Marijuana Users Research Articles

Marijuana use and its correlates among school-going Jamaican adolescents: a finding from a national survey.

The recent data indicate almost a fifth of Jamaican adolescents used marijuana in the past 30 days. To ensure the optimal allocation of resources, a country-specific understanding of factors associated with marijuana use among adolescents is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap among adolescents aged 13-17 years in Jamaica. We analyzed data from the recent Jamaica Global School-Based Student Health Survey conducted in 2017. The sample consists of school-going Jamaican adolescents of 7th-12th grades. The prevalence of recent marijuana use was assessed and compared across different demographics, substance use, and risk behaviors using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Older adolescents and men had a higher likelihood of recent marijuana use. Psychosocial risks, such as loneliness, frequent worry, suicidal ideation, physical attacks, and school absenteeism, were associated with higher marijuana usage. Parental smoking increased the odds, whereas strong parental support and awareness decreased it. Other substance uses, especially amphetamine and tobacco products, had strong associations with marijuana use. Early initiation of substances was associated with a higher risk of marijuana use. Sexually active adolescents, especially those initiated before the age of 14 years, had higher rates of marijuana use. The intricate link between harmful and supportive psychosomatic and risk behaviors with recent marijuana use highlights the importance of holistic interventions and policies focusing on emotional health, parental guidance, substance education, and sexual activity implications.

Structural Modeling of Risk-Taking Behaviors Based on Attention Systems with the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in Substance Users

Objective: The aim of the current study was to determine the structural model of risk-taking behaviors based on the attention system with the mediating role of emotion regulation among substance users. Methods and Materials: This research was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The population included all marijuana users in Isfahan who visited addiction treatment centers in 2023. The sample comprised 250 marijuana users selected via convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using cognitive training software for attention and memory, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and a risky behavior questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to organize, summarize, and describe the data on participant characteristics and research variables. In the inferential statistics section, structural equation modeling and Pearson correlation methods were employed to analyze the data using SPSS 22 and AMOS 22. Findings: The model fit indices PCFI = 0.599, PNFI = 0.611, CMIN/DF = 2.88, RMSEA = 0.072, IFI = 0.913, CFI = 0.920, and GFI = 0.909 indicated a good fit of the proposed model with the data. Thus, the proposed model exhibited satisfactory fit. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the structural model of risk-taking behaviors based on the attention system with the mediating role of emotion regulation is appropriate for substance users.

Factors Associated with Drug Abuse among Adolescents; A Cross-Sectional Study in Army Day Secondary School Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.

Background: Drug abuse and use are substantial public health concerns, particularly among adolescents, who are frequently put at risk due to their curiosity, resulting in negative behavioral, physical, social, and economic repercussions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the prevalence and associated determinants of drug abuse and use (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) among school-age adolescents in a statewide sample from northern Nigeria. This study looked into the factors that contribute to drug abuse and use, as well as their impact on school-aged adolescents at Army Day Secondary School in Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria. Methods: Data for the study were acquired from a self-administered questionnaire administered to senior students in both the boys’ and girls’ arms of the institution. A Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), a conventional survey designed to assess cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana usage was used in generating data on drug abuse among the respondents. Results: Three variables were significantly associated with drug abuse/use class level (AOR = 2.272, 95% CI: 1.249, 4.133, p = 0.007; AOR = 2.252, 95% CI: 1.229, 4.127, p = 0.009), gender (AOR = 1.840, 95% CI: 1.164, 2.907, p = 0.009), and family types (AOR = 0.581, 95% CI: 0.361, 0.933, p = 0.025) for current cigarette smoking, alcohol, and marijuana. The majority of respondents (47–60%) were aware of drug abuse or use, with females having a 52.4% positive attitude as opposed to males (47%). Other variables, such as age, religion, parent education, and who the respondents reside with, have been found to have no significant relationship with adolescent drug use or usage. Conclusion: There is a need for comprehensive public health strategies that go beyond school-based psycho-behavioral interventions to address the considerable risk factors for substance use among our secondary school students.

