in adults – new study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateMay 5, 2024

Protecting brain cells with cannabinol

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

Cannabis use during pregnancy linked to increased risk of ADHD, autism and intellectual disability in children

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...

SourceEuropean Psychiatric Association·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

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...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024

A genetic difference in THC metabolism may explain why some young adults have negative experiences with cannabis

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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Advanced analytical technologies for controlling medical cannabis production

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.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Lower grades, more absences for high schoolers who use both tobacco and cannabis

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...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Smoking cannabis associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke

A large observational study found that frequent cannabis smoking is associated with a significant increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Daily use was linked to a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke, while less frequent use also showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Cannabis use policies are on the rise yet treatment for cannabis use disorder treatment remains low

A new study found that specialty treatment for cannabis use disorder decreased in states with medical and recreational cannabis laws, despite a growing need for treatment. The study suggests that public education and access to evidence-based services are needed to address the unmet treatment needs of people with CUD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2024

A closer look at cannabis use and binge eating

A recent Drexel University study found nearly a quarter of binge eating patients have used cannabis in the past three months. Cannabis use was related to drinking patterns and problems with drinking, but not to severe eating disorder symptoms or depression.

SourceDrexel University·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 13, 2024

Study reveals link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence in US adolescents and adults

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence among US adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, finding that individuals who reported cannabis use in the past ...

Studying the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in young adults

A study published in ScienceDirect reviews the overlap between cannabis use and psychosis, highlighting the potential risks of cannabis on neurobiology. The study suggests that cannabis can exacerbate psychosis symptoms and impact motivation and attention, but also notes some potential benefits of cannabis use for social functioning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychiatric Clinics of North America·DateJan 23, 2024

Cannabis has no clear effect on treatment of opioid addiction, US study finds

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 16, 2024

Nationwide study suggests link between medical cannabis for chronic pain and abnormal heart rhythm

A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024

About 22 high school age adolescents died each week from overdoses in 2022, driven by fentanyl-laced prescription pills

A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2024

UM School of Medicine review highlights rise in psychiatric disorders linked to increased cannabis use

A new University of Maryland School of Medicine review article published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds nearly 16 million Americans have cannabis use disorder, with young adults disproportionately affected. The review emphasizes the need for doctors to screen and treat patients experiencing symptoms of cannabis use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2023

Equity in cannabis research

The article proposes a way forward for cannabis research by acknowledging the history of discrimination and proposing actions to increase diversity and inclusion. The authors suggest passing equity-focused legislation, supporting scientists of color, and implementing inclusive recruitment practices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Study: cannabis use disorder increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Cannabis use in pregnancy may raise infant health risks

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 27, 2023