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Brik M, Sandonis M, Cabeza Oliver C, Temprado J, Hernández Fleury A, Sánchez Echevarria E, Carreras E. Predictors for cannabis cessation during pregnancy: a 10-year cohort study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 45:2319290. [PMID: 38401055 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2024.2319290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine factors associated with cannabis discontinuation, to assess the impact of mental health and addiction interventions on cannabis discontinuation during pregnancy and to investigate the neonatal impact of cannabis discontinuation. This is a 10-year cohort study in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain, including women with self-reported cannabis use during pregnancy. Main outcome was cannabis discontinuation based on biological sample testing. Secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, preterm birth, birth weight and bottle-feeding. When cannabis use was detected during pregnancy, 32 out of 81 (38.3%) discontinued cannabis during pregnancy vs. four out of 61 (6.6%) when detected at birth (p < .001). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that null parity (OR: 6.95, p = .011), detection of cannabis use during pregnancy (OR: 5.35, p = .018) and early detection and referral to mental health care for counseling on cannabis cessation and interventions on the first trimester (OR: 25.46, p < .001) increased cannabis discontinuation. Risk for preterm birth <37 weeks (11.4% vs. 30.8%) and NICU admission (25.7% vs. 54.2%) were lower when discontinuation. Early detection of cannabis use during pregnancy, cessation counseling with mental health interventions, and null parity are predictors for cannabis discontinuation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Brik
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Sandonis
- Mental Health Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Cabeza Oliver
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Temprado
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alina Hernández Fleury
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez Echevarria
- Department of Social Work Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Carreras
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Dawes C, McGreal SJ, Marwaha S, Prados J, Reheis A, Dumitrescu A, Waddington JL, Moran PM, O'Tuathaigh C. Overshadowing and salience attribution in relation to cannabis use. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 37:100315. [PMID: 38764742 PMCID: PMC11101976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2024.100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant attentional salience has been implicated in the cannabis-psychosis association. Here, history and frequency of cannabis use were examined against changes in overshadowing (OS), a cue competition paradigm that involves salience processing. Additionally, we examined the association between OS and alternative measures of aberrant salience, as well as schizotypy, in a non-clinical adult sample. 280 participants completed an online geometry learning-based OS task, while a subset (N = 149) also completed the Salience Attribution Task (SAT) measure of aberrant salience. All completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), and the modified Cannabis Experience Questionnaire (CEQmv). Differences across OS and SAT performance stages and between cannabis use groups were assessed using mixed ANOVAs. Multiple regression and correlational analyses assessed the relationships between OS and SAT task metrics and SPQ and ASI subscale scores. Current cannabis users had significantly lower OS scores during the testing phase relative to those who do not use cannabis, at medium effect sizes. Schizotypy or ASI scores did not mediate this relationship. In the SAT, current cannabis users presented significantly higher implicit aberrant salience relative to non-users. Scores in the first training phase of the OS task significantly predicted higher explicit aberrant and adaptive salience scores in the SAT. These data indicate an association between regular cannabis use and abnormalities in cue competition effects in a healthy adult sample. Comparisons of OS and SAT cast new light on putative overlapping mechanisms underlying performance across different measures of salience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jose Prados
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Antoine Reheis
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Alin Dumitrescu
- St. Stephen's Psychiatric Hospital, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, Cork, Ireland
| | - John L. Waddington
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paula M. Moran
- School of Psychology, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Colm O'Tuathaigh
- Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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3
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Manthey J. Treatment demand for cannabis use problems: analyses of routine data from 30 European countries. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01840-w. [PMID: 38867084 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis use and treatment demand has risen in the past decade. Previous analyses of treatment demand are limited by methodological constraints or are outdated. Cross-country differences and trends in cannabis treatment demand are described using data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Two novel indicators are employed: firstly, the cannabis-attributable treatment fraction (CATF) is obtained by dividing the number of treatment entrants for cannabis use problems by the number of treatment entrants for any substance use problem, accounting for possible changes in the reporting system. Secondly, comparing the number of treatment entrants for cannabis use problems to the number of people who use cannabis (near) daily yields the treated-user-ratio (TUR), which considers a proxy for treatment need (frequent use). Across 30 countries with available data, the importance of cannabis in European treatment facilities varies greatly (CATF: min = 3%; max = 65%), with lower estimates in Eastern European countries. Across 20 countries with complete data, the CATF has risen from 29.4% in 2013 to 37.1% in 2020. The TUR calculated on 26 countries suggests that about 3 in 100 frequent users have sought treatment for their cannabis use problems. Over time, treatment demand has increased at a slower pace than treatment need in most countries. One in three treatment entrants for substance use problems in Europe are due to cannabis, with large variations between countries. There are indications for a widening treatment gap for cannabis use problems. In countries liberalising cannabis laws, monitoring changes in treatment access and demand is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Manthey
- Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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4
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Vallée A. Heavy Lifetime Cannabis Use and Mortality by Sex. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415227. [PMID: 38842807 PMCID: PMC11157356 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The association between mortality and cannabis use remains unclear. Objective To examine sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in the UK Biobank population. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from volunteers in the UK Biobank population. Participant monitoring for mortality in the UK Biobank study commenced from the point of their inclusion between 2006 and 2010 and continued until December 19, 2020. Data regarding the causes of death were sourced from the National Health Service Information Centre. Data were analyzed from inception of study inclusion to December 2020. Exposure Cannabis use status was assessed by questionnaire and categorized as heavy, moderate, low, and never. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for demographic and clinical variables. Results Among 121 895 participants (54.51% females with mean [SD] age of 55.15 [7.64] years; 45.49% males with mean [SD] age of 56.46 [7.79] years) during an overall median of 11.80 years (IQR, 10.53-13.22 years) of follow-up, 2375 total deaths occurred, including 1411 deaths from CVD and 440 from cancer. In males, after full adjustment, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.28 (95% CI, 0.90-1.81) for all-cause mortality, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.43-2.25) for CVD mortality, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.71-1.67) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In females, after full adjustment, the HRs were 1.49 (95% CI, 0.92-2.40) for all-cause mortality, 2.67 (95% CI, 1.19-4.32) for CVD mortality, and 1.61 (95% CI, 0.91-2.83) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In female current tobacco users, after full adjustment, heavy cannabis use was associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.12-4.53), CVD mortality (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.43-15.36), and cancer mortality (HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.50-8.33) and among never tobacco users was associated with CVD mortality (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.67-6.61). In male current tobacco users, heavy cannabis use was associated with cancer mortality (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14-5.23). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, a positive association between CVD mortality and heavy lifetime cannabis use was observed among females. Longitudinal studies are needed in general populations to investigate the potential effects of cannabis on mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
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5
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Freeman TP, Beeching E, Craft S, Di Forti M, Frison G, Lindholst C, Oomen PE, Potter D, Rigter S, Rømer Thomsen K, Zamengo L, Cunningham A, Groshkova T, Sedefov R. Applying machine learning to international drug monitoring: classifying cannabis resin collected in Europe using cannabinoid concentrations. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01816-w. [PMID: 38771330 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
In Europe, concentrations of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis resin (also known as hash) have risen markedly in the past decade, potentially increasing risks of mental health disorders. Current approaches to international drug monitoring cannot distinguish between different types of cannabis resin which may have contrasting health effects due to THC and cannabidiol (CBD) content. Here, we compared concentrations of THC and CBD in different types of cannabis resin collected in Europe (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type). We then tested the ability of machine learning algorithms to classify the type of cannabis resin (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type) using routinely collected monitoring data on THC and CBD. Finally, we applied the optimal algorithm to new samples collected in countries where the type of cannabis resin was unknown, the UK and Denmark. Results showed that overall, Dutch-type samples had higher THC (Hedges' g = 2.39) and lower CBD (Hedges' g = 0.81) than Moroccan-type samples. A Support Vector Machine algorithm achieved classification accuracy exceeding 95%, with little variation in this estimate, good interpretability, and plausibility. It made contrasting predictions about the type of cannabis resin collected in the UK (94% Moroccan-type; 6% Dutch-type) and Denmark (36% Moroccan-type; 64% Dutch-type). In conclusion, we provide proof-of-concept evidence for the potential of machine learning to inform international drug monitoring. Our findings should not be interpreted as objective confirmatory evidence but suggest that Dutch-type cannabis resin has higher THC concentrations than Moroccan-type cannabis resin, which may contribute to variation in drug markets and health outcomes for people who use cannabis in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom P Freeman
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | | | - Sam Craft
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Department of Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis, South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Giampietro Frison
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Christian Lindholst
- Section for Toxicology and Drug Analysis, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pieter E Oomen
- Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Sander Rigter
- Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kristine Rømer Thomsen
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luca Zamengo
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Andrew Cunningham
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teodora Groshkova
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roumen Sedefov
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
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Murta JCD, Easpaig BNG, Hazell-Raine K, Byrne MK, Lertwatthanawilat W, Kritkitrat P, Bressington D. Recreational cannabis policy reform-What mental health nurses need to know about minimising harm and contributing to the reform debate. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2024; 31:270-282. [PMID: 37767750 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The recently rapidly evolving legal status of recreational cannabis in various countries has triggered international debate, particularly around measures required to minimise resulting harms. The present article argues that mental health nurses should have a key role in promoting safe and appropriate use of recreational cannabis, and minimising harm based on the extant evidence. The article summarises the factors driving legalisation, outlines the evident medicinal benefits of cannabis, and appraises the evidence on the negative mental health impacts associated with use. We go on to discuss research findings on the potentially deleterious mental health effects resulting from legalising recreational cannabis and strategies to minimise these harms, including directions for future research and evaluation. Further, we consider the importance of the implementation of harm minimisation measures that are context-specific, using Thailand as an example. Finally, we present the key health promotion messages that mental health nurses should aim to convey to people who use or consider using recreational cannabis. Ultimately, we aim to provide a summary of the existing evidence that mental health nurses can draw upon to promote mental health and engage with the policy reform debate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen Hazell-Raine
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell K Byrne
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | - Daniel Bressington
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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7
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Jiménez JH, Oña G, Alcázar-Córcoles MÁ, Bouso JC. Cannabis and Public Health: A Study Assessing Regular Cannabis Users Through Health Indicators. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:659-668. [PMID: 36637397 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0231] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: An increasing number of countries are deciding to regulate the medicinal and/or recreational use of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). However, there is a lack of information on the impact of regular consumption of this substance on public health. In this study, for the first time, regular cannabis consumers in Spain were assessed using health indicators, comparing these data with the general population. Methods: Various items of the Enquesta de Salut de Catalunya (ESCA) and other items related to cannabis use were selected to build a survey and administer it to a representative sample of regular cannabis users in Catalonia. Results: Most of the indicators did not show any deterioration in the health of regular cannabis users compared with the general population. It was observed that users suffered from more sleep problems and about 40% of the sample would like to discontinue cannabis use, suggesting a dependence pattern. About 30% of the sample was able to discontinue the use of prescription medications because of cannabis. Social support and sleep problems, and not cannabis use, were predictors of depression and well-being scores. Conclusions: It seems that regular cannabis use, despite contributing to problems related to sleep quality or dependence, does not have a negative impact on public health in a manner detectable using health indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Hidalgo Jiménez
