Young Adults Archives - CED Foundation

Health Risks Associated with Co-Use of Cannabis and Nicotine

May 15, 2020 Adult, Cannabis, Nicotine

Types of cannabis and tobacco_nicotine co-use and associated outcomes in young adulthood

In summary

A recent survey has revealed the increased health risks and behavioral issues of those who use both cannabis and nicotine. After separating survey respondents into five categories based on use patterns (single-product use; concurrent use only; sequential use only; coadministration only; and both sequential use and coadministration) researchers examined the psychological and physical health of respondents finding that those who co-used cannabis and nicotine on the same occasion reported increased use and greater behavioral problems. Those who reported sequential use, so using one product directly before the other, were observed to have worse physical and mental health compared to those who only used one substance. This research may aid in the development of prevention programs by informing program developers about the associated risks of co-use.

Understanding drug interactions is imperative for the health of the consumers, including those who use tobacco products. Very little research has been conducted that addresses drug interactions with cannabis and although some pharmacies are equipped with lists of theoretical information or previous incidents very little of it is certain. For those who need common medications like 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

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

More Research on Adolescent Cannabis Use and Mental Disorders

May 14, 2020 Adolescents, Cannabis, Mental Health

The persistence of the association between adolescent cannabis use and common mental disorders into young adulthood

In summary

Further examination of chronic cannabis use in adolescents correlates with a higher prevalence of anxiety. Research discussing adolescent cannabis use and mental disorders has been inconsistent, mainly debating whether or not some mental disorders are caused by cannabis use. The featured article found no evidence of causation but did notice a positive correlation between chronic (described here as daily) adolescent cannabis use and the development of anxiety. The development of major depressive disorders was not positively correlated with cannabis use, even in regular users. Causation, especially for psychosis, should continue to be looked into in order to determine the full safety profile of cannabis-based medications.

Adolescent cannabis use does seem risky when considering that cannabis directly affects the brain while the brain is still developing and very few researchers have published well recognized and accepted data discussing the effect of cannabis on neural development. It seems interesting that chronic cannabis use is positively correlated to the development of anxiety when the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid and multiple terpenes are praised for their anxiolytic effects. Research into the effect of each chemical component of cannabis should be researched to fully elucidate which cannabinoid or combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, etc., cause alternations in neurodevelopment and other effects.

The study is available for review or download here

The-persistence-of-the-association-between-adolescent-cannabis-use-and-common-mental-disorders-into-young-adulthood Download

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Adolescent Use is not Increased by Cannabis Legalization

May 2, 2020 Adolescents, Adult, Cannabis

Does liberalization of cannabis policy influence levels of use in adolescents and young adults_ A systematic review and meta-analysis

In summary

A recent meta-analysis and systematic review has shown that the liberalization of cannabis use has not increased the amount of reported cannabis use in adolescents. There appeared to be a slight increase in adult cannabis use post-recreational cannabis legalization but not a significant amount to clearly report that trend. These reports may be skewed due to the social stigma that continues to surround cannabis use and therefore prevents participants from accurately reporting their history, but further research in an area where cannabis legalization is likely to occur but hasn’t yet would provide an interesting opportunity to confirm these findings.

Medical cannabis use has been legalized in 33 states at the time of this blog and legalized for recreational use in 11 states, highlighting the importance of looking into current demographics and legal activity. Some studies have suggested a decrease in adolescent cannabis use as illicit dealers are replaced by state-regulated dispensaries implying that legalization and regulation may actually provide a safer environment for cannabis use and allow better prevention practices for adolescents. Further research would be needed to confirm these hypotheses and previous findings but prove promising for future legalization.