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Adolescent Female Cannabis-Users are Less Likely to Engage in Sexual Intercourse

April 30, 2020 , , ,

Daily co-occurrences of marijuana use, alcohol use, and sexual intercourse among at-risk, truant adolescent girls

In summary

A recent study conducted by Brown University found that adolescent female cannabis users were less likely than their peers to engage in sexual intercourse. It remains uncertain whether cannabis is reducing participants’ desire to engage in sexual intercourse or if there is a second common factor that wards them away from intercourse. Within the same population, it was found that the participants who consumed alcohol were far more likely to engage in sexual intercourse that day than controls or cannabis users. This knowledge may aid in the development of prevention programs, specifically for those consuming alcohol underage and then engaging in sexual intercourse, defined as a high-risk behavior in this study. 

Adolescent cannabis use is a hot topic of conversation as state governments continue to legalize medical and recreational cannabis. At-home cultivators and those who maintain a large amount of cannabis at their homes need to ensure proper storage and restriction methods to ensure the safety of their children. Too little is known about the long-term effects of cannabis to allow adolescents to have unsupervised access to cannabis. There should also be more studies conducted addressing the effect of cannabis-based medications in adolescents so it can be deemed safe to give children for various disorders or if it affects neural development.

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAdolescent Female Cannabis-Users are Less Likely to Engage in Sexual Intercourse
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Cannabis Use Causes Increased Impulsivity

April 25, 2020 ,

Cannabis and alcohol use, affect and impulsivity in psychiatric out-patients’ daily lives

In Summary

A recent study revealed the increased impulsivity seen throughout the day in psychiatric out-patients who consumed cannabis. Cannabis was also found to increase momentary hostility in psychiatric patients, namely those suffering from bipolar disorder. The study also compared the difference of activity between alcohol and cannabis, finding that although alcohol also caused an increase in impulsivity it was only momentary rather than prolonged. By observing the effects of alcohol and cannabis in patients researchers were able to determine that the two compounds are part of separate processes and operate on different time-scales. 

Very little research has been conducted that addresses drug interactions with cannabis. As the prevalence of cannabis use continues to rise as state governments continue to legalize medical and recreational cannabis it is imperative to understand how cannabis affects everyday medications. For those who need blood thinners, muscle relaxants, etc., drug interactions can be dangerous, even fatal, emphasizing the importance of understanding how cannabis interacts with other medications at the cellular level. Pharmacists and physicians need more knowledge to be able to thoroughly inform patients consuming marijuana of the potential risks. Future research should be conducted, as well as chemical modeling studies, to ensure the safety of cannabis users. 

The study is available for review or download here

Cannabis-and-alcohol-use-affect-and-impulsivity-in-psychiatric-out-patients’-daily-livesDownload

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Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabis Use Causes Increased Impulsivity
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Addictive Disorders are Associated with Neuroticism, Low Agreeableness, and Low Conscientiousness

April 23, 2020 , , , ,

Big Five personality traits and alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and gambling disorder comorbidity

In summary

In a recent study published by the American Psychological Association researchers determined that addictive disorders, like cannabis use disorder, are associated with neuroticism, low agreeableness, and low conscientiousness. Neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness are some of the Big Five personality traits, which was the taxonomy chosen by the researchers to examine possible personality underpinnings of addictive behavior and comorbidity. As all three of the traits were equally associated with substance use disorders they may explain the co-occurrence of addictive behaviors but these traits also may more broadly associate the propensity to develop any psychiatric disorder. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness for substance use disorders as the research may lead to the development of better prevention programs. 

The idea of cannabis use disorder is interesting as the endocannabinoid system does not act upon the reward system, making the threat of addiction almost nil. Cannabis is often pedestilized by advocates for its safety profile, especially when compared to other pain medications like opioids, yet there are still some concerns for dependency. The endocannabinoid system is ever changing, especially as we learn more about it. Very little research has been done that assesses cannabis dependency although it is known that, like with most substances, frequent users gain a tolerance to cannabis.  Tolerance to cannabis can be reset with abstinence, supposedly for a 48 hour period, but again more research is needed. Tolerance, addiction, and dependence all need to be properly defined and standardized across the medical community, not just the advocates, because addiction and dependence can be frightening words that should not be thrown about.

The study is available for review or download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQqAEU3sr5niKtarRR_nUutUwDE6E4um/view?usp=sharing

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAddictive Disorders are Associated with Neuroticism, Low Agreeableness, and Low Conscientiousness
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Alcohol and Cannabis Used to Cope with Depression

April 6, 2020 , ,

Internalizing Symptoms and Cannabis and Alcohol Use- Between- and Within-Person Risk Pathways With Coping Motives

In Summary

The American Psychology Association recently shared research demonstrating how individuals use alcohol and cannabis to cope with depression. Between and within-person analysis demonstrated that those who abused alcohol to cope with their depression demonstrated increased alcohol coping habits 12 months later and worsened depression symptoms. Although those patients who utilized cannabis to treat their depression maintained that use at the 12-month check-up their depression they did not report worsening depressive symptoms or increased cannabis use. Further research is needed to determine the validity of cannabinoids as an efficient treatment method for depression and to development of coping-related interventions for those abusing substances. 

