Marijuana Users Research Articles

Patterns of cannabidiol use among marijuana users in the United States.

As more and more states are legalizing marijuana use for medical purposes, cannabidiol (CBD) products have gained significant popularity as self-medications for treating conditions. Despite the increasing use, there is insufficient data about how CBD use varies across different populations, particularly in relation to marijuana use status. Understanding these patterns is crucial to inform public health recommendations that address appropriate CBD use. Data came from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). NSDUH is a cross-sectional national survey that provides in-depth data about drug use and mental health in the representative sample of the United States. Descriptive analyses were used to assess the prevalence of CBD use overall and by marijuana use status. Additionally, adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to examine demographic characteristics associated with CBD use. Overall, 10.5% of the United States population reported using CBD in the past 30days (current use). Prevalence of current CBD use was significantly higher among marijuana users (current users: 40.7%, past-year users: 32.2%, ever users: 19.1%) than among non-marijuana users (non-current users: 5.09%, non-past year users: 4.38%, never users: 5.09%). Females, adults, Whites, and individuals with fair/poor health status were more likely to use CBD than their respective counterparts. CBD use was commonly reported among people who use marijuana. Public health initiatives targeting individuals who use marijuana are crucial for educating them about the potential benefits and risks of CBD use, as well as the safety of using CBD in conjunction with marijuana.

Clinical patterns of personality and family functioning in drug addicts

Personality patterns and family functioning can enhance or mitigate the development of addictive behaviors, a psychosocial problem that affects vulnerable groups worldwide. This research aimed to establish the relationship between clinical personality patterns and family functioning according to the substance consumed in a population of drug-dependent patients admitted to rehabilitation centers in Zone 3, Ecuador. Its design was a non-experimental, transversal, and correlational type. The data were obtained through the documentary analysis technique from the review of medical records recorded by the institute's professionals, in which psychometric instruments were applied for psychological evaluation: Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-III) and the Family Functioning Questionnaire (FF-SIL). The avoidant, antisocial, and depressive clinical patterns predominated among the different substances consumed. The dysfunctional family was highlighted in users of alcohol (44.4%), marijuana (45.5%), cocaine (63.7%), and multiple substances (60.9%). No statistically significant differences were found between the study variables concerning the consumption group. The correlation between personality patterns and family functioning was statistically significant and inversely proportional, with a moderate intensity between avoidance and functionality (-0.251). Therefore, when personality patterns increased, family functioning tended to decrease.

Marijuana Use Increases the Risk of Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Body Contouring.

The legalization and changing perception of marijuana have led to a significant increase in its use. Although studies exploring marijuana's physiological effects have grown, its effect on surgical outcomes remains unclear. This study investigates the influence of marijuana consumption on postoperative complications in patients undergoing abdominal body contouring surgeries such as abdominoplasties and panniculectomies. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent abdominal body contouring procedures at an urban academic institution from 2016 to 2021. Data collected included demographic characteristics, marijuana consumption (active use, former use (last use 6 weeks prior to surgery), or never user), preoperative comorbidities, tobacco usage, operative characteristics, and postoperative complication data within 90 days. A total of 815 patients were included, with 61 patients (7.5%) reporting active marijuana use, 31 patients (3.8%) reporting former marijuana use, and 723 (88.7%) reporting never using marijuana. The average age was 45.32 (SD 11.31), and the average BMI was 29.85 (SD 4.44). At the time of surgery, patients with any history of marijuana use had an increased risk of complications (OR=1.96; p = 0.006), and active marijuana users had a significantly higher risk of hematoma formation (OR = 3.02; p = 0.013). Active marijuana use was significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative hematoma formation following abdominal body contouring surgeries. These findings suggest the need for routine preoperative screening and tailored risk-reduction strategies for marijuana users. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Association Between Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Diseases in an Adult Population in the United States in 2023

Background: Given the importance of cardiovascular disease in global morbidity and mortality and its impact on public health, this study was conducted to evaluate the association between marijuana use and cardiovascular disease in a United States population. Methodology: The study employed an observational, cross sectional study design utilizing 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database as the data source. Results: The study revealed that marijuana users aged 45-54 years (OR=12.40, CI=6.38-24.07), American Indian individuals (OR=1.74, CI=1.49-2.03), and tobacco users (OR=1.48, CI=1.39-1.57) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. After reviewing this study, it is clear that further research is needed to clarify the association between marijuana use and cardiovascular pathology. Conclusion: This study highlights the link between marijuana use and cardiovascular health but calls for further research to clarify its impacts. Findings support targeted public health efforts for at-risk groups.

