Trajectories of cannabis use disorder: risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes.
AIMS: To estimate cannabis use disorder (CUD) trajectory classes from ages 14 through 30 and compare classes on clinical characteristics, risk factors, and psychosocial outcomes. DESIGN: Four waves (T1 -T4 ) of data from an epidemiological study of psychopathology among a regionally representative sample. Trajectory classes described risk for CUD as a function of age. […]
Cue-elicited increases in incentive salience for marijuana: Craving, demand, and attentional bias.
BACKGROUND: Incentive salience is a multidimensional construct that includes craving, drug value relative to other reinforcers, and implicit motivation such as attentional bias to drug cues. Laboratory cue reactivity (CR) paradigms have been used to evaluate marijuana incentive salience with measures of craving, but not with behavioral economic measures of marijuana demand or implicit attentional […]
The genetic basis of the comorbidity between cannabis use and major depression.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While the prevalence of major depression is elevated amongst cannabis users, the role of genetics in this pattern of comorbidity is not clear. This study aimed to estimate the heritability of cannabis use and major depression, quantify the genetic overlap between these two traits, and localize regions of the genome that segregate […]
Sex-dependent effects of cannabis-induced analgesia.
BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies demonstrate that cannabinoid-mediated antinociceptive effects vary according to sex; it is unknown if these findings extend to humans. METHODS: This retrospective analysis compared the analgesic, subjective and physiological effects of active cannabis (3.56-5.60% THC) and inactive cannabis (0.00% THC) in male (N=21) and female (N=21) cannabis smokers under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions. Pain […]
Prenatal Substance Exposure and Reporting of Child Maltreatment by Race and Ethnicity.
BACKGROUND: Substance exposure is thought to contribute to reports of suspected maltreatment made to child protective services (CPS) at or shortly after birth. There are limited data, however, on whether clinicians are more likely to report black and Hispanic substance-exposed infants compared with white infants. METHODS: We examined racial differences in diagnosed substance exposure and […]
Hair analysis and its concordance with self-report for drug users presenting in emergency department.
BACKGROUND: Secondary analysis using data from the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network randomized trial (NCT # 01207791), in which 1285 adult ED patients endorsing moderate to severe problems related to drug use were recruited from 6 US academic hospitals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of hair analysis in drug use disorder trials with […]
Individuals developing schizophrenia are hidden among adolescent substance misusers.
BACKGROUND: Strategies are needed to identify youth developing schizophrenia. The present study aimed to determine whether adolescents treated for substance misuse were at elevated risk to develop schizophrenia, whether this risk has changed since the late 1960s, and whether substance misuse in adolescence predicted poorer outcomes through adulthood. METHOD: In a Swedish city, since the […]
Subgrouping of risky behaviors among Iranian college students: a latent class analysis.
BACKGROUND: Risky behaviors may interrupt development or cause considerable morbidity or mortality. This study’s purpose was to determine subgroups of students based on risky behaviors and assess the prevalence of risky behaviors in each of the subgroups. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This anonymous cross-sectional study was carried out in October 2015 and November 2015, with 1,777 […]
A Belated Green Revolution for Cannabis: Virtual Genetic Resources to Fast-Track Cultivar Development.
Cannabis is a predominantly diecious phenotypically diverse domesticated genus with few if any extant natural populations. International narcotics conventions and associated legislation have constrained the establishment, characterization, and use of Cannabis genetic resource collections. This has resulted in the underutilization of genepool variability in cultivar development and has limited the inclusion of secondary genepools associated […]
Sex Effects of Marijuana on Brain Structure and Function.
BACKGROUND: Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary ingredient in marijuana, exerts its effects across several neurological and biological systems that interact with the endocrine system. Thus, differential effects of Δ9-THC are likely to exist based on sex and hormone levels. METHODS: We reviewed the existing literature to determine sex-based effects of Δ9-THC on neural structure and functioning. […]
Consuming energy drinks at the age of 14 predicted legal and illegal substance use at 16.
AIM: This study examined whether consuming energy drinks at the age of 14 predicted substance use at 16. METHODS: We followed 621 youths from an area of Switzerland who completed a longitudinal online survey in both 2012 and 2014 when they were 14 and 16 years of age. At 14, participants, who were divided into […]
Opposite Cannabis-Cognition Associations in Psychotic Patients Depending on Family History.
The objective of this study is to investigate cognitive performance in a first-episode psychosis sample, when stratifying the interaction by cannabis use and familial or non-familial psychosis. Hierarchical-regression models were used to analyse this association in a sample of 268 first-episode psychosis patients and 237 controls. We found that cannabis use was associated with worse […]
Should Cannabis Grow-Tent Linings Be Silver or White?