Comparison of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Among Adolescent Boys and Girls With and Without Marijuana Use

Objective: Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by significant biological, psychological, and social changes. Consequently, it is associated with increased challenges and negative life events, which heighten adolescents' distress. This study aimed to compare early maladaptive schemas and difficulty in emotion regulation among adolescent boys and girls with and without marijuana use. Methods and Materials: This applied research employed a causal-comparative design. The study population consisted of all adolescent boys and girls attending counseling centers in District 2 of Tehran in 2022. A total of 100 participants were selected for the study (50 with marijuana use and 50 without marijuana use). The sample of marijuana users was selected using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected using the standardized Young Schema Questionnaire (2005) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale by Gratz and Roemer (2004). Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and SPSS.22 software. Findings: The results indicated a significant difference in early maladaptive schemas and difficulty in emotion regulation among adolescent boys and girls with and without marijuana use (P<0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the mean components of early maladaptive schemas and difficulty in emotion regulation between boys and girls (P<0.01). Conclusion: Given the impact of early maladaptive schemas and difficulty in emotion regulation on the tendency towards addiction among adolescents and young adults, it is possible to increase public awareness about the risk of addiction and develop appropriate skills to cope with these problems.

Synthetic Marijuana: Assessment of Usage, Motivation and Associated Risks in Adolescent Substance Users.

Use of Synthetic and designer products, including synthetic marijuana (SM), among adolescents poses a major risk to public health. Little is known about the motivating factors of synthetic substance use in adolescents. This study examined the motivations, predictors, perceived risks and benefits, and differences with SM versus natural marijuana among adolescents. Between April 2016 and May 2018, a convenience sample of adolescents receiving substance use treatment from a local counseling center completed an anonymous survey to assess the use of natural and synthetic marijuana use, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess levels of current psychiatric symptoms and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive Scale to assess symptoms of psychosis. A total of 80 adolescents (age range of 14-18 years; 71% male; 53% Caucasian) completed the study. Of these, 39 (49%) reported natural marijuana use (natural marijuana users) and 41 (51%) reported both synthetic and natural marijuana use (dual users). The most commonly reported reasons for using SM were its low cost and reduced risk of detection. Participants who were familiar with SM and reported a desire to avoid detection on drug tests were likelier to use SM (all P < .05). Dual users reported more benefits and risks associated with SM use when compared to natural marijuana users (P ⩽ .05). The use of SM also heightened the perceived medical risks of natural marijuana, including seizures and respiratory issues (P < .05), compared with natural marijuana users. While dual users self-reported more conduct (P = .009) and externalizing problems (P = .024) when compared to natural marijuana users, there were no group differences in psychotic symptoms, nor correlations with the frequency of synthetic or natural marijuana use and psychotic symptoms except that persecutory ideation correlated with the frequency of natural marijuana use during the past 12 months (rp = 0.28, P = .04). These results suggest that reports of cost savings, and lack of detection on urine drug screens are common reasons for SM use in adolescents despite being aware of the risks of using SM. Perceived benefits of using synthetics and other novel substances appear diverse, and merit further exploration as a better understanding of what motivates adolescents to use specific novel substances may guide prevention and treatment efforts.

A mathematical model with control strategies for marijuana smoking prevention

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Our goal of this study is to prevent marijuana smoking in the human population. In this manuscript, an updated mathematical model was established by incorporating two additional compartments: The hospitalized class and the prisoner's class. The updated model was validated, and it was shown to be novel compared to the non-user, experimental, recreational, and addicted (NERA) users' model. This distinction was crucial as it was challenging to prevent marijuana usage without these realistic classes. The entire population was split into six primary groups, including these new classes: non-users, experimental, recreational, addicted, hospitalized, and prisoners' class. Additionally, control techniques for marijuana prevention in the population were addressed with the aid of sensitivity analysis. The important point at which we may have determined the preliminary transmission rate of marijuana smoking was the basic reproductive number $ {\mathbb{R}}_{0} $. Utilizing MATLAB, the Runge-Kutta method of order four was employed for the numerical simulation of the updated model to investigate the impact of control measures on marijuana smoking prevention.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE AND DIVIDED ATTENTION ON A SIMULATED DRIVING PERFORMANCE TASK

Abstract Driving is a complex and dynamic task requiring divided attention (DA), awareness of the traffic and surroundings while focusing on critical stimulus. The goal of this project was to examine the relationship between medical marijuana use and divided attention in adults 50 and older during a simulated driving performance task. We recruited adults 50 and older (N=20) pre-exposure to medical marijuana and followed them for the first 3 months of use. Driving performance was examined at baseline (pre-exposure to medical marijuana) and 1-month post medical marijuana exposure During a driving performance identification task that appeared in central or peripheral vision during the simulated drive, DA was assessed as a triangle that appeared on screen at pre-programmed intervals to which participants were required to press a button on the dashboard in response. Results showed that at 1-month post-medical marijuana initiation the 7-day pattern of use could be classified as light, moderate, or heavy. Further, there was a trend of improved performance among medical marijuana users 50 and older with moderate to heavy use having the best performance on the DA. We attribute these findings to the stimulant properties of medical marijuana and improved sleep reported by participants.

