Articles tagged with Cannabis
The Monitoring the Future survey found a significant decrease in illicit drug use among adolescents in 2021, with notable declines in alcohol, marijuana, and vaping use. The survey also reported moderate increases in mental health indicators, highlighting an unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A case series of 10 children with severe epilepsy found that whole plant medicinal cannabis reduced monthly seizure frequency by an average of 86%. The study suggests that whole plant products may be more effective than CBD products in treating childhood-onset severe treatment-resistant epilepsy.
New research suggests that cannabis use can lead to harmful drug-drug interactions by interfering with two families of enzymes that metabolize a wide range of drugs. This could result in unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose, particularly for older individuals using medications.
A University of Otago study surveyed 529 students to investigate factors influencing the switch from illicit to lawful cannabis sources. The main facilitator identified was perceived safety, with 63% of respondents citing this as a primary reason for sourcing cannabis through legal channels.
New research from the Prevention Research Center found that youth exposed to tobacco marketing were more likely to use both tobacco and cannabis on the same day. The study used GPS data and surveys to track youth travel patterns and exposure to tobacco outlets.
A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.
A study of US adults found a link between cannabis use and extremes of nightly sleep duration, with recent users more likely to report short or long sleep. Heavy users were 64% more likely to experience short sleep and 76% more likely to experience long sleep compared to non-users.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis vapor exposure lowered sperm counts and slowed movement in male mice and their sons. The study suggests that cannabis use may be detrimental to male reproductive function, contributing to declining human sperm counts.
Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.
A nationwide survey of 387,000 US adults found that high-frequency cannabis use was associated with characteristics such as younger age and lower educational attainment. The study suggests that sociodemographic factors may play a role in cannabis use patterns.
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
Research found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of stress hormone cortisol, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children. Maternal cannabis use also suppresses immune-activating genes, predicting higher anxiety in offspring.
Research conducted by Mount Sinai Hospital reveals that cannabis exposure in utero can lead to higher levels of anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity in children. Placental gene expression also shows lower immune-activating genes, predicting these outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that monthly alcohol sales increased by an average of 5.5% over expected sales, while cannabis sales surged by 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians bought $1.86 billion more alcohol and $811 million more cannabis than predicted based on pre-pandemic trends.
Researchers found cannabis use disorders among pregnant patients had sharply higher levels of depression, anxiety, and nausea, warranting clinical concern. The study's findings underscore the need for further exploration of the disorder and its links to psychiatric and medical conditions.
Increased arrest rate disparities in states without cannabis decriminalization and legalization policies highlight the need for targeted interventions to address racial injustice. The study suggests that these policies can help reduce racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.
A survey of breast cancer patients found that nearly half use cannabis to alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms while undergoing treatment. Physicians are often unaware of patients' cannabis use, highlighting the need for informed conversations about its potential benefits and risks.
A new study has found that breast milk from marijuana-using mothers does not negatively impact the short-term health of early premature infants. However, researchers note that more research is needed to understand the potential long-term effects of this exposure on these children's development and health.
A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.
A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...
Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis of over 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California found a significant increase in cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began. The rate of cannabis use rose from 6.75% to 8.14% during the pandemic.
A recent survey-based study reveals racial and ethnic differences in cannabis use following the legalization of recreational cannabis. The study found that cannabis use increased disproportionately among Black and Hispanic populations compared to White individuals.
A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...
A recent study found that nearly a third of women near the menopause transition use cannabis to help manage their symptoms, with 75% using it for medical purposes. The most common reasons for use included sleep issues and anxiety, with three-quarters of current users reporting relief from their symptoms.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists suggests that Spice, a synthetic drug, is more harmful than cannabis and causes more severe withdrawal symptoms. Participants who tried to quit Spice reported experiencing sleep issues, irritability, and low mood, among other symptoms.
A survey study found that US state cannabis laws differ significantly, leading to varying dispensary staff recommendations. The study highlights the need for standardized guidelines to ensure patients receive accurate information about cannabis use.
A study by the University of Waterloo suggests that reducing brand imagery and increasing health warnings on cannabis packaging can decrease its appeal to children. The researchers found that products with white backgrounds and limited branding were rated as less harmful and more memorable for warning messages.
A panel of international experts recommends a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids for people with moderate to severe chronic pain, where standard care is insufficient. The recommendation is based on systematic reviews of 32 trials and found small improvements in pain intensity but no benefits in emotional functioning.
The 2020 Monitoring the Future survey found significant increases in marijuana and hallucinogen use among college students, while daily or near-daily marijuana use rose. In contrast, vaping marijuana and nicotine levels plateaued after sharp increases between 2017 and 2019, while alcohol use declined significantly.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed the relationship between marijuana legalization and adolescent use, finding no significant association. The researchers used updated estimates from survey data, concluding that state-level marijuana legalization does not impact teenage marijuana use.
