Effects Of Cannabis Research Articles

Interpreting mono- and poly-SCRA intoxications from an activity-based point of view: JWH-018 equivalents in serum as a comparative measure.

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a class of synthetic drugs that mimic and greatly surpass the effect of recreational cannabis. Acute SCRA intoxications are in general difficult to assess due to the large number of compounds involved, differing widely in both chemical structure and pharmacological properties. The rapid pace of emergence of unknown SCRAs hampers on one hand the timely availability of methods for identification and quantification to confirm and estimate the extent of the SCRA intoxication. On the other hand, lack of knowledge about the harm potential of emerging SCRAs hampers adequate interpretation of serum concentrations in intoxication cases. In the present study, a novel comparative measure for SCRA intoxications was evaluated, focusing on the cannabinoid activity (versus serum concentrations), which can be measured in serum extracts with an untargeted bioassay assessing ex vivo CB1 activity. Application of this principle to a series of SCRA intoxication cases (n = 48) allowed for the determination of activity equivalents, practically entailing a conversion from different SCRA serum concentrations to a JWH-018 equivalent. This allowed for the interpretation of both mono- (n = 34) and poly-SCRA (n = 14) intoxications, based on the intrinsic potential of the present serum levels to exert cannabinoid activity (cf. pharmacological/toxicological properties). A non-distinctive toxidrome was confirmed, showing no relation to CB1 activity. The JWH-018 equivalent was partly related to the poison severity score (PSS) and causality of the clinical intoxication elicited by the SCRA. Altogether, this equivalent concept allows to comparatively and timely interpret (poly-)SCRA intoxications based on CB1 activity.

Neurotrophic Factors in Cannabis-induced Psychosis: An Update.

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance. Numerous scientific evidence confirm the strong association between cannabis and psychosis. Exposure to cannabis can induce the development of psychosis and schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. However, the neurobiological processes underlying this relationship are unknown. Neurotrophins are a class of proteins that serve as survival factors for central nervous system (CNS) neurons. In particular, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays an important role in the survival and function of cholinergic neurons while Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is involved in synaptic plasticity and the maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons. Glial Cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) promotes the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and Neuregulin 1 (NrG- 1) contributes to glutamatergic signals regulating the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). They have a remarkable influence on the neurons involved in the Δ-9-THC (tethra-hydro-cannabinol) action, such as dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons, and can play dual roles: first, in neuronal survival and death, and, second, in activity-dependent plasticity. In this brief update, reviewing in a narrative way the relevant literature, we will focus on the effects of cannabis on this class of proteins, which may be implicated, at least in part, in the mechanism of the psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity and psychosis. Since altered levels of neurotrophins may participate in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders which are common in drug users, one possible hypothesis is that repeated cannabis exposure can cause psychosis by interfering with neurotrophins synthesis and utilization by CNS neurons.

Marijuana's Impact On Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Studies have shown that chronic marijuana use is associated with increased vascular inflammation, endothelial damage, myocardial infarctions, strokes, arteritis, and cardiomyopathies; however, cannabis's effect on wound healing in immediate direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction is unknown. With the increasing prevalence of marijuana use, it is imperative to understand its effects on surgical outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients in a quaternary-care breast cancer center undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction. Patient demographics, operative details, and surgical complications were extracted through chart review. Active cannabis use was defined as use within 12 weeks of operation. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. In total, 243 consecutive patients underwent immediate DTI reconstruction, and 12 reported active cannabis use. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, cancer treatment, or operative details. Active marijuana users demonstrated higher rates of cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics (P = 0.004), explantation for infection (P = 0.004), emergency department visits (P = 0.028), readmission (P = 0.037), takeback to the operating room in 90 days (P < 0.001), and overall major complications (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that active marijuana users were more likely to experience cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics [odds ratio (OR) = 3.55, P = 0.024], takeback to the OR within 90 days of operation (OR = 4.75, P = 0.001), and major complications (OR = 2.26, P = 0.048). The consumption of cannabis in the perioperative setting is associated with increased rates of complications in patients undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction; however, an analysis with a larger patient population is needed to conclude that abstinence from its use should be highly encouraged.