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, España
| | - Genís Oña
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, España
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, España
| | - Miguel Ángel Alcázar-Córcoles
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, España
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, España
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8
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Manthey J, Klinger S, Rosenkranz M, Schwarzkopf L. Cannabis use, health problems, and criminal offences in Germany: national and state-level trends between 2009 and 2021. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01778-z. [PMID: 38502205 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The German federal government plans to decriminalise cannabis. The impact of this policy on use prevalence, cannabis-related health and legal problems cannot be fully anticipated and should be viewed in context with current trends. We used routine data on (a) cannabis use (population-based surveys), (b) cannabis-related diagnoses (ICD-10 code F12) in outpatient medical settings and (c) minor law offences (registered violations against the narcotics law for possessing small amounts) to analyse age and sex-specific trends by federal state between 2009 and 2021. To enable comparisons across time and federal state besides crude prevalence rates, age-standardised rates were calculated. Between 2009 and 2021, the age-standardised prevalence of cannabis use (5.7-10.6%), rate of diagnoses (1.1-3.7 per 1,000), and legal offences (1.8-3.1 per 1,000) increased, with the largest increase noted for cannabis-related diagnoses. Relatively, increases were most pronounced for older users (40-to-59-year-olds: use and offences; 35-to-44-year-olds: cannabis-related diagnoses) and rather stagnant for minors. Cannabis use and health problems appear to be more pronounced in Northern and city states, while no clear geographic trend was observed for law offences. Cannabis-related outpatient treatment demand has risen more steeply than use prevalence suggesting an increasing challenge for the health care system. Despite rising rates for documented offences, the long-term implications of law violations on social and occupational life are poorly understood but may be considered for evaluations of the proposed law changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Manthey
- Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Lokstedter Weg 24, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Sinja Klinger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Lokstedter Weg 24, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Rosenkranz
- Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Lokstedter Weg 24, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Schwarzkopf
- IFT Institut Für Therapieforschung, Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstrasse 175, 80804, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
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9
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Hall W, Manthey J, Stjepanović D. Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders and their treatment in the Europe. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01776-1. [PMID: 38489067 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
This paper introduces the special issue on cannabis use in Europe. It describes data on the prevalence of cannabis use in Europe and the more limited data on the prevalence of cannabis use disorders, one of the most common forms of drug problem treated in many countries in Europe. It summarises what research has indicated about the adverse effects of acute and chronic cannabis use and discusses potential health system responses that may reduce some of these harms. These include public education about the risks of cannabis use; screening and brief interventions in primary medical settings; and specialist treatment for cannabis use disorders. It briefly indicates the special issues that may need to be addressed in dealing with the high rates of comorbidity between cannabis use disorders, other types of drug use disorders, and common mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Hall
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Stjepanović
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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10
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Cousijn J, Kuhns L, Filbey F, Freeman TP, Kroon E. Cannabis research in context: The case for measuring and embracing regional similarities and differences. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38454627 DOI: 10.1111/add.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Janna Cousijn
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lauren Kuhns
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Emese Kroon
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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11
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Pirnia B, Soleimani A, Farhoudian A, Zahiroddin A. The contribution of childhood maltreatment to the incidence of heavy cannabis use in Iran (IRNS-CCI): A multicenter, matched-pairs, nested, case-control study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106632. [PMID: 38368781 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown the role of the interaction between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and life's adversities in the formation of addiction, including alcohol abuse. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to identify childhood maltreatment (CM) patterns with the strongest impact on the probability of heavy cannabis use (THCCOOH concentrations ≥150 ng/mL) in Iran. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Using survivor sampling, 350 adult participants were selected, and they were then allocated to three categories based on an optimal algorithm: 1) Sexual abuse, 2) Physical abuse, and 3) Physical neglect. METHODS From 1 September 2019 to 1 May 2023, we implemented a multicenter, matched-pairs, nested, case-control study based on the wave 3-wave 6 data of a longitudinal, multicenter, cohort study. The cases and controls (n = 350 men) were defined according to the severity of CM. The THC potency was evaluated with the delta-9 carboxy tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) levels in urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). We calculated the population attributable fractions (PAFs) to identify the patterns of maltreatment associated with the highest odds of high-potency cannabis use. RESULTS Accumulating CM, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, and physical neglect, carried more than three times the risk of heavy cannabis use (OR 3.4 95 % CI 2.9-4.1), and the combination of the three indicators of maltreatment and a high BMI (25-29.9) carried more than four times the risk of heavy cannabis use (OR 4.7 95 % CI 2.7-4.1) compared to the controls. We estimated that in the case of zero CM for each of the three indicators, over 20 % of new cases of heavy cannabis use can be prevented. CONCLUSIONS The findings show the significance of CM as a predicator of heavy cannabis use in adulthood and in the abstinence phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Pirnia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Soleimani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Farhoudian
- Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zahiroddin
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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González-Roz A, Belisario K, Secades-Villa R, Muñiz J, MacKillop J. Behavioral economic analysis of legal and illegal cannabis demand in Spanish young adults with hazardous and non-hazardous cannabis use. Addict Behav 2024; 149:107878. [PMID: 37924581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107878] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2021, a legal framework that regulates cannabis for recreational purposes in Spain was proposed, but research on its potential impacts on cannabis use is currently limited. This study examined the reliability and discriminant validity of two Marijuana Purchase Tasks (MPTs) for measuring hypothetical legal and illegal cannabis demand, and to examine differences in demand of both commodities in young adults at hazardous vs. non-hazardous cannabis use risk levels. METHODS A total of 171 Spanish young adults [Mage = 19.82 (SD = 1.81)] with past-month cannabis use participated in a cross-sectional study from September to November 2021. Two 27-item MPTs were used to estimate hypothetical demand for legal and illegal cannabis independently. The Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT-R) was used to assess hazardous cannabis use and test for discriminant validity of the MPTs. Reliability analyses were conducted using Classical Test Theory (Cronbach's alpha) and Item Response Theory (Item Information Functions). RESULTS The MPT was reliable for measuring legal (α = 0.94) and illegal (α = 0.90) cannabis demand. Breakpoint (price at which demand ceases), and Pmax (price associated with maximum expenditure) were the most sensitive indicators to discriminate participants with different levels of the cannabis reinforcing trait. No significant differences between legal and illegal cannabis demand in the whole sample were observed, but hazardous vs. non-hazardous users showed higher legal and illegal demand, and decreased Breakpoint and Pmax if cannabis were legal vs illegal. CONCLUSION The MPT exhibits robust psychometric validity and may be useful to inform on cannabis regulatory science in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba González-Roz
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33003, Spain.
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 0E3, Canada
| | - Roberto Secades-Villa
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33003, Spain
| | - José Muñiz
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Nebrija, Madrid 28015, Spain
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 0E3, Canada
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Olderbak S, Möckl J, Manthey J, Lee S, Rehm J, Hoch E, Kraus L. Trends and projection in the proportion of (heavy) cannabis use in Germany from 1995 to 2021. Addiction 2024; 119:311-321. [PMID: 37816631 DOI: 10.1111/add.16356] [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] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To measure the current trends of cannabis use in Germany, measure trends in the proportion of heavy cannabis users and estimate future cannabis use rates. DESIGN Repeated waves of the Epidemiological Survey on Substance Abuse, a cross-sectional survey conducted between 1995 and 2021 with a two-stage participant selection strategy where respondents completed a survey on substance use delivered through the post, over the telephone or on-line. SETTING Germany. PARTICIPANTS/CASES German-speaking participants aged between 18 and 59 years living in Germany who self-reported on their cannabis use in the past 12 months (n = 78 678). With the application of a weighting scheme, the data are nationally representative. MEASUREMENTS Questions on the frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months and self-reported changes in frequency of use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS The prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users increased from 4.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.7, 5.1] in 1995 to 10.0% (95% CI = 8.9, 11.3) in 2021. Modeling these trends revealed a significant increase that accelerated over the past decade. The proportion of heavy cannabis users [cannabis use (almost) daily or at least 200 times per year] among past-year users has remained steady from 1995 (11.4%, 95% CI = 7.7, 16.5) to 2018 (9.5%, 95% CI = 7.6, 11.9), but significantly increased to 15.7% (95% CI = 13.1, 18.8) in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extrapolating from these models, the prevalence of 12-month cannabis users in 2024 is expected to range between 10.4 and 15.0%, while the proportion of heavy cannabis users is unclear. CONCLUSIONS Trends from 1995 to 2021 suggest that the prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users in Germany will continue to increase, with expected rates between 10.4 and 15.0% for the German-speaking adult population, and that at least one in 10 cannabis users will continue to use cannabis heavily (almost daily or 200 + times in the past year).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin Möckl
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Lee
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Program on Substance Abuse and WHO CC, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Hoch
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kraus
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Munich, Germany
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Kotz D, Kastaun S, Manthey J, Hoch E, Klosterhalfen S. Cannabis Use in Germany. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 121:52-57. [PMID: 37967282 PMCID: PMC10979436 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The federal government of Germany is planning to liberalize the recreational cannabis market for adults. We aimed to collect key baseline data on frequency of use, routes of administration, and co-use of cannabis and inhaled nicotine or tobacco products in the population. METHODS Based on data from a national survey of 9644 people aged >14 years, we analyzed self-reported use of cannabis in the past 12 months and preferred route of administration (single choice: smoked with tobacco; smoked without tobacco; inhaled without tobacco; consumed with food; consumed in another form). RESULTS The prevalence of past-year cannabis use was 4.6% (95% CI [4,2; 5,1%]), with higher rates among 14-24- (11.4%) and 25-39-year-olds (8.2%) as well as among co-users of inhaled nicotine or tobacco products, particularly waterpipe users (27.0%). Smoking cannabis with or without tobacco was the preferred route of administration, reported by 92.4% (95% CI [89,6; 94,6%]). It was most frequently reported by 14-24-year-olds and by co-users of inhaled nicotine or tobacco products. CONCLUSION Smoking remains the predominant form of using cannabis-especially among younger users, who are at greatest risk of cannabis-related consequences. The true prevalence of cannabis use may have been underestimated in our study, however, as not all participants answered the questions on cannabis. Nevertheless, preventive and harm reduction efforts are needed to reduce the harm from using cannabis. Continuous monitoring is required to evaluate the effects of the forthcoming law changes in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kotz
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Addiction Research and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sabrina Kastaun
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Addiction Research and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Patient-Physician Communication Research Unit, Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig
| | - Eva Hoch
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Center for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Munich
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Treatment, Ludwig-Maximilans-Universität München, Munich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Cannabinoid Research Group, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich
| | - Stephanie Klosterhalfen
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Addiction Research and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
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15
