Top stories of the year on cannabis
Cannabis use continues to grow, highlighting the need for a better understanding of its implications on mental and physical health.
Throughout 2022, Healio has covered new developments on cannabis. The top story was about its association with worsening depression symptoms over time, a finding that was particularly evident in adolescents.
Other stories examined the prevalence of pediatric ED visits for cannabis exposures after legalization, the validity of a cannabis screening tool in the primary care setting, and a link between medical marijuana and rapid onset of cannabis use disorder.
Read some of the top stories on cannabis use below:
‘There’s a real risk there’: Cannabis use exacerbates depression
Studies have shown that cannabis can reduce depression in the short term, but symptoms appear to worsen over time, according to a speaker at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting. Adolescents in particular may be at a heightened risk. Read more.
'Marijuana paradox for obesity': How THC and CBD affect weight
Small, short-term studies showed that marijuana was associated with an initial increase in weight, but long-term studies indicate weight loss with chronic use. Read more.
Pediatric ED visits for cannabis exposure significantly increased after legalization
Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018, the incidence rate ratio of pediatric ED visits and hospitalizations due to cannabis exposure rose from 3.13 from October 2018 to January 2020 to 9.12 from February 2020 to March 2021, data show. Read more.
Study validates single-item screen for cannabis use disorder in primary care
A single-item screen showed “excellent” results when screening for any severity of past-year cannabis use, offering a potential starting point for conversations on the drug between patients and physicians, according to researchers. Read more.
AMA calls for expungement of now-legal cannabis crimes
The AMA adopted a policy that calls for states to expunge the criminal records of those incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes that have since been decriminalized or legalized. Read more.
Medical marijuana linked to rapid onset of cannabis use disorder
Obtaining a medical marijuana card for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety or depression resulted in a “rapid onset” cannabis use disorder, according to researchers. Read more.
'Positive and extensive media attention' might affect outcomes of cannabis trials
Regardless of the results, cannabis trials often receive sizeable and positive media attention. This could have a negative impact on future cannabis research by altering placebo responses. Read more.
Arrhythmia signal may exist after cannabis use for chronic pain; no link with HF, ACS
In a Danish cohort, use of medical cannabis for chronic pain was associated with an 83% increased risk for arrhythmias, researchers reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more.
Vaping, cannabis use increasing among US teens
The increasing use of cannabis and vaping among U.S. adolescents may be associated with how teens spend their time, according to a study published in Substance Use & Misuse. Read more.
Physicians should question patients with restless leg syndrome about cannabis use
Patients with restless leg syndrome may use cannabis to relieve symptoms, which should be documented by physicians when conducting patient history, researchers reported at the SLEEP meeting. Read more.