Recreational Marijuana Use Research Articles

Opinions on the Medical and Recreational Use and Legalization of Marijuana in Mexico: Results of a National Survey

Introduction. The use of medical marijuana was legalized in Mexico in 2017. In June 2021, the Supreme Court authorized personal marijuana use, as well as its planting, cultivation, harvest, preparation, possession, and transportation for recreational purposes by persons aged 18 and over, decriminalizing its use. Objectives. 1) To determine which variables are associated with favorable opinions regarding medical use, recreational use, and the legalization of marijuana use; and 2) to determine whether there are differences in the variables that best predict support for medicinal and recreational use and legalization of marijuana among marijuana users and non-users. Method. Data are drawn from the 2016 National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use, administered to a nationally representative sample of Mexican households. A validated questionnaire was used with questions on demographic characteristics, marijuana use (including the number of times it has been used), respondents’ opinions regarding the legalization of marijuana and recreational use, whether they have been offered marijuana without having to pay for it, perception of risk associated with marijuana use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Results. Being male and having a low perception of the risks of marijuana use are the variables mostly strongly associated with approving medical and recreational use and its legalization, irrespective of whether respondents used it. Other variables associated with approval are age, educational attainment, and income level. Discussion and Conclusion. Legislators and policy makers should consider the full range of public opinion concerning the use and legalization of marijuana and incorporate it into their proposals.

Marijuana Legalization and Truck Safety

ABSTRACTMany states have legalized medical and recreational marijuana use in the past decade, which has potential consequences for roadway safety. Using a state‐level panel of heavy truck crash statistics from 2005 to 2021 and a difference‐in‐difference estimation strategy, we test whether legalization has affected crash rates. Our results show that legalization does not increase crash rates on average; however, responses are heterogeneous across states, with Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington (state) showing crash reductions, while Connecticut and Virginia saw crashes increase. These results suggest that marijuana legalization does not have a straightforward relationship with heavy truck accidents, warranting continued research and policy scrutiny.

Prescription Painkiller Misuse in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Adults Ages 50 and Older: Trends and Correlates in a National Sample, 2015–2019

Background: Older adults, an increasingly diverse segment of the United States population, are a priority population for prescription painkiller misuse. This study documents trends and correlates of prescription painkiller misuse among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults ages 50 and older. Methods: A secondary analysis of adults 50 years and older across 5 cohorts using the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (unweighted n = 16,181, 8.5% Hispanic, and 54% female). Logistic regression modeling with complex survey design was used to examine trends in prescription painkiller misuse. Results: Over time, the prevalence of past year painkiller misuse significantly decreased for Hispanic respondents (56.1% relative decrease, p = 0.02); elevated proportions were observed across strata of demographic characteristics. Conclusions: Variability in the prevalence of painkiller misuse may be explained by demographic characteristics. Further, these results emphasize the importance of addressing comorbid recreational marijuana use when designing interventions to address painkiller misuse for older adults.

An Urgent Call for Studies That Address the Cardiovascular Consequences of Legalization of Marijuana.

In about a decade, half of the United States has legalized marijuana for recreational use. The drug has been associated with acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, congestive heart failure, and various cardiac arrythmias. Data have shown that legalization of the drug led to an increase of its use as well as an increase in tetra hydro cannabinoid positive tests in patients admitted to emergency departments. In Colorado, one of the earlier states to implement legalization, there was an increase in traffic accidents, suicide rates, and even total mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the effect of marijuana legalization on various cardiovascular events. It is prudent to have well-designed studies with enough power to provide consumers and health care providers the information they need to decide whether the risks of marijuana, especially on the cardiovascular front, are worth the "high" or potential benefits that have been described for other medical conditions.

Marijuana use among community-dwelling older adults: A population-based study.

There is a paucity of population-level data on marijuana use and mental health and functioning in older adults. We analyzed cross-sectional data (n=910) from a well-characterized cohort, the Monongahela-Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT) study. MYHAT is an age-stratified random sample of the population age 65years and older from a small-town in the USA. Half the sample was female and half were over 75 (Mean age=77). Most participants were non-Hispanic White. Marijuana use was assessed by self-report and symptoms of mood disorders were screened using the modified Centers for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder screener. Cognition was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and a neuropsychological test battery; functioning using the OARS Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; and overall assessment using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®). One in five MYHAT participants had a history of marijuana use and 5% reported recent use, primarily for pain (41%) and recreation/relaxation (37%). Recent use was associated with cigarette and alcohol use, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and impairments in attention. Twenty-percent of community-dwelling older adults living in a US state where recreational marijuana use is illegal had a history of marijuana use. Recent marijuana use was less common but, consistent with prior research, associated with other substance use and poorer mental health.