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Ciesluk B, Erridge S, Sodergren MH, Troup LJ. Cannabis use in the UK: a quantitative comparison of individual differences in medical and recreational cannabis users. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1279123. [PMID: 38259543 PMCID: PMC10802163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1279123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of research, especially in the UK, that investigates individual differences in both medical and recreational cannabis users. A cross-sectional survey study design was used to assess recreational cannabis users and medical cannabis users currently living in the UK. Recreational cannabis users were invited to take part via social media. Medical cannabis users were recruited from Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK, which provides treatment with prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products. Demographic data and cannabis use frequency, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PCL-5), depression symptoms (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), trait and state anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and cannabis use motives [Comprehensive Marijuana Motives Questionnaire (CMMQ)] were collected. The Chi-square and independent-sample t-tests were used for the comparison of categorical variables and normally distributed continuous variables. Data were analyzed using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and t-tests. Statistical significance was considered where the value of p was <0.05. The survey was completed by 161 participants. Medical cannabis users were older, consumed cannabis more often, had a higher "Sleep" motive on the CMMQ, and had a higher prevalence in self-reporting current diagnoses of neurological problems, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders (p < 0.05). Recreational cannabis users had higher scores on several motives for use (e.g., "Enjoyment," "Coping," "Experimentation," "Boredom," and "Celebration") and higher state anxiety scores (p < 0.05). The most common motives for cannabis use in both groups were "Enjoyment," "Low Risk," and "Sleep." There were no differences between groups in gender, "Low-Risk" motive, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression scores, trait anxiety scores, self-reported prevalence of substance use-related disorders, and past consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine (p > 0.05). The current study not only demonstrates a difference in age and motivations for cannabis consumption between recreational and medical cannabis users but also shows areas of potential overlap, including mental health outcomes, past substance use, and gender. These UK-specific findings indicate that recreational cannabis users experience higher state anxiety, highlighting the need for further evaluation of potential anxiogenic/anxiolytic properties of cannabis. These findings demonstrate the importance of researching individual differences in cannabis users and hold significant implications for future research, clinical practice, and legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ciesluk
- Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Erridge
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
- Curaleaf International, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy J. Troup
- Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
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Sumodhee D, Walsh H, Brose L, McNeill A, McEwen A, Duaso MJ. Support Provided by Stop-Smoking Practitioners to Co-users of Tobacco and Cannabis: A Qualitative Study. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:23-30. [PMID: 37429576 PMCID: PMC10734383 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Co-use of tobacco and cannabis is highly prevalent among cannabis users and is associated with poorer tobacco cessation outcomes. This study explored the barriers and enablers influencing stop-smoking practitioners' ability to provide optimal support to co-users. AIMS AND METHODS Online semi-structured interviews were audio recorded. Interviewees (n = 20) were UK-based certified stop-smoking practitioners. An interview schedule informed by the "capability", "opportunity", "motivation" (COM-B) model was designed to explore participants' perceived barriers and enablers in better supporting co-users to achieve abstinence of both substances or tobacco harm reduction. The transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS Capability: Practitioners' lack of knowledge and skills undermines their delivery of smoking cessation interventions to co-users. Interestingly, when cannabis is used for medicinal reasons, practitioners feel unable to provide adequate support. Opportunity: Service recording systems play an important role in screening for co-use and supporting co-users. When responding to clients' specific needs and practitioners' uncertainties, a positive therapeutic relationship and a support network of peers and other healthcare professionals are needed. Motivation: supporting co-users is generally perceived as part of practitioners' roles but there are concerns that co-users are less likely to successfully stop smoking. CONCLUSIONS Practitioners are willing to support co-users, but their lack of knowledge and access to an appropriate recording system are barriers to doing so. Having a supportive team and a positive therapeutic relationship is perceived as important. Identified barriers can be mostly addressed with further training to improve tobacco cessation outcomes for co-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayyanah Sumodhee
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care (FNMPC), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Walsh
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care (FNMPC), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Leonie Brose
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ann McNeill
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Andy McEwen
- National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training, Dorchester, UK
| | - Maria J Duaso
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care (FNMPC), King’s College London, London, UK
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Hoff TA, Heller S, Reichel JL, Werner AM, Schäfer M, Tibubos AN, Simon P, Beutel ME, Letzel S, Rigotti T, Dietz P. Cigarette Smoking, Risky Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Smoking among University Students in Germany: Identification of Potential Sociodemographic and Study-Related Risk Groups and Predictors of Consumption. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3182. [PMID: 38132073 PMCID: PMC10742791 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking are the most common behaviors related to legal and illicit drug use worldwide, including among university students. To plan effective evidence-based programs to prevent the risky consumption of these substances among university students, the present study aimed to identify potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups and predictors of consumption. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online health survey with approximately 270 health-related items was conducted among students at the University of Mainz, Germany. Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score: female ≥ 4, male ≥ 5), and marijuana smoking were chosen as dependent variables. Of the 270 health-related items, 56 were chosen as independent variables and collated into five groups (sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior). The prevalence of cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking was assessed using established and validated instruments. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in prevalence between the sociodemographic and study-related groups, and binary logistic regression was used for analyses with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups. (3) Results: Of the 3991 university students who entered the analyses, 14.9% reported smoking cigarettes, 38.6% reported risky alcohol consumption, and 10.9% reported smoking marijuana. The prevalence of these differed between genders, fields of study, and aspired degree level, among other factors. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed nine significant predictors (p ≤ 0.05) of cigarette smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.314), 18 significant predictors of risky alcohol consumption (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.270), and 16 significant predictors of marijuana smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.239). (4) Conclusions: This study showed cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking among university students in Germany to be associated with multiple factors, especially health behaviors. Furthermore, each of the substances was highly associated with each of the two other substances we examined. Other variable groups, such as psychological or psychosocial variables, seemed to play a rather minor role. Therefore, our recommendation for future prevention programs is that substance use among university students should be addressed as a whole, not just in terms of specific substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo A. Hoff
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (T.A.H.); (S.H.); (J.L.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebastian Heller
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (T.A.H.); (S.H.); (J.L.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Jennifer L. Reichel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (T.A.H.); (S.H.); (J.L.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Antonia M. Werner
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.M.W.); (A.N.T.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Markus Schäfer
- Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Ana Nanette Tibubos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.M.W.); (A.N.T.); (M.E.B.)
- Nursing Science, Diagnostics in Healthcare and E-Health, Trier University, 54296 Trier, Germany
| | - Perikles Simon
- Department of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Manfred E. Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.M.W.); (A.N.T.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Stephan Letzel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (T.A.H.); (S.H.); (J.L.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Thomas Rigotti
- Department of Work, Organizational and Business Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany;
- Leibniz Institute of Resilience Research, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Pavel Dietz
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (T.A.H.); (S.H.); (J.L.R.); (S.L.)
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Touali R, Chappuy M, De Ternay J, Berger-Vergiat A, Haesebaert J, Tazarourte K, Michel P, Rolland B. Patterns and determinants of cannabis use in youth visiting an urban emergency department in France. J Addict Dis 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38048209 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2279474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use frequently starts during adolescence and young adulthood and can induce psychosocial and health consequences. Young people constitute hard-to-reach populations. Emergency departments could constitute a key care setting to identify cannabis use and its consequences among young people. OBJECTIVES To estimate the rate of cannabis use in the 16- to 25-year-old population visiting the emergency department for any reason and to assess the psychosocial factors associated with cannabis use. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study among young people who attended the emergency department, over 5-months. Data were sociodemographic characteristics, self-administered questionnaires for problematic substance use screening, and urine drug screening samples. They were classified in the cannabis use (CU) group if they had a positive urine screen or reported cannabis use in the previous month. Characteristics of individuals in the CU and non-CU groups were compared. RESULTS A total of 460 participants were included, of whom 105 were in the CU group. Cannabis users were more likely to be male (aOR = 1.85; [1.18-2.90]), to be unemployed (aOR = 1.77; [1.03-3.04]), to have a lower mental health status score (aOR = 0. 82; [0.75-0.90]), to report a history of sexual abuse (aOR = 2.99; [1.70-5.25]), and to have a positive AUDIT screen (aOR = 4.23; [2.61-6.86]). CONCLUSIONS The emergency department is a primary care setting for young people, which is conducive to screening for substance use. Cannabis users can be assessed and referred to adapt their treatment, given their lack of adherence to the traditional addictology care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rdah Touali
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France
| | - Mathieu Chappuy
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Lyon, France
- CSAPA, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Service Pharmaceutique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Julia De Ternay
- Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Berger-Vergiat
- Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Lyon, France
| | - Julie Haesebaert
- Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France
- Service recherche et épidémiologie cliniques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, pôle santé publique, Lyon, France
| | - Karim Tazarourte
- Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France
- Service d'Accueil des Urgences, Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Michel
- Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France
- Service Promotion, prévention et santé populationnelle, HCL, pôle de santé publique, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Lyon, France
- INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, CRNL, Université de Lyon, Bron, France
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Allaf S, Lim JS, Buckley NA, Cairns R. The impact of cannabis legalization and decriminalization on acute poisoning: A systematic review. Addiction 2023; 118:2252-2274. [PMID: 37496145 PMCID: PMC10952774 DOI: 10.1111/add.16280] [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] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many countries have recently legalized medicinal and recreational cannabis. With increasing use and access come the potential for harms. We aimed to examine the effect of cannabis legalization/decriminalization on acute poisoning. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022323437). We searched Embase, Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2022. No restrictions on language, age or geography were applied. Abstracts from three main clinical toxicology conferences were hand-searched. Included studies had to report on poisonings before and after changes in cannabis legislation, including legalization and decriminalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis. Where possible, relative risk (RR) of poisoning after legalization (versus before) was calculated and pooled. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I. RESULTS Of the 1065 articles retrieved, 30 met inclusion criteria (including 10 conference abstracts). Studies used data from the United States, Canada and Thailand. Studies examined legalization of medicinal cannabis (n = 14) and decriminalization or legalization of recreational cannabis (n = 21). Common data sources included poisons centre records (n = 18) and hospital presentations/admissions (n = 15, individual studies could report multiple intervention types and multiple data sources). Most studies (n = 19) investigated paediatric poisoning. Most (n = 24) reported an increase in poisonings; however, the magnitude varied greatly. Twenty studies were included in quantitative analysis, with RRs ranging from 0.81 to 29.00. Our pooled estimate indicated an increase in poisoning after legalization [RR = 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.43-5.20], which was greater in studies that focused on paediatric patients (RR = 4.31, 95% CI = 2.30-8.07). CONCLUSIONS Most studies on the effect of medicinal or recreational cannabis legalization/decriminalization on acute poisoning reported a rise in cannabis poisoning after legalization/decriminalization. Most evidence is from US legalization, despite legalization and decriminalization in many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Allaf
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Jessy S. Lim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Nicholas A. Buckley
- New South Wales Poisons Information CentreThe Children’s Hospital at WestmeadSydneyNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Biomedical Informatics and Digital HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Rose Cairns
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- New South Wales Poisons Information CentreThe Children’s Hospital at WestmeadSydneyNSWAustralia
