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Dacosta-Sánchez D, Michelini Y, Pilatti A, Fernández-Calderón F, Lozano ÓM, González-Ponce BM. The moderating role of sex in the relationship between cannabis use treatment admission profile and treatment processes and outcomes: A gender perspective. Addict Behav 2024; 157:108103. [PMID: 39018615 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108103] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-specific interventions are crucial in addressing substance use disorders -particularly cannabis use disorder - as they allow for tailored therapeutic approaches and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. However, differences in therapeutic processes and outcomes between males and females are often not observed, making the prognosis and development of such interventions more difficult. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the moderating role of sex in the relationship between treatment admission profile characterized by indicators of cannabis use and sociodemographic sources of gender inequality (e.g., employment status) and adherence and outcome at discharge. METHOD A multicentric retrospective observational study was conducted with a sample of 3,814 outpatients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. Electronic health records were used for data analysis. RESULTS The interaction between sex and the number of children, as well as pre-treatment cannabis use, predicted lower treatment adherence, particularly among females. Additionally, the interaction between sex and the number of children predicted outcomes at discharge, with females showing a higher likelihood of dropout compared to males. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Enhanced comprehensive treatment with intensified contingency management programs should be prioritized for females (especially those with children) who have consumed cannabis in the month before treatment. Adopting a treatment policy framework incorporating sex/gender-sensitive therapist training and evaluative measures is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dacosta-Sánchez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, 21071 Huelva, Spain; Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain.
| | - Yanina Michelini
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Cordoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; Institute of Psychological Research, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Angelina Pilatti
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Cordoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; Institute of Psychological Research, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Fermín Fernández-Calderón
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, 21071 Huelva, Spain; Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain.
| | - Óscar M Lozano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, 21071 Huelva, Spain; Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain.
| | - Bella M González-Ponce
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, 21071 Huelva, Spain; Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain.
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Cavalli JM, Cservenka A. Sex Moderates Associations Between Dimensions of Emotion Dysregulation and Problematic Cannabis Use. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:342-352. [PMID: 37155938 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2210552] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined whether sex moderates associations between emotion dysregulation (overall and six dimensions of emotion dysregulation) and problematic cannabis use. 741 adult past-month cannabis users (31.44% female) completed questionnaires on problematic cannabis use (Marijuana Problems Scale) and emotion dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale). Mann-Whitney U tests and hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed. Male cannabis users reported greater difficulties with overall emotion dysregulation, nonacceptance, goals, impulse, strategies, and clarity. Overall emotion dysregulation, nonacceptance, goals, impulse, and strategies were associated with more severe problematic cannabis use, with relationships weaker in female cannabis users. Lack of emotional awareness was associated with less severe problematic cannabis use in male cannabis users only. Examining individual differences in emotion dysregulation as they relate to problematic cannabis use suggests that treatments may need to be tailored for male cannabis users with a focus on specific emotion dysregulation dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Cavalli
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Anita Cservenka
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Stampf A, Schwarzkopf L, Batalla A, Feingold D, Fischer B, Hoch E. Cannabis-related treatment demand at the eve of German cannabis legalization - a 20-years trend analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01832-w. [PMID: 38951248 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01832-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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Post-2000, the prevalence of cannabis consumption has been rising internationally. This paper investigates whether cannabis-related treatment demand in German outpatient addiction care facilities (OACFs) has been following this trend. Treatment demand related to cannabis use disorder (CUD) for the period 2001 to 2021 was investigated using data from the nation-wide standardized German Addiction Care Statistical Service. Analyses covered all and first-time treatment admissions, demographics, and treatment outcomes. We identified years with significant changes in slope or direction of trends through joinpoint regression. Trends within the CUD client population were contrasted with trends among the entire OACF client population. CUD is the second-most common cause for OACF admissions in Germany. Between 2001 and 2021, the share of CUD-related cases among total OACF caseload increased from 7.1 to 19.9%, whereby the share of first-time treatment admissions declined from 79.6 to 55.6%. The share of CUD client population > 35 years almost tripled from 6.0 to 17.4%, that of female client population rose from 15.6 to 18.1%. From 2001 to 2007, the share of CUD-related treatments completed with improved symptomatology increased from 54.7 to 65.6%, followed by a marginal decline. CUD-related treatment demand is growing in Germany's OACFs, involving a client population that is increasingly older and more experienced with the addiction care system. As current intervention programmes mainly target adolescents and young adults who have been consuming cannabis only for a short time, adapting service offers to the changing client profiles appears paramount to improve treatment effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Stampf
- IFT Institut Für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstrasse 175, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Larissa Schwarzkopf
- IFT Institut Für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstrasse 175, 80804, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 17, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Feingold
- Psychology Department, Achva Academic College, 1 Achva, MP. Shikmim, 7980400, Arugot, Israel
| | - Benedikt Fischer
- Research & Graduate Studies, University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo, R. Sena Madureira, São Paulo, 1500, Brazil
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eva Hoch
- IFT Institut Für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstrasse 175, 80804, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department Psychologie, Professur Für Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Charlotte-Fresenius-Universität, Infanteriestrasse 11a, 80797, Munich, Germany
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Martínez P, Huynh C, Massamba V, Zefania I, Rochette L, Vasiliadis HM, Nazif-Munoz JI. Changes in the incidence of cannabis-related disorders after the Cannabis Act and the COVID-19 pandemic in Québec, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 129:104484. [PMID: 38870546 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104484] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Canadian Cannabis Act (CCA, implemented in October 2018) and the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) might have contributed to cannabis-related harms in Québec, known for its stringent cannabis legal framework. We explored changes in incidence rates of cannabis-related disorders (CRD) diagnoses associated with these events in Québec. METHODS We utilized linked administrative health data to identify individuals aged 15 year+ newly diagnosed with CRD during hospitalizations, emergency, and outpatients clinics across Québec, from January 2010 and March 2022 (147 months). Interrupted time-series analyses (ITSA) assessed differences (as percentage changes) in sex- and age-standardized, and sex-stratified, monthly incidence rates (per 100,000 population) attributed to the CCA and the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to counterfactual scenarios where pre-events trends would continue unchanged. RESULTS The overall monthly mean rates of incident diagnoses nearly doubled from the pre-CCA period (1.56 per 100,000 population) to the COVID-19 pandemic period (3.02 per 100,000 population). ITSA revealed no statistically significant level or slope changes between adjacent study periods, except for a decrease in the slope of incidence rates among males by 1.84 % (95 % CI -3.41 to -0.24) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the post-CCA period. During the post-CCA period, the trends of incidence rates in the general and male populations grew significantly by 1.22 % (95 % CI 0.08 to 2.35) and 1.44 % (0.04 to 2.84) per month, respectively. Similarly significant increases were observed for the general and female populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly rates rising by 1.43 % (95 % CI 0.75 to 2.12) and 1.75 % (95 % CI 0.13 to 3.37), respectively. These increases more than doubled pre-CCA rates. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rates of CRD diagnoses across Québec appears to have increased following the implementation of the CCA and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings echo public health concerns regarding potential cannabis-related harms and are consistent with previous Canadian studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada; Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, 6875 Bd LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Chris Huynh
- Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 950 rue Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada
| | - Victoria Massamba
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Isaora Zefania
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Louis Rochette
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada
| | - José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada; Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 950 rue Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada.
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Torrejón-Guirado MC, Jolani S, De Vries H, Mercken L, Lima-Serrano M. Beliefs About Cannabis Use Among Male and Female Andalusian Adolescents. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1606911. [PMID: 38887722 PMCID: PMC11181027 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed potential differences between girls and boys in the prevalence rates of cannabis use, sociodemographic factors, and beliefs about cannabis use. Methods: 1,896 Andalusian adolescents aged 14-18 participated in an online survey based on the I-Change model. The survey assessed their beliefs about cannabis use, including attitudes, social influences, self-efficacy, action planning, and intention to use. Multivariate analyses of variance were then conducted to examine potential gender differences in these beliefs, while controlling for last month's cannabis use. Results: Significantly more boys used cannabis in the last month, had boyfriends/girlfriends, and had more pocket money compared to girls. Additionally, girls - in comparison to boys - were more convinced of the disadvantages of cannabis use, but were also more convinced of some of the advantages (such as freedom from boredom, and medicinal use), reported having less favorable social norms for cannabis use, had more female best friends using cannabis, and felt pressure to use cannabis from their female peers. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for cannabis prevention programs to consider gender differences in beliefs about cannabis use. Programs should not only address general risk factors for cannabis use but also evaluate if their interventions effectively target beliefs that are particularly important for girls and boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Carmen Torrejón-Guirado
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Institute of Care and Public Health Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Shahab Jolani
- Institute of Care and Public Health Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Hein De Vries
- Institute of Care and Public Health Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Mercken
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Marta Lima-Serrano
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Goodman S, Dann MJ, Fataar F, Abramovici H. How have cannabis use and related indicators changed since legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes? Results of the Canadian Cannabis Survey 2018-2022. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104385. [PMID: 38520961 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104385] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use for non-medical purposes was legalized and regulated in Canada through the Cannabis Act in October 2018. This paper examined trends in use of cannabis for non-medical purposes and related indicators from pre- to post-legalization in Canada (2018-2022). METHODS Data from 5 years of the Canadian Cannabis Survey, an annual web-based survey administered to Canadians 16 years of age or older, were used in the analysis (n2018=12,952; n2019=11,922; n2020=10,821; n2021=10,733; n2022=10,048). Cannabis measures include questions about use, types of products, sources, risk perceptions and beliefs, and exposure to public education campaigns and health warnings. Adjusted logistic regression models tested differences in outcomes over time. RESULTS Past 12-month cannabis consumption increased among Canadians from 22 % in 2018 to 27 % in 2022 (AOR=1.41;99 % CI:1.28-1.54). Similarly, daily/almost daily (DAD) consumption increased from 5 % in 2018 to 7 % in 2022 (AOR=1.36;99 % CI:1.16-1.59). Consumption of dried flower, hash/kief, and concentrates/extracts (e.g., wax, shatter, budder) decreased since 2018, whereas consumption of edibles, beverages and vape pens/cartridges increased (p < 0.001). Legal purchasing increased from 4 % in 2018 to 69 % in 2022, while accessing cannabis through social and illegal sources decreased over time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION More Canadians are reporting cannabis consumption since legalization and regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes, continuing a pre-existing trend despite an increase in awareness of the risks of consuming cannabis. Trends in product use indicate a transition from dried flower and concentrates/extracts towards consumption of cannabis foods, drinks and vape pens/cartridges. The legal market is increasingly displacing the illicit cannabis market in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Goodman
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Canada
| | - Matthew J Dann
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Canada
| | - Fathima Fataar
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Canada
| | - Hanan Abramovici
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Canada.
