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Feingold D, Gliksberg O, Brill S, Amit BH, Lev-Ran S, Kushnir T, Sznitman SR. Conceptualizing problematic use of medicinal Cannabis: Development and preliminary validation of a brief screening questionnaire. Addict Behav 2024; 158:108122. [PMID: 39128420 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The use of Medicinal Cannabis (MC) for treating chronic pain is increasing, globally, yet the definition of problematic MC use remains unclear. Defining problematic use of cannabis in medical and non-medical contexts may be fundamentally different since individuals prescribed MC often experience physical dependence, which do not necessarily imply pathology. We aimed to conceptualize problematic use of MC and develop a brief questionnaire for identifying and quantifying problematic MC use. Content validation used a broad definition of problematic substance use, adapting and compiling an initial list of 36 items from various sources: (a) screening tools for assessing problematic prescription opioid medication use; (b) screening tools for problematic recreational cannabis use and (c) qualitative interviews with MC patients. 390 American self-identified chronic pain patients holding a MC card rated each item from the initial list on a 5-point frequency scale and filled out questionnaires assessing various clinical outcomes. Following initial item titration, a multi-group measurement invariance comparison strategy, using two external indicators: alcohol-related problems and depression, resulted a final eight-item list that met fit quality in a baseline model, presented excellent internal consistency reliability (α = 0.929), and significantly correlated with anxiety and low quality of life. Items in the final list related predominantly to negative consequences of MC use. Problematic use of MC is characterized by negative physiological, social, emotional and functional consequences. The final eight-item list was named the Medicinal Cannabis Negative Consequences Scale (MCNCS), emerging as a brief measure for problematic MC use and demonstrating preliminary reliability and validity, which could aid clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Or Gliksberg
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Silviu Brill
- Pain Institute, Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ben H Amit
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Shaul Lev-Ran
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israel Center on Addiction, Netanya, Israel; Lev Hasharon Medical Center, Netanya, Israel.
| | - Talma Kushnir
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel; Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Israel.
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Conn BM, Brammer WA, Choi S, Fedorova EV, Ataiants J, Lankenau SE, Wong CF. Mental and Physical Health-Related Cannabis Motives Mediate the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Problematic Cannabis Use over Time among Emerging Adult Cannabis Users. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:193-207. [PMID: 37822106 PMCID: PMC10842029 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While growing evidence has identified mental and physical health-related cannabis use motives as significant mechanisms between childhood trauma and problematic cannabis use (PCU) for emerging adults (EA), there is a need to understand the longitudinal stability of these pathways and how they impact PCU as cannabis users age into later adulthood. METHODS The current study extends an analysis examining the impact of childhood trauma (e.g., emotional abuse, sexual abuse) on multiple indicators of PCU through a range of cannabis use motives. 339 medical cannabis patient and non-patient EA users from the Los Angeles area were sampled at baseline (mean age = 21.23; SD = 2.48). The present analysis used four waves of follow-up data collected from 2016 to 2018 (W3, W4) and 2019-2020 (W5, W6). RESULTS Use of cannabis to cope with nausea, sleep, pain, and emotional distress mediated the relationships between some types of childhood abuse and PCU at W4, though most associations attenuated by later adulthood (W6). Specifically, greater emotional distress and nausea motives were associated with greater PCU in models of emotional abuse and neglect and sexual abuse, with emotional distress continuing to mediate at W6. Conversely, sleep and pain motives were associated with lower PCU in models for emotional neglect. CONCLUSIONS Mental and physical health-related motives reflect potential intervenable factors that predict PCU in emerging adulthood among EA cannabis users with histories of childhood trauma. Results highlight the importance of and value for assessing a wide range of motives and PCU outcomes to target and address areas for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgid M Conn
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Whitney A Brammer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Susie Choi
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ekaterina V Fedorova
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Janna Ataiants
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen E Lankenau