Characteristics of patients with non-cancer pain and long-term prescription opioid use who have used medical versus recreational marijuana

ObjectiveMarijuana use is increasingly common among patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). We determined if lifetime recreational and medical marijuana use were associated with more frequent and higher dose prescription opioid use.DesignCross-sectionalSubjectsEligible patients (n=1,037), who had a new period of prescription opioid use lasting 30-90 days, were recruited from two midwestern health care systems to a study of long-term prescription opioid use and mental health outcomes. The present cross-sectional analyses uses baseline data from this on-going cohort study.MethodsPrimary exposures were participant reported lifetime recreational and medical marijuana use versus no lifetime marijuana use. Prescription opioid characteristics included daily versus non-daily opioid use and ≥50 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose per day vs. <50 MME. Multivariate, logistic regression models estimated the association between lifetime recreational and medical marijuana use vs. no use and odds of daily and higher dose prescription opioid use, before and after adjusting for confounding.ResultsThe sample was an average of 54.9 (SD±11.3) years of age, 57.3% identified as female gender, 75.2% identified as White, and 22.5% identified as Black race. Among all participants, 44.4% were never marijuana users, 21.3% were recreational only, 7.7% medical only and 26.6% were both recreational and medical marijuana users. After controlling for all confounders, lifetime recreational marijuana use, as compared to no use, was significantly associated with increased odds of daily prescription opioid use (OR=1.61; 95%CI:1.02-2.54). There was no association between lifetime recreational or medical marijuana use and daily opioid dose.ConclusionLifetime medical marijuana use is not linked to current opioid dose, but lifetime recreational use is associated with more than a 60% odds of being a daily prescription opioid user. Screening for lifetime recreational marijuana use may identify patients with chronic pain who are vulnerable to daily opioid use which increases risk for adverse opioid outcomes. Prospective data is needed to determine how marijuana use influences the course of LTOT and vice versa.

Prenatal Exposure to Tobacco and Cannabis in Six Race/Ethnicity Groups during the First Three Years after Legalization of Cannabis for Recreational Use in California.

There are known health concerns linked to prenatal tobacco and cannabis exposures. This study aims to objectively determine the level of exposure to tobacco and cannabis in pregnant individuals from six race/ethnicity groups (Black, Hispanic, Asian Indian, Native American, Vietnamese, and White) in the first three years following legalization of recreational marijuana use in 2018 in California. We used a cross-sectional sample of prenatal screening program participants (2018-2020) from southern and central California (N = 925). Exposures were estimated by a lab analysis of cotinine (tobacco) and 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (OH-THC, cannabis) in banked serum. Disparities in tobacco exposure were evident, with Black subjects experiencing the highest smoking rate (16%) followed by Native American (10%) and White (8%) subjects, and ≤2% among Hispanic, Asian Indian, and Vietnamese subjects. Environmental tobacco exposure generally showed a similar pattern of exposure to tobacco smoking across race/ethnicity groups. Cannabis detection ranged from 5% among Hispanic subjects to 12% and 13% among White and Black subjects, respectively, and was higher among tobacco users and those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke than those with no cotinine detected. Tobacco and cannabis exposure were generally greatest in younger subjects and those with indices of a lower economic status; however, among Black subjects, cannabis exposure was greatest in older subjects and those with a higher socioeconomic status. Race/ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic factors can inform targeting of high-exposure groups for intervention.

The Synergistic Benefit Mechanism of Medical and Recreational Marijuana: Economic Gains of Cannabis Taxation based on US Federal Law for Corporate Governance and Sustainability

Purpose: Marijuana legalization is brought about by the demands of people as social utility either for medical or recreation consumption. It is essential that the control of cannabis fulfills the goals of corporate governance and sustainability. This paper aims to measure the profitability of marijuana taxation over a time period as trend analysis of economic gains.&#x0D; Methodology: The socio-legal taxation of marijuana in the United States follows a descriptive research design. The beneficial gains of marijuana as medical use created this substance to be controlled under contract law transactions. The removal of cannabis in US Pharmacopeia modified the tort law restriction for legalization of marijuana as recreational consumption. The recreational cannabis taxation together with medical marijuana state taxes are essential to fulfill the 4 pillars of corporate governance and sustainability for strengthening constitutional rights. The legalization of marijuana through votes of the people repeals the criminal punishments imposed by federal law to advocate the synergistic concepts of economic theory.&#x0D; Findings: State tax theory creates voluntary principles in transactions together with trend analysis in prices and demands of people resulting to efficiency in mutual gains through lessening the value of participation under a harmful environment. Hence, Pigouvian tax follows the public welfare of medical marijuana and common revenue of recreational cannabis diminishes the overall costs of social consumption. Federal laws control marijuana usage through Pigouvian taxes of medical use with lessened participation in externalities and common revenue in cannabis consumption, as a legalization process of other states in reinstating tort law for business purposes, while still enforcing criminal penalties to remaining states, in compliance with US federal laws, not in favor of medical and recreational marijuana use. The economic theory supports the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis use through taxation as profitable gains by allowing voluntary market transactions of marijuana as fulfillment to corporate governance and sustainability for more allocation of public funds. From 2002 to 2018, medical and recreational cannabis users increased to 70% of social utility through lessening the value of participation, a win-win in efficiency of economic design. In 2010, marijuana taxation generated $8.7 billion as federal public funds, with accompanied criminal penalties to other states.&#x0D; Recommendations: Economic theory is a conceptual design supporting the beneficial gains of legalizing marijuana via taxation. This economic design promotes fair responsibility of market gains while still in strict compliance of enforcing criminal punishments to violators. The people’s votes for legalization of marijuana taxation indicates that this economic policy has come by choice in a particular state as constitutional right of either a medical opinion or business ethics. However, cannabis is deemed to be a substance subject for criminal liabilities, similar to other patent drugs under taxation as well. Hence, it is suggested to create artificial intelligence using authorless works for clinical trials and other relevant studies subject to patent law of marijuana use, as advocacy of public welfare and safety since voluntary transactions are apparent harmful environment.

Legalization and retail availability of recreational marijuana and adolescent use in schools.

Legalization of use and retail sales of recreational marijuana in U.S. states and the associated potential increase in access to marijuana and normalization of its use by adults could lead to increased use by adolescents. Studies have found that states with legal recreational marijuana have higher rates of adolescent use and frequency of use compared to states without legal use. We examined changes in student office discipline referrals (ODRs) for substance use offenses in Oregon middle and high schools before and after the legalization of recreational marijuana relative to comparison schools in other states. We found that rates of substance use related ODRs in middle schools increased by 0.14 per 100 students (30% of the mean) with legalization relative to comparison schools. This increase was moderated by the presence of a marijuana outlet within one mile of the school. We found no statistically discernible changes in high school ODRs. Marijuana use in adolescence has been linked to negative health and social consequences, including academic problems, mental health issues, and impaired driving. Potential adverse impact on adolescents and investments in school-based prevention programs could be important considerations for policymakers and public health officials when evaluating marijuana legalization.

Marijuana legalization and traffic fatalities revisited

AbstractThe legal landscape for marijuana in the United States has changed dramatically over the last three decades. While several studies have examined the relationship between marijuana legalization and traffic fatalities, some of the research is becoming outdated and existing evidence remains mixed. Our research revisits the topic with two updates. First, our study includes states that legalized marijuana more recently and provides updated evidence on the effects of marijuana legalization. Second, considering recent discussions about the limitations of difference‐in‐differences designs, we employ alternative estimators that are robust to heterogeneous and dynamic treatment effects. Overall, our alternative estimators suggest either a smaller reduction (i.e., 3.9% drop in the overall fatality rate) or no change in traffic fatalities associated with legalizing marijuana for medical use, compared to the two‐way fixed‐effect estimator. We find no significant impact on traffic fatalities associated with legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

Dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about marijuana and its effects on patients' oral health.

