Abuse

Transgender Youths are at High Risk of Substance Abuse

January 31, 2020 Abuse, transgender Health

Risk and protective factors for transgender youths’ substance use

In Summary

A recent study has revealed that transgender youth in high-risk situations are likely to abuse illicit drugs. A survey found that 69% of the transgender’s teens who responded had abused at least one illicit drug, not including alcohol. It was also found that support and education from school, family, and friends greatly reduced the likelihood of a transgender teen abusing drugs. The researchers of this study call for greater education and support for transgender youth by including a transgender-specific health section in school curriculums, added support from family, and greater education from pediatricians.

Brought up in this study is the prevalence of substance use among sexual and gender minority youth; members of the LGBTQ+ community. This finding is interesting because studies have reported that overall youth substance abuse has declined over the past decade. Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ experience extra pressure from their peers and society because of the stigma they still face, leading to dangerous activity such as substance abuse. Health classes rarely include non-heteronormative education which further alienates those youth and unless physicians and educational boards insist on the implementation of diversified sexual-health education these minorities will continue to face excess pressure and participate in dangerous activities.

The study is available for review or download here

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An Analysis of Sudden Cardiac Death Exposes the Danger of Tobacco and Cocaine

December 21, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Adolescents, Adult, Adverse Effects, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, Cardiovascular Effects, Future Medicine, Impairment, Products, THC

Sudden cardiac death associated to substances of abuse and psychotropic drugs consumed by young people- A population study based on forensic autopsies

In Summary:

A recent study out of Spain has revealed alarming trends among cases of sudden cardiac death associated with substances of abuse consumed by young people. Half of the 15-36-year-olds who suffered sudden cardiac death were found with illicit substances in their bodies, primarily cannabis, tobacco, and cocaine. Researchers found that although cannabis was the most common substance found in the deceased systems, cocaine and tobacco are known to have a stronger impact on the cardiovascular system and lead to ischemic heart disease, which is often the more acute causes of sudden death. It was also mentioned here that the duration of cannabis is far longer in the body than that of either tobacco or cocaine, and this duration may easily confuse people to associate it as a trigger for sudden death.

However, on the other hand, there are several tragic cases of young, otherwise heart-healthy individuals who have died with cannabis as the only substance discovered. Fortunately, these cases are extraordinarily rare, but unfortunately, no reproducible association has been established, so the mysterious concerns are not easily relieved or forgotten.

Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:

While the return of medical cannabis to modern medical care seems to bring with it a return of appreciation for more naturalistic care, it is critical for us all to recognize that we still have much to learn. The tools and high standards of scientific evaluation have only recently been applied to cannabis, and there are reasonable arguments that the usual tools may not actually apply (for example, some are suggesting that the placebo effect, a cornerstone of randomized control trials may be a facet of effects related to the endocannabinoid system.)

For these, and a great many other unknowns, it is important for the discerning consumer to consult with trusted resources, including friends, family, scientists, and where possible, doctors, to ensure the appropriateness of use on an individual basis.

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Sudden cardiac death associated to substances of abuse and psychotropic drugs consumed by young people- A population study based on forensic autopsies Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2SmffX3 inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Cannabinoid Receptors Regulating the Function of Opioid Receptors

August 26, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Behavior change, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Science, CB1, Future Medicine, Illicit Drug Use, Opiates, Overdose

Constitutive Activity of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Regulates the Function of Co-expressed Mu Opioid Receptors

Summary info:

Cannabinoid receptors have been found to regulate the function of co-expressed mu-opioid receptors. Researchers have found data that indicates the constitutive activity within the cannabinoid system reduced the capacity of expressed mu-opioid receptor functions. This research brings to light the possible benefits of modulating opioid consumption with cannabis-based medicines.

Dr Caplan Discussion Points:

One of the interesting discussion points in this paper is a close look at the effects of the CB1 receptor and its capacity to reduce the function of some mu-opioid receptors, through a mechanism different than naloxone. This suggests some appropriate optimism for cannabinoid-based tools in the battle against the worldwide opioid epidemic.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/2wRsbbt

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Video: Controversial Questions in Cannabis Today

August 2, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Adult, Adverse Effects, Anxiety, Behavior change, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, CBD, CED Clinic, CED Foundation, CED In The News, Cognition, DIY, Dr Caplan, Edibles, Future Medicine, History, Impairment, Jobs, Law, Legislation, New York, Products, Reaction Time, Regulation, Testing, THC, Video

As cannabis finds its place back into modern human culture quickly, there is much still to be learned. As the science grows and adapts to modern need and expectations, the “can we” may be out-pacing the “should we.” On the other hand, there are circumstances where modern culture really “should be” and is handicapped by years of misinformed stigma.

Here, a few controversial questions about cannabis:

Should teachers be allowed to use cannabis around children?

Should spiritual leaders be allowed to use cannabis, as they have for millennia?

Should taxi drivers be allowed to use cannabis on the job?

Should pilots be allowed to use cannabis?

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Author’s Response to Discrepancies in Medical Cannabis Use

August 1, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Adult, Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis News, CED Clinic, Dispensaries, Financial Projections, Future Medicine, History, Massachusetts, Politics, Products, Social Equity, Social Justice, THC

Medical Cannabis Use: The Authors Reply

In yesterday’s blog post, the discrepancies in the number of medical cannabis users were discussed and the suggestion arose that perhaps medical cannabis use may need stricter regulations. The author of the piece that inspired the letter featured in the post responded, highlighting the possibility that recreational cannabis is being used for medical purposes rather than users obtaining cannabis from more nefarious sources. The author points out that renewing medical licenses can be a hassle and in states where recreational cannabis has been legalized patients may just be obtaining their cannabis, used for medical purposes, from recreational dispensaries. Surveys that delve into this issue are needed to confirm the author’s hypothesis.

