Hashish Research Articles

Phytocannabinoid profile and potency of cannabis resin (hashish) of northwest Himalayas of India.

Cannabis is one of the most consumed illicit drugs and the potency of cannabis products is of note due to health-related concerns. Hand-rubbed hashish is the ancient technique of extracting psychoactive resin from cannabis plants and is practiced in the Indian Himalayas. This study establishes the cannabinoid profile and potency of hand-rubbed hashish collected from 20 regions of the northwest Himalayas. Fifty-eight hashish samples were analyzed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method. Ten cannabinoids were quantified including acidic (THCA & CBDA), and neutral compounds (CBDV, THCV, CBD, CBG, CBN, Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, and CBC). The mean concentration (w/w%) of Δ9-THC is 26%; THCA is 15% and THCTotal is 40% is observed in the studied hashish samples. The majority (70%) of the hashish samples were categorized in chemotype I with the THC:CBD:CBN ratio of 91:3:4, and the remaining 30% were categorized under chemotype II with the ratio of 76:15:8. Diverse qualities of hashish are produced in the studied regions as per the seed, plant selection, and skills of manual rubbing, which results in potency variations. The average difference between the least and highest potent hand-rubbed hashish of a region is 27 w/w% (THCTotal). The other studied non-psychoactive cannabinoids have a mean w/w% of <5%, followed by 6% of CBDA. It is concluded that the cultivated and wild cannabis fields in the northwest Himalayas belong to the drug-type cannabis subspecies. Hand-rubbed hashish holds traditional significance and impacts the current policies of legislation.

Applying machine learning to international drug monitoring: classifying cannabis resin collected in Europe using cannabinoid concentrations.

In Europe, concentrations of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis resin (also known as hash) have risen markedly in the past decade, potentially increasing risks of mental health disorders. Current approaches to international drug monitoring cannot distinguish between different types of cannabis resin which may have contrasting health effects due to THC and cannabidiol (CBD) content. Here, we compared concentrations of THC and CBD in different types of cannabis resin collected in Europe (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type). We then tested the ability of machine learning algorithms to classify the type of cannabis resin (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type) using routinely collected monitoring data on THC and CBD. Finally, we applied the optimal algorithm to new samples collected in countries where the type of cannabis resin was unknown, the UK and Denmark. Results showed that overall, Dutch-type samples had higher THC (Hedges' g = 2.39) and lower CBD (Hedges' g = 0.81) than Moroccan-type samples. A Support Vector Machine algorithm achieved classification accuracy exceeding 95%, with little variation in this estimate, good interpretability, and plausibility. It made contrasting predictions about the type of cannabis resin collected in the UK (94% Moroccan-type; 6% Dutch-type) and Denmark (36% Moroccan-type; 64% Dutch-type). In conclusion, we provide proof-of-concept evidence for the potential of machine learning to inform international drug monitoring. Our findings should not be interpreted as objective confirmatory evidence but suggest that Dutch-type cannabis resin has higher THC concentrations than Moroccan-type cannabis resin, which may contribute to variation in drug markets and health outcomes for people who use cannabis in Europe.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and cyclooxygenase enzymes in rats treated with drugs of abuse

The CC chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 and cyclo-oxygenase-2 enzyme are potent mediators of neuroinflammation. We studied the effect of treatment with Cannabis sativaresin extract and/or tramadol, two common drugs of abuse on the level of MCP-1 in brain and serum of rats. In addition, serum levels of cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzymes in rats given cannabis werealso determined. Cannabis sativaresin at 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (expressed as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), tramadol at 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg or tramadol at 10 mg/kg combined with cannabis at 5-20 mg/kg were given once a day, subcutaneously, for six weeks. Resultsshowed that, as compared to corresponding controls, Cannabis sativa resin produced a significant increase in MCP-1 increased inbrain tissue (29.8-56.4%) and serum (14.8-31.0%). MCP-1 showed also significant increments in brain (34.6%) and serum (22.1%) by 20 mg/kg tramadol. After the concomitant treatment with both cannabis and tramadol, MCP-1 increased in brainby 88.5-145.7%and in serum by 32.6-64.8%. Moreover, cannabis given at 20 mg/kg significantly increasedserum COX-1 and COX-2 by 362% and 58.8% compared to corresponding control values. The histopathological study of the striatum of cannabis-treated animals revealed the presence of apoptotic cells and pyknotic nuclei and congestion of blood vessels. The striatum from animals given tramadol showed neuronal perinuclear cytoplasmic vacuolations and apoptotic cells. Moreover, the combined administration of both cannabis and tramadol resulted in neuronal necrosis, vacuolation, apoptosis and pyknosis. Collectively, these results indicate that treatment with cannabis resin and/or tramadol is associated with a proinflammatory response that involves MCP-1 and cyclooxygenases and which could result in the development of brain injury.