Home growing is a contentious topic and theories on how to get the biggest, most beautiful buds range from radical to ridiculous. And at least here in Germany, one element of indoor cannabis cultivation thatās a hot topic among enthusiasts is the reflective material inside grow tents. Should it be white or silver? More than […]
Effective treatment of spasticity using dronabinol in pediatric palliative care.
BACKGROUND: Cannabis extracts have a wide therapeutic potential but in many countries they have not been approved for treatment in children so far. OBJECTIVE: We conducted an open, uncontrolled, retrospective study on the administration of dronabinol to determine the value, efficacy, and safety of cannabis-based medicines in the treatment of refractory spasticity in pediatric palliative […]
Hazardous drinking among young adults seeking outpatient mental health services.
BACKGROUND: Alcohol use can have a significant negative impact on young adults in mental health treatment. This cross-sectional study examined prevalence and factors associated with hazardous drinking among young adults seeking outpatient mental health services, rate of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and the relationship between hazardous drinking and other types of substance use. METHODS: Participants […]
A Systematic Review of the Respiratory Effects of Inhalational Marijuana.
This systematic review focuses on respiratory effects of inhalational marijuana. The systematic review of the literature was conducted using a comparative method between 2 researchers. Abstracts were reviewed for inclusion of respiratory effects related to inhalational marijuana. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full text articles were retrieved for review. Articles were removed if they did […]
Cannabis Oil Cures 3 Year Old Boy Of Cancer After Doctors Gave Him 48 Hours To Live
A young boy named Landon Riddle was diagnosed with Leukemia, and was told by his doctors that he only had an 8-10% chance of living for more than a day or two. āHis whole chest was full of leukemia tumors, which is why he couldnāt breathe. They started him on chemo, but told us that […]
Medical Cannabis Helps My Son Lead A More Normal Life
Like many of you, Iām a busy mom with a fast-paced, high-stress job – and thatās outside of the home. My first job is being a mom to my two wonderful children, and with that comes all of the worry and pressure we feel every day as we try to do right by our children […]
Disentangling psychopathology, substance use and dependence: a factor analysis.
BACKGROUND: The notion that substance use can induce symptoms of depression and anxiety is influential in clinical practice, however questions remain about the empirical support for this hypothesis. METHODS: We analysed mental health and substance dependence screening records for 280 outpatients in addictions treatment. Item-level data for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), severity of dependence (SDS) […]
An MRI study of white matter tract integrity in regular cannabis users: effects of cannabis use and age.
RATIONALE: Conflicting evidence exists on the effects of cannabis use on brain white matter integrity. The extant literature has exclusively focused on younger cannabis users, with no studies sampling older cannabis users. OBJECTIVES: We recruited a sample with a broad age range to examine the integrity of major white matter tracts in association with cannabis […]
Effects of Marijuana Use on Brain Structure and Function: Neuroimaging Findings from a Neurodevelopmental Perspective.
Marijuana, behind only tobacco and alcohol, is the most popular recreational drug in America with prevalence rates of use rising over the past decade. A wide range of research has highlighted neurocognitive deficits associated with marijuana use, particularly when initiated during childhood or adolescence. Neuroimaging, describing alterations to brain structure and function, has begun to […]
Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats.
RATIONALE: The appetite-stimulating properties of cannabis are well documented and have been predominantly attributed to the hyperphagic activity of the psychoactive phytocannabinoid, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC). However, we have previously shown that a cannabis extract devoid of ∆9-THC still stimulates appetite, indicating that other phytocannabinoids also elicit hyperphagia. One possible candidate is the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG), […]
PD-related Medical Marijuana Studies – Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s
Below are several PD-related medical marijuana studies that have been conducted to evaluate the use of cannabinoids in Parkinson’s: The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids for Movement Disorders: clinical observations and trials of cannabinoid-based therapies suggest a possible benefit to tics and probably no benefit for tremor in dyskinesias or PD motor symptoms. Further preclinical and […]
The role of anxiety sensitivity in the relation between anxious arousal and cannabis and alcohol use problems among low-income inner city racial/ethnic minorities.
The current study explored anxiety sensitivity as a factor accounting for the association between anxious arousal and problems related to use of cannabis and alcohol among a health disparity sample (low income minorities). Specifically, participants were 130 low-income racial/ethnic minorities who reported daily cannabis use (Mage=37.7 SD=10.0; 28.5% female). There were significant indirect associations of […]
The increase of cannabis use may indirectly affect the health status of a freshwater species.
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide and in some Countries a new regulatory policy makes it legal under some restrictions. This situation could lead to a substantial increase of the environmental levels of the cannabis active principle (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; Δ-9-THC) and its main metabolite, the 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). Whilst previous studies highlighted the toxicity […]
Tobacco exposure and maternal psychopathology: Impact on toddler problem behavior.