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carolyn F Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Gliksberg O, Kushnir T, Sznitman SR, Lev-Ran S, Brill S, Amit BH, Feingold D. Negative experiences of patients using medicinal cannabis: A systematic review of qualitative studies. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:5607-5618. [PMID: 36807590 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES In this study, we systematically reviewed qualitative studies concerning patients' experience with medicinal cannabis (MC) use, to gain insight into the negative effects of MC. BACKGROUND Over the past decades, the use of MC for therapeutic purposes has increased. However, there is conflicting and insufficient data on possible negative physiological and psychological effects of MC treatment. DESIGN A systematic review was conducted and the PRISMA guidelines were adopted. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist used to assess risk of bias in the included studies. METHODS We included studies focusing on conventional medical treatment using cannabis-based products, approved by a physician for a particular health issue. RESULTS Of the 1230 articles identified in the initial search, eight articles were included in the review. Following the compilation of themes in the eligible studies, six themes were identified: (1) MC approval; (2) administrative barriers; (3) social perception; (4) MC misuse/widespread effect; (5) adverse effects; and (6) dependence or addiction. These were grouped into two meta-themes: (1) administrative and social aspects of MC use; and (2) experiences of the effects of medicinal cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings call for specific attention to unique consequences associated with MC use. Further research is needed in order to assess the degree to which negative experiences associated with MC use may affect various aspects of patients' medical condition. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Describing the complex experience of MC treatment and its spectrum of consequences for patients may enable physicians, therapists and researchers to provide more attentive and accurate MC treatment to their patients. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION In this review, patients' narratives were explored, yet the research methods did not directly involve patients or the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Or Gliksberg
- Doctoral Program, Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Talma Kushnir
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Shaul Lev-Ran
- Israel Center on Addiction, Netanya, Israel
- Lev Hasharon Medical Center, Netanya, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Silviu Brill
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben H Amit
- Cannabis Clinic, Reuth Rehabilitation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Myers MG, Ganoczy D, Walters HM, Pfeiffer PN, Ilgen MA, Bohnert KM. Assessing the diagnostic utility of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R) among veterans with medical and non-medical cannabis use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 247:109876. [PMID: 37130467 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies examine the utility of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R) in relation to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). This study assesses the performance of the CUDIT-R among a sample of Veterans with and without medical cannabis use. METHODS We approached and consented primary care patients presenting to one of three Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. Veterans with at least monthly cannabis use and complete CUD data at baseline were included in this analysis (n=234). CUDIT-R scores were compared against Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5 (DSM-5) CUD as the standard to calculate measures of validity (sensitivity, specificity), identify optimal CUDIT-R cutoff values, and assess the diagnostic proficiency of the CUDIT-R using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We further stratified analyses by active medical cannabis card holder status and DSM-5 CUD severity (any, moderate, and severe). RESULTS Among the entire sample, 38.9% qualified for any DSM-5 CUD, with 10.7% and 3.0% meeting criteria for moderate and severe CUD, respectively. We identified optimal CUDIT-R scores at 10 for any DSM-5 CUD (sensitivity=0.58; specificity=0.80), at 12 for moderate CUD (sensitivity=0.72; specificity=0.82), and at 14 for severe CUD (sensitivity=0.71; specificity=0.87). ROC curves showed higher CUDIT-R validity among non-card holders compared with medical cannabis card holders. CONCLUSION The present study identified optimal CUDIT-R cutoff scores for Veterans who use cannabis. Varying DSM-5 validity measures inform the need for population-specific CUDIT-R cutoff values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Myers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Heather M Walters
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Paul N Pfeiffer
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Mark A Ilgen
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States.
