Abstract Introduction The growing opioid crisis and persistent global health disparities underscore the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Cannabis, with its long-standing historical use and recent legislative developments, presents a potentially significant avenue for addressing these challenges. This review examines the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis, drawing from historical ethnopharmacological data and contemporary scientific discussions. Methods This review synthesized evidence from historical ethnobotanical records, peer-reviewed studies, and outcomes derived from recent Global Health events. These events facilitated discussions among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, farmers, and patient advocates. Case studies and successful models from the USA and Africa, including the...

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Introduction Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a growing global health concern, with limited pharmacological treatments currently available despite increasing prevalence and legalization trends. Areas covered This review explores the landscape of pharmacotherapies for CUD, including both repurposed agents and emerging investigational compounds. We summarize findings from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with attention to mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Agents discussed include gabapentin, N-acetylcysteine, synthetic cannabinoids, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, orexin receptor antagonists, and psychedelics. A narrative approach was used, informed by targeted searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical trial registries...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective: Research on the patterns and correlates of cannabis use suggests a disproportionately higher use incidence across Indigenous populations in Canada and the United States. As cannabis use is related to several deleterious social and behavioral consequences for which Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately vulnerable, it is a public health concern. We gathered and organized the extant research on cannabis use among Indigenous groups to describe emergent themes and future research areas. Method: We conducted a scoping review of articles published between 2005 and February 2020 on Indigenous populations and cannabis use in Canada and the...

Abstract BackgroundObservational studies consistently report associations between tobacco use, cannabis use and mental illness. However, the extent to which this association reflects an increased risk of new-onset mental illness is unclear and may be biased by unmeasured confounding. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42021243903). Electronic databases were searched until November 2022. Longitudinal studies in general population samples assessing tobacco and/or cannabis use and reporting the association (e.g. risk ratio [RR]) with incident anxiety, mood, or psychotic disorders were included. Estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analyses. Bias was explored using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, confounder matrix, E-values, and Doi plots. ResultsSeventy-five studies were included. Tobacco use...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors face increased risks of long-term health complications, compounded by engagement in risky health behaviors such as smoking or vaping nicotine or cannabis products (e.g., inhaled substance use). This scoping review explores the existing literature on inhaled substance use among AYA cancer survivors to better understand the prevalence, methods, and contributing factors driving these behaviors. While combustible cigarette smoking is decreasing, vaping remains prevalent, and both are associated with inhaled cannabis co-use. Mental health challenges experienced by AYA survivors, such as depression and anxiety, may drive increased substance use...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background While a key goal of liberalizing cannabis policy is to reduce harms related to criminal justice involvement, the degree to which this occurs and how it varies by policy format is uncertain. We completed a systematic review of changes in cannabis offences overall and across subgroups after cannabis policy liberalization. Methods A search of 7 databases was conducted for studies examining changes in cannabis offences, including arrests, charges, convictions, and referrals, before and after cannabis policy changes. Four types of cannabis policy change were considered: medical legalization, non-medical decriminalization, non-medical legalization, and non-medical commercialization....

Abstract Cannabis sativa L., one of the oldest cultivated crops, has a complex domestication history due to its diverse uses for fibre, seed, oil, and drugs, and its wide geographic distribution. This review explores how human selection has shaped the biology of hemp and drug-type Cannabis, focusing on acquisition and utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus, and how resulting changes in source–sink relations shape their contrasting phenology. Hemp has been optimized for rapid, slender growth and nutrient efficiency, whereas drug-type cultivars have been selected for compact growth with large phytocannabinoid-producing female inflorescences. Understanding these nutrient use and ontogenetic differences will enhance our general understanding of resource allocation...

Abstract The number of human infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is increasing worldwide and constitutes a serious threat to human health. Given the lack of novel antibiotic compounds worsening this dilemma, alternative antibiotic-independent treatment and prevention strategies of infectious diseases applying natural compounds appear highly appreciable. Given the long-known health-beneficial and disease-alleviating properties of Cannabis, we performed a literature search summarizing current knowledge regarding the antibacterial effects of extracts from different parts of the Cannabis sativa plant and of defined Cannabis-derived molecules and their potential mode of action. The included studies revealed that various extracts and essential oils of C. sativa as well as major cannabinoids exerted potent activities against a broad...

Abstract Background Depression has been cited as a possible confounder, moderator, and mediator of the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours. We aimed to assess the role of depression in the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours by systematically reviewing existing literature in the general population. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct and PsycArticles from database inception to May 20th 2024, for quantitative observational studies investigating the role of depression in the association between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the confounding role of depression and search for qualitative arguments in favour of moderating and/or mediating roles of depression....

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a major component of cannabis, causes sympathetic stimulation and endothelial dysfunction. A recent American Heart Association consensus document has outlined cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. However, there are limited data surrounding atrial arrhythmias (AA). Objectives This study aimed to investigate the association between cannabis use and the risk of AAs. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for articles published up to April 2024 for studies on cannabis use and AAs (atrial fibrillation/flutter/tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a...