Researchers, Kamel, I (et.al.), conducted a retrospective study of patient health records (N= 4,636,628), from 2010 – 2018, for subjects aged 50 years and younger. The large cohort was separated into two groups, those with a cannabis use diagnosis (N=93,267) and non-users (N=4,543,361). Research made sure there was no bias from a pre-existing condition or risk factors. When compared to non-user group, findings for the cannabis use were:

• 15-fold prevalence for depressive episodes
• 6-fold greater risk of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• 4-fold greater risk of a stroke
• 3-fold greater risk of a Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE)
• 2-fold greater risk of heart failure

Of interest here is the time frame used for the analysis of 2010 – 2018. Even during the early days of legalization, the authors observed the significance of this in that, “This analysis provides evidence linking cannabis-use to adverse cardiovascular events, including MI, ischemic, stroke, heart, failure, and mortality.”

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Researchers noted that this multi-phase project involved 2,000 “current” cannabis consumers, (THC in any form) from eight states, with legal cannabis (medical or commercial adult use). They responded to questionnaires on their cannabis use and driving behavior. Some of the findings were:

• 84% of cannabis consumers drive the same day after usage.
• Nearly 20% of respondents believed their driving was worse after use. 
• 46% believed that police could not detect impairment from cannabis.
• 53% consumed cannabis within an hour of prior to driving, 20% consumed 2 -3 hours prior. 

The final phase involved 800 current cannabis consumers, from the same states, and their opinion on effective messaging to deter cannabis use ahead of driving (increasing wait time from use to driving). 62% of those respondents liked the message of, “If you feel different, you drive different – Drive High. Get a DUI”

The Foundation for Traffic Safety (FTS) is a division of the American Automobile Association (AAA) dedicated to improving public highway safety through continued education and messaging efforts. 

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The author’s note, ” These findings suggest that large, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the causality of cannabis use toward altering brain function and the duration over which these effects persist.”

Read Time: 10 minutes 

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This study was released in the academic journal “Addiction” by Carnegie Mellon Professor, Dr. Jonathan Caulkins. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), from 1979 – 2022, frequency of use rates for alcohol and cannabis were assessed from the over 1.6 million survey respondents. Cannabis use frequency rates were at it all time low in 1992, but they have continued to increase to currently outpacing those who drink alcohol. While the number of people who drink alcohol versus use cannabis is greater, the frequency rate of cannabis use is higher by 3 – 4 times that of alcohol consumption. 

Factors that have contributed to the increase in cannabis use include the nationwide push towards legalization, a reduction in criminal consequences and an overall loosening of public policy and opinion.   

Read Time: ~10 minutes

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The authors of this study, Chan, O. (et.al.) reviewed 63 observational individual studies representing 438,329 individuals to achieve their findings. This study supports previous works, where cannabis use, during adolescent years, can adversely impact academic success at different levels. The authors call for more research into this area to assist in the creation of policies and interventions to offset harms from adolescent cannabis use. 

Read Time: < 5 minutes (Abstract)

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However, despite this shift in opinion, survey respondents still believed that marijuana (ranked #8 for harmfulness) is less harmful than other substances such as alcohol (ranked #7), and cigarettes (ranked #1). In their summary, Gallup authors noted that, “… slim majorities now believe marijuana has a negative effect on its users and society as a whole.” 

Read Time: < 5 minutes (Article only) or 15 minutes (Article and supporting data pdf)  

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This study used patient data (deidentified), over a ten-year period comparing the occurrence of HNC in patients with a diagnosed CUD (N=116,076 patients) to those who did not use cannabis (N=3,985,286 patients) to arrive at relative risks factors. The authors (Gallagher, T. et.al.) found that when comparing non-users to those with a CUD, the risk of developing “any” HNC was 3.49 times greater in the CUD group. For location specific cancers in the CUD group, risk of oral cancer was 2.51 higher, oropharyngeal cancer (back of mouth and throat) was nearly 5 times higher, and laryngeal cancer (throat) was more than 8 times the risk, when compared to non-cannabis user group.

While the authors identify several potential relationships common to tobacco and cannabis use to adverse health outcomes, the call for more research to better understand this issue is clear. 

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Researchers noted that the Copper concentrations discovered could be responsible for exposures that are 4.5 to 11 times greater than the established safe exposure limits. Elements like Copper were noted to, “…play a significant role in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Wilson’s disease.” (A buildup of Copper in the liver, brain and other organs resulting in life-threatening organ damage.) 

Read time: 10 minutes.

Photo Source: Unsplash.com / Olafson, E.

University of Mississippi researchers conducted analysis on a total of 107 raw cannabis flower samples collected from Colorado, Oregon, and two areas in California (San Diego and Central Valley). Random samples were purchased by law enforcement, at commercial adult use dispensaries, and submitted to the laboratory for analysis. Researchers recorded the claimed THC concentration associated to that sample. Analysis was then conducted to determine (1) the actual THC value and (2) to assess the accuracy of THC content expressed on labeling. A detected THC content that was within plus (+) or minus (-) 20 percent of the claimed potency when sold was considered as an acceptable variance. 

Researchers noted that the lack of accurate labeling of cannabinoids, such as Delta-9 THC, being consumed by the public, creates a risk of, “… excessive consumption, improper dosing, and acute adverse events. Therefore, it is essential to determine the accuracy and reliability of the labeling in order to promote informed decision making and responsible use of cannabis products.”

Read time. < 15 minutes

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