Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Population prevalence and patterns of cannabis use for mental health (CUMH) are underexplored. This is important to understand in the Canadian territories which has the highest prevalence of cannabis use in Canada. This study aimed to examine socio-demographic factors associated with CUMH in the territories and associations between CUMH and cannabis use outcomes. Methods This study is a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from the 2022 Cannabis Policy Study in the Territories, including 2431 respondents aged 16+. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine socio-demographic characteristics associated with CUMH. Among past 12-month cannabis...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background and Objective: An increasing number of countries are deciding to regulate the medicinal and/or recreational use of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). However, there is a lack of information on the impact of regular consumption of this substance on public health. In this study, for the first time, regular cannabis consumers in Spain were assessed using health indicators, comparing these data with the general population. Methods: Various items of the Enquesta de Salut de Catalunya (ESCA) and other items related to cannabis use were selected to build a survey and administer it to a representative sample of regular...

Abstract Background The cardiovascular impact of cannabis use is incompletely understood. Although evidence links chronic use to an increased risk of disease and adverse cardiovascular events, few studies have investigated the acute effects of cannabis inhalation on subclinical dysfunction. Furthermore, it remains unknown how method of inhalation and cannabinoid profile modify risk. While controlling for inhalation method and the effects of either Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), we examined the acute cardiovascular effects of cannabis use on arterial stiffness, vascular endothelial responsiveness, and cardiac function, as markers of cardiovascular impairment. Methods and Results Twenty‐two young, healthy, cannabis users were assessed for arterial stiffness via...

Abstract Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to maintain bone integrity in pre-clinical models, but little is known about the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on bone turnover. In this study we explored the effects of two oral medical cannabis products on normal bone homeostasis through evaluation of markers of bone resorption (carboxyl-terminal collagen crosslinks, CTx) and bone formation (procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, P1NP; alkaline phosphatase, ALP). Methods: This study is an analysis of secondary data from two Phase 1 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of Spectrum Yellow (0.9 mg THC, 20 mg CBD/mL of oil) and Spectrum Red (2.5 mg THC, 0.3 mg CBD/softgel). Healthy participants (n=38 men, 45 women) were randomized...

Abstract Background: Despite increasing medical cannabis use, research has yet to establish whether and to what extent products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impact driving performance among patients. Stable doses of prescribed cannabinoid products during long-term treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms affecting cognitive and psychomotor performance. Aim: To examine the effects of open-label prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance among patients. Methods: In a semi-naturalistic laboratory study, 40 adults (55% male) aged between 23 and 80 years, consumed their own prescribed medical cannabis product. Driving performance outcomes including standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), the standard deviation of speed (SDS), mean speed and steering variability...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective Despite pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis (OA), more individuals are choosing medical cannabis for OA symptom management and for mitigating opioid prescriptions for OA. This systematic review examines the global evidence of medical cannabis use on OA pain and function. Methods The search was completed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and CINAHL within the past 10 years (2012-2022). We limited the search to English language articles. We did not include grey literature or case studies. Participant demographics included all adult individuals with OA who were using medical cannabis for OA. Study quality and risk of bias were...

Abstract Cannabis has long been stigmatized as an illicit drug. Since legalization in Canada for both medical and recreational purposes, older adults’ cannabis consumption has increased more than any other age group. Yet, it is unclear how the normalization of cannabis has impacted perceptions of stigma for older adults consuming cannabis medicinally. Qualitative description was used to elucidate the experiences of older Canadians aged 60+ related to stigma and their consumption of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews. Data analysis examined how participants managed stigma related to cannabis use. Perceived stigma was evident in many participants’ descriptions of their perceptions of...

Abstract Importance: Many studies have evaluated whether in utero cannabis exposure is associated with fetal and neonatal outcomes, yet little is known about whether prenatal cannabis use is associated with maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. Objective: To evaluate whether prenatal cannabis use is associated with maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. Design, setting, and participants: This population-based retrospective cohort study included pregnancies in Northern California from January 2011 to December 2019 that lasted 20 weeks or longer and were screened for prenatal cannabis use. Exposures: Prenatal cannabis use was defined as any self-reported use during early pregnancy or a positive toxicology test result based on universal screening at entrance...

Abstract Brain aging is associated with cognitive decline, reduced synaptic plasticity, and altered metabolism. The activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has a major impact on aging by regulating cellular metabolism. Although reduced mTOR signaling has a general antiaging effect, it can negatively affect the aging brain by reducing synaptogenesis and thus cognitive functions. Increased mTOR activity facilitates aging and is responsible for the amnestic effect of the cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in higher doses. Long-term low-dose Δ9-THC had an antiaging effect on the brain by restoring cognitive abilities and synapse densities in old mice. Whether changes in mTOR signaling and...

Abstract Cannabis use is increasingly common, and with a growing number of jurisdictions implementing legalization frameworks, it is likely that providers will encounter more patients who use cannabis. Therefore, it is important for providers to understand the implications of cannabis use and practical considerations for the perioperative period. Cannabis affects multiple organ systems and may influence intraoperative anesthesia, as well as postoperative pain management. The effects of cannabis and key anesthetic considerations are reviewed here.