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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

Marijuana for medical use may result in rapid onset of cannabis use disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2022

Are e-cigarettes a “gateway” to cannabis use among adolescents? It depends on mental health status

A new study found that e-cigarette use significantly increases adolescents' risk of cannabis use, especially among those with externalizing mental health problems. However, for those with internalizing mental health issues, the relationship is reversed, and they are less likely to begin using cannabis.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2022

Cannabinoids from amoebae

A research team at Leibniz-HKI has developed a new method to produce complex natural products, including the precursor to THC, in amoebae. By leveraging the natural properties of the amoeba, they were able to produce a functional inter-kingdom hybrid enzyme that produces olivetolic acid without additives.

Digging deeper into cannabis research

LaTrice Montgomery, a University of Cincinnati researcher, emphasizes the need for more specific data on cannabis use among different racial and ethnic groups. Her research focuses on cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is listed in industry standard handbooks alongside other stimulants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Addiction Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2022