According to Gallup’s latest marijuana poll released August 20, 2024, more Americans now see marijuana’s use and its effects in a more negative perspective than they did in 2023. The 2024 survey involved telephone interviews with U.S. adults (N=1,010). When asked if marijuana use was either “somewhat” or “very” harmful,[Read More…]
Public Health and Safety
Increased Risk of Oral, Head, & Neck Cancers from Those with Cannabis Use Disorders
Individuals with a cannabis use disorder (CUD) have a 3 to 8 times higher risk of developing a “head and neck cancer” (HNC) when compared to non-cannabis users. These are among the findings of a new study released in JAMA Otolaryngology this week. Historically, these types of cancers have been[Read More…]
Health Risks: Rolling Papers with Hazardous Chemical Elements
Recent research supports the health risks of marijuana use due to the presence of heavy metals and other chemical elements found in the plant. Now the same health warning, extends to the use of rolling papers, also contaminated with chemical elements, primarily for color. Of the 26 chemical elements found[Read More…]
Commercial Cannabis: Tested levels of THC lower than labeling on package
The National Marijuana Initiative (NMI) in a partnership with the University of Mississippi, Natural Products Laboratory, conducted research into the actual THC potency of cannabis products in the commercial marketplace. University researchers found that 70% of the commercial cannabis flower they analyzed, failed to meet the claimed THC potency level, as[Read More…]
Cannabis Use: Associated with Increased Risk of Heart Attacks & Strokes
When compared to those who do not use cannabis, daily cannabis users have a 25% greater risk of a heart attack. The authors noted that, “Cannabis has a strong, statistically significant associations with adverse cardiovascular outcomes…” Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA / 02-28-24), “Association of[Read More…]
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Workplace Injuries Increase
Reported workplace injuries, in workers ages 20 – 34 years, increased by 10% after recreational marijuana laws were adopted. In the 2 – 3 years following legalization, reported workplace injures increased for this same age group. This was not the case in older workers who saw a decline in workplace injuries[Read More…]
Cannabis Use Linked To Increase Risks of Anxiety Disorder
When compared to the general population, individuals treated medically (hospital / ER) for a cannabis related issue have nearly a 4-fold increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder during the next 3-years. Within this same group, younger males were at greatest risk for developing an anxiety disorder by over 5-fold. These[Read More…]
Cannabis & Driving: Impairment in Older, THC Experienced, Adults
Even after years of prior cannabis use, product use prior to driving can still cause impairment in older / substance experienced drivers, ages 65 – 79 years. These were among the findings of authors (DiCiano, P. et.al.) recently released in JAMA (January 2024) evaluating cannabis and its influence upon impaired[Read More…]
Cannabis & Sudden Cardiac Deaths in Young Adults
Recent research from Australia studied “Sudden Cardiac Death” (SCD) data and autopsy toxicology results in persons aged 18 and older, finding that cannabis was the most common illicit drug detected. In this 2-year study (2019-2021) researchers identified 1,378 persons that suffered an “out of hospital cardiac arrest”. Of those, 523[Read More…]
Cannabis Use While Pregnant: New Risks To Unborn
According to a new study released in JAMA, ongoing cannabis use during a pregnancy increases risks of preterm births, stillbirths, decreased birth size, and high blood pressure disorders. The authors caution that, “Cannabis use should be avoided during pregnancy to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.” The study (Metz, T. et.al. /[Read More…]