Trends in Illicit Cannabis Potency based on the Analysis of Law Enforcement Seizures in the Southern Area of Rome.

Cannabis remains the most illicitly produced and consumed substance worldwide, and the average trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in cannabis products (marijuana, hashish) has increased over time. This paper presents data about THC concentration in cannabis resin samples seized by law enforcement from 2015 to 2022 in the southern area of Rome (Italy). From 2015 to 2022, more than 1000 hashish samples were analyzed; the average THC content was 18.0% and dramatically increased from 13.7% (2015) to 27.1% (2022). The potency of THC in some samples characterized by unusual shape and color was higher than 24% and, in a few cases, higher than 40%. The age group most involved in seizures of cannabis resin concerned males aged between 15 and 36 years old. The spread of this phenomenon increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Many observational studies compare the increased cannabis potency with the onset of psychosis, depression, anxiety and cannabis use disorders (CUDs), mainly in young adults. THC-potency monitoring provides data that can be helpful to create a network of communication and interaction between universities, and legislative and public health institutions to support education, awareness and surveillance related to cannabis abuse.

Prices of flower and resin in cannabis social clubs: Analyses of register data from 220,000 collections.

Cannabis social clubs (CSC) are community-based non-profit organisations that aim to minimise cannabis-related harm for their members. This contribution seeks to: (i) compare the cost of cannabis flower and resin in CSCs to the national average retail price on the illegal market; and (ii) identify possible quantity discounts for cannabis flower and resin distributed to members of CSCs. Routine data from four CSCs located in Barcelona, Spain, contained information on n = 220,465 collections of cannabis resin and flower (0.01-39 g per collection). The costs for 1 g of cannabis flower and resin per collection were determined. The mean national prices on illicit cannabis were obtained from Spanish police reports. On average, members paid 6.19€ for 1 g flower (median: 6€; interquartile range: 6-7€) and 8.54€ for 1 g resin (median: 7€; interquartile range: 6-9€), with less variations for flower than for resin. Compared to the national average, prices appeared to be higher for cannabis products distributed in CSCs, but comparisons were limited by a lack of data on the variation of national prices. For resin, doubling the quantity was associated with a 20.7% (95% confidence interval 20.4-21.2%; p < 0.001) fee discount. Cannabis in CSCs may be more costly than the estimated national average for the illicit market. No meaningful price discount could be observed for flower but for resin. Pricing policies pursued by CSCs may help to disincentivise consumption of larger amounts but may also bar socioeconomically disadvantaged users from accessing safer alternatives than the illegal market.

Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance- Related Congenital Uronephrological Anomalies in Europe: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study.

Recent reports linking prenatal and community cannabis exposure to elevated uronephrological congenital anomaly (UCA) rates (UCAR's) raise the question of its European epidemiology given recent increases in community cannabinoid penetration there. UCAR data from Eurocat. Drug use data from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank. UCAR increased across Spain, Netherlands, Poland and France. UCAR's and cannabis resin THC increased simultaneously in France, Spain, Netherlands and Bulgaria. At bivariate analysis all UCA's were related to cannabis herb and resin THC concentrations. All UCAR's were bivariately related to cannabis metrics ordered by median minimum E-value (mEV) as hypospadias > multicystic renal disease > bilateral renal agenesis > UCA's > hydronephrosis > posterior urethral valve > bladder exstrophy/epispadias. At inverse probability weighted multivariable analysis terms including cannabis were significant for the following series of anomalies: UCA's, multicystic renal disease, bilateral renal agenesis, hydronephrosis, congenital posterior urethral valves from P = 1.91 × 10-5, 2.61 × 10-8, 4.60 × 10-15, 4.60 × 10-15 and 2.66 × 10-10. At geospatial analysis the same series of UCA's were significantly related to cannabis from P = 7.84 × 10-15, 7.72 × 10-5, 0.0023, 6.95 × 10-5, and 8.82 × 10-5. 45/51 (88.2%) of E-value estimates and 31/51 (60.8%) of mEV's >9. Analysis confirms a close relationship between cannabis metrics and all seven UCA's and fulfill formal criteria for quantitative causal inference. Given the exponential cannabinoid genotoxicity dose-response relationship results provide a powerful stimulus to constrain community cannabinoid exposure including protection of the food chain to preserve the genome and epigenome of coming generations.