Prenatal exposure to tobacco has consistently predicted later problem behavior for children. However, little is known about developmental mechanisms underlying this association. We examined a conceptual model for the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and child problem behavior in toddlerhood via indirect paths through fetal growth, maternal depression, and maternal aggressive disposition in early infancy […]
Pure Ī(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin and a Cannabis sativa extract with high content in Ī(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibit nitrite production in murine peritoneal macrophages.
Historical and scientific evidence suggests that Cannabis use has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. We have here investigated the effect of the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and of a Cannabis sativa extract with high (64.8%) content in THCV (THCV-BDS) on nitric oxide (NO) production, and on cannabinoid and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel expression in lipopolysaccharide […]
Lifetime use of cannabis from longitudinal assessments, cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) variation, and reduced volume of the right anterior cingulate.
Lifetime measures of cannabis use and co-occurring exposures were obtained from a longitudinal cohort followed an average of 13 years at the time they received a structural MRI scan. MRI scans were analyzed for 88 participants (mean age=25.9 years), 34 of whom were regular users of cannabis. Whole brain voxel based morphometry analyses (SPM8) were […]
Substance use patterns and unprotected sex among street-involved youth in a Canadian setting: a prospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND: Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and unplanned pregnancy are high among youth. While the intersection between drug and alcohol use and unprotected sex is well recognized, few studies have examined the relationship between substance use patterns and unprotected sex among high risk-populations such as street-involved youth. METHODS: Data were derived from the At-Risk […]
A Preliminary Investigation of Ethnic Differences in Resistance in Multisystemic Therapy.
Therapy process research suggests that an inverted U-shaped trajectory of client resistance, referred to as the struggle-and-working-through pattern, predicts positive treatment outcomes. However, this research may lack external validity given the exclusive focus on European Americans. This preliminary study explores differences in resistance patterns in a sample of African American and European American juvenile drug […]
[Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH): cannabis and vascular involvement].
We report the case of a 39-year-old man with bilateral adrenal haemorrhage. The diagnosis is rarely primarily made with imaging alone. Our patient had a previous history of a stroke six years prior to this episode. We evoke the possibility that long-term daily cannabis use could be the underlying cause of the patient’s vascular pathologies. […]
DSM-5-defined attenuated psychosis syndrome and conversion to full-scale schizophrenia spectrum disorders: An institution-wide retrospective review.
BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to determine if DSM-5-defined attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) could identify individuals with prodromal psychosis and predict conversion to schizophrenia spectrum disorders at a rate similar to that observed in previous studies that utilized structured interviews and specialized rating scales. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients’ medical records was […]
After Almost 30 Years As A Surgeon, This Physician Became A Pot Doc
The pool in the front yard of Dr. Francis D’Ambrosio’s Hollywood Hills house is shady and filled with inflatable loungers that drift in the breeze. An empty energy drink can and full tray of butts rest on the table near the entrance. Just inside, in a home office to the side of his dining room, […]
The Correlation of Women’s Sexual Health and Marijuana Use
Primary Outcome Measures: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug (19.8 million past-month users) according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). There is a current movement towards the legalization of marijuana in various states and there are numerous claims of potential uses in medicine. The internet is rich with […]
Endocannabinoid system: Role in depression, reward and pain control (Review).
Depression and pain co-exist in almost 80% of patients and are associated with impaired health-related quality of life, often contributing to high mortality. However, the majority of patients who suffer from the comorbid depression and pain are not responsive to pharmacological treatments that address either pain or depression, making this comorbidity disorder a heavy burden […]
Parenthood, Child Care, and Heroin Use: Outcomes After Three Years.
BACKGROUND: Internationally there is a lack of measurement on the impact of childcare on people who use drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to longitudinally measure drug use, familial and social status and criminal involvement between parents and nonparents who use heroin and have children in their care. METHODS: From 2003 to 2006, […]
Substance Use among a Sample of Healthcare Workers in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study.
This study describes reported substance use among Kenyan healthcare workers (HCWs), as it has implications for HCWs’ health, productivity, and their ability and likelihood to intervene on substance use. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was administered to a convenience sample of HCWs (n = 206) in 15 health facilities. Reported lifetime use was […]
Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Consumption in People With Obesity.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the kind of psychoactive substances consumed by people with obesity. METHODS: Patients were included at their first visit for bariatric surgery. Socio-demographic characteristics, anxiety, depressive disorders and psychoactive substance consumption were assessed. The prevalence of psychoactive substance consumption was compared to that of […]
Testing the Validity of Taxonic Schizotypy Using Genetic and Environmental Risk Variables.
