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 ...
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.
A recent study found that 27% of twelfth graders in medical marijuana states reported vaping cannabis, compared to 19% in states where all adult use is prohibited. The researchers suspect that the context of medical cannabis and availability may contribute to the higher rates of teen vaping.
A new study by UCL and King's College London researchers found that vaporized cannabis has the same short-term effects on adolescents (16-17 years old) as on adults (26-29 years old), regardless of CBD levels. The study also showed that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.
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.
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.
Substance use decreased among youths and young adults between 2019 and 2020, except for tobacco use reductions. Cannabis use increased among adults aged 25 and older during the pandemic. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to differences in data collection methods.
A study of 4,000 twins found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems. Twins in states where cannabis is legal showed fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
A study of commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data from 2003 to 2017 found no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescribed antipsychotics between states with medical or recreational cannabis policies and those without. The findings suggest continued evaluation of psychosis as a potential conse...
The American Thoracic Society has issued new guidelines to help prevent future lung injuries from vaping. The report highlights the need for more research on the mechanisms of EVALI, as well as safer standards for e-liquid formulations.
A recent study found that bisexual individuals use cannabis more frequently than their straight counterparts, with a greater likelihood of using it to cope with mental health issues. The researchers also discovered that bisexual people are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression and social anxiety.
A study by University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University scientists found that states with recreational cannabis laws saw a significant reduction in pharmacy-based codeine distribution. This reduction is promising from a public health perspective, as prescription opioid misuse contributes to thousands of overdose deaths annually.
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.
Pediatric hospitalizations for cannabis poisonings increased significantly in provinces with legal edible cannabis sales compared to those without. The study highlights the need for regulatory measures to mitigate risks associated with recreational cannabis legalization.
Research exploring cannabis and its impact on the oral microbiome found a link between frequent cannabis use and increased levels of bacteria Actinomyces meyeri in the mouth. The study suggests that this bacterial imbalance may contribute to neurological disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a link between recreational cannabis legalization and increased asthma prevalence among teens, especially minority racial and ethnic groups. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a key risk factor for asthma in children.
A novel 'retipping' method produces nine-times as many plants in a similar amount of floor space compared to traditional stem cuttings. The research found that all three methods resulted in similar plant growth and chemical profiles, with retipping requiring the least propagation space.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a sharp increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits among California adults ages 65 and older from 2005 to 2019. The rate increased by 1,808%, with more than 12,000 visits reported in 2019.
A new study found that nearly a third of patients with chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms, leading to decreased use of pain medications. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain management.
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.
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.
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.
A national US study found a 245% increase in child marijuana abuse and a decline in alcohol abuse over the past 20 years. The study tracked intentional misuse and abuse reported to the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2020, revealing over 338,000 instances of child abuse or misuse.
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.
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.
A California study of 99,000 pregnancies found that prenatal cannabis use was more common in areas with greater retail availability of cannabis. The study suggests a larger absolute increase in prenatal cannabis use among those living closer to storefront retailers during the pandemic.
A recent study found that cannabis studies are often reported in positive terms in the media regardless of their results. The analysis of 20 studies involving 1,500 individuals showed a moderate to large placebo response, where pain was rated as being significantly less intense after treatment with placebo.
Research found that states legalizing recreational cannabis saw a slight increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults and men. The study suggests that targeted public health messaging and policy interventions can mitigate problem drinking. However, the impact of long-term effects on binge or heavy drinking is unclear.
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.
A study of 4.2 million adults in the US found that recreational cannabis laws may be associated with higher alcohol use rates, especially among younger adults and men. The findings suggest an unintended consequence of recreational cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption.
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.
Researchers found cannabis users had decreased patency and were 1.25 times more likely to require amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery. Cannabis use was also associated with a higher risk of opioid use after discharge.
A study published in Radiology found that marijuana smokers have a higher incidence of emphysema and airway inflammation compared to non-smokers and tobacco-only smokers. The researchers suggest that the unfiltered nature of marijuana smoke and longer breath-hold puffs may contribute to these findings.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa found an association between marijuana smoking and chronic damage to airways, including higher rates of paraseptal emphysema and airway inflammatory changes. The study suggests that marijuana smoking may lead to additional lung damage beyond what is seen in tobacco smokers.
Researchers found that exposure to e-cigarettes, marijuana, and tobacco led to increased scarring, decreased blood vessels, and changes in heart nerves, all contributing to an increased risk of arrhythmias. These substances can cause similar harm to the heart as traditional cigarettes.
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.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
Researchers are investigating the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of psilocybin and cannabis to improve treatment options for mental illnesses. The findings suggest that these compounds may offer new avenues for symptom relief in a range of mental health conditions.
Adults who use cannabis experience 14% more pain after surgery and consume 7% more opioids. The study analyzed 34,521 patients and found a significant association between cannabis use and postoperative pain.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that both delta-8 and delta-9 THC produce similar effects in mice, including lethargy and catalepsy. The study suggests that delta-8 THC interacts with the same receptors as delta-9 THC and can lead to desensitization and withdrawal-like symptoms.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine found that many reasons clinicians reject transplantation in cannabis users have no scientific basis. They identified areas where more research is needed, including interactions between cannabis and immunosuppressants.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiate use are associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Cannabis users had a 35% increased likelihood of later developing AF, similar to traditional tobacco use.
A pilot study will investigate the use of medicinal cannabis to ease symptoms in children and adolescents with non-oncological conditions. The trial aims to determine acceptability and feasibility, with potential breakthroughs for treating debilitating symptoms such as pain and seizures.
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.
A UCLA team has made strides toward developing a handheld tool similar to an alcohol Breathalyzer that can detect THC on a person's breath after they've smoked marijuana. The device uses oxidation to create an electric current, with the strength of the current indicating how much psychoactive compound is present.
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.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
A recent Oregon State University study found that spent hemp biomass is a safe and nutritious alternative feed for lambs, with nutritional quality comparable to alfalfa. The findings provide evidence for the use of hemp byproducts as an animal feedstuff, potentially offering economic benefits for hemp farmers and livestock producers.
A 28-year study tracking over 500,000 adolescents in the US found a decline in substance abuse, except for an increase in cannabis and vaping use. Low social engagement and participation in structured activities were key predictors of substance abuse avoidance.
A 28-year study tracked over 500,000 US adolescents and found that low social engagement and participation in structured activities are key predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Conversely, highly social and engaged groups with less supervision were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
A joint study by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science has revealed the world's earliest known evidence of opium use in the Late Bronze Age. Eight ceramic vessels containing opium residue were found in Canaanite graves at Tel Yehud.
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.
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.
A Rutgers study finds CBD improves glucose disposal, burns energy, and enhances bone density in estrogen-deficient mice. The compound also reduces inflammation and boosts beneficial gut bacteria.
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.
A new poll reveals that nearly half of people over 50 experience joint pain, and many turn to prescription-based treatments despite potential health risks. The poll's authors stress the need for healthcare providers to discuss medication interactions and non-drug options with patients.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that cannabis legalization decreases the stock market value of major pharmaceutical firms, with annual sales reductions estimated at almost $11 billion. This effect is more pronounced with recreational legalization, suggesting a larger impact on the broader population.
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.
A study of over 3,400 adult twins found that residents in states where cannabis is legal use it 24% more frequently than those in illegal states. This trend holds true for identical twins, with those living in legal states using cannabis 20% more often.
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.