Lifetime Cannabis Research Articles

Cannabis use disorder: an overview of treatment approaches in Europe.

Between 8 and 22% of lifetime cannabis users develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). It is the most frequent reason for first-time drug-related treatment admissions in Europe. Many countries have general substance usetreatment programs for individuals with cannabis use disorders. This study presents an updated overview of cannabis-specific treatment availability across Europe. Data on treatment programs in 27 EU member states, United Kingdom, Norway and Turkey was gathered. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining (1) a quantitative survey among the National Focal Points of the European Drugs Agency (EUDA), (2) a qualitative analysis of "Drug Workbooks 2021" and 'Treatment Workbooks 2020 and 2021' published by the National Focal Points of the EUDA. Data for 30 countries on the European continent was analyzed. Sixteen countries reported the existence of specific cannabis-specific programs. Fifteen countries provided specific face-to-face interventions, which mostly have limited national coverage. Cannabis-specific online-treatment hasbeen used more systematicallysince theCOVID-pandemic in some countries. Automated and brief web-based interventions have emerged with a large potential to cover the needs of many clients in rural areas. First Cannabis Clinics opened, butspecific forms of treatment for vulnerable target groups (e.g. adolescents, people with mental disorders) aregenerally stillrare.Most programsare not evidence-based. In sum,some growth in cannabis-specific treatments has been observed in the past decade in Europe. Theircoverageis still limited.

Validating the satisfaction with life scale among early adolescents: psychometric assessment using item response theory

Abstract The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has been extensively validated using Classical Test Theory, mostly relying on factor analytic methods among adult samples. The current study used Item Response Theory to validate SWLS among a sample of early adolescents in California and examine associations between SWLS and tobacco and cannabis use. Data were collected from ninth-grade students (N = 2552) attending 10 public high schools in Los Angeles, California in 2013. Nonparametric and parametric item response modeling were used to validate the SWLS. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the associations between SWLS and tobacco and cannabis use. Item discrimination indices were above 1.80, indicating all items functioned appropriately in terms of measuring the construct and separating participants of different levels of life satisfaction. The test information curve indicated that the SWLS was best for discriminating between respondents with low to average life satisfaction. Participants who reported high scores on the SWLS, compared with those who reported low scores, were significantly less likely to report lifetime e-cigarette, cigarette, and cannabis use. The SWLS possessed excellent psychometric properties among a sample of early adolescents in California. Findings may be useful for scholars and practitioners to screen for subjective well-being in early adolescence, and target interventions focused on improving adolescent health & well-being, which may help prevent substance use initiation or sustained use.

Sex Differences in Lifetime Non-Medical Prescription Opioid and Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in the All of Us Research Program

Sex Differences in Lifetime Non-Medical Prescription Opioid and Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in the All of Us Research Program

The Prevalence and Correlates of Cannabis-Related Harms in a Nationally Representative Sample of Norwegian High School Students.

Although adolescents are at increased risk for a wide spectrum of cannabis-related harms, comprehensive harm measures are seldom employed in studies of young people who use cannabis. This study examined the type and prevalence of cannabis-related harms and their associations with various cannabis use indicators in a sample of adolescent who use cannabis. A nationally representative sample of Norwegian high school students (N= 3,490, age 17-19 years, 48% male) reported whether they used cannabis, and if so, age of first initiation, use frequency, simultaneous use with alcohol, and whether they experienced any of the 18 possible cannabis-related harms. Associations between these harms and cannabis use indicators were analyzed using regression models while accounting for other known sociodemographic, temperamental, and substance use risks. Among respondents who reported lifetime cannabis use (20%), 65% reported having experienced at least one cannabis-related harm (M= 4.7 ± 4.8). Although "Feelings of shame" (44%) and "Adverse psychoactive effects" (42%) were most frequently reported, harmed relationships (21%), unprotected/unwanted sex (17%), and school troubles (17%) were also prevalent. Early cannabis use initiation (Incidence rate ratio= 1.564, p < .01) and simultaneous use with alcohol (Incidence rate ratio= 1.385, p < .01), but not frequency of use, were associated with greater number of experienced harms. By examining a wide range of diverse harms, our results underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of negative consequences of cannabis use during sensitive periods of adolescent development. Prevention efforts targeting early initiation and simultaneous use of cannabis and alcohol may prove particularly useful in preventing cannabis-related harm among adolescents.