BACKGROUND: Meehl regarded schizotypy as a categorial liability for schizophrenia that is the product of genes, environment, and gene-environment interactions. We sought to test whether schizophrenia-related genotypes and environmental risk factors predict membership in classes defined by taxometric analyses of positive (cognitive-perceptual), negative (interpersonal), and disorganized schizotypy. METHODS: Participants (n = 500) completed the Schizotypal […]
Application of randomized response techniques for investigating cannabis use by Spanish university students.
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in developed countries, and has a significant impact on mental and physical health in the general population. Although the evaluation of levels of substance use is difficult, a method such as the randomized response technique (RRT), which includes both a personal component and an assurance of confidentiality, […]
Cognitive motor deficits in cannabis users.
Cannabis use affects cortico-striatal networks that are essential for producing movement. In this review, we summarize the literature on motor system dysfunction in cannabis users and provide a rationale for why motor learning should be considered an important area in cannabis research. A majority of studies have addressed cognitive impairments in cannabis users and some […]
A review of the additive health risk of cannabis and tobacco co-use.
INTRODUCTION: Cannabis and tobacco are the most widely used substances, and are often used together. The present review examines the toxicant exposure associated with co-use (e.g., carbon monoxide, carcinogens), co-use via electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and problematic methodological issues present across co-use studies. METHOD: An extensive literature search through PubMed was conducted and studies […]
Evidence-based policy? The re-medicalization of cannabis and the role of expert committees in the UK, 1972-1982.
BACKGROUND: Cannabis was introduced to the UK as a medical product in the nineteenth century. However, with questions over its safety, efficacy, and possible harms its medical role diminished and by the 1950s it was viewed as a drug of misuse. Nonetheless, scientific and lay knowledge around cannabis expanded from the 1960s and cannabis re-appeared […]
This Doctor Says Marinol is NOT Medical Cannabis
By: Dr. David Bearman For years, some law enforcement sources—many of who should know better—have referred to Marinol as prescription marijuana. Marinol® (dronabinol) is synthetic THC, it is not prescription marijuana. As you will see, that assertion is wrong by about 511 chemicals. Marinol is THC; just one of many chemical compounds found in cannabis, synthesized and […]
Factors associated with having a medical marijuana card among Veterans with recent substance use in VA outpatient treatment.
Psychiatric symptoms, somatic problems, and co-occurring substance use have been associated with medical marijuana consumption among civilian patients with substance use disorders. It is possible that these factors may impact Veterans’ ability to engage in or adhere to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Therefore, we examined whether psychiatric functioning, substance use, and somatic […]
Cannabis clubs in Uruguay: The challenges of regulation.
BACKGROUND: The Uruguayan Cannabis Clubs (UCCs) constitute one of three ways to obtain cannabis under the new cannabis regulation laws. These organizations, formed by up to 45 adults and with a legal limit to grow up to 99 plants, appear to provide a safe method of procuring cannabis in a country that is trying to […]
Prevalence of comorbid bipolar and substance use disorders in clinical settings, 1990-2015: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND: Comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUDs) and bipolar disorder (BD) is highly prevalent to the extent it may almost be regarded the norm. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of SUDs in treatment seeking patients diagnosed with BD in both inpatient and outpatient settings. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search […]
Cognitive behavioral therapy program for cannabis use cessation in first-episode psychosis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND: The high rate of cannabis use among patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP), as well as the associated negative impact on illness course and treatment outcomes, underlines the need for effective interventions in these populations. However, to date, there have been few clinical treatment trials (of pharmacological or psychological interventions) that have specifically focused on […]
Marijuana And Alzheimer’s
Alzheimerās disease and other forms of dementia may be the most heart-breaking of all ailments. As the population ages and life expectancy is extended, Alzheimerās and dementia become ever more common. Alzheimerās is now the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and itās a factor in many more. One in three seniors has […]
August 12th, 2016 Event Held in Hilo Cannabinoids: A new hope for pain and symptom management
You are Invited to a Special Evening of Education and Awareness [cannabis_note note_color=”#99CC33″ text_color=”#ffffff”]Friday August 12th 5-7 pm – Hawai’i Innovation Center at Hilo Ā – Downtown 117 Keawe Street[/cannabis_note] Cannabinoids: A new hope for pain and symptom management Dr. David Sine and Don Anderson Pharm.D will share how they have utilized CBD & THC blended […]
Limitations to the Dutch cannabis toleration policy: Assumptions underlying the reclassification of cannabis above 15% THC.
The Netherlands has seen an increase in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations from approximately 8% in the 1990s up to 20% in 2004. Increased cannabis potency may lead to higher THC-exposure and cannabis related harm. The Dutch government officially condones the sale of cannabis from so called ‘coffee shops’, and the Opium Act distinguishes cannabis as a […]
Early Survey Results from the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.
