FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 23, 2024·5 min readAlcohol Use Predicts Escalating Cannabis Vaping Among YouthA recent study highlights alcohol as the strongest predictor of cannabis vaping initiation and experimentation among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic factors. Conducted over three years, the research found that alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of transitioning from non-use to cannabis vaping.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 21, 2024·4 min readCannabis Worsens Brain Connectivity Deficits in Psychosis RiskYoung adults at risk of psychosis show reduced synaptic density, a critical brain connectivity deficit that cannabis use appears to exacerbate, according to new research. The study revealed lower synaptic density linked to social withdrawal and motivational deficits, symptoms poorly addressed by current medications.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 15, 2024·6 min readCannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer RiskResearch indicates that cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors by disrupting mitochondria and damaging DNA. This genotoxicity can result in mutations, accelerated aging, and birth defects, with potential to be passed on to future generations through egg and sperm. Insights from broader mitochondrial research provide a mechanistic understanding of how cannabis affects genetic stability.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 15, 2024·5 min readCannabis Compound Found to Improve SleepResearchers have demonstrated that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in aged cannabis, improves sleep in rats. The study revealed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to more total sleep time with effects comparable to zolpidem, a common sleep medication.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 13, 2024·4 min readMetabolic Pathways Link Cannabis to Psychosis in TeensA study investigated how cannabis use influences metabolomic patterns linked to psychotic-like experiences in adolescents. Blood samples revealed that non-cannabis users showed inflammatory metabolic changes associated with hallucinations, while cannabis users exhibited shifts in energy-related metabolites tied to brain ketogenesis. These findings suggest that cannabis use may trigger distinct molecular pathways in psychotic-like experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 28, 2024·5 min readPrenatal Cannabis Use Linked to Child Aggression and Cognitive DeficitsPrenatal exposure to cannabis can negatively impact children’s thinking and behavioral skills, including impulse control, attention, and aggression, which are key for academic and social success. The study observed preschool-aged children with prenatal cannabis exposure and found they showed poorer control over impulses and emotions.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 23, 2024·5 min readCannabis Use Linked to Thinner Cortex in AdolescentsCannabis use in adolescents may lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex, a key brain region for cognitive function. Researchers found that THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, causes the shrinking of dendrites, which are crucial for neuron communication.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·October 17, 2024·6 min readCannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to PsychosisFrequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves unique molecular marks on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function. Researchers found that DNA methylation—an epigenetic modification—differed between frequent cannabis users who had experienced psychosis and those who had not, suggesting a possible genetic link to psychosis risk.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 4, 2024·5 min readLong-term Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure ExploredA study examining the effects of prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoids in rats found that the drug leads to long-term health issues in their offspring. Male rats showed an increased sensitivity to CO2, making them more prone to panic-like behavior, while females exhibited cardiovascular problems like hypertension and tachycardia.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·October 3, 2024·4 min readChronic Pain Patients Favor Cannabis LegalizationA study found that 71% of adults with chronic pain support federal legalization of medical cannabis, compared to 59% of physicians. The research highlights a gap in attitudes toward cannabis policies between patients and doctors, especially regarding insurance coverage for cannabis treatments.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·October 2, 2024·4 min readCannabis Pill Reduces Agitation in Alzheimer’s Patients by 30%A new study reveals that dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, can reduce agitation in Alzheimer’s patients by 30%. Unlike current medications, dronabinol showed fewer side effects, such as delirium or seizures, making it a safer alternative.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·September 27, 2024·4 min readCannabis Use in Pregnancy Alters Genes in Developing BrainNew research has found that cannabis use during pregnancy can cause molecular changes in the genes of exposed children, impacting brain development. The study identified significant DNA alterations in genes related to neurodevelopment, suggesting a direct link between prenatal cannabis exposure and developmental issues.Read More
