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Cancer Research, Cannabis, Neurological Disorders, Pain Research / 16.04.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA).  Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery.  You fight through the appointments, the scans, the treatments, and then—when it’s supposed to be over—your body still feels off. For many cancer survivors, especially those who went through chemotherapy, neuropathy doesn’t just fade away. Sometimes it lingers, sometimes it gets worse, and sometimes it shows up in ways that completely change how you move. If you’re dealing with drop foot or numbness, burning, or pain in your feet, you’re not imagining it. You’re not alone. And while it’s incredibly frustrating, there are real things that can help. Understanding What’s Happening To Your Feet Post-cancer neuropathy isn’t just annoying—it can be debilitating. It usually starts because certain chemo drugs damage the nerves, especially in your hands and feet. This damage can mess with how your muscles and nerves talk to each other. So when your brain says “lift your foot,” your body doesn’t always get the message right. Drop foot is one of the more obvious results of that disconnect. It feels like your foot is dragging or slapping the ground when you walk. You might start tripping more, feel unsteady, or start avoiding certain shoes altogether. For others, the issue isn’t how the foot moves but how it feels—like walking on pins and needles, or not feeling it at all. Both are forms of neuropathy, and both can stick around long after treatment ends. The tricky part is that this isn’t something you can just walk off. It’s not about needing to stretch more or push harder. These symptoms come from actual nerve damage, which doesn’t always heal quickly—or fully. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Medical Imaging, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 10.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology Columbia University Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prenatal marijuana use is on the rise, largely due to increasing legalization and shifting public perception of its safety during pregnancy. Although prior studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to adverse neonatal and behavioral outcomes, the long-term neurodevelopmental effects, especially as assessed through advanced neuroimaging techniques, remain underexplored. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Pediatrics / 26.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mr. Abay Tadesse,  PhD candidate School of Population Health Curtin University Australia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Few studies have investigated the association between maternal gestational cannabis use and the risk of disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs) in offspring. Small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data and focus on solely in-utero exposure often limit existing research, leading to inconsistent findings. Given the increasing prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy, there is an urgent need for robust, population-based evidence to better understand its potential impact on child neurobehavioral outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal cannabis use disorder (CUD) during pregnancy and postpartum periods and the risk of DBDs in offspring. Using linked health data from New South Wales, Australia, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of live births between 2003 and 2005. (more…)
Cannabis, Pain Research / 24.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John M. Streicher, PhD Professor, Neuroscience - GIDP Professor, Pharmacology College of Medicine Tucson Pharmacology University of Arizona   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We first started studying terpenes around 2019, when my student Justin LaVigne became interested in these molecules and their potential interaction with cannabinoids and other chemicals in cannabis, the so-called “entourage effect.” The literature at the time showed that terpenes could be beneficial in pain relief and other indications, in both animal and human studies; however, there were limits to the literature, such as a lack of investigation into therapeutic features like side effects and a relative lack of detailed molecular mechanisms. We started by testing 5 purified terpenes in mice, geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and beta-pinene. We found they had a “cannabimimetic” effect in that they produced behaviors much like cannabinoids, but not through the cannabinoid receptors. This was published in 2021. (more…)
Cannabis / 06.03.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use marijuana or cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to marijuana, cannabis or CBD products. With more people's attention turning to natural solutions for health and leisure, the wellness sector has experienced a wonderful metamorphosis lately. Many people would rather avoid the negative effects of conventional medications, even if they are effective. Thus, natural chemicals from plants and other organic sources have become somewhat well-known. These substances provide a holistic approach to wellness, enabling people to keep balance in their mental and physical condition.  Plant-based cannabinoids are one especially interesting class of natural wellness remedies. Nowadays, consumers seeking substitutes for traditional choices go to HHC flower products online for their daily wellness regimen. For individuals looking for a more natural route to well-being, these products offer relaxing advantages free from the strong effects linked with other substances. These natural substitutes are fast going mainstream as accessibility rises, and more evidence supports their efficacy.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis / 27.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Elena Stains Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In 2019 to 2020, 2.5% of Americans reported using cannabis for medical needs, compared to 1.2% in 2013-2014, representing a 12.9% annual increase1. Forty states and the District of Columbia have legislation for some form of medical cannabis (MC) in 2024. Because MC is not federally legalized, each state creates its own legislation on the conditions that qualify a person for MC, without any standardized process to determine what qualifying conditions (QC) are proven to be aided by MC. Thus, the QCs chosen by states vary widely. Common QCs include cancer, dementia, and PTSD. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) published a report in 2017 on the evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids for over twenty conditions2. This report reviews the evidence of effectiveness of medical cannabis for the most common QCs chosen by states. The researchers at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to compare the evidence found by the NAS report with the QCs of 38 states (including the District of Columbia) in both 2017 and 2024. QCs were categorized based on NAS-established level of evidence: limited, moderate, or substantial/conclusive evidence of effectiveness, limited evidence of ineffectiveness, or no/insufficient evidence to support or refute effectiveness (Table 1). (more…)
Cannabis, Pain Research / 13.02.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. Medicinal cannabis is a revolutionary approach to pain management, particularly in patients where conventional medications fail to offer them adequate relief or create intolerable side effects. With ongoing research on cannabis and its medicinal properties, its effectiveness for pain relief has become more convincing. Here are some reasons why medicinal cannabis has risen in popularity in pain management.