As part of its legislative mandate, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) is required to study and report on the state’s medical cannabis program. This article describes preliminary findings from the OMC’s research about who is using the program and whether patients and their certifying health care practitioners are noticing benefits […]
One Minute of Marijuana Secondhand Smoke Exposure Substantially Impairs Vascular Endothelial Function.
BACKGROUND: Despite public awareness that tobacco secondhand smoke (SHS) is harmful, many people still assume that marijuana SHS is benign. Debates about whether smoke-free laws should include marijuana are becoming increasingly widespread as marijuana is legalized and the cannabis industry grows. Lack of evidence for marijuana SHS causing acute cardiovascular harm is frequently mistaken for […]
Determination of 21 drugs in oral fluid using fully automated supported liquid extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS.
Collection of oral fluid (OF) is easy and non-invasive compared to the collection of urine and blood, and interest in OF for drug screening and diagnostic purposes is increasing. A high-throughput ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of 21 drugs in OF using fully automated 96-well plate supported liquid extraction for sample preparation […]
Stratifying delays for assessment by type of substance to improve the probability of attendance in outpatient services.
AIMS: 1) To confirm the association between delay for assessment (DFA) and probability of first-time attendance in outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. 2) To evaluate whether this association varies by the type of primary substance for which the assessment was requested. 3) To assess the possibility of estimating differential DFAs to conform to equal […]
Cannabis Use Surveillance By Sweat Analysis.
BACKGROUND: Sweat testing, an alternative matrix for establishing drug abuse, offers additional benefits to the more common biological samples. The authors developed a procedure using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to test for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, cannabinol and cannabidiol in a sweat patch. The results were compared with urine and hair sample results. METHODS: Urine, hair, and […]
Assessing the Validity of Online Drug Forums as a Source for Estimating Demographic and Temporal Trends in Drug Use.
OBJECTIVES: Addiction researchers have begun monitoring online forums to uncover self-reported details about use and effects of emerging drugs. The use of such online data sources has not been validated against data from large epidemiological surveys. This study aimed to characterize and compare the demographic and temporal trends associated with drug use as reported in […]
Correlates of Marijuana Drugged Driving and Openness to Driving While High: Evidence from Colorado and Washington.
AIMS: A potential unintended consequence of legalizing recreational marijuana is increased marijuana-related driving impairment. Some states where recreational marijuana is legal have begun implementing interventions to mitigate driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana, including media campaigns to increase knowledge about DUI laws. However, little is known about the associations between knowledge of DUI laws […]
The association between cannabis use and suicidality among men and women: A population-based longitudinal study.
BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the role of sex differences in the association between cannabis use and suicidality is lacking. We explored sex differences in the bidirectional association between cannabis use and suicidality in a 3-year longitudinal study. METHODS: Data were drawn from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions […]
A comparison between wastewater-based drug data and an illicit drug use survey in a selected community.
BACKGROUND: Estimations of drug use are mostly based on population surveys that can suffer from response biases. The current study evaluates using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for assessing illicit drug use by comparing wastewater data with that from a population survey. METHODS: Introductory letters (29,083) were sent to inhabitants of Lier, Belgium, asking them to participate […]
Evaluation of first generation synthetic cannabinoids on binding at non-cannabinoid receptors and in a battery of in vivo assays in mice.
Anecdotal reports suggest that abused synthetic cannabinoids produce cannabis-like “highs,” but some of their effects may also differ from traditional cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study examined the binding affinities of first-generation indole-derived synthetic cannabinoids at cannabinoid and noncannabinoid receptors and their effects in a functional observational battery (FOB) and drug discrimination in mice. […]
Steep Delay Discounting and Addictive Behavior: A Meta-Analysis of Continuous Associations.
AIMS: To synthesize continuous associations between delayed reward discounting (DRD) and both addiction severity and quantity-frequency (QF); to examine moderators of these relationships; and to investigate publication bias. METHODS: Meta-analysis of published studies examining continuous associations between DRD and addictive behaviors. Published, peer-reviewed studies on addictive behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stimulants, opiates, and gambling) were […]
Burden and risk factors for gastrointestinal symptom distress in HIV patients in the modern antiretroviral era.
In the modern antiretroviral (ARV) era, there is limited knowledge about the prevalence and risk factors for HIV patient-reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (diarrhoea/soft stool, nausea/vomiting, bloating/painful abdomen, loss of appetite, and weight loss/wasting) and distress. We prospectively analysed data (2007-2014) on distressing GI symptoms from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study, which follows people […]
A preliminary evaluation of synthetic cannabinoid use among adolescent cannabis users: Characteristics and treatment outcomes.
