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“Because of the way that cannabis impacts driving performance — it reduces reaction time, decreases the ability to focus or pay attention to multiple events, and may increase risk-taking behaviour — people who are cannabis-impaired while driving may be driving faster, noticing hazards later, and deaccelerating slower … a recipe for getting into more severe traffic collisions and requiring higher levels of care,”
Being stoned behind the wheel can be more dangerous than driving drunk in Canada, where recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, according to a new study.
Documented marijuana-related traffic accidents that required treatment in an emergency room rose 475% between 2010 and 2021, the study found. Car crashes due to drunk driving grew only 9.4% during the same time period, although the raw numbers of alcohol-related accidents was in the thousands, not the hundreds as with cannabis.
“The concern is that the increase in these rare but very severe traffic injuries are capturing broader trends of increasing cannabis-impaired driving over time and after legalization,” said study author Dr. Daniel Myran, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa.
Just after Canadian legalization in 2018, when marijuana stores and products were limited, researchers found a 94% increase in emergency room visits, Myran said. As commercialization increased and marijuana was more widely available, visits to the emergency room grew 233% compared to the period before recreational weed was legalized.
“The main message of this very well-conducted study is not the absolute number of crashes, but the increased rates. Cannabis is also probably under-reported in car crashes, and so the absolute number might be way higher,” said Dr. Marco Solmi, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and investigator at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in Canada. He was not involved in the study.
Not Just a Canadian Problem
While the new study was specific to Canada, the problem is happening around the world in areas where recreational cannabis use is legal, according to a recent “umbrella review” of more than 100 clinical trials and meta-analyses on the pros and cons of marijuana.
“The general perception of cannabis as a ‘natural’ harmless plant is probably misleading young subjects that end up consuming high THC products, with untoward events including car crashes,” said Solmi, who coauthored the review, via email.
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the part of the cannabis plant that produces a “high.”
“In addition to car crashes, persons using cannabis are at increased risk of poor cognitive performance — which might contribute to car crash and failing education — and a risk of mental disorders,” Solmi said.
Driving under the influence of alcohol has been on the decline in the United States, but the last National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report from 2014 found a 48% increase in drivers testing positive for marijuana. An updated report from the NHTSA is expected in 2024.
The 2016 Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk Study found marijuana was the most frequently detected drug other than alcohol; in addition, people using cannabis were more likely to be involved in crashes.
Car crashes involving weed were serious. In marijuana-involved accidents, nearly 90% of the victims arrived by ambulance, the study found. When no alcohol or cannabis was involved, the number of people that required an ambulance dropped to 40%. In addition, nearly 50% of marijuana users in a car accident required hospital admission, compared to just over 6% of those who did not use.
Intensive care admissions were also higher. Nearly 22% of accidents involving those driving while stoned needed intensive care, compared to just less than 2% of crashes without alcohol or cannabis involvement, according to the study published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Network Open.
(For complete story go to CNN Health)
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The relationship between cannabis use and its potential connection to youth self-harm has drawn increasing attention, with a recent report from The Center Square shedding light on the warning signs and concerns surrounding marijuana consumption among adolescents. By citing national studies, local statistics, and insights from experts, the article delves into the impact of cannabis on mental health, specifically the risks associated with increased thoughts of suicide and self-harm behaviors among young individuals. Here are key insights extracted from the report:
Warning Signs in McHenry County
McHenry County in Illinois has taken proactive measures to address the potential risks associated with cannabis use, particularly in relation to mental health issues and suicidal ideation among youth. Dispensaries in the county are required to prominently display warning signs that highlight the potential links between cannabis consumption and mental health problems, including psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, increased thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and depression. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks posed by cannabis use, especially among vulnerable age groups.
Growing Concerns and Testimonials
Experts, such as Will Jones from Smart Approaches to Marijuana, have expressed growing concerns about the impact of cannabis on youth mental health and the reported increase in suicide cases linked to marijuana use. Jones highlighted testimonies from suicide victims attributing their actions to cannabis, emphasising the need for heightened awareness and preventive strategies to address this concerning trend. The testimonies reveal the distressing narratives of individuals who associate their mental health struggles and self-harm tendencies with cannabis consumption.
The report underscores the impact of marijuana legalisation on youth suicide rates and emergency health incidents related to cannabis use. States that have legalised marijuana have witnessed significant spikes in emergency calls related to children’s cannabis exposure, signalling a pressing public health issue that demands attention. Incidents of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and fatal car crashes involving marijuana impairment have also surged in tandem with cannabis legalisation, pointing to the multifaceted consequences of widespread cannabis availability.
