The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point

Archive for the 'Marijuana (Cannabinoids)' Category

Predicting the risk of psychosis in cannabis users

Sunday, April 17th, 2016

Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. It’s suggested that genetic variation in the AKT1 gene might influence this adverse effect.

Researchers at Kings College London, in the UK, studied the connection. (more…)

Avoid marijuana during pregnancy and breast feeding

Friday, June 26th, 2015

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has published its position on use of pot during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

The bottom line.

Yes, there are limitations in the available data about marijuana’s effects on the fetus during pregnancy and on the neonate during lactation. However, ACOG has seen enough to recommend that during pregnancy and during breast feeding to advise “discontinuation of maternal use [of marijuana], whether recreational or medicinal.”

There are no FDA-approved indications regarding marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation. Also, there are no standardized formulations, dosages, or delivery systems. Smoking, the most common route of administration of THC, cannot be medically condoned during pregnancy and lactation, according to ACOG.

The use of marijuana during pregnancy is associated with lower scores on tests of attention, coordination, and behavior in offspring.

6/25/15 JR

Up in smoke: Medical marijuana debunked

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

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Proponents of the use of medical marijuana like to start speeches and articles by quickly stating that cannabinoids are of proven value in treating many diseases.

Poppycock. This site has stated repeatedly: not true, not true, not true.

Now the evidence is in, and we were right. JAMA confirms that the evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabinoids is tenuous at best. And risk of side effects with cannabinoids to treat anything is high.

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Cannabis effective in patients with Crohn’s disease?

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

Marijuana1-150x150Researchers at Tel Aviv University, in Israel, focus on the positive in this small study. (more…)

Lower fasting blood sugar levels associated with marijuana use

Saturday, May 18th, 2013

Marijuana1-150x150This study has been picked up by just about every news organization — far different from recent study results on adverse effects of marijuana.

Since this site is fair and balance, here are the results from University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, on the relationship between marijuana use and fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance. (more…)

More dangers of pot smoking reported

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

MarijuanaTwo more research studies warn against having a cavalier approach to cannabis.

First, researchers at University of Sydney, in Australia, determined the prevalence of recent alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis use in young persons presenting for mental healthcare. (more…)

Cyclic nausea and vomiting due to marijuana use

Monday, October 15th, 2012

As legislators dive headlong into legalization of marijuana, there is growing evidence that they may be harming their most loyal constituents.

Researchers at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reviewed what has become known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis (severe and excessive vomiting) Syndrome.

As you read this summary it might be useful to consider the value of Pennsylvania detoxification programs.

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Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Fewer adolescents believe that regular cannabis use is harmful to health. Along with this, adolescents are starting to smoke weed at younger ages, and more adolescents are using cannabis daily.

Researchers at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, tested the association between persistent cannabis use and neuropsychological decline to determine whether it’s concentrated among cannabis users who start smoking during their adolescent years. (more…)

Marijuana increases the risk of testicular cancer

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Testicular cancer has increased steadily, but the cause(s) remains elusive.

Researchers at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, evaluated the relation between testicular cancer and exposure to marijuana and other recreational drugs. (more…)

Cannabidiol to reduce anxiety of public speaking

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

Generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common anxiety condition. Cannabidiol is one major non-psychotomimetic compound of the cannabis sativa plant.

Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, studied its effects on SAD during a simulation public speaking test. (more…)

Cannabis and the risk of neuropsychological decline

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Fewer adolescents believe that regular cannabis use is harmful to health.

Researchers at the University of Oregon, in Eugene, studied the association between persistent cannabis use and neuropsychological (language, memory, and perception) decline.

As you read this summary remember that smoking pot is not risk free. For your health and for loved ones, consider the value of Florida rehab treatment listings. (more…)

Marijuana: Main driver for increased substance use

Sunday, August 12th, 2012

Here’s what we know from the results of The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual population-based survey.

As you read this post remember that despite prevailing views, smoking marijuana is not safe. Stopping this habit and preventing it’s consequences is difficult. Consider contributions toward sobriety of services such as the North Carolina inpatient rehabilitation. (more…)

Effect of an urban environment on cannabis psychosis risk

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Cannabis is considered a cause of psychotic illness, interacting with genetic and other environmental risk factors.

Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center, in The Netherlands, investigated whether an urban environment contributes to the effects of adolescent cannabis use on psychosis risk. (more…)

Do cannabinoids improve opioid analgesia?

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Cannabinoids and opioids share several pharmacologic properties and may act synergistically. But, the potential pharmacokinetics and safety of the combination in humans are unknown.

Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco attempted to answer these questions. (more…)

Interaction between inhaled cannabinoid and opioids

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Cannabinoids and opioids share several pharmacologic properties. They might act synergistically to manage pain, but the safety of the combination isn’t known.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, undertook a study to answer these questions. (more…)

Cannabis and the genetic vulnerability for depression

Friday, November 25th, 2011

Evidence for the association between cannabis and depression is inconsistent.

Researchers at Radboud University Nijmegen, in The Netherlands, evaluated the potential influence of a person’s genetics on the cannabis/depression risk. (more…)

Marijuana and brain volume changes in people at high risk of schizophrenia

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Researchers at Royal Edinburgh Hospital, in the UK are the first to follow patients over 2 years. (more…)

Treating Crohn’s disease with cannabis

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Researchers at Tel Aviv University, in Ramat Aviv, Israel, describe the effects of cannabis use in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease. (more…)

Marijuana and the risk of motor vehicle accidents

Monday, October 17th, 2011

It’s the most commonly detected nonalcoholic drug in drivers.

Researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York City, reviewed the evidence for its role in causing crashes. (more…)

Further support for the cannabis/psychosis connection

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center, in the Netherlands, studied the use of cannabis in adolescence and their risk for psychotic outcomes. (more…)