The Effects of Marijuana Legalization on NCAA Men's Basketball Recruiting

Over the past two decades, attitudes toward marijuana usage have softened. This shift in sentiment coincided with reduced punishments, decriminalization, and in some states, legalization. We find evidence of unexpected consequences of marijuana legalization. Using difference-in-difference estimation, we show that legalization correlates with recruiting outcomes in NCAA D1 sports. Specifically, legalization appears to improve basketball recruiting outcomes for in-state colleges but hurts recruiting outcomes for football programs. Since collegiate athletics are directly correlated with revenues and may affect the number of general applications that a university receives, our results reveal a channel through which marijuana laws could impact post-secondary education.

Association Between Marijuana Use and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

IntroductionThough marijuana use has been linked to an increase in heart failure admissions, no prior study has explored the association between its use and outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study examines the relationship between marijuana use and postoperative outcomes in CABG patients. MethodsWe utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2008 to 2018 for CABG patients ≥18 y old. Patients were divided into two groups based on marijuana use (abuse/dependency versus nonuse). Primary outcomes include in-hospital mortality, favorable discharge, and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes include acute kidney injury (AKI), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke. A multivariable model, adjusted for confounding variables, was utilized for each outcome. ResultsA total of 343,796 patients met inclusion criteria for the study, 590 of which were marijuana users. In both marijuana user and nonuser groups, most patients were male and White with an average age of 56.0 and 66.3 y, respectively. There was a nonsignificant decreased odds of in-hospital mortality among marijuana users (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41, [0.141-1.124]). Marijuana users exhibited significantly decreased odds of home discharge (OR = 1.50, [1.24-1.81]), and increased odds of longer LOS (mean 10.4 d versus 9.8 d; OR = 1.14, [1.09-1.20]), AKI (OR = 1.40, [1.11-1.78]), AMI (OR = 1.56, [1.32-1.84]), and TIA/stroke (OR = 1.64, [1.21-2.22]). ConclusionsMarijuana use and dependency are associated with increased nonhome discharge, AKI, AMI, TIA/stroke, and longer LOS. Further studies are needed to delineate the pathophysiologic derangements that contribute to these unfavorable post-CABG outcomes.

Abstract A001: Racial differences in cigarettes and marijuana use among acute pancreatitis patients

Abstract Background/Objectives: Smoking increases the risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, while the effects of marijuana on pancreatic disorders are unknown. Black and White patients with chronic pancreatitis differ in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors, contributing to subsequent racial differences in pancreatic cancer risk, but the behavior pattern has been unexplored in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Our objectives were to: 1) estimate the prevalence of current and lifetime cigarettes and marijuana use among AP patients who identify as Black, White, and other races, and examine racial differences in their usage patterns, and 2) describe the type and frequency of marijuana or other cannabis products used among the different racial groups. Methods: We utilized data from an on-going case-crossover study of patients diagnosed with alcohol-associated AP who are recruited from five medical sites in the United States. Hospitalized patients who meet the Revised Atlanta Classification of AP and have an AUDIT-C score of 3 or higher are enrolled in the study. Chi-squared tests were used to assess for racial differences in co-substance use and the type of substance used; while Fisher’s exact test was used to examine racial differences in the frequency of marijuana and other cannabis products used. To account for multiple testing, post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted using Holm procedure. Other races included American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Brazilian, Mexican, Indian, and people who did not know or could not provide their race. Results: In this analysis, a total of 143 participants were included, among whom 71 identified as White, 46 as Black, and 20 as belonging to other racial backgrounds. Males comprised 69% of patients and the median age was 39 years. Current cigarette smoking and use of marijuana was reported by 51% and 48% patients, respectively. Concurrent cigarette smoking and marijuana use at enrollment was reported in 19%, while 51.8% reported ever use of both substances. Joints/cigars/blunts (JCB) was the most common form of cannabis product used followed by edibles. Majority of the marijuana users used it regularly: daily (36.2%) or 1-6 days a week (38%). While current co-use was not statistically different between races (24% in White, 17% in Black, and 10% in Other), we found that White (62%) and Black (54%) patients were more likely to report ever use of both cigarette and marijuana than other races (20%) (p= 0.013). The differences were also noted for the use of JCB: 38% in White, 52% in Black, and 10% in other races (p=0.006). Conclusions: We identified racial differences in the usage of cigarettes and marijuana, the use of JCB, and the number of marijuana or other cannabis products. Our findings underscore the importance of considering race when addressing multiple substance use in AP patients. Citation Format: Esther A. Adeniran, Dhiraj Yadav, Sungjin Kim, Georgios I. Papachristou, James L. Buxbaum, Joseph R. Pisegna, Stephen J. Pandol, Christie Y. Jeon. Racial differences in cigarettes and marijuana use among acute pancreatitis patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A001.