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Green J, Lindqvist Bagge AS, Laporte N, Andiné P, Wallinius M, Hildebrand Karlén M. A latent class analysis of mental disorders, substance use, and aggressive antisocial behavior among Swedish forensic psychiatric patients. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152428. [PMID: 37778180 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in the forensic mental health services (FMHS) with a mental disorder, a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD), and high risk of aggressive antisocial behavior (AAB) are sometimes referred to as the 'triply troubled'. They suffer poor treatment outcomes, high rates of criminal recidivism, and increased risk of drug related mortality. To improve treatment for this heterogeneous patient group, more insight is needed concerning their co-occurring mental disorders, types of substances used, and the consequent risk of AAB. METHODS A three-step latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify clinically relevant subgroups in a sample of patients (n = 98) from a high-security FMHS clinic in Sweden based on patterns in their history of mental disorders, SUD, types of substances used, and AAB. RESULTS A four-class model best fit our data: class 1 (42%) had a high probability of SUD, psychosis, and having used all substances; class 2 (26%) had a high probability of psychosis and cannabis use; class 3 (22%) had a high probability of autism and no substance use; and class 4 (10%) had a high probability of personality disorders and having used all substances. Both polysubstance classes (1 and 4) had a significantly more extensive history of AAB compared to classes 2 and 3. Class 3 and class 4 had extensive histories of self-directed aggression. CONCLUSIONS The present study helps disentangle the heterogeneity of the 'triply troubled' patient group in FMHS. The results provide an illustration of a more person-oriented perspective on patient comorbidity and types of substances used which could benefit clinical assessment, treatment planning, and risk-management among patients in forensic psychiatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Green
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - A S Lindqvist Bagge
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - N Laporte
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Research Department, Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden
| | - P Andiné
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Wallinius
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Research Department, Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden
| | - M Hildebrand Karlén
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
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21
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Andersson F, Sundin E, Magnusson C, Ramstedt M, Galanti MR. Prevalence of cannabis use among young adults in Sweden comparing randomized response technique with a traditional survey. Addiction 2023; 118:1801-1810. [PMID: 37132063 DOI: 10.1111/add.16219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The prevalence of cannabis use based on self-reports is likely to be underestimated in population surveys, especially in contexts where its use is a criminal offence. Indirect survey methods ask sensitive questions ensuring that answers cannot be identified with an individual respondent, therefore potentially resulting in more reliable estimates. We aimed to measure whether the indirect survey method 'randomized response technique' (RRT) increased response rate and/or increased disclosure of cannabis use among young adults compared with a traditional survey. DESIGN We conducted two parallel nation-wide surveys during the spring and the summer of 2021. The first survey was a traditional questionnaire-based one (focusing on substance use and gambling). The second survey applied an indirect survey method known as 'the cross-wise model' to questions related to cannabis use. The two surveys employed identical procedures (e.g. invitations, reminders and wording of the questions) SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The participants were young adults (aged 18-29 years) living in Sweden. The traditional survey had 1200 respondents (56.9% women) and the indirect survey had 2951 respondents (53.6% women). MEASUREMENTS In both surveys, cannabis use was assessed according to three time-frames: life-time use; use during the past year; and use during the past 30 days. FINDINGS The estimated prevalence of cannabis use was two- to threefold higher on all measures when estimated using the indirect survey method compared with the traditional survey: use during life-time (43.2 versus 27.3%); during the past year (19.2 versus 10.4%); and during the past 30 days (13.2 versus 3.7%). The discrepancy was larger among males and individuals with an education shorter than 10 years, who were unemployed, and who were born in non-European countries. CONCLUSIONS Indirect survey methods may provide more accurate estimates than traditional surveys on prevalence of self-reported cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Andersson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Stockholm Health Care District, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erica Sundin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Magnusson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Stockholm Health Care District, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Ramstedt
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Rosaria Galanti
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Stockholm Health Care District, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Manthey J, Pons‐Cabrera MT, Rosenkranz M, Lopez‐Pelayo H. Measuring cannabis quantities in online surveys: A rapid review and proposals for ways forward. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2023; 32:e1971. [PMID: 37089041 PMCID: PMC10485338 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cannabis use quantities are relevant for determining cannabis-related harms. This research aims to provide an overview of the available methods to assess quantities through self-report. METHODS A rapid review of various strategies to collect information on cannabis use quantities through self-report. Two independent literature searches resulted in n = 38 studies included for review. RESULTS A total of n = 14 studies employed methods for collecting cannabis use quantities that are not suitable for online surveys (e.g., rolling a fake joint). Of the remaining n = 24 studies with items that are suitable for online surveys, the quantity assessment was performed in three different ways. The data collection was either carried out by asking (a) for the total number of joints (i.e., crude joint method), (b) for the total weight (i.e., crude weight method), or (c) for specific products separately, for example, for the amount of flower and resin (i.e., product-specific method). In only n = 8 studies, cannabis use quantities were ascertained by providing visual aids (e.g., illustration of various amounts of flower). CONCLUSIONS The crude joint method and the product-specific method are the two most promising methods to collect information on cannabis use quantities. Using visual aids may potentially improve the accuracy of those methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Manthey
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCenter for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE)HamburgGermany
- Department of PsychiatryMedical FacultyUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Maria Teresa Pons‐Cabrera
- Grup de Recerca en Addicions ClínicInstitut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Unitat de Conductes AddictivesServei de Psiquiatria Psicologia (ICN)Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Moritz Rosenkranz
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCenter for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE)HamburgGermany
| | - Hugo Lopez‐Pelayo
- Grup de Recerca en Addicions ClínicInstitut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Unitat de Conductes AddictivesServei de Psiquiatria Psicologia (ICN)Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd)BarcelonaSpain
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23
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Solmi M, De Toffol M, Kim JY, Choi MJ, Stubbs B, Thompson T, Firth J, Miola A, Croatto G, Baggio F, Michelon S, Ballan L, Gerdle B, Monaco F, Simonato P, Scocco P, Ricca V, Castellini G, Fornaro M, Murru A, Vieta E, Fusar-Poli P, Barbui C, Ioannidis JPA, Carvalho AF, Radua J, Correll CU, Cortese S, Murray RM, Castle D, Shin JI, Dragioti E. Balancing risks and benefits of cannabis use: umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. BMJ 2023; 382:e072348. [PMID: 37648266 PMCID: PMC10466434 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically assess credibility and certainty of associations between cannabis, cannabinoids, and cannabis based medicines and human health, from observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DESIGN Umbrella review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase, up to 9 February 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies and RCTs that have reported on the efficacy and safety of cannabis, cannabinoids, or cannabis based medicines were included. Credibility was graded according to convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, or not significant (observational evidence), and by GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) (RCTs). Quality was assessed with AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2). Sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS 101 meta-analyses were included (observational=50, RCTs=51) (AMSTAR 2 high 33, moderate 31, low 32, or critically low 5). From RCTs supported by high to moderate certainty, cannabis based medicines increased adverse events related to the central nervous system (equivalent odds ratio 2.84 (95% confidence interval 2.16 to 3.73)), psychological effects (3.07 (1.79 to 5.26)), and vision (3.00 (1.79 to 5.03)) in people with mixed conditions (GRADE=high), improved nausea/vomit, pain, spasticity, but increased psychiatric, gastrointestinal adverse events, and somnolence among others (GRADE=moderate). Cannabidiol improved 50% reduction of seizures (0.59 (0.38 to 0.92)) and seizure events (0.59 (0.36 to 0.96)) (GRADE=high), but increased pneumonia, gastrointestinal adverse events, and somnolence (GRADE=moderate). For chronic pain, cannabis based medicines or cannabinoids reduced pain by 30% (0.59 (0.37 to 0.93), GRADE=high), across different conditions (n=7), but increased psychological distress. For epilepsy, cannabidiol increased risk of diarrhoea (2.25 (1.33 to 3.81)), had no effect on sleep disruption (GRADE=high), reduced seizures across different populations and measures (n=7), improved global impression (n=2), quality of life, and increased risk of somnolence (GRADE=moderate). In the general population, cannabis worsened positive psychotic symptoms (5.21 (3.36 to 8.01)) and total psychiatric symptoms (7.49 (5.31 to 10.42)) (GRADE=high), negative psychotic symptoms, and cognition (n=11) (GRADE=moderate). In healthy people, cannabinoids improved pain threshold (0.74 (0.59 to 0.91)), unpleasantness (0.60 (0.41 to 0.88)) (GRADE=high). For inflammatory bowel disease, cannabinoids improved quality of life (0.34 (0.22 to 0.53) (GRADE=high). For multiple sclerosis, cannabinoids improved spasticity, pain, but increased risk of dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, somnolence (GRADE=moderate). For cancer, cannabinoids improved sleep disruption, but had gastrointestinal adverse events (n=2) (GRADE=moderate). Cannabis based medicines, cannabis, and cannabinoids resulted in poor tolerability across various conditions (GRADE=moderate). Evidence was convincing from observational studies (main and sensitivity analyses) in pregnant women, small for gestational age (1.61 (1.41 to 1.83)), low birth weight (1.43 (1.27 to 1.62)); in drivers, car crash (1.27 (1.21 to 1.34)); and in the general population, psychosis (1.71 (1.47 to 2.00)). Harmful effects were noted for additional neonatal outcomes, outcomes related to car crash, outcomes in the general population including psychotic symptoms, suicide attempt, depression, and mania, and impaired cognition in healthy cannabis users (all suggestive to highly suggestive). CONCLUSIONS Convincing or converging evidence supports avoidance of cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood, in people prone to or with mental health disorders, in pregnancy and before and while driving. Cannabidiol is effective in people with epilepsy. Cannabis based medicines are effective in people with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, and in palliative medicine but not without adverse events. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42018093045. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, ON, Canada
- On Track: The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical detection Lab, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health-Developmental Lab, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, and NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco De Toffol
- Psychiatry Unit, Veris Delli Ponti Scorrano Hospital, Department of Mental Health, ASL Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Jong Yeob Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Je Choi
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Trevor Thompson
- Centre of Chronic Illness and Ageing, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Alessandro Miola
- Neurosciences Department, Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Croatto
- Mental Health Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Francesca Baggio
- Mental Health Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Silvia Michelon
- Department of Mental Health, AULSS 7 Pedemontana Veneto, Italy
| | - Luca Ballan
- Department of Mental Health, AULSS 7 Pedemontana Veneto, Italy
| | - Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Francesco Monaco
- Department of Mental Health, Asl Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Simonato
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Paolo Scocco
- Mental Health Department, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padova, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Murru
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical detection Lab, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - John P A Ioannidis
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Departments of Medicine, of Epidemiology and Population Health, of Biomedical Data Science, and of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrè F Carvalho
- IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health-Developmental Lab, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, and NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (Central Nervous System and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robin M Murray
- Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College of London, London, UK
| | - David Castle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia
- Co-Director, Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Department of Health, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Severance Underwood Meta-research Center, Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Muñoz-Galán R, Lana-Lander I, Coronado M, Segura L, Colom J. Association between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health Disorders in the Adolescent Population: A Cohort Study. Eur Addict Res 2023; 29:344-352. [PMID: 37586355 PMCID: PMC10614238 DOI: 10.1159/000530331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION According to the literature, early initiation to cannabis use and a dependent pattern of use are important risk factors for the development of mental health disorders. However, there are few cohort studies which look at the development of mental health disorders associated with cannabis use among young people with cannabis use disorder (CUD). The aim of the study was to determine the cumulative incidence of mental health disorders and the risk of developing mental health disorders among minors who commenced treatment for CUD in Catalonia during 2015-2019. METHODS This was a retrospective fixed cohort study, matched for confounding variables, based on data from the Catalan Health Surveillance System. The exposed cohort comprised young people who entered treatment for CUD during 2015-2019 (n = 948) and who were minors on the date of commencing treatment. Matching was done with a paired cohort (n = 4,737), according to confounding variables. Individuals with a diagnosis of a mental health disorder prior to the study period were excluded. The cumulative incidence was calculated for mental health disorders for the exposed and the paired cohorts and stratified by type of mental disorder. Incidence rate ratios were estimated using the conditional Poisson model with robust variance, stratified by sex. RESULTS The cumulative incidence for development of a mental health disorder was 19.6% in the exposed cohort and 3.1% in the paired cohort; with higher incidence among females (females 32.7%; males 15.8%). The exposed cohort had an 8.7 times increased risk of developing a mental health disorder than the paired cohort. The most frequent diagnoses were reaction to severe stress, adjustment disorder, and personality disorders. CONCLUSION This study confirmed that the exposed cohort was at increased risk of developing mental health disorders compared to the paired cohort. To date, few studies have analyzed the association between cannabis use and the development of mental health disorders, considering cannabis dependence. Further studies should be undertaken considering CUD. In addition, more studies are needed to understand the factors that determine the development of CUD. Further research in these areas would contribute to the design of prevention strategies aimed at those young individuals with a higher risk of developing cannabis dependence and suffering its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Muñoz-Galán