Natural Pain Relief Without Risks from Opioids

Many countries have been grappling with an opioid crisis, which has motivated patients to seek cannabis as a much safer alternative. Medicinal cannabis minimizes the risks of addiction associated with opioids due to misuse and gives little risk of an overdose. To obtain medicinal cannabis legally, there are options like medical marijuana cards you can obtain from providers such as Leafy Doc Mississippi. Regarding how cannabis works in terms of pain relief, cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in the brain and the immune system, modulating the experience of pain. The endocannabinoid system engages with trauma states mainly on account of pain, mood regulation, and inflammation. However, for long-term relief, medicinal cannabis is viewed as a considerably safer alternative compared to opioids. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Pediatrics, UCSD / 30.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John Bellettiere, PhD Assistant Adjunct Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Smoking is the most common method of cannabis use and generates harmful emissions.  Cannabis is often smoked indoors, which exposes non-smokers, including children, to these emissions. Our research analyzed in-home cannabis smoking practices to determine if there is an association between this behavior and the detection of cannabis biomarkers in children. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, Memory, Mental Health Research / 28.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Joshua Gowin PhD Assistant Professor, Radiology Anschutz Medical Campus University of Colorado  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many people want to know how cannabis affects their brain and cognitive abilities. Previous studies have shown that cannabis use can impair learning and verbal memory function. Some evidence has shown that cannabis use is associated with smaller volume of areas of the prefrontal cortex. Our study investigated how cannabis use is associated with brain function. We examined brain function across 7 tasks in 1,000 adults. 88 of them had used cannabis over 1,000 times in their lives. (more…)
Cannabis / 26.01.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. potential-benefits-cannabis.png CBD and cannabis have been at the center of much talk about their therapeutic potential in recent years. As the benefits of these natural compounds become unveiled through more research, more individuals embrace them as a natural remedy for various health conditions. Once shrouded with different misconceptions, the medical community is exploring CBD and cannabis because of their potential effects on the body and mind. This article discusses the science behind these compounds, highlighting potential advantages while considering the role they can play in promoting health and well-being. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA / 25.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Silvia S. Martins, MD, PhD Associate Dean for Faculty Professor of Epidemiology Director, Substance Use Epidemiology Unit Co-Director, Substance Abuse Epidemiology T32 Program Department of Epidemiology Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health New York, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Much has been speculated on whether the enactment of medical and recreational cannabis laws can have a role in decreasing prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, opioid use and misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose in the U.S. However, findings on the associations of medical cannabis laws alone and recreational cannabis las + medical cannabis laws with opioid-related outcomes are mixed. By the end of 2019, 32 U.S. states had adopted medical marijuana laws (MCL) alone. All states that went on to adopt recreational marijuana laws (RCL) had previously adopted an MCL. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis / 15.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Vishal A Shetty, MS, PhD Candidate Center for Pharmacy and Innovation Outcomes, Geisinger University of Massachusetts AmherstVishal A Shetty, MS, PhD Candidate Center for Pharmacy and Innovation Outcomes, Geisinger University of Massachusetts Amherst MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: With more U.S. states moving toward the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, recent studies have explored electronic health record (EHR) documentation to understand the nature of cannabis use among patient populations. However, these efforts have not been extended to patient portal messaging, which allows patients to describe health-related behaviors in ways that may not be sufficiently captured in standard EHR documentation. The primary objective of this study was to identify patient and provider secure messages that discussed cannabis and contextualize these discussions over periods prior to and after its legalization for medical purposes in Pennsylvania. (more…)
Cannabis, Pain Research / 02.12.2024

