All articles tagged with #cannabis use
A cardiologist warns that certain seemingly healthy habits, such as consuming excessive protein, binge drinking on weekends, heavy cannabis use, and pushing workouts to extremes, can increase the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues. Moderation and balance are emphasized for maintaining heart health.
A study from UC San Diego found that smoking marijuana significantly increases the risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with cigarette smoking, with cannabis users being 624% more likely to develop the disease within five years. The research highlights the carcinogenic potential of cannabis smoke, similar to tobacco, and emphasizes the importance of regular dental check-ups for cannabis users. The findings add to growing concerns about the long-term health effects of cannabis, particularly when smoked.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, is increasingly affecting cannabis users, with emergency visits doubling in the U.S. and Canada from 2017 to 2021. The rise is linked to increased cannabis potency and accessibility due to legalization. CHS primarily affects heavy, long-term users and is thought to involve the endocannabinoid system and stress response. Diagnosis requires cannabis cessation, which can be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms. Treatment includes hydration, anti-nausea medications, and potentially quitting cannabis.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that daily marijuana smokers face a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco analyzed CDC data and found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke. The study emphasizes the need for transparency about cannabis use with healthcare providers and highlights the potential cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana consumption, especially among younger individuals.
A comprehensive analysis of previous research has found significant differences in the brain's white matter between regular cannabis users and non-users. The study, which reviewed 30 studies involving 2,898 participants, revealed that cannabis users generally showed lower integrity in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, a key nerve bundle associated with executive functions, and higher mean diffusivity in the corpus callosum, which connects the brain's two hemispheres. These changes were more pronounced in those who started using cannabis at a younger age and for longer periods. However, the research also highlighted the need for more standardized methods of measuring cannabis use and longitudinal studies to better understand the impact of cannabis on the brain's white matter.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,000 pregnant individuals and found that those who used cannabis had unfavorable birth outcomes at a rate of 25.9%, compared to 17.4% among non-users. The strongest association was found between low birth weight and cannabis use. The study highlights the need for better messaging about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy and the importance of identifying pregnancy-safe alternatives for symptom management.
A study published in Mindfulness has found that different components of mindfulness have varying effects on the link between childhood trauma and heavy cannabis use. The study, conducted on university students, revealed that the facets of awareness and nonjudgment were negatively associated with childhood trauma and cannabis use, indicating that higher implementation of these components was linked to lower cannabis use. On the other hand, the observe facet was positively associated with childhood trauma and cannabis use, suggesting that higher implementation of this component was associated with higher cannabis use. The study highlights the importance of examining individual components of mindfulness in understanding their impact on the relationship between childhood trauma and drug use.
A study led by Rutgers University reveals that pregnant and postpartum women with mental health disorders may be more likely to use cannabis as a form of self-medication. The research examined the relationship between specific mental health disorders, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) in this demographic. The findings highlight varied associations between certain mental disorders and either cannabis use or CUD, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. The study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding that can assist in developing specialized treatment and preventive interventions.
A federally funded study conducted by the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use and UCLA has found that marijuana use is "significantly" associated with reduced cravings for unregulated opioids. The study surveyed 205 individuals who use cannabis and opioids without a prescription and found that 58% reported using marijuana to reduce opioid cravings. The researchers suggest that increasing access to legal cannabis could provide a safer substitute for those using illicit opioids, potentially mitigating harm during the ongoing overdose crisis. This study adds to a growing body of research indicating that marijuana can serve as a substitute for both legal and illegal substances and prescription drugs.
This week in neuroscience, researchers discovered how Botox breaches brain cells, found Alzheimer's pathology in 'superagers' with superior cognition, revealed an unexpected paternal genetic influence in Autism Spectrum Disorder, shed light on shared genetics for cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, and demonstrated a link between reduced oxygen intake and extended lifespan in mice. These findings offer new insights into the workings of the brain and potential therapeutic targets for various conditions.
A new study from the University of Oslo published in the Lancet Psychiatry, reported a shared genetic basis for cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Using advanced statistical modeling, the study shows that the majority of shared variants increase the risk of both cannabis use and developing either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These findings may indicate that a subset of the population is at high risk for both cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, based on their genetic propensity.