Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT This letter responds to Cernat et al.'s study on counseling about cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation, drawing parallels with addiction treatment practices in Taiwan. We highlight the importance of open, non-judgmental approaches and harm reduction strategies in counseling pregnant women with substance use disorders. Our experience at a psychiatric center in Taiwan emphasizes the need for continuous counseling throughout pregnancy and postpartum, particularly given the observed increase in cannabis use among new mothers. We support the study's emphasis on exploring patients' perceived benefits from cannabis use and addressing underlying reasons for use. By integrating insights...

Background: Rising cannabis use poses significant challenges in the administration of general anesthetics, particularly propofol, due to potential alterations in pharmacodynamics caused by tetrahydrocannabinol and its interactions with central nervous system receptors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to consolidate the existing literature to quantify propofol requirements in cannabis users, highlighting the complex relationship between cannabis use and anesthetic management. Methods: A systematic search of English-language literature was conducted to identify studies with data on propofol dosing in adult cannabis users. Propofol requirements were defined as the total intraoperative dose needed to achieve and maintain adequate sedation or anesthesia, assessed using parameters like monitoring and...

Abstract Wellens syndrome is a rare variant of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that often heralds an impending large anterior wall myocardial infarction. We present the case of a young male with no traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. Despite only minimally elevated troponin levels, the patient's smoking history, serial electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and the emerging evidence linking cannabis use to cardiovascular risk contributed to the timely diagnosis of Wellens syndrome. Although cannabis is increasingly accepted for medical and recreational use, growing concerns have been raised about its potential adverse cardiovascular effects. This case highlights the importance of early identification and prompt intervention. In Wellens syndrome,...

Abstract Background Cannabis use during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. While numerous studies have explored the relationship of cannabis use during pregnancy and outcomes for mothers and infants, uncertainty remains regarding the impact of cannabis use on pregnancy complications and later-life outcomes for offspring. Aims To produce a summary of the short and long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal growth and development, neonatal conditions, later-life, and maternal outcomes. Materials and Methods An overview of systematic reviews, an evidence and gap map, targeted updates of previous reviews, and de novo evidence synthesis was conducted. The databases searched include PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information); MEDLINE...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The development of the brain is a highly coordinated process that begins early in gestation and relies on intricate interactions between maternal and fetal immune systems. Disruptions to this delicate prenatal immune environment can significantly impact fetal brain development, increasing the risk of a spectrum of neurological and behavioral disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. While maternal exposure to viral and bacterial infections has been extensively studied as a driver of these disruptions, emerging research highlights the potential role of non-infectious exposures—such as drugs of abuse and environmental contaminants—in shaping neurodevelopmental...

Abstract Question A 3-year-old girl was brought to my office by her caregiver because she was not acting like herself. She was excessively sleepy, difficult to rouse, and had poor balance. The caregiver reported cannabis products in the home in the form of gummies the caregiver takes for sleep and anxiety. What symptoms should prompt consideration of marijuana ingestion and how should accidental ingestion be managed? Answer Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Many countries are decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana, but its negative impact on pediatric health is growing. Current evidence shows unintentional marijuana ingestion and severe toxicity are steadily...

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...