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Tag: addiction

Prenatal Exposure To Cannabis Associated to Early Initiation of Use When Teenagers

The prenatal exposure of cannabis products to a developing fetus is shown to be associated to higher rates of early onset of cannabis use as a teen, as well as elevated rates of mood disorders. These were some of the findings released in JAMA Pediatrics on June 26, 2023 from authors Miller, A (et.al.). Using data […]

When “ACEs” Are Not A Winning Hand: Kids and Cannabis  

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for kids under 12 increase the risk of persistent cannabis use later in life by three-fold.  ACEs, for children, are incidents of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, parental substance use or abuse, violence between parents, parental mental health problems or suicide, parental separation, or a parent convicted […]

Casual Cannabis Use in Teens & Adverse Mental Outcomes

Currently there is a great deal of recent research supporting the elevated risk of adverse mental and behavioral outcomes in teenagers, diagnosed with a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), from chronic marijuana use. But what are the risks for the casual (“nondisordered”) teenage marijuana user that does not have a CUD? This study supports that they […]

Marijuana Legalization in Arizona: A Baseline Report, August 2022.

August 2022 – Arizona HIDTA In Arizona, voters approved medical marijuana in December 2012. Effective January 2021, Arizona became the 15th state to ratify marijuana for adult use. This report produced by the Arizona HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas) program provides a historical perspective and analysis of marijuana’s impacts to matters of public health, public […]

Early age of initiation: Greater risks of adverse mental outcomes

Of those who use marijuana, only a small population will develop adverse mental health outcomes such as psychotic experiences (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, etc.). The age of first use has been associated to increased risks of these experiences.  This study published in Scientific Reports (May 2022) applies a network approach to data collected in the […]

Adolescent Use of E-Cigarettes: Increases Risk of Marijuana Use by Over 2 Fold

A recent JAMA study (July 22, 2022) found that adolescents, ages 12 to 18 years old, are 2 – 3 times more likely to use marijuana if they also had previously used an e-cigarette device. Prior use of an e-cigarette was associated to increased marijuana use in all areas studied (ever used, past year usage […]

The Medical Marijuana Card: Is it the answer for pain or first domino toward addiction?

Pain and anxiety are among the leading reasons why many people seek a Medical Marijuana Card. But is it effective? A new study released in JAMA (03-18-22), by authors Gilman, J. (et.al), suggests getting a medical marijuana card is potentially a faster track to developing a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The authors observed that card […]

Marijuana Legalization in the Midwest: The Impacts, November 2021.

November 2021 – The Midwest HIDTA Region The Midwest HIDTA’s seven-state area consists of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the three Illinois counties of Madison, Rock Island, and St. Clair. The region spans over 428,000 square miles, encompasses 73 HIDTA-designated counties, and is considered the largest of the Office of National […]

The Impact Of Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois, Fall 2021

The Impact of Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois The Impact of Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois October 2021 – October 2021 – The Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) has recognized the need to study the impact that the legalization of marijuana has had, and will continue to have, on the state of Illinois. […]

THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IN COLORADO: THE IMPACT, 2021

September 11, 2021 – The Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) program has published annual reports every year since 2013 tracking the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in Colorado. The purpose is to provide data and information so that policy makers and citizens can make informed decisions on the issue of marijuana legalization.