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Rivera-Aguirre A, Castillo-Carniglia A, Laqueur HS, Rudolph KE, Martins SS, Ramírez J, Queirolo R, Cerdá M. Does recreational cannabis legalization change cannabis use patterns? Evidence from secondary school students in Uruguay. Addiction 2022; 117:2866-2877. [PMID: 35491741 DOI: 10.1111/add.15913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalize and regulate the production and distribution of cannabis for recreational use. We measured whether Uruguay's non-commercial model of recreational cannabis legalization was associated with changes in the prevalence of risky and frequent cannabis use among secondary school students. DESIGN We used data from repeated cross-sectional surveys of secondary students in Uruguay and Chile (2007-2018). Using a difference-in-difference approach, we evaluated changes in the prevalence of past-year, past-month, any risky and frequent cannabis use following enactment (2014) and implementation (2016) of cannabis legalization among the full sample of secondary students and among students who reported past-year/month use. We examined changes separately for students ages 12 to 17, and students for whom cannabis became legally accessible, ages 18 to 21. SETTING Uruguay and Chile (2007-2018). PARTICIPANTS Secondary school students in 8th, 10th and 12th grade (n = 204 730). MEASUREMENTS Past-year and past-month cannabis use; any risky cannabis use measured with the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST); and frequent cannabis use (10+ days in the past-month). FINDINGS We found a decrease in past-year and past-month use following enactment or implementation. Among students ages 18 to 21, post-enactment, we observed a transitory increase in 2014 that decreased thereafter for: any risky use among those who reported past-year use (prevalence difference [PD] = 13.5%; 95% CI: 2.0, 24.9), frequent use in the full sample (PD = 4.5%; 95% CI: 1.0, 8.1), and frequent use among those who reported past-month use (PD = 16.8%; 95% CI: 1.9, 31.8). CONCLUSION The legalization of recreational cannabis in Uruguay was not associated with overall increases in either past-year/past-month cannabis use or with multi-year changes in any risky and frequent cannabis use among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Rivera-Aguirre
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.,Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alvaro Castillo-Carniglia
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.,Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile.,Society and Health Research Center and School of Public Health, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hannah S Laqueur
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, USA
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Silva S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Ramírez
- National Drug Observatory of Uruguay, National Drug Board, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosario Queirolo
- Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Social Sciences, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Brammer WA, Conn BM, Iverson E, Lankenau SE, Dodson C, Wong CF. Coping Motives Mediate the Association of Trauma History with Problematic Cannabis Use in Young Adult Medical Cannabis Patients and Non-Patient Cannabis Users. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:684-697. [PMID: 35193442 PMCID: PMC11148629 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2026970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite evidence of the contribution of childhood trauma to the development of problematic cannabis use, its mediating pathways are largely unknown. Given the link between cannabis motives with trauma and problematic cannabis use, motives of use may represent a construct through which trauma impacts problematic cannabis use. Methods: A sample of 339 medical cannabis patient and non-patient young adult users from the Los Angeles area were sampled at baseline and one year later. The current study examined the impact of childhood trauma on problematic use through a variety of cannabis use motives. Results: Controlling for age, socioeconomic status, perceived stress, and baseline problematic use, endorsing the use of cannabis to cope with distress at baseline uniquely mediated the associations between different childhood trauma types (e.g., physical abuse, neglect, sexual trauma) and problematic use one year later. Experience of any childhood trauma was positively associated with coping motives, whereas emotional and physical abuse were positively associated with pain motives, and sexual abuse was positively associated with sleep motives. Using cannabis for coping and increasing attention/focus were also positively associated with higher problematic use, whereas using cannabis for sleep was inversely associated with problematic use one year later. Conclusions: The motives of coping with distress and inattention may represent intermediate constructs through which trauma leads to later problematic cannabis use. Results highlight the need to clarify the pathways between health and non-health-oriented motives and cannabis use over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Brammer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bridgid M Conn
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ellen Iverson
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephen E Lankenau
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chaka Dodson
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carolyn F Wong
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, & Families, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Eaves ER, Camplain RL, Lininger MR, Trotter RT. Adverse Childhood Experiences in relation to drug and alcohol use in the 30 days prior to incarceration in a county jail. Int J Prison Health 2021; 17:142-155. [PMID: 34745314 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-06-2020-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use among people incarcerated in a county jail. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was administered to 199 individuals incarcerated in a Southwest county jail as part of a social-epidemiological exploration of converging co-morbidities in incarcerated populations. Among 96 participants with complete ACEs data, the authors determined associations between individual ACEs items and a summative score with methamphetamine (meth), heroin, other opiates, and cocaine use and binge drinking in the 30 days prior to incarceration using logistic regression. Findings People who self-reported use of methamphetamine, heroin, other opiates, or cocaine in the 30 days prior to incarceration had higher average ACEs scores. Methamphetamine use was significantly associated with living with anyone who served time in a correctional facility and with someone trying to make them touch sexually. Opiate use was significantly associated with living with anyone who was depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal; living with anyone who used illegal street drugs or misused prescription medications; and if an adult touched them sexually. Binge drinking was significantly associated with having lived with someone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic. Originality Significant associations between methamphetamine use and opiate use and specific adverse childhood experiences suggest important entry points for improving jail and community programming. Social Implications Our findings point to a need for research to understand differences between methamphetamine use and opiate use in relation to particular adverse experiences during childhood, and a need for tailored intervention for people incarcerated in jail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery R Eaves