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Wardell JD, Coelho SG, Farrelly KN, Fox N, Cunningham JA, O'Connor RM, Hendershot CS. Interactive effects of alcohol and cannabis quantities in the prediction of same-day negative consequences among young adults. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:967-979. [PMID: 38575530 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use is common, but observational studies examining negative consequences of simultaneous use have rarely considered dose-related interactions between alcohol and cannabis. This study examined interactions between quantities of cannabis and alcohol consumed in predicting negative consequences on simultaneous use days. METHODS Young adults (N = 151; 64% female; 62% White) reporting recent simultaneous use and at least weekly alcohol and cannabis use completed 21 daily, smartphone-based surveys assessing previous day quantities of cannabis and alcohol used, types of cannabis used (flower, concentrates, edibles), and negative substance-related consequences. Multilevel models examined: (1) whether negative consequences differed within-person across simultaneous use days and single-substance use days; and (2) whether quantities of alcohol and cannabis consumed on simultaneous use days interacted, within-person, to predict negative consequences. We focused on quantities of cannabis flower (grams) in primary analyses and explored quantities of other forms of cannabis (concentrates, edibles) in supplementary analyses. RESULTS Participants reported fewer negative consequences on alcohol-only (243 observations) and cannabis-only (713 observations) days than they did on simultaneous use days (429 observations). On simultaneous use days involving cannabis flower use (313 observations across 81 participants), the within-person association between number of standard drinks and negative consequences was weaker on days during which larger (vs. smaller) amounts of cannabis flower were consumed. Inspection of simple slopes revealed that decreased alcohol use was associated with less of a decline in negative consequences when combined with relatively greater amounts of cannabis flower. CONCLUSIONS Although simultaneous use was associated with more negative consequences than alcohol-only and cannabis-only use, negative consequences on simultaneous use days varied as a function of the interaction between alcohol and cannabis quantities. As findings suggest that using larger amounts of cannabis may attenuate declines in negative consequences associated with lighter drinking, interventions for higher-risk simultaneous use patterns may benefit from a focus on quantities of both alcohol and cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Wardell
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophie G Coelho
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyra N Farrelly
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolle Fox
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John A Cunningham
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Addictions, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Roisin M O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian S Hendershot
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Kuang FW, Farrukh MJ. Assessing the preparedness and future-readiness of Malaysian community pharmacists in Klang Valley regarding the use of medical marijuana. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:524. [PMID: 38664704 PMCID: PMC11044563 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11008-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated community pharmacists' level of knowledge and attitude towards medical marijuana and its association with sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 February 2022 to 15 November 2022. Community pharmacists working in Klang Valley were given a self-administered questionnaire. This survey instrument facilitated the collection of information about their sociodemographic attributes, training background, and knowledge and attitude concerning medical marijuana. Through rigorous analysis of the accumulated data, discernible factors correlating with the levels of knowledge and attitudes surrounding medical marijuana were identified. RESULTS The majority (n=149, 53.8%) of participants had low knowledge of medical marijuana. Participants with lower knowledge of medical marijuana tend to have a negative attitude toward medical marijuana. Besides that, male participants showed higher knowledge of medical marijuana than female participants. Furthermore, it was found that atheists had the most negative attitude among other religions toward medical marijuana. CONCLUSION Most community pharmacists in Malaysia lack sufficient knowledge about medical marijuana. This indicates that Malaysian pharmacists are not future-ready and need to equip themselves with adequate knowledge of the indications and adverse effects of medical marijuana if it is to be legalised one day. Thus, there is a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Wai Kuang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sorkhou M, Dent EL, George TP. Cannabis use and mood disorders: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1346207. [PMID: 38655516 PMCID: PMC11035759 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1346207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Problematic cannabis use is highly prevalent among people with mood disorders. This underscores the need to understand the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in this population, especially considering legalization of recreational cannabis use. Objectives We aimed to (1) systematically evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal studies investigating the interplay between cannabis use, cannabis use disorder (CUD), and the occurrence of mood disorders and symptoms, with a focus on major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and; (2) examine the effects of cannabis on the prognosis and treatment outcomes of MDD and BD. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted an extensive search for English-language studies investigating the potential impact of cannabis on the development and prognosis of mood disorders published from inception through November 2023, using EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases. Results Our literature search identified 3,262 studies, with 78 meeting inclusion criteria. We found that cannabis use is associated with increased depressive and manic symptoms in the general population in addition to an elevated likelihood of developing MDD and BD. Furthermore, we observed that cannabis use is linked to an unfavorable prognosis in both MDD or BD. Discussion Our findings suggest that cannabis use may negatively influence the development, course, and prognosis of MDD and BD. Future well-designed studies, considering type, amount, and frequency of cannabis use while addressing confounding factors, are imperative for a comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023481634.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sorkhou
- Institute for Mental Health Policy and Research at CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eliza L. Dent
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tony P. George
- Institute for Mental Health Policy and Research at CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lorenzetti V, Gaillard A, McTavish E, Grace S, Rossetti MG, Batalla A, Bellani M, Brambilla P, Chye Y, Conrod P, Cousijn J, Labuschagne I, Clemente A, Mackey S, Rendell P, Solowij N, Suo C, Li CSR, Terrett G, Thompson PM, Yücel M, Garavan H, Roberts CA. Cannabis Dependence is Associated with Reduced Hippocampal Subregion Volumes Independently of Sex: Findings from an ENIGMA Addiction Working Group Multi-Country Study. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38498015 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0204] [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: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Males and females who consume cannabis can experience different mental health and cognitive problems. Neuroscientific theories of addiction postulate that dependence is underscored by neuroadaptations, but do not account for the contribution of distinct sexes. Further, there is little evidence for sex differences in the neurobiology of cannabis dependence as most neuroimaging studies have been conducted in largely male samples in which cannabis dependence, as opposed to use, is often not ascertained. Methods: We examined subregional hippocampus and amygdala volumetry in a sample of 206 people recruited from the ENIGMA Addiction Working Group. They included 59 people with cannabis dependence (17 females), 49 cannabis users without cannabis dependence (20 females), and 98 controls (33 females). Results: We found no group-by-sex effect on subregional volumetry. The left hippocampal cornu ammonis subfield 1 (CA1) volumes were lower in dependent cannabis users compared with non-dependent cannabis users (p<0.001, d=0.32) and with controls (p=0.022, d=0.18). Further, the left cornu ammonis subfield 3 (CA3) and left dentate gyrus volumes were lower in dependent versus non-dependent cannabis users but not versus controls (p=0.002, d=0.37, and p=0.002, d=0.31, respectively). All models controlled for age, intelligence quotient (IQ), alcohol and tobacco use, and intracranial volume. Amygdala volumetry was not affected by group or group-by-sex, but was smaller in females than males. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the relationship between cannabis dependence and subregional volumetry was not moderated by sex. Specifically, dependent (rather than non-dependent) cannabis use may be associated with alterations in selected hippocampus subfields high in cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors and implicated in addictive behavior. As these data are cross-sectional, it is plausible that differences predate cannabis dependence onset and contribute to the initiation of cannabis dependence. Longitudinal neuroimaging work is required to examine the time-course of the onset of subregional hippocampal alterations in cannabis dependence, and their progression as cannabis dependence exacerbates or recovers over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lorenzetti
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra Gaillard
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health and Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Eugene McTavish
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sally Grace
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maria Gloria Rossetti
- UOC Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI), Verona, Italy
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcella Bellani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- UOC Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI), Verona, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Yann Chye
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Neuroscience of Addiction Lab, Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR), Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Izelle Labuschagne
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Adam Clemente
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Mackey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Peter Rendell
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gill Terrett
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, California, USA
| | - Murat Yücel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Hugh Garavan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Carl A Roberts
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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11
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Brewer AL, Felter CE, Sternitzky AR, Spencer SM. Somatic and anxiety-like behaviors in male and female rats during withdrawal from the non-selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 236:173707. [PMID: 38244864 PMCID: PMC10923112 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173707] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are associated with higher risk of dependence and more intense withdrawal symptoms than plant-derived Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Avoidance of withdrawal symptoms, including anxiogenic effects, can contribute to continued cannabinoid use. Adult male and female Long-Evans rats were given escalating doses of WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) via twice daily intrajugular infusions. Precipitated withdrawal was elicited with SR 141716 (rimonabant) 4 h after the final infusion. Global withdrawal scores (GWS) were compiled by summing z-scores of observed somatic behaviors over a 30-min period with locomotor activity simultaneously collected via beam breaks. Rimonabant precipitated withdrawal in female and male rats at 3 or 10 mg/kg, respectively, but the individual behaviors contributing to GWS were not identical. 3 mg/kg rimonabant did not impact locomotor behavior in females, but 10 mg/kg decreased locomotion in male controls. Spontaneous withdrawal observed between 6 and 96 h after the final infusion was quantifiable up to 24 h following WIN administration. Individual behaviors contributing to GWS varied by sex and time point. Males undergoing spontaneous withdrawal engaged in more locomotion than females undergoing withdrawal. Separate groups of rats were subjected to a battery of anxiety-like behavioral tests (elevated plus maze, open field test, and marble burying test) one or two weeks after WIN or vehicle infusions. At one week abstinence, sex-related effects were noted in marble burying and the open field test but were unrelated to drug treatment. At two weeks abstinence, females undergoing withdrawal spent more time grooming during marble burying and performed more marble manipulations than their male counterparts. WIN infusions did not impact estrous cycling, and GWS scores were not correlated with estrous at withdrawal. Collectively, these results show qualitative sex differences in behaviors contributing to the behavioral experience of cannabinoid withdrawal supporting clinical findings from THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L Brewer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
| | - Claire E Felter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Anna R Sternitzky
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Sade M Spencer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
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12
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Goyal A, Quazi MA, Syed R, Ikram HA, Sheikh FA, Farooq A, Sultan S, Sheikh AB. Investigating the Impact of Cannabis Consumption on Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Nationwide Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e55601. [PMID: 38586642 PMCID: PMC10995417 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55601] [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: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Existing data suggest an association between primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and cannabis consumption, although evidence remains controversial. Methods This study used the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample Database to examine inpatients with PSP, categorizing them as cannabis users and non-users. Multivariate regression analyzed continuous variables, chi-square assessed categorical variables, and logistic regression models were built. Propensity score matching (PSM) mitigated the confounding bias. Results A total of 399,495 patients with PSP were admitted during the study period (13,415 cannabis users and 386,080 non-cannabis users). Cannabis users were more likely to be younger (p<0.001) and male (p<0.001) with a lower risk of baseline comorbidities than non-users. Cannabis users had a lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest, vasopressor use, the development of acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, the requirement for invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the need for a tracheostomy. Cannabis use was associated with a 3.4 days shorter hospital stay (p<0.001), as confirmed by PSM analysis (2.3 days shorter, p<0.001). Additionally, cannabis users showed a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001), a trend maintained in the PSM analysis (p<0.001). Conclusions Our study revealed correlations suggesting that cannabis users with PSP might experience lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications than non-cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Goyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, IND
| | - Mohammed A Quazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Rayika Syed
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Hafiz Abdullah Ikram
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Farooq A Sheikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Asif Farooq
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA
| | - Sulaiman Sultan
- Department of Nephrology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Abu Baker Sheikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
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13
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Halladay J, Sunderland M, Chapman C, Repchuck R, Georgiades K, Boak A, Hamilton HA, Slade T. Examining temporal trends in psychological distress and the co-occurrence of common substance use in a population-based sample of grade 7-12 students from 2013 to 2019. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02619-z. [PMID: 38311705 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02619-z] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Characterizing trends and correlates of adolescent psychological distress is important due to observed global increases over the last 20 years. Substance use is a commonly discussed correlate, though we lack an understanding about how co-occurrence of these concerns has been changing over time. METHODS Data came from repeated, representative, cross-sectional surveys of grade 7-12 students across Ontario, Canada conducted biennially from 2013 to 2019. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to examine changes in the joint association between psychological distress (operationalized as Kessler-6 [K6] scores ≥ 13) and substance use over time. Weighted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 99% confidence intervals were estimated, where p < 0.01 denotes statistical significance. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress doubled between 2013 and 2019, with adjusted increases of about 1.2 times each survey year. This biennial increase did not differ based on sex, perceived social standing, school level, or any substance use. Students using substances consistently reported a higher prevalence of psychological distress (between 1.2 times and 2.7 times higher). There were similarly no differential temporal trends based on substance use for very high distress (K6 ≥ 19) or K6 items explored individually. CONCLUSION Psychological distress steeply increased among adolescents and substance use remains important to assess and address alongside distress. However, the magnitude of temporal increases appears to be similar for adolescents reporting and not reporting substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Halladay
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - M Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - C Chapman
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - R Repchuck
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - K Georgiades
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - A Boak
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - H A Hamilton
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - T Slade
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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14
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Walukevich-Dienst K, Calhoun BH, Graupensperger S, Patrick ME, Lee CM. Predictors of morning cannabis use among young adults: Between- and within-person associations from 24 consecutive months of data. Addict Behav 2024; 149:107908. [PMID: 37956543 PMCID: PMC10842805 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107908] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Morning cannabis use is associated with heavier, frequent cannabis use and more cannabis-related negative consequences, yet little empirical research has examined its predictors. Using 24 months of longitudinal data, the present study tested demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral predictors of morning cannabis use among young adults at the monthly- and person-levels. Young adults (N = 778) were part of a larger study on substance use and social role transitions; participants completed a baseline survey and up to 24 consecutive monthly surveys. Hypotheses were tested using logistic multilevel models to estimate odds ratios for any vs. no morning use in a given month. At the monthly level, social anxiety motives and cannabis use frequency on a given month were positively associated with morning cannabis use. At the person level, typical coping motives, average cannabis use frequency, and male sex were positively associated with morning cannabis use. Findings advance our understanding of individual and psychosocial predictors of morning cannabis use among young adults. Notably, social anxiety motives may represent a malleable target for intervention efforts that could reduce risky use patterns associated with morning use. Such efforts may be especially prudent for young men, as our findings indicated morning cannabis use probabilities were much higher for men than women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Walukevich-Dienst
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357238, Seattle, WA 98195-7238, USA.