Toxicological Analysis of Illicit Drugs Seized in Naples (Italy) and First Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids during COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has consistently raised the number of drug seizures, in United States as in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the typology of seizures from “more traditional” drugs to New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs), depending on geographical area. In Europe, the most frequent NPSs are synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) and cathinones, nonetheless synthetic opioids and phenethylamines are widely used. The aim of the study is the detection of NPS and other substances of abuse available in the black market, by quali/quantitative methods in LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. From 2018 to 2021, 268 seizures occurred in total and were analyzed by the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory (FTL) of Naples (Italy). The distribution of analyzed seizures over the years is the following: 53 in 2018, 61 in 2019, 89 in 2020 and 65 during the first semester of 2021. Cannabis was the most detected drug both in hashish and marijuana seizures, followed by cocaine > heroine > prescribed drugs > ketamine–amphetamine MDMA. No NPSs were seized until June 2021, when NPSs were found in two different seizures: Case #1 showed a bar of Cannabis resin containing a low level of Δ9THC = 0.57% associated to SC AB-FUBINACA in 4.5%; Case #2 showed a vegetal resinous substance (Δ9THC = 0.27%) with SC 5F-APINACA (4.1%) associated with methadone (1.0%). The detection of NPSs is alarming evidence that can lead to an increase in the risk of overdose or other negative and unpredictable consequences, such as violent or self-harming behavior in unaware users of cannabis derivatives considered of “natural” origin.

European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Body Wall Congenital Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study.

As body wall congenital anomalies (BWCAs) have a long history of being associated with prenatal or community cannabis exposure (CCE), it was of interest to investigate these epidemiological relationships in Europe given the recent increases in cannabis use prevalence, daily intensity, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency. Methods: This study makes use of BWCA data from Eurocat, drug exposure data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and income from the World Bank. Results: The mapping analysis showed that BWCARs increased in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The bivariate mapping analysis showed that the BWCA rates (BWCAR) and the cannabis resin THC concentration rose simultaneously in France, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Sweden, and Norway. The bivariate ranking of the BWCARs by median minimum E-value (mEV) was omphalocele > diaphragmatic hernia > abdominal wall defects > gastroschisis. With inverse probability weighted multivariable panel regression, the series of BWCAs, including gastroschisis, omphalocele, and diaphragmatic hernia, was positively related to various metrics of cannabis use from p = 2.45 × 10−14, 4.77 × 10−7 and <2.2 × 10−16. With geospatial regression, the same series of BWCAs was related to cannabis metrics from p = 0.0016, 5.28 × 10−6 and 4.88 × 10−9. Seventeen out of twenty-eight (60.7%) of the E-value estimates were >9 (high range), as were 14/28 (50.0%) of the mEVs. Conclusion: The data confirm the close relationship of the BWCARs with the metrics of CCE, fulfill the quantitative criteria of causal inference, and underscore the salience of the public health impacts of cannabinoid teratogenicity. Of major concern is the rising CCE impacting exponential cannabinoid genotoxic dose-response relationships. CCE should be carefully restricted to protect the food chain, the genome, and the epigenome of coming generations.

Development of scales to measure Lebanese university students’ perceived knowledge about and attitudes about cannabis use: initial psychometric properties

