#NORML #News Source: @norml @WeedConnection Posted By: norml@weedconnection.com media :: news - Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:20:21 PST
Cannabis Use Associated with Reduced Hypertension in Elderly Subjects
Be'er Sheva, Israel: Elderly subjects with hypertension respond favorably to medical cannabis treatment, according to observational data published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine.
A team of investigators affiliated with Israel's Ben-Gurion University assessed the impact of medical cannabis administration on hypertension in 26 elderly patients (mean age: 70) over a three-month period. Study subjects ingested cannabis either orally (via oil extracts) or by smoking. Researchers performed the following assessments on the participants: 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ECG, blood tests, and anthropometric measurements prior to the initiation of cannabis therapy and three months afterward. The primary outcome was change in mean 24-hour blood pressure at three months.
Authors reported, "Cannabis treatment for three months was associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate." Several of the subjects in the study reported symptoms of dizziness following cannabis administration. Patients' use of cannabis was not association with an elevated risk of arrhythmias during the study period.
Cannabinoids have been previously shown to influence blood pressure and other cardiovascular responses, though many of these effects are short-term in duration and most subjects become tolerant to them (e.g., tachycardia). According to a review of the data published in the journal Neuropharmacology: "The endocannabinergic system plays an important cardiovascular regulatory role not only in pathophysiological conditions associated with excessive hypotension but also in hypertension. Thus, the pharmacological manipulation of this system may offer novel therapeutic approaches in a variety of cardiovascular disorders."
Full text of the study, "Cannabis is associated with blood pressure reduction in older adults - A 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring study," appears in the European Journal of Internal Medicine. Additional information on cannabinoids and hypertension is available from NORML here.
Study: Nearly Half of Medical Cannabis Users Cease Using Opioids for Pain After Twelve Months
Toronto, Canada: Patients authorized to use medical cannabis for pain significantