Regular Marijuana Research Articles

The Interaction of Opiate Misuse and Marijuana Use on Behavioral Health Outcomes Using the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Pain Collaborative Dataset.

To determine if the interaction of opiate misuse and marijuana use frequency is associated with behavioral health outcomes. Community. Three thousand seven hundred fifty participants enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems who completed the Pain Survey and had complete opioid use and marijuana use information. Cross-sectional, secondary analysis from a multisite observational cohort. Clinically significant behavioral health symptoms for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Three thousand five hundred thirty-five (94.3%) participants did not misuse opiates, 215 (5.7%) did misuse opiates (taking more opioid pain medication than prescribed and/or using nonprescription opioid pain medication); 2683 (70.5%) participants did not use marijuana, 353 (9.3%) occasionally used marijuana (less than once a week), and 714 (18.8%) regularly used marijuana (once a week or more frequently). There was a statistically significant relationship (P < .05) between the interaction of opiate misuse and marijuana use frequency and all behavioral health outcomes and several covariates (age, sex, cause of injury, severity of injury, and pain group category). Pairwise comparisons confirm that statistically significant associations on behavioral health outcomes are driven by endorsing opiate misuse and/or regular marijuana use, but occasional marijuana use was not associated. Higher odds of clinically significant PTSD, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality are present in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who misuse opiates and/or who use marijuana regularly. In the absence of opiate misuse, regular marijuana use had higher odds of worse behavioral health outcomes than occasional and no use. The interaction of opiate misuse and regular marijuana use yielded the highest odds. Individuals with TBI should be informed of the relationship of substance use and behavioral health outcomes and that current chronic pain may mediate the association.

Association between marijuana use and kidney stone: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2009 to 2018.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether regular marijuana use is related to history of kidney stones in the US population. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Kidney stone and marijuana use data were collected from self-report questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression and multiple sensitivity analyses were applied to examine the relationship between marijuana usage and kidney stones. Results: There are approximately 26.04% of the US population have admitted to using marijuana in their lifetime. Compared with none regular users, those with a higher frequency of marijuana use were more males, more non-Hispanic races, lower than high school education, overweight, no recreational activity, without diabetes mellitus, and more coronary heart disease. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that marijuana use was inversely correlated to kidney stones in males (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 0.54-0.97). One to seven times/week regular consumption of marijuana was associated with kidney stones in males (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.89). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of our outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that regular marijuana male users were inversely associated with kidney stones. Marijuana use one to six times/week was inversely related to the risk of kidney stones in males. Further studies are required to explore the dose and type associations of marijuana with kidney stones.

Exploring associations between affect and marijuana use in everyday life via specification curve analysis.

Although frequently hypothesized, the evidence for associations between affect and marijuana use in everyday life remains ambiguous. Inconsistent findings across existing work may be due, in part, to differences in study design and analytic decisions, such as study inclusion criteria, the operationalization of affect, or the timing of affect assessment. We used specification curves to assess the robustness of the evidence for affect predicting same-day marijuana use and marijuana use predicting next-day affect across several hundred models that varied in terms of decisions that reflect those typical in this literature (e.g., whether to average affect prior to marijuana use or select the affect report closest in time to marijuana use). We fitted these curves to data from two ecological momentary assessment studies of regular marijuana and/or alcohol using college students (N = 287). Results provided robust evidence that marijuana use was slightly less likely following experiences of negative affect and slightly more likely following positive affect. Specification curves suggested that differences in previous findings are most likely a function of the specific emotion items used to represent affect rather than differences in inclusion criteria, the temporal assessment and modeling of affect, or the covariates added to the model. There was little evidence for an association between marijuana use and next-day affect. Overall, our findings provide evidence against the predictions made by affect reinforcement models in college students and suggest that future research should model the associations of marijuana use with discrete emotional states rather than general negative and positive affect. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Respiratory health and its determinants among Nunavimmiut: results from the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Health Survey

ObjectivesRespiratory diseases are the leading cause of hospitalization in Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada) and contribute to disparities in life expectancy with the rest of Canada. As part of Qanuilirpitaa? 2017, a cross-sectional population-based health survey, we sought to describe the prevalence of respiratory health indicators, including the first estimate of airway obstruction based on spirometry in an Inuit population, and explore their associated characteristics.MethodsWe analyzed data from 1296 participants aged 16 years and older, using multivariate logistic regression to assess characteristics associated with spirometry-determined airway obstruction and self-reported respiratory symptoms, i.e., wheezing in the last year and chronic cough during at least 3 months.ResultsIn this relatively young population (83% aged 16 to 54), the prevalences of wheezing, chronic cough, and airway obstruction were, respectively, 27% (95% CI 24–30), 21% (18–23), and 17% (14–20). These estimates are prone to biases due to the relatively low participation rate (about 37%). The most consistent associations were with smoking (≥ 15 pack-years; odds ratio [OR] 3.13, 3.39, and 2.86 for the three indicators, respectively) and food security (OR 0.55 with wheezing and OR 0.26 with chronic cough), as defined in the Household Food Security Survey Module. Wheezing was also associated with allergic sensitization to dogs (2.60) and obesity (2.18). Chronic cough was associated with respiratory infections during childhood (2.12), housing in need of major repairs (1.72), and housing crowding (1.50), and was negatively associated with participation to traditional activities (0.62) and going on the land (0.64). Airway obstruction was associated with being underweight (3.84) and post-secondary education (0.40). Among young adults and women, wheezing was also associated with any inhalation of solvents for recreational purposes during their lifetime (2.62 and 1.56, respectively), while airway obstruction was associated with regular marijuana use (2.22 and 1.84, respectively).ConclusionSmoking and food insecurity are both highly prevalent and strongly associated with respiratory symptoms in Nunavik. Together with essential smoking prevention and cessation programs, our findings suggest that solving food security and housing crises, improving socioeconomic conditions, and promoting traditional lifestyle may improve respiratory health in Nunavik.

Longitudinal associations between adolescent out-of-school time and adult substance use.

Based on Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory and Bornstein's specificity principle, the purpose of this study was to examine adolescents' time in out-of-school settings as a precursor of three types of problematic substance use in adulthood (i.e., binge drinking, regular marijuana use, and use of illicit drugs). Adolescents (N = 978) reported the time they spent in four common out-of-school settings at ages 15 and 18: unsupervised time with peers, organized sports, other organized activities, and paid employment. At age 26, participants reported binge drinking, marijuana use, and illicit drug use. Adolescents' time in out-of-school settings during high school predicted age 26 substance use over and above family and adolescent factors, including adolescents' substance use during high school. Adolescents' unsupervised time with peers increased the odds and frequency of binge drinking and regular marijuana use at age 26. Time in high school organized sports increased the odds of binge drinking at age 26, but not marijuana or illicit drug use. Time spent in other organized activities, such as community service and the arts, lowered the odds of illicit drug use whereas paid employment in high school was not related to age 26 substance use. Aligned with Bornstein's specificity principle, time spent in specific out-of-school settings during adolescence were differentially related to substance use problems in early adulthood, with some activities serving as a risk factor and other activities serving as a protective factor for young adults.

Relationship Between Marijuana Use and Overactive Bladder (OAB): A Cross-Sectional Research of NHANES 2005 to 2018

BackgroundCurrent research is starting to focus on the medical value of marijuana and the possible health problems it can cause. Previous studies have shown that marijuana can relieve lower urinary tract symptoms, which can pose a significant public health burden. In this study, we assessed the association between regular marijuana use and overactive bladder as part of low urinary tract symptoms. MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018 were obtained for analysis. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score scale was used to define the presence of overactive bladder for each participant. Multivariate logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the association of marijuana use with the onset and severity of overactive bladder, respectively. ResultsWe found that approximately 24% of the US population reported regular marijuana use. Compared with nonregular users, regular marijuana users were younger, thinner, more likely to be male, smokers, low-income, less educated, unmarried, and non-Hispanic White/Black. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that marijuana exposure may be an independent risk factor for overactive bladder (odds ratio 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.66). Ordinal logistic regression results showed that marijuana exposure was associated with the severity of overactive bladder (odds ratio 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-1.60). Moreover, all frequencies of regular use showed almost consistent effects on the onset and severity of overactive bladder. ConclusionRegular marijuana use may increase the risk of overactive bladder. Our data do not support the evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the medical treatment of patients with overactive bladder, especially given the thorny health problems caused by marijuana.

Marijuana Use and Health Outcomes in Persons Living With HIV: Protocol for the Marijuana Associated Planning and Long-term Effects (MAPLE) Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BackgroundMarijuana use is common in persons with HIV, but there is limited evidence of its relationship with potential health benefits or harms.ObjectiveThe Marijuana Associated Planning and Long-term Effects (MAPLE) study was designed to evaluate the impact of marijuana use on HIV-related health outcomes, cognitive function, and systemic inflammation.MethodsThe MAPLE study is a longitudinal cohort study of participants living with HIV who were recruited from 3 locations in Florida and were either current marijuana users or never regular marijuana users. At enrollment, participants completed questionnaires that included detailed marijuana use assessments, underwent interviewer-administered neurocognitive assessments, and provided blood and urine samples. Ongoing follow-ups included brief telephone assessments (every 3 months), detailed questionnaires (annually), repeated blood and urine samples (2 years), and linkage to medical records and statewide HIV surveillance data. Supplemental measures related to intracellular RNA, COVID-19, Alzheimer disease, and the gut microbiome were added after study initiation.ResultsThe MAPLE study completed enrollment of 333 persons between 2018 and 2021. The majority of participants in the sample were ≥50 years of age (200/333, 60.1%), male (181/333, 54.4%), cisgender men (173/329, 52.6%), non-Hispanic Black (221/333, 66.4%), and self-reported marijuana users (260/333, 78.1%). Participant follow-up was completed in 2022, with annual updates to HIV surveillance data through at least 2027.ConclusionsThe MAPLE study is the largest cohort specifically designed to understand the use of marijuana and its effects on HIV-related outcomes. The study population has significant diversity across age, sex, gender, and race. The data will help clinicians and public health officials to better understand patterns of marijuana use associated with both positive and negative health outcomes, and may inform recommendations for future clinical trials related to medical marijuana and HIV.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37153

Stability and Change in Men's Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Use in Early Adulthood.

Despite substantial evidence of the role of substance use in intimate partner violence (IPV), little is known about the impact of substance use on stability and change in the experience of IPV as both a perpetrator and a victim. Using an ethnically diverse sample of 232 men in early adulthood (mean age = 29.1, SD = 0.91), this study defined typologies of IPV based on men's reports of both perpetration and victimization; examined the potential impact of substance use, including alcohol and marijuana use, on IPV typologies over two measurement occasions; and quantified stability and change in these typologies over time. Patterns of IPV were characterized by three classes at each time point: no IPV, psychological aggression, and physical aggression. Men's regular marijuana use was associated with physical aggression contemporaneously and prospectively. Partner's problem alcohol use was associated with psychological aggression contemporaneously, suggesting that women's problem alcohol use could be a risk factor for their own and their partner's IPV perpetration. IPV appeared to remain somewhat stable over time with 67% of men remaining in the same IPV class. Among those who did transition from one typology to another, it was most often to a less severe IPV typology. Regular marijuana users were more likely to be in the physical aggression typology rather than the no IPV typology, with a higher probability of transitioning to a more severe IPV typology than nonusers. The present study has implications for prevention and intervention efforts by its ability to identify men who are at greatest risk for continued or increased violence and underscores that men's marijuana use may exacerbate IPV.

Examining the differential protective effects of women’s spirituality and religiosity on alcohol and marijuana use by sexual identity

The current study explored how religiosity and spirituality may differentially influence substance use by sexual identity based on a sample of adult sexual minority women (SMW; n = 437 lesbian; n = 323 bisexual) relative to a heterosexual comparison sample (n = 636). We examined three questions: (1) whether spirituality was differentially associated with alcohol and marijuana use by sexual identity; (2) whether religiosity was differentially associated with alcohol and marijuana use by sexual identity; (3) whether observed differences between spirituality or religiosity and substance use by sexual identity persisted after adjusting for religious environment. Measures included spirituality (importance of spirituality), religiosity (importance of religion, attending religious services), and past year substance use (alcohol use disorder [AUD], any marijuana use, and regular marijuana use). Higher levels of spirituality were associated with increased odds of AUD among both lesbian and bisexual respondents relative to heterosexuals. Higher levels of religiosity among lesbian participants were associated with increased odds of AUD relative to heterosexuals with higher levels of religiosity. Consistent with theories of minority stress, findings suggest that spirituality and religiosity are less protective for SMW than heterosexual women and, in some cases, may contribute to greater risk of substance use.

What is the Relationship between Marijuana Use and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Among Young Adults Aged 18–29 in the United States?

Marijuana use is on the rise in the United States, with 18-29-year-old people being the most likely age group to indulge in the illegal drug’s use (Hrynowski, 2019). Similarly, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has increased in recent decades for those aged 18 and older (Goodwin et al., 2020). Little research has been conducted to establish a link between these two trends of growth, although researchers have tested THC doses in animals, which proved to elicit anxiety-related responses (Sharpe et al., 2020). Research by de Dios et al. (2010) regarding the correlation indicates that there is a statistically significant relationship between increased marijuana use and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in young adults, specifically when there is a third party mediator of tension reduction expectancies. Further systematic review and analysis on marijuana use in Seattle students implies that regular marijuana use throughout teenage years leads to cannabis use disorder by age 33 with stronger symptoms of anxiety than use of other recreational drugs (Guttmannova et al., 2017). The results of this research portray the growing necessity to educate young adults on the long term effects of regular marijuana use, as individuals may believe they are alleviating their GAD symptoms short term, but over time, they are likely facing dangers of worsening their anxiety by increasing dependency on the drug. The following research addresses the question, “What is the relationship between marijuana use and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among young adults aged 18–29 in the United States?”

Changes in marijuana and nicotine vaping perceptions and use behaviors among young adults since the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

BackgroundResearch is lacking on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marijuana vaping behaviors; a notable limitation as marijuana vaping has been previously associated with respiratory issues among young people. This qualitative study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced vaping perceptions and behaviors among young adults (18 to 25-year-olds). MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 50 regular marijuana vapers. Individuals were eligible if they vaped marijuana at least 3 days per week (exclusively or dual use with nicotine). Interview transcripts were analyzed using deductive coding processes to identify themes. Differences in themes by gender and user status (regular marijuana versus regular dual vapers) were explored. ResultsWhile many participants indicated that the pandemic negatively impacted their attitudes about vaping, participants also noted that their negative attitudes did not translate into reductions in use. Overall, 54% of participants reported increasing vaping during COVID-19. For both regular dual vapers and marijuana vapers, boredom was a prominent theme for increases in vaping. Lack of accessibility of marijuana was cited as a reason for decreasing marijuana among regular marijuana vapers but not for regular dual vapers. Males reported more unchanged attitudes about vaping and more males than females reported still sharing their devices. ConclusionsMore than half of participants reported increasing their vaping behaviors since the COVID-19 pandemic despite concerns about the potential for vaping to adversely impact lung and immune health. As the U.S. adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, interventions should address factors that may contribute to increases in use behaviors.

The Role of Safety Behaviors in the Relationship between Social Anxiety and Marijuana Use Problems

Background: Social anxiety has been associated with higher levels of and more problematic marijuana use. Research suggests that safety behaviors may play a role in the development and maintenance of marijuana problems. However, the safety behaviors that are most commonly associated with social anxiety have not been investigated, nor has the potential moderating role of gender on this relationship. Method: A diverse sample of regular marijuana users (N = 279) completed measures of social anxiety, safety behaviors related to social situations, and marijuana use problems. Results: Social anxiety and safety behavior use were both positively correlated with marijuana use problems. These relationships were stronger in men than in women. Among men only, tendencies to use safety behaviors to cope with social situations accounted for the relationship between social anxiety symptoms and marijuana-related problems. Discussion: The avoidant coping style that characterizes safety behaviors in social anxiety may also underlie problematic patterns of marijuana use, particularly for men. The present study is the first to report an association between safety behaviors in social situations and marijuana use problems and suggests the importance of examining the effect of reducing safety behaviors in social situations, in regular marijuana users with comorbid social anxiety.

Associations of Regular Marijuana Use by Adolescent Boys With Verbal Memory and Perseveration.

Many American and Dutch adolescents use marijuana regularly. There is concern that such use may impair cognitive function more in adolescents than adults. We examined effects of regular marijuana use on long-term memory and perseveration among American and Dutch adolescents. We administered Buschke's Selective Reminding Test (BSRT) to assess long-term memory and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to assess perseveration in male teenagers. Usable test data were obtained for 12 American marijuana users, 13 American controls, 9 Dutch marijuana users, and 12 Dutch controls. In BSRT, users showed lower overall long-term storage than controls (adjusted means ± SE's for numbers of words per trial of 9.4 ± 0.2, 13.4 ± 0.3, 11.7 ± 0.2, and 12.4 ± 0.2 for American users, Dutch users, American controls, and Dutch controls, respectively). Marijuana was associated with memory effects only in American, not Dutch, users. Bivariate Pearson correlations for American and Dutch users combined showed associations of lower total recall with more uses in the previous year and lifetime (r = -0.61 and r = -0.53, respectively); and more perseverative errors with more uses in the previous year (r = 0.55). Some findings were consistent with the possibility that regular adolescent marijuana use causes deficits in cognition, especially memory. However, a causal interpretation cannot be inferred from our findings and is challenging to reconcile with the observation of memory deficits only in American users. Our study was novel in examining the influence of nationality on marijuana's cognitive effects. More studies of this topic should compare effects across nationalities or cultures.

Online Peers and Offline Highs: An Examination of Online Peer Groups, Social Media Homophily, and Substance Use

ABSTRACT Research indicates that youths are particularly susceptible to peer influence and that identifying with substance using peer groups predicts substance use. Today, youth spend more time interacting with distal peer groups via the Internet and have increased access to online drug cultures. Theoretically, this should have important implications for substance use. This study employs a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth (n = 1212), ages 15–25 years old, to examine whether online peer group identification and social media homophily predict substance use. Results indicate that online belonging and social media homophily are associated with some forms of substance use. While these factors were not significantly associated with regular marijuana or alcohol use among those who had initiated use, they predicted regular stimulant and opioid use among substance users. This suggests that online peer groups may promote progression into more problematic forms of substance use. Additional analyses of adolescent and young adult subgroups revealed important similarities and differences among the groups. The findings imply several directions for future research, and suggest that prevention policies and programs should continue to consider the role of online peers, and the Internet generally, in substance use initiation, escalation, and prevention.

Patrones de consumo de mariguana, abastecimiento y estado de ánimo durante el confinamiento por COVID-19

Introduction: the emergence of the pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus has generated lifestyles changes for humanity. Strategies to prevent exponential contagion and the collapse of health systems such as social-distancing and quarantine have affected people in different ways according to their vulnerability, including marijuana consumers. Objective: to learn if the regular consumers of marijuana who remained in physical and social isolation due to COVID-19 altered or modified their consumption, in their disposition and in their method of supply. Method: a cross-sectional, non-probabilistic and analytical study that used the snowball technique, aimed at regular marijuana consumers in Mexico, of legal age, who have access to the Internet and/or WhatsApp. Results: 50 men and 25 women participated, most from the state of Veracruz; the only mood related variable that was statistically significant was the relief provided by marijuana use and level of marijuana use during quarantine, as well there were changes in consumption, in the method of supply and in the relationship established with the people with whom they live. Conclusions: this work addresses an emerging problem of which little is still known, especially regarding its correlation with mental health and disorders resulting from the use of psychoactive substances. Thus, contributing a building basis for understanding the impact of quarantine and for the attention of marijuana consumers.

DIFFUSE ALVEOLAR HEMORRHAGE DUE TO EOSINOPHILIC PNEUMONIA

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Diffuse Lung Disease SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic Pneumonia commonly presents with fever, dry cough, and dyspnea.1 In this case, we present a patient with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage due to eosinophilic pneumonia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65 y.o. female former healthcare worker with past medical history of obstructive sleep apnea on continuous positive airway pressure with 2 liters per minute of oxygen at night, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and previous exposure to tuberculosis 25 years ago at a health care facility with previously positive purified protein derivative (PPD) and no treatment, mild intermittent asthma, and regular marijuana use who presented with the chief complaint of hemoptysis and dyspnea. Patient states that she was having a dry cough for over a month. A week prior to presentation she developed drenching night sweats, fever, and hemoptysis. She did not have any family history as she was adopted. Social history was positive for alcohol use of 2-4 beers a month, no tobacco use, and smoking marijuana daily via pipe. She denied any recent travel, sick contacts, history of rheumatologic disorders, Raynaud’s phenomenon, joint pain, or hematuria. For her hobby, she would paint silk and was not using respirator protection. She also reported exposure to Jacquard dye set concentration where she accidentally put the dye set in her CPAP machine in place of distilled water. A computed tomography scan done on admission showed diffuse nodular opacities with ground glass opacities and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Due to previously positive PPD, the patient had 3 acid fast smears done which were negative. Further infectious workup was also negative. Sedimentation rate and C-Reactive protein were elevated. Additional autoimmune workup was also negative. The patient underwent a bronchoscopy which showed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage while fungal, acid fast, and bronchial cultures were negative. She then underwent an open lung biopsy, and pathology confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia in a subacute setting. Patient was started on 60 mg prednisone for 3 weeks, and then 40 mg for a week, and then further tapered. She had complete resolution of her symptoms following initiation of prednisone. DISCUSSION: Eosinophilic Pneumonia is a rare lung disease that involves activation of alveolar macrophages which release cytokines that recruit eosinophils to the lung parenchyma.1 Patients commonly present with fever, dry cough, and dyspnea.1 It can present as acute, subacute, or chronic and is generally brought on by an offending agent such as smoking or an infection.1 Rarely, eosinophilic pneumonia can cause damage and inflammation to the alveoli themselves which may cause alveolar hemorrhage.2,3 This case has two potential causes in the patient’s daily marijuana smoking along with her silk painting and exposure of dyeset in her CPAP machine. CONCLUSIONS: This is an unusual documented case of eosinophilic pneumonia causing alveolar hemorrhage. Reference #1: De Giacomi, Federica; Vassallo, Robert; Yi, Eunhee S; Ryu, Jay H. Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management Reference #2: Rothenberg M, Hogan S. The eosinophil. Annu Rev Immunol 24: 147-174, 2006 Reference #3: Hogan SP, Rosenberg HF, Moqbel R, et al. Eosinophils: biological properties and role in health and disease. Clin Exp Allergy 38: 709-750, 2008. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Brian Dykstra, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Adam Ladzinski, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Aditya Mehta, source=Web Response

Predictors of marijuana vaping onset and escalation among young adults

BackgroundLittle is known about factors that influence marijuana vaping among young people. We examined cigarette, e-cigarette and marijuana use experiences, social network characteristics and exposure to direct e-cigarette marketing as predictors of marijuana vaping initiation and escalation. MethodsOne-year prospective data were collected between 2017 and 2019 from 2327 young adults (Mean age = 21.2; SD = 2.1; 54 % women) attending 2-year and 4-year colleges in Hawaii. ResultsAmong participants who were never marijuana users at baseline, being a dual user of cigarette and e-cigarette at baseline was the strongest predictor of marijuana vaping initiation, followed by baseline cigarette-only and e-cigarette-only use. Higher prevalence of regular marijuana users in one’s social networks, but not e-cigarette users or cigarette smokers, significantly predicted marijuana vaping initiation a year later. Among baseline current e-cigarette users and lifetime marijuana users, higher presence in social networks of individuals who frequented vape shops at baseline was a significant predictor of increased current marijuana vaping at one-year follow-up. ConclusionsDual use of cigarette and e-cigarette and greater presence in social networks of marijuana users and people who frequent vape shops appear to be robust predictors of marijuana vaping onset and escalation among young adults. In addition to promoting e-cigarette use prevention/cessation, efforts to control marijuana vaping may need to consider promoting smoking prevention/cessation and the effects of increasing prevalence of marijuana use.