BackgroundFor a long period, cannabis in Lebanon was categorized as an illegal psychoactive substance criminalized by law, despite being the 3rd largest producer of cannabis resin after Morocco and Afghanistan. The current available literature on the topic in Lebanon is scarce, as perceived knowledge towards cannabis use in the general population is not well established, and public health policies are absent. In the context of future legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, what is the public’s perception of cannabis perceived knowledge about and attitude against cannabis use? The objectives of this study were to create two scales to assess perceived knowledge towards cannabis use and attitude against cannabis use and check their psychometric properties in a sample of Lebanese university students.MethodsThe study was designed as a cross-sectional study involving 415 Lebanese university students aged between 18 and 30 years. Students were only recruited from one university and were sent an email with a brief description of the study and a link to the questionnaire. The questionnaire items covered perceived knowledge and attitude about cannabis use, recovered and adapted from available literature.ResultsPerceived knowledge items converged over a solution of four factors that had an Eigenvalue over 1, explaining a total of 64% of the variance (factor 1 = perceived knowledge about cannabis quality of life improvement; factor 2 = perceived knowledge about cannabis psychiatric use; factor 3 = perceived knowledge about cannabis risks; factor 4 = perceived knowledge about cannabis neurological use). Attitude items converged over a solution of two factors that had an Eigenvalue over 1, explaining a total of 58.2% of the variance (factor 1 = negative attitude about cannabis use; factor 2 = positive attitude about cannabis use). Good Cronbach’s alpha values were found for the perceived knowledge and attitude scales (α = 0.78 and α = 0.73 respectively). Greater perceived knowledge was found in male participants and in those who have tried cannabis for recreational purposes. Greater perceived knowledge was also associated with stronger attitude about cannabis use and older age. Furthermore, greater mean attitude about cannabis use scores were significantly found in male participants and in those who have tried cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes.ConclusionPrimary results showed acceptable psychometric properties for the perceived knowledge towards and attitudes about cannabis use scale. Further studies are needed in order to validate them among the general population and assess more psychometric properties of these scales.

WHO’s first scientific review of medicinal Cannabis: from global struggle to patient implications

Background“Cannabis” and “cannabis resin” are derived from the Cannabis plant, used as herbal medications, in traditional medicine and as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Since 1961, they have been listed in Schedule IV, the most restrictive category of the single convention on narcotic drugs. The process to scientifically review and reschedule them was launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 2 December 2016; it survived a number of hindrances until finally being submitted to a delayed and sui generis vote by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs on 2 December 2020, withdrawing “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” from Schedule IV.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate WHO’s scheduling recommendations, the process leading to the Commission vote and subsequent implications at global, national and patient/clinician levels. Narrative account of the four-year proceedings; review of the practical implications of both rejected and accepted recommendations.FindingsThe process was historically unprecedented, of political relevance to both medical Cannabis and evidence-based scheduling generally. Procedural barriers hampered the appropriate involvement of civil society stakeholders. The landscape resulting from accepted and rejected recommendations allow countries to continue creating decentralised, non-uniform systems for access to and availability of “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” for medical purposes.Originality/valuePerspective of accredited observers; highlight of institutional issues and the lay of the land; contrast of stakeholders’ interpretations and engagement.

Investigation of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A contamination of seized cannabis and cannabis resin samples.

Recreational cannabis is being legalized in more and more countries, and methods for the determination of contaminants, thereunder mycotoxins, start to emerge in scientific literature. On the other hand, cannabis continues being available on the illegal market without any quality control at all. Today, no information about mycotoxin contamination of illegal cannabis is available in literature. Therefore, in order to increase knowledge about mycotoxin contamination of cannabis, aflatoxins (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were analyzed in 142 samples of illegal cannabis seized on the local market using a method based on HPLC-FLD detection, after clean up with immuno-affinity cartridges. AF were derivatized prior to detection with a Kobra cell. No AF contamination (LOD = 0.04µg/kg) was detected in any of the samples analyzed. OTA however was detected in about one-third of the samples with an average concentration of 4.30µg/kg (range from 1.02 to 16.21µg/kg). No significant difference was observed between resin and herbal samples. Overall, the concentrations remain low and do not suggest an issue to human health if the cannabis consumption remains moderate.

Legalization of marijuana use in comparative criminal legislation

In light of the rapidly shifting legislation regarding the legalization of marijuana use, the popular notion seems to be that marijuana is a harmless pleasure, access to which should not be regulated or considered illegal. World Health Organization recommended to delete cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), but to maintain it in Schedule I of the 1961 Convention. The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs decided by 27 votes to 25 and with one abstention to follow this recommendation. Тhere is the issue of how much this decision will affect the legalization of marijuana in the world. In the paper are analyzed two legislation of the Anglo-Saxon legal system, which supported this initiative (Canada and USA) and legislation of Euro-Continental legal area (Russia) that did not accept the reclassifying of cannabis from the 1961 Convention. Author has compared the Canadian code with Uruguayan, and the U. S. bill with the Mexican legislation, because Mexican bill does not provide the full legalization of marijuana use. In the Russian Federation, all deeds related to narcotic drugs, which were committed on a significant, large, and an especially large scale, and also all acts coherent to traffic of narcotic drugs, regardless of its scale, are regulated by Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Otherwise, there will be applied an administrative law.