The Connection between Dopamine and Marijuana

Known as the most commonly used illegal drug, marijuana has upheld its infamous reputation for decades. This psychoactive drug instills feelings of euphoria and energy when smoked or consumed. As its popularity increases, the perception of the harm induced by marijuana is declining. Uninformed individuals continue to smoke marijuana without considering it risky behavior. Without being aware of the risks that marijuana poses, more individuals are likely to develop addictions. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has many key roles for both the body and the brain. It is responsible for satisfaction, motivation, motor control, and arousal. Through examination of the molecular structure of dopamine, the molecular structure of marijuana, and dopaminergic pathways in the brain, it is evident that there is a connection between marijuana use and decreased levels of dopamine. Long-term usage of marijuana has been shown to dysregulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. The mesolimbic pathway is a branch of neurons projecting from the ventral augmented area to the ventral striatum. Major functions of this pathway include addiction, pleasure, and reward-seeking behavior. Based on these defenses, there is a reasonable conclusion that chronic marijuana use leads to lower levels of dopamine in the brain.

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.

The relationship between medical marijuana use and prescription pain reliever use among U.S. adults: A retrospective analysis utilizing the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

BackgroundDespite a number of states in the U.S. enacting medical marijuana policies, there is currently a lack of research outlining the role that individual-level factors play in predicting medical marijuana use, especially regarding use and misuse of prescription pain relievers. The overall aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of medical marijuana use in the U.S. and to identify clinical, social, and demographic predictors. MethodsA retrospective secondary database analysis was conducted utilizing five years of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH). A multivariable logistic regression model assessed the association between prescription pain reliever use and medical marijuana in the adult U.S. population while adjusting for substance use factors, psychiatric factors, and demographic characteristics. ResultsWithin the U.S. adult population from 2015 to 2019, medical marijuana use increased from 1.6% to 2.4%, while appropriate prescription pain reliever use decreased from 33.4% to 27.5%, and prescription pain reliever misuse decreased from 4.7% to 3.7%. Of all marijuana users, 15.1% resided within non-medical marijuana states. Medical marijuana users are more likely to have a serious mental illness (14.0% vs. 4.4%) and a non-marijuana related substance dependence (5.3% vs. 1.2%). Past-year medical marijuana use was significantly more likely to be reported among appropriate users of prescription pain relievers (OR = 1.99, p < .001) and misusers (OR = 1.94, p < .001) (relative to nonusers). ConclusionsPrescription pain reliever appropriate use and misuse were associated with higher odds of medical marijuana use. This study identified a potential treatment gap among individuals residing in states with no medical marijuana availability. These study findings highlight the potential benefits of medical marijuana legalization that future research can build on to guide policy making decisions.

Abstract 13812: Daily Marijuana Use is Associated With Incident Heart Failure: “All of Us” Research Program

Background: With the increasing state-level legalization of marijuana across the United States, its use has increased exponentially, especially among the youth. However, a lot remains unknown concerning its cardiovascular health implications. We sought to assess the association between the frequency of marijuana use and new-onset heart failure (HF). Methods: Using the NIH-sponsored “All of Us” Research Program, we performed a prospective analysis of participants’ survey data and Electronic Health records (EHR). We excluded patients with a baseline EHR diagnosis of HF. Marijuana use was defined as any unprescribed use or if prescribed, use beyond prescribed doses, and was collected using the NM ASSIST instrument. We determined the association between the frequency of marijuana use and incident HF using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic factors, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, BMI, alcohol use and smoking status. Results: From a final population of 156,999, there were 2958 events within a median follow-up time of 45 months. Compared to never users, daily marijuana users had an increased risk of incident HF (aHR - 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.72). In subgroup analyses, frequency of marijuana use was not associated with incident HFrEF nor HFpEF. There was no evidence of effect modification by age, sex at birth nor smoking status. The relationship was attenuated after addition of coronary artery disease diagnosis as a time varying covariate in our main model (aHR - 1.27, 95% CI 0.99-1.62). Implication: Data on the cardiovascular effects of marijuana use is limited. To our knowledge this is the first prospective analysis on the association of marijuana use and HF. Our study suggests daily marijuana use is associated with HF. More research into the cardiovascular effects of marijuana is needed to enable clinicians provide the public with high quality information on the health implications of marijuana and to guide policies.

