-
Biosensors Feb 2024An increasing number of countries have started to decriminalize or legalize the consumption of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. The active ingredients in... (Review)
Review
An increasing number of countries have started to decriminalize or legalize the consumption of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. The active ingredients in cannabis, termed cannabinoids, affect multiple functions in the human body, including coordination, motor skills, memory, response time to external stimuli, and even judgment. Cannabinoids are a unique class of terpeno-phenolic compounds, with 120 molecules discovered so far. There are certain situations when people under the influence of cannabis may be a risk to themselves or the public safety. Over the past two decades, there has been a growing research interest in detecting cannabinoids from various biological matrices. There is a need to develop a rapid, accurate, and reliable method of detecting cannabinoids in oral fluid as it can reveal the recent intake in comparison with urine specimens, which only show a history of consumption. Significant improvements are continuously made in the analytical formats of various technologies, mainly concerning improving their sensitivity, miniaturization, and making them more user-friendly. Additionally, sample collection and pretreatment have been extensively studied, and specific devices for collecting oral fluid specimens have been perfected to allow rapid and effective sample collection. This review presents the recent findings regarding the use of oral fluid specimens as the preferred biological matrix for cannabinoid detection in a point-of-care biosensor diagnostic device. A critical review is presented, discussing the findings from a collection of review and research articles, as well as publicly available data from companies that manufacture oral fluid screening devices. Firstly, the various conventional methods used to detect cannabinoids in biological matrices are presented. Secondly, the detection of cannabinoids using point-of-care biosensors is discussed, emphasizing oral fluid specimens. This review presents the current pressing technological challenges and highlights the gaps where new technological solutions can be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Cannabinoids; Point-of-Care Systems; Marijuana Smoking; Saliva; Substance Abuse Detection; Cannabis
PubMed: 38534233
DOI: 10.3390/bios14030126 -
Psychopharmacology Jul 2024For decades, cannabis has been the most widely used illicit substance in the world, particularly among youth. Research suggests that mental health problems associated...
RATIONALE
For decades, cannabis has been the most widely used illicit substance in the world, particularly among youth. Research suggests that mental health problems associated with cannabis use may result from its effect on reward brain circuit, emotional processes, and cognition. However, findings are mostly derived from correlational studies and inconsistent, particularly in adolescents.
OBJECTIVES AND METHODS
Using data from the IMAGEN study, participants (non-users, persistent users, abstinent users) were classified according to their cannabis use at 19 and 22 years-old. All participants were cannabis-naïve at baseline (14 years-old). Psychopathological symptoms, cognitive performance, and brain activity while performing a Monetary Incentive Delay task were used as predictors of substance use and to analyze group differences over time.
RESULTS
Higher scores on conduct problems and lower on peer problems at 14 years-old (n = 318) predicted a greater likelihood of transitioning to cannabis use within 5 years. At 19 years of age, individuals who consistently engaged in low-frequency (i.e., light) cannabis use (n = 57) exhibited greater conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention symptoms compared to non-users (n = 52) but did not differ in emotional symptoms, cognitive functioning, or brain activity during the MID task. At 22 years, those who used cannabis at both 19 and 22 years-old n = 17), but not individuals that had been abstinent for ≥ 1 month (n = 19), reported higher conduct problems than non-users (n = 17).
CONCLUSIONS
Impairments in reward-related brain activity and cognitive functioning do not appear to precede or succeed cannabis use (i.e., weekly, or monthly use). Cannabis-naïve adolescents with conduct problems and more socially engaged with their peers may be at a greater risk for lighter yet persistent cannabis use in the future.
Topics: Humans; Male; Reward; Longitudinal Studies; Adolescent; Young Adult; Cognition; Female; Brain; Mental Health; Marijuana Use; Marijuana Abuse; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38532040
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06575-z -
Drug Testing and Analysis Mar 2024As negative drug tests are frequently a condition for employment, some people who use drugs will try to subvert the testing. In this study, systematic web monitoring was...
As negative drug tests are frequently a condition for employment, some people who use drugs will try to subvert the testing. In this study, systematic web monitoring was used to investigate how drug test subversion is discussed online. Posts pertaining to drug test subversion were obtained from public websites and the dark web (n = 634, July-December 2021). Most information from public websites came from Twitter (65%), and 94% of dark web posts were from Reddit. The posts were manually coded to extract quantitative and qualitative information about drug test subversion tactics. Most posts discussed urine drug tests (85%), followed by hair (11%) and oral fluid (2%), and the most discussed drugs were marijuana (72%) and cocaine (7.3%). Urine drug test subversion mainly pertained to specimen substitution, with synthetic urine or urine from another person. Another strategy was to mask diluted urine by ingesting creatine. Urine adulteration was rarely discussed. Hair test subversion involved harsh treatments with products such as bleach, baking soda, and/or detergent. Hair removal was also discussed. Oral fluid test subversion focused on removing drugs from the oral cavity through vigorous brushing of teeth and tongue as well as the use of mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, gum, and commercial detox products. This study highlights subversion strategies used by donors. Although little evidence was provided as to the effectiveness of these strategies, this information may help guide future studies and development of specimen validity testing to minimize the impact of drug test subversion attempts.
