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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

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

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

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

States with legalized medical marijuana see decline in nonmedical opioid use

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...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Researchers adapt health system COVID-19 collaboration to track near-real-time trends in visits for substance use

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.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2023

New interactive evidence-based mapping tool gives policymakers more insight into highly concentrated cannabis products

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2023

Does cannabis use affect empathy?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateNov 8, 2023

Local retail outlets for legal marijuana may be associated with alcohol co-use among high school students: Study

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.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2023

Five years of legal cannabis in Canada: mixed success

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 10, 2023

Cannabis use disorder may be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

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.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023