Marijuana Use and Complication Risk Following Tibia Shaft Fracture Fixation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative marijuana use and complications following tibia shaft fracture fixation. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Two academic Level I trauma centers. Adults age ≥18 years who underwent tibia shaft fracture (OTA/AO 42) fixation from 2014-2022 and had a minimum 3-months postoperative follow-up were included. Patients were considered marijuana users if they had current self-reported marijuana use or a urine toxicology screen positive for cannabinoids documented at initial presentation. Bivariate statistics and multivariate regression were used to evaluate the effect of marijuana use on 90-day postoperative thromboembolic and surgical complications, unplanned readmissions, and emergency department (ED) visits. Complications related to fracture union were evaluated in patients with ≥ 6 months follow-up. Multivariate analysis controlled for tobacco use, open fracture, and American Society of Anesthesiologist class ≥ 3. Among 388 patients included in the study, the mean age was 37.6 years (range, 18-90), and most patients were men (66.5%). Ninety-six patients (25%) were identified as marijuana users. Marijuana users were significantly younger (30.5 years vs 40 years, P < .001) and more likely to be male (79% vs 62%, P = .002) and use tobacco currently (73% vs 31%, P < .001) than non-users. Marijuana users experienced higher rates of 90-day surgical complications (11.5% vs 4.8%, P = .030) and deep infection (8.3% vs 2.1%, P = .008) compared with non-users. No significant difference was observed between groups in the rates of thromboembolic complications, nonunion, or delayed union (P > .05). On multivariate analysis, marijuana use was not associated with odds of developing any 90-day surgical complication (OR 2.01; 95% CI 0.83-4.84) or deep infection (OR 2.97; 95% CI 0.95-9.25). Preoperative marijuana use was not found to be associated with risk of thromboembolic, surgical, or fracture union-related complications in patients undergoing tibia shaft fracture fixation. Prognostic Level III.

Evaluating the effects of recreational drug use on ruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation presentation and in-hospital outcomes: a national inpatient sample analysis

BackgroundRecent literature highlights the adverse effects of recreational marijuana on cerebrovascular pathologies and outcomes. However, its impact on arteriovenous malformation (AVM) outcomes is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in AVM outcomes...

Associations of Chronic Marijuana Use with Changes in Salivary Microbiome.

The legalization of marijuana (MJ) for medicinal and recreational use has raised concerns about its potential impact on health, including oral health. While MJ use has been linked to poor oral health, its effects on the composition of the oral microbiome remain unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed saliva samples from chronic MJ users (n = 18) and nonusers (n = 20) to investigate MJ-related changes in salivary microbiome composition. We identified significant differences in the relative abundance of 16 taxa, including seven species, such as Megasphaera micronucliformis, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Streptococcus anginosus. Additionally, five species showed positive correlations with cumulative lifetime MJ use, including Streptococcus vestibularis and Streptococcus parasanguinis. By grouping salivary microbial communities into clusters based on their association with periodontal health, we found that the cluster with species associated with poor periodontal health had the highest percentage of MJ users. Moreover, MJ use significantly contributed to variance in microbial communities in individuals with relatively good periodontal health. These findings suggest that chronic MJ use is associated with alterations in the salivary microbiome, highlighting its potential broader impact on oral and systemic health.

Marijuana and Its Implications in Breast Reduction Surgery Outcomes and Quality of Life: A Matched Analysis.

