Get a Clue - Weed

Details: Published: 08 July 2024; Hits: 708

kneewl Cannabis use disorder (CUD) has garnered increasing attention for its potential association with depression and bipolar disorder, shedding light on the complex interplay between substance misuse and affective mental health conditions. The insights provided by the study from the National Elf Service underscore the need to comprehensively understand the risks and implications of CUD on individuals experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. Here are key points distilled from the research:

Association with Depression

The study delves into the relationship between CUD and depression, highlighting the potential links between cannabis misuse and the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. Understanding how CUD may interact with depressive disorders is crucial for clinicians and researchers seeking to address the mental health needs of individuals with dual diagnoses.

By examining the impact of CUD on bipolar disorder, the research elucidates the potential ramifications of cannabis misuse on individuals with mood disorders characterised by manic and depressive episodes. Unravelling the complexities of how CUD may influence the course and severity of bipolar disorder can inform tailored interventions and treatment strategies for this vulnerable population.

Longitudinal Perspectives

The longitudinal study provides valuable insights into the long-term implications of CUD on affective disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Tracking individuals over time allows researchers to observe patterns, trajectories, and potential risk factors associated with cannabis use in relation to mental health outcomes, offering a nuanced understanding of the evolving nature of these conditions.

Identifying CUD as a potential risk factor for depression and bipolar disorder underscores the importance of early detection, intervention, and prevention efforts in mental health settings. By recognising the dual challenges posed by substance misuse and affective disorders, healthcare professionals can develop targeted approaches to mitigate risks and promote holistic well-being among individuals at risk.

Source: Nationalelfservice

Details: Published: 08 July 2024; Hits: 598

Recent research has unveiled that daily cannabis use significantly raises the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These findings highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and stringent regulations, rather than any form of legalisation that overlooks these health hazards.

Increased Respiratory Health Risks: The study indicates a clear correlation between daily cannabis use and heightened risks of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Legalising cannabis without addressing these severe health risks is irresponsibly shortsighted. Implementing rigorous preventive measures and public education campaigns is crucial to mitigate these risks and protect respiratory health.

Long-Term Health Consequences: The long-term health consequences of daily cannabis use are far-reaching, contributing to chronic respiratory issues that significantly impact quality of life. The study underscores the dangers associated with regular cannabis inhalation, showing that legalisation without comprehensive preventive strategies is dangerously negligent. A proactive approach focused on prevention is vital to avoid these debilitating health outcomes.

Essential Preventive Strategies: Adopting essential preventive strategies is critical in addressing the respiratory health risks posed by daily cannabis use. This includes enhancing public awareness, promoting responsible usage, and enforcing stricter regulations on cannabis consumption. Legalisation without these preventive frameworks is a perilous path. Prioritising prevention and education is key to curbing the rise in asthma and COPD cases linked to cannabis use.

(Source: WRDNews)

Details: Published: 08 July 2024; Hits: 948

vapethc Inhaling THC through vaping poses serious health risks that are often downplayed by proponents of cannabis legalisation. Recent evidence underscores the dangers associated with this method of consumption, making a strong case for stringent preventive measures. Legalising without addressing these risks is both irresponsible and dangerous.

Respiratory Damage: Vaping THC introduces harmful substances into the lungs, leading to severe respiratory issues. Chemicals found in vaping products can cause lung inflammation, chronic bronchitis, and even acute lung injury. Legalising THC vaping products without considering these significant health risks is reckless. A focus on prevention and regulation is essential to protect public health from these damaging effects.

Mental Health Concerns: THC is linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis, which can be exacerbated by vaping due to the rapid delivery of the substance to the brain. These mental health risks underscore the need to prevent teen and adult use through comprehensive education and strict regulation. Legalisation without these safeguards is a recipe for increased mental health crises.

Addiction and Behavioural Issues: Vaping THC is highly addictive and can lead to significant behavioural problems. The concentrated forms of THC in vaping products increase the risk of dependency, particularly among young users. Legalising without implementing robust preventive measures will result in a surge of addiction and related behavioural issues. Emphasising prevention and control strategies is crucial to mitigate these risks.

Source: Dr Jeremy London

Details: Published: 02 July 2024; Hits: 712

Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes After Combined Prenatal Cannabis and Nicotine Exposure

Key Points

Question: Is in utero exposure to cannabis and nicotine in combination associated with greater adverse outcomes than exposure to either substance alone during pregnancy?

Findings: In this population-based cohort study of more than 3.1 million pregnant individuals, combined use of cannabis and nicotine products in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity compared with use of either substance alone, including infant and neonatal death, infants small for gestational age, and preterm delivery.

Meaning: These findings suggest that more effective public health measures and counseling prior to conception and during pregnancy are warranted to mitigate the potential for adverse offspring outcomes from combined prenatal cannabis and nicotine use.

Abstract

Importance: The prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy is rising and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. In parallel, combined prenatal use of cannabis and nicotine is also increasing, but little is known about the combined impact of both substances on pregnancy and offspring outcomes compared with each substance alone.

Objective: To assess the perinatal outcomes associated with combined cannabis and nicotine exposure compared with each substance alone during pregnancy.

Main Outcome and Measures: The main outcomes were infant and neonatal death, infants small for gestational age, and preterm delivery. Results were analyzed by multivariable Poisson regression models.

Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that co-occurring maternal use of cannabis and nicotine products in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of infant and neonatal death and maternal and neonatal morbidity compared with use of either substance alone. Given the increasing prevalence of combined cannabis and nicotine use in pregnancy, these findings can help guide health care practitioners with preconception and prenatal counseling, especially regarding the benefits of cessation.

(Source: Substance Use and Addiction Medicine | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network )

Details: Published: 02 July 2024; Hits: 591

Published in Neurology Journal Scan / Research · June 29, 2024 Epilepsia

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Cannabidiol-enriched oil (CBDO) can reduce the risk of seizures in some patients with drug-resistant epilepsy but may worsen seizure control in others. In this study involving 19 patients treated with ≈260-mg CBDO and ≈12-mg THC daily, pre- and post-treatment evaluations for seizures, gait, cognition, mood, sleep, and electrophysiological changes were performed. Overall, 43.75% of the patients responded to CBDO, with an average reduction of 82.4% in seizure frequency, and 56.25% noted an average seizure frequency increase of 30.1%. Response to CBDO was associated with no clear baseline clinical or electrophysiological characteristics. Responders showed improved dual-task walking and MoCA scores.
Multiple forms of cannabidiol are available, and questions about their use are common in epilepsy practice. This small trial provides some insights into CBDO use, suggesting that it could improve seizures but also has the potential of worsening the seizure control. Based on these initial data and lack of other evidence regarding CBDO use in patients with epilepsy, probably avoiding CBDO use may be the best approach till more controlled trials are available.

Commentary: Of course, this above recorded experimenting with this revisiting of non-trialled self-medicating ‘Charlotte’s Web’ tinctures in a non-pharmaceutical configuration is not necessary as GW Pharma (now JAZZ Pharmaceutical) conducted the thorough and exhaustive clinical trials, manufactured and had registered their product for a genre of non-cannabis drug resistance epilepsy labelled Epidiolex ® In this context, these new ‘trials’ are not only redundant, but a little concerning if best-practice pharmaceutical health is still valued.

(For complete research - Source: Practice Update)