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Sunk Cost Bias seen in Frequent Cannabis Users

May 7, 2020 ,

Persisting on the Past- Cross-sectional and Prospective Associations Between Sunk Cost Propensity and Cannabis Use

Researchers have recently found that those diagnosed with cannabis use disorder are also likely to display sunk cost bias. Sunk cost bias is the overgeneralized tendency to persist based on past investment, in other words, the tendency to focus heavily on the past and perseverate more than their counterparts. In a two-part study, it was found that frequent cannabis use was positively associated with sunk cost bias and that sunk cost bias was able to predict frequent cannabis use in a separate cohort. This correlation may prove useful when developing a possible examination or screening test to determine the benefit of medical cannabis for individuals looking into cannabis-based treatments. 

Cannabis use may not be for everyone as cannabinoids can affect people differently depending on their general demeanor or perhaps some mechanism that has yet to be defined. The most abundant, and perhaps well studied, psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can affect people with anxiety very differently. Occasionally, especially when patients are hesitant to use cannabis already, THC can actually exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and therefore may not serve as the most efficient treatment for some patients. The development of a screening technique to determine how cannabinoids will affect patients before they try cannabis is desperately needed to ensure the benefit of the consumer. 

The study is available for review or download here

Cannabis-Teratology-Explains-Current-Patterns-of-Coloradan-Congenital-Defects-The-Contribution-of-Increased-Cannabinoid-Exposure-to-Rising-Teratological-Trends-1Download

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Benjamin Caplan, MDSunk Cost Bias seen in Frequent Cannabis Users
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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

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

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAdolescent Female Cannabis-Users are Less Likely to Engage in Sexual Intercourse
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The Effect of Cooling Temperature on Growth Rates

April 28, 2020

Clothing the emperor- dynamic root–shoot allocation trajectories in relation to whole-plant growth rate and in response to temperature

In Summary

An article was recently published discussing how cooling the temperature of the environment a plant is growing in effects the overall growth pattern. Researchers specifically found that root–shoot biomass allocation and whole-plant growth rate varied ontogenetically in contrasting species in response to cooling. These variations in growth rates were seen in various strains of grass and flowering plants. The authors conclude that the findings of this study highlight the importance of measuring temporal growth dynamics rather than “snapshot” comparison, like height. Further research should expand to other species of plants beyond grasses and generic flowering plants found in most garden stores. 

Mass-produced cannabis plants tend to be grown in hydroponic set-ups like the plants in this study and are known to be sensitive to changes in growth factors. As the cannabis industry continues to grow the number of growers needed is increasing, stimulating the job market, but the number of at-home cultivators is also growing. For growers at home, it is important to note that the cannabinoids produced in a strain can vary depending on growth factors such as temperature, the mineral content of the soil, etc. They can purchase seeds of their favored strain grown in Colorado and grow an entirely different plant at their home in California. Consumers should be sure to consume a small dose or perfectly replicate growing conditions to ensure safe and effective consumption. 

The study is available for review or download here

Clothing-the-Emperor-Dynamic-Root–Shoot-Allocation-Trajectories-in-Relation-to-Whole-Plant-Growth-Rate-and-in-Response-to-TemperatureDownload

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Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Effect of Cooling Temperature on Growth Rates
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Factors that Predict Cessation of Cannabis Use

April 27, 2020

Cessation of cannabis use- A retrospective cohort study

In summary

A retrospective cohort study conducted in Germany recently found that cessation of cannabis use can be predicted by a range of factors. Among those factors was older current age, being female, nonmigrant status, less sensation seeking, using psychological treatment, more peer cannabis use during youth and a more negative first experience with cannabis. Researchers also found that if survey-responders did not increase their frequency of use over the course of three years they were more likely to cease cannabis use. All of these factors are easy to determine early on and may lead to better prevention methods for those at a high risk of abuse.
As recreational and medical use continues to grow it seems that identifying risk factors for those who may abuse the benefits of cannabis increases in importance. If certain people are at risk of misusing cannabis and causing harm to their daily lives, for example by consuming psychoactive compounds and being unable to operate functionally within their environment, then their cannabis intake should be regulated and proper prevention methods should be put in place. Medical dispensaries are good for those just starting with cannabis because they have the freedom to experiment and figure out their ideal consumption methods and cannabinoid profile but it also allows patients the freedom to consume cannabis products that may not be very beneficial for them. It will be interesting to watch the changes in standardization as the prevalence of cannabis continues to grow.