With marijuana use on the rise, its influence on surgical outcomes, particularly for breast reduction, warrants investigation. This study aims to clarify marijuana's effects on breast reduction surgery outcomes, given its limited research focus despite potential perioperative implications. A retrospective review was conducted from 2016 to 2022 of patients with/without marijuana use undergoing breast reduction. Propensity score-matching considered age, body mass index, ptosis, and breast tissue mass. Patient demographics, clinical attributes, and postoperative details were analyzed. Quality-of-life (QoL) changes were gauged using pre- and postoperative BREAST-Q. Of 415 patients who underwent breast reduction, 140 patients documented marijuana use. After propensity matching, a total of 108 patients (54 marijuana users versus 54 nonusers) were analyzed. The average age was 39 years ± 12 and body mass index 30.1 kg/m2 ± 5.3. There were no differences between the 2 groups in comorbidities, breast symmetry, excision patterns, pedicle use, or drain count (P > 0.05). Furthermore, surgical outcomes including surgical site occurrences, scarring, pain levels, hypersensitivity, or sensation loss were comparable between the groups (P > 0.05). There were also no differences in number of readmissions, reoperations, or emergency department visits (P > 0.05). Both groups showed enhanced postoperative QoL, regardless of marijuana usage. This study indicates that marijuana use does not significantly impact breast reduction surgery outcomes. Comparable surgical results and postoperative QoL improvements were observed in both marijuana users and nonusers. This study provides surgeons with the knowledge to offer more informed patient counseling regarding the implications of marijuana use in relation to breast reduction procedures.

Prospective Study on the Effects of Marijuana Smoking on Lipase and Amylase Activities among Adult Nigerians

Marijuana consumption is prevalent among young adults in Nigeria, and its effects on various physiological systems are of growing concern. This study investigates the impact of marijuana use on digestive enzymes, specifically serum amylase and lipase, to understand its potential implications on digestive health. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 participants comprising of 60 marijuana smokers and 60 non-smokers. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data were collected through structured questionnaires. Serum amylase and lipase activity levels were measured by spectrophotometric method and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences and correlations. The study revealed that marijuana smokers had significantly higher serum amylase and lipase activities compared to non-smokers. Lipase activity correlated positively (r=0.425, p=0.019) with duration of marijuana use. Amylase activity was higher among males than females (r=-0.40, p=0.028). No significant correlation was found between the quantity of marijuana consumed and enzyme activities. Chronic marijuana consumption was associated with increased serum amylase and lipase activities, indicating potential alterations in pancreatic function. These findings suggest that marijuana use may have adverse effects on digestive health, warranting further investigation into the long-term implications. It is recommended that healthcare providers monitor digestive enzyme activities in marijuana users to detect early signs of pancreatic dysfunction.

Rural reticence to inform physicians of cannabis use.

Over 75% of Americans have legal access to medical cannabis, though physical access is not uniform and can be difficult for rural residents. Additionally, substantial stigma remains in using medical cannabis, particularly within the health care system. This article argues that rural Americans may be particularly affected by such stigma and may thus be more likely to not report cannabis use to health care providers. Data were obtained from 1,045 adult Pennsylvanians using a self-administered web panel omnibus survey. Rurality was determined by overlaying Zip Code Tabulation Areas with urban areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Primary outcomes were prior use of cannabidiol (CBD) or marijuana and reporting of such use to medical professionals. Covariates utilized in logistic regressions included rurality, gender, age, race/ethnicity, political affiliation, political ideology, and veteran status. Living in an urban area was positively associated with disclosure of marijuana use to health care providers as compared to those in rural areas, although there were no differences found in CBD disclosure. Stigma surrounding marijuana usage may have a disproportionate impact on health outcomes for rural residents who use marijuana. Nonreporting prevents effective holistic medical care and can result in negative drug interactions and other side effects.

Hot Dab Associated Pneumonitis - a case report

BackgroundDabbing is recently getting popular among young adults. It is a new method of using the most active form of marijuana where large amounts of concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol are inhaled. Tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with a feeling of ‘High’ which makes the user feel joyous and relaxed. With increasing use of such techniques, dabbing becomes an important differential for evaluation of acute respiratory failure with pneumonitis especially in the adult population.Case presentationA Fifty-one years old Caucasian man presented to the hospital with chest pressure and shortness of breath. The patient was noted to be hypoxic, desaturating down to 82–83% on nasal cannula oxygen. Imaging revealed bilateral lung infiltrates. Patient was started on high flow oxygen, broad spectrum antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids. The patient gradually improved and was able to come off oxygen completely. He was discharged home on prednisone taper.ConclusionsDabbing is a newer technique which has been gaining popularity for marijuana usage. With the legalization of marijuana, newer techniques are getting popular. Our case report emphasizes the importance of keeping dabbing as a differential when a patient presents with respiratory failure and has concerns for pneumonitis. Patients might not reveal until specifically asked about their practices.

