Author: Emily Earlenbaugh

[ad_1] A recent study conducted by a group of UK-based researchers found that medical cannabis was associated with improvements in health-related quality of life, anxiety, and sleep quality. This research adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that medical cannabis can help patients with chronic health conditions improve their well-being. The study also observed a reduced use of opioid medications among cannabis patients, and found that patients prescribed dried cannabis flower (versus tinctures and lozenges) were most likely to show clinical improvement.The complex and nuanced task of studying cannabisThe cannabis plant is an incredibly complex and variable medicine. It…

[ad_1] If you read this January 10 Wall Street Journal piece, you might conclude that a wave of cannabis-induced psychosis among teenagers is sweeping the country. The story highlights research on the correlation between cannabis use and conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It suggests access to higher-potency cannabis is leading to ever-increasing rates of psychosis in teens. But the actual data paints a different picture. Population studies of over 63 million people show that rates of psychosis do not go up amid legalization. Teen use rates of marijuana are actually going down. And our best science suggests that genetic factors—rather…

[ad_1] A recent review conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada concluded that cannabis may provide aid in each stage of the Covid-19 disease, from preventing infection to treating long-covid symptoms. Researchers have been investigating cannabis as a possible treatment for Covid-19 since the pandemic began in 2020. They directed much of their attention towards cannabis’ ability to dampen the immune system and quell cytokine storms, a dangerous and potentially deadly immune response that occurs in severe Covid-19 cases and leads to respiratory distress and organ failure. Since then, scientists have identified a variety of ways cannabis might be helpful…

[ad_1] A recent observational study conducted by a team of UK-based researchers found that medical cannabis may be beneficial for people with ADHD. In the rare study, researchers tracked specific cannabis patients with ADHD for 12 months, and observed improvements in their anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. The patients tolerated the cannabis well: Less than one-fifth of them reported negative side effects, most of which were moderate. The authors argue that these results—while not definitive—nonetheless provide strong motivation for future studies on cannabis and ADHD. “An association between [cannabis] treatment and improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and…

[ad_1] A recent statistical analysis from the publication Quartz Advisors found that traffic fatalities declined or remained constant after states adopted recreational cannabis laws. The analysis—focused on four states that legalized marijuana in 2016—compared accident fatalities in those states with the national average, as well as with five states where cannabis remained illegal. In contrast to the narrative that legalization may lead to increased dangers on the road, researchers found that in the three years following legalization, traffic fatalities did not increase. Could cannabis legalization increase fatal accidents?  As advocates push to reschedule, decriminalize, or legalize cannabis, their opponents frequently claim…

[ad_1] An individually tailored cannabis regimen may ease symptoms of autism, according to an August study published by Frontiers in Psychiatry. The researchers studied 20 autistic patients who followed a customized regimen of either CBD oil, THC oil, or a combination thereof. While the study was small, autistic patients saw marked reduced symptoms, and a better quality of life for both themselves and their families. The challenges of autismAutism spectrum disorders could have multiple causes, but they encompass a host of conditions that impact 1 in 36 people and can affect patients in a variety of ways from mild to debilitating.…

[ad_1] The list of things cannabis can do for you, your health, and your body keeps growing like a weed. A 2023 study has found hemp extract may aid in hair regrowth for alopecia sufferers. The study followed patients with alopecia over a 6-month period, and found an average of 246% hair regrowth—with some patients achieving as much as 2000% hair regrowth. This is excellent news for sufferers of this common condition, who make up around 2% of the world’s population. Way to put a new spin on hair “growing like a weed.”How hemp helps hair lossThis isn’t the first time…

[ad_1] A recent study found that when states adopt recreational cannabis laws, admissions for mental health treatment drop. The study, published in the journal Health Economics, is notable given growing questions about cannabis’ impact on mental health. Over the past two decades, numerous states have legalized cannabis use for adults. Unfortunately, research on how cannabis impacts mental health is mixed. Some studies have found cannabis helpful for some mental health conditions, while others suggest cannabis’ potential to worsen certain conditions. Because of this complex picture, some have worried that cannabis legalization could lead to worse mental health for the general population. This study,…

[ad_1] A recent large-scale longitudinal study has found no ties between cannabis use during pregnancy and different neurodevelopmental outcomes for exposed children. The study, released in June in the journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, had more extensive controls for confounding factors than in previous studies, and followed children to age 20. When researchers accounted for the characteristics of the parents, researchers found no associations between prenatal cannabis and neurodevelopmental differences.This is positive news, given the fact that 4.2% of pregnant women report using cannabis, and the number has been increasing. Pregnant cannabis users also face arrest, prison, and removal of…

[ad_1] Chronic pain can make your life miserable. But according to a March study using real cannabis—high-THC flowers, and oils containing CBD may help. The Australian study published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law found significant reductions in pain and notable increases in quality of life. The study measured results after three months of use. During their experience with cannabis, patients felt better, slept better, and both their mood and general health improved. While these results are still preliminary, the authors state they, “are promising and indicate significant improvements in pain, quality of life, sleep, and mood.” Studying chronic…