The Big Cannabis Question

Hello and welcome to my blog! Today I'm going to share with you some of the recent scientific developments surrounding cannabis, the plant that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. Cannabis is a fascinating topic that has sparked a lot of debate and controversy in the scientific community and the public sphere. In this post, I will try to give you an overview of some of the latest research findings on cannabis and its effects on health, society and the environment. Let's get started!

Cannabis and Driving Performance

One of the most common concerns about cannabis use is its impact on driving performance and road safety. How does cannabis affect your ability to drive safely and responsibly? Does it depend on the type and amount of cannabis you consume? How long does it take for the effects to wear off? These are some of the questions that researchers have been trying to answer with rigorous studies.

A recent study by Arkell et al. (2021) compared the effects of vaporized THC-dominant versus CBD-dominant cannabis on driving performance in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis that produces the "high" sensation, while CBD is a non-psychoactive component that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties. The study involved 26 healthy participants who completed a simulated driving test before and after inhaling either THC-dominant (13.75 mg), CBD-dominant (13.75 mg), balanced (13.75 mg THC + 13.75 mg CBD) or placebo cannabis.

The results showed that THC-dominant cannabis significantly impaired driving performance, as measured by lane weaving, speed variability and response time to hazards. The impairment was greatest at 40 minutes after inhalation and lasted for up to 4 hours. CBD-dominant cannabis did not impair driving performance at any time point, while balanced cannabis had a mild impairment at 40 minutes that dissipated by 240 minutes. The study concluded that CBD does not counteract the impairing effects of THC on driving, and that THC-dominant cannabis should be avoided by drivers for at least 4 hours after use.

Cannabis and Sickle Cell Disease

Another area of interest for cannabis research is its potential therapeutic role in treating chronic pain conditions, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a genetic disease that affects about 100,000 Americans, causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and block blood vessels, resulting in severe pain episodes that often require opioid treatment. Opioids have many side effects and risks, such as addiction, tolerance, overdose and death. Therefore, finding alternative or complementary treatments for SCD pain is a high priority.

A recent study by Abrams et al. (2020) investigated the effects of vaporized cannabis on pain and mood in adults with SCD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study involved 23 participants who completed two 5-day inpatient sessions, separated by at least 30 days. During each session, they inhaled either cannabis (4% THC) or placebo three times a day for pain management. They also completed daily assessments of pain intensity, mood and quality of life.

The results showed that cannabis significantly reduced pain intensity compared to placebo, as well as improved mood and quality of life. Cannabis also reduced the use of opioids during the sessions, without increasing adverse events or serious adverse events. The study concluded that vaporized cannabis may be an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for pain in SCD.

Cannabis and Pregnancy

A third topic that has attracted a lot of attention in cannabis research is its effects on pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances during pregnancy, especially in states where it is legal for medical or recreational purposes. However, there is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of cannabis use during pregnancy, as well as its long-term consequences on child development.

A recent study by Young-Wolff et al. (2020) examined the association between self-reported cannabis use by pregnant women and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in a large cohort study in California. The study involved 4.83 million pregnant women who delivered live births between 2001 and 2012. The women were classified into four groups based on their cannabis use status: never used, quit before pregnancy, quit during pregnancy or continued use during pregnancy. The results showed that continued cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with increased risks of preterm birth (<37 weeks).

As you can see, cannabis is a fascinating and versatile plant with many potential benefits for your mind and body. Of course, cannabis is not a magic bullet, and it may have some risks and drawbacks depending on the dose, strain and method of consumption. That's why you should always consult your doctor before using cannabis for medical purposes and follow the laws and regulations in your area. But if you're curious about cannabis and want to learn more, you can check out some of the sources I've linked below. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more interesting and informative blog posts!

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31211826/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329345894_Trends_in_Self-reported_and_Biochemically_Tested_Marijuana_Use_Among_Pregnant_Females_in_California_From_2009_to_2016