Key Points Question  Is prenatal cannabis use, particularly when used to reportedly cope with mood and stress, associated with changes in depression and stress across trimesters? Findings  In this cohort study of 504 patients, cannabis use during pregnancy was not associated with changes in depression and stress through pregnancy, even among those using cannabis to cope with mental health problems. Meaning  These findings suggest that cannabis use during pregnancy does not accelerate the rate of change in depression or stress, even when individuals report symptom relief as their motive for using the drug. Abstract Importance  Cannabis use among pregnant individuals has increased. Depression and stress are frequently reported...

Abstract Introduction In legal and illegal markets, high-potency cannabis (>10 % delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) is increasingly available. In adult samples higher-potency cannabis has been associated with mental health disorder but no studies have considered associations in adolescence. Methods A population-wide study compared no, low and high potency cannabis using adolescents (aged 13–14 years) self-reported symptoms of probable depression, anxiety, and auditory hallucinations. Results Of the 6672 participants, high-potency cannabis was used by 2.6 % (n=171) and low-potency by 0.6 % (n=38). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, tobacco and alcohol use, in comparison to participants who had never used cannabis, people who had used high-potency but not low-potency cannabis were more likely to...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background: There is a lack of studies on the course and effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Retrospective longitudinal (18 weeks) study of n=59 outpatients with MDD, treated with medical cannabis via a telemedical platform. Previous treatment with antidepressant medication was required for inclusion into the study. Standardized data collection was carried out at entry and during monthly consultations. Severity of depression was measured on a 0–10 point rating scale. Side-effects were assessed by a checklist. Results: Patients were 20–54 years old; 72.9% were male; one third reported times of regular...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objectives: This study sought to extend research on the relation between depression symptoms and problematic cannabis use by evaluating the potential moderating role of perceived sleep quality among medical cannabis users. Methods: This employed a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 162 adults (mean age = 42.05 years, SD = 14.8; 22% female), with current recommendations from a doctor for medical cannabis, recruited from a medical cannabis dispensary. Results: Consistent with previous research, individuals with heightened depression symptoms had greater problematic cannabis use. In addition, perceived sleep quality moderated this relation, such that depression symptoms differentially related to problematic cannabis...

Key Points Question  What are the risks and benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card for adults who seek medical marijuana for pain, insomnia, and anxiety or depressive symptoms? Findings  In this randomized clinical trial involving 186 participants, immediate acquisition of a medical marijuana card increased the incidence and severity of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and resulted in no significant improvement in pain, anxiety, or depressive symptoms, but improved self-reported sleep quality. Meaning  Findings from this study suggest the need for further investigation into the benefits of medical marijuana card ownership for insomnia symptoms and the risk of CUD, particularly for those with anxiety or depressive symptoms....

Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to a chronic impairing psychiatric disorder occurring after exposure to the severe traumatic event. Studies have demonstrated that medicinal cannabis oil plays an important role in neuroprotection, but the mechanism by which it exerts anti-PTSD effects remains unclear. Methods The chronic complex stress (CCS) simulating the conditions of long voyage stress for 4 weeks was used to establish the PTSD mice model. After that, behavioral tests were used to evaluate PTSD-like behaviors in mice. Mouse brain tissue index was detected and hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the hippocampus. The indicators of cell apoptosis and the BDNF/TRPC6 signaling activation in the mice...

Abstract Chronic pain and mental health issues like depression and anxiety significantly contribute to disease burden in Western countries. While cannabinoids are suggested to have analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, evidence, especially for long-term use, is inconclusive. This 12-month observational study evaluated the effects of prescribed medicinal cannabis for 96 patients suffering from pain, as well as sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. Treatment outcomes for pain, depression, anxiety and sleep problems were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using validated instruments. Significant reductions were observed in pain scores and the interference of pain on daily functions, alongside improvements in mental health and sleep....

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract This paper employs a systematic review to examine the correlation between anhedonia and marijuana use, exploring whether individuals with anhedonia use marijuana as a coping mechanism or if marijuana use plays a role in the onset of anhedonia. The search utilised PubMed and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines for paper selection. A total of 21 papers were selected to address this inquiry, and assessments were carried out using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool. The results revealed that 17 studies exhibited moderate and low risk of bias. The...

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Aims  To investigate whether cannabis use predicted the first incidence of mood and anxiety disorders in adults during a 3-year follow-up period. Design and participants  Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS), a prospective study in the adult population of 18–64 years. The analysis was carried out on 3881 people who had no life-time mood disorders and on 3854 people who had no life-time anxiety disorders at baseline. Measurements  Life-time cannabis use and DSM-III-R mood and anxiety disorders, assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Findings  After adjustment for strong confounders, any use...

Abstract Introduction Perceptions of cannabis as a potential medical treatment for mood and anxiety disorders have been increasing in the context of legalizations, availability, and medical cannabis programs, though current evidence predominately indicates risks and negative effects of cannabis use (CU) on mental health outcomes. This study aims to understand motivations, perceptions, effects, and patterns of CU in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders. Methods Thirty-six adult patients diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder who were currently using cannabis completed an in-depth qualitative interview on individual motivations, perceptions, experiences, effects, and patterns of their CU. The thematic analysis focused on...