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be aborbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. Medicinal cannabis is a revolutionary approach to pain management, particularly in patients where conventional medications fail to offer them adequate relief or create intolerable side effects. With ongoing research on cannabis and its medicinal properties, its effectiveness for pain relief has become more convincing. Here are some reasons why medicinal cannabis has risen in popularity in pain management.

Natural Pain Relief Without Risks from Opioids

Many countries have been grappling with an opioid crisis, which has motivated patients to seek cannabis as a much safer alternative. Medicinal cannabis minimizes the risks of addiction associated with opioids due to misuse and gives no risks of an overdose. To obtain medicinal cannabis legally, there are options like medical marijuana cards you can obtain from providers such as Leafy Doc Mississippi. Regarding how cannabis works in terms of pain relief, cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in the brain and the immune system, modulating the experience of pain. The endocannabinoid system engages with trauma states mainly on account of pain, mood regulation, and inflammation. However, for long-term relief, medicinal cannabis is viewed as a considerably safer alternative compared to opioids. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Mental Health Research / 22.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Belén Blasco PhD Student in Neuroscience - MD Psychiatry Clinical and Translational Sciences (CaTS) Lab Integrated Program in Neuroscience McGill University | Douglas Research Centre Montreal, Canada MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our research is centered on uncovering the early brain changes that might contribute to psychosis development. Using innovative brain imaging techniques, we aimed to measure synapsis in individuals with early psychotic symptoms or who are considered at high clinical risk. Synapses are the crucial points of connection between neurons, allowing communication across the brain. A key aspect of our study was to understand how lifestyle factors, like cannabis use, might impact these brain changes, particularly since cannabis consumption has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis in young people. (more…)
Cannabis, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 30.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sarah Keim, PhD Associate Professor, Epidemiology College of Public Health The Ohio State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Marijuana is the illicit substance most commonly used during pregnancy, and use is increasing. Some evidence suggests that marijuana is associated with deficits in executive function and increased delinquent behavior in school-age children and adolescents, with potential downstream impacts on achievement and social functioning. However, this evidence comes largely from only 2 studies several decades old. Today cannabis is more than 10 times more potent than it was several decades ago. (more…)
Cannabis, Pain Research / 09.10.2024

As awareness grows regarding the therapeutic properties of cannabis, many are turning to cannabis edibles as an option for pain management. Edibles provide a discreet, long-lasting, and controlled way to consume cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping, for those seeking relief from chronic pain. This article explores the benefits of cannabis edibles, how they work in pain management, and how you can find the right product for your needs.

Why Cannabis Edibles Are Effective for Pain Management

Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate various physiological functions, including pain perception. The two primary cannabinoids in cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), both of which play a role in pain relief. (more…)
Cannabis / 07.10.2024

  In recent years, Florida has seen significant growth in the medical cannabis industry. This expansion has transformed healthcare options for patients across the state. Medical cannabis is now being accepted as a viable treatment for various medical conditions. It is providing new alternatives for those seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and other health issues. With the increasing acceptance of cannabis, Florida dispensaries are making a difference in people's lives. These establishments are vital in enhancing patient care and offering personalized treatment options. A Florida dispensary focuses on promoting wellness through education and support. They contribute significantly to Florida's healthcare landscape, helping improve patient outcomes.  (more…)
Cannabis / 07.10.2024