The relationship of medical and recreational cannabis laws with opioid misuse and opioid use disorder in the USA: Does it depend on prior history of cannabis use?

The relationship of medical and recreational cannabis laws with opioid misuse and opioid use disorder in the USA: Does it depend on prior history of cannabis use?

Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use

Cannabis use has increased globally, but its effects on brain function are not fully known, highlighting the need to better determine recent and long-term brain activation outcomes of cannabis use. To examine the association of lifetime history of heavy cannabis use and recent cannabis use with brain activation across a range of brain functions in a large sample of young adults in the US. This cross-sectional study used data (2017 release) from the Human Connectome Project (collected between August 2012 and 2015). Young adults (aged 22-36 years) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), urine toxicology, and cannabis use data were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from January 31 to July 30, 2024. History of heavy cannabis use was assessed using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism, with variables for lifetime history and diagnosis of cannabis dependence. Individuals were grouped as heavy lifetime cannabis users if they had greater than 1000 uses, as moderate users if they had 10 to 999 uses, and as nonusers if they had fewer than 10 uses. Participants provided urine samples on the day of scanning to assess recent use. Diagnosis of cannabis dependence (per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria) was also included. Brain activation was assessed during each of the 7 tasks administered during the functional MRI session (working memory, reward, emotion, language, motor, relational assessment, and theory of mind). Mean activation from regions associated with the primary contrast for each task was used. The primary analysis was a linear mixed-effects regression model (one model per task) examining the association of lifetime cannabis and recent cannabis use on the mean brain activation value. The sample comprised 1003 adults (mean [SD] age, 28.7 [3.7] years; 470 men [46.9%] and 533 women [53.1%]). A total of 63 participants were Asian (6.3%), 137 were Black (13.7%), and 762 were White (76.0%). For lifetime history criteria, 88 participants (8.8%) were classified as heavy cannabis users, 179 (17.8%) as moderate users, and 736 (73.4%) as nonusers. Heavy lifetime use (Cohen d = -0.28 [95% CI, -0.50 to -0.06]; false discovery rate corrected P = .02) was associated with lower activation on the working memory task. Regions associated with a history of heavy use included the anterior insula, medial prefrontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Recent cannabis use was associated with poorer performance and lower brain activation in the working memory and motor tasks, but the associations between recent use and brain activation did not survive false discovery rate correction. No other tasks were associated with lifetime history of heavy use, recent use, or dependence diagnosis. In this study of young adults, lifetime history of heavy cannabis use was associated with lower brain activation during a working memory task. These findings identify negative outcomes associated with heavy lifetime cannabis use and working memory in healthy young adults that may be long lasting.

Cannabis Use and Trajectories of Depression and Stress Across the Prenatal Period

