These are some of the findings that researchers (Myran, D. et.al.) shared in JAMA which detailed a seven-year study, in the major provinces of Canada, representing 26.9 million people, ages 15 – 105 years. Of those they were able to identify 105,203 individual hospitalizations (65.8% male, 67% over the age of 25) with adverse consequences from cannabis usage. Quebec, the second most populous province behind Ontario, had elevated rates of cannabis hospitalization in all three time periods examined, pre-legalization, legalization with restrictions and commercial adult use. 

The authors note that during the pre-legalization and legalization with restrictions periods, hospital rates associated to cannabis use were elevated. However, the greatest increase taking place after March 2020 when commercial adult use went into effect, and after the introduction of high potency THC products was allowed in late 2019. 

The authors suggest that increases seen in adverse health effects from cannabis use and associated hospitalizations correspond with the same time where products lines, potency levels, and greater public access all expanded in Canada.  

Read Time: 10 minutes

Photo: unsplash.com / Bughdaryan, S. 

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The December 1st, 2020 edition of JAMA (Vol. 324, No. 21) released the results of a study into impaired driving from the Netherlands titled, “Effect of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Driving Performance” by T. Arkell (et.al.). The near year-long study examined the effects of vaporized cannabis products on safe driving performance. Of 41 potential participants,  26 individuals with a history of “occasional cannabis use”, were screened and selected to be part of this study. The term, “occasional cannabis use” was defined as less than twice a week in past 12 months or more than 10 lifetime exposures.

During the study, that focused on how well the drivers maintained lane position on a roadway, all drivers were administered marijuana that was either THC dominant (22% THC potency), Cannabidiol dominant (9% CBD potency), or a placebo. During and after the driving sessions blood was collected for analysis. Also, drivers provided their subjective feedback on their driving quality, sense of impairment, and confidence to safely operate a motor vehicle. Note: Of the 188 monitored drives by participants, 16 had to be stopped for safety reasons. 

Some of the findings for the drivers that used THC products, compared to the CBD and placebo drivers included:

• A lower confidence level in their driving ability
• A lower perception of their driving quality
• A higher sense of impairment 

The study showed that: 

• The THC drivers had greater difficulty in maintaining lane position up to 5-hours after use
• The drivers who used a CBD dominant or a placebo product, demonstrated no significant differences in their performance

Read Time: 5-10 minutes

Image: Unsplash / G.Pierce

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With the advent of the legalization of marijuana by some U.S. states, there has been a noted increase in use rates in recent years. One subgroup that has received attention is the use rates in older adults, ages 60 and older. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (January 2021, Vol.69, No1) attempts to shed light on this issue in, “Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults”.

Here the authors (Yang et.al.) conducted a small scale clinic-based study in an affluent area in California. The study identified 83 geriatric clinic patients who self-reported using medical marijuana products during the last 3 years. The primary conditions they cited for use were, in order, pain, sleep disorders and anxiety. While there are some studies that suggest low-potency marijuana may be an alternative to prescription pain killers the authors offer a cautionary note. Specifically, that research into the drug interactions between marijuana and existing medications commonly prescribed to this age group, needs to be furthered to better understand potential adverse reactions. 

This paper offers resources into other studies focused on marijuana use and aging, demographic insights as well as an examination of preferred routes of administration. 

Read time: 5 – 10 Minutes

Image: Unsplash.com / B. Aguirre

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Date: November 5, 2020

The journal “Addictive Behaviors” (109, (2020), 106479, May 2020) released a study, “What is the prevalence and risk of cannabis use disorders among people who use cannabis? A systematic review and meta-analysis” by authors J. Leung (et.al.). The recent meta-analysis sought to examine the prevalence and risks of cannabis use disorders, cannabis abuse and cannabis dependency by a review of related published studies from 2009 – 2019. 

Some key points cited in the report include:

• Cannabis users have a 20% risk of developing a cannabis use disorder
• The risk increases if cannabis use is initiated early and used often
• 1 in 3 people risk cannabis dependency if used weekly to near daily 
• Those who use cannabis need to be informed about potential health risks
• The potency (THC) of today’s cannabis is at a historically high levels

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