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Lana-Lander
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coronado
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Segura
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Alwafi H. Trends in hospital admission related to poisoning by, narcotics and psychodysleptics and poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism drugs in England and Wales between April 1999 and April 2020: An ecological study. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101670. [PMID: 37576854 PMCID: PMC10415227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the trend of hospital admissions related to poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics and poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism drugs in England and Wales between April 1999 and April 2020. Methods An observational ecological study were conducted using data from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. The rate of hospital admissions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated by dividing the number of episodes of poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics related admission and poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism drugs-related admission by the mid-year population from the Office for National Statistics. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27. Results The total annual number of hospital admissions for narcotics and psychodysfunctionals poisonings increased by 1.40-fold [from 15.70 (95% CI 15.36-16.04) in 1999 to 37.64 (95% CI 37.15-38.13) in 2020 per 100,000 people, p < 0.01]. However, the overall annual number of poisonings by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs hospital admissions for various reasons decreased by 12.8% [from 33.55 (95% CI 33.05-34.04) in 1999 to 29.26 (95% CI 28.82-29.69) in 2020 per 100,000 persons, p < 0.05]. Poisoning by other opioids (53.2%), heroin (15.1%), and other synthetic narcotics (13.3%) were the most common reasons for narcotic and psychodysfunctional poisoning. While poisoning by benzodiazepines (54.2%) and poisoning: other antiepileptic and sedative-hypnotic drugs (30.7%) were the most common hospital admission reasons for poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism. Conclusion Poisoning by narcotics have increased in England and Wales over the study period, however, poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism drugs in England and Wales were relatively stable during the same period. Future initiatives and awareness programs to prevent harmful use and drug poisoning by narcotics, sedative-hypnotic and other medications are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Alwafi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Preuss UW, Hesselbrock MN, Hesselbrock VM. A Prospective Comparison of Bipolar I and II Subjects with and without Comorbid Cannabis Use Disorders from the COGA Dataset. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1130. [PMID: 37626487 PMCID: PMC10452678 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The comorbidity of alcohol and substance use disorders among persons with bipolar disorder is elevated, as indicated by epidemiological and clinical studies. Following alcohol use, cannabis is the most frequently used and abused illicit substance among bipolar individuals, and such use may lead to comorbid cannabis use disorders (CUD). Previous research indicated that CUDs were related to a more severe course of bipolar disorder and higher rates of other comorbid alcohol and substance use disorders. Few studies, however, have conducted longitudinal research on this comorbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of CUD on the course of bipolar I and II individuals during a 5-year follow-up. METHODS The characteristics of bipolar disorder, cannabis use disorders, and other alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as comorbid mental disorders, were assessed using a standardized semi-structured interview (SSAGA) at both baseline and the 5-year follow-up. N = 180 bipolar I and II patients were subdivided into groups of with and without comorbid cannabis use disorders (CUD). RESULTS Of the 77 bipolar I and 103 bipolar II patients, n = 65 (36.1%) had a comorbid diagnosis of any CUD (DSM-IV cannabis abuse or dependence). Comorbid bipolar patients with CUD had higher rates of other substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorders, more affective symptoms, and less psychosocial functioning at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. In contrast to previously reported findings, higher rates of anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder complications (e.g., mixed episodes, rapid cycling, and manic or hypomanic episodes) were not found. The effect of CUD on other substance use disorders was confirmed using moderation analyses. CONCLUSIONS A 5-year prospective evaluation of bipolar patients with and without CUD confirmed previous investigations, suggesting that the risk of other substance use disorders is significantly increased in comorbid individuals. CUD has a moderation effect, while no effect was found for other mental disorders. Findings from this study and previous research may be due to the examination of different phenotypes (Cannabis use vs. CUD) and sample variation (family study vs. clinical and epidemiological populations).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich W. Preuss
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, RKH Hospital Ludwigsburg, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany
| | - Michie N. Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (M.N.H.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Victor M. Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (M.N.H.); (V.M.H.)
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Reece AS, Bennett K, Hulse GK. Cannabis- and Substance-Related Carcinogenesis in Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:323-385. [PMID: 37489337 PMCID: PMC10366890 DOI: 10.3390/jox13030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis-cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000-2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere (β-estimate = 0.4165, p = 3.54 × 10-115). Eighteen of forty-one cancers (42,675 individual rates) were significantly associated with cannabis exposure at bivariate analysis. Twenty-five cancers were linked in inverse-probability-weighted multivariate models. Temporal lagging in panel models intensified these effects. In multivariable models, cannabis was a more powerful correlate of cancer incidence than tobacco or alcohol. Reproductive toxicity was evidenced by the involvement of testis, ovary, prostate and breast cancers and because some of the myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias implicated occur in childhood, indicating inherited intergenerational genotoxicity. Cannabis is a more important carcinogen than tobacco and alcohol and fulfills epidemiological qualitative and quantitative criteria for causality for 25/41 cancers. Reproductive and transgenerational effects are prominent. These findings confirm the clinical and epidemiological salience of cannabis as a major multigenerational community carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Kellie Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 208 Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Sahlem GL, Kim B, Baker NL, Wong BL, Caruso MA, Campbell LA, Kaloani I, Sherman BJ, Ford TJ, Musleh AH, Kim JP, Williams NR, Manett AJ, Kratter IH, Short EB, Killeen TK, George MS, McRae-Clark AL. A Preliminary Investigation Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Applied To The Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex In Treatment Seeking Participants With Cannabis Use Disorder. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.10.23292461. [PMID: 37503294 PMCID: PMC10370231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.23292461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a common and consequential disorder. When applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces craving across substance use disorders and may have a therapeutic clinical effect when applied in serial sessions. The present study sought to preliminarily determine whether serial sessions of rTMS applied to the DLPFC had a therapeutic effect in CUD. Methods This study was a two-site, phase-2, double-blind, randomized-controlled-trial. Seventy-two treatment-seeking participants (37.5% Women, mean age 30.2±9.9SD) with ≥moderate-CUD were randomized to active or sham rTMS (Beam-F3, 10Hz, 20-total-sessions, with cannabis cues) while undergoing a three-session motivational enhancement therapy intervention. The primary outcome was the change in craving between pre- and post-treatment (Marijuana Craving Questionnaire Short-Form-MCQ-SF). Secondary outcomes included the number of weeks of abstinence and the number of days-per-week of cannabis use during 4-weeks of follow-up. Results There were no significant differences in craving between conditions. Participants who received active rTMS reported numerically, but not significantly, more weeks of abstinence in the follow-up period than those who received sham rTMS (15.5%-Active; 9.3%-Sham; rate ratio = 1.66 [95% CI: 0.84, 3.28]; p=0.14). Participants who received active rTMS reported fewer days-per-week of cannabis use over the final two-weeks of the follow-up period (Active vs. Sham: -0.72; Z=-2.33, p=0.02). Conclusions This trial suggests rTMS is safe and feasible in individuals with CUD and may have a therapeutic effect on frequency of cannabis use, though further study is needed with additional rTMS-sessions and a longer follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Sahlem
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bohye Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Nathaniel L. Baker
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Brendan L. Wong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Margaret A. Caruso
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren A. Campbell
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Irakli Kaloani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Brian J. Sherman
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Tiffany J. Ford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ahmad H. Musleh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jane P. Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Nolan R. Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Andrew J. Manett
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ian H. Kratter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Edward B. Short
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Terese K. Killeen
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mark S. George
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Aimee L. McRae-Clark
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Suriaga A, Tappen RM, Aston ER, Chiang-Hanisko L, Newman D. Cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids as a cause of death: Trends and their healthcare implications. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:623-636. [PMID: 36250599 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit substances globally, with 188 million users in 2017. In the United States, nearly 50 million people are reported to have used cannabis in 2020. More research is needed because of the dramatic increase in cannabis use and the perception that its use has minimal risk. DESIGN The researchers used a retrospective design for this study. METHODS We used the Florida Department of Law Enforcement data from 2014 to 2020 for this study. We used descriptive statistics to report the characteristics of decedents whose cause of death (COD) was associated with cannabinoid (CB) and synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use. We used a general linear model with repeated measures to examine CB and SC death rate trends. RESULTS A total of 386 decedents' COD in Florida was associated with CB and SC use. Nearly 28% of decedents were 45-54 years, male (87.8%), and non-Hispanic whites (65.3%). One hundred percent of CB-related decedents died in urban counties. In rural counties, SC decedents accounted for 28.3% of deaths. Of decedents in rural counties, 39.9% were African American. Most decedents (with CB and SC use) died from accidents (98.7%), with 12.6% of cases involving cardiovascular-related illnesses. CONCLUSION CBs and SCs as a COD pose a legitimate health problem to society. More people ages 45-54 died from CBs and SCs. Drug intoxications (from CBs and SCs) and motor vehicle collisions accounted for most of the accidents reported while under the influence of CBs and SCs. While most decedents from both CBs and SCs were non-Hispanic whites, a substantial proportion of African Americans died from SCs as a COD in rural counties. It is important that the public become aware of the risks for adverse effects of CB and SC. The public needs to be aware that CB and SC use can exacerbate cardiac-related conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study has clinical relevance to patient safety. CB and SC use contributes to motor vehicle accidents and can cause adverse effects including death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armiel Suriaga
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Ruth M Tappen
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Aston
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lenny Chiang-Hanisko
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - David Newman