This article seeks to determine dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward patients' marijuana use and whether dental students would like additional marijuana education. Predoctoral dental students were invited in 2021 to complete a questionnaire regarding marijuana's oral health effects, their comfort discussing marijuana with patients and their interest in additional training. Among participants (n=206, 32.7% response rate), most were familiar with smoked, smokeless and edible methods, but only 39.3% were familiar with topical applications. Only 29.6% of preclinical and 32.2% of clinical Doctor of Dental Medicine students agreed that smoking marijuana was detrimental to one's health, compared to 64.6% of internationally trained Advanced Standing students. Significantly more clinical students (70.6%) could identify how often they treat patients having used marijuana compared to the estimates of preclinical students (36.7%), although 44.2% of all students indicated they were unsure. Not surprisingly, more preclinical students were uncomfortable treating patients during routine dental procedures (45.6% preclinical vs. 32.8% clinical) and when administering local anesthesia (45.6% preclinical vs. 38.8% clinical) due to not yet providing direct patient care. A majority of both preclinical (92.2%) and clinical (89.7%) students agreed they would benefit from more marijuana education. Clinical students preferred adding a brief introductory seminar while preclinical students preferred multiple lectures throughout the curriculum. As states legalize medical and recreational marijuana use, dental schools need to evaluate marijuana education in their curriculum and develop resources so students can feel comfortable and confident in their ability to identify and safely treat patients who use marijuana.

Riesgos inducidos por la mariguana recreativa vs. la utilidad de los cannabinoides en el COVID-19

Introduction: the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has caused a crisis in the health sector due to the lack of medical and pharmacological resources to treat the COVID-19 disease. Recent findings have shown that some compounds isolated from cannabis can reduce the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells, and prevent the proinflammatory cytokine storm, which is why they are considered drugs with potential for the treatment of COVID-19. On the other hand, frequent or chronic recreational use of cannabis may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection by depressing the immune system but also promote proinflammatory cytokine storm, worsening the disease. Objective: to discuss the proposed mechanisms of action of cannabinoids in the treatment of COVID-19 and the difference between the immunological effects produced by the chronic recreational use of marijuana and the pharmacological use of the isolated and purified compounds of cannabis for the treatment of this disease. Method: the most recent scientific articles published in PubMed were browsed, in which the effects of cannabinoids in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus were studied, as well as articles about the effects of chronic cannabis use on the immune system. Discussion and conclusions: high and frequent use of marijuana could worsen the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the use of isolated and purified compounds can attenuate COVID-19 disease.

Co-exposure to cannabis and nicotine during pregnancy alters fetal lung development

Rationale: The co-use of cigarettes and cannabis is increasing especially in regions where recreational marijuana use has become legal. However, the use of these dependent substances during pregnancy poses a serious risk on fetal development and health (low birth weight, preterm birth, and perinatal death). Nevertheless, the impact of co-exposure to the most prominent cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa (Trans-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) with nicotine on fetal lung development is not well understood. This study aims to determine the effect of nicotine, CBD, and THC, alone or combined, on human lung development through investigating cellular senescence. Methods: In vitro human fetal lung explants from 10–20 weeks gestation were cultured on air-liquid interface and treated with physiological concentrations of CBD, THC, and nicotine, alone or combined, for 72h. Similarly, lung mesenchymal cells (LMCs) were isolated from the same samples and treated for 48h. Both culture types were either fixed for immunofluorescent staining or used for RNA extraction and qRT-PCR. Results: Our results showed that nicotine and CBD induce thickening of the mesenchymal compartment of lung explants. Furthermore, treatment with either CBD or THC, or the two combined, induced an increase in epithelial cysting. Ki-67 staining demonstrated increased proliferation following treatment with nicotine, THC and CBD+THC+nicotine. ACTA2 staining, a marker for smooth muscle cells, decreased following treatment with THC, CBD, and nicotine as well as all 3 combined, while the senescence marker p21 increased following exposure to nicotine, CBD+THC, as well as CBD+THC+nicotine. qRT-PCR data showed decreased expression of ACTA2 in the presence of CBD, THC, CBD+THC, and CBD+THC+nicotine, and increased expression of CDKN1A (encoding p21) and CDKN2A (encoding p16) in response to CBD+THC+nicotine. LMCs treated with nicotine, CBD, and THC demonstrated an increase in cell proliferation and senescence as shown by Ki-67 and p21 staining respectively, and a decrease in ACTA2. These data were confirmed by qRT-PCR that showed a decrease in ACTA2 for the LMCs treated with either nicotine or CBD+THC+nicotine and an increase in senescence genes CDKN1A and CDKN2A. Moreover, the expression of these genes was higher in the LMCs derived from second trimester samples in comparison to those of the first trimester. Conclusion: Our results showed that the co-exposure to nicotine and cannabis induces senescence and alters lung fetal cellular proliferation, especially when used in conjunction. Furthermore, this effect appears to be age dependent. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

How Are Patients Who Legally Use Medical Marijuana Treated When Hospitalized?