THC Vapor Inhalation Attenuates Hyperalgesia in Rats Using a Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model

Humans use cannabinoid drugs to alleviate pain. As cannabis and cannabinoids are legalized in the United States for medicinal and recreational use, it has become critical to determine the potential utilities and harms of cannabinoid drugs in individuals living with chronic pain. Here, we tested the effects of repeated ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor inhalation on thermal nociception and mechanical sensitivity, in adult male and female Wistar rats using a chronic inflammatory pain model (ie, treated with complete Freund’s adjuvant [CFA]). We report that repeated THC vapor inhalation rescues thermal hyperalgesia in males and females treated with CFA and also reduces mechanical hypersensitivity in CFA males but not females. Many of the antihyperalgesic effects of chronic THC vapor were still observable 24 hours after cessation of the last THC exposure. We also report plasma levels of THC and its major metabolites, some of which are cannabinoid type-1 receptor agonists, after the first and tenth days of THC vapor inhalation. Finally, we report that systemic administration of the cannabinoid type-1 receptor inverse agonist AM251 (1 mg/kg, I.P.) blocks the antihyperalgesic effects of THC vapor in males and females. These data provide a foundation for future work that will explore the cells and circuits underlying the antihyperalgesic effects of THC vapor inhalation in individuals with chronic inflammatory pain. PerspectiveCannabinoids are thought to have potential utility in the treatment of chronic pain, but few animal studies have tested the effects of chronic THC or cannabis in animal models of chronic pain. We tested the effects of repeated THC vapor inhalation on chronic pain-related outcomes in male and female animals.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of synthetic cannabinoids in e-liquids by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a series of synthetic substances that mimic the effects of natural cannabis and cause more serious toxicity and public safety issues. SCs, with a wide variety and fast update rate have become the most abused family of new psychoactive substances. A pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method has been developed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze SCs in e-liquids using pyrolysis products as analytical targets, which can effectively expand the detection range of SCs. In qualitative analysis, diluted e-liquids were pyrolyzed in the microfurnace at 800, 600, and 300 ℃, respectively, followed by separation and analysis through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. SCs in the e-liquids were determined by both shared and characteristic pyrolysis products combined with the EI mass spectrometry of their parent compounds. ADB-BUTINACA and 5F-MDMB-PICA were successfully identified in five e-liquid samples seized by local police. Furthermore, five popular SCs in the illegal market, ADB-BUTINACA, 4F-ABUTINACA, 4CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA, 4F-MDMB-BICA, and 5F-MDMB-PICA, were quantitatively analyzed based on their characteristic pyrolysis products as the analysis targets. The results indicated that the linear range of ADB-BUTINACA was 2–200 μg/mL, while those of 4F-ABUTINACA and 4CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA were 1–200 μg/mL. For 4F-MDMB-BICA and 5F-MDMB-PICA, the linear range was 5–500 μg/mL. The linear correlation coefficients of determination of five SCs were greater than 0.994. The limit of detection (S/N=3) for five SCs was 0.25–2.50 μg/mL, and the limit of quantification (S/N=10) was 0.50–5.00 μg/mL. This quantitative method was applied to five positive samples in real cases. The results showed that the concentrations of ADB-BUTIANCA and 5F-MDMB-PICA in the positive samples were 751.32–4810.10 μg/mL and 1109.41 μg/mL, respectively. The current research provides a validated pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method, with simple pre-treatment, fast operation and wide screening range, to accurately identify and quantify SCs in e-liquid samples without reference materials.

Reasons for Use and Perceived Effects of Medical Cannabis: A Cross-Sectional Statewide Survey.

