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...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objectives Drug dependence is becoming increasingly common and meeting palliative care patients with substance use disorders is inevitable. However, data on substance use in these patients are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of drug dependence in palliative care patients with advanced cancer and correlate with symptom distress and opioid use. Methods Palliative care patients with advanced cancer interested in participation in a medicinal cannabis trial were required to complete Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and record of concomitant medications including baseline opioid use as part of...

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 Objective To document the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) among individuals seeking cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs); to test whether SI declines or intensifies after three months of CBMP treatment and to document 12-month trajectories of depression in those reporting SI and other patients. Method Observational data were available for 3781 patients at entry to treatment, 2112 at three months and 777 for 12 months. Self-reported depressed mood and SI were assessed using items from the PHQ-9. Additional data included sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported well-being. Results 25% of the sample reported SI at treatment entry...

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...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition that causes chronic and recurring eczema lesions. Prior research has indicated that Cannabis fructus, the mature fruit of Cannabis sativa, has an antioxidant effect. Historically, Cannabis fructus has been used in cosmetics and medicine. However, there is limited knowledge regarding its biological components and the mechanisms by which it prevents and treats AD. Objectives HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was utilized to identify the main compounds of Cannabis fructus, and trilinolein was extracted using chromatographic techniques. The potential of trilinolein in the prevention of AD was assessed, and its underlying mechanisms of action...