The majority of U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use and some states have legalized marijuana for recreational use; yet, marijuana remains illegal federally. Given the misalignment between state and federal policies, this paper seeks to explore how hospitals handle inpatients' medical marijuana use in states where medical marijuana is legal. To examine this phenomenon, we conducted an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of nurse leaders working in acute care inpatient settings in states that had legalized medical marijuana. Using descriptive statistics, we report on these nurse leaders' experiences. There were 811 survey responses-291 who worked in an acute care inpatient setting in a state that had legalized medical marijuana. Among those respondents, only a small percentage reported that inpatients had some access to their medical marijuana: 5.8% reported that the drug was kept in the pharmacy and dispensed like other prescriptions; another 3.4% indicated that patients kept the medical marijuana in their rooms and took it, as needed. Most respondents (55.6%) reported that patients were switched to an alternative medication during their inpatient hospital stays. Almost half (49.4%) of the nurse leaders who reported that alternative medications were used, reported that opioids were substituted, and the majority reported that the marijuana was safer than the opioids. These findings are concerning given the increase in opioid overdose deaths.

A case report on the prolonged viability of postmortem human testicular sperm

To report a case of postmortem sperm retrieval with prolonged viability and motility. Case report. Hospital and Medical Examiner Department. A 44-year-old African American male patient with a history of recreational marijuana use and occasional alcohol consumption who died from a cardiac arrest because of drug overdose. Multiple testicular biopsies and sperm analyses. Sperm viability and motility of testicular biopsies at serial time intervals. Sperm obtained from the testis in the morgue remained viable and motile even at 106 hours (>4 days) postmortem. Our study found that sperm obtained from the testis remained viable and motile even after being thawed after cryopreservation, even when obtained up to 100 hours postmortem. This may have implications on the timeframe that postmortem sperm retrieval can be performed successfully several days after death.

National Trends in Past-Year Marijuana Use among Veterans in the United States, 2013–2019

Background: The legal landscape surrounding marijuana use in the United States (US) is ever changing. Although substantial research has investigated risk factors of use among different populations, much is to be gleaned among veteran populations, who are at heightened risk for mental and physical health problems, which may be precipitated or relieved by marijuana use. The present study investigated correlates and trends of recreational and medical marijuana use among a large national sample of US Veterans. Methods: Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2013–2019) comprised of 16,350 veterans 18 years or older were analyzed. We tested for weighted linear and quadratic trends in past-year use. Results: Weighted analyses revealed a significant increase (56%) in overall marijuana use from 2013–2019, with nearly one in 10 veterans (9.79%) reporting past-year marijuana use. Compared to 18 to 25-year-old veterans, veterans who were aged 35-49 years (aPR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.05, 1.97), 50-64 years (aPR: 1.68, 95% CI 1.11, 2.55), and 65 years or older (aPR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.24, 2.90) were more likely to report using medical marijuana in the past year. Conclusions: This increase, in the context of federal VA provider restrictions, has implications for issues of care coordination and safe supply for veterans. Given the rapidly changing and heterogenous landscape of recreational and medical marijuana policy in the US, the present study may inform harm reduction efforts and behavioral interventions.

Is Recreational Marijuana Use Associated With Changes in the Vital Signs or Anesthetic Requirements During Intravenous Sedation?