  The search for natural pain relief and wellness solutions has led many to rediscover the therapeutic power of CBD. When combined with massage therapy, CBD oils may offer a powerful synergy, potentially promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and alleviating chronic discomfort. This blend of science-backed benefits and holistic care transforms a simple massage into a deeply rejuvenating experience. As more people seek non-invasive alternatives for their health, CBD-infused massage therapy may help  provide an effective option for mind and body healing. (more…)
Cannabis / 12.09.2024

Editor's note: Please remember the products described below are not FDA tested or approved. The use of edibles can cause unpredictable and potentially serious side effects, including addiction. No cannabinoids in any form should be used while pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant. Be sure to avoid driving or any activity which requires mental alertness. It is also important to recognized that these products are not legal in all jurisdictions.  As more people explore the benefits of cannabis, THC edibles have become an increasingly popular way to experience its effects. For beginners, however, edibles can be a little intimidating due to their differences from smoking or vaping cannabis. This guide aims to break down what you need to know about THC edibles, from how they work in the body to tips on choosing safe and reputable products.

How THC Edibles Differ from Smoking or Vaping

When you consume THC through smoking or vaping, it enters your bloodstream quickly via your lungs, leading to effects within minutes. This rapid onset allows users to better control their dose and understand their tolerance more quickly. However, smoking or vaping comes with potential risks to the respiratory system, especially with long-term use. THC edibles, on the other hand, take a different route through the body. When you eat an edible, the THC is absorbed through your digestive system and processed by the liver, which converts it into 11-Hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is known to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to the THC that enters the bloodstream through smoking. However, it also takes longer for these effects to kick in—usually between 30 minutes to two hours. For this reason, beginners should exercise patience and avoid taking additional doses too soon, as it’s easy to overconsume without realizing it. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 05.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate, are first-line treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are classified as Schedule II stimulants due to their risk of addiction. (1–3) There has been high and increasing use and misuse of these medications with inadequate explanation. (4)  Since chronic cannabis use can result in similar cognitive effects as ADHD 5–7, we wondered if more stimulants were prescribed for what appeared to be ADHD but was a consequence of chronic cannabis use. In other words, has the legalization of cannabis contributed to this inadequately explained increase in stimulant use? A recent study by our lab group that looked at the slopes of stimulant distribution rates over time -- before and after medical cannabis legalization -- did not support this.(8) Given the prevalence and increasing legalization of recreational cannabis, we wanted to determine how slopes of stimulant distribution rates compared before and after recreational cannabis legalization. (more…)
Cannabis, Technology / 03.07.2024

In recent times, the lawn of the marijuana market has undergone a massive change, with one product in particular standing out. These smooth, concealed apparatuses have quickly become popular, capturing both old and new souls. The popularity of THC Pen raises pertinent issues about what makes them so widespread among users than other products in the industry. This text tackles this phenomenon by looking at what is drawing many people to these products, how practical they are, and what kind of customers prefer buying THC pens over all other types in today’s day cannabis market.  