| | - Brian H Calhoun
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357238, Seattle, WA 98195-7238, USA
| | - Scott Graupensperger
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357238, Seattle, WA 98195-7238, USA
| | - Megan E Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA
| | - Christine M Lee
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357238, Seattle, WA 98195-7238, USA
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15
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Guttmannova K, Fleming CB, Rhew IC, Delawalla MLM, Fairlie AM, Larimer ME, Kilmer JR. Changes in Cannabis Use From 2014 to 2019 Among Young Adults in Washington State. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:252-259. [PMID: 37793557 PMCID: PMC10842380 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding changes in cannabis use in the legalized nonmedical cannabis context is critical. Washington State, one the earliest states to implement legalization, presents a unique opportunity to examine how cannabis use and its consequences changed after the implementation of legalization for adults. With a focus on Washington State young adults, this study conducted in 2022-2023 examined changes in (1) cannabis use by sex and age, (2) preferred mode of use, and (3) cannabis use disorder symptoms. METHODS Using repeated cross-sectional data on young adults aged 18-25 years in Washington State from 2014 (premarket opening) to 2019 (N=12,945), logistic regression models assessed trends over time in the prevalence of any and frequent (20+ days) past-month cannabis use. Among individuals reporting use, multinomial logistic regressions estimated trends over time in the preferred mode of use and negative binomial regressions examined trends in the count of cannabis use disorder symptoms. RESULTS From 2014 to 2019, the prevalence of cannabis use converged by sex, with females being equally likely as males to report both any and frequent use by 2019. Among young adults reporting past-month use, smoking as the preferred mode of use decreased relative to other modes. Number of cannabis use disorder symptoms reported increased, which was not accounted for by changes in preferred mode of use. CONCLUSIONS During the 5-year period following the implementation of legalization, patterns of young adult cannabis use shifted, including particularly sharp increases among females and increases in cannabis use disorder symptoms. Future studies should investigate underlying causes for these important changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Guttmannova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Charles B Fleming
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Isaac C Rhew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Miranda L M Delawalla
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anne M Fairlie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mary E Larimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jason R Kilmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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16
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Marquette A, Iraniparast M, Hammond D. Adverse outcomes of cannabis use in Canada, before and after legalisation of non-medical cannabis: cross-sectional analysis of the International Cannabis Policy Study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077908. [PMID: 38171626 PMCID: PMC10773397 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077908] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To date, there is little evidence on the extent to which cannabis legalisation affects the prevalence of adverse events from cannabis at the population level. The current study examined trends in the prevalence of adverse events among people who consumed cannabis before and after Canada's legalisation of recreational cannabis. DESIGN Data come from the first four survey waves of the International Cannabis Policy Study, which were conducted online annually immediately prior to non-medical cannabis legalisation in Canada in October 2018, and in the three following years (2019-2021). PARTICIPANTS The current analysis included 18 285 Canadian respondents aged 16-65 who reported cannabis use in the past 12 months. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes included types of adverse events experienced from cannabis use, medical help-seeking and the types of products used. Weighted logistic regression models examined differences in help-seeking, emergency room usage and the experience of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome across survey years. RESULTS Approximately one-third of people who consume cannabis reported experiencing at least one adverse event within the past 12 months, including 5% of consumers who sought medical help for an adverse event, most commonly for panic attacks, feeling faint/dizzy/passing out, heart/blood pressure problems and nausea/vomiting. The prevalence of seeking help and the types of adverse events were similar before (2018) and after legalisation (2019-2021); however, the proportion of consumers seeking help from emergency rooms increased postlegalisation (F=2.77, p=0.041). Adverse events were associated with various product types, with dried flower and oral oils accounting for the largest proportion of events. Help-seeking associated with cannabis edibles significantly decreased after legalisation (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Substantial proportions of people who consume cannabis report adverse events, suggesting widespread difficulty in 'dosing'. Few changes were observed in the prevalence of adverse events reported by consumers since legalisation; however, the location of medical help-seeking and associated products used have changed postlegalisation.
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17
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Karlsson P, Ekendahl M, Raninen J. Is there a gender paradox in the association between conduct problems and cannabis use? A cohort-study among Swedish adolescents. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:294-303. [PMID: 37867405 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13763] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conduct problems (CP) predict cannabis use prospectively but the research is mixed as to whether this association is stronger among girls. A stronger association among girls would suggest a 'gender paradox' as both CP and cannabis use is less common in this group. This study aimed to assess whether the longitudinal association between CP and cannabis use in Swedish adolescents is stronger among girls. METHODS Data from two waves of a nationally representative cohort study of Swedish adolescents born in 2001 were used. Baseline measurements were collected in 9th grade (at age 15-16) and follow-up measures at 11th grade (at age 17-18). RESULTS CP at baseline were significantly associated with cannabis use at follow-up adjusted for hyperactivity problems, emotional problems, socio-demographics, parental monitoring, school grades and truancy at baseline (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.24) but not when also adjusting for substance use at baseline. Boys were more likely to have used cannabis during the past year, even when controlling for prior substance use (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.76-2.98). The association between CP and cannabis use was significantly weaker for boys (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95 in the fully adjusted model). The predicted probability of cannabis use was stable at 0.13 for boys across levels of CP, but ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 for girls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The longitudinal association between CP and cannabis use was stronger among girls. The findings are indicative of a 'gender paradox' in the association between CP and cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Karlsson
- Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Ekendahl
- Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Raninen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Borja-Montes OF, Hanif H, Quazi MA, Sohail AH, Roth MA, Millhuff AC, Sheikh AB. Venous thromboembolism and cannabis consumption, outcomes among hospitalized patients in the United States: A nationwide analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102184. [PMID: 37907189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102184] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) carries significant clinical implications, and with the rise in cannabis consumption, its potential influence on VTE outcomes warrants investigation. Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016-2019), we analyzed 2,217,184 hospitalized VTE patients. Among these, 1.8 % (38,810) reported cannabis use. We compared demographics, comorbidities, in-hospital outcomes, and quality metrics between cannabis users and non-users with VTE. Cannabis users were chiefly younger males (average age 45 in cannabis users vs. 62 in non-cannabis users) from lower-income brackets. Notably, 5.4 % discharged against medical advice. Although in-hospital mortality was initially lower for cannabis users (2.8 % vs. 5.1 %, OR 0.6, 95 % CI 0.69-0.94, p = 0.008), this difference became non-significant post-propensity-score matching (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.72-1.10, p = 0.3). Non-users faced higher in-hospital complications, a trend that persisted post-PSM. Among cannabis users, key mortality predictors were peripheral vascular disease, acute kidney injury, vasopressor use, cardiogenic shock, myocardial infarction, invasive ventilation, and surgical embolectomy. Cannabis users also had a shorter hospital stay (4.2 vs. 5.4 days) and slightly reduced costs ($27,472.95 vs. $31,660.75). The significantly younger age of VTE patients who use cannabis, coupled with the considerable proportion discharging against medical advice, underscores the urgency for tailored care interventions. Additional research is vital to comprehensively understand the interplay between cannabis consumption and VTE outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar F Borja-Montes
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Hamza Hanif
- Department of General Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Mohammed A Quazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Amir H Sohail
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Margaret A Roth
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Alexandra C Millhuff
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Abu Baker Sheikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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19
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Benedetti E, Lombardi G, Molinaro S. Can drug policies modify cannabis use starting choice? Insights from criminalisation in Italy. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2023; 58:100566. [PMID: 38054868 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2023.100566] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
A key question in the ongoing drug policy debate is whether legalising cannabis leads to an increase in cannabis use. In Europe although no country has yet moved to legalisation, many have decriminalised personal possession. However, some jurisdictions are still discussing increased sanctions or have further strengthened penalties for the possession of illicit substances in order to deter widespread cannabis use. This is the case in Italy, where a law introduced in 2006 and repealed in 2014 de facto criminalised personal drug possession, and a potential increase in penalties is currently being debated as a policy option. Despite the intense public debate surrounding the legal status of cannabis, limited empirical research has been conducted in Europe to assess the population-level effects of drug policy reforms, mainly due to data availability constraints. In this study, we analyse the effect of criminalisation on the age of onset of cannabis use using an unique dataset that combines seven waves (2001-2017) of the nationally representative Italian Population Survey on Alcohol and other Drugs with relevant socio-economic data. The final dataset comprises 77,650 observations. Leveraging the rare opportunity to examine the effects of a policy that remained in force for a limited period, our empirical investigation employs a Complementary Log-Log model to analyse the starting rate, that is, the transition rate from non-use to use. To do so, we use self-reported data on the age of first cannabis use. Our results suggest that the implementation of stricter punishments has a significant effect in reducing the likelihood of early cannabis use initiation. The observed impact of criminalisation is limited in younger ages and diminished as adulthood approaches. This paper also discusses other considerations related to the social costs of criminalisation, which should also be taken into account in the ongoing policy debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Benedetti
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology (CNR, IFC), via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Lombardi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "Giuseppe Parenti" - DiSIA, University of Florence, viale Morgagni, 59, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology (CNR, IFC), via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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20
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Rosewall T, Chen K. Therapeutic cannabis use by patients with cancer in Canada: A national survey of the experiences, opinions and information needs of Radiation Therapists. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2023; 54:S77-S86. [PMID: 37827914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the experiences, opinions and information needs of Canadian Radiation Therapists when caring for cancer patients who are taking cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP). METHODS The study employed prospective data collection, via a single cross-sectional web-based questionnaire. After REB approval, the questionnaire was distributed electronically to all Radiation Therapists across Canada. The questionnaire was open for a one month accrual, with reminders sent at two and four weeks. The raw data was aggregated using standard descriptive statistics. The response differences between naturally occurring demographic cohorts was determined using inferential statistics. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty two Therapists completed the questionnaire (25.6%), of which 19.1% reported being approached by patients to talk about cannabis more than once per month and 4.4% reported initiating a conversation with patients about cannabis. There were no differences between the provinces or catchment areas regarding how common or socially acceptable cannabis use by patients was. Confidence in discussing cannabis was strongly positively correlated with ratings of current knowledge (r² 0.77). Of the respondents, 99.9% believed that their radiation therapy training did not prepare them to support patients using cannabis. CONCLUSIONS The data revealed that patients more frequently seek out guidance for CTP than Therapists initiate those discussions. This lack of Therapist willingness to begin cannabis conversations was associated with the low levels of knowledge. Almost all Therapists recognized the limitations of their knowledge and expressed interest in receiving further information about cannabis. The findings of this study strongly advocate for the development of educational tools to meet Therapists clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Rosewall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Level 1B:707, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Kayli Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Level 1B:707, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
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21
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Jaffe AE, Brockdorf AN, Duckworth JC, Blayney JA, Stappenbeck CA. Cannabis to cope with COVID-19 in college. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38015165 PMCID: PMC11130071 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2277861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Cannabis use in college students has increased over time and is linked to negative consequences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students experienced greater stress, which could heighten cannabis use and related consequences. This study was designed to clarify motivations for cannabis use that may link pandemic-related stressors to time spent high and cannabis-related consequences.Participants: A total of 488 cannabis-using college students (75% women) participated.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 to examine students' experiences during the pandemic.Results: Indirect effects revealed that pandemic-related social stressors were linked to coping and boredom motives, and in turn, more hours spent high and cannabis-related consequences. Similarly, pandemic-related distress was associated with more coping motives and in turn, more hours spent high and cannabis-related consequences.Conclusions: Findings suggest prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from emphasizing alternative coping methods, including enhanced social support, during prolonged stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jennifer C. Duckworth
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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22
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Davis AK, Arterberry BJ, Xin Y, Hubbard SM, Schwarting CM, Bonar EE. Incremental Predictive Validity of the Dualistic Model of Passion for Cannabis Use Among College Undergraduate Students With and Without a Cannabis Use Disorder. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2023; 6:105-126. [PMID: 38035170 PMCID: PMC10683744 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2023/000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction We examined whether the Dualistic Model of Passion (DMP; i.e., obsessive passion [OP] and harmonious passion [HP]) for cannabis use was prospectively associated with cannabis use and use-related outcomes, and with academic performance, relationship attachment style, and social connectedness among college students. We also explored whether the DMP was associated with outcomes when included in a model using established constructs (e.g., coping motives, refusal self-efficacy, cannabis use disorder [CUD] symptoms) as predictors of cannabis use and outcomes. Methods Using a longitudinal cohort design (baseline, 5-month, 10-month [timepoints chosen to better correspond to 9-month academic year]), 513 undergraduate students from two universities who reported using cannabis at least four times in the past month completed a baseline survey (308 meeting criteria for CUD). We used Generalized Estimating Equations to assess longitudinal associations between OP/HP and cannabis use and academic/social outcomes at 5-month and 10-month. Results At baseline, participants were young adults (Mean age = 20.57, SD = 2.51), 78.8% non-Hispanic, 83.8% White, 55.0% female, and 72.3% heterosexual. Greater HP was not associated with greater past month cannabis use or cannabis-related problems. Greater OP was associated with greater past month cannabis use and more cannabis-related problems. There were no significant passion by time interactions. Greater HP was associated with more anxious attachment. OP was associated with less social connection. Conclusion This research suggests that the DMP provides novel information about factors associated with cannabis use and use-related consequences, which can aid in our understanding of cannabis use, misuse, and CUD among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH USA
- Institute for Population Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Brooke J Arterberry
- Institute for Population Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA USA
| | - Yitong Xin
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH USA
| | | | | | - Erin E Bonar
- University of Michigan - Department of Psychiatry; Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan - Addiction Center; Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan - Injury Prevention Center; Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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23
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Matson TE, Williams EC, Lapham GT, Oliver M, Hallgren KA, Bradley KA. Association between cannabis use disorder symptom severity and probability of clinically-documented diagnosis and treatment in a primary care sample. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 251:110946. [PMID: 37688980 PMCID: PMC10655701 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110946] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brief cannabis screening followed by standardized assessment of symptoms may support diagnosis and treatment of cannabis use disorder (CUD). This study tested whether the probability of a medical provider diagnosing and treating CUD increased with the number of substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms documented in patients' EHRs. METHODS This observational study used EHR and claims data from an integrated healthcare system. Adult patients were included who reported daily cannabis use and completed the Substance Use Symptom Checklist, a scaled measure of DSM-5 SUD symptoms (0-11), during routine care 3/1/2015-3/1/2021. Logistic regression estimated associations between SUD symptom counts and: 1) CUD diagnosis; 2) CUD treatment initiation; and 3) CUD treatment engagement, defined based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) ICD-codes and timelines. We tested moderation across age, gender, race, and ethnicity. RESULTS Patients (N=13,947) were predominantly middle-age, male, White, and non-Hispanic. Among patients reporting daily cannabis use without other drug use (N=12,568), the probability of CUD diagnosis, treatment initiation, and engagement increased with each 1-unit increase in Symptom Checklist score (p's<0.001). However, probabilities of diagnosis, treatment, and engagement were low, even among those reporting ≥2 symptoms consistent with SUD: 14.0% diagnosed (95% CI: 11.7-21.6), 16.6% initiated treatment among diagnosed (11.7-21.6), and 24.3% engaged in treatment among initiated (15.8-32.7). Only gender moderated associations between Symptom Checklist and diagnosis (p=0.047) and treatment initiation (p=0.012). Findings were similar for patients reporting daily cannabis use with other drug use (N=1379). CONCLUSION Despite documented symptoms, CUD was underdiagnosed and undertreated in medical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E Matson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
| | - Emily C Williams
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Gwen T Lapham
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Malia Oliver
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kevin A Hallgren
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Katharine A Bradley
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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24
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Struble CA, Borodovsky JT, Habib MI, Hasin DS, Shmulewitz D, Livne O, Walsh C, Aharonovich E, Budney AJ. Extending Gender- and Sex-Based Analyses in Cannabis Research: Findings from an Online Sample of Gender Diverse Young Adult Consumers. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37594777 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0069] [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] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Gender and sex can influence cannabis behaviors and consequences (Cannabis Use Disorder [CUD]). Research typically examines sex and gender independently. Gender analyses often exclude transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. The objectives of this study were to (a) replicate less frequent cannabis use among TGD young adults compared to cisgender counterparts (b) compare severity of CUD, and (c) examine the role of sex on cannabis outcomes. Method: Online survey participants between 18 and 34 (N=1213) from the United States who reported past-week cannabis consumption provided information on cannabis practices and CUD from February to April 2022. Bivariate analyses explored gender differences across frequency (daily frequency across routes of administration [ROAs]; daily use of 2+ ROAs, use throughout the day) and CUD. Adjusted regression models provided model-estimated marginal probabilities and means to examine differences across four gender-by-sex categories (cisgender men: n=385; cisgender women: n=681; male-at-birth TGD: n=26; female-at-birth TGD: n=121). Benjamini-Hochberg adjustments (10% false discovery rate) were applied. Results: Among past-week consumers, female-at-birth TGD participants demonstrated lower probability of daily flower smoking compared to cisgender men (0.54 vs. 0.67). Cisgender men reported greater probability of daily concentrate vaping (0.55) compared to cisgender women (0.45) and female-at-birth TGD participants (0.27); they were also more likely to report daily use of 2+ ROAs (cisgender men: 0.51 vs. cisgender women: 0.39 and female at-birth TGD: 0.27). TGD participants reported greater CUD severity compared to cisgender counterparts, t(1096)=-3.69, p=0.002. Model-estimated means found lower severity among cisgender women compared to cisgender men and female-at-birth TGD participants. Stratified regression models support positive associations between daily cannabis use and CUD in both TGD in cisgender groups. Among cisgender participants, greater severity was predicted by male sex, younger age, and younger age of onset. Conclusions: The present study replicates and extends a prior finding that among past-week cannabis consumers, TGD young adults report less frequent use than cisgender counterparts. Despite this, TGD participants demonstrated greater severity of CUD. While analyses were limited by the small sample of male-at-birth TGD participants, the article highlights the importance of expanding sex- and gender-focused analyses. Future work is expanding efforts to target hard-to-reach consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A Struble
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jacob T Borodovsky
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Mohammad I Habib
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ofir Livne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claire Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan J Budney
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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25
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Hillmer A, Chawar C, Lamri A, Hudson J, Kapczinski F, Minuzzi L, Marsh DC, Thabane L, Paterson AD, Samaan Z. Genetics of cannabis use in opioid use disorder: A genome-wide association and polygenic risk score study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289059. [PMID: 37494403 PMCID: PMC10370765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have increased rates of cannabis use in comparison to the general population. Research on the short- and long-term impacts of cannabis use in OUD patients has been inconclusive. A genetic component may contribute to cannabis cravings. AIMS Identify genetic variants associated with cannabis use through Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) methods and investigate a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS). In addition, we aim to identify any sex differences in effect size for genetic variants reaching or nearing genome-wide significance in the GWAS. METHODS The study outcomes of interest were: regular cannabis use (yes/no) (n = 2616), heaviness of cannabis use (n = 1293) and cannabis cravings (n = 836). Logistic and linear regressions were preformed, respectively, to test the association between genetic variants and each outcome, regular cannabis use and heaviness of cannabis use. GWAS summary statistics from a recent large meta-GWAS investigating cannabis use disorder were used to conduct PRS's. Findings are limited to a European ancestry sample. RESULTS No genome-wide significant associations were found. Rs1813412 (chromosome 17) for regular cannabis use and rs62378502 (chromosome 5) for heaviness of cannabis use were approaching genome-wide significance. Both these SNPs were nominally significant (p<0.05) within males and females, however sex did not modify the association. The PRS identified statistically significant association with cannabis cravings. The variance explained by all PRSs were less than 1.02x10-2. CONCLUSION This study provides promising results in understanding the genetic contribution to cannabis use in individuals living with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alannah Hillmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Caroul Chawar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amel Lamri
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Hudson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Flavio Kapczinski
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sol, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciano Minuzzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Method, Evidence & Impact, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew D Paterson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zainab Samaan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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26
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Yousufzai SJ, Cole AG, Nonoyama M, Barakat C. Changes in Quantity Measures of Various Forms of Cannabis Consumption among Emerging Adults in Canada in Relation to Policy and Public Health Developments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6213. [PMID: 37444061 PMCID: PMC10341313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136213] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Limited research examines changes in quantities of various forms of smoked/vaped cannabis among regular consumers, including emerging adults (EAs; 18 to 29) in Canada. This information is particularly relevant in the current context of emerging cannabis behaviors among EAs related to political amendments (legalization of cannabis), vaping-related lung illnesses (EVALI), and unprecedented pandemics (COVID-19). This study investigated the impact of legalizing recreational cannabis use in Canada, the EVALI epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the quantity of smoked/vaped forms of cannabis in relation to gender differences. EAs retrospectively self-reported the quantity of herb, hash, concentrates, joint size, and the number of joints and vaping cartridges in relation to three consecutive developments: pre-legalization, post-legalization; pre-EVALI, post-EVALI, pre-COVID-19, and during COVID-19. The quantity of herb use significantly increased among heavy users, and vaping quantity significantly increased among light users. Overall, an increasing incremental trend was observed in the average quantity of cannabis forms used over time. Males consumed higher quantities of all cannabis forms than females. More males than females reported using concentrates (p < 0.05). These findings reveal unique aspects of the amount of various cannabis forms smoked/vaped in relation to gender and provides preliminary evidence of cannabis consumption behaviors in relation to changing social and cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Yousufzai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada; (A.G.C.); (M.N.); (C.B.)