Public health monitoring of cannabis use in Europe: prevalence of use, cannabis potency, and treatment rates.

BackgroundCannabis is one of the most widely used substances worldwide. Heavy use is associated with an increased risk of cannabis use disorders, psychotic disorders, acute cognitive impairment, traffic injuries, respiratory problems, worse pregnancy outcomes, and there are indications for genotoxic and epigenotoxic adverse effects. International regulation of medical and non-medical cannabis use is changing rapidly and substantially, highlighting the importance of robust public health monitoring. This study aimed to describe the trends of key public health indicators in European Union (27 member states + UK, Norway and Turkey) for the period 2010 to 2019, their public health implications, and to identify the steps required to improve current practice in monitoring of cannabis use and harm in Europe.MethodsData on four key cannabis indicators (prevalence of use, prevalence of cannabis use disorder [CUD], treatment rates, and potency of cannabis products) in Europe were extracted from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the Global Burden of Disease study. For prevalence of use and CUD, the first and last available estimate in each country were compared. For treatment rates and cannabis potency, linear regression models were conducted.FindingsBetween 2010 and 2019, past-month prevalence of cannabis use increased by 27% in European adults (from 3·1 to 3·9%), with most pronounced relative increases observed among 35-64 year-olds. In 13 out of 26 countries, over 20% of all past-month users reported high-risk use patterns. The rate of treatment entry for cannabis problems per 100,000 adults increased from 27·0 (95% CI: 17·2 to 36·8) to 35·1 (95% CI: 23·6 to 46·7) and has mostly plateaued since 2015. Modest increases in potency were found in herbal cannabis (from 6·9% to 10·6% THC) while median THC values tripled in cannabis resin (from 7·6% to 24·1% THC).InterpretationIn the past decade, cannabis use, treatment rates and potency levels have increased in Europe highlighting major concerns about the public health impact of cannabis use. Continued monitoring and efforts to improve data quality and reporting, including indicators of high-risk use and cannabis-attributable harm, will be necessary to evaluate the health impact of international changes in cannabis regulation.FundingThis study received no specific funding.

Kinetics of CBD, Δ9-THC Degradation and Cannabinol Formation in Cannabis Resin at Various Temperature and pH Conditions.

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) are major cannabinoids in cannabis resin and products. The kinetic of the chemical reaction of resin cannabis is important for product development and storage. A few reports are available in the literature on the rate of CBD and Δ9-THC degradation, and CBN formation in dried resin and solutions of various pH. Materials and Methods: Thermal degradation of CBD, Δ9-THC, and formation of CBN was studied at 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C for dried cannabis resin. The effect of pH and temperature on cannabinoids transformation in cannabis solution was also examined at pH 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 and at 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. High-performance chromatography coupled with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used for the analysis of CBD, CBN, and Δ9-THC transformation. The values of activation energies (Ea), shelf-life (t90% - t110%), and rate constant (k) were calculated for the CBD, Δ9-THC, and CBN. The effect of temperature and pH on the dried cannabis resin was adequately modeled with the Arrhenius equation. Results: The results indicated that the chemical kinetics in the thermal degradation of CBD, Δ9-THC, and formation of CBN were the zero-order, pseudo-zero-order, and first-order reactions, respectively, in cannabis resin. The first-order and pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics were evidenced for CBD and Δ9-THC, respectively, in cannabis solutions, whereas the zero-order formation kinetic was detected for the CBN. The transformation rate of the CBD, CBN, and Δ9-THC increased with increasing temperature, especially as temperature increased to 70°C at pH 2.0. The optimum pH for CBD stability was between pH 4 and 6, whereas the optimum pH for Δ9-THC stability was between pH 4 and 12. Conclusion: The major cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, and Δ9-THC) reacted more quickly at high temperature and in an acidic solution. Especially, the minimum transformation of CBD, CBN, and Δ9-THC was achieved by using on a low temperature, slightly to moderately acidic pH values, and short-time processing. These results may help to improve the storage condition of CBD, CBN, and Δ9-THC products and in the manufacturing process.

