Abstract Purpose of Review: This comprehensive review discusses the adverse effects known today about marijuana, for either medical or recreational use. It reviews the role of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain, cognitive and neurological adverse effects, special cases and addiction. Recent Findings: Cannabinoids work through the endocannabinoids system and inhibit the release of GABA and glutamate in the brain, impact neuromodulation, as well as dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine release. They affect reward, learning and pain. The use of cannabis is increasing nationally and world-wide for both recreational and medicinal purposes, however, there is relatively only low quality evidence to the efficacy and...

Abstract With the medical use of cannabis permitted in Canada since 2001, patients seek to use this botanical drug to treat a range of medical conditions. However, many healthcare practitioners express the need for further scientific evidence around the use of medical cannabis. This real-world evidence study aimed to address the paucity of scientific data by surveying newly registered medical cannabis patients, before beginning medical cannabis treatment, and at one follow up 6 weeks after beginning medical cannabis treatment. The goal was to collect data on efficacy, safety and cannabis product type information to capture the potential impact medical cannabis had on patient-reported quality...

Abstract In light of the recent changes in the legal status of cannabis in Canada, the understanding of the potential impact of the use of cannabis by individuals suffering from depression is increasingly considered as being important. It is fundamental that we look into the existing literature to examine the influence of cannabis on psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders. In this article, we will explore the relationship that exists between depression and cannabis. We will examine the impact of cannabis on the onset and course of depression, and its treatment. We have undertaken a wide-ranging review of the literature in order to address these...

Abstract Importance  Cannabis use has increased, but there are few studies on frequent and daily cannabis use among US adults. Individuals who engage in higher frequency use may suffer more health consequences. Objective  To examine frequency of cannabis use and associated factors among US adults. Design, Setting, and Participants  This survey study included data from 21 US states and 2 US territories reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys from 2016 to 2019. Cross-sectional data on US adults ages 18 years and older were used to estimate demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors for cannabis use, taking into account the survey strata and sampling weights...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist. DESIGN Anonymous survey. SETTING Geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS A total of 568 adults 65 years and older. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use. RESULTS Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis...

Abstract Introduction As of January 2021, a total of 36 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized medical cannabis use, and 14 states and DC have legalized adult nonmedical use. This manuscript qualitatively summarizes cannabis policies across states with legal adult use marketplaces. Methods Data are from state laws and regulations, collected through January 2021, and have been verified with state officials as part of ongoing state policy tracking efforts. Results State policies differ in how cannabis products are taxed, where revenues are allocated, restrictions on the types of available products, restrictions on additives and flavors, product packaging and labeling, advertising restrictions,...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Nociplastic pain is defined as pain due to sensitization of the nervous system, without a sufficient underlying anatomical abnormality to explain the severity of pain. Nociplastic pain may be manifest in various organ systems, is often perceived as being more widespread rather than localized and is commonly associated with central nervous system symptoms of fatigue, difficulties with cognition and sleep, and other somatic symptoms; all features that contribute to considerable suffering. Exemplified by fibromyalgia, nociplastic conditions also include chronic visceral pain, chronic headaches and facial pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It has been theorized that...

Abstract The development of multidrug-resistant bacteria has revealed the need for new antimicrobial compounds. Cannabis sativa preparations have a long history of medical applications, including the treatment of infectious diseases. This review collects the information about the activity of C. sativa extracts and its main components (cannabinoids and terpenes) against pathogenic bacteria and fungus, to assess its potential using as antimicrobial agents.

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Objectives: In Canada, cannabis prohibition ended in October 2018. Older adults are the fastest growing group of cannabis users and are out-pacing other groups as new users. Clinical evidence indicates that cannabis may be helpful for select medicinal purposes in this population. Yet there is limited research about older adults experiences of starting to use cannabis in later life. The purpose of this study was to begin to address this gap. Methods: This study employed qualitative description. A convenience sample of Canadian community-dwelling older adults who were new users of cannabis were recruited. Data were...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The aim of this review is to discuss recent evidence on cannabis and driving ability. In particular, the review examines experimental research on the acute effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on driving-related neurobehavioral skills and driving performance based on simulator and road course studies. The evidence indicates that certain driving abilities are significantly, albeit modestly, impaired in individuals experiencing the acute effects of THC. Treatment effects are moderated by dose, delivery method, recency of use, and tolerance development, with inconclusive evidence concerning the moderating influence of cannabidiol. Emerging research priorities include linking neurobehavioral deficits to specific decrements in driving...