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Krueger K, Lamenza F, Gu H, El-Hodiri H, Wester J, Oberdick J, Fischer AJ, Oghumu S. Sex differences in susceptibility to substance use disorder: Role for X chromosome inactivation and escape? Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103859. [PMID: 37207894 PMCID: PMC10286730 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103859] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a sex-based disparity associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) as demonstrated by clinical and preclinical studies. Females are known to escalate from initial drug use to compulsive drug-taking behavior (telescoping) more rapidly, and experience greater negative withdrawal effects than males. Although these biological differences have largely been attributed to sex hormones, there is evidence for non-hormonal factors, such as the influence of the sex chromosome, which underlie sex disparities in addiction behavior. However, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying sex chromosome influences on substance abuse behavior are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the role that escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females plays in sex-associated differences in addiction behavior. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and during XCI, one X chromosome is randomly chosen to be transcriptionally silenced. However, some X-linked genes escape XCI and display biallelic gene expression. We generated a mouse model using an X-linked gene specific bicistronic dual reporter mouse as a tool to visualize allelic usage and measure XCI escape in a cell specific manner. Our results revealed a previously undiscovered X-linked gene XCI escaper (CXCR3), which is variable and cell type dependent. This illustrates the highly complex and context dependent nature of XCI escape which is largely understudied in the context of SUD. Novel approaches such as single cell RNA sequencing will provide a global molecular landscape and impact of XCI escape in addiction and facilitate our understanding of the contribution of XCI escape to sex disparities in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Krueger
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Felipe Lamenza
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Howard Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heithem El-Hodiri
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason Wester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John Oberdick
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steve Oghumu
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Wu JH, Radha Saseendrakumar B, Moghimi S, Sidhu S, Kamalipour A, Weinreb RN, Baxter SL. Epidemiology and factors associated with cannabis use among patients with glaucoma in the All of Us Research Program. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15811. [PMID: 37215923 PMCID: PMC10192773 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine the epidemiology and factors of cannabis use among open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, OAG participants in the All of Us database were included. Cannabis ever-users were defined based on record of cannabis use. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected and compared between cannabis ever-users and never-users using Chi-Square tests and logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) of potential factors associated with cannabis use were examined in univariable and multivariable models. Results Among 3723 OAG participants, 1436 (39%) were cannabis ever-users. The mean (SD) age of never-users and ever-users was 72.9 (10.4) and 69.2 (9.6) years, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared to never-users, Black (34%) and male (55%) participants were better represented in ever-users, while Hispanic or Latino participants (6%) were less represented (P < 0.001). Diversity was also observed in socioeconomic characteristics including marital status, housing security, and income/education levels. A higher percentage of ever-users had a degree ≥12 grades (91%), salaried employment (26%), housing insecurity (12%), and history of cigar smoking (48%), alcohol consumption (96%), and other substance use (47%) (P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, Black race (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [1.06, 1.68]), higher education (OR = 1.19 [1.07, 1.32]), and history of nicotine product smoking (OR: 2.04-2.83), other substance use (OR = 8.14 [6.63, 10.04]), and alcohol consumption (OR = 6.80 [4.45, 10.79]) were significant factors associated with cannabis use. Increased age (OR = 0.96 [0.95, 0.97]), Asian race (OR = 0.18 [0.09, 0.33]), and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR = 0.43 [0.27, 0.68]) were associated with decreased odds of use (P < 0.02). Conclusions This study elucidated the previously uncharacterized epidemiology and factors associated with cannabis use among OAG patients, which may help to identify patients requiring additional outreach on unsupervised marijuana use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Hsuan Wu
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bharanidharan Radha Saseendrakumar
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- UCSD Health Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sasan Moghimi
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Sidhu
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alireza Kamalipour
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sally L. Baxter
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- UCSD Health Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Kuhathasan N, Ballester PL, Minuzzi L, MacKillop J, Frey BN. Predictors of perceived symptom change with acute cannabis use for mental health conditions in a naturalistic sample: A machine learning approach. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 122:152377. [PMID: 36787672 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152377] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite limited clinical evidence of its efficacy, cannabis use has been commonly reported for the management of various mental health concerns in naturalistic field studies. The aim of the current study was to use machine learning methods to investigate predictors of perceived symptom change across various mental health symptoms with acute cannabis use in a large naturalistic sample. METHODS Data from 68,819 unique observations of cannabis use from 1307 individuals using cannabis to manage mental health symptoms were analyzed. Data were extracted from Strainprint®, a mobile app that allows users to monitor their cannabis use for therapeutic purposes. Machine learning models were employed to predict self-perceived symptom change after cannabis use, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value plots were used to assess feature importance of individual predictors in the model. Interaction effects of symptom severity pre-scores of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and gender were also examined. RESULTS The factors that were most strongly associated with perceived symptom change following acute cannabis use were pre-symptom severity, age, gender, and the ratio of CBD to THC. Further examination on the impact of baseline severity for the most commonly reported symptoms revealed distinct responses, with cannabis being reported to more likely benefit individuals with lower pre-symptom severity for depression, and higher pre-symptom severity for insomnia. Responses to cannabis use also differed between genders. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study highlight the importance of several factors in predicting perceived symptom change with acute cannabis use for mental health symptom management. Mental health profiles and baseline symptom severity may play a large role in perceived responses to cannabis. Distinct response patterns were also noted across commonly reported mental health symptoms, emphasizing the need for placebo-controlled cannabis trials for specific user profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirushi Kuhathasan
- Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Pedro L Ballester
- Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Luciano Minuzzi
- Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University/St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada.
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Kitdumrongthum S, Trachootham D. An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062791. [PMID: 36985763 PMCID: PMC10058560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062791] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since legalization, cannabis/marijuana has been gaining considerable attention as a functional ingredient in food. ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids are key bioactive compounds with health benefits. The oral consumption of cannabis transports much less hazardous chemicals than smoking. Nevertheless, the response to cannabis is biphasically dose-dependent (hormesis; a low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition) with wide individuality in responses. Thus, the exact same dose and preparation of cannabis may be beneficial for some but toxic to others. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of individual variations in response to cannabinoids, which leads to the challenge of establishing standard safe doses of cannabis products for the general population. The mechanisms of actions, acute and chronic toxicities, and factors affecting responses to cannabis products are updated. Based on the literature review, we found that the response to cannabis products depends on exposure factors (delivery route, duration, frequency, and interactions with food and drugs), individual factors (age, sex), and susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor gene, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzymes, THC-metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic regulations). Owing to the individuality of responses, the safest way to use cannabis-containing food products is to start low, go slow, and stay low.
