Get a Clue - Weed

Details: Published: 04 April 2023; Hits: 952

Potential birth defects, cancer and addiction – just name a few!
Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52336-w

Abstract: We tested whether cannabinoids (CBs) potentiate alcohol-induced birth defects in mice and zebrafish, and explored the underlying pathogenic mechanisms on Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling. The CBs, Ä9-THC, cannabidiol, HU-210, and CP 55,940 caused alcohol-like effects on craniofacial and brain development, phenocopying Shh mutations. Combined exposure to even low doses of alcohol with THC, HU-210, or CP 55,940 caused a greater incidence of birth defects, particularly of the eyes, than did either treatment alone. Consistent with the hypothesis that these defects are caused by deficient Shh, we found that CBs reduced Shh signalling by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), while Shh mRNA or a CB1 receptor antagonist attenuated CB-induced birth defects. Proximity ligation experiments identified novel CB1-Smo heteromers, suggesting allosteric CB1-Smo interactions. In addition to raising concerns about the safety of cannabinoid and alcohol exposure during early embryonic development, this study establishes a novel link between two distinct signaling pathways and has widespread implications for development, as well as diseases such as addiction and cancer.

(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31690747/ )

Details: Published: 29 March 2023; Hits: 1053

Genotoxicity and Neurotoxicity of Cannabis: 66th CND – Vienna UN 2023: These brief but evidence-based and thoroughly researched presentations are but a ‘taster’ for the mounting evidence relating to the genotoxicity and neurotoxicity of todays highly engineered cannabis. The compelling data referred to in these UNODC CND Civil Society presentations are not to be underestimated. The concerns around this emerging research are nothing short of alarming. Policy maker, politicians and the public need to be made fully aware of these emerging and intergenerational harms.
Presentations by

Professors G Hulse – Edith Cowan University & University of West Australia
Professor A.S. Reece – Edith Cowan University & University of West Australia
Professor John W. Toumbourou – Deakin University
Hulse-Reece-Toumbourou – single video

Video Presentations Playlist

Download Research Presentation Powerpoint File (Large Download)

Details: Published: 22 March 2023; Hits: 1052

Decriminalizing any drug facilitates and increase in use – This metric is all but universal. Legalizing any drug gives it societies highest stamp of approval and protects possessors and users of this drug from any judicial educative process. The mantra becomes ‘I have a right to do this, because it is legal’.

No jurisdiction, including the over-quoted and under investigated ‘Portugal Model’, has seen drug use decrease under these models.

One does not need a degree in any of the social sciences to understand that the increased use of psychotropic toxins and their mood, psychological and behavioural modifying capacities also leads to a litany of passive and active harms – everything from a-motivational and unproductive lethargy to extreme violence.

The environmental wrecking ball that is illegal cannabis grows is almost incalculable, and the human trafficking that accompanies these enterprises is shocking.

Of course, we will disappear down a rabbit hole of dysfunction when we begin to look at the other associated criminal, social, familial, health and mental health harms of addictive substances.

The cost of the production, use and inevitable harmful outcomes of a product that has essentially only one end – the altering of mind and mood, is staggering.
And it is invariably the non-drug using public that bears the lion’s share of the fiscal and social burden of these pernicious behaviours.
See also

Communications Team – Dalgarno Institute

Details: Published: 22 March 2023; Hits: 949

Long-term cannabis users showed statistically significant accelerated biological ageing and were less equipped to manage a range of later-life health, financial, and social demands than non-users. Standardised mean differences between long-term cannabis users and non-users were large: 0·70 (95% CI 0·46 to 0·94; p<0·0001) for biological ageing, –0·72 (–0·96 to –0·49, p<0·0001) for health preparedness, –1·08 (–1·31 to –0·85; p<0·0001) for financial preparedness, and –0·59 (–0·84 to –0·34, p<0·0001) for social preparedness. Long-term cannabis users did not fare better than long-term tobacco or alcohol users…Statistical adjustment for long-term tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drug dependence suggested that long-term cannabis users’ tendency toward polysubstance dependence accounted for their accelerated biological ageing and poor financial and health preparedness –

See PDF for full research

Details: Published: 20 March 2023; Hits: 1111

New research suggests that smoking weed is far from benign: Toking every day might raise your odds of heart disease.

The increased risk is not insignificant. Daily marijuana users are about one-third more likely to develop coronary artery disease, compared with people who have never used the drug, researchers say.

For anyone with a heart condition, he recommends avoiding cannabis altogether. "I would stay away from it," he said.

Kuvin is especially concerned for young people who believe that cannabis is harmless. But the effects of marijuana on the heart may not be seen for years, he said.

"There's a lot of potential risk for heart conditions as well as lung issues, and other bodily harm if it's used on a chronic basis. And I worry that with changes in legislation in terms of its legality, we will only continue the course," Kuvin said. "If we're not proactive in our approach we're going to end up in a similar situation that we have found ourselves in with tobacco, trying to figure out how to increase our awareness and our education about the harm that cannabis can do, just like we do with cigarettes."

For complete research

Also see