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Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Cannabinoids give worms the munchies, too

A new study on nematode worms reveals that they react to cannabinoids in the same way as humans, increasing hunger for favorite foods and decreasing hunger for non-favored foods. The discovery emphasizes the commonality of cannabinoid effects across species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Legal cannabis markets linked to increased motor vehicle deaths

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found a substantial increase in crash fatalities in four states with legalized recreational cannabis, with an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. The study suggests that investing in policies and public health initiatives may mitigate this harm.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Can cannabis use disorder be accurately diagnosed?

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Dedicated protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective than the drug treatment available today for fibromyalgia caused by head injury

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2023

Hair analysis shows child drug use could be twice as high as we think

A study of over 1,300 children aged 9-13 found a significant increase in substance use when combining hair analysis with survey results, nearly doubling the estimated number of child drug users. This suggests that hair analysis is a more accurate method for assessing adolescent substance abuse than self-reporting alone.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

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