Investigating the associations of age of initiation and other psychosocial factors of singular alcohol, tobacco and marijuana usage on polysubstance use: analysis of a population-based survey in Jamaica

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine concurrent polysubstance use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana and determine correlations with access to marijuana, friend and familial drug use habits, risk perception and the...

Demographics and Reported Symptoms Associated With Marijuana Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults.

Purpose Marijuana use has been increasing in the adolescent population. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of marijuana use among a sample of adolescents and young adults, determine an association with risk-taking behaviors, identify reported medical symptoms, and delineate common beliefs about marijuana use. Methods A questionnaire was administered to a sample of patients aged between 12 and 23 years old presenting to the emergency department of Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Data were stratified by marijuana users and non-users, and further stratified by traditional (vape, pipe, edibles) and non-traditional (oils/concentrates, topical creams) use. Results The analysis was based on 200 questionnaires. Thirty-nine percent (n=78) reported marijuana use. Marijuana users were more likely to report previous sexual intercourse (79.5% vs. 32.8%; p=<0.0001), as well as the use of alcohol (50.0% vs. 10.7%; p=<0.0001), cigarettes (41% vs. 8.2%; p=<0.0001), prescription pain medications (20.5% vs. 4.1%; p=0.002), and cocaine (14.1% vs. 0.8%; p=0.0017). Users more likely reported texting while driving (41.0% vs. 13.1%; p=0.005) and experienced physical or electronic victimization due to bullying (43.6% vs. 19.7%; p=0.002). Users were more likely to report gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), anxiety, and depression. The most common symptoms associated with marijuana use were anxiety (65.4%), headache (61.6%), nausea/vomiting (53.8%), cough (51.3%), and abdominal pain (47.4%). Sixty-nine percent of respondents believed marijuana was "safer than other drugs". Conclusion Based on our sample, we identified risk-taking behaviors, medical symptoms, and beliefs associated with marijuana use. Healthcare professionals may use these data to provide screening and anticipatory guidance to adolescents who use marijuana and consider marijuana use in their differential diagnosis.

Effect of Marijuana on Some Cardiac Biomarkers among Smokers in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Marijuana is the oldest and one of the most widely used illicit drugs, the clinical and pharmacological effects of cannabinoids have been recently studied, with much still unknown about the physiologic and pathologic effects. This study aimed to evaluate its cardiovascular effect using some cardiac makers among smokers in Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: The study was a comparative design conducted among eighty-eight test and control subjects. Venous blood was collected for AST, LDH and CK-MB. Biodata was obtained via questionnaires with anthropometric and blood pressure measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a significant level was taken at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: There was a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of subjects who use marijuana as observed from earlier studies. There was a significant increase in the levels of these enzymes in marijuana users as compared to non-smokers.&#x0D; Conclusion: The increase in these cardiac bio-markers, though heralds the pathologic effect of the use of marijuana on the heart, will be most convincing to assay more cardiac markers such as troponin T to buttress these findings.

Comparison of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cardiometabolic Profiles Between Current and Never Users of Marijuana.

The relationship between marijuana use and cardiovascular health remains uncertain, with several observational studies suggesting a potential association with increased adverse atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes. This study examined the relationship between marijuana use, ASCVD risk factors, and cardiometabolic risk profiles. US adults (18-59 years) without cardiovascular disease were identified from the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018) based on self-reported marijuana use. Current users (used within the past month) and never users were compared with assess the burden and control of traditional ASCVD risk factors and biomarkers, using inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including tobacco use. Of the 13 965 participants identified (mean age, 37.5; 51.2% female; 13% non-Hispanic Black), 26.6% were current users. Current users were predominantly male, low-income, and more likely to be concurrent tobacco users. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis showed no significant differences in the burden and control of hypertension (19.3% versus 18.8%, P=0.76; 79.8% versus 77.8%, P=0.75), dyslipidemia (24.0% versus 19.9%, P=0.13; 82% versus 75%, P=0.95), diabetes (4.8% versus 6.4%, P=0.19; 52.9% versus 50.6%, P=0.84), obesity (35.8% versus 41.3%, P=0.13), and physical activity levels (71.9% versus 69.3%, P=0.37) between current and never users. Likewise, mean 10-year ASCVD risk scores (2.8% versus 3.0%, P=0.49), 30-year Framingham risk scores (22.7% versus 24.2%, P=0.25), and cardiometabolic profiles including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (3.5 mg/L versus 3.7 mg/L, P=0.65), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (2.1 versus 2.1, P=0.89), low-density lipoprotein (114.3 mg/dL versus 112.2 mg/dL, P=0.53), total cholesterol (191.2 mg/dL versus 181.7 mg/dL, P=0.58), and hemoglobin A1C (5.4% versus 5.5%, P=0.25) were similar between current and never users. This cross-sectional study found no association between self-reported marijuana use and increased burden of traditional ASCVD risk factors, estimated long-term ASCVD risk, or cardiometabolic profiles. Further studies are needed to explore potential pathways between adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes and marijuana use.