Cannabis use among pregnant individuals has increased. Depression and stress are frequently reported motives for cannabis use that may prolong using cannabis during pregnancy. To examine associations between changes in depression, stress, and self-reported prenatal cannabis use (PCU), to examine motives for PCU, and to examine whether trajectories of depression and stress vary across individuals who report using cannabis to cope with mental health symptoms and/or stress, those who use cannabis for other reasons, and those who do not report PCU. This cohort study recruited pregnant individuals at an obstetric clinic at an academic hospital between July 2019 and January 2024 and followed them during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals with a history of lifetime cannabis use were included. Individuals reporting heavy episodic alcohol use or with other illicit drug use were excluded. Self-reported PCU. The primary outcomes were self-reported depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale), and cannabis use at each trimester during pregnancy, as well as motives for cannabis use during the first trimester (T1). Stability and changes in depression and stress scores and categorical self-reported prenatal cannabis use from T1 to the third trimester (T3) were estimated using individual linear growth curve models. In this sample of 504 patients (all identified as women; median [IQR] age, 26 [18-40] years), 236 individuals (46.8%) reported PCU after pregnancy knowledge. Depression, stress, and PCU decreased from T1 to T3 (all slope estimates less than -0.29; SEs, 0.23-0.7; all P < .001). There were positive associations between depression and PCU at T1 (r = 0.17; P = .004) and in their rate of change (r = 0.18; P = .01). Only T1 stress and PCU were correlated (r = 0.14; P = .004). Participants reporting PCU for mental health reasons (137 participants [58.1%]) had the highest depression scores at each trimester; however, their rate of change in depression was statistically equivalent to those who did not use cannabis. In this cohort study of PCU, participants who used cannabis did not experience a more significant decline in stress or depression symptoms compared with those who did not use cannabis. Individuals who used cannabis for mental health reasons did not hasten a decrease in their symptoms. Health care professionals are encouraged to enhance prenatal individuals' access to empirically supported treatments for depression and stress.

Prevalence and factors associated with tramadol use among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThere are progressively alarming rates of non-medical use, addiction and possible dependence on tramadol in low-middle-income countries. Tramadol is known to heighten negative consequences on social interactions, physical and cognitive abilities among adolescents, students and youth, particularly those with polysubstance use. However, literature on the use of tramadol in low-middle-income countries, especially among undergraduate university students in Ghana remains inadequate. Thus, this study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with tramadol use among undergraduate students in Ghana.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study and a quota sampling technique were employed to gather data from January to March 2023 on 600 undergraduate students from the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and analyzed with SPSS (version 26.0). Multiple logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the use of tramadol (p-value ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of tramadol use was 17.8%. Among those who used tramadol in their lifetime, 14.95% used tramadol alone whereas 85.05% used at least one substance alongside tramadol. The study recorded more females (67.8%) than males. Students aged 20–24 years (20.5%), those single/never married (18.7%), those renting/living alone (19.7%) and first year students (17.4%) accounted for the majority of groups at high risk of lifetime tramadol use. To improve academic performance was the primary reason for initiating tramadol use. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.673; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.590—4.493; p < 0.0001) and those with lifetime cannabis use (AOR 2.137; 95%CI 1.267—3.604; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with lifetime tramadol use.ConclusionsThis study revealed that lifetime tramadol use was high. Male sex and those with lifetime cannabis use were significantly related with lifetime tramadol use. The use of tramadol has become a public health threat and is important to limit its incidence and continuous use through extensive school and community health campaigns and strengthening of governmental policies against tramadol and other substance use since they increase the propensity of unwarranted cognitive, physical and social outcomes.

Cannabis use and cognitive biases in people with first-episode psychosis and their siblings.

Cannabis use and familial vulnerability to psychosis have been associated with social cognition deficits. This study examined the potential relationship between cannabis use and cognitive biases underlying social cognition and functioning in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), their siblings, and controls. We analyzed a sample of 543 participants with FEP, 203 siblings, and 1168 controls from the EU-GEI study using a correlational design. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the influence of clinical group, lifetime cannabis use frequency, and potency of cannabis use on cognitive biases, accounting for demographic and cognitive variables. FEP patients showed increased odds of facial recognition processing (FRP) deficits (OR = 1.642, CI 1.123-2.402) relative to controls but not of speech illusions (SI) or jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias, with no statistically significant differences relative to siblings. Daily and occasional lifetime cannabis use were associated with decreased odds of SI (OR = 0.605, CI 0.368-0.997 and OR = 0.646, CI 0.457-0.913 respectively) and JTC bias (OR = 0.625, CI 0.422-0.925 and OR = 0.602, CI 0.460-0.787 respectively) compared with lifetime abstinence, but not with FRP deficits, in the whole sample. Within the cannabis user group, low-potency cannabis use was associated with increased odds of SI (OR = 1.829, CI 1.297-2.578, FRP deficits (OR = 1.393, CI 1.031-1.882, and JTC (OR = 1.661, CI 1.271-2.171) relative to high-potency cannabis use, with comparable effects in the three clinical groups. Our findings suggest increased odds of cognitive biases in FEP patients who have never used cannabis and in low-potency users. Future studies should elucidate this association and its potential implications.