Health concerns, access to care, and trust in research and researchers among community members with bipolar disorder

BackgroundData are needed on differences in community-dwelling populations with bipolar disorder (BP) regarding trust in research and access to care. We characterized community members by lifetime history of bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that those with BP would have less trust in research, visit a health provider less, and participate less in research than those without BP. We also hypothesized that those with BP would be more likely to have a history of marijuana (MJ) use.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used for this analysis. The study population consisted of 12,489 members (78.0%) from the HealthStreet community engagement program who were interviewed by a Community Health Worker about health history and demographics.ResultsAmong the sample, the rate of BP was 10.6% (n = 1326). Those reporting BP were more likely than those who did not (n = 11,163), to report muscle, bone, and mental health problems, to be younger, female, to have visited the doctor in the past 12 months, to be interested in participating in research, and be current MJ users. Trust did not differ between BP groups.ConclusionsOur analysis found that persons with BP had higher access to care and more interest in research, thus our primary hypothesis was rejected. Our secondary hypothesis, that persons with BP were more likely to have a history of MJ use was upheld. These findings are important because they address a crucial gap in the literature surrounding BP and lay the groundwork for future community-level research.

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.

Differences Between Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Michigan Currently Using Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Nonusers Reporting Interest in Future Use.

Purpose: This study explores the sociodemographic, insurance coverage, and substance use differences among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals currently using hormone therapy (HT) and those who have an interest in future HT use. Methods: We surveyed TGD individuals in Michigan in 2018 to examine sociodemographic, health insurance, and substance use differences between those who had used HT and those who were interested but had never accessed HT using logistic regression models. Results: Respondents (N = 536) were 80.1% White and 18.0% nonbinary. About two-thirds of the participants had ever used HT (65.7%). In multivariate analyses, nonbinary participants were much more likely to be interested in future HT use than transmasculine individuals (odds ratio [OR] = 6.91), yet no significant difference between transmasculine and transfeminine individuals was found. Black participants also had higher odds of interest in future HT use (OR = 8.79). Those who did not know if they had trans-specific insurance coverage (OR = 42.39) and those who had no trans-specific insurance coverage (OR = 4.50) were more likely to be in the future interest group compared with those who reported full trans care coverage. Those with a bachelor's degree were less likely to be in the future interest group than those with some college education or an associate's degree, as were heavy marijuana users. Conclusion: Nonbinary individuals may be interested in HT but lack access, and known health care disparities around race and socioeconomic status may also impact HT access. Standard and transparent insurance coverage for gender-affirming care is sorely needed.

Exploring the relationship of rurality and region: An analysis of adolescent marijuana use in the United States

Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults has increased, however, there is a paucity of research concerning marijuana use among adolescents in rural areas. Current literature holds the assumption that adolescents in rural areas tend to use less marijuana and marijuana associated products compared with youth from urban and suburban areas. However, geographical features may contribute to unique stressors experienced by rural youth, resulting in distinct differences in usage that have been previously unexplored. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between rurality and geographic region by examining patterns of lifetime marijuana use in 12th graders across various geographical backgrounds. Using data from the Monitoring the Future Study database, participants were classified based on rurality (rural, medium suburban/urban, large suburban/urban) and geographic region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and data was analyzed to investigate the differences in lifetime marijuana and hash usage. Results demonstrated that rural adolescents in the Northeast and West reported lifetime marijuana and hash product use at the same level as their urban/suburban counterparts; however, there were differences across rurality among Midwest and Southern regions. These results suggest that lifetime marijuana use among rural adolescents is not uniform across geographic regions, indicating that geography should be heavily considered when formulating preventative and educational marijuana programs.

Cannabis and Alcohol: Will Cannabis Users Use More Alcohol and How Legalization of Cannabis Affect This Trend?

Health and Social risks related to marijuana and alcohol are a serious problem in the United States. This research tried to introduce OLS regression in order to figure out the correlation between use of alcohol and cannabis, and the trend before and after legalization of cannabis, which is a factor that has not been researched in previous literature of alcohol, while a lot of controls were added to the model. It finds out that there is higher likelihood for marijuana users to co-use alcohol, but people tend to consume less alcohol if marijuana is legal. This may be because of the booster effect of cannabis on alcohol. These results might be a sign for future policymakers to implement more demand-side policies to reduce potential cannabis and alcohol addiction risks, as supply-side policies such as legalization might work in the opposite direction. For example, higher taxation on cannabis and alcohol might help.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Door-In Door-Out Times for Mechanical Thrombectomy-Eligible Patients at a Hub-and-Spoke Community-Based Comprehensive Stroke Center: A Single Case Study Presentation