- Department of Anthropology, Northern Arizona University
| | - Ricky L Camplain
- Department of Health Sciences and Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University
| | - Monica R Lininger
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Northern Arizona University
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Moore JR, DiNitto DM, Choi NG. Associations of cannabis use frequency and cannabis use disorder with receiving a substance use screen and healthcare professional discussion of substance use. Am J Addict 2021; 30:485-495. [PMID: 34143567 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) can reduce substance use, but receipt of these services by those who use cannabis frequently and have cannabis use disorder (CUD) remains unexplored. We examined cannabis use frequency and CUD's associations with the odds of receiving a substance use screening and a healthcare professional discussion among those who used healthcare services. METHODS Data came from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 214,505 aged 18+). Among adults who used cannabis and attended healthcare settings in the past year (N = 36,374), multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations of cannabis use frequency and CUD with receiving a substance use screen and substance use discussion by a healthcare professional. RESULTS Cannabis use frequency was associated with higher odds of receiving a screen (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-1.41 for 300+ days of use) and a discussion among those screened (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.60-2.09 for 300+ days of use). CUD was not associated with receiving a screen, but it was positively associated with receiving a discussion among those screened (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08-1.39). Nonmedical users were less likely to have a discussion among those screened and not screened. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate disparities in screening and discussion of substance use with patients, especially between medical and nonmedical users. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Study findings provide novel insight into differences in the reach of SBIRT services among adult cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Moore
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Diana M DiNitto
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Namkee G Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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PARK JUNYEONG, ROUHANI SABA, BELETSKY LEO, VINCENT LOUISE, SALONER BRENDAN, SHERMAN SUSANG. Situating the Continuum of Overdose Risk in the Social Determinants of Health: A New Conceptual Framework. Milbank Q 2020; 98:700-746. [PMID: 32808709 PMCID: PMC7482387 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points This article reconceptualizes our understanding of the opioid epidemic and proposes six strategies that address the epidemic's social roots. In order to successfully reduce drug-related mortality over the long term, policymakers and public health leaders should develop partnerships with people who use drugs, incorporate harm reduction interventions, and reverse decades of drug criminalization policies. CONTEXT Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Synthetic opioids, predominantly illicit fentanyl and its analogs, surpassed prescription opioids and heroin in associated mortality rates in 2016. Unfortunately, interventions fail to fully address the current wave of the opioid epidemic and often omit the voices of people with lived experiences regarding drug use. Every overdose death is a culmination of a long series of policy failures and lost opportunities for harm reduction. METHODS In this article, we conducted a scoping review of the opioid literature to propose a novel framework designed to foreground social determinants more directly into our understanding of this national emergency. The "continuum of overdose risk" framework is our synthesis of the global evidence base and is grounded in contemporary theories, models, and policies that have been successfully applied both domestically and internationally. FINDINGS De-escalating overdose risk in the long term will require scaling up innovative and comprehensive solutions that have been designed through partnerships with people who use drugs and are rooted in harm reduction. CONCLUSIONS Without recognizing the full drug-use continuum and the role of social determinants, the current responses to drug overdose will continue to aggravate the problem they are trying to solve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - LEO BELETSKY
- School of Law and Bouvé College of Health SciencesNortheastern University
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10
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Hansen TM, Sabourin BC, Oketola B, Bernstein CN, Singh H, Targownik LE. Cannabis Use in Persons With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vulnerability to Substance Misuse. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:1401-1406. [PMID: 31725152 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether cannabis users self-medicating their inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms are more likely to have comorbid mental health or personality risk factors associated with an increased potential for substance misuse compared with recreational cannabis users. METHODS We surveyed individuals with IBD about their cannabis use, their mental health symptoms, and personality risk factors associated with substance misuse. We compared risk factors for substance misuse between individuals using cannabis to manage IBD symptoms and those using cannabis recreationally. RESULTS Of 201 persons with IBD who completed the questionnaire, 108 reported lifetime cannabis use. Of those, a larger proportion of Crohn's disease patients used cannabis to manage IBD symptoms (53% [34/64] vs 28% [12/43]; P = 0.010). Individuals self-medicating with cannabis were more likely to use cannabis for coping reasons (P = 0.016) and demonstrated higher levels of impulsivity (P = 0.004) and depressive symptoms (P = 0.012) when compared with individuals using cannabis recreationally. Logistic regression revealed that cannabis was 4.1 times (P = 0.05) and 3.7 times (P = 0.05) more likely to be used for IBD symptoms by smokers and individuals with moderate-severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Individuals high in impulsivity were 4.1 times more likely to use cannabis for their IBD symptoms than those low in impulsivity (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Persons with IBD self-medicating with cannabis have characteristics associated with increased vulnerability to substance misuse when compared with those using cannabis recreationally. Screening for mental health comorbidities and vulnerability to substance misuse should be undertaken if cannabis is to be used to treat IBD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawnya M Hansen
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brigitte C Sabourin
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Banke Oketola
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Harminder Singh
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Laura E Targownik
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Guttmannova K, Jones AA, Johnson JK, Oesterle S, Johnson RM, Martins SS. Using Existing Data to Advance Knowledge About Adolescent and Emerging Adult Marijuana Use in the Context of Changes in Marijuana Policies. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 20:291-299. [PMID: 30719616 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-019-00991-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Guttmannova
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Julie K Johnson
- Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, Massachusetts Department of Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Oesterle
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Renee M Johnson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dept. of Mental Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Dept. of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Olla P, Ishraque MT, Bartol S. Evaluation of Breath and Plasma Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentration Trends Postcannabis Exposure in Medical Cannabis Patients. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2020; 5:99-104. [PMID: 32322681 DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The legalization of cannabis in Canada brings novel challenges across various fronts, such as policy development, law enforcement, and public health and safety. It is imperative to improve our understanding of the mechanisms and trends surrounding cannabis use to develop efficacious methods of tackling these challenges. Materials and Methods: Patients' breath collection was achieved using the ExaBreath device from SensAbues. THC measurements in plasma and breath samples were processed and analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Discussion: We conducted a pragmatic clinical trial on 23 medical cannabis patients, wherein we collected breath and plasma samples intermittently for 4 hours after cannabis consumption. The research participants consumed between 1 and 2 g of cannabis by either vaping, cannabis cigarette, or concentrated wax (dabs) for 10 min. We used standardized laboratory analytical techniques using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to analyze both the breath and plasma sample. To analyze the data and find patterns, we developed models using artificial neural network analysis. Conclusion: Our findings show that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) breath concentrations peaked in 0.5 hours and reached baseline levels after 2 hours in all the patients. We found an inverse correlation between individuals' body mass index and their peak breath concentrations, and an inverse relationship between age and peak breath concentrations. Male participants had higher peak breath and plasma concentrations than female participants. Our research provides new insight into the correlations between breath and plasma THC concentrations in medical cannabis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Olla
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Mohd Tazim Ishraque
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Stephen Bartol
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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Examining links between cannabis potency and mental and physical health outcomes. Behav Res Ther 2019; 115:111-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Salazar CA, Tomko RL, Akbar SA, Squeglia LM, McClure EA. Medical Cannabis Use among Adults in the Southeastern United States. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2019; 2:53-65. [PMID: 30815638 PMCID: PMC6388700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the self-reported reasons for medical cannabis use within the southeastern United States and compare recreational and medical cannabis users. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional survey administered in 2017 through Amazon's Mechanical Turk and enrolled 432 adult, regular cannabis users. Measures included demographics, cannabis use characteristics, and medical reasons for cannabis use. RESULTS Under half (47%) of respondents endorsed using cannabis for both medical and recreational reasons and 12% reported medical use only. The most commonly cited reasons for medical cannabis use were psychiatric and 60 unique medical conditions were listed. Recreational and medical users were similar on several measures of current use, but did vary in their use history, methods of use, and product knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Despite state laws and conclusive scientific evidence to support medical cannabis use for certain conditions, cannabis is still used frequently for a range of medical issues. POLICY IMPLICATIONS These data may assist healthcare providers in better understanding medical cannabis use in states with tightened restrictions and tailoring information to medical cannabis users about their specific conditions and prioritizing therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A. Salazar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Rachel L. Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Saima A. Akbar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Lindsay M. Squeglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Erin A. McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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