Short-Term Pain Outcomes and Pain Medication Utilization Among Urine Toxicology-Identified Opioid and Marijuana Users After Elective Spine Surgery.

Postoperative pain outcomes may be influenced by preoperative substance use, which is often underreported due to associated stigma. This study examined the impact of urine toxicology-identified preoperative opioid and marijuana use on pain outcomes after elective spinal surgery. Patients undergoing elective spinal surgery between September 2020 and May 2022 were recruited for this prospective cohort study. Detailed chart review was completed to collect demographic, urine toxicology, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and pain medication data. Comparisons between self-reported and urine toxicology-identified substance use, preoperative/postoperative VAS ratings, and postoperative pain medication use were made using χ 2 tests, Student t -tests, and logistic regression, respectively. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and race. Among 111 participants (mean age 58 years, 59% female, 95% with ≥1 comorbidity), urine toxicology overestimated drug use (47% vs 16%, P < .001) and underestimated alcohol use (16% vs 56%, P < .001) at preoperative baseline relative to patient reports. Two weeks postoperatively, participants with preoperative opioid metabolites reported no significant improvements in pain from baseline (6.67 preoperative vs 5.92 postoperative, P = .288) unlike nonusers (6.56 preoperative vs 4.61 postoperative, P < .001). They also had worse postoperative VAS (5.92 vs 4.61, P = .030) and heavier reliance on opioid medications (odds ratio = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.21-7.89, P = .019). Conversely, participants with preoperative marijuana reported similar improvements in pain from baseline (users: 6.88 preoperative vs 4.36 postoperative, P = .001; nonusers: 6.49 preoperative vs 5.07 postoperative, P = .001), similar postoperative pain (4.36 vs 5.07, P = .238), and similar postoperative reliance on opioid medications (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.38-2.44, P = .928). Trends were maintained among the 83 patients who returned for the 3-month follow-up. Although urine toxicology-identified preoperative opioid use was associated with poor postoperative pain relief and reliance on postoperative opioids for pain management after elective spinal surgery, preoperative marijuana use was not. Preoperative marijuana use, hence, should not delay or be a contraindication to elective spinal surgery.

Patterns of Marijuana Use and Nicotine Exposure in Patients Seeking Elective Aesthetic Procedures.

With the increasing legalization and popularity of marijuana, it is frequently and sometimes unintentionally combined with nicotine-containing products. As a consequence, patients may fail to accurately report usage during preoperative examinations or remain unaware of the inclusion of nicotine. This poses a challenge for clinicians in identifying preoperative nicotine exposure. This study aimed to establish normative data on the use of marijuana and nicotine in plastic surgery patients and correlate it with urine nicotine and cotinine levels. All consecutive patients presenting to the authors' clinic seeking elective procedures were identified. Patients were surveyed on marijuana and nicotine use, and provided a urine sample for analysis. The survey responses, urine results, surgical treatments, and clinical outcomes were followed up prospectively. A total of 135 patients completed the survey and were categorized as nonusers (50%), active nicotine users (19%), active marijuana users (7%), active users of both (13%), or past users (11%). Marijuana users who denied nicotine use showed significantly elevated nicotine and cotinine levels compared with nonusers (average nicotine level, 23.1 ± 13.5 ng/mL [P = 0.00007]; average cotinine level, 221.2 ± 141.8 ng/mL [P = 0.0002]). Fewer than a third of active marijuana or nicotine users reported active use of these products during clinical encounters. There was no difference in urine levels, reported use, or other patient characteristics in patients with and without postoperative complications. This is the first descriptive study to document elevated urine nicotine levels in self-reported marijuana users in an urban, diverse patient population seeking elective plastic surgery procedures.