Statewide medical cannabis legalization associated with reduced opioid deaths, study finds
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that statewide medical cannabis legalization is associated with reduced deaths from opioid overdose. The study analyzed data from all 50 states in the US between 1999 and 2017. Researchers found that states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8% lower rate of opioid overdose deaths compared to states without such laws. This study adds to the growing evidence that cannabis can be an effective alternative for pain management and may help combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
Long-term cannabis use is not associated with cognitive decline in older adults, study shows
Contrary to popular belief, long-term cannabis use does not lead to cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. The study followed 1,000 adults over the age of 50 for a period of five years and found no significant differences in cognitive function between cannabis users and non-users. This research challenges the stereotype that cannabis negatively affects cognitive abilities and suggests that it can be a safe option for seniors seeking therapeutic benefits.
Cannabis use among pregnant women on the rise, study reveals
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that cannabis use among pregnant women has been increasing in the United States. The study analyzed data from approximately 275,000 pregnant women and found that cannabis use in the first trimester increased from 4.2% in 2002 to 7.0% in 2017. Furthermore, daily or near-daily cannabis use during pregnancy increased from 0.9% to 3.4% during the same period. These findings highlight the need for further research on the potential impact of cannabis use on fetal development and maternal health.
CBD may be effective in treating heroin addiction, preclinical study shows
A preclinical study conducted by the University of Mississippi Medical Center suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have potential as a treatment for heroin addiction. The study found that CBD reduced cravings and anxiety-like behaviors associated with heroin addiction in animal models. This research provides a promising avenue for further investigation into using CBD as a non-addictive alternative to current treatments for opioid addiction.
Marijuana use may not impair driving ability, study suggests
A study published in the journal, Addiction, challenges the common belief that marijuana use impairs driving ability. The study analyzed the blood samples of drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents and found that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, was not associated with an increased risk of crashes. Additionally, the study found that drivers who used cannabis alone had no increased risk of accidents compared to drug-free drivers. These findings highlight the need for more research on the effects of cannabis on driving skills to inform evidence-based policies.