Get a Clue - Weed

Details: Published: 29 May 2025; Hits: 346

Astrogliosis Occurs Selectively in Amygdala of Adolescent Primate and Rodent Following Daily Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Among the advantages of this preclinical research is that there are no critical confounds (no family stress, no bad neighbourhoods, poor grades at school, no other drug use, dose and purity of THC are known, age of onset is fixed). Bear in mind: 13% of 12th graders in U.S. use marijuana daily. It's a complicated paper but here is the bottom line. In primate and rodent adolescent, daily THC caused:

An increase in inflammatory cells (GFAP-astrogliosis) in a key region of the brain, the amygdala. This brain region is implicated in a large array of physiological functions (survival, sizing up feelings, threats, safety, generating anxiety fear, aggression, stress) and psychopathology related to marijuana use (depression, anxiety, psychosis, hyperreaction to stress, sleep problems and others).
This response to daily THC was observed only in adolescent amygdala, not in adult amygdala treated daily with THC!
This response to daily THC was observed only in adolescent amygdala, and not in two other brain regions examined.
Other makers of inflammation were also elevated (complement factors). These are implicated in psychiatric disorders associated with adolescent cannabis exposure. Aberrant complement function has been linked to schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, suggesting an overlapping contribution of this inflammatory pathway in cannabis associated psychiatric pathology.
THC-induced increases in these inflammatory markers may drive abnormal pruning in the amygdala to the detriment of establishing appropriate connections, dysregulating its behavioural outputs.
THC reduced two proteins that are critical for brain development and improve connections between nerve cells, but only in adolescent and not in adult amygdala.
Cannabidiol (CBD) prevented astrogliosis but did not restore proteins implicated in connectivity.
Increased inflammation correlated with fragmented sleep in primates. These changes may contribute to sleep disturbances observed in adolescent heavy marijuana users.
Reduced markers for connectivity correlated with anxiety Behavior in rodents
Same effects were found if specific brain cells (astrocytes) were isolated, cultured and exposed to THC.
Effects required cannabinoid receptors
THC reduced cannabinoid receptors in astrocytes in the adolescent brain, which may be the reason for these changes.

In summary: Results reveal that chronic THC exposure during a critical period of adolescent brain maturation elicited inflammatory activation of astrocytes and attenuated expression of certain proteins in the amygdala, together vital for regulation of sleep and anxiety. These mechanisms underscore the significant detrimental reorganization of the adolescent neuronal and glial landscape within the amygdala following chronic THC exposure, which does not occur in other brain regions or following comparable THC exposure in adult animals. Our results demonstrate a vital mechanism potentially underlying the increased risk of psychiatric disorders involving amygdala dysfunction following chronic cannabis use at a critical developmental stage.

(Click here for PDF Paper Source: ScienceDirect)

Bertha K Madras, PhD

Professor of Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry

Harvard Medical School

Details: Published: 27 May 2025; Hits: 602

hoodsmoke Marijuana is often portrayed as harmless, with countless individuals and media outlets emphasising its perceived benefits. However, the PBS documentary: Experts are sounding the alarm about the dark side of cannabis sheds light on an alarming concern overshadowed by the growing cannabis industry. This investigative feature explores the devastating impact of high-potency marijuana on mental health, particularly in young adults, and its link to cannabis-induced psychosis.

Through real-life stories and expert research, the documentary reveals how today’s marijuana—with THC concentrations reaching up to 100% in some products—is a far cry from the mild, recreational substance of decades past. Join us as we uncover the dangers of high-potency marijuana and the tragic consequences experienced by those featured in HIGH RISK.

Johnny Stack’s Story A Tragedy of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: The documentary opens with the heartbreaking story of Johnny Stack, a once-aspiring, academically gifted teenager who spiralled into despair after falling victim to cannabis-induced psychosis. Johnny, who achieved a perfect SAT maths score, began using marijuana at the age of 14 during a high school party. Over time, he progressed from occasional use to consuming extremely potent THC products.