PubMed: 38520174
DOI: 10.1002/dta.3671 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research May 2024Cannabis use may be a modifiable risk factor for mental health problems; however, the role of cannabis use frequency in population seeking mental health and addiction...
A cross-sectional study of the relationship between frequency of cannabis use and psychiatric symptoms among people seeking mental health and addiction services in Nova Scotia (2019-21).
BACKGROUND
Cannabis use may be a modifiable risk factor for mental health problems; however, the role of cannabis use frequency in population seeking mental health and addiction services remains unclear. This study aimed to: 1) compare the prevalence and functional impact of psychiatric symptoms among frequent, infrequent, and non-users of cannabis; and 2) evaluate the associations between cannabis use frequency and functional impact of psychiatric symptoms in help-seeking individuals.
METHODS
Data from the Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Central Intake system in Nova Scotia, Canada was used. Participants aged 19-64 who received MHA Intake assessments from September 2019 to December 2021 with complete information about substance use were included (N = 20,611). Cannabis use frequency over past 30 days was categorized into frequent (>4 times a month), infrequent (≤4 times a month), and non-use. Psychiatric symptomatology consists of five domains: mood, anxiety, psychosis, cognition, and externalizing behaviors. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the associations between cannabis use frequency and functional impact of psychiatric symptoms.
RESULTS
Frequent and infrequent cannabis users had a higher prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in each domain than non-users, while no significant differences were found between frequent and infrequent users. Frequent cannabis use was associated with greater functional impact of psychiatric symptoms in each domain compared to non-users, while infrequent use was only associated with greater functional impact of externalizing behaviors.
CONCLUSION
Frequent cannabis use is associated with increased prevalence and functional impact of psychiatric symptoms among adults seeking mental health services.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cannabis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nova Scotia; Mental Health; Marijuana Abuse
PubMed: 38518571
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.018 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024While known animal exposures to human "drugs of abuse" (DA) were previously considered relatively uncommon in veterinary medicine, the trends are changing. Marijuana and...
INTRODUCTION
While known animal exposures to human "drugs of abuse" (DA) were previously considered relatively uncommon in veterinary medicine, the trends are changing. Marijuana and amphetamines are among the 20 toxicants most frequently consulted about with the Pet Poison Helpline. When such exposures occur, they are typically considered emergencies.
METHODS
This retrospective study describes confirmed cases of DA exposure in pets from the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), 2013-2023.
RESULTS
Fifty-seven samples tested positive for DA through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis (qualitative method). In 75% (43/57) of the DA screen tests, the detected drugs included amphetamine-type stimulants and metabolites (methamphetamine, amphetamine, or both). In 47% (27/57) of cases, a combination of more than one drug group was found. Most cases were diagnosed from a urine specimen. In at least 32% (18/57) of cases, the samples were submitted due to suspicions of animal cruelty, and at least 41% (23/57) of the patients were deceased when the samples were submitted.
DISCUSSION
More studies on the prevalence of illicit drugs in small animals, using confirmatory testing, are warranted to fully understand the significance of this emerging toxicological hazard in veterinary medicine.
PubMed: 38515534
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1372614 -
Bipolar Disorders May 2024
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Cannabis; Mania; Marijuana Abuse; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
PubMed: 38508861
DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13425 -
International Journal of Epidemiology Feb 2024Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly of the abdominal wall with an unknown aetiology. Recent trends in the prevalence of gastroschisis suggest that changing...
BACKGROUND
Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly of the abdominal wall with an unknown aetiology. Recent trends in the prevalence of gastroschisis suggest that changing environmental or behavioural factors may contribute. We examined whether prenatal cannabis use disorder was associated with gastroschisis.
METHODS
The Study of Outcomes of Mothers and Infants is a population-based cohort compiled of California birth records that have been linked to Department of Health Care Access and Information hospitalization, emergency department and ambulatory surgery records. We included 2007-19 singleton live births (n = 5 774 656). Cannabis use disorder was measured by diagnosis codes at any visit during pregnancy or at birth. Gastroschisis was measured by diagnosis or surgical repair procedure codes at birth or during the first year of life.
RESULTS
The prevalence of cannabis use disorder was about 1%. The prevalence of gastroschisis was 0.14% and 0.06% among those with and without cannabis use disorder, respectively. There were positive associations between cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis when using a multivariable model [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 1.7) and a matched sample approach (aRR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1, 2.1). The association varied by maternal age and was largest among people aged >34 years (aRR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.0, 5.8).