Tobacco and marijuana use and their association with serum prostate-specific antigen levels among African American men in Chicago.

African American (AA) men experience more than twice the prostate cancer mortality as White men yet are under-represented in academic research involving prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker of prostate cancer aggressiveness. We examined the impact of self-reported tobacco (cigarette pack-years and current tobacco use including e-cigarettes) and current regular marijuana use on serum PSA level based on clinical laboratory testing among 928 AA men interviewed 2013-2018 in Chicago. We defined outcome of elevated PSA ≥ 4.0 ng/mL for logistic regression models and continuous PSA increases for general linear models. All models were adjusted for age, sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, body mass index, and self-reported health. Among 431 AA men age ≥ 55 years, we observed ∼ 5 times the odds of elevated PSA among those with > 1 pack-years of cigarette smoking vs. never-smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 5.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57-16.6) and a quarter the odds of elevated PSA among current marijuana users vs. non-users (OR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.08-0.96). PSA increased on average 1.20 ng/mL among other current tobacco users vs. non-users. Among older AA men, cigarette smoking history and current tobacco use were positively associated with an increase in PSA levels and current marijuana use were inversely associated with PSA levels. Future work with studies of diverse patient populations with cancer outcomes are needed to assess whether these behavioral characteristics contribute to racial/ ethnic disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Our study provides novel evidence regarding potential differences in PSA levels among older AA men according to behavioral characteristics.

Characterizing symptoms of cannabis use disorder in a sample of college students.

Since legalization of marijuana in several U.S. states in 2012, there has been concern about increases in the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD). The current study examined rates of CUD in Colorado college students who reported regular marijuana use and assessed a range of factors associated with CUD symptoms, including coping motives, concentrate/dab use, mental health concerns (depression, anxiety), age of regular marijuana use, and alcohol use. College students were recruited from a mid-sized university and completed a baseline assessment that included a marijuana urine screen. Participants reported a median of five CUD symptoms and 90% met criteria for CUD. After adjusting for covariates, age of regular marijuana use was negatively associated with number of CUD symptoms, while average daily alcohol drinks was positively associated with number of symptoms. Prevention and intervention efforts at the university level should be increased to reduce negative outcomes associated with problem marijuana use.

White matter integrity differences associated with post-traumatic stress disorder are not normalized by concurrent marijuana use

Marijuana (MJ) use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have both been associated with abnormalities in brain white matter tracts, including the cingulum and the anterior thalamic radiations (ATR), which project from subcortical regions to frontal cortex. Studies have not assessed the integrity of these tracts in patients with comorbid PTSD and MJ use. To examine effects of PTSD and MJ use on brain structure, we performed diffusion tensor imaging scans on seventy-two trauma-exposed participants, categorized into four groups: those with PTSD who used MJ at least weekly (PTSD+MJ; n = 20), those with PTSD with no regular MJ use (PTSD; n = 19), trauma-exposed controls without PTSD who used MJ (TEC+MJ; n = 14) and trauma-exposed controls with no PTSD or MJ use (TEC; n = 19). White matter integrity was evaluated by calculating fractional anisotropy (FA). Results showed that while FA values in the right ATR and the cingulum differed across groups, there were no significant interactions between PTSD and MJ in any white matter tracts, indicating that MJ exposure neither normalizes nor worsens white matter abnormalities in those with PTSD. Further study is needed to evaluate the impact of MJ use on other neurobiological markers of PTSD.