Source: WRDNews
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A recent study has shed light on the alarming correlation between teen cannabis use and the risk of developing psychosis, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and stringent regulations. Legalising cannabis without taking these findings into account is an irresponsible approach that endangers young lives. Prioritising prevention and education is crucial to protect adolescents from the severe mental health consequences of cannabis use.
Alarming Psychosis Correlation: The study reveals a disturbing link between adolescent cannabis consumption and increased instances of psychosis. This correlation underscores the peril of legalising cannabis without implementing robust preventive frameworks. Addressing this issue with targeted preventive measures is imperative to safeguard adolescent mental health.
Long-Term Mental Health Consequences: Teen cannabis use is not just a fleeting concern; it carries long-term mental health risks that can affect individuals well into adulthood. Without preventive strategies, legalisation could lead to a surge in mental health issues, placing an immense burden on healthcare systems and communities. Prevention must be the cornerstone of any policy addressing cannabis use among teens.
Essential Preventive Actions: To combat the risks associated with teen cannabis use, essential preventive actions must be put in place. These include comprehensive public education campaigns, improved access to mental health services, and strict regulations on cannabis distribution. Legalising cannabis without these preventive measures is dangerously negligent. Focusing on prevention and responsible regulation is vital to protect the mental health and well-being of our youth.
For detailed analysis and further reading, please visit WRD News
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Investigating the impact of heavy lifetime cannabis use on mortality by sex, a cohort study published on JAMA Network Open delves into the nuanced associations between cannabis consumption patterns and mortality outcomes among different genders. The research sheds light on the gender-specific implications of heavy cannabis use on mortality risk, offering valuable insights into the intersection of substance use behaviours and health outcomes within the studied cohort.
Key Findings: The cohort study scrutinised the relationship between heavy cannabis use and mortality risk, unveiling compelling trends that elucidate the differential impact of cannabis consumption on mortality outcomes based on sex. By dissecting the associations between heavy cannabis use patterns and all-cause mortality, researchers gleaned important insights into how gender factors into the mortality risk profile of cannabis users.
Gender Disparities in Mortality Risk: One of the central revelations of the study was the presence of gender disparities in mortality risk associated with heavy cannabis use. Analysing mortality outcomes by sex allowed researchers to discern variations in how cannabis consumption habits may influence the longevity and health outcomes of individuals, underscoring the importance of considering gender as a critical factor in assessing mortality risks related to substance use.
Cardiovascular and Cancer Mortality Implications: The study also explored the potential impact of heavy cannabis use on cardiovascular and cancer mortality, providing insights into the specific health risks that may be exacerbated by prolonged cannabis consumption. By disaggregating mortality data based on sex and cause of death, researchers gained a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between cannabis use patterns and disease-specific mortality outcomes.
Through a longitudinal analysis of mortality risk among heavy cannabis users, the study revealed temporal trends and trajectories of mortality rates within the cohort. By tracking mortality outcomes over time and stratifying the data by sex, researchers were able to draw conclusions about the enduring effects of heavy cannabis use on health and survival, offering valuable perspectives on long-term mortality risks associated with this behaviour.
(Source: JAMA Network Open)
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Cannabis use disorder (CUD) has garnered increasing attention for its potential association with depression and bipolar disorder, shedding light on the complex interplay between substance misuse and affective mental health conditions. The insights provided by the study from the National Elf Service underscore the need to comprehensively understand the risks and implications of CUD on individuals experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. Here are key points distilled from the research:
Association with Depression
The study delves into the relationship between CUD and depression, highlighting the potential links between cannabis misuse and the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. Understanding how CUD may interact with depressive disorders is crucial for clinicians and researchers seeking to address the mental health needs of individuals with dual diagnoses.
By examining the impact of CUD on bipolar disorder, the research elucidates the potential ramifications of cannabis misuse on individuals with mood disorders characterised by manic and depressive episodes. Unravelling the complexities of how CUD may influence the course and severity of bipolar disorder can inform tailored interventions and treatment strategies for this vulnerable population.
Longitudinal Perspectives
The longitudinal study provides valuable insights into the long-term implications of CUD on affective disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Tracking individuals over time allows researchers to observe patterns, trajectories, and potential risk factors associated with cannabis use in relation to mental health outcomes, offering a nuanced understanding of the evolving nature of these conditions.
Identifying CUD as a potential risk factor for depression and bipolar disorder underscores the importance of early detection, intervention, and prevention efforts in mental health settings. By recognising the dual challenges posed by substance misuse and affective disorders, healthcare professionals can develop targeted approaches to mitigate risks and promote holistic well-being among individuals at risk.
Source: Nationalelfservice