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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Huang P, Zhang PF, Li Q. Causal relationship between cannabis use and cancer: a genetically informed perspective. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04807-x. [PMID: 37099198 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04807-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabis use is increasing legally worldwide, while its impact on cancer risk is unclear. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and the risk of several types of cancer. METHODS We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the causality of cannabis use on 9 site-specific types of cancer including breast cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and glioma. Genome-wide significant genetic instruments (P < 5E-06) for cannabis use were extracted from a large-scale genome-wide association meta-analysis of European ancestry, whereas cancer genetic instruments were extracted from the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort and GliomaScan consortium in the OpenGWAS database. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was considered the main method for MR analysis, and sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier test (MR-PRESSO) were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. RESULTS Cannabis use was a significant promoting factor for cervical cancer (OR = 1.001265, 95% CI 1.000375-1.002155, P = 0.0053). And we also detected suggestive evidence of the causality of cannabis use on laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.000350, 95% CI 1.000027-1.000672, P = 0.0336) and breast cancer (OR = 1.003741, 95% CI 1.000052-1.007442, P = 0.0467). No evidence of a causal association of cannabis use with other site-specific types of cancer was detected. Additionally, no pleiotropy or heterogeneity was found in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION This study indicates a causative association of cannabis use on cervical cancer, while cannabis use may increase the odds of breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, which require further evaluation in large-scale population-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Fei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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González-Roz A, Martínez-Loredo V, Aston ER, Metrik J, Murphy J, Balodis I, Secades-Villa R, Belisario K, MacKillop J. Concurrent validity of the marijuana purchase task: a meta-analysis of trait-level cannabis demand and cannabis involvement. Addiction 2023; 118:620-633. [PMID: 36305652 PMCID: PMC10020890 DOI: 10.1111/add.16075] [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] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Marijuana Purchase Task (MPT) is increasingly used to measure cannabis reinforcing value and has potential use for cannabis etiological and regulatory research. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate for the first time the MPT's concurrent validity in relation to cannabis involvement. METHODS Electronic databases and pre-print repositories were searched for MPT studies that examined the cross-sectional relationship between frequency and quantity of cannabis use, problems, dependence, and five MPT indicators: intensity (i.e. unrestricted consumption), Omax (i.e. maximum consumption), Pmax (i.e. price at which demand becomes elastic), breakpoint (i.e. first price at which consumption ceases), and elasticity (i.e. sensitivity to rising costs). Random effects meta-analyses of cross-sectional effect sizes were conducted, with Q tests for examining differences by cannabis variables, meta-regression to test quantitative moderators, and publication bias assessment. Moderators included sex, number of MPT prices, variable transformations, and year of publication. Populations included community and clinical samples. RESULTS The searches yielded 14 studies (n = 4077, median % females: 44.8%: weighted average age = 29.08 [SD = 6.82]), published between 2015 and 2022. Intensity, Omax , and elasticity showed the most robust concurrent validity (|r's| = 0.147-325, ps < 0.014) with the largest significant effect sizes for quantity (|r| intensity = 0.325) and cannabis dependence (|r| Omax = 0.320, |r| intensity = 0.305, |r| elasticity = 0.303). Higher proportion of males was associated with increased estimates for elasticity-quantity and Pmax -problems. Higher number of MPT prices significantly altered magnitude of effects sizes for Pmax and problems, suggesting biased estimations if excessively low prices are considered. Methodological quality was generally good, and minimal evidence of publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS The marijuana purchase task presents adequate concurrent validity to measure cannabis demand, most robustly for intensity, Omax , and elasticity. Moderating effects by sex suggest potentially meaningful sex differences in the reinforcing value of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba González-Roz
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Elizabeth R Aston
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jane Metrik
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - James Murphy
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Iris Balodis
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Roberto Secades-Villa
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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Najman JM, Bell S, Williams GM, Clavarino AM, Scott JG, McGee TR, Mamun AA. Do tobacco and cannabis use and co-use predict lung function: A longitudinal study. Respir Med 2023; 208:107124. [PMID: 36682602 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of tobacco and cannabis is common and has been reported to predict lung function. Less is known about co-use of tobacco and cannabis and their impact on changes in lung function to early adulthood. RESEARCH QUESTION The study examines whether cigarette smoking or cannabis use and co-use are each associated with lung function in a population sample of young adults. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Data are from a prospective cohort study of cigarette smoking, cannabis use and co-use at 21 and 30 years of age and lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) measured at 30 years. Lung function results are transformed using Global Lung Function Formulae. Subjects are the children of pregnant women who were recruited into the cohort study over the period 1981-3. Respondents were administered a spirometry assessment at 21 and 30 years of age. These respondents completed a smoking and cannabis use questionnaire at 21- and 30-year follow-ups. RESULTS Cigarette smoking (with or without cannabis use) is associated with reduced airflow. There is no consistent association between cannabis use and measures of lung function. The co-use of tobacco and cannabis appears to entail no additional risk to lung function beyond the risks associated with tobacco use alone. INTERPRETATION Persistent cigarette smoking is associated with reduced airflow even in young adults. Cannabis use does not appear to be related to lung function even after years of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Najman
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia.
| | - Scott Bell
- Children's Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Graham Road, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Clavarino
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- Child & Youth Mental Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Tara R McGee
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mount Gravatt, Qld, 4122, Australia
| | - Abdullah A Mamun
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, 74 High Street, Toowong, Qld, 4066, Australia
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Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies in Europe 2010–2019: A Geo-Spatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study of Epidemiological Patterns in Relationship to Cannabis- and Substance Exposure. GASTROENTEROLOGY INSIGHTS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/gastroent14010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital anomalies (CA’s) of most of the gastrointestinal tract have been linked causally with prenatal or community cannabis exposure. Therefore, we studied this relationship in Europe. Methods: CA data were from Eurocat. Drug-use data were sourced from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income data were taken from the World Bank. Results: When countries with increasing rates of daily cannabis use were compared with those which were not, the overall rate of gastrointestinal CA’s (GCA’s) was higher in the former group (p = 0.0032). The five anomalies which were related to the metrics of cannabis exposure on bivariate analysis were bile duct atresia, Hirschsprungs, digestive disorders, annular pancreas and anorectal stenosis or atresia. The following sequence of GCA’s was significantly linked with cannabis metrics at inverse-probability-weighted-panel modelling, as indicated: esophageal stenosis or atresia, bile duct atresia, small intestinal stenosis or atresia, anorectal stenosis or atresia, Hirschsprungs disease: p = 1.83 × 10−5, 0.0046, 3.55 × 10−12, 7.35 × 10−6 and 2.00 × 10−12, respectively. When this GCA series was considered in geospatial modelling, the GCA’s were significantly cannabis-related from p = 0.0003, N.S., 0.0086, 6.652 × 10−5, 0.0002, 71.4% of 35 E-value estimates and 54.3% minimum E-values (mEVv’s) > 9 (high zone) and 100% and 97.1% > 1.25 (causality threshold). The order of cannabis sensitivity by median mEVv was Hirschsprungs > esophageal atresia > small intestinal atresia > anorectal atresia > bile duct atresia. Conclusions: Seven of eight GCA’s were related to cannabis exposure and fulfilled the quantitative criteria for epidemiologically causal relationships. Penetration of cannabinoids into the community should be carefully scrutinized and controlled to protect against exponential and multigenerational genotoxicity ensuing from multiple cannabinoids.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Clinical Epigenomic Explanation of the Epidemiology of Cannabinoid Genotoxicity Manifesting as Transgenerational Teratogenesis, Cancerogenesis and Aging Acceleration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3360. [PMID: 36834053 PMCID: PMC9967951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As global interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its' derivatives for the management of selected diseases increases, it is increasingly imperative that the toxic profile of cannabinoids be thoroughly understood in order to correctly assess the balance between the therapeutic risks and benefits. Modern studies across a number of jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, the US and Europe have confirmed that some of the most worrying and severe historical reports of both congenital anomalies and cancer induction following cannabis exposure actually underestimate the multisystem thousand megabase-scale transgenerational genetic damage. These findings from teratogenic and carcinogenic literature are supported by recent data showing the accelerated patterns of chronic disease and the advanced DNA methylation epigenomic clock age in cannabis exposed patients. Together, the increased multisystem carcinogenesis, teratogenesis and accelerated aging point strongly to cannabinoid-related genotoxicity being much more clinically significant than it is widely supposed and, thus, of very considerable public health and multigenerational impact. Recently reported longitudinal epigenome-wide association studies elegantly explain many of these observed effects with considerable methodological sophistication, including multiple pathways for the inhibition of the normal chromosomal segregation and DNA repair, the inhibition of the basic epigenetic machinery for DNA methylation and the demethylation and telomerase acceleration of the epigenomic promoter hypermethylation characterizing aging. For cancer, 810 hits were also noted. The types of malignancy which were observed have all been documented epidemiologically. Detailed epigenomic explications of the brain, heart, face, uronephrological, gastrointestinal and limb development were provided, which amply explained the observed teratological patterns, including the inhibition of the key morphogenic gradients. Hence, these major epigenomic insights constituted a powerful new series of arguments which advanced both our understanding of the downstream sequalae of multisystem multigenerational cannabinoid genotoxicity and also, since mechanisms are key to the causal argument, inveighed strongly in favor of the causal nature of the relationship. In this introductory conceptual overview, we present the various aspects of this novel synthetic paradigmatic framework. Such concepts suggest and, indeed, indicate numerous fields for further investigation and basic science research to advance the exploration of many important issues in biology, clinical medicine and population health. Given this, it is imperative we correctly appraise the risk-benefit ratio for each potential cannabis application, considering the potency, severity of disease, stage of human development and duration of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Shao H, Du H, Gan Q, Ye D, Chen Z, Zhu Y, Zhu S, Qu L, Lu J, Li Y, Duan J, Gu Y, Chen M. Trends of the Global Burden of Disease Attributable to Cannabis Use Disorder in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019: Results from the Disease Burden Study 2019. Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-23. [PMID: 36817983 PMCID: PMC9913032 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00999-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the fourth psychoactive substance to be legalized which are of far-reaching significance to the world. We analyzed data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) to estimate the incidence and prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and calculated the disease burden of CUD in 204 countries and territories and 21 regions over the past three decades. We reported disease burden due to CUD in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rate (ASR), estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and analyzed associations between the burden of CUD and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. Globally, the number of incidence cases of CUD was estimated to be increasing by 32.3% from 1990 to 2019 and males are nearly double higher than that of female. DALYs increase 38.6% from 1990. Young people aged 20-24 years old with cannabis use disorder have the highest DALYs in 2019, followed by those younger than 20 years old. India, Canada, USA, Qatar, Kenya, and high SDI quintile areas showed a high burden of disease. Nearly 200 million individuals are cannabis users worldwide, and CUD is a notable condition of GBD. The global cultivation of cannabis, rooted in different cultures, diversified access to cannabis, legalization in controversy, the promotion of medical cannabis, and many other factors promote the global cannabis industry is constantly updated and upgraded. It deserves more discussion in the future in terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, socioeconomics, law, and policy improvement. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-022-00999-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Shao
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Heyue Du
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Gan
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Dequan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Yanqing Zhu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, China
| | - Shasha Zhu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, China
| | - Lang Qu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyan Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Department of Psychology, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA USA
| | - Jing Duan
- Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Yingqi Gu
- Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, China
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Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital General Anomalies in Europe: A Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:69-118. [PMID: 36810339 PMCID: PMC9944887 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent series of congenital anomaly (CA) rates (CARs) have showed the close and epidemiologically causal relationship of cannabis exposure to many CARs. We investigated these trends in Europe where similar trends have occurred. METHODS CARs from EUROCAT. Drug use from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income data from World Bank. RESULTS CARs were higher in countries with increasing daily use overall (p = 9.99 × 10-14, minimum E-value (mEV) = 2.09) and especially for maternal infections, situs inversus, teratogenic syndromes and VACTERL syndrome (p = 1.49 × 10-15, mEV = 3.04). In inverse probability weighted panel regression models the series of anomalies: all anomalies, VACTERL, foetal alcohol syndrome, situs inversus (SI), lateralization (L), and teratogenic syndromes (TS; AAVFASSILTS) had cannabis metric p-values from: p < 2.2 × 10-16, 1.52 × 10-12, 1.44 × 10-13, 1.88 × 10-7, 7.39 × 10-6 and <2.2 × 10-16. In a series of spatiotemporal models this anomaly series had cannabis metric p-values from: 8.96 × 10-6, 6.56 × 10-6, 0.0004, 0.0019, 0.0006, 5.65 × 10-5. Considering E-values, the cannabis effect size order was VACTERL > situs inversus > teratogenic syndromes > FAS > lateralization syndromes > all anomalies. 50/64 (78.1%) E-value estimates and 42/64 (65.6%) mEVs > 9. Daily cannabis use was the strongest predictor for all anomalies. CONCLUSION Data confirmed laboratory, preclinical and recent epidemiological studies from Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Colorado and USA for teratological links between cannabis exposure and AAVFASSILTS anomalies, fulfilled epidemiological criteria for causality and underscored importance of cannabis teratogenicity. VACTERL data are consistent with causation via cannabis-induced Sonic Hedgehog inhibition. TS data suggest cannabinoid contribution. SI&L data are consistent with results for cardiovascular CAs. Overall, these data show that cannabis is linked across space and time and in a manner which fulfills epidemiological criteria for causality not only with many CAs, but with several multiorgan teratologic syndromes. The major clinical implication of these results is that access to cannabinoids should be tightly restricted in the interests of safeguarding the community's genetic heritage to protect and preserve coming generations, as is done for all other major genotoxins.
