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First-of-its-kind study examines the impact of cannabis use on surgical patients' post-procedure healthcare needs

A recent study published in eClinical Medicine analyzed data from over 210,000 adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in Boston between 2008 and 2020. The researchers found that cannabis users had a higher complexity of co-existing conditions, including mood disorders and substance use disorders, compared to non-users. Patients ...

New research finds that people who use cannabis early in pregnancy are at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes

Research suggests that using cannabis in the first six to 14 weeks of pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,200 participants and found a significant link between cannabis use and adverse placental function.

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023

Medical cannabis for chronic pain may help patients on long-term opioid treatment reduce dosages

A study found that receiving medical cannabis for thirty days or more can lead to a significant reduction in prescription opioid dosages among patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients who were on higher baseline dosages of prescription opioids experienced larger reductions in opioid dosages.

Study: U.S. cannabis advertising policies suffer from a lack of consistency

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that US cannabis advertising policies are inconsistent and often lack guidance, leaving vulnerable populations open to exposure. Most states do not address prohibited advertising tactics like glamorization and testimonials, unlike Canada's strict federal Cannabis Act.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Use of cannabis, other pain treatments among adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis programs

A survey study found that 3 in 10 adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws used cannabis to manage their pain, often substituting it for other pain medications. The study highlights the importance of researching the effectiveness and potential adverse consequences of cannabis for chronic pain management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 6, 2023

Most dual smokers and vapers likely to carry on smoking

Research suggests that most dual smokers and vapers will continue smoking or vaping over time. The study found that vaping didn't contribute to substantial smoking cessation at the population level, emphasizing the need to help dual users ditch both products.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Uptick in prevalence of simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use in the US after states legalize recreational cannabis use

A new study found an increase in adults using both substances simultaneously, leading to more negative consequences such as risk behaviors and heavy substance use. The findings suggest that changes in cannabis legislation may lead people to use both substances, particularly among adults aged 21-50.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 12, 2022

Medical marijuana legalization and opioid- and pain-related outcomes among patients receiving cancer treatment

A study found that medical marijuana legalization was associated with reduced opioid use and fewer pain-related hospitalizations among adults receiving cancer treatment. The results suggest potential benefits for patient safety and quality of life, but further investigation is needed to understand the nature of these associations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 1, 2022

Pregnant women’s cannabis usage in legalized US states raises calls for screening

A new national study found pregnant women in legalized US states are far more likely to use cannabis, with a 4.6 times higher rate compared to CBD-only states. The study emphasizes the need for prenatal and primary care providers to screen and counsel patients regarding cannabis use in pregnancy.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

About 2% of pregnant Canadian individuals self-report using cannabis in pregnancy, with usage associated with higher risk of preterm births, low birthweight newborns, and congenital anomalies, in a multi-region study of 1.28m births

A Canadian cross-jurisdictional population-based cohort study found that about 2% of pregnant individuals self-report cannabis use, associated with increased risk of preterm births and low birthweight newborns. The study also linked cannabis use to higher rates of congenital anomalies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2022

Six-year study finds streams contaminated with pesticides from illegal cannabis grows in Northern California

A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalWater Quality Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Cannabis not made safer by increasing its CBD content

New research from King's College London found increasing CBD content in cannabis does not significantly change the effects of THC on cognitive performance or psychotic symptoms. The study suggests that choosing cannabis with higher CBD:THC ratios may be safer due to lower THC levels, but CBD has no impact on intoxication quality.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Low-income charter school graduates had lower rates of problematic substance use as young adults, UCLA research suggests

A new study from UCLA found that students who attended high-performing charter schools had a 50% lower rate of alcohol use disorder compared to waitlisted students. Males in the intervention group also reported better physical health and lower obesity rates, while females did not show similar benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover opioid and cannabis use disorders, suicide prevention, treatment in prison and more

The October issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry focus on diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder. Psychiatric Services features research reports on issues related to mental health services for people with serious mental illness.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2022

Hotel smoking restrictions fail to fully protect guests from thirdhand smoke

A new study by San Diego State University analyzed 332,277 TripAdvisor guest reviews and found that designated smoking and non-smoking rooms are insufficient for protecting guests from thirdhand smoke. Hotels that adopted 100% smoke-free policies had significantly fewer complaints related to tobacco pollution.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalTobacco Use Insights·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Study examines current state regulations, public health risks of growing medicinal and recreational marijuana market

A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

Problems persist for kids exposed to cannabis in the womb

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that children exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to exhibit increased signs of psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. The study, which followed over 10,500 children, revealed no significant changes in psychiatric condition rates as they aged into adolescence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 12, 2022

Cannabis users no less likely to be motivated or able to enjoy life’s pleasure

A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found no difference in motivation or enjoyment between adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis use was not linked to apathy, anhedonia, or brain response to rewards. The findings contradict common stereotypes portrayed in media.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2022

Legalizing recreational cannabis in the U.S. has increased frequency of use by 20%

A new study published in the journal Addiction found that recreational cannabis legalization in US states led to a 20% increase in cannabis use frequency, particularly among identical twin pairs. The study analyzed data from over 1,400 individuals and suggested that recreational legalization caused an increase in cannabis use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022