An approach to the evaluation of the potency of cannabis resin in Madrid: A health hazard?

The present study investigates the concentration of Delta (9)-tetrahidrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) in 60 samples of cannabis resin acquired on the streets of Madrid region and its potential danger to consumers' health. Additionally, we study the possible correlation between the potency of samples and their organoleptic characteristics. The analysis of cannabinoids was carried out using a high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-UV). To classify samples, a strength scale based on THC content was established. THC content in 76.7% of the samples was higher than 15%. This potency allows these samples to be classified as Schedule I or drugs with "unacceptable risk" for human health. THC content in 36.7% of the samples was 28.8% on average, which means very high potency. The mean CBD content was 5%, while the correlation between the CBD/THC ratio and potency was negative. The mean content of CBN was 1.74% and the CBN/THC ratio also showed a negative correlation in respect to potency. When investigating the possible correlation between sample potency and organoleptic characteristics, those samples which simultaneously presented sticky texture, high elasticity and light brown colour had very high potency, with an average THC content of 28.7%. Our study shows that the THC content of most of the cannabis that can be purchased in Madrid region is over 15% and poses a health hazard. Additionally, we demonstrate for the first time that only those samples with very high potency can be directly associated with certain organoleptic characteristics.

P0520 / #2128: CANNABIS POISONING IN INFANTS:A CASE REPORT

Aims & Objectives: The consumption of cannabis derivatives in recent decades. It is particularly the work of young adults who are also sometimes parents.The ingestion of cannabis involves a vital risk in infants because of the respiratory and especially neurological risks that it causes Methods: A 14 month old boy (12kg) admitted to the ICU accidentally ingested 02 hours before two fragments of cannabis resin belonging to the father who presented drowsiness followed by the onset of nystagmus, bilateral mydriasis and generalized convulsions spontaneously resolving.A peripheral venous route (physiological serum 50ml / h).A normal returned metabolic report as well as the blood count and coagulation report.A cerebral CT scan performed returning normal, cannabis intoxication confirmed by the presence of urinary tetrahydrocannabinol. The search for common drug toxicants (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, Barbiturates) was found to be negative.At 24 hours the child was asymptomatic Results: The greater frequency of severe cases in children in cannabis intoxication can be explained by an unfavorable dose / body weight ratio and / or by the particular sensitivity of individuals in this age group.A minimum of 4 hours monitoring after ingestion is recommended, extended for at least 24 hours if the child is symptomatic, symptomatic treatment is sufficient in most cases Conclusions: Due to a lack of risk perception and due to intense hand-to-mouth activity, young children (<5 years) frequently ingest products from their home environment. As a result, accidental intoxications of children with cannabis are more and more frequent.

The effects of smoking Haschich on blood parameters in young people from the Beni Mellal region Morocco

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Objective&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of smoking hashish on some blood parameters (Red blood cells, Hemoglobins, Hematocrits, MCV, MCH, MCHC, White blood cells, Urea, Creatinine, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Liver Aminotransferases) among young people from the Beni Mellal region, Morocco.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Methods&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;Blood samples are collected from 30 male, fasting, voluntary and anonymous individuals in three groups; 10 non-smokers (controls), 10 moderate chronic smokers (5 joints/day (5 j/d) or less for a period not exceeding 3 years) and 10 intense chronic smokers (15 joints/day or more for a period equal to or greater than 5 years).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Results&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;The results obtained show that with the duration and number of joints consumed, a decrease in the level of HB, RBCs, HT, platelets, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, SGOT and SGPT while there is an increase in MCH, MCHC, eosinophils and creatinine.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Conclusion&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;These results could be explained by the impact of the active ingredients in the joints, including THC in cannabis and the components of smoked cigarettes in conjunction with cannabis resin on consumer nutrition.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