At the age of 18, Johnny obtained a medical marijuana card under dubious circumstances, as he had no chronic conditions or disorders. This escalation marked the beginning of a sharp decline in his mental health. “It was like an alien came and took my child,” recalled Laura Stack, Johnny’s mother. She described the harrowing transformation in her son’s personality, moving from kind-hearted to toxic and aggressive.

Despite multiple hospitalisations for cannabis-induced psychosis, Johnny repeatedly relapsed, convinced that his brain had healed. Tragically, his final psychotic episode involved extreme paranoia about the Russian mob and FBI surveillance, leading him to take his own life by jumping from a six-storey car park. He left his mother with these haunting final words, “Marijuana has ruined my mind and my life, and I’m sorry, Mama, I love you.”

Grace Davis Offers a Peer Perspective: Grace Davis, Johnny’s university friend, provides another perspective on the prevalence of marijuana use among young adults. She speaks candidly about the normalisation of cannabis use on college campuses, the ease of access through social media, and her personal struggles with addiction.

Grace shared how Johnny’s high tolerance for potent cannabis products contributed to his psychosis. She witnessed his paranoia firsthand, including beliefs that the “Russian mob was coming to get him” and that “the FBI was tracking his phone.” Despite her warnings to Johnny, she herself fell into daily use, leading to lasting paranoia even after two years of sobriety. “I know it wouldn’t have been this bad without marijuana,” Grace admits.

Bryn Spejcher’s Harrowing Experience: The documentary also focuses on Bryn, a Californian audiologist whose life took a tragic turn after experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis. After taking just two hits from a high-potency bong, Bryn fell into a psychotic episode marked by intense hallucinations and violent behaviour. This resulted in the tragic death of her friend Chad, whom she stabbed 108 times. Bryn’s case challenges the misconception that cannabis-induced psychosis only affects regular or heavy users.

Marijuana’s Escalating Potency

One of the most shocking revelations in the documentary is the dramatic rise in the potency of marijuana in recent decades. THC levels have surged from less than 3% in the 1980s to nearly 100% in modern concentrates like dabs, waxes, and shatter. Experts explain how these ultra-potent products are linked to severe mental health consequences, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

Dr. Sam Wang, a paediatric emergency doctor, emphasises the extraordinary risks for developing brains. The prefrontal cortex, which governs critical decision-making and emotional regulation, is highly susceptible to damage from THC. Dr. Wang warns, “Nearly 50% of individuals with cannabis-induced psychosis may go on to develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.”

Colorado Lessons in Legal Marijuana

The documentary uses Colorado, the first state to legalise recreational marijuana, as a case study. While the move was initially celebrated for generating significant tax revenue, unforeseen public health challenges quickly emerged. For example, cannabis-related emergency room visits became daily occurrences, with cases of “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” (extreme nausea and abdominal pain) becoming alarmingly common.

Efforts to address these issues culminated in Colorado House Bill 1317, which introduced mandatory warning labels about mental health risks, restricted medical marijuana cards for young people aged 18–20, and allocated funding for public health research. Although initial proposals to cap THC levels faced resistance from the marijuana industry, these regulatory measures marked a significant step forward.

The Shadow of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Adding to the complexity, synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9 present another layer of danger. These substances often bypass state-level restrictions, leading to more widespread accessibility and severe mental health outcomes. Lawmakers and healthcare providers express frustration over the regulatory challenges, with Wyoming officials describing the mental health crisis and soaring suicide rates linked to Delta-8 products.

Advocacy and Education Efforts

Following Johnny’s tragic death, his mother Laura founded Johnny’s Ambassadors, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of high-potency marijuana. She now speaks at schools, warning that cannabis is a contributing factor in adolescent suicides. Laura implores parents, “Education and regulation are essential to prevent further tragedies like Johnny’s.”

The documentary closes with Grace’s heartfelt letter to Johnny, encapsulating the devastating personal loss caused by cannabis-induced psychosis. She writes, “Your love could swell my mind whole… but then you died, and so did I.”

