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Journal of the American Heart... Mar 2024We examined the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes among the general population, among never-tobacco smokers, and among younger individuals.
BACKGROUND
We examined the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes among the general population, among never-tobacco smokers, and among younger individuals.
METHODS AND RESULTS
This is a population-based, cross-sectional study of 2016 to 2020 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey from 27 American states and 2 territories. We assessed the association of cannabis use (number of days of cannabis use in the past 30 days) with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite measure of all 3) in multivariable regression models, adjusting for tobacco use and other characteristics in adults 18 to 74 years old. We repeated this analysis among nontobacco smokers, and among men <55 years old and women <65 years old who are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Among the 434 104 respondents, the prevalence of daily and nondaily cannabis use was 4% and 7.1%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the association of daily cannabis use and coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and the composite outcome (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke) was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.98-1.38), 1.25 (95% CI, 1.07-1.46), 1.42 (95% CI, 1.20-1.68), and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.13-1.44), respectively, with proportionally lower log odds for days of use between 0 and 30 days per month. Among never-tobacco smokers, daily cannabis use was also associated with myocardial infarction (aOR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.03-2.15]), stroke (aOR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.43-3.25]), and the composite of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke (aOR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.31-2.40]). Relationships between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes were similar for men <55 years old and women <65 years old.
CONCLUSIONS
Cannabis use is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, with heavier use (more days per month) associated with higher odds of adverse outcomes.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; United States; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Cannabis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke; Coronary Disease
PubMed: 38415581
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.030178 -
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Apr 2024Hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), referred to as (9)-HHC and (9)-HHC diastereoisomers, are poorly studied cannabinoids naturally found in small concentrations in the pollen...
Hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), referred to as (9)-HHC and (9)-HHC diastereoisomers, are poorly studied cannabinoids naturally found in small concentrations in the pollen and the seeds of the hemp plants. In this study, for the first time, we describe the finding of (9)-HHC and (9)-HHC in two commercialized hemp derived products. The achievement of reference standards by semisynthetic or isolation approach allows us to develop and validate a gas chromatography mass spectrometry method for the identification and quantification of HHCs in hemp-derived resin. The two analyzed samples showed percentage of 42.5 and 41.5 for (9)-HHC and of 23.6 and 23.6 for (9)-HHC. Despite the lack of in-depth studies about HHCs activity, potency, toxicity, and safety, these cannabinoids are emerging on the light-cannabis (hemp) market probably because legislations still do not clearly regulate them. Since analytical assay for hemp-derived products usually include only Δ-THC, THC-A, CBD, and CBD-A, a thorough investigation could be carried out to reveal the possible addition of "new" compounds that might be a matter of safety.
Topics: Cannabis; Cannabinoids; Hallucinogens; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 36445181
DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0253 -
Association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia stronger in young males than in females.Psychological Medicine Nov 2023Previous research suggests an increase in schizophrenia population attributable risk fraction (PARF) for cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, sex and age variations in...
BACKGROUND
Previous research suggests an increase in schizophrenia population attributable risk fraction (PARF) for cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, sex and age variations in CUD and schizophrenia suggest the importance of examining differences in PARFs in sex and age subgroups.
METHODS
We conducted a nationwide Danish register-based cohort study including all individuals aged 16-49 at some point during 1972-2021. CUD and schizophrenia status was obtained from the registers. Hazard ratios (HR), incidence risk ratios (IRR), and PARFs were estimated. Joinpoint analyses were applied to sex-specific PARFs.
RESULTS
We examined 6 907 859 individuals with 45 327 cases of incident schizophrenia during follow-up across 129 521 260 person-years. The overall adjusted HR (aHR) for CUD on schizophrenia was slightly higher among males (aHR = 2.42, 95% CI 2.33-2.52) than females (aHR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.89-2.17); however, among 16-20-year-olds, the adjusted IRR (aIRR) for males was more than twice that for females (males: aIRR = 3.84, 95% CI 3.43-4.29; females: aIRR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.53-2.15). During 1972-2021, the annual average percentage change in PARFs for CUD in schizophrenia incidence was 4.8 among males (95% CI 4.3-5.3; < 0.0001) and 3.2 among females (95% CI 2.5-3.8; < 0.0001). In 2021, among males, PARF was 15%; among females, it was around 4%.
CONCLUSIONS
Young males might be particularly susceptible to the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia. At a population level, assuming causality, one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young males might be prevented by averting CUD. Results highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of CUD and policy decisions regarding cannabis use and access, particularly for 16-25-year-olds.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Schizophrenia; Marijuana Abuse; Cohort Studies; Substance-Related Disorders; Cannabis
PubMed: 37140715
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723000880 -
Translational Psychiatry Oct 2023Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact... (Review)
Review
Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact that critical aspects of brain development occur during adolescence, which can be altered by drug use. Despite concerted efforts to educate youth about the potential negative consequences of substance use, initiation remains common amongst adolescents world-wide. Additionally, though there has been substantial research on the topic, many questions remain about the predictors and the consequences of adolescent drug use. In the following review, we will highlight some of the most recent literature on the neurobiological and behavioral effects of adolescent drug use in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, with a specific focus on alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and the interactions between these substances. Overall, consumption of these substances during adolescence can produce long-lasting changes across a variety of structures and networks which can have enduring effects on behavior, emotion, and cognition.
Topics: Animals; Adolescent; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; Ethanol; Cognition; Cannabis; Nicotine; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 37802983
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02590-4 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Cannabis; Canada; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 38049164
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230808-f -
ELife Dec 2023The psychoactive component of cannabis, ∆9-THC, affects cell growth and metabolism in early embryonic cell types in mice.
The psychoactive component of cannabis, ∆9-THC, affects cell growth and metabolism in early embryonic cell types in mice.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cannabis; Hallucinogens; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Cell Cycle; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38117283
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.94760 -
Annual Review of Medicine Jan 2024Cannabis, the most commonly used recreational drug, is illicit in many areas of the world. With increasing decriminalization and legalization, cannabis use is increasing... (Review)
Review
Cannabis, the most commonly used recreational drug, is illicit in many areas of the world. With increasing decriminalization and legalization, cannabis use is increasing in the United States and other countries. The adverse effects of cannabis are unclear because its status as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States restricts research. Despite a paucity of data, cannabis is commonly perceived as a benign or even beneficial drug. However, recent studies show that cannabis has adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary effects and is linked with malignancy. Moreover, case reports have shown an association between cannabis use and neuropsychiatric disorders. With growing availability, cannabis misuse by minors has led to increasing incidences of overdose and toxicity. Though difficult to detect, cannabis intoxication may be linked to impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. Overall, cannabis use is on the rise, and adverse effects are becoming apparent in clinical data sets.
Topics: Humans; Cannabis; Drug Overdose
PubMed: 37582489
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-052422-020627