Abstract 4122679: Associations Between Recent and Cumulative Lifetime Cannabis Use and Sleep Health in Middle-Aged Adults: 35-Year Insights from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) and CARDIA Sleep Studies

Background: Cannabis use has become common, but its effects on sleep health—an important contributor to cardiovascular health—remain poorly understood. We investigated associations between recent and cumulative lifetime cannabis use and objective and subjective sleep measures in middle-aged adults. Method: We assessed recent cannabis use (last 30 days) repeatedly from young adulthood (age 18-30 at baseline in 1985-86) to middle age (after 35 years) in the longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Cumulative lifetime cannabis use (1 year = 365 days of use) was estimated by summing days of use during follow-up. At Year 35 (Y35), we obtained objective sleep measures (duration, efficiency, fragmentation, wake after sleep onset [WASO]) via 7-day wrist actigraphy from CARDIA Sleep Ancillary Study II. Subjective sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Robust regression models adjusted for Y35 age, sex, race, education, cumulative cigarette smoking, alcohol use, other substance use, physical activity, body mass index, sleep medication, and comorbidities. We also examined race, sex, and cigarette smoking status differences in associations. Result: Of 571 participants, mean age was 61.9 years; 65% were female, and 35% Black. Means (SD) for sleep duration, efficiency, fragmentation, WASO, and PSQI were 6.9 (1.1) hours, 90.5 (4.2)%, 20.6 (7.6)%, 43.5 (20.9) minutes, and 6.1 (3.6) scores, respectively. At Y35, 13.8% reported recent cannabis use, 56% reported former use, mean (SD) cumulative use was 1.6 (4.4) years. With adjustment, recent cannabis use was associated with longer sleep duration, lower efficiency, and higher WASO; former cannabis use was associated with longer sleep duration (Table). Compared to those with cumulative cannabis exposure years in the first quartile, fourth quartile users had longer sleep duration, lower efficiency, and higher WASO (β/p-value: 0.3/0.01, -1.2/0.01, and 8.9/&lt;.001, respectively). PSQI was not associated with recent or cumulative cannabis use. Associations were similar across race, sex, and cigarette smoking status. Conclusion: Recent and cumulative lifetime cannabis use is associated with longer sleep duration and poorer sleep quality in objective, but not subjective, measures. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify interventions aimed at improving sleep health and promoting cardiovascular health in cannabis users.

Associations of psychotic symptom dimensions with clinical and developmental variables in twin and general clinical samples.

Positive, negative and disorganised psychotic symptom dimensions are associated with clinical and developmental variables, but differing definitions complicate interpretation. Additionally, some variables have had little investigation. To investigate associations of psychotic symptom dimensions with clinical and developmental variables, and familial aggregation of symptom dimensions, in multiple samples employing the same definitions. We investigated associations between lifetime symptom dimensions and clinical and developmental variables in two twin and two general psychosis samples. Dimension symptom scores and most other variables were from the Operational Criteria Checklist. We used logistic regression in generalised linear mixed models for combined sample analysis (n = 875 probands). We also investigated correlations of dimensions within monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs concordant for psychosis (n = 96 pairs). Higher symptom scores on all three dimensions were associated with poor premorbid social adjustment, never marrying/cohabiting and earlier age at onset, and with a chronic course, most strongly for the negative dimension. The positive dimension was also associated with Black and minority ethnicity and lifetime cannabis use; the negative dimension with male gender; and the disorganised dimension with gradual onset, lower premorbid IQ and substantial within twin-pair correlation. In secondary analysis, disorganised symptoms in MZ twin probands were associated with lower premorbid IQ in their co-twins. These results confirm associations that dimensions share in common and strengthen the evidence for distinct associations of co-occurring positive symptoms with ethnic minority status, negative symptoms with male gender and disorganised symptoms with substantial familial influences, which may overlap with influences on premorbid IQ.

