In 2022, the top three classes of drugs causing trips to the emergency rooms (ER) for people were alcohol, opioids, and cannabis. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 years were leading patient groups. These are some of the findings released in the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), for[Read More…]
Tag: addiction
Bipolar Disorders and Cannabis… A Correlation
For those with a diagnosis of a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a recent study in Denmark revealed a nearly two-fold increase in “unipolar depression” and a near four-fold increase in “bipolar” disorders. Authors Jefsen, O (et.al.) recently published their findings in JAMA Psychiatry (May 24, 2023). This is a longitudinal[Read More…]
Prenatal Exposure To Cannabis Associated to Early Initiation of Use When Teenagers
The prenatal exposure of cannabis products to a developing fetus is shown to be associated to higher rates of early onset of cannabis use as a teen, as well as elevated rates of mood disorders. These were some of the findings released in JAMA Pediatrics on June 26, 2023 from authors[Read More…]
When “ACEs” Are Not A Winning Hand: Kids and Cannabis
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for kids under 12 increase the risk of persistent cannabis use later in life by three-fold. ACEs, for children, are incidents of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, parental substance use or abuse, violence between parents, parental mental health problems or suicide, parental[Read More…]
Casual Cannabis Use in Teens & Adverse Mental Outcomes
Currently there is a great deal of recent research supporting the elevated risk of adverse mental and behavioral outcomes in teenagers, diagnosed with a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), from chronic marijuana use. But what are the risks for the casual (“nondisordered”) teenage marijuana user that does not have a CUD?[Read More…]
Marijuana Legalization in Arizona: A Baseline Report, August 2022.
August 2022 – Arizona HIDTA In Arizona, voters approved medical marijuana in December 2012. Effective January 2021, Arizona became the 15th state to ratify marijuana for adult use. This report produced by the Arizona HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas) program provides a historical perspective and analysis of marijuana’s impacts to[Read More…]
Early age of initiation: Greater risks of adverse mental outcomes
Of those who use marijuana, only a small population will develop adverse mental health outcomes such as psychotic experiences (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, etc.). The age of first use has been associated to increased risks of these experiences. This study published in Scientific Reports (May 2022) applies a network approach[Read More…]
Adolescent Use of E-Cigarettes: Increases Risk of Marijuana Use by Over 2 Fold
A recent JAMA study (July 22, 2022) found that adolescents, ages 12 to 18 years old, are 2 – 3 times more likely to use marijuana if they also had previously used an e-cigarette device. Prior use of an e-cigarette was associated to increased marijuana use in all areas studied[Read More…]
The Medical Marijuana Card: Is it the answer for pain or first domino toward addiction?
Pain and anxiety are among the leading reasons why many people seek a Medical Marijuana Card. But is it effective? A new study released in JAMA (03-18-22), by authors Gilman, J. (et.al), suggests getting a medical marijuana card is potentially a faster track to developing a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).[Read More…]
Marijuana Legalization in the Midwest: The Impacts, November 2021.
November 2021 – The Midwest HIDTA Region The Midwest HIDTA’s seven-state area consists of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the three Illinois counties of Madison, Rock Island, and St. Clair. The region spans over 428,000 square miles, encompasses 73 HIDTA-designated counties, and is considered the largest[Read More…]