Background: Delays in the transfer of patients with hyperacute stroke may lead to treatment ineligibility due to the degree of cerebral hypoxic injury suffered. Cloud-based artificial intelligence applications may improve transfer times and expand access to advanced therapies. One case between a community-based comprehensive stroke center (CSC) and a primary stroke center (PSC) using a third-party telemedicine service and shared cloud-based artificial intelligence application may provide insight in opportunities to improve stroke systems of care. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension, current everyday tobacco smoker, and marijuana user presented to an outlying emergency department (ED) with dense left-sided hemiplegia affecting the arm and leg, right-sided gaze preference, and severe dysarthria. Her last known well (LKW) time was 0900 hours. CNS imaging revealed a right middle cerebral artery occlusion, visible to members of the CSC stroke team through the use of a cloud-based artificial intelligence cell phone application. The patient was treated with intravenous thrombolytics at the PSC, and she was transferred to the CSC, where she underwent a diagnostic cerebral arteriogram with carotid artery stenting. Later, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm hemorrhagic lesion in the right frontal lobe and diffusion restriction in the right frontal and right posterior temporal lobes. The patient’s hospital stay was three days and, at the time of discharged, her modified Rankin score and NIHSS were zero. She was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy, statin therapy, and nicotine replacement. Utilization of Artificial Intelligence: Transfer delays are complicated by organizing care at PSC and CSC and can be lengthy when communication across different facilities and subspecialties. Implementing cloud-based AI image sharing in stroke systems of care has reduced DIDO times by providing rapid imaging interpretation, streamlining communication, and enhancing coordination between PSCs and CSCs. Conclusions: Our case presentation showed how a hub-and-spoke model combined with cloud-based AI utilization can improve DIDO times and enhance stroke systems of care.

P157. Preoperative recreational marijuana users report worse baseline pain, anxiety, physical activity, and self-image compared to nonusers with adult spine deformity (ASD)

P157. Preoperative recreational marijuana users report worse baseline pain, anxiety, physical activity, and self-image compared to nonusers with adult spine deformity (ASD)

Qualitative Study: Motivation, Social Aspects and Environmental Stressors in Cannabis User Patients Admitted to Abepura Regional Mental Hospital, Papua Province

The purpose of this study was to determine the motivation, social aspects, and environmental stressors of cannabis-using patients treated at the Abepura Regional Mental Hospital, Papua Province. This research is a qualitative study with Collaizi's research method. The research subjects were five ethnic Papuan patients who were admitted to the Abepura Regional Mental Hospital, Papua Province. The patient population was five men with an age range of 25-39 years. The research was conducted in December 2023-January 2024. The results of the study for the motivation of marijuana users are peer influence, and seeking recognition and sensation. The results for social aspects are low economic status and poor relationships with parents. The results of the study for environmental stressors are low self-acceptance and dissatisfaction due to unmet needs at home.

Marijuana's Impact On Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Studies have shown that chronic marijuana use is associated with increased vascular inflammation, endothelial damage, myocardial infarctions, strokes, arteritis, and cardiomyopathies; however, cannabis's effect on wound healing in immediate direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction is unknown. With the increasing prevalence of marijuana use, it is imperative to understand its effects on surgical outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients in a quaternary-care breast cancer center undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction. Patient demographics, operative details, and surgical complications were extracted through chart review. Active cannabis use was defined as use within 12 weeks of operation. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. In total, 243 consecutive patients underwent immediate DTI reconstruction, and 12 reported active cannabis use. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, cancer treatment, or operative details. Active marijuana users demonstrated higher rates of cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics (P = 0.004), explantation for infection (P = 0.004), emergency department visits (P = 0.028), readmission (P = 0.037), takeback to the operating room in 90 days (P < 0.001), and overall major complications (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that active marijuana users were more likely to experience cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics [odds ratio (OR) = 3.55, P = 0.024], takeback to the OR within 90 days of operation (OR = 4.75, P = 0.001), and major complications (OR = 2.26, P = 0.048). The consumption of cannabis in the perioperative setting is associated with increased rates of complications in patients undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction; however, an analysis with a larger patient population is needed to conclude that abstinence from its use should be highly encouraged.