CONCLUSIONS
We confirm findings of a positive association between cannabis exposure and gastroschisis and add that it is strongest when maternal age is greater than 34 years. More investigation into whether the association is causal, and why the association varies by maternal age, is encouraged.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Infant; Humans; Gastroschisis; Risk Factors; Maternal Age; California; Substance-Related Disorders; Marijuana Abuse; Prevalence
PubMed: 38503548
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyae042 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Mar 2024This report presents a case of cannabinoid-induced hyperemesis syndrome causing repeated violent retching in a patient with a large (8 cm) adrenal pheochromocytoma...
BACKGROUND
This report presents a case of cannabinoid-induced hyperemesis syndrome causing repeated violent retching in a patient with a large (8 cm) adrenal pheochromocytoma resulting in hypertensive urgency.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 69-year-old white male patient with a previously diagnosed pheochromocytoma presented to the emergency department with nausea and vomiting and was found to have hypertensive urgency. Computed tomography scan did not show any acute abdominal pathology and history was inconsistent with a gastrointestinal etiology. Patient had a history of daily cannabinoid use for many years and repeated self-limited hyperemesis episodes, and thus a diagnosis of cannabinoid-induced hyperemesis syndrome was made. It was concluded that the likely explanation for the hypertensive urgency was from physical compression of his adrenal tumor during the episodes of retching resulting in a catecholamine surge. The patient was given antiemetics and admitted to the intensive care unit for blood pressure management. Blood pressure was initially controlled with phentolamine and a clevidipine infusion, then transitioned to oral doxazosin and phenoxybenzamine. Hyperemesis and abdominal pain resolved after 24 hours, and his blood pressure returned to baseline. The patient was discharged with the recommendation to stop all cannabis use. On follow-up, his blood pressure remained well controlled, and he subsequently underwent adrenalectomy for tumor removal.
CONCLUSION
Hyperemesis can cause hypertensive events in patients with pheochromocytoma by increasing abdominal pressure, leading to catecholamine release.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome; Cannabinoids; Catecholamines; Hypertensive Crisis; Pheochromocytoma; Vomiting
PubMed: 38500192
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04497-0 -
Basic Environmental Supports for Positive Brain and Cognitive Development in the First Year of Life.JAMA Pediatrics May 2024Defining basic psychosocial resources to facilitate thriving in the first year of life could tangibly inform policy and enhance child development worldwide.
IMPORTANCE
Defining basic psychosocial resources to facilitate thriving in the first year of life could tangibly inform policy and enhance child development worldwide.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if key environmental supports measured as a thrive factor (T-factor) in the first year of life positively impact brain, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes through age 3.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This prospective longitudinal cohort study took place at a Midwestern academic medical center from 2017 through 2022. Participants included singleton offspring oversampled for those facing poverty, without birth complications, congenital anomalies, or in utero substance exposures (except cigarettes and marijuana) ascertained prenatally and followed up prospectively for the first 3 years of life. Data were analyzed from March 9, 2023, through January 3, 2024.
EXPOSURES
Varying levels of prenatal social disadvantage advantage and a T-factor composed of environmental stimulation, nutrition, neighborhood safety, positive caregiving, and child sleep.
MAIN OUTCOMES & MEASURES
Gray and white matter brain volumes and cortical folding at ages 2 and 3 years, cognitive and language abilities at age 3 years measured by the Bayley-III, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms at age 2 years measured by the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment.
RESULTS
The T-factor was positively associated with child cognitive abilities (β = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52), controlling key variables including prenatal social disadvantage (PSD) and maternal cognitive abilities. The T-factor was associated with child language (β = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.24-0.49), but not after covarying for PSD. The association of the T-factor with child cognitive and language abilities was moderated by PSD (β = -0.32; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.15 and β = -0.36; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.20, respectively). Increases in the T-factor were positively associated with these outcomes, but only for children at the mean and 1 SD below the mean of PSD. The T-factor was negatively associated with child externalizing and internalizing symptoms over and above PSD and other covariates (β = -0.30; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.08 and β = -0.32; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.09, respectively). Increasing T-factor scores were associated with decreases in internalizing symptoms, but only for children with PSD 1 SD above the mean. The T-factor was positively associated with child cortical gray matter above PSD and other covariates (β = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.04-0.54), with no interaction between PSD and T-factor.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Findings from this study suggest that key aspects of the psychosocial environment in the first year impact critical developmental outcomes including cognitive, brain, and socioemotional development at age 3 years. This suggests that environmental resources and enhancement in the first year of life may facilitate every infant's ability to thrive, setting the stage for a more positive developmental trajectory.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child Development; Male; Infant; Cognition; Child, Preschool; Prospective Studies; Brain; Longitudinal Studies; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38497981
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0143