Little is known regarding the use of synthetic cannabinoids (SC), particularly use among adolescent substance users who may be at higher risk. The present exploratory study seeks to describe SC use and subjective effects among cannabis-using adolescents as well as compare the characteristics of cannabis users who do and do not use SC. Exploratory analyses […]
Acute effects of cannabis on breath-holding duration.
Distress intolerance (an individual’s perceived or actual inability to tolerate distressing psychological or physiological states) is associated with cannabis use. It is unknown whether a biobehavioral index of distress intolerance, breath-holding duration, is acutely influenced (increased or decreased) by cannabis. Such information may further inform understanding of the expression of psychological or physiological distress postcannabis […]
Integrating environmental and self-report data to refine cannabis prevalence estimates in a major urban area of Switzerland.
BACKGROUND: Cannabis consumption is a topical subject because of discussions about reviewing current regulations. In this context, having a more comprehensive approach to assess and monitor prevalence and consumption is highly relevant. The objective of this work was to refine current estimates about prevalence of cannabis use by combining self-report data and results derived from […]
Acute Toxicity Associated with Use of 5F-Derivations of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists with Analytical Confirmation.
INTRODUCTION: Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs) are the largest group of new psychoactive substances reported to the European Warning System and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to date. The heterogeneous nature and speed of diversification of these compounds make it challenging to accurately characterise and predict harms of these compounds in pre-clinical […]
No Smoke without Tobacco: A Global Overview of Cannabis and Tobacco Routes of Administration and Their Association with Intention to Quit.
Cannabis and tobacco are common drugs of abuse worldwide and are often used in combination through various routes of administration (ROAs). Here, we aimed to provide an overview of how cannabis and tobacco routes varied across countries and assess the impact of tobacco-based ROAs on motivation to use less cannabis, and less tobacco, in different […]
Should we care about sativex-induced neurobehavioral effects? A 6-month follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE: Sativex® is an exclusive cannabinoid-based drug approved for the treatment of spasticity due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The most common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and somnolence. However, it is still under debate whether the drug could cause negative cognitive effects. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of Sativex® on […]
Qualitative research in Spanish cannabis social clubs: “The moment you enter the door, you are minimising the risks”.
BACKGROUND: Cannabis social clubs (CSCs) in Spain are non-profit organisations that connect regular adult cannabis users. One of their functions is to supply cannabis to the closed circuit of members. The CSCs do not breach any international treaties. The aim of the paper is to present the findings of a qualitative study among Spanish CSCs […]
Psychiatric comorbidity associated with synthetic cannabinoid use compared to cannabis.
BACKGROUND: Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) use has had a dramatic increase in recent years, but data regarding their adverse effects on mental health is limited. In this study, we compared clinical presentations of SC users with cannabis users in a psychiatric inpatient setting. METHODS: Digital charts of all patients who were admitted to a dual diagnosis […]
How to Make Compost Tea for Cannabis Plants
Compost is filled with beneficial microorganisms and nutrients, and you can take composting one step further by steeping it in aerated water. This process, called “compost tea,” extracts the microorganisms and soluble nutrients into a water “tea” solution. The goal of compost tea is to introduce nutrients, fungal colonies, and beneficial bacteria to either the […]
A Test-Replicate Approach to Candidate Gene Research on Addiction and Externalizing Disorders: A Collaboration Across Five Longitudinal Studies.
This study presents results from a collaboration across five longitudinal studies seeking to test and replicate models of gene-environment interplay in the development of substance use and externalizing disorders (SUDs, EXT). We describe an overview of our conceptual models, plan for gene-environment interplay analyses, and present main effects results evaluating six candidate genes potentially relevant […]
Investigation of a recently detected 11-nor-9-carboxy-Ī(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol isomer: Studies on the degradation of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Ī(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol glucuronide.
An isomer of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (THCCOOH) had been detected in blood of cannabis users. The present study was initiated to elucidate whether the labile metabolite THCCOOH-glucuronide could be the precursor. THCCOOH-glucuronide was incubated in human serum and albumin (HSA) solution at various temperatures (-18, 4.5, 22 and 37°C) and pH values (pH […]
Immediate drop-out rate in adolescent substance abusers: an out-patient chart review from North India.
INTRODUCTION: Although a number of management strategies are available for adolescent substance abusers, the outcomes are limited due to high drop out. The factors related to drop out in adolescent substance users, especially in low and middle income countries (LAMIC) have been sparsely studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the personal, family and clinical variables related to […]
Individual and population level impacts of illicit drug use, sexual risk behaviours on sexually transmitted infections among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: results from the GOANNA survey.
