Effects of THC on Youth: Association of State Cannabis Legalization With Cannabis Use Disorder and Cannabis Poisoning

A green leaf is on top of a fire. The fire is orange and yellow

Excessive use of modern high-potency cannabis can prove incapacitating, both in the long and short terms. Recently, a study with a large sample size highlighted the abrupt rise in reported cases of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and cannabis poisoning in states that have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis use.… Read the rest

Why Does Potency Matter?

With marijuana and its derivatives, potency refers exclusively to the THC content. At this point, few people really care about any other chemicals present in cannabis, with the limited exception of the much-touted CBD.

THC potency matters a great deal to everyone involved in the cannabis debate, whether  pro- or anti-.… Read the rest

Association Between Non-Medical Cannabis Legalization and Emergency Department Visits for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

In 2018, the Cannabis Act legalized recreational cannabis across Canada, making it the second country to pass such legislation, after Uruguay. Now, Canadians as young as 18 can purchase the drug—even though a growing body of research shows that cannabis use is particularly dangerous to the adolescent brain, as it negatively affects neurocognitive performance, brain development, and brain functioning.… Read the rest

Factors Associated with the Use of Cannabis for Self-Medication by Adults: Data from the French TEMPO Cohort Study

Medical and recreational cannabis are illegal in France. But that hasn’t stopped its residents from using the substance. In fact, a study in 2021 shows that France has one of the highest levels of cannabis use among European countries.

Solène Wallez, among seven other researchers, set out to understand why French residents are prone to using cannabis to self-medicate.… Read the rest

Association Between Marijuana Laws and Suicide Among 12- to 25-Year-Olds in the United States from 2000 to 2019

In the United States, suicide rates have increased by around 36% within the past two decades. And researchers have linked marijuana use with suicidal ideations, plans, and attempts.

It’s no surprise, then, that researchers are now looking into whether changing marijuana policies are influencing suicide rates, particularly in teens.… Read the rest