Medical cannabis (MC) is available upon certification for one of several qualifying conditions in Florida, USA. Previous studies suggested that some people seek cannabis for medical conditions/symptoms beyond those legally permitted. However, data remain limited on patient motives for seeking MC and their experiences around its impact on their health. We aimed to compare reported qualifying conditions for MC certification with the most frequently self-reported reasons for using MC while assessing the alignment between the two and understanding the perceived impacts of MC on self-reported conditions and symptoms. We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey data from the Medical Marijuana and Me (M3) Data Bank of individuals receiving MC in Florida, USA, in 2022. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from nine MC clinics/clinic networks across Florida and were asked to fill out an online survey. The study measures included sociodemographic variables, self-reported health conditions, self-reported main reasons for using MC, self-reported qualifying conditions for MC certification, and self-reported perceived impact of MC on health conditions. We cross-tabulated reported qualifying conditions and reasons for MC use and reported the perceived impact per condition. A total of 632 participants completed the survey, of whom 396 (62.66%) were female and 471 (74.53%) were non-Hispanic white. The median (IQR) age was 45 (35, 58). The most frequently reported qualifying conditions were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n = 187, 29.59%), a condition not on the qualifying conditions list (n = 175, 27.69%), medical conditions of the same kind/comparable to those listed (n = 140, 22.15%), and chronic nonmalignant pain (n = 62, 25.63%). The top ten most frequently reported reasons for using MC were anxiety (n = 383, 60.60%), chronic pain (n = 278, 43.99%), depression (n = 252, 39.87%), PTSD (n = 220, 34.81%), headaches/migraine (n = 134, 21.20%), fibromyalgia (n = 67, 10.60%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 59, 9.34%), bipolar disorder (n = 53, 8.39%), high blood pressure (n = 41, 6.49%), and cancer (n = 18,2.85%). Of respondents, 70-90% with each qualifying condition reported it as one of the main reasons for using MC. Most respondents reported improvement of anxiety (n = 430/451, 95.34%), depression (n = 381/392, 97.20%), chronic pain (n = 305/310, 98.39%), insomnia/sleeping problems (n = 225/295, 86.44%), PTSD (n = 247/270, 91.48%), headaches/migraine (n = 172/218, 78.90%), ADHD (n = 82/123, 66.67%), bipolar disorder (n = 79/89, 88.76%), and fibromyalgia (n = 77/82, 93.90%). Most respondents were unsure/reported no change in blood pressure (n = 93/162, 57.41%). A small percentage reported perceived worsening impacts on their conditions. Qualifying conditions and self-reported reasons for using MC aligned for most respondents. Yet, a notable proportion of respondents sought MC for broader treatment effects beyond those delineated by the officially recognized qualifying conditions in Florida, USA. Most patients perceived positive effects, including those with limited available evidence on efficacy.

Effects of Medical Cannabis Treatment for Autistic Children on Anxiety and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors and Interests: An Open-Label Study.

Background: The literature supports the benefits of medical cannabis for core and comorbid symptoms in autistic individuals and anxiety-related symptoms in individuals without autism. However, no study has specifically investigated how cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis affects anxiety subtypes in autistic children or its relationship with restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI). Understanding the effects of CBD-rich cannabis treatment on anxiety subtypes and RRBI could offer more precise treatment approaches to managing anxiety symptoms and reducing RRBI frequency in autistic children. Objectives: To examine (1) the impact of CBD-rich cannabis treatment on autistic children's (1a) anxiety levels and subtypes and (1 b) RRBI and subtypes and (2) whether changes in anxiety explain changes in RRBI following cannabis treatment. Method: In this open-label study, we analyzed data from 65 autistic children (5-12 years) who had participated in research on the effects of CBD-rich cannabis on children with autism. Their parents completed the Repetitive Behavior Scale-revised to assess the frequency and severity of six subgroups of their children's recurrent behaviors and the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders for symptoms related to five types of anxiety disorders. They completed these assessments at three time points: (T1) before treatment, (T2) after 3 months, and (T3) after 6 months of treatment. Results: The results indicated reduced RRBI and symptoms related to various anxiety subtypes in autistic children following 6 months of CBD-rich cannabis treatment. Specifically, we observed significant differences in the autistic children's overall anxiety and in some anxiety subtypes (i.e., general, social, panic, and separation anxieties). Significant improvements were observed in RRBI, including the total score, and specifically in compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness behaviors. Our findings revealed that reduced anxiety, particularly within the panic- and separation-related subtypes, predicted a subsequent decrease in RRBI, specifically sameness behaviors, following cannabis treatment. Conclusions: The findings of the cannabis treatment's potential benefits for alleviating anxiety symptoms, leading to reduced RRBI, may provide evidence for the meaningful relationship between these variables and for the potential benefits of cannabis treatment for autistic children. We strongly recommend further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using standardized assessments to validate these findings.

Regulatory Framework for Cannabis: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is the dried flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains more than 100 compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol, which has psychoactive effects. Federal law prohibits the possession, distribution, and use of cannabis outside limited research activities, but most states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. However, research into the potential therapeutic and adverse health effects of cannabis has been limited, in part because of the drug's federal legal status. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) calls for the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use and outlines a public health approach to controlling cannabis in jurisdictions where it is legal. ACP recommends the rigorous evaluation of the health effects and potential therapeutic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids as well as research into the effects of legalization on cannabis use. It also calls for evidence-based medical education related to cannabis and increased resources for treatment of cannabis use disorder.