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Matheson J, Le Foll B. Impacts of recreational cannabis legalization on use and harms: A narrative review of sex/gender differences. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1127660. [PMID: 36970279 PMCID: PMC10036775 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1127660] [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] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Legalization of cannabis use for non-medical (recreational) purposes is changing the global cannabis landscape. As attitudes toward cannabis use become more positive and prevalence of use increases in complex ways, concerns emerge about the potential for increased cannabis-attributable harms. Understanding the who, why, and when of this likely increase in cannabis-attributable harms is thus an important public health priority. Both sex and gender contribute to variability in the use, effects, and harms of cannabis and thus sex/gender considerations are important when evaluating the impacts of cannabis legalization. The goal of this narrative review is to broadly discuss sex/gender differences in attitudes toward and prevalence of cannabis use, whether there are sex/gender differences in the impacts of cannabis legalization, and why these sex/gender differences might exist. One of our strongest conclusions is that men have always been more likely to use cannabis than women, yet the sex/gender gap in prevalence of cannabis use has narrowed over time, and this might be partly due to cannabis legalization. The existing evidence suggests that there have also been sex/gender differences in the impacts of legalization on cannabis-attributable harms such as cannabis-involved motor vehicle collisions and hospitalizations, though these results are more variable. The body of literature reviewed has focused almost exclusively on samples of cisgender research participants, and thus future research should encourage inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse participants. More consideration of sex- and gender-based analysis in research evaluating long-term impacts of cannabis legalization is a clear research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Matheson
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Justin Matheson,
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Waypoint Research Institute, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
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Moebes ZR, Card KG, Koenig B, Benoit C. Lower-risk substance use guidelines accessible by youth. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:10. [PMID: 36782291 PMCID: PMC9926657 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00516-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower-risk substance use guidelines (LRSUGs) are an evidence-based harm reduction strategy used to provide information to people who use drugs so they can reduce harms associated with substance use. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify LRSUGs accessible to youth and to characterize the recommendations within these guidelines. The overall goal is to identify gaps in current LRSUGs and to inform researchers and policymakers of the kinds of health information youth can access. METHODS We conducted a digital assessment using the Google search engine to identify LRSUGs that could be identified by youth when searching for official sources of information related to commonly used substances, including cannabis, caffeine, alcohol, hallucinogens, prescription opioids, nicotine, and/or prescription stimulants. LRSUGs were coded and data were extracted from them to identify gaps. RESULTS One hundred thirty LRSUGs were identified; most focused on alcohol (n = 40, 31%), cannabis (n = 30, 23%), and caffeine (n = 21, 16%). LRSUGs provided recommendations about dosing (n = 108, 83%), frequency of use (n = 72, 55%), and when to use (n = 86, 66%). Most LRSUGs were published by health (n = 51, 39%) and third-sector organizations (n = 41, 32%), followed by provincial/state (n = 18, 14%), government (n = 14, 11%), municipal (n = 4, 3%), and academic (n = 2, 2%) sources. Only 16% (n = 21) of LRSUGs were youth-specific and one-quarter (n = 32, 25%) of LRSUGs provided gender-specific recommendations. Most guidelines featured information on short (n = 76, 58%) and long-term (n = 69, 53%) negative effectives and positive effects of substances (n = 56, 43%). Less than half (n = 50, 38%) of LRSUGs cited evidence in support of the information they provided. CONCLUSIONS We identified several areas in the current LRSUGs for youth that need to be addressed. Among the gaps are a lack of LRSUGs developed specifically for youth, a lack of youth engagement in developing harm reduction strategies centered around them, and a lack of evidence-based LRSUGs. Youth-oriented, evidence-based LRSUGs are needed to better support youth who use substances and help them manage the negative effects of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakkaery R. Moebes
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, BC Victoria, Canada
| | - Kiffer G. Card
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, BC Victoria, Canada
- grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
| | - Brett Koenig
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, BC Victoria, Canada
| | - Cecilia Benoit
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, BC Victoria, Canada
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Greaves L, Brabete AC, Maximos M, Huber E, Li A, Lê ML, Eltonsy S, Boscoe M. Sex, Gender, and the Regulation of Prescription Drugs: Omissions and Opportunities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2962. [PMID: 36833654 PMCID: PMC9962082 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of prescription drugs is an important health, safety, and equity issue. However, regulatory processes do not always consider evidence on sex, gender, and factors such as age and race, omissions that advocates have highlighted for several decades. Assessing the impact of sex-related factors is critical to ensuring drug safety and efficacy for females and males, and for informing clinical product monographs and consumer information. Gender-related factors affect prescribing, access to drugs, needs and desires for specific prescribed therapies. This article draws on a policy-research partnership project that examined the lifecycle management of prescription drugs in Canada using a sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) lens. In the same time period, Health Canada created a Scientific Advisory Committee on Health Products for Women, in part to examine drug regulation. We report on grey literature and selected regulatory documents to illustrate the extent to which sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) is utilized in regulation and policy. We identify omissions in the management of prescription drugs, and name opportunities for improvements by integrating SGBA+ into drug sponsor applications, clinical trials development, and pharmacovigilance. We report on recent efforts to incorporate sex disaggregated data and recommend ways that the management of prescription drugs can benefit from more integration of sex, gender, and equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Greaves
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Mira Maximos
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Ella Huber
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Alice Li
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Mê-Linh Lê
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3M1, Canada
| | - Sherif Eltonsy
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3M1, Canada
| | - Madeline Boscoe
- Cochrane Sex/Gender Methods Group, Ottawa, ON K0A K4C, Canada
- Women and Health Protection, Ottawa, ON K0A K4C, Canada
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Villanueva-Blasco VJ, Villanueva-Silvestre V, Vázquez-Martínez A, Andreu-Fernández V, Folgar MI. Cannabis Use in Young and Adult University Students Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown, According to Gender and Age. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36573251 PMCID: PMC9774078 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives were: (a) to establish cannabis use prevalence in university students; (b) to determine the changes in consumption of cannabis between prior to and during lockdown. Problematic consumption, gender, and age were taken into account to establish risk groups. Of 1,472 participants between 18-54 years (M = 27.51), 8.01% reported using cannabis before and/or during lockdown (56.6% male). The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) was used to detect cannabis abuse. The main form of consumption was spliffs (89.9%). The mean of spliffs consumed per day decreased during lockdown, but was only significant in male and in the 18-24 group. This decrease was also significant for all three levels of CAST problematic use. Users with moderate addiction and dependence reduced their average number of spliffs consumed per day during lockdown to a greater extent than those without addiction. These findings establish target groups of prevention interventions in the university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor José Villanueva-Blasco
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Verónica Villanueva-Silvestre
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Vázquez-Martínez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Isorna Folgar
- Faculty of Education and Social Work, Campus As Lagoas, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
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Donnan JR, Drakes DH, Rowe EC, Najafizada M, Bishop LD. Driving under the influence of cannabis: perceptions from Canadian youth. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2384. [PMID: 36536347 PMCID: PMC9764522 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis legalization is intended to protect the public from potential harm by restricting access and promoting greater awareness of cannabis-related risks. Youth are at a greater risk for experiencing road-related harms due to their own or others' use of cannabis. This qualitative research explored youths' perceptions about cannabis and road safety. METHODS A qualitative study using focus groups (FG) was conducted with youth (age 13-18) and young adults (age 19-25) who resided in Newfoundland and Labrador. Using semi-structured interview questions, the facilitator asked participants to share their opinions about cannabis and road safety. All sessions were hosted virtually using Zoom with recruitment until saturation was met. All sessions were audio recorded, de-identified, and transcribed. Analysis utilized an inductive thematic approach informed by Braun and Clarke's (2006) method and inductive coding was facilitated using NVivo. RESULTS Six youth (n = 38) and five young adult (n = 53) FG were conducted. Five prominent themes emerged throughout discussions across both age groups including: a) normalization of driving under the influence of cannabis, b) knowledge and awareness, c) perceptions of risk, d) modes of transportation, and e) detection. Variation in perceptions appeared to be influenced by lack of awareness of the impact of cannabis on driving ability, residence in urban versus rural locations, type of vehicle driven (e.g., car vs. off-road vehicles), and gender. CONCLUSION The themes uncovered from this research will help inform future enhancement of cannabis policy to ensure the safety of all citizens. These findings will also support the inclusion of youth-focused education that will equip youth with informed decision-making strategies regarding road safety. Furthermore, these findings can be utilized to inform the refinement of cannabis driving policies to ensure the safety of all citizens on or off the road.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Donnan
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Dalainey H. Drakes
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Emily C. Rowe
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL Canada
| | - Maisam Najafizada
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL Canada
| | - Lisa D. Bishop
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada ,grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL Canada
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Romano I, Butler A, Williams G, Aleyan S, Patte KA, Leatherdale ST. Risky cannabis use is associated with varying modes of cannabis consumption: Gender differences among Canadian high school students. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 5:100101. [PMID: 36844170 PMCID: PMC9948853 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to explore associations between indicators of more risky cannabis use (i.e., solitary use, frequent use, and younger age of initiation) and different modes of cannabis use (i.e., smoking, vaping and/or edibles). METHODS Data were gathered from a large sample of Canadian youth in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec who participated in Year 8 (2019-20) of the COMPASS study, and who reported using cannabis in the past year (n = 4,763). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between risky cannabis use and modes of cannabis use, stratified by gender. RESULTS Overall, 38% of students reported using multiple modes of cannabis use. Consistent among both males and females, students who used cannabis alone (35%) and at a higher frequency (55%) were more likely to use multiple modes than smoking only. Among females, those who used cannabis alone were more likely to report using edibles only compared to smoking only (aOR=2.27, 95%CI=1.29-3.98). Earlier cannabis use initiation was associated with lower likelihood of vaping cannabis only among males (aOR=0.25; 95%CI = 0.12-0.51), and lower likelihood of using edibles only among females (aOR=0.35; 95%CI = 0.13-0.95), than by smoking only. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that multiple modes of use may be an important indicator or risky cannabis use among youth, given associations with frequency, solitary use, and age of onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Romano
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Butler
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Williams
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Aleyan
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Karen A. Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Matson TE, Lapham GT, Bobb JF, Oliver M, Hallgren KA, Williams EC, Bradley KA. Validity of the Single-Item Screen-Cannabis (SIS-C) for Cannabis Use Disorder Screening in Routine Care. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2239772. [PMID: 36318205 PMCID: PMC9627408 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.39772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Cannabis use is prevalent and increasing, and frequent use intensifies the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD). CUD is underrecognized in medical settings, but a validated single-item cannabis screen could increase recognition. Objective To evaluate the Single-Item Screen-Cannabis (SIS-C), administered and documented in routine primary care, compared with a confidential reference standard measure of CUD. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study included a sample of adult patients who completed routine cannabis screening between January 28 and September 12, 2019, and were randomly selected for a confidential survey about cannabis use. Random sampling was stratified by frequency of past-year use and race and ethnicity. The study was conducted at an integrated health system in Washington state, where adult cannabis use is legal. Data were analyzed from May 2021 to March 2022. Exposures The SIS-C asks about frequency of past-year cannabis use with responses (none, less than monthly, monthly, weekly, daily or almost daily) documented in patients' medical records. Main Outcomes and Measures The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM) for past-year CUD was completed on a confidential survey and considered the reference standard. The SIS-C was compared with 2 or more criteria on the CIDI-SAM, consistent with CUD. All analyses were weighted, accounting for survey design and nonresponse, to obtain estimates representative of the health system primary care population. Results Of 5000 sampled adult patients, 1688 responded to the cannabis survey (34% response rate). Patients were predominantly middle-aged (weighted mean [SD] age, 50.7 [18.1]), female or women (weighted proportion [SE], 55.9% [4.1]), non-Hispanic (weighted proportion [SE], 96.7% [1.0]), and White (weighted proportion [SE], 74.2% [3.7]). Approximately 6.6% of patients met criteria for past-year CUD. The SIS-C had an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96) for identifying CUD. A threshold of less than monthly cannabis use balanced sensitivity (0.88) and specificity (0.83) for detecting CUD. In populations with a 6% prevalence of CUD, predictive values of a positive screen ranged from 17% to 34%, while predictive values of a negative screen ranged from 97% to 100%. Conclusions and Relevance In this diagnostic study, the SIS-C had excellent performance characteristics in routine care as a screen for CUD. While high negative predictive values suggest that the SIS-C accurately identifies patients without CUD, low positive predictive values indicate a need for further diagnostic assessment following positive results when screening for CUD in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E. Matson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gwen T. Lapham
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
| | - Jennifer F. Bobb
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
| | - Malia Oliver
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
| | - Kevin A. Hallgren
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Emily C. Williams
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katharine A. Bradley
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
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Niklason GR, Rawls E, Ma S, Kummerfeld E, Maxwell AM, Brucar LR, Drossel G, Zilverstand A. Explainable machine learning analysis reveals sex and gender differences in the phenotypic and neurobiological markers of Cannabis Use Disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15624. [PMID: 36115920 PMCID: PMC9482622 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has been linked to a complex set of neuro-behavioral risk factors. While many studies have revealed sex and gender differences, the relative importance of these risk factors by sex and gender has not been described. We used an “explainable” machine learning approach that combined decision trees [gradient tree boosting, XGBoost] with factor ranking tools [SHapley’s Additive exPlanations (SHAP)] to investigate sex and gender differences in CUD. We confirmed that previously identified environmental, personality, mental health, neurocognitive, and brain factors highly contributed to the classification of cannabis use levels and diagnostic status. Risk factors with larger effect sizes in men included personality (high openness), mental health (high externalizing, high childhood conduct disorder, high fear somaticism), neurocognitive (impulsive delay discounting, slow working memory performance) and brain (low hippocampal volume) factors. Conversely, risk factors with larger effect sizes in women included environmental (low education level, low instrumental support) factors. In summary, environmental factors contributed more strongly to CUD in women, whereas individual factors had a larger importance in men.