Changes in delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Cannabis products with high delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations carry an increased risk of addiction and mental health disorders, while it has been suggested that cannabidiol (CBD) may moderate the effects of THC. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse changes in THC and CBD concentrations in cannabis over time (PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130055). Embase, MEDLINE® and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Global Health, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched from inception to 27/03/2019 for observational studies reporting changes in mean THC and/or CBD concentration in cannabis over at least three annual time points. Searches and extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Random effects meta-regression models estimated annual changes in THC and CBD for each product within each study; these estimates were pooled across studies in random effects models. We identified 12 eligible studies from the USA, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Italy and New Zealand. For all herbal cannabis, THC concentrations increased by 0.29% each year (95% CI: 0.11, 0.47), P<0.001 based on 66 747 cannabis samples from eight studies, 1970-2017. For cannabis resin, THC concentrations increased by 0.57% each year (95% CI: 0.10, 1.03), P=0.017 based on 17 371 samples from eight studies, 1975-2017. There was no evidence for changes in CBD in herbal cannabis [-0.01% (95% CI: -0.02, 0.01), P=0.280; 49 434 samples from five studies, 1995-2017] or cannabis resin [0.03% (95% CI: -0.11, 0.18), P=0.651; 11 382 samples from six studies, 1992-2017]. Risk of bias was low apart from non-random sampling in most studies. There was evidence of moderate to substantial heterogeneity. Concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in international cannabis markets increased from 1970 to 2017 while cannabidiol (CBD) remained stable. Increases in THC were greater in cannabis resin than herbal cannabis. Rising THC in herbal cannabis was attributable to an increased market share of high-THC sinsemilla relative to low-THC traditional herbal cannabis.

Cannabis potency in North-East Italy: A ten-year study (2010–2019)

This paper presents data about potency of herbal and resin cannabis products seized during 2010–2019 in north-east Italy. More than 12,000 cannabis samples were analyzed and concentrations of THC, CBD and CBN were collected. The results of our study provided clear evidence for an increase in the potency of cannabis products across the study period, which is consistent with other studies. Globally, the median THC concentrations increased from about 6%–11%, but differences were found between herbal and resin materials. THC potency in resin materials increased more consistently across the study period with a dramatic raise during 2018–2019, with median THC contents around 17%.CBD concentrations were found to decrease constantly over the study period, especially in herbal materials, which had a mean CBD concentration of 0.3%. In particular, about 75% of the analyzed herbal samples had a CBD concentration which was less than 3% of the corresponding THC concentration. In contrast, more than 50% of the analyzed resin materials had a CBD concentration which was about 30% of the corresponding THC concentration. This is consistent with the increase in prevalence of high-potency seedless female herbal products observed in the same period and indicates that herbal and resin materials were produced from different varieties of cannabis plants. However, resin materials derived from high THC/low CBD cannabis plants were recently found. Different routes (e.g. northern Europe) or different modalities of distribution were assumed for these products.CBN concentrations were also considered and found to be very low and consistent across the study period indicating reliability of THC values used in statistical analysis.In conclusion, this study provided an accurate picture of cannabis products seized over a decade over a definite geographical area which can be extremely helpful for comparative purposes and for national and international statistical analyses on cannabis products.

Illicit drug prices and quantity discounts: A comparison between a cryptomarket, social media, and police data

BackgroundIllicit drugs are increasingly sold on cryptomarkets and on social media. Buyers and sellers perceive these online transactions as less risky than conventional street-level exchanges. Following the Risks & Prices framework, law enforcement is the largest cost component of illicit drug distribution. We examine whether prices on cryptomarkets are lower than prices on social media and prices reported by law enforcement on primarily offline markets. MethodsData consists of online advertisements for illicit drugs in Sweden in 2018, scraped from the cryptomarket Flugsvamp 2.0 (n = 826) and collected with digital ethnography on Facebook (n = 446). Observations are advertisements for herbal cannabis (n = 421), cannabis resin, hash (n = 594), and cocaine (n = 257) from 156 sellers. Prices are compared with estimates from Swedish police districts (n = 53). Three multilevel linear regression models are estimated, one for each drug type, comparing price levels and discount elasticities for each platform and between sellers on each platform. ResultsPrice levels are similar on the two online platforms, but cocaine is slightly more expensive on social media. There are quantity discounts for all three drug types on both platforms with coefficients between -0.10 and -0.21. Despite the higher competition between sellers on cryptomarkets, prices are not lower compared to social media. Online price levels for hash and cocaine are similar to those reported by police at the 1 g level. ConclusionMean prices and quantity discounts are similar in the two online markets. This provides support for the notion that research on cryptomarkets can also inform drug market analysis in a broader sense. Online advertisements for drugs constitute a new detailed transaction-level data source for supply-side price information for research.