Factors Contributing  To The Success Of  THC Pens

The rise of THC pens: a phenomenon explained

THC pens have become extremely popular due to their ease of use, portability, and discreteness. Unlike traditional methods of smoking cannabis, pens provide a more portable and odorless way to consume the drug, which can appeal to a broader audience than seasoned users. This rise has been blamed on changing societal attitudes towards marijuana as well as its legalization in various regions, thus making it commonplace among many individuals. Moreover, their sleek designs and user-friendly traits have made them accessible even to novices who may fear other ways of administration. Consequently, this has made them dominate the cannabis market, thereby showing a paradigm shift in how cannabis products are consumed and perceived. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Education / 27.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ahmed El Fatmaoui Ph.D. Candidate Department of Economics University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The impetus for this research was the growing trend of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) and its potential impact on higher education. With increasing marijuana use among college students, it was crucial to understand how RML might influence college enrollment decisions. Specifically, it is important to examine whether recreational marijuana is regarded by some students as another college amenity, similar to Greek life and other amenities. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brain Injury, Cannabis / 07.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pamela Maher, PhD Research Professor Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory SALK Institute for Biologic Studies La Jolla California   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Several years ago, we tested several different cannabinoids for protection against the oxytosis/ferroptosis regulated cell death pathway and found CBN (cannabinol) to be one of the most effective. While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol) were also quite protective, we wanted to pursue non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Since we are interested in maintaining brain function in the context of aging and disease, we thought that a psychoactive compound could be problematic. In addition, there was already a lot of work on CBD, so we thought we could learn more and contribute more to the field by studying CBN. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis / 18.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Amy Kennalley, MBS First Year Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study Response: The legalization of medical marijuana (MMJ) and the number of qualifying conditions are expanding across the USA, emphasizing the need to understand the implications of MMJ dispensary distribution for equitable access. Pennsylvania (PA) legalized MMJ in 2016, with the first dispensary opening its doors in 2018. The state currently recognizes 24 medical conditions for MMJ use, including six for which there is insufficient or no evidence for their efficacy as a treatment. Prior research suggests that there is a link between proximity to dispensaries and overall MMJ use. However, a gap exists in our understanding of how dispensary locations might be associated with the specific qualifying conditions for which individuals receive their certification. In response to this knowledge gap, our study delved into the medical marijuana dispensary access in PA and explored associations with both MMJ certifications and the community demographics. Utilizing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we investigated how proximity to MMJ dispensaries related to the proportion of individuals certified for MMJ use within a specific area or Zip Code Tabulation Area. Additionally, we analyzed the proportion of certifications for conditions with varying levels of evidence supporting the efficacy of MMJ. This pioneering study represents the first of its kind in PA, shedding light on the association between MMJ dispensary locations and certifications. Likewise, it is the first in the US to investigate the link between dispensary locations and specific qualifying conditions. By examining these dynamics, we aim to contribute vital insights to inform policy and practice, ensuring equitable access to MMJ treatment for individuals with diverse medical needs. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Cannabis / 23.03.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Brian J. Piper, PhD Associate Professor of Neuroscience Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA 18411 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many cancer patients use marijuana to treat pain, nausea, or anxiety, often without communicating this with their health care providers. Two observational studies (1, 2) from a single institution in Israel purporting to find a dangerous drug interaction between medical cannabis and immunotherapy have been cited hundreds of times, including by clinical practice guidelines. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is found on immune tissues so it is biologically possible that marijuana could make immunotherapies like nivolumab less effective. However, there were anonymous reports on PubPeer (3-5) of many irregularities in the data-analysis. If there were unappreciated differences on other important variables at baseline besides subsequent cannabis use, this could change the interpretation of these influential reports (1, 2). This investigation involved attempting to repeat and verify the data-analysis. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Aging, Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA / 19.01.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Patricia Di Ciano, PhD Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Toronto Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Collaborative Program in Neuroscience MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: It is now fairly well established that cannabis has a detrimental effect on driving. The most consistently reported effect of cannabis on driving is to increase ‘weaving’ on the road. We know that cannabis use is on the rise in people over 65 years of age. In fact, over the past few years cannabis use is increasing the most in this age group. Despite this, there are few studies of the effects of cannabis on people over 65; most studies have been conducted on younger adults. We know that there are important age-related changes in the way the body works that may alter the impact of cannabis on the body. Also, older adults may have more experience with cannabis and this can change the effects of cannabis. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Medical Imaging, Pulmonary Disease / 10.12.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jessie Kang, MD, FRCPC Assistant professor Department of Diagnostic Radiology Faculty of Medicine Dalhousie University   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
  • Marijuana is the most widely used illicit psychoactive substance in the world.
  • Use has increased in Canada since legalization of non-medical marijuana in 2018.
  • It is commonly believed that smoking marijuana is not harmful to the lungs. There is an abundance of established research that identifies the harms of cigarette smoking. In contrast, very little is known about the effects of marijuana smoking, and even less research has been done on the combined effects of smoking marijuana and cigarettes.
To determine the effects of marijuana and cigarette smoking, we examined the chest CT images of four patient groups: non-smokers, cigarette smokers, marijuana smokers, and combined marijuana and cigarette smokers. Marijuana smokers included in the study had smoked marijuana at least four times a month for two years. Patients who ingested marijuana via edibles or oral drops were excluded from the study. (more…)