The prevalence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use is increasing in the general population due to its increased availability, legality, and cultural acceptability. The purpose of the current study was to measure the association of THC use on the vital signs and anesthetic requirements during intravenous (IV) sedation procedures in recreational marijuana users. A retrospective cohort study was performed. A study sample was chosen from July 2018 to May 2022 based on the following inclusion criteria: patients who underwent toxicology screening due to their history of recent drug use and received IV sedation. The predictor variable of the present study is THC status grouped into THC+ and THC-. THC status was established using urine toxicology. Patients who screened positive for THC were coded THC+. Patients who screened negative for THC were coded THC-. Primary outcome variable was changes in vital signs, including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) during IV sedation procedures in THC+ and THC- groups. Secondary outcome variable was difference in medication (midazolam, fentanyl, propofol, and ketamine) requirements in THC+ and THC- groups. Covariates included age, gender, race, weight, duration of surgery, smoking history, and alcohol use, data on psychiatric diagnosis and psychiatric medications. Descriptive statistics and 2-sample t test were calculated. Statistical significance was set at P<.05. In total, 53 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study, with 27 patients in the THC+group and 26 patients in the THC- group. There were no significant statistical differences in the MAP%, HR%, and RR% at T5, T10, T20, and T30 between the THC+ and THC- groups. When comparing THC+ and THC- groups, in bivariate analyses, the THC+group required, on average, higher doses of fentanyl [83.82 mcg compared to 65 mcg (P=.02)] and propofol [70mg compared to 45.26mg (P=.03)] during IV sedation. However, after adjusting the effect of age, gender, and weight, THC had no significant effect on midazolam (P-value=.28), fentanyl (P-value=.12), propofol (P-value=.06) and ketamine (P-value=.86) requirements. These findings suggest there are no differences in vital signs or anesthetic requirements between the THC+ and THC- groups.

English

We sought to understand the impact that state-level marijuana policy changes had on marijuana use behaviors among people with HIV (PWH), including patterns of use (e.g., frequency, modality), access, goals for use, use of other substances, and perceived health effects. We conducted 1:1 interviews at 3 U.S. HIV clinics with PWH aged &ge;18 reporting weekly or more marijuana use; 2 clinics were in states that legalized recreational marijuana use. We coded interviews based on sub-topic areas of clinical interest. Among PWH (n=29, 80% cisgender male; mean age=50; 66% non-white), one-third reported increased use of marijuana products since legalization in their state, primarily related to exploring products for therapeutic needs. In legalized states, PWH reported easier product access. The most-cited therapeutic goals for use included relaxation/sleep (66%), appetite stimulation (41%), stress/anxiety relief (31%), and pain relief (28%), among others. Additionally, some reported marijuana helped maintain sobriety from other substances. In legalized settings, increased product diversity and attribute labeling facilitated decision-making, allowing individuals to tailor use to specific goals. Concern over the long-term impact of smoking marijuana was limited to respiratory effects, with no concerns regarding potential cognitive impacts of use, or effects from using edible formulations. Among a sample of PWH who use marijuana, the broad variety and availability of products following legalization increased use for a third of participants from affected states and was consistently described as offering a means for facilitating decision-making for targeted therapeutic use, including as an aid for sleep, anxiety, appetite, and pain, as well as minimization of craving alcohol and &lsquo;harder&rsquo; substances. While the short-term benefits of using marijuana were clearly described, concern over long-term health effects was limited. Key words: Marijuana use, HIV care, health beliefs.&nbsp

How a Component of Marijuana Can Be Used to Treat Epilepsy

In the past, plants were the only medical resources available to people. Although plants were used a lot, sometimes they had dangerous effects. The evolution of science has allowed us to separate the helpful and dangerous compounds from various plants. An example is Cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana or weed, one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide. These plants produce hundreds of compounds, called cannabinoids. The two most famous cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces the “high” sensation and might cause some of the negative effects of cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD), which might be useful for treating certain diseases. In this article, we will explain how CBD can be used to treat epilepsy, a disease that affects people’s brain function. But remember: we are talking about the use of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes only, not recreational use of marijuana.

Crime in a Time of Cannabis: Estimating the Effect of Legalizing Marijuana on Crime Rates in Colorado and Washington Using the Synthetic Control Method

The legalization of marijuana for recreational use continues to expand across America. Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize marijuana in 2012. A primary concern regarding legalization is how these policy changes affect crime rates. Researchers have begun to estimate the effect marijuana legalization has had on crime rates. We extend this literature by using a different analytical approach. State level data covering years 2000–2019 were analyzed using the synthetic control method to find that legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Colorado and Washington was generally not associated with variations in index crime rates. These findings substantiate prior research. Increased crime rates should not be a primary concern as more states move to adopt recreational marijuana use legislation. Instead, the benefits to states via harm reduction, increased tax revenue, and a more efficient allocation of policing resources ought to be more of a consideration for states when passing recreational marijuana legislation.