Describing the medical process of obtaining a cannabis license as a hassle is, unfortunately, reported by many consumers. State governments are forced to run the regulatory processes, in the absence of federal support, and conservative politicians and opposition groups often create difficulty around opening dispensaries in their districts. On top of the expenses of renewing or obtaining a medical license, it may seem almost less confrontational for people who reside in a state or have access to recreational marijuana (from a state-regulated dispensary) simply to purchase recreational cannabis, rather than take the time to obtain a license.

Of note, Massachusetts is one of the few states that has anticipated this circumstance and has codified protections and advantages of the medical program, into law. In Massachusetts, medical patients are incentivized through robust discounts (totaling greater than $2000 in discounts, and 20% cost reduction because of the absence of state taxation for medical patients.) Further, there are legal protections available only to medical patients, and the opportunity for delivery, which are not available to recreational consumers.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis

July 31, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Adverse Effects, Alcohol, Antioxidant, Anxiety, Behavior change, Blood-Levels, Cannabis, Cannabis Dependence, Cannabis Education, Cannabis News, CBD, CED Clinic, CED Foundation, CED In The News, Cognition, Depression, Diabetes, Dosing, Dr Caplan, Future Medicine, Heavy Use, History, Video

USA Today Report: Cannabis Consumers Reduce Use of painkillers, prescription drugs, alcohol

July 30, 2019 Abuse, Behavior change, Business of Cannabis, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis News, CBD, CED Foundation, Financial Projections, Future Medicine, History, News

“Among all surveyed consumers, 49% reported reducing their over-the-counter painkiller use since starting cannabis, and 52% reduced prescription drug use. Another 37% said they’ve reduced alcohol consumption since starting cannabis”

https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/usa-today-report-cannabis-consumers-reduce-use-of-pills-booze

Forbes feature: Solo Sciences

July 30, 2019 Abuse, Adverse Effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Anxiety, Athletics, Behavior change, Business of Cannabis, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis News, CED Clinic, CED Foundation, CED In The News, Dr Caplan, Future Medicine, Los Angeles, Massachusetts, New York, Social Equity, Social Justice, Solo Sciences, THC

A worthy look at the future of consumer empowerment in cannabis and beyond: Solo Sciences, inc

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2019/07/30/former-cia-profiler-claims-most-packaged-cannabis-products-are-fake/#2ad55a7f66c1

Check out http://solosciences.com for more!

Hangovers Resulting from Drinking Negatively Impact Everyday Memory

July 17, 2019 Abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Behavior change, Blood-Levels, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, CB1, CB2, CBD, Cognition

Alcohol Hangover Has Detrimental Impact Upon Both Executive Function and Prospective Memory

A recent study revealed that alcohol hangovers negatively impact everyday memory, specifically executive function (EF) and prospective memory (PM). EF and PM are cognitive functions that underpin everyday memory; things such as remembering an appointment or where you placed your keys. Participants of the study who suffered from hangovers were able to recall significantly fewer items from memory tasks than their peers. The findings of this study may prove useful when looking into how alcohol and cannabis interact with patients.

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Alcohol Hangover Has Detrimental Impact Upon Both Executive Function and Prospective Memory Download

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Student-Athletes are at an Increased Risk for Binge Drinking and Substance Use

July 17, 2019 Abuse, Adolescents, Adverse Effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Anxiety, Arthritis, Athletics, Behavior change, Canada, Cannabinoids, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, Case Study, Dosing, Heavy Use, Illicit Drug Use, Impairment, Mental Health, Muscle Pain, Neuropathy, Pain, Products, Science, Testing, THC

Title: Psychological correlates and binge drinking behaviours among Canadian youth- a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health pilot data from the COMPASS study

A recent study has examined data from the COMPASS program and found that student-athletes in Canada were more likely to engage in binge-drinking and illicit substance use. Researchers focussed on the measure of flourishing, defined as an overall healthy mental state and emotional connectedness, and how flourishing related to concerning drinking and substance use behavior. Student-athletes were found to be the most at risk for binge-drinking, defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in a single session, and those more likely to binge-drink were also more likely to co-use illicit substances. This research provides evidence for the formation of targeted prevention programs.

Cannabis use is banned among athletes by most sports organizations. Cannabis appeals to athletes considering the many different consumption methods, allowing discreet consumption and personalization with variable potential opportunities for relief. Cannabinoids are generally naturally occurring substances unless clearly manufactured, and have been shown to be beneficial for post-workout recovery, muscle soreness, anxiety, sleep, and relaxation. All of those symptoms, including the emotionally driven ones, are common among student-athletes who often feel an immense amount of pressure to perform in competition. As in most other areas of modern culture, Cannabidiol (CBD) finds itself in a grey area for most sports organizations’ substance regulations given that it is not intoxicating and readily available with a notable safety profile. Even if cannabis is not federally legal, CBD is so widely available that many athletes are embracing it, in lieu of more dangerous, or potentially addictive, medications.

Tweet: A recent study has examined data from the #COMPASS program and found that #studentathletes in Canada were more likely to engage in #binge-drinking and illicit substance use. Read this and other linked studies:

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Psychological correlates and binge drinking behaviours among Canadian youth- a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health pilot data from the COMPASS studyDownload

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2XSoIUQ inside the CED Foundation Archive

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