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Baumbusch J, Sloan Yip I. Older adults experiences of using recreational cannabis for medicinal purposes following legalization. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 108:103812. [PMID: 35930902 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Legalization of recreational, or non-medical, cannabis in Canada in 2018 was followed by significant increase in use among older adults. Non-medical cannabis is often used medicinally in this population for issues such as pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation. The purpose of this study was to explore new cannabis use among older adults within an evolving socio-legal context. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Normalization theory provided the theoretical foundation and qualitative description was the guiding methodology. A convenience sample of twelve participants (ten women, two men) aged 71 to 85 years old was recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Findings illustrate factors that influenced participants' beliefs and contributed to their decisions to begin using cannabis in later life. The most important factor was legalization, which sparked a shift in beliefs around using cannabis and shaped the beginning of de-stigmatization around using this substance. Increasing acceptance in their social networks and visibility of cannabis in the media also informed decision-making. However, using cannabis for non-medicinal or social reasons remained stigmatized. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This research indicates that older adults' beliefs about cannabis use are shifting and this is likely related to legalization and broader social acceptance of cannabis. As a consequence, increased public health education is needed to improve health literacy about cannabis use during this stage of the life-course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Sloan Yip
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Isorna Folgar M, Burillo-Putze G, José Villanueva-Blasco V. Captura corporativa, fake news procannabis y posición de los consumidores ante su regulación. Glob Health Promot 2022; 30:95-104. [PMID: 35897158 DOI: 10.1177/17579759221107604] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RESUMEN Introducción. La captura corporativa es el proceso en el que las decisiones políticas responden a un interés particular de carácter privado, en detrimento del interés público. La industria del cannabis ha desarrollado estrategias de captura de políticas y de difusión de fake news (noticias falsas) con el objeto de fomentar una visión del cannabis como sustancia inocua e, incluso, sanadora de enfermedades, promoviendo así una buena imagen de esta sustancia, de las corporaciones y consumidores, presionando para su legalización. OBJETIVOS (1) Analizar las estrategias de difusión de mensajes y fake news promotoras del cultivo, consumo y regulación del cannabis a través de distintos canales, y (2) explorar el posicionamiento frente al debate legislativo sobre esta sustancia en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios consumidores de cannabis. Metodología. (1) Estudio de carácter exploratorio para identificar y analizar las estrategias de la industria y, (2) estudio no probabilístico con muestreo por conveniencia mediante encuesta telemática difundida entre estudiantes de 11 universidades españolas (439 participantes). Resultados y conclusiones. La promoción del cultivo y del consumo de cannabis, relativizando sus efectos perjudiciales y presentándolo como una sustancia medicinal, aparece en las distintas estrategias utilizadas por la industria para difundir una imagen positiva del cannabis y de los consumidores. Estos mensajes tienen correspondencia con el posicionamiento de los consumidores, de los que el 82.6 % apoya alguna forma de regulación del cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Isorna Folgar
- Facultad de Educación y Trabajo Social, Campus As Lagoas, Universidad de Vigo, Ourense, España
| | - Guillermo Burillo-Putze
- Área de Toxicología Clínica, Servicio de Urgencias, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Tenerife, España
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Agoff C, Fondevila G, Sandberg S. Cultural stigmatization and police corruption: cannabis, gender, and legalization in Mexico. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2021.2004089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Agoff
- Regional Multidisciplinary Research Center, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Fondevila
- Law Department, Center of Research and Economic Teaching, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sveinung Sandberg
- Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Wadsworth E, Craft S, Calder R, Hammond D. Prevalence and use of cannabis products and routes of administration among youth and young adults in Canada and the United States: A systematic review. Addict Behav 2022; 129:107258. [PMID: 35124565 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on the prevalence of routes of administration and cannabis products used among youth and young adults in Canada and the United States (US). METHODS Five academic databases were searched in April 2020 and February 2021. Peer-reviewed articles were included if they were a population-based quantitative observational study describing the prevalence of a cannabis product or route of administration among youth and young adults in Canada or the US. Risk of bias was assessed using Hoy and colleagues' risk of bias assessment tool. A narrative review was conducted. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were identified for the following routes of administration: smoking (n = 16), vaping (n = 21), dabbing (n = 3), oral (n = 13), topical (n = 1); and products: dried flower (n = 2), and concentrates (n = 8). Smoking had the highest prevalence rates among youth and young adults; however, rates of use appeared to reduce over time. Conversely, prevalence of vaping appeared to increase over time. Fewer studies focused on oral or dabbed cannabis but those that did reported prevalence estimates of approximately a third among recent cannabis consumers. DISCUSSION The heterogeneity of cannabis routes of administration restricted our ability to collate average prevalence estimates. In jurisdictions where non-medical cannabis is legal, policymakers should provide guidance and education to youth on each type of product and routes of administration. OTHER Funding for this study was provided by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PJT-153342). The current review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020169275).
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Directive clinique n o 425a : Le cannabis aux différentes périodes de la vie des femmes - Partie 1 : Fertilité, contraception, ménopause et douleur pelvienne. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2022; 44:420-435.e4. [PMID: 35400520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Fournir aux fournisseurs de soins de santé les meilleures données probantes sur l'utilisation de cannabis et la santé des femmes. Les domaines d'intérêt sont : les profils généraux d'utilisation du cannabis ainsi que la sécurité de la consommation; les soins aux femmes qui utilisent le cannabis; la stigmatisation; le dépistage, l'intervention brève et l'orientation vers le traitement; les effets sur la régulation hormonale; la santé reproductive, y compris la contraception et la fertilité; la fonction sexuelle; les effets sur les symptômes périménopausiques et postménopausiques; et l'utilisation dans le traitement des syndromes de douleur pelvienne chronique. POPULATION CIBLE La population cible comprend toutes les femmes qui consomment ou utilisent du cannabis ou qui envisagent de le faire. RéSULTATS: Un dialogue ouvert et fondé sur des données probantes relativement à l'utilisation et la consommation de cannabis, dialogue qui mènera à l'amélioration des soins aux patientes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: L'exploration de l'utilisation et de la consommation de cannabis par une approche basée sur la connaissance des traumatismes donne l'occasion au fournisseur de soins et à la patiente de créer une solide alliance thérapeutique collaborative. Cette alliance permet aux femmes de faire des choix éclairés sur leurs propres soins. Elle facilite également le diagnostic et le traitement possible des troubles de l'usage du cannabis. Il ne faut pas stigmatiser la consommation, car la stigmatisation nuit à l'alliance thérapeutique (c'est-à-dire le partenariat entre la patiente et le fournisseur de soins). Plusieurs effets indésirables de la consommation de cannabis peuvent être confondus avec d'autres problèmes de santé. À l'heure actuelle, l'utilisation du cannabis pour traiter les problèmes de santé féminine n'est pas financée par le secteur public; par conséquent, les utilisatrices doivent assumer les coûts directs. Les coûts indirects de l'utilisation de cannabis sont inconnus. Ainsi, les fournisseurs de soins et les patientes doivent comprendre le rôle du cannabis dans les problèmes de santé féminine de sorte que les femmes puissent prendre des décisions éclairées. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans PubMed, Embase et la littérature grise pour recenser des études publiées entre le 1er janvier 2018 et le 18 février 2021 concernant l'utilisation du cannabis et ses effets sur l'infertilité, la contraception, les symptômes périménopausiques et postménopausiques et la douleur pelvienne. Toutes les publications des types suivants ont été incluses : essais cliniques, études observationnelles, revues (y compris les revues systématiques et les méta-analyses), directives cliniques et déclarations de conférences de consensus. Un survol des publications a été effectué pour en confirmer la pertinence. Les termes de recherche ont été définis à l'aide des termes MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) et mots clés (et variantes) suivants : cannabis, cannabinoids, marijuana, dexanabinol, dronabinol et tetrahydrocannabinol. À ces termes ont été combinés les termes suivants afin de cerner la santé des femmes : estrogen, estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, vaginal contraception, oral contraceptives, fertilization, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia et menopause. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant l'approche d'évaluation, de développement et d'évaluation (GRADE). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et faibles). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins de santé qui prodiguent des soins aux femmes. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Greaves L, Poole N, Brabete AC. Sex, Gender, and Alcohol Use: Implications for Women and Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084523. [PMID: 35457389 PMCID: PMC9028341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use is coming under increasing scrutiny with respect to its health impacts on the body. In this vein, several high-income countries have issued low-risk drinking guidelines in the past decade, aiming to educate the public on safer levels of alcohol use. Research on the sex-specific health effects of alcohol has indicated higher damage with lower amounts of alcohol for females as well as overall sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of alcohol in male and female bodies. Research on gender-related factors, while culturally dependent, indicates increased susceptibility to sexual assault and intimate partner violence as well as more negative gender norms and stereotypes about alcohol use for women. Sex- and gender-specific guidelines have been issued in some countries, suggesting lower amounts of alcohol consumption for women than men; however, in other countries, sex- and gender-blind advice has been issued. This article reports on a synthesis of the evidence on both sex- and gender-related factors affecting safer levels of drinking alcohol with an emphasis on women’s use. We conclude that supporting and expanding the development of sex- and gender-specific low-risk drinking guidelines offers more nuanced and educative information to clinicians and consumers and will particularly benefit women and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Greaves
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada;
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Nancy Poole
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada;
| | - Andreea C. Brabete
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada;
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (A.C.B.)