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Rabiee R, Lundin A, Agardh E, Allebeck P, Danielsson AK. Cannabis use disorder in relation to socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity: A cluster analysis of three million individuals born in 1970-2000. Scand J Public Health 2023; 51:82-89. [PMID: 36120841 PMCID: PMC9903242 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221122431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is one of the main reasons for seeking substance use treatment. It is thus important to monitor and increase knowledge of individuals with CUD utilizing healthcare. We aimed to examine the number of CUD diagnoses over time, compare individuals with CUD with those without and identify subgroups based on CUD diagnosis, sex, birth year, socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS A Swedish, population-based study with 3,307,759 individuals, born in 1970-2000, with register data extending to 2016. K-mode cluster analysis was used to identify potential subgroups. RESULTS The number of individuals with a CUD diagnosis was 14,046 (0.42%). CUD diagnoses increased over time (born 1990-1994: 61 per 100,000, born 1995-2000: 107 per 100,000, by 2016). A majority of those with a CUD had another psychiatric diagnosis (80%, compared with 19% for those without CUD). Four clusters were identified. Cluster 1 comprised mainly men with low income and substance use disorders, clusters 2, 3 and 4 comprised mainly women with higher proportions of mood-related, neurotic and stress-related and behavioural disorders. CONCLUSIONS
There was an increase in CUD diagnoses in Sweden over time, especially among younger birth cohorts. Individuals with CUD were more often male, from younger birth cohorts, with lower education and income than those without CUD. Men and women with CUD exhibited differences in education, income and psychiatric comorbidity. Our results demonstrate the importance of monitoring the impact of socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity in relation to CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rynaz Rabiee
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden,Rynaz Rabiee, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Global Public Health (GPH), Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Andreas Lundin
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Sweden
| | - Emilie Agardh
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Peter Allebeck
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study of European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital Orofacial Anomalies. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:42-74. [PMID: 36810431 PMCID: PMC9944119 DOI: 10.3390/jox13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since high rates of congenital anomalies (CAs), including facial CAs (FCAs), causally attributed to antenatal and community cannabis use have been reported in several recent series, it was of interest to examine this subject in detail in Europe. METHODS CA data were taken from the EUROCAT database. Drug exposure data were downloaded from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Income was taken from the World Bank's online sources. RESULTS On the bivariate maps of both orofacial clefts and holoprosencephaly against resin, the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration rates of both covariates increased together in France, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands. In the bivariate analysis, the anomalies could be ranked by the minimum E-value (mEV) as congenital glaucoma > congenital cataract > choanal atresia > cleft lip ± cleft palate > holoprosencephaly > orofacial clefts > ear, face, and neck anomalies. When nations with increasing daily use were compared to those without, the former had generally higher rates of FCAs (p = 0.0281). In the inverse probability weighted panel regression, the sequence of anomalies-orofacial clefts, anotia, congenital cataract, and holoprosencephaly-had positive and significant cannabis coefficients of p = 2.65 × 10-5, 1.04 × 10-8, 5.88 × 10-16, and 3.21 × 10-13, respectively. In the geospatial regression, the same series of FCAs had positive and significant regression terms for cannabis of p = 8.86 × 10-9, 0.0011, 3.36 × 10-8, and 0.0015, respectively. Some 25/28 (89.3%) E-value estimates and 14/28 (50%) mEVs were >9 (considered to be in the high range), and 100% of both were >1.25 (understood to be in the causal range). CONCLUSION Rising cannabis use is associated with all the FCAs and fulfils the epidemiological criteria for causality. The data indicate particular concerns relating to brain development and exponential genotoxic dose-responses, urging caution with regard to community cannabinoid penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3844-4000; Fax: +61-7-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Severity of emergency department presentations due to acute drug toxicity in Europe: a longitudinal analysis over a 6-year period (2014-2019) stratified by sex. Eur J Emerg Med 2023; 30:21-31. [PMID: 36350710 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the severity of acute recreation drug toxicity presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Europe has changed in recent years and to uncover potential sex differences. DESIGN We analysed presentations to 36 EDs in 24 European countries relating to acute recreational drug toxicity, with separate analysis for presentations involving lone use of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. As severity markers, we calculated rates of hospitalization, admission to ICU, intubation, and death by annual quarters between 2014 and 2019. Trends on severity over time were estimated by logistic regression. Differences between men and women were assessed by interaction. Sensitivity analysis was performed including only EDs that provided data for all 24 quarters. Analyses of intoxications taken altogether were adjusted by age and sex, while of lone intoxications being also adjusted by ethanol co-ingestion. RESULTS There were 43 633 presentations (median age = 31 years, interquartile range = 25-40 years, men = 76.5%) resulting in 10 344 hospitalizations (23.9%), 2568 ICU admissions (5.9%), 1391 intubations (3.2%), and 171 deaths (0.39%). Hospitalization, ICU admission and death did not differ by sex, but intubation was more frequent in men (3.4% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). No significant changes in the severity of drug intoxications over time were found when considered altogether, neither for lone cannabis (n = 4264) nor cocaine (n = 3562). Conversely, significant increases in hospitalization [odds ratios (OR) = 1.023, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.004-1.041], ICU admission (OR = 1.080, 95% CI = 1.042-1.118) and in intubation (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.001-1.099) were detected for lone heroin presentations (n = 1997). Sensitivity analysis (32 245 presentations, 14 EDs, 9 countries) confirmed the overall absence of changes in severity markers (except for death rate, which significantly decreased by quarter: OR = 0.968, 95% CI = 0.943-0.994). Additionally, it suggested an increased risk over time of intubation for cocaine (OR = 1.068, 95% CI = 1.009-1.130) and confirmed the increased risk of ICU admission for heroin (OR = 1.058, 95% CI = 1.013-1.105). Changes in severity over time did not differ according to sex in the main analysis of the whole cohort, while a significantly higher decrease in risk of death in men was found in the sensitivity analysis (OR = 0.894, 95% CI = 0.825-969 vs. OR = 0.949, 95% CI = 0.860-1.048; P interaction = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS The severity of presentations to European EDs remained mainly unchanged during 2014-2019, but the risk of death may have decreased. Conversely, intubation in lone cocaine and ICU admission in lone heroin intoxications have increased. Although men and women exhibited a similar pattern over the period for the majority of comparisons, our data suggest that women exhibited a smaller decrease of the overall risk of death.