Adolescent alcohol drinking and cannabis use: Longitudinal, and cohort analysis of high school students in Australia

Aims: The final year of high school is a challenging phase, during which substance use is common. We conducted longitudinal and cohort comparisons on the levels of alcohol and cannabis use among final year (Year 12) high school students compared to the previous year. Design: Longitudinal and cohort analyses of self-reported survey data. Setting: Ten independent schools across South-East Queensland, Australia. Participants: Year 12 students in 2020 (n = 1024) were compared (a) longitudinally with themselves in Year 11; and (b) to the 2019 Year 12 cohort (n = 632). Measures: Self-reported alcohol and cannabis use. Analyses adjusted for socio-demographic, parental, and schooling variables. Findings: Longitudinally, Year 12 students of 2020 had higher odds of having six or more drinks per occasion, monthly or more often, and reporting lifetime cannabis use, compared to themselves in 2019. However, they were not more likely to drink alcohol weekly or more often in 2020 versus 2019. Compared to the 2019 cohort, the 2020 cohort had higher odds of drinking weekly or more often, having six or more drinks per occasion monthly, and reporting lifetime cannabis use. Conclusions: The 2020 cohort of Year 12 adolescents were more likely to engage in heavy drinking and cannabis use, compared to themselves the previous year, and compared to the previous cohort. Greater alcohol consumption and likelihood of cannabis use among the 2020 cohort might be explained by increased age and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research to monitor if this is a continuing trend is warranted.

Association of Neuromelanin-Sensitive MRI Signal With Lifetime Substance Use in Young Women.

Midbrain dopamine function plays a key role in translational models of substance use disorders. Whether midbrain dopamine function is associated with substance use frequency and severity or reward function in 20-24 year-olds remains a critical gap in knowledge. The authors collected neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI), a validated index of lifetime dopamine function in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmentum area (SN-VTA) complex, to characterize altered dopamine function. Midbrain NM-MRI contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was acquired in 135 20-24 year-olds (105 women and 30 men). A composite measure of cumulative substance use was derived from factor analysis of lifetime alcohol intoxications, lifetime cannabis use, use of nicotine in heaviest month, number of classes of drugs used, and ever meeting DSM-5 criteria for a SUD. Trait reward function was assessed by self-report. Cumulative substance use was significantly positively associated with NM-MRI CNR in a large area of the bilateral SN-VTA complex, an effect which was driven by women (who comprised most of the sample) and by voxels with greater NM-MRI CNR, including the ventral tegmentum area. NM-MRI CNR was not associated with individual differences in trait reward function. History of substance use is associated with greater NM signal in NM-rich areas of the midbrain, especially in women. Future longitudinal studies with repeated NM-MRI assessments, especially in younger cohorts and while including more men, are warranted to evaluate whether aberrant dopamine function predates, follows, or is modulated by substance use.

Association between cannabis use and brain structure and function: an observational and Mendelian randomisation study

BackgroundCannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood has been associated with brain harm, yet despite a rapid increase in cannabis use among older adults in the past decade, the impact...

Daily cannabis use and cognitive impairment in community residents aged 50 and over

ABSTRACT Background Cannabis use is associated with cognitive dysfunction in younger adults, but little is known about its role as a risk factor for dementia. This study aimed to explore the association between daily cannabis use and cognitive impairment in a cohort study of middle-aged and older people at risk of dementia. Methods Sample drawn from a cross-sectional study involving 15,582 people aged 50 and over from PROTECT study. Lifetime heavy cannabis use was defined by daily use. Results A total of 4203 (27%) participants reported lifetime cannabis use, of whom 4097 responses to frequency of use were obtained. Among them, 259 participants reported lifetime daily, and 3838 reported less than daily use. Those with lifetime daily cannabis use were more likely than those without to be unmarried, of lower educational attainment, and current or past tobacco smokers. They were more likely to show moderate or moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression. Baseline lifetime daily cannabis use was also associated with improved verbal reasoning but not with change in other cognitive scores. Conclusions Given improved verbal reasoning in people with daily lifetime cannabis use, the relationship between quantity and frequency of cannabis use and cognitive impairment in later life warrants further examination.