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDFactors that Predict Cessation of Cannabis Use
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Legalizing Medical and Recreational Cannabis May Decrease Adolescent Use

April 21, 2020 , , , ,

Association of marijuana laws with teen marijuana use- new estimates from the youth risk behavior surveys

In summary

 Earlier this July a letter was published providing evidence that adolescent cannabis use may actually decrease post-legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. An analysis of Youth Risk Behavioral Surveys from the past two decades revealed that legalizing medical cannabis had little to no effect on cannabis use among adolescents in 8th and 10th grade but that legalization of recreational cannabis actually led to an overall decrease of adolescent cannabis use across the states. The authors hypothesize that the rate of adolescent use may decrease as illegal drug dealers are replaced by legal, regulated dispensaries. This evidence may prove compelling for the possible rescheduling of cannabis under the federal Controlled Substances Act. 

Adolescent substance use, like that of alcohol, has been found to be detrimental to brain development. There have been varying results regarding the effects of adolescent cannabis use on brain development yet some caretakers are given special permission to administer cannabis-based products to children experiencing rare forms of epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Cannabis-based medications may be a more ethical and far less dangerous substance to administer to children so that they aren’t set up for a substance use disorder at a young age.  Research focussed on adolescent cannabis use needs to be conducted for better regulations and to better advise the parents and pediatricians of adolescents who have accidentally consumed cannabis or need a cannabis-based medical intervention.  

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDLegalizing Medical and Recreational Cannabis May Decrease Adolescent Use
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Is Cannabis Safe to Give to Animals?

April 18, 2020 ,

A survey of veterinary student attitudes concerning whether marijuana could have therapeutic value for animals

In Summary

A recent analysis has compiled the data provided by a questionnaire sent out to veterinarians, reporting an overall belief that animals may benefit from cannabis. Very little research has been conducted concerning cannabis use in animals but some veterinarians fear that cannabis may result in toxic effects in animals. Although there is wariness due to the lack of research, many are still hopeful that cannabis products would provide similar benefits in animals as has been shown in humans. Although they may not recommend cannabis for use veterinarians are urged to educate themselves on the effects of different strains and cannabinoids so they may act according when presented with an animal who has been given cannabis products. 

While some pet owners are purposefully administering cannabis products for their animal’s accidental consumption can be incredibly frightening for some pet owners. Accidental consumption by pets highlights two important happenings that need to occur: pet owners need to ensure they are appropriately storing their cannabis product to prevent accidental consumption by pet or child, and veterinarians need to have a reliable database of knowledge concerning the possible adverse effects of cannabis on animals. Future research may save a family an accidental tragedy by appropriately information vets of their options and how to soothe their animal post-consumption. Research is needed to maintain the responsibility of pet owners and caretakers. 

The study is available for review or download here

A-survey-of-veterinary-student-attitudes-concerning-whether-marijuana-could-have-therapeutic-value-for-animalsDownload

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDIs Cannabis Safe to Give to Animals?
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Medical Cannabis: Vaping Over Other Delivery Options

June 4, 2019 , , ,

Medical cannabis users prefer vaping for fast, portable, discrete treatment

Previous research shows that medical cannabis users prefer vaporization, or vaping, as a means for drug administration. In a Brown University study, 25 consumers of medical cannabis were surveyed to further investigate this phenomenon. Participants largely preferred vaping over other forms of delivery. Patients cite increased cost efficiency, discrete use, more ease in transporting medication when traveling, and more immediate symptom relief as reasons for this preference. Based on these data, vaping may be a valuable drug delivery option for cannabis users seeking a discrete, portable, effective treatment vehicle. bit.ly/2W378N3

Benjamin Caplan, MDMedical Cannabis: Vaping Over Other Delivery Options
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Adverse Structural and Functional Effects of Marijuana on the Brain: Evidence Reviewed

June 2, 2019 , ,

Cannabis Poses Danger to Adolescent Users

An evaluation of previous studies exploring unfavorable health effects of cannabis use reports that adolescents are particularly susceptible to cerebral structural and functional abnormalities. During adolescence, cannabinoid receptors are abundant in white matter. Cannabis use during this critical period of development can cause structural abnormalities in white matter, increase the tendency for risk-taking behavior, and lead to premature substance abuse. Despite its various health benefits, adolescents should exercise caution and abstain from cannabis use

Read more or download PDF on the CED Foundation Google Drive: http://bit.ly/30S9VMI

Benjamin Caplan, MDAdverse Structural and Functional Effects of Marijuana on the Brain: Evidence Reviewed
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A lawsuit filed against the Justice Department re: de-scheduling

June 1, 2019 ,

A lawsuit was filed against the Justice Department alleging that keeping cannabis on the CSA posed serious health risks. Originally dismissed, an appeal was filed and it was decided to leave the case open to apply pressure to the DEA to de-schedule cannabis. Action could be taken soon http://bit.ly/30Yrue3

Benjamin Caplan, MDA lawsuit filed against the Justice Department re: de-scheduling
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