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Robert M, Graves LE, Allen VM, Dama S, Gabrys RL, Tanguay RL, Turner SD, Green CR, Cook JL. Guideline No. 425a: Cannabis Use Throughout Women's Lifespans - Part 1: Fertility, Contraception, Menopause, and Pelvic Pain. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2022; 44:407-419.e4. [PMID: 35400519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide health care providers with the best evidence on cannabis use with respect to women's health. Areas of focus include general patterns of cannabis use as well as safety of use; care for women who use cannabis; stigma; screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; impact on hormonal regulation; reproductive health, including contraception and fertility; sexual function; effects on perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms; and use in chronic pelvic pain syndromes. TARGET POPULATION The target population includes all women currently using or contemplating using cannabis. OUTCOMES Open, evidence-informed dialogue about cannabis use, which will lead to improvement in patient care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Exploring cannabis use through a trauma-informed approach provides the health care provider and patient with an opportunity to build a strong, collaborative, therapeutic alliance. This alliance empowers women to make informed choices about their own care. It also allows for the diagnosis and possible treatment of cannabis use disorders. Use should not be stigmatized, as stigma leads to poor "partnered care" (i.e., the partnership between the patient and care provider). Multiple side effects of cannabis use may be mistaken for other disorders. Currently, use of cannabis to treat women's health issues is not covered by public funding; as a result, individual users must pay the direct cost. The indirect costs of cannabis use are unknown. Thus, health care providers and patients must understand the role of cannabis in women's health issues, so that women can make knowledgeable decisions. EVIDENCE PubMed, EMBASE, and grey literature were searched to identify studies of "cannabis use and effect on infertility, contraception, perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, and pelvic pain" published between January 1, 2018 and February 18, 2021. All clinical trials, observational studies, reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses), guidelines, and conference consensus statements were included. Publications were screened for relevance. The search terms were developed using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords (and variants), including cannabis, cannabinoids, marijuana, dexanabinol, dronabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol; the specific terms to capture women's health were estrogen, estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, vaginal contraception, oral contraceptives, fertilization, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and menopause. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE All heath care providers who care for women. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Reitsma SE, Lakshmanan HHS, Johnson J, Pang J, Parra-Izquierdo I, Melrose AR, Choi J, Anderson DEJ, Hinds MT, Stevens JF, Aslan JE, McCarty OJT, Lo JO. Chronic edible dosing of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in nonhuman primates reduces systemic platelet activity and function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C370-C381. [PMID: 35080922 PMCID: PMC8858671 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00373.2021] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis usage has steadily increased as acceptance is growing for both medical and recreational reasons. Medical cannabis is administered for treatment of chronic pain based on the premise that the endocannabinoid system signals desensitize pain sensor neurons and produce anti-inflammatory effects. The major psychoactive ingredient of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that signals mainly through cannabinoid receptor-1 (CBr), which is also present on nonneuron cells including blood platelets of the circulatory system. In vitro, CBr-mediated signaling has been shown to acutely inhibit platelet activation downstream of the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP)VI. The systemic effects of chronic THC administration on platelet activity and function remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of chronic THC administration on platelet function using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. Our results show that female and male NHPs consuming a daily THC edible had reduced platelet adhesion, aggregation, and granule secretion in response to select platelet agonists. Furthermore, a change in bioactive lipids (oxylipins) was observed in the female cohort after THC administration. These results indicate that chronic THC edible administration desensitized platelet activity and function in response to GPVI- and G-protein coupled receptor-based activation by interfering with primary and secondary feedback signaling pathways. These observations may have important clinical implications for patients who use medical marijuana and for providers caring for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie E. Reitsma
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Jennifer Johnson
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jiaqing Pang
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Iván Parra-Izquierdo
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon,2Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alex R. Melrose
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon,2Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- 3Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Deirdre E. J. Anderson
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Monica T. Hinds
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jan Frederik Stevens
- 3Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon,4College of Pharmacy, Oregon State university, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Joseph E. Aslan
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon,2Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Owen J. T. McCarty
- 1Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jamie O. Lo
- 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Yousufzai SJ, Cole AG, Nonoyama M, Barakat C. Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among Emerging Adults in Relation to Policy and Public Health Developments. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:730-741. [PMID: 35193461 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2034873] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Rates of cannabis use appear to be highest among emerging adults (EA). Evidence suggests that cannabis smoking, as well as alternate methods of cannabis use (e.g., vaping, edibles) have become a prevalent mode of consumption among this population. Substance use or misuse peaks during emerging adulthood and may be influenced by extreme economic, social and community developments, such as policy changes, public health concerns, and significant global events such as pandemics. For instance, it is highly likely that cannabis consumption trends among at-risk populations were influenced by the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, the declaration of the "e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury" or "EVALI" outbreak, and the "COVID-19" pandemic. ObjectivesWe aimed to examine self-reported changes in frequency of cannabis use among EA in Canada (N = 312): pre-legalization, post-legalization; pre-EVALI, post-EVALI; pre-COVID-19, since-COVID-19. ResultsThere was a gradual increase in average frequency of smoking and vaping cannabis across the six different time intervals from the pre-legalization period (2018) to the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020). Males reported higher frequencies of cannabis smoking and vaping compared to females. ConclusionsDespite health concerns and expectations that EVALI and COVID-19 events would lead to decreased consumption, our results suggest an average increase in smoking and vaping cannabis, although the most notable increase was after legalization. There are important sex differences in behavioral factors of cannabis use in EA, though it appears that the "gender-gap" in cannabis consumption is closing. These findings may facilitate the development of intervention programs for policy measures to address cannabis-attributable outcomes in the face of contextual factors that promote use, such as public emergencies or changes in policy landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam G Cole
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Mika Nonoyama
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Barakat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
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Fischer B, Robinson T, Bullen C, Curran V, Jutras-Aswad D, Medina-Mora ME, Pacula RL, Rehm J, Room R, van den Brink W, Hall W. Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) for reducing health harms from non-medical cannabis use: A comprehensive evidence and recommendations update. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 99:103381. [PMID: 34465496 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is common, especially among young people, and is associated with risks for various health harms. Some jurisdictions have recently moved to legalization/regulation pursuing public health goals. Evidence-based 'Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines' (LRCUG) and recommendations were previously developed to reduce modifiable risk factors of cannabis-related adverse health outcomes; related evidence has evolved substantially since. We aimed to review new scientific evidence and to develop comprehensively up-to-date LRCUG, including their recommendations, on this evidence basis. METHODS Targeted searches for literature (since 2016) on main risk factors for cannabis-related adverse health outcomes modifiable by the user-individual were conducted. Topical areas were informed by previous LRCUG content and expanded upon current evidence. Searches preferentially focused on systematic reviews, supplemented by key individual studies. The review results were evidence-graded, topically organized and narratively summarized; recommendations were developed through an iterative scientific expert consensus development process. RESULTS A substantial body of modifiable risk factors for cannabis use-related health harms were identified with varying evidence quality. Twelve substantive recommendation clusters and three precautionary statements were developed. In general, current evidence suggests that individuals can substantially reduce their risk for adverse health outcomes if they delay the onset of cannabis use until after adolescence, avoid the use of high-potency (THC) cannabis products and high-frequency/-intensity of use, and refrain from smoking-routes for administration. While young people are particularly vulnerable to cannabis-related harms, other sub-groups (e.g., pregnant women, drivers, older adults, those with co-morbidities) are advised to exercise particular caution with use-related risks. Legal/regulated cannabis products should be used where possible. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis use can result in adverse health outcomes, mostly among sub-groups with higher-risk use. Reducing the risk factors identified can help to reduce health harms from use. The LRCUG offer one targeted intervention component within a comprehensive public health approach for cannabis use. They require effective audience-tailoring and dissemination, regular updating as new evidence become available, and should be evaluated for their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Tessa Robinson
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chris Bullen
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Maria Elena Medina-Mora
- Center for Global Mental Health Research, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robin Room
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, United Kingdom
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Weinberger AH, Zhu J, Levin J, Moeller SJ, McKee SA, Goodwin RD. Changes in alcohol use by cannabis use status among adolescents and young adults in the United States: Emerging evidence for both substitution and complementarity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:2536-2545. [PMID: 34928520 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14737] [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: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of adolescents and young adults (AYA) who use cannabis also use alcohol. Although cannabis use is increasing in the United States (US), it is not known whether the increase contributes to either increased co-use of alcohol and cannabis (e.g., complementarity) or replacement of alcohol with cannabis (e.g., substitution). The current study estimated the prevalence of alcohol use by cannabis use status among US AYA ages 12 to 25 in 2018 and trends in alcohol use by cannabis use status from 2002 to 2018. METHODS Data were drawn from the 2002 to 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health public use data files. The analytic sample included AYA ages 12 to 25 (2018 sample, n = 26,924; total combined sample 2002 to 2018, n = 576,053). Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate past-month alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average quantity of alcohol consumed among AYA with and without past-month cannabis use from 2002 to 2018. RESULTS In 2018, any alcohol use and daily alcohol use were significantly more common among AYA who used cannabis use than those who did not use cannabis. Overall, any alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average drinks per day declined from 2002 to 2018 among AYA irrespective of recent cannabis use. However, the decline in any alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average alcohol drinks per day was more rapid among AYA who used cannabis (daily and nondaily) than those who did not use cannabis. The rate of decline in average alcohol drinks per day was also higher among AYA with daily compared to nondaily cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS Even with declines in alcohol use over time, drinking is much more common among AYA who report cannabis than those without recent cannabis use, which is consistent with complementarity. Yet, because the decline in alcohol use has been more rapid among AYA who use cannabis, there is also evidence of substitution. Thus, the current data on alcohol and cannabis use are consistent with both complementarity and substitution. However, these relationships may change as cannabis legalization expands over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea H Weinberger
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, The City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacob Levin
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Sherry A McKee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Renee D Goodwin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, The City University of New York, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Callaghan RC, Vander Heiden J, Sanches M, Asbridge M, Hathaway A, Kish SJ. Impacts of Canada's cannabis legalization on police-reported crime among youth: early evidence. Addiction 2021; 116:3454-3462. [PMID: 34085338 DOI: 10.1111/add.15535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Canada's 2018 Cannabis Act allows youth (age 12-17 years) to possess up to 5 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) for personal consumption/sharing. This study assessed whether the Cannabis Act was associated with changes in police-reported cannabis offences among youth in Canada. DESIGN Time series model using national daily criminal incident data from January 1, 2015-December 31, 2018 from the Canadian Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR-2). Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average time series models, stratified by sex, assessed the relations between legalization and youth cannabis-related offences. SETTING Canada, 2015-2018. CASES Police-reported cannabis-related offenses among youth age 12-17 years (male, n = 32 178; female, n = 9001). MEASUREMENTS Outcomes: police-reported cannabis-related crimes, property crimes, and violent crimes. Covariate: calendar-month. FINDINGS For females, legalization was associated with a step-effect decrease of 4.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.32, 5.81; P < 0.001) police-reported cannabis-related criminal offences per day, an effect equivalent to a 64.6% (standard error [SE] = 33.5%) reduction. For males, legalization was associated with a drop of 12.73 (95% CI = 8.82, 16.64; P < 0.001) cannabis-related offences per day, equaling a decrease of 57.7% (SE = 22.6%). Results were inconclusive as to whether there were associations between cannabis legalization and patterns of property crimes or violent crimes. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the Cannabis Act in Canada in 2018 appears to have been associated with decreases of 55%-65% in cannabis-related crimes among male and female youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell C Callaghan
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada.,Human Brain Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Julia Vander Heiden
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Andrew Hathaway
- College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Stephen J Kish
- Human Brain Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
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