Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Study objectives Rates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) appear to be increasing nationally, with increases greater in states that legalized cannabis use. However, as legalization has progressed and stigma declined, some of these apparent increases could be due to greater willingness of survey respondents and patients to acknowledge cannabis involvement. Biological indicators of cannabis use overcome some concerns about trends denoted by self-report data whose validity is potentially changing over time. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between medical cannabis laws (MCL) and recreational cannabis laws (RCL) and the prevalence of cannabis-positive urine...

Abstract Background: Studies on medicinal cannabis (MC) have primarily investigated effects on diseases and symptoms, while there is only sparse knowledge on patients' health-related quality of life. Our aim was, firstly, to compare the health-related quality of life of patients (MC users and non-users) within four specified diagnostic indications (multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, neuropathy, and nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy) with that of patients with other diagnostic indications (MC users only) and the adult population (non-users only). Secondly, we estimate the associations between use of MC and health-related quality of life for patients in the four specified diagnostic indications. Methods: We collected data on quality-adjusted life years...

Summary Cannabis in the USA is transitioning from a nationwide illegal status to liberalisation for medicinal or recreational use across different jurisdictions. As the acceptability and accessibility of cannabis continue to grow, updated knowledge on the cancer risk from recreational cannabis use is necessary to inform recommendations by public health organisations, policy makers, and clinical practitioners. We reviewed the evidence to date. Our umbrella review of current global epidemiological evidence reveals that links between cannabis exposure and cancer risk are more suggestive than conclusive. The cancer type most closely linked to cannabis use is non-seminoma testicular cancer. However, evidence is emerging of an increased...

Abstract Introduction: As the medically prescribed use of cannabis flower continues to increase, there is a need to understand how vaporized cannabis can acutely affect driving-related skills and risk-taking behaviors in medicinal populations. Method: Given this, the present study examined the acute effects of vaporized cannabis flower on measures of hazard perception, driving-related risk-taking behaviors, and subjective perceptions of driving skills in a sample of adult medicinal cannabis patients. Participants (N = 38, M age = 43) attended both a baseline (no cannabis) and intervention appointment (with cannabis consumption), where they completed video-based tasks and self-report measures of driving ability. Results: After vaporizing one dose of their prescribed cannabis flower, participants exhibited no...

Abstract For millennia, various cultures have utilized cannabis for food, textile fiber, ethno-medicines, and pharmacotherapy, owing to its medicinal potential and psychotropic effects. An in-depth exploration of its historical, chemical, and therapeutic dimensions provides context for its contemporary understanding. The criminalization of cannabis in many countries was influenced by the presence of psychoactive cannabinoids; however, scientific advances and growing public awareness have renewed interest in cannabis-related products, especially for medical use. Described as a 'treasure trove,' cannabis produces a diverse array of cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid compounds. Recent research focuses on cannabinoids for treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy. Additionally, secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds, terpenes, and terpenoids are...

Please use this link to access this publication.  ABSTRACT This mixed-methods study investigated the role of medicinal cannabis use among younger adults who live in rural communities and experience high levels of cumulative social disadvantage (CSD). Results are based on cross-sectional surveys and online interviews with 153 younger adults (18–35-years old) in rural California. We assessed participants’ levels of CSD (high, medium, and low) and examined associations with perceived general physical and mental health and with medicinal use of cannabis (MUC). Qualitative analyses were then conducted to better understand the roles of cannabis use in the lives of study participants with high versus low...

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of older medicinal cannabis consumers and those advising them on older Canadians’ experiences accessing cannabis and information about it, as well as how stigma may influence their experiences. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used. The design was qualitatively driven and involved conducting semi-structured interviews with older adults and advisors and developing a survey for older adults. We used a Qualitative Descriptive approach for the analysis of qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative survey data. Findings demonstrate that many older adults are accessing information about cannabis for medical purposes from retailers,...

Abstract Objectives The use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis use in Europe, the USA, the UK and Australia, leading to legislative resistance and limited preclinical data on CBM. Existing safety monitoring systems for CBM are poorly structured and do not integrate well into the workflows of busy health professionals. As a result, postmarketing surveillance is inconsistent. This review aims to evaluate international systems for monitoring CBM side effects and adverse events. Design To undertake a scoping review with a systematic approach, we used...

Abstract Tea is a recommended way of administration of prescribed cannabis plant products in Denmark. We aimed to investigate the cannabinoid and terpene doses contained in different teas. We analysed tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and terpene concentrations in three repeated preparations of each type of tea, and in plant material. In standard tea, concentrations of THC were [median (min-max)] 9.5 (2.3–15), 19 (13–34), and 36 (26–57) μg/mL for products with a labelled content of 6.3%, 14%, and 22% total THC (THC + THCA), respectively. The CBD concentration in tea from a product labelled with 8% total CBD (CBD + CBDA) was 7.5...

Abstract Introduction: A significant gap exists in the understanding and utilization of medical marijuana and its effects on a patient’s quality of life. This is largely attributed to Cannabis’ sp. Schedule 1 classification, which has impeded the scientific investigation of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and quality of life. Additionally, conflicting results from previous studies highlight the need for more research to provide guidance to both patients and clinicians regarding the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age who were members of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program (PAMMP) were recruited from regulated Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries. Eligible patients were enrolled through informed...