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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

Hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisonings among Canadian children surged after legalization, particularly in jurisdictions where the sale of cannabis edibles was allowed

A unique Canadian study found a 6.3 fold increase in hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisoning among children under 10 since legalization. Provinces with edible sales saw an increase 7.5 times higher than those without, highlighting the risk of allowing edibles

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

New study shows patient preference for medical cannabis products in the absence of clinical guidelines

A new study analyzed point-of-sale data from nearly 17,000 patients in New York's medical cannabis program to understand patient preferences for products and dosing. The researchers found considerable variability in product choice and dosing levels across different conditions, highlighting the need for clear clinical guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Marijuana use, sinonasal symptoms in adults

Regular cannabis use is associated with a decreased likelihood of having sinonasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and changes in smell in adults. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 28, 2022

Study of pre-teens yields surprises about alcohol, tobacco and marijuana

A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 1, 2022

Adolescents more vulnerable to cannabis addiction but not other mental health risks

A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

Using firefly genes to understand cannabis biology

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding cannabis biology by using firefly genes to study trichome development and cannabinoid synthesis. By cloning promoters and expressing firefly luciferase, researchers can evaluate signals that orchestrate cannabinoid production and trichome development.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPlants·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Spinal anesthesia associated with more pain, prescription analgesic use after hip surgery compared with general anesthesia

A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022

Cannabis-related products demonstrate short-term reduction in chronic pain

A systematic review of cannabis-related products found short-term benefits for neuropathic pain, particularly with dronabinol and nabilone. However, the evidence is limited, with many products not well-studied, and patients should consult their primary care physician before using cannabis-based treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 6, 2022

Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022, which will be held next September in Spain, will host a symposium dedicated to cannabis, cannabinoids and their derivatives

The Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022 will host a cannabis symposium in Valencia, Spain, discussing recent advances on polyphenols, their applications, and innovations. The symposium aims to evaluate the constituents of cannabis and medical cannabis, mainly cannabinoids and flavonoids.

Price and convenience can drive consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal, rather than legal, sources: Study

A study found that higher prices and inconvenience associated with legal sources drove consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal providers. The main reasons cited by respondents were legal sources being too expensive and inconvenient, with convenience being the second-highest factor.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 24, 2022

Take herbal supplements with a dose of caution

A new case report highlights the risks of herbal supplements containing CBD and berberine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The study involves a patient who experienced dizziness and fainting after taking high doses of hemp oil and berberine supplements, leading to a life-threatening condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·TypeCase study·DateMay 16, 2022

May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, climate change and mental health, and tools to address children’s mental health

The May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore the cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, the intersection of climate change and mental health, and tools to address children's mental health. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research reports on these topics.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2022

Cannabis poisoning cases in pets have increased significantly

A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 20, 2022