Evaluation of a Novel Online Webinar for Health Care Practitioner Education on the Health Effects of Smoking Cannabis in the Airway

Evaluation of a Novel Online Webinar for Health Care Practitioner Education on the Health Effects of Smoking Cannabis in the Airway

A preliminary investigation of sex differences in cognitive and fMRI changes following 28 days of cannabis abstinence

BackgroundPrevious studies have investigated the influence of cannabis on cognition among people with MS (pwMS), yet the influence of sex in the context of cannabis use remains unexplored. We aim to fill this gap by investigating cannabis-sex related differences in verbal learning, memory and processing speed in association with fMRI (resting state, and task-based) metrics. MethodOur sample consisted of 19 long-term, frequent cannabis users (8 males, 11 females). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 28 days of cannabis abstinence. The tests included measures of verbal memory (Selective Reminding Test (SRT)), working memory (n-back), information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)) and the resting state DMN. To evaluate the effects of cannabis abstinence, we performed a group x time interaction analysis using repeated measures ANCOVA. This analysis controlled for several covariates, including the level of disability (EDSS), baseline cannabis THC metabolite levels, and cannabis withdrawal symptoms. By controlling for these variables, we aimed to isolate the impact of cannabis abstinence on cognitive performance over time. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsThere were no baseline cognitive differences between the sexes. After 28 days of cannabis abstinence, females performed better on the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) (p = 0.04), with a large effect size (η² = 0.286). The mean correct response improved over time for females, but there was no statistically significant group x time interaction on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the n-back task. Resting state default mode network data showed overall increased activation in females relative to males at day 28, which meshed with lower brain activation during task-based fMRI paradigms. ConclusionCannabis negated sex-based cognitive differences. Functional MRI task-based paradigms revealed less cerebral activation in females compared to males, which was associated with comparable or better cognitive performance in females, particularly after cannabis abstinence.

Comparative analysis of addiction severity and renal functions in patients with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder versus cannabis use disorder

BackgroundThe use of synthetic cannabinoids (SC) has become a concerning public health issue due to their potential adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Understanding the effect of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids use on kidney functions and creatinine phosphokinase-total (CPK) levels is essential for targeted intervention and patient care.MethodsThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess addiction severity using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and kidney functions in 45 patients with SC use disorder and compare them to 45 patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Participants were recruited from the addiction outpatient clinics and inpatient ward of the addiction psychiatry unit at “Kasr Al Aini Hospital,” Cairo University.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the Addiction Severity Index domains, where patients with SC use disorder had higher scores in all domains of the ASI.Regarding kidney functions and CPK-total levels, there was a significant difference in the serum CPK-total level (p < 0.05) between the 2 groups; however, there was no significant difference regarding the other kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, and estimated glomerular filtration rate).As for the correlative analysis, there was a significant correlation between some domains of the ASI and the kidney function tests in both patient groups.ConclusionOur results strongly suggest that SC may have a more hazardous and detrimental impact on individuals, encompassing various aspects of addiction severity such as physical health, psychological well-being, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Our findings also highlight the potential risk of elevated CPK-total levels in patients with SC use disorder; therefore, regular monitoring of kidney function in patients with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment interventions and mitigating adverse health outcomes.

Youth and Young Adults’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Risks and Benefits Regarding Cannabis Products: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Over 1,700 Individuals

ABSTRACT Canada legalized the use of non-medical cannabis in 2018. This study examines youth and young adults’ knowledge and perceptions of harms, benefits, and education around cannabis use since legalization. An online survey was completed by a convenience sample of 1,759 individuals aged 12–25 years living in Manitoba, Canada. Most participants (n = 1,525, 86.7%) reported receiving education on the potential effects/harms related to cannabis; the most common topics included driving and cannabis use (79.9%), the mental harms of cannabis (67.4%), and addiction and dependency (66.3%). Youth who reported using cannabis more than once (n = 1,203) were more knowledgeable about the effects of cannabis than youth who never used cannabis or used cannabis once (n = 580; mean score: 6.6 versus 5.7 out of 8, respectively; p < .001). Vaping cannabis oil was perceived as the most harmful cannabis product among all participants. Among participants with experience using cannabis, the most frequently reported benefits were relaxation, improved sleep, and enhanced enjoyment of food/music. Half of the participants reported ever being in a car with someone driving high, of which, 40% of these participants reported doing so in the last 30 days. Future tailored education is needed to address knowledge related to cannabis use among youth and young adults who use and do not use cannabis.