A study found that over 50 US localities allow indoor cannabis smoking lounges, exposing customers and employees to secondhand cannabis smoke. Most laws do not require smoke-free environments or effective ventilation, putting public health at risk.
Researchers found that frequent cannabis users were 2 times more likely to have had a heart attack compared to non-users. The study also found an association between recent cannabis use and myocardial infarction across different forms of consumption.
A study by Greta Wengert and colleagues found that illegal cannabis farms overlap with habitat ranges of endangered Pacific fisher, threatened Humboldt marten, and northern spotted owl. The researchers mapped 1469 illicit cultivation sites using location data and compared them to habitat distribution models.
A new study found that recreational marijuana legalization may increase the risk of alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents in California. The study suggests that restricting access to retail outlets, hours of operation, advertising, and imposing higher taxes on products may help reduce this negative public health effect.
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 80% of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness, pain management, and to improve mobility and flexibility. However, there is a need for more res...
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that cannabis use disorder (CUD) may be a risk factor for poorer COVID-19 outcomes due to a genetic predisposition. CUD was found to account for up to 40% of genetically influenced risk factors, such as body mass index and diabetes, for severe COVID-19 presentations.
A wastewater study conducted in Australia during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown found that cannabis use surged, while methamphetamine (ice) use plummeted. The research, led by the University of South Australia, analyzed wastewater samples from 20 treatment plants across the country and showed a significant increase in cannabis use nationwide.
The study found that the legal cannabis market increased significantly in Canada, with twice as many stores concentrated in low-income neighborhoods compared to high-income areas. Jurisdictions with private retail models saw a 913% increase in store growth, while public models saw a 75% increase.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher examines the impact of blunt smoking on teenagers, revealing heightened risks of respiratory disease, addictive behavior, and mental health disorders. The study also finds that blunt use can act as a gateway to other tobacco and nicotine products.
Children of parents who regularly use marijuana may experience more viral respiratory infections than those whose parents do not. The study highlights the potential risks of second-hand marijuana smoke exposure on young children's health and suggests targeting public health messaging to raise awareness about these issues.
Cannabis legalization would reduce arrests and address disparities, but also pose challenges to social equity efforts. Expunging convictions for BIPOC individuals could benefit hundreds of thousands, while promoting equity in the cannabis industry might help a few dozen.
A new study from Université de Montréal found that sexually diverse youths with depression are more likely to use cannabis. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 adolescent participants and found a fivefold stronger association between depressive symptoms and increased cannabis use in LGB youth.
A new meta-analysis suggests that people who use cannabis are more than twice as likely to initiate opioid use and develop problematic patterns of use compared to those who don't use cannabis. However, the low quality of evidence makes it unclear whether there is a causal relationship between cannabis and subsequent opioid use.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...
Researchers found that cannabis terpenes mimic the effects of cannabinoids, providing pain relief without increasing negative side effects. The study suggests terpenes may be used to boost the efficacy of THC and reduce psychoactive effects, leading to a potential dose-reduction strategy for pain management.
A recent study published in Health Economics found that states with recreational marijuana laws experienced a short-term decline in opioid-related emergency department visits. This decline was most pronounced among 25- to 44-year-olds and men, suggesting that cannabis may be substituting for opioids as a pain relief measure.
A novel study of high-potency cannabis found memory impairments related to free recall, source memory, and false memories. However, vaping high-potency concentrates showed comparable performance to smoking low-potency flower, suggesting cautious optimism for the little-studied product.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC and CBD affects the development of mice's brain, leading to impaired response to fluoxetine. The results suggest caution when using CBD during pregnancy.
A four-fold increase in unintentional poisonings in children under 12 and a three-fold increase in ICU admissions for severe cannabis poisoning were seen after legalization. Edible cannabis products, highly concentrated and visually attractive to young children, are the primary cause of these increases.
Despite significant declines in perceived availability of marijuana and alcohol, adolescent use rates remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicotine vaping, however, declined significantly, with a sharp decrease in respondents who said they could easily obtain vaping devices.
A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.
A study of over 280,000 young adults found that cannabis use was associated with increased suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, regardless of depression levels. Women were more likely to experience these outcomes than men.
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that Ontario high school students are more likely to drive after consuming cannabis than alcohol, with 10% reporting driving within an hour of cannabis use. The study suggests that educating adolescents about cannabis risks may be effective in reducing dangerous driving behaviors.
A meta-analysis of pediatric patients treated with medical cannabis found the treatment to be successful in reducing seizures and nausea in children undergoing chemotherapy, while also noting potential negative effects on mental health, including fatigue and lethargy.
A review published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that cannabis use by young people with ADHD does not appear to have additional adverse effects on brain development or functioning. However, the authors note a need for further research to clarify possible effects and consider factors such as potency and frequency of use.
Researchers found a correlation between inflammatory profile and cannabis use on a daily basis or during adolescence, increasing the odds of suffering from a psychotic disorder. Immune system dysfunction can modify the association between cannabis use and psychosis.