National cross-sectional survey of US adults to assess the reliability of current and lifetime cannabis smoking

ObjectiveThe objective is to examine the test–retest reliability and internal reliability of six self-report questions assessing both current (past 30 days) and lifetime cannabis smoking in an internet survey in...

A Bivariate Twin Study of Lifetime cannabis Initiation and Lifetime Regular Tobacco Smoking Across Three Different Countries

Regular cigarette smoking and cannabis consumption are strongly positively related to each other, yet few studies explore their underlying variation and covariation. We evaluated the genetic and environmental decomposition of variance and covariance of these two traits in twin data from three countries with different social norms and legislation. Data from the Netherlands Twin Register, FinnTwin12/16, and the Minnesota Center for Twin Family Research (total N = 21,617) were analyzed in bivariate threshold models of lifetime regular smoking initiation (RSI) and lifetime cannabis initiation (CI). We ran unstratified models and models stratified by sex and country. Prevalence of RSI was lowest in the Netherlands and prevalence of CI was highest in Minnesota. In the unstratified model, genetic (A) and common environmental factors (C) contributed substantially to the liabilities of RSI (A = 0.47, C = 0.34) and CI (A = 0.28, C = 0.51). The two liabilities were significantly phenotypically (rP = 0.56), genetically (rA = 0.74), and environmentally correlated in the unstratified model (rC = 0.47and rE = 0.48, representing correlations between common and unique environmental factors). The magnitude of phenotypic correlation between liabilities varied by country but not sex (Minnesota rP ~ 0.70, Netherlands rP ~ 0.59, Finland rP ~ 0.45). Comparisons of decomposed correlations could not be reliably tested in the stratified models. The prevalence and association of RSI and CI vary by sex and country. These two behaviors are correlated because there is genetic and environmental overlap between their underlying latent liabilities. There is heterogeneity in the genetic architecture of these traits across country.

App-Based Addiction Prevention at German Vocational Schools: Implementation and Reach for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

This article examines the implementation, participation rates, and potential determinants of participation in the digital addiction prevention program “ready4life.” A two-arm cluster-randomized trial recruited German vocational students via class-based strategies. Intervention group received 16 weeks of in-app coaching; the control group received health behavior information, with coaching offered after 12 months. Potential determinants of participation were analyzed based on class and individual characteristics. Out of 525 contacted schools, 35 participated, enrolling 376 classes. Implementation during the pandemic required flexible adjustments, with 49.7% of introductions conducted in person, 43.1% digitally via online streaming, and 7.2% received a video link via email. Despite challenges, 72.3% of the vocational students downloaded the app, and 46.7% gave informed consent. Participation rates were highest among (associate) professionals, vocational grammar school classes, classes introduced by females, younger individuals, members of the project team, and classes introduced face-to-face. Female gender, lower social competencies, lifetime cannabis use, higher problematic internet use, and higher perceived stress were associated with higher individual participation. The study highlights the importance of proactive outreach and personalized interventions for addiction prevention programs in vocational schools. While reached students aligned with the aims of the app, tailored recruitment strategies could enhance engagement among under-represented groups. The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00022328; registration date 09.10.2020.

W23 - Effect of Acute THC, Sex, and Lifetime Cannabis Use on Neural Reward Activation

W23 - Effect of Acute THC, Sex, and Lifetime Cannabis Use on Neural Reward Activation

S19 - Neural Reward Reactivity to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Among Young Adults as a Function of Lifetime Cannabis Use Frequency

S19 - Neural Reward Reactivity to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Among Young Adults as a Function of Lifetime Cannabis Use Frequency