T29 - Puff Puff Pass: The Impact of Social Context on Momentary Subjective Cannabis Effects

T29 - Puff Puff Pass: The Impact of Social Context on Momentary Subjective Cannabis Effects

Effects of Cannabis on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission: The Interplay between Cannabinoids and Glutamate.

There has been a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in recent years, and its use can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions, including memory. Here, we review the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis and its derivatives on glutamatergic neurotransmission, with a focus on both the presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Several factors can influence cannabinoid-mediated changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use. Acute exposure to cannabis typically inhibits glutamate release, whereas chronic use tends to increase glutamate release. Conversely, the postsynaptic alterations are more complicated than the presynaptic effects, as cannabis can affect the glutamate receptor expression and the downstream signaling of glutamate. All these effects ultimately influence cognitive functions, particularly memory. This review will cover the current research on glutamate-cannabis interactions, as well as the future directions of research needed to understand cannabis-related health effects and neurological and psychological aspects of cannabis use.

Validation of the Spanish version of the multifaceted empathy test: comparison between cannabis use effects and controls in social cognition.

While social cognition is shown to be impaired in several mental disorders, the effects of cannabis on social cognition are still not clear. Past studies have used the multifaceted empathy test (MET) to study social cognition. This study aims to test the validity of the MET Spanish version and to evaluate the effects of cannabis use on social cognition. In total 116 participants from a Cannabis Social Club (CSC) completed the MET and the reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET) under the effects of cannabis and were compared to 86 university students (control group). Internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed. Cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) were tested in both groups. The MET CE scale shows low internal consistency, while the EE scale shows high internal consistency. Items showed similar difficulty for both groups. Cannabis users showed deficient overall emotional recognition, with reduced scores associated with positive stimuli. Overall scores for EE were similar for both groups, but the experimental group scored lower with negative stimuli when compared to controls. This study validates the MET Spanish version for its use in future studies. Results confirmed deficient emotional recognition in cannabis users and a dampened reaction to negative stimuli for the first time.

Assessment of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and its Effects on Neonatal Outcomes

Background: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), marijuana is the most used drug during pregnancy, and its self-reported prevalence ranges from ~2% to 7%. ACOG currently recommends against marijuana use during pregnancy due to inconclusive data regarding its safety and health effects. However, we know that THC readily crosses the placenta and can reach high fetal concentrations on repeated exposures. Several reports have linked adverse infant outcomes, such as low birth weight and abnormal neurological development, to marijuana use in pregnancy. Yet, many pregnant women continue to use marijuana throughout gestation as they believe it is safe, highlighting the role that education on marijuana use in pregnancy may aid in decreasing its usage. Furthermore, the growing legalization of marijuana may lead to further increase in marijuana use during pregnancy. Purpose: We aimed to identify the reported use of marijuana during pregnancy in our patient population, prior to legalization, and examine its effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. We hypothesized that those who reported using marijuana during pregnancy would have higher rates of maternal complications and adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective chart review (IRB #21-823) was conducted which included pregnant women and their neonates who were admitted and delivered in 2019 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois to assess marijuana use prior to legalization and to investigate neonatal outcomes of infants who were exposed to marijuana, including the need for respiratory support or assisted ventilation after delivery. Other data extracted included demographic characteristics, the mother’s medical and obstetrical history, intrapartum and postpartum events and all documented substance use during pregnancy including tobacco, marijuana and illicit drugs. A logistic regression was used to assess marijuana use as a predictor of respiratory outcomes in infants. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Results: In our study, 599 charts were reviewed. Of those, 69 reported marijuana use during pregnancy, or 11.5%, which importantly, is higher than the reported national average of 2-7%. Previous studies have shown a high correlation between marijuana, tobacco and illicit drug use. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that tobacco and illicit drug use result in poor neonatal outcomes. Therefore, we focused on a subpopulation of mothers who only reported marijuana use during pregnancy to remove these confounders. As a result, 112 subjects were removed from the analysis who reportedly used tobacco and/or other illicit drugs in addition to marijuana in order to exclusively focus on the effect of maternal marijuana use on neonatal outcomes. In this subpopulation of 477 subjects, the rate of marijuana use was 5.5% (lower than the overall population), but the effects of marijuana on neonatal outcomes was found to be significant. Demographics were as follows: mean age 28.2 ± 0.25 years; race, ethnicity: 76% White, non-Hispanic and 23% were other (i.e., African American/black, Asian, native Hawaiian/pacific islander, white and Hispanic, non-white and Hispanic or another race). In this subpopulation, admission to the NICU and small for gestational age were not significantly different between marijuana users and non-users. However, marijuana users did have higher odds of preterm birth (OR=3.8, CI: 1.5-9.6; p=0.004). Additionally, marijuana users had increased odds of having an infant that required respiratory support (OR=3.9, CI: 1.4-10.3; p=0.005) and assisted ventilation (OR=4.6, CI: 1.6-13.1; p=0.003). Yet, no adverse maternal outcomes were associated with exclusive marijuana use. Conclusion: Rates of marijuana use during pregnancy in our population is higher than the reported national average. Moreover, infants whose mothers exclusively used marijuana during pregnancy experienced higher rates of neonatal complications. Thorough screening and counseling regarding marijuana use in pregnancy and during breastfeeding is recommended, although there is no uniform process at this time. Implementing a standardized screening methodology and approach to education on the adverse neonatal effects of marijuana use in pregnancy during prenatal visits may be an effective intervention to improve neonatal outcomes in our patient population. This education is of particular importance in light of the recent legalization of marijuana.