This article also highlights the relationship between cannabis and social anxiety as well as alcohol and social anxiety. Cannabis products are frequently recommended for anxiety, specifically the most popular non-psychoactive component, cannabidiol (CBD). The featured article focussed on cannabis as a whole which includes ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most abundant psychoactive component of cannabis, which has been known to exacerbate feelings of anxiety. When studying the relationship between cannabis use and anxiety-related disorders it is important to study each cannabinoid separately for their effect because they operate so differently within the endocannabinoid system; then move on to examine whole cannabis effects as cannabinoids and other chemical compounds produced by cannabis plants are able to interact with each other and produce an entourage effect. 

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAlcohol and Cannabis Used to Cope with Depression
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The Effect of Cannabidiol on Alcohol

April 3, 2020 , ,

Effects of Cannabidiol on Alcohol-Related Outcomes- A Review of Preclinical and Human Research

In Summary

A review of preclinical research studies has revealed to possible beneficial effects of cannabidiol on alcohol-related outcomes. It was found that cannabidiol (CBD) is able to lessen alcohol consumption although the mechanism is not well understood. CBD may also protect consumers from the negative effects of alcohol use such as liver and brain damage. It is likely that CBD provides these protective effects through its modulation of inflammatory processes. It is recommended that further research is conducted in order to validate these findings and expand upon the knowledge of how CBD interacts with other common substances. 

As cannabis-based products become more widely accepted among the medical community and within society it is imperative that the interactions between cannabis and other drugs are known. Those who wish to use cannabis for certain ailments but are already on other medications may consume cannabis and experience negative side-effects due to the interaction of those drugs. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids need to be modeled alongside other common medications so that physicians can safely recommend medications and so that pharmacists are able to accurately advise customers when they pick up prescriptions. Research is needed to ensure public safety in this time of evolving medications. 

The study is available for review or download only from the original publisher

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Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Effect of Cannabidiol on Alcohol
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Brief Interventions by Pediatricians can Reduce Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse

March 27, 2020 , ,

Understanding Which Teenagers Benefit Most From a Brief Primary Care Substance Use Intervention

In Summary

A recent study has revealed that brief interventions given by primary care physicians can reduce alcohol and drug abuse among at-risk adolescents. This study aimed to address only alcohol and cannabis use disorders in teenagers who already reported the misuse of such substances. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an intervention from their physician or assigned as controls and then asked about their substance use habits 12 months later. Those who received an intervention reported a marked decrease in substance use through self-reporting and chemical screening. This research suggests that pediatricians and other general practitioners should speak candidly about the risks of substance use disorders with their patients. 

Pieces like the featured article highlight the importance of responsible cannabis use. Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable as states continue to put forth policies that legalize medical and recreational use. Like alcohol and other drugs, cannabis should remain a semi-controlled substance whose availability is restricted by age or other factors so that at-risk youth are unable or less likely to abuse its benefits. State laws currently decide who has access to cannabis but as at-home cultivators become more prominent it will be necessary to ensure the security of those plants to prevent adolescents from misusing plants grown by family or friends. 

The study is available for review or download here

Understanding-Which-Teenagers-Benefit-Most-From-a-Brief-Primary-Care-Substance-Use-InterventionDownload

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDBrief Interventions by Pediatricians can Reduce Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse
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Video: Do-It-Yourself Cannabis Tinctures

July 17, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

One of the terrific realities of modern Cannabis is that it is possible, and often quite simple, to make effective products at home. With suitable education and access to testing facilities, the soil, nutrients, and plant growth can be supported at home, lab-tested for make-up and potency, as well as safety-checked for potential microscopic contaminants, and ultimately, individualized medicine can be created right at home!

Here is a sample instructional for just one way that cannabis tincture can be made at home. There are countless others and hopefully, many that are yet to be discovered!

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Benjamin Caplan, MDVideo: Do-It-Yourself Cannabis Tinctures
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Hangovers Resulting from Drinking Negatively Impact Everyday Memory

July 17, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

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

This paper is also stored here:     http://bit.ly/2WBUb1Y    inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDHangovers Resulting from Drinking Negatively Impact Everyday Memory
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The Current Research on Cannabis-Alcohol Interactions and Risk Factors for Using Them Together

July 15, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: Cannabis and Alcohol- From Basic Science to Public Policy

This new analysis summarizes the most recent preclinical trials and epidemiological studies concerning the interactions between cannabis and alcohol, as well as possible risk factors for co-use. Specific risk factors, such as frequency of use or belonging to particular groups, were found to be significant within studies (but not across separate studies.) The compiled data reveals that previous research is inconsistent and emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate at-risk populations.  

This article highlights a few secondary findings which all focus on the gaps in our knowledge concerning cannabis, of which there are many. There may be potential concerns with the integration of cannabis into modern culture, which has essentially normalized alcohol consumption. Future research will undoubtedly evaluate these concerns, and highlight potential advantages that cannabis consumption may offer as an alternative option.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

Cannabis and Alcohol: From Basic Science to Public PolicyDownload

This paper is also stored here:   http://bit.ly/2Jt1Nfa      inside the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Current Research on Cannabis-Alcohol Interactions and Risk Factors for Using Them Together
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