Shedding Light on High Potency Marijuana Dangers

HIGH RISK highlights an undeniable truth that challenges the narrative of marijuana as a harmless drug. The rise of high-potency THC products demands greater public awareness and stricter regulations. By documenting real-life tragedies, backed by scientific research, the documentary underscores the severe mental health risks posed to young adults.

Johnny Stack’s story, Grace’s testimony, and Bryn’s loss serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of ignoring these warnings.

(Source WRD News PBS)

Details: Published: 24 May 2025; Hits: 359

(Opioid Crisis 2.0 in the making?)

budinhand The cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment market is on the brink of rapid expansion, reflecting a global trend towards recognising the health implications linked with cannabis dependency. Accelerated by increasing cannabis consumption, legislative movements, and a heightened awareness of usage-related risks, the market is forecast to grow from a valuation of USD 1.7 billion in 2025 to USD 2.7 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 4.7% during the period.

This surge underscores the growing need for effective treatment interventions in response to rising dependency cases. Below, we’ll explore the driving forces behind this expansion and examine how different regions and innovations are shaping the market’s trajectory.

Impact of Rising Cannabis Use Cases: The increasing legalisation of cannabis across various markets, such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, has brought a profound shift in consumption rates. While cannabis is often lauded for its recreational and medicinal benefits, the uptick in usage has contributed to a parallel rise in dependency cases and cannabis-related health concerns, including cognitive impairment and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Healthcare systems globally are ramping up investments in interventions to address these concerns. Scientific research highlights that long-term cannabis use can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, which have sparked efforts to develop both behavioural and pharmacological treatments.

(For complete Article WRD News)

Details: Published: 22 May 2025; Hits: 411

(We must avoid this here – Do not legalise cannabis)

The dangers of legalised marijuana are drawing increasing attention in the United States. While marijuana use has grown markedly in recent years, experts warn of its significant impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. With its rapidly rising THC potency to levels as high as 99%, marijuana poses risks that are only now being fully understood.

The association between cannabis use, mental health challenges, and suicidality in young adults reveals complex patterns, with risks varying significantly between men and women, as evidenced by nationwide survey data.

How Legalised Marijuana Affects Mental Health

Studies reveal a worrying link between marijuana and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The number of adults using cannabis more than doubled between 2008 and 2019, climbing from 22.6 million to 45.0 million. Simultaneously, the prevalence of mental health issues, such as major depressive episodes (MDE) and suicidal thoughts, also rose sharply.

These overlapping trends are more than coincidental. Research shows that cannabis use disorder (CUD), daily cannabis use, and even occasional use are linked to higher risks of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.

For complete research

Details: Published: 20 May 2025; Hits: 381

450 Driving safely on American roads means remaining alert, focused, and fully in control. Yet, recent data shows a clear rise in cannabis use among drivers, putting Cannabis and Driving Safety in the national spotlight. Understanding why this is happening is essential for anyone interested in keeping our communities safe.

The Rise of Drugged Driving in America

Cannabis is now the third most common substance people use in the United States, just behind nicotine and alcohol. Its growing popularity is not surprising; after all, 38 American states have legalised some form of cannabis consumption. Out of these, 24 states allow recreational use, and 14 permit cannabis for medical use only.

With laws shifting and social attitudes becoming more relaxed, using cannabis and then driving is becoming increasingly common. This trend in Drugged Driving in America raises vital questions about public safety on our roads.

How Common Is Cannabis-Impaired Driving?

Recent studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have brought new insights into Cannabis and Driving Safety. Researchers wanted to explore how often people drive after using cannabis and what they believe about the risks involved.

Key findings include:

Frequent consumption: 44.1% of survey participants said they use cannabis several times daily.
Driving is routine: 57.8% reported driving every day.
Driving soon after consuming: 84.8% admitted to driving on the same day as cannabis use, with 53% getting behind the wheel an hour or less after consuming.
Perceived safety: 46.9% believed cannabis does not really affect their driving; 14.7% thought it made them drive a little better, and 19.4% even felt it improved their driving significantly.

These numbers highlight a concerning mismatch between perception and the reality of cannabis-affected driving skills. (for more WRD News)

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