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Schnell T, Grömm CM, Klöckner N. Predictive impact of different acute cannabis intoxication effects with regard to abstinence motivation and cessation of use. Sci Rep 2023; 13:709. [PMID: 36639397 PMCID: PMC9839715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use is a common risk factor for psychoses. But although prevalence of consumption as well as potency of cannabis increased, the incidence of schizophrenia remained stable. The discontinuation hypothesis suggests that a potential increase of psychoses incidence may be relativized by more frequent cessation of consumption due to higher rates of adverse psychosis-like intoxication effects (PLE), caused by stronger cannabis. A mixed methods online survey was administered to 441 current and past users to analyze the predictive impact of different acute intoxication effects regarding abstinence motivation/cessation of use. Our hypothesis was that PLE would be experienced as the most aversive intoxication effect and therefore have the highest predictive significance. Possible confounds were included (craving, patterns of consumption and sociodemographics). Further analyzes compared past versus current users regarding the quality of intoxication effects, suggesting that past users retrospectively experienced more unpleasant experiences than current users. Free-text data explored subjective reasons for abstinence. We found that paranoid/dysphoric intoxication effects were most predictive for abstinence motivation. Less predictive were psychosis-like intoxication effects such as hallucinations. Group comparisons revealed significant more unpleasurable and less positive intoxication effects in past users compared with current users. Current users with the intention to stop consumption showed significantly more paranoia/dysphoria intoxication compared to users with no intention to stop use. As a conclusion, different intoxication experiences have different effects on abstinence motivation and substance use behavior. They therefore provide a focus that should be increasingly integrated into treatment concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schnell
- Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Christina-Marie Grömm
- Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nils Klöckner
- Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany
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Exploring the Potential of Cannabinoid Nanodelivery Systems for CNS Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010204. [PMID: 36678832 PMCID: PMC9863859 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have a major therapeutic value in a variety of disorders. The concepts of cannabinoids are difficult to develop, but they can be used and are advantageous for a number of diseases that are not sufficiently managed by existing treatments. Nanoconjugation and encapsulation techniques have been shown to be effective in improving the delivery and the therapeutic effectiveness of drugs that are poorly soluble in water. Because the bioavailability of cannabinoids is low, the challenge is to explore different administration methods to improve their effectiveness. Because cannabinoids cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), they modify the negative effects of inflammatory processes on the BBB and may be a key factor in the improvement of BBB function after ischemic disease or other conditions. This review discusses various types of cannabinoid administration, as well as nanotechnologies used to improve the bioavailability of these compounds in CNS diseases.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital Neurological Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010441. [PMID: 36612763 PMCID: PMC9819725 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Of the many congenital anomalies (CAs) recently linked with community cannabis exposure, arguably the most concerning are neurological CAs (NCAs). We therefore conducted a detailed study of this in fourteen European nations. Methods. Congenital anomaly data were from Eurocat. Drug exposure data were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank. Results. The Netherlands, Spain, France and Bulgaria reported increasing rates of many NCAs. The NCA rate (NCAR) was higher in nations with increasing daily cannabis use when compared to those without (p = 0.0204, minimum E-value (mEV) = 1.35). At bivariate analysis, the mEVs of the following NCAs were significantly cannabis related: severe microcephaly 2.14 × 1013, craniosynostosis 5.27 × 1011, nervous system 4.87 × 1011, eye 2.73 × 107, microphthalmos 4.07 × 106, anencephalus 710.37, hydrocephalus 245.64, spina bifida 14.86 and neural tube defects 13.15. At inverse probability, weighted panel regression terms including cannabis were significantly related to the following series of anomalies: nervous system, anencephalus, severe microcephalus, microphthalmos, neural tube defect and spina bifida from p = 5.09 × 10−8, <2.2 × 10−16, <2.2 × 10−16, 4.84 × 10−11, <2.2 × 10−16 and 9.69 × 10−7. At geospatial regression, this same series of anomalies had terms including cannabis significant from p = 0.0027, 1.53 × 10−7, 3.65 × 10−6, 2.13 × 10−8, 0.0002 and 9.76 × 10−12. 88.0% of 50 E-value estimates and 72.0% of mEVs > 9. This analysis therefore demonstrates both close association of cannabis exposure with multiple NCAs across space-time and also fulfills the quantitative criteria of causal inferential analysis. Conclusions. Nine NCARs on bivariate and six NCARs on multivariable regression were cannabis related and fulfilled quantitative epidemiological criteria for causality and are consistent with other series. Particular concerns relate to exponential dose−response effects demonstrated in the laboratory and epidemiological studies. Great caution with community cannabinoid penetration is warranted. Data indicate that cannabis is a significant environmental teratogen and thus imply that cannabinoids should be regulated similarly to the manner in which all other important genotoxins are carefully controlled by communities for their self-sustaining longevity and the protection of generations yet to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3844-4000; Fax: +61-7-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Pfeifer P, Auer R, Baggio S, Moggi F. A Nationwide Study of Inpatient Case Rate Incidence of Cannabis-Related Diagnoses in Switzerland. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605554. [PMID: 36618434 PMCID: PMC9811405 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance and has been associated with mental health issues. In this study, we examined trends in hospitalizations due to cannabis use. Methods: Data were obtained from the Swiss Federal Statistics Office and comprised hospital main diagnoses, gender, age group and region of all psychiatric inpatient cases in Switzerland from 1998 to 2020. We performed trend analyses of annual case rates with cannabinoid-related diagnoses and compared them to trend analyses of alcohol-related and psychotic disorders. Results: Case rates of CRDs significantly increased in the observed time period. From all psychiatric main diagnoses, CRDs were overrepresented in the age groups of 15-24 and 25-44 years. Conclusion: We found a sharp increase in hospitalizations for CRD. Future studies should test whether changes in the upcoming cannabis regulation, which can facilitate the implementation of interventions to address mental health among users, impact future hospitalization rates of CRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Pfeifer
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Philippe Pfeifer,
| | - Reto Auer
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Baggio
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Franz Moggi
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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MIHALTAN F, NECHITA A, CONSTANTIN A. Cannabis - a Rewritten History and Its Pulmonary Consequences. MAEDICA 2022; 17:911-920. [PMID: 36818264 PMCID: PMC9923077 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2022.17.4.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis presents itself as another challenge of the last decade. Better and better deciphered through in-depth studies, this drug remains a source of scientific debates. Legalized in some states, it competes with tobacco regarding the effects generating respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, bronchial cancer, respiratory infections, etc. In this article we will review the pharmacology, epidemiology, clinical and prevention aspects and try to demonstrate which of these are the most effective means of prevention. This review proves once again that this drug has many hidden dangers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin MIHALTAN
- ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrada NECHITA
- ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta CONSTANTIN
- ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Vaičiūnas T, Žemaitaitytė M, Lange S, Štelemėkas M, Oja L, Petkevičienė J, Kowalewska A, Pudule I, Piksööt J, Šmigelskas K. Trends in Adolescent Substance Use: Analysis of HBSC Data for Four Eastern European Countries, 1994-2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15457. [PMID: 36497532 PMCID: PMC9737814 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of the study was to analyze the trends of adolescent substance use in four eastern European countries over the time period from 1994 to 2018. The four countries in focus were selected based on their shared historical backgrounds and major economic and social transformations experienced. METHODS Two decades (1993/1994-2017/2018) of repeated cross-sectional data from the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey were used. Data comprised 42,169 school children 15 years of age (9th grade). The following categories of substance use were included: regular alcohol consumption and drunkenness, tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette smoking, and cannabis use. Trends in substance use over time were tested using Jonckheere's trend test. RESULTS Prevalence of substance use among adolescents over time revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. In the Baltic states, there was a general increase during the period of 1994-2002, which was followed by a period of peaking or stability between 2002-2010, and then decreasing trends of these risky behaviors from 2010 onwards. In Poland, the same period had less consistent patterns, with decreasing trends starting much earlier on. The prevalence of cannabis use, which had been measured since 2006, had its own unique pattern with many fluctuations within and between countries. CONCLUSIONS The findings on the prevalence of substance use among adolescents from 1994 to 2018 revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. These countries might be facing new public health challenges in a near future, e.g., use of electronic cigarettes and cannabis use among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Vaičiūnas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Monika Žemaitaitytė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Shannon Lange
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Mindaugas Štelemėkas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Leila Oja
- National Institute for Health Development, 11619 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Anna Kowalewska
- Department of Biomedical Aspects of Development and Sexology, Faculty of Education, Warsaw University, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iveta Pudule
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 1005 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jaanika Piksööt
- National Institute for Health Development, 11619 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kastytis Šmigelskas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Lindsey W, Ramos O, Cheng W, Danisa O. Preoperative Cannabis Use Associated With an Increased Rate of Reoperation and Postoperative Opioid Use Following Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion. Cureus 2022; 14:e31285. [PMID: 36514630 PMCID: PMC9733193 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the associations among preoperative cannabis use, postoperative opioid use, and postoperative outcomes following elective anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). Methods Patients who underwent one- or two-level ACDF were characterized preoperatively as active cannabis users, former users, or nonusers. Patients were also classified based on history of preoperative opioid use as chronic users, acute users, or nonusers. Groups were compared based on outcomes including the rate of emergency department visits six months postoperatively, rate of readmissions one year postoperatively, rate of reoperation two years postoperatively, and daily postoperative opioid use measured in milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) at 0-6 months and 6-12 months postoperatively. Results Of the 198 patients included in this study, 13 (6.6%) were active cannabis users, 11 (5.6%) were former users, and 174 (87.8%) were nonusers. The rate of reoperation within two years was 23.1% for active cannabis users, 0% for former users, and 4.0% for nonusers (p=0.0075). The average daily opioid use in MMEs 6-12 months postoperatively was 49.4 for active cannabis users, 4.1 for former users, and 13.3 for nonusers (p=0.0014). For chronic opioid users, acute users, and nonusers, the average daily opioid use in MMEs 6-12 months postoperatively was 39.9, 18.4, and 5.7, respectively (p<.0001). Conclusions History of cannabis use is associated with increased postoperative opioid use and increased rate of reoperation following elective ACDF.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance- Related Congenital Uronephrological Anomalies in Europe: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113769. [PMID: 36360648 PMCID: PMC9657099 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent reports linking prenatal and community cannabis exposure to elevated uronephrological congenital anomaly (UCA) rates (UCAR's) raise the question of its European epidemiology given recent increases in community cannabinoid penetration there. METHODS UCAR data from Eurocat. Drug use data from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank. RESULTS UCAR increased across Spain, Netherlands, Poland and France. UCAR's and cannabis resin THC increased simultaneously in France, Spain, Netherlands and Bulgaria. At bivariate analysis all UCA's were related to cannabis herb and resin THC concentrations. All UCAR's were bivariately related to cannabis metrics ordered by median minimum E-value (mEV) as hypospadias > multicystic renal disease > bilateral renal agenesis > UCA's > hydronephrosis > posterior urethral valve > bladder exstrophy/epispadias. At inverse probability weighted multivariable analysis terms including cannabis were significant for the following series of anomalies: UCA's, multicystic renal disease, bilateral renal agenesis, hydronephrosis, congenital posterior urethral valves from P = 1.91 × 10-5, 2.61 × 10-8, 4.60 × 10-15, 4.60 × 10-15 and 2.66 × 10-10. At geospatial analysis the same series of UCA's were significantly related to cannabis from P = 7.84 × 10-15, 7.72 × 10-5, 0.0023, 6.95 × 10-5, and 8.82 × 10-5. 45/51 (88.2%) of E-value estimates and 31/51 (60.8%) of mEV's >9. CONCLUSION Analysis confirms a close relationship between cannabis metrics and all seven UCA's and fulfill formal criteria for quantitative causal inference. Given the exponential cannabinoid genotoxicity dose-response relationship results provide a powerful stimulus to constrain community cannabinoid exposure including protection of the food chain to preserve the genome and epigenome of coming generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-3844-4000; Fax: +617-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Mårtensson S, Düring SW, Johansen KS, Tranberg K, Nordentoft M. Time trends in co-occurring substance use and psychiatric illness (dual diagnosis) from 2000 to 2017 - a nationwide study of Danish register data. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 77:411-419. [PMID: 36271867 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2134921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article aims to describe the time trend in number of dual diagnosis patients treated in the psychiatric system in Denmark from 2000 to 2017. METHOD We calculated the share of patients with dual diagnosis, number of dual diagnosis contacts, number of unique individuals with dual diagnosis as well as number of new patients with dual diagnosis among patients in psychiatric treatment, i.e. among inpatients, outpatients and patients in emergency departments. In order to calculate this, we merged data from the National Patient Register (NPR), the National Registry of Alcohol Treatment, the National treatment registry for substance use, the National Prescription Registry and the Danish National Health Service register in the period from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS We found an overall increase in patients with dual diagnosis in psychiatric treatment in Denmark from 2000 to 2017. We further detected an increase in the age and sex-standardized number of patients with dual diagnosis in treatment over time, however most markedly for outpatients. Further, inclusion of data from other sources of data than the NPR dramatically increased the number of patients that could be identified as dual diagnosis patients. Using these data, almost half of all male inpatients could be identified as dual diagnosis while the share was more than 40% for patients with schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (F2) and patients with personality disorders (F6). CONCLUSIONS The increase of individual diagnosis patients necessitates action at different levels. This includes improvement of preventive measures as well as improvement of treatment for this underserved group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solvej Mårtensson
- Competency Center for Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Signe W Düring
- Competency Center for Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine S Johansen
- Competency Center for Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark.,National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Tranberg
- Section of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Botella-Juan L, Amezcua-Prieto C, Morales-Suarez-Varela MM, Mateos-Campos R, Ayán-Pérez C, Molina AJ, Ortiz-Moncada R, Redondo-Martín S, Alguacil J, Blázquez-Abellán G, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Alonso-Molero J, Fernández-Villa T. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain-UniHcos Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11577. [PMID: 36141846 PMCID: PMC9517240 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Botella-Juan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Carmen Amezcua-Prieto
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - María M. Morales-Suarez-Varela
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ramona Mateos-Campos
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Ayán-Pérez
- Well-Move Research Group, Department of Special Didactics, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Antonio José Molina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rocío Ortiz-Moncada
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food and Nutrition Research Group, University of Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Redondo-Martín
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Comisionado Regional para la Droga, Junta de Castilla y León, 47009 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research on Natural Resources, Health, and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Gemma Blázquez-Abellán
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jessica Alonso-Molero
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Cantabria-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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