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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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
A Rutgers University study reveals that nearly 40% of medical marijuana users also use nicotine products, sharply higher than the general population. The study found that therapeutic cannabis users who also used electronic cigarettes or didn't use nicotine at all were more likely to vape cannabis.
Past-year marijuana use reached its highest level since 1988, with past-month use also increasing. Hallucinogen use surged to an all-time high, while nicotine vaping prevalence nearly tripled among young adults in 2021.
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.
The workshop will discuss recent advances, perspectives, and applications of medical cannabis and cannabinoids. Researchers will explore their chemistry, pharmacology, analysis, influence on mitochondria, and potential use as anticancer agents.
A new study led by Dr. Renee Goodwin found that adults who use cannabis daily perceive pack a day cigarette use as less harmful than non-users, highlighting the role of perception in predicting substance use. The study suggests that increased tobacco use may be one possibility of cannabis legalization.
A study by Washington State University found a 37% drop in poisoning reports for illicit synthetic cannabinoids in states with legal recreational or
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that adults who use cannabis daily perceive pack a day cigarette use as less harmful than non-cannabis users. The study suggests that diminished risk perception may contribute to the observed increase in cannabis use among adults.
A new study reveals that many perimenopausal women are using medical cannabis as an adjunct treatment for menopause-related symptoms, with the most common indications being sleep disturbances and mood/anxiety.
Cannabis cells use a 'supercell' biofactory to create an efficient pipeline from raw materials to end products. The study reveals subcellular 'shipping routes' for THC and CBD production, enabling new paradigm for cannabinoid synthesis.
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.
A systematic review of 20 studies involving almost 120,000 people found that high-potency cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of addiction and mental health problems, including psychotic disorders. The study suggests that reducing the potency of cannabis products could help minimize these harms.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that more than 85% of tested CBD products contained inaccurate labeling, including misstated CBD amounts and presence of THC. The study also revealed that some products made unapproved therapeutic claims, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight.
Research found a 5.8% increase in traffic crash injuries and a 4.1% increase in fatal crash rates after legalization. States with retail sales saw an initial jump in injury crash rate before it decreased.
A study found that cannabis use and daily use are more common in US states with recreational cannabis laws compared to those without. Cigarette smokers in these states have even higher rates of cannabis use.
Indiana University researchers are using a mouse model to study the effects of cannabis use during adolescence, which could impair working memory and increase the risk of psychosis later in life. The $2M NIH grant aims to develop therapies to treat adverse effects.
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.
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.
Research finds that cannabis users have a significantly higher risk of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for any cause. However, the study did not find a significant link between cannabis use and respiratory health issues. The authors conclude that further research is needed to confirm their findings.
A new study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that cannabis users are 22% more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized compared to non-users. Serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the leading causes of ED visits and hospitalizations among cannabis users.
A new study found a significant increase in unprotected sex, drinking, smoking, and cannabis use among rejected minorities. Researchers discovered that social rejection is associated with a 9.1% rise in tobacco consumption and a 12.5% increase in cannabis use.
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.
Youth substance use declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as teens had limited access to peers and substances due to stay-at-home orders. This reduced risk of substance use is attributed to increased social isolation from peers, which may have a negative impact on mental health.
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.
A review of 25 trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios improved chronic pain, but were associated with higher risks of adverse events. In contrast, products with comparable THC-to-CBD ratios showed few benefits in overall functioning.
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.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that cannabis users tend to overestimate their ability to manage conflict in romantic relationships and may overlook unhealthy dynamics. The study suggests that couples who use cannabis can benefit from better navigating conflict discussions and resolution.
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.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming up to 1500mg of CBD daily has no impact on driving abilities. The research involved 17 participants who completed simulated driving tasks after taking different doses of CBD, with no dose inducing feelings of intoxication or impairing cognitive performance.
Researchers found that young people aged 12-20 were more likely to become cannabis users in states with legalized recreational use compared to those without. The study also documented an increased likelihood of cannabis use among adults in these states.
A new study of over 20,000 Americans found that state legalization of recreational cannabis leads to increased cannabis use, especially among young people. The study suggests that this could have detrimental health effects, including impaired respiratory function and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study suggests that cannabis consumption is associated with increased levels of prosocial behavior and empathy among healthy young adults. The researchers found that participants who had recently used cannabis scored higher on standardized measurements of prosociality, empathy, and moral decision-making.
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.
Patients who use cannabis require higher levels of sedation during gastric endoscopies than non-users, according to research. Cannabis use is associated with increased odds of requiring higher total sedation during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A new study of nearly 90,000 cannabis samples across six states found that the current labeling system does not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity of products. The researchers are now calling for a more comprehensive labeling system akin to food's nutrition facts panel.
Patients who use cannabis require more drugs than non-users during gastric endoscopies, according to a study. Researchers found that cannabis use was associated with increased odds of requiring higher sedation levels during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A comprehensive study published in Frontiers found that medicinal cannabis improved pain measures, decreased cancer symptoms, and reduced the need for opioid painkillers among cancer patients. The study's results suggest that medical cannabis can be considered as an alternative to traditional pain relief medicines.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis vaping is the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents, with frequent use rising faster than occasional use. The study also highlights disparities in vaping use among different demographic groups and its link to nicotine use.
A survey of Seattle area college students reveals that four-year college students drink nearly twice as much alcohol as their community college peers, while using marijuana nearly twice as often. The study suggests that perceptions of peer use may play a role in these differences.
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.
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.
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.
A new study led by NYU researchers found that cannabis edibles mimicking popular snack foods have high THC content and may be easily confused for them, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion by children. The products often exceeded maximum limits set by state regulations, raising concerns about public health.
A study by Cornell researchers found that recreational marijuana access significantly decreases prescriptions for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis, and seizures in state Medicaid programs. This reduction could lead to significant cost savings for state Medicaid programs.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers shows that adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are more likely to develop prescription drug misuse and overdose risks in adulthood. Screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult problems and prevent overdoses.