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasing among Australian Indigenous young people for over two decades. Little is known about the association between alcohol and other drug use and sexual risk behaviours and diagnosis of STIs among this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, community based self-administered survey was conducted among young Aboriginal people aged 16-29 […]
Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Cannabinoids apparently act on inflammation through mechanisms different from those of agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As a class, the cannabinoids are generally free from the adverse effects associated with NSAIDs. Their clinical development thus provides a new approach to treatment of diseases characterized by acute and chronic inflammation and fibrosis. A concise […]
The Genetic and Environmental Association Between Parental Monitoring and Risk of Cannabis, Stimulants, and Cocaine Initiation in a Sample of Male Twins: Does Parenting Matter?
Our aim was to test the direction of causation between self-report parental monitoring (PM) and the liability to illicit drug initiation (DI) as indicated by cannabis, cocaine, and stimulants. We fitted a multiple indicator model to test causal and non-causal models based on a large, genetically informative cross-sectional sample of male twins. The sample comprised […]
Low-coverage, whole-genome sequencing of Artocarpus camansi (Moraceae) for phylogenetic marker development and gene discovery.
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We used moderately low-coverage (17×) whole-genome sequencing of Artocarpus camansi (Moraceae) to develop genomic resources for Artocarpus and Moraceae. METHODS AND RESULTS: A de novo assembly of Illumina short reads (251,378,536 pairs, 2 × 100 bp) accounted for 93% of the predicted genome size. Predicted coding regions were used in a […]
Magnitude and duration of cue-induced craving for marijuana in volunteers with cannabis use disorder.
AIMS: Evaluate magnitude and duration of subjective and physiologic responses to neutral and marijuana (MJ)-related cues in cannabis dependent volunteers. METHODS: 33 volunteers (17 male) who met DSM-IV criteria for Cannabis Abuse or Dependence were exposed to neutral (first) then MJ-related visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile cues. Mood, drug craving and physiology were assessed at […]
Effect of combined oral doses of Ī(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on acute and anticipatory nausea in rat models.
RATIONALE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of oral combined cannabis constituents to reduce nausea. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combining subthreshold oral doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on acute and anticipatory nausea in rat models of conditioned gaping. MATERIAL AND […]
Transdiagnostic processes linking anxiety symptoms and substance use problems among adolescents.
BACKGROUND: Numerous anxiety syndromes co-occur with substance use problems in adolescents, though the mechanisms underlying these comorbidities are not well understood. Three transdiagnostic processes-anxiety sensitivity (fear of anxiety-related sensations), distress tolerance (capacity to withstand emotional distress), and negative urgency (propensity to respond impulsively to negative emotion)-have been implicated in various anxiety and substance use problems. […]
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Association Between Cannabis Use and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Adult Twins.
To investigate contributions of genetic and environmental risk factors and possible direction of causation for the relationship between symptoms of cannabis use disorders (CUD) and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), a population-based sample of 2793 young adult twins (63.5% female, mean [range] age 28.2 [19-36] y) were assessed for symptoms of CUD and PLEs using the Composite […]
Small Molecule Detection in Saliva Facilitates Portable Tests of Marijuana Abuse.
As medical and recreational use of cannabis, or marijuana, becomes more prevalent, law enforcement needs a tool to evaluate whether drivers are operating vehicles under the influence of cannabis, specifically the psychoactive substance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the cut-off concentration of THC that causes impairment is still controversial, and current on-site screening tools are not sensitive […]
Clozapine users in Australia: their characteristics and experiences of care based on data from the 2010 National Survey of High Impact Psychosis.
AIMS: Clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment refractory schizophrenia. However, descriptions of the mental health and comorbidity profile and care experiences of people on clozapine in routine clinical settings are scarce. Using data from the 2010 Australian Survey of High Impact Psychosis, we aimed to examine the proportion of people using clozapine, and […]
Alterations in taste perception due to recreational drug use are due to smoking a substance rather than ingesting it.
Two studies explored the differences in tastant (salt, sour, bitter, sweet and spicy) concentration preference between recreational drug users and abstainers. In study 1, 250 opportunistically recruited abstainers, cannabis only users and multiple-drug users completed psychometric questionnaires and a concentration preference tastant test. In study 2, 76 participants purposefully recruited abstainers, daily tobacco users, recreational […]
Anxiety, depression and risk of cannabis use: Examining the internalising pathway to use among Chilean adolescents.
BACKGROUND: Adolescents who experience internalising symptoms may be susceptible to the use of alcohol and other substances in an attempt to alleviate or cope with these symptoms. We examined the hypothesised internalising pathway from symptoms of depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic, to incidence and frequency of cannabis use 18 months later. METHOD: Longitudinal […]
[Cannabis: Effects in the Central Nervous System. Therapeutic, societal and legal consequences].
The consumption of marijuana extracted from Cannabis sativa and indica plants involves an important cultural impact in Mexico. Their psychological stimulatory effect is widely recognized; their biochemical and molecular components interact with CB1 and CB2 (endocannabinoid system) receptors in various central nervous system structures (CNS) and immune cells. The psychoactive element Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be […]
Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia.
BACKGROUND: This review is one of a series on drugs used to treat fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a clinically well-defined chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by chronic widespread pain that often co-exists with sleep problems and fatigue affecting approximately 2% of the general population. People often report high disability levels and poor health-related quality of […]
Growing Up With the Right to Marry: Sexual Attraction, Substance Use, and Well-Being of Dutch Adolescents.
PURPOSE: To assess the well-being and substance use of sexual minority adolescents growing up in a tolerant society, we examined differences among same-sex attracted (SSA), those who do not know their attraction yet (not yet attracted [NYA]), and heterosexual Dutch adolescents. METHODS: Unadjusted and adjusted logistic and linear multilevel analyses were performed using representative data […]
Differential effects of sex on substance use between first episode psychosis patients and healthy people.
BACKGROUND: Substance use in psychosis is an important field of study given that it can be a risk factor for the development of psychosis and can give rise to psychotic symptoms. Studies of substance use in first episode psychosis patients do not frequently assess non-pathological substance consumption among patients, but rather the prevalence of substance […]
Synthetic cannabinoids to avoid urine drug screens: Implications for contingency management and other treatments for drug dependence.
Contingency management (CM) is an effective treatment for substance use dependence. Within CM, rewards or vouchers promote continued abstinence by acting as alternative reinforcers to substance use. However, CM relies on the use of accurate biochemical verification methods, such as urinalysis, to verify abstinence. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) pose a risk for CM treatment because they […]
Growing Organic Cannabis at Home
There are currently 15 states with medical cannabis home grow provisions and three states (D.C. included) where adults are allowed by state law to cultivate at home recreationally, with some of these states carrying heavier qualifications than others. This list continues to grow as more cannabis enthusiasts gain access and can try finally try […]
Long-term hippocampal glutamate synapse and astrocyte dysfunctions underlying the altered phenotype induced by adolescent THC treatment in male rats.
Cannabis use has been frequently associated with sex-dependent effects on brain and behavior. We previously demonstrated that adult female rats exposed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during adolescence develop long-term alterations in cognitive performances and emotional reactivity, whereas preliminary evidence suggests the presence of a different phenotype in male rats. To thoroughly depict the behavioral phenotype induced […]
Subjective aggression during alcohol and cannabis intoxication before and after aggression exposure.
RATIONALE: Alcohol and cannabis use have been implicated in aggression. Alcohol consumption is known to facilitate aggression, whereas a causal link between cannabis and aggression has not been clearly demonstrated. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the acute effects of alcohol and cannabis on subjective aggression in alcohol and cannabis users, respectively, following aggression exposure. Drug-free controls […]
Simultaneous quantification of 11 cannabinoids and metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using WAX-S tips.
A comprehensive cannabinoid urine quantification method may improve clinical and forensic result interpretation and is necessary to support our clinical research. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantification method for ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCAA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THCV (THCVCOOH), THC-glucuronide (THC-gluc), and THCCOOH-glucuronide (THCCOOH-gluc) in […]
Storage and disposal of medical cannabis among patients with cancer: Assessing the risk of diversion and unintentional digestion.
BACKGROUND: Increasingly more jurisdictions worldwide are legalizing medical cannabis. Major concerns related to such policies are that improper storage and disposal arrangements may lead to the diversion and unintentional digestion of cannabis. These concerns are particularly acute among patients with cancer because they take home medical cannabis for extended periods and have high rates of […]
Prevalence of cannabis and cocaine consumption in French fishermen in South Atlantic region in 2012-2013 and its policy consequences.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of cannabis and cocaine among fishermen followed in occupational medicine in the ports of Aquitaine and Charente-Maritime (Direction interrégionale de la mer Sud-Atlantique [DIRM-SA]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thousand fishermen could be recruited during medical regulatory examination by the occupational physicians and nurses of Occupational […]
Women and Men Admitted for Alcohol Intoxication at an Emergency Department: Alcohol Use Disorders, Substance Use and Health and Social StatusĀ 7 Years Later.
AIMS: To assess the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use, mental health and social status 7 years following an Emergency Department (ED) admission for alcohol intoxication. To assess gender differences in these prevalences. METHODS: Cohort of 631 patients aged 18-30 years admitted for alcohol intoxication in 2006-2007 at a tertiary referral hospital in […]
Gender disparity in addiction: an Italian epidemiological sketch.
INTRODUCTION: Gender disparity in different fields of addiction such as tobacco smoking, alcohol use, drugs of abuse consumption and doping practice has been investigated in Italian population. METHODS: We used the surveys and studies carried out for the above reported issues in recent years as revised by the “National Observatory on Tobacco smoke, Drugs of […]