Acute Cannabis Administration Transiently Reduces Mitochondrial DNA in Young Adults: Findings from a Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Cannabis is one of the world's most commonly used substances; however, many questions remain unanswered as to how cannabis impacts the body. Recently, there has been a resurgence of research into the effects of plant-derived cannabinoids on mitochondrial health. In particular, a number of studies implicate mitochondrial-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) interactions with altered memory, metabolism, and catalepsy in mice. Although the research in this field is expanding rapidly, there is little known about the effects of cannabis on mitochondria health in human subjects either in acute or chronic term use. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized clinical trial in which adults who regularly use cannabis (1-4 days/week) aged 19-25 years were randomized 2:1 to receive either an active (12.5% Δ9-THC) cigarette or placebo (<0.01% Δ9-THC) cigarette containing 750 mg of cannabis before driving simulator testing. DNA was extracted from whole blood using commercial spin columns, followed by measurement of mt-ND1, mt-ND4, and β2M using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparisons test was used to observe changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number over time. A two-tailed Pearsons R test was used to assess correlations between mtDNA copy number and cannabinoid levels (Δ9-THC and metabolites) in blood. Results: We found that exposure to active cannabis containing Δ9-THC, as opposed to placebo, was associated with an acute reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number in whole blood at 15 min and 1 h after smoking. The observed decrease in mtDNA copy number negatively correlated with blood concentrations of 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), the two primary metabolites of Δ9-THC, but not Δ9-THC itself. Further, the negative correlation between 11-OH THC and THC-COOH concentrations and mtDNA copy number was found in only a subgroup of participants who use cannabis infrequently, suggesting a tolerance effect. Conclusions: These results illuminate mitochondrial alterations attributed to Δ9-THC consumption, which may be mediated by metabolites. These results appear to suggest stronger effects in individuals who consume cannabis less frequently, suggesting some form of tolerance to the effects of Δ9-THC and its metabolites on mtDNA content in whole blood. Keywords: Mitochondria; mtDNA; cannabis; THC; THC metabolites; blood; THC-COOH; 11-OH-THC.

The Reddit cannabis subjective highness rating scale: Applying computational social science to explore psychological and environmental correlates of naturalistic cannabis use.

Social media data provide unprecedented access to discussions of active, naturalistic, and often real-time cannabis use in an era of cannabis policy liberalization. The aim of this study was to explore psychological and environmental correlates of cannabis effects by applying computational social science approaches to a large dataset of unprompted reports of naturalistic cannabis use with corresponding self-reported numerical ratings of subjective highness. Post title text was extracted via the Pushshift dataset from N = 328,865 posts to the r/trees Reddit community, where posters self-assess and disclose how high they feel on a scale from 1 to 10 (M = 6.9, SD = 1.8). Structural topic modelling and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) dictionary-based approaches were applied to identify (1) frequently discussed topics and (2) text indicative of 5 psychological processes (affective, social, cognitive, perceptual, biological), respectively, as well as to examine relationships between subjective highness and (1) topic prevalence and (2) psychological process word counts. A 40-topic model was selected for interpretation based on semantic coherence and exclusivity. The most discussed topics in a 40-topic model were characterized by references to smoking places, social contexts, positive affect, cognitive states, as well as food and media consumed. In LIWC dictionary analyses, words mentioning affective, social, and cognitive processes were referenced more often than perceptual or body processes. Posters reported greater subjective highness when using language that referred to in-person social environments and lower subjective highness when using language that referred to online social environments and positive affect psychological states. This examination of unprompted online reports of naturalistic cannabis use identified textual content referring to affect and to other people as being associated with perceived effects of cannabis. These affective and social aspects of the cannabis use experience were salient to active posters in this online community and should be integrated into experience sampling methods and behavioral pharmacology research, as well as public health messaging.

Effects of medical cannabis use on physical and psychiatric symptoms across the day among older adults

IntroductionOlder adults are increasingly using medical cannabis (MC). It is unclear if therapeutic effects increase problematic use patterns. The current study addresses this issue by examining symptom trajectories across the day and using trajectories to predict problematic use. MethodsOne-hundred six older adults (age range 55–74) who endorsed medical conditions approved for treatment using MC were recruited online. Participants received six text messages/day to assess momentary symptoms for 15 days. ResultsParticipants provided 5,156 momentary assessments across 1,106 use days. Symptom trajectories were examined across the day. There was a decline in all symptoms following use. Negative affect, pain, and nausea evinced momentary negative reinforcement associations with cannabis intoxication. Momentary negative reinforcement was associated with adverse cannabis outcomes. Declines in post-use trauma symptoms and momentary negative reinforcement effects for negative affect were both associated with cannabis use disorder symptoms. DiscussionThese data suggest that MC may be effective in reducing common symptom clusters. However, the negative reinforcing effect (i.e., the link between use and symptom relief at the event level) may complicate the therapeutic nature (i.e., symptom reduction). Identifying interventions to maximize benefits while minimizing costs may increase the efficacy and safety of MC in older adults.

In vivo and in silico studies of the effects of oil extracted from Cannabis sativa L. seeds on healing of burned skin wounds in rats.

This study investigates the potential effects of cannabis seed oil (CSO) on the wound healing process. The aim was to assess the efficacy of CSO in treating skin wounds using an animal model and to explore its anti-inflammatory properties through in silico analysis. Eighteen male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 200 and 250g, were divided into three groups: an untreated negative control group, a group treated with the reference drug silver sulfadiazine (SSD) (0.01g/mL), and a group treated topically with CSO (0.962g/mL). The initial wound diameter for all groups was 1 cm. In silico studies were conducted using Maestro 11.5 to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of phytoconstituents against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). CSO and SSD treatments led to a significant reduction (p <0.05) in the size of burned skin wounds by day 5, with contraction rates of 53.95% and 45.94%, respectively, compared to the untreated negative control group. By day 15, wounds treated with CSO and SSD had nearly healed, showing contraction rates of 98.8% and 98.15%, respectively. By day 20, the wounds treated with CSO had fully healed (100%), while those treated with SSD had almost completely healed, with a contraction rate of 98.97%. Histological examination revealed granulated tissue, neo-blood vessels, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers in wounds treated with CSO. In silico studies identified arachidic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and linolenic acid as potent inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2. Serum biochemical parameters indicated no significant changes (p > 0.05) in liver and kidney function in rats treated with CSO, whereas a significant increase (p < 0.01) in ALAT level was observed in rats treated with SSD. The findings demonstrate that CSO has a promising effect on wound healing. The CSO treatment resulted in significant wound contraction and histological improvements, with no adverse effects on liver and kidney function.However, the study's limitations, including the small sample size and the need for detailed elucidation of CSO's mechanism of action, suggest that further research is necessary. Future studies should focus on exploring the molecular pathways and signaling processes involved in CSO's pharmacological effects.