Cannabis News and Research

Latest Cannabis News and Research

Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids impacts adult health in rats

Scientists who exposed pregnant rats to a synthetic cannabinoid that activates the same receptors in the brain as marijuana detected effects of the drug on their offspring, such as cardiovascular problems in females and augmented susceptibility to panic attacks in males, and showed that these adverse effects persisted into adulthood.

3 Oct 2024

Dronabinol shows promise in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients

In a study led by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, researchers show that a pill form of the drug dronabinol, an FDA-approved synthetic version of marijuana's main ingredient, THC, reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's by an average of 30%.

2 Oct 2024

Smartphone-based AI systems track subtle facial, pupil signals to identify depression

It has been estimated that nearly 300 million people, or about 4% of the global population, are afflicted by some form of depression. But detecting it can be difficult, particularly when those affected don't (or won't) report negative feelings to friends, family or clinicians.

30 Sep 2024

Lower attention ability in adolescence can predict substance use in young adulthood

Lower attention ability in adolescence can predict cigarette and cannabis use in young adulthood, according to new research from Trinity College Dublin.

30 Sep 2024

Study highlights inequities in emergency care for unintentional ingestions in children

Unintentional injuries like falls, drownings and poisonings are the leading cause of death in patients ages 1-4, and a significant portion of these deaths are linked to unintentional ingestions - such as swallowing a drug or poison.

27 Sep 2024

Study highlights urgent need for improved care for schizophrenia

New research finds that adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have high rates of comorbid mental and substance use disorders and significant social and economic disadvantages, and only 26% received minimally adequate treatment.

23 Sep 2024

Trends in cannabis use among older adults in Michigan

Research indicates a surge in cannabis use among older Michiganders, emphasizing health benefits, driving risks, and the importance of provider communication.

17 Sep 2024

Study reveals significant increase in drug overdoses in Colombia among young women

Overdose rates in Colombia involving illegal opioids, hallucinogens, stimulants and sedative psychotropic medication increased greatly during 2018-2021, mainly caused by overdoses in young women, according to a study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

12 Sep 2024

Cannabidiol shows promise in treating cognitive disorders

Research reviews the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating cognitive impairments, highlighting positive effects in some trials while emphasizing the need for more comprehensive studies.

12 Sep 2024

New insights into the genetics of schizophrenia

In the complex landscape of mental health research, a new peer-reviewed viewpoint offers a critical examination of how genes and environment conspire to influence schizophrenia risk. Published in Genomic Psychiatry (ISSN: 2997-2388, Genomic Press, New York), this thought-provoking analysis by researchers Natassia Robinson and Sarah E. Bergen from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, brings together cutting-edge findings from genetics and epidemiology.

11 Sep 2024

Pandemic stress drove young adults to turn to cannabis

Study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced increased cannabis use among young adults, highlighting key gender differences in coping mechanisms.

9 Sep 2024

Cannabidiol shown to extend lifespan and improve symptoms in Leigh syndrome models

A study led by the UAB Institut de Neurociències and published in the journal Nature Communications demonstrates in animal models how daily administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a substance obtained from the cannabis plant, extends lifespan and improves symptoms associated with Leigh syndrome.

6 Sep 2024

Cannabis use linked to poorer sleep and memory problems

The growing legal use of recreational and medical cannabis has generated an increased concern for potential side effects from long-term use, particularly regarding problems with memory and sleep.

5 Sep 2024

Study reveals slight increase in ADHD risk from prenatal cannabis exposure

A new study reveals nuanced findings on the neuropsychiatric risks of prenatal cannabis exposure. The research found a slight increase in the risk of ADHD and a heightened vulnerability to cannabis use in offspring.

3 Sep 2024

Cannabis and hallucinogen use stayed at historically high among adults in 2023

The percentages of adults using cannabis and hallucinogens over the past year stayed at historically high levels in 2023, according to the latest findings from the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey.

29 Aug 2024

Psychedelics: A new hope for substance abuse treatment

Study explores the history and current state of psychedelic research for treating substance abuse disorders, highlighting challenges like restrictive policies, lack of funding, and the need for recognition of traditional and modern therapeutic practices.

28 Aug 2024

Recreational drug users three times more likely to experience repeat cardiovascular events

New research presented at this year's ESC Congress 2024 in London, UK (30 Aug – 2 Sept) shows that, among patients admitted to the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU), those with a recent history of recreational drug use are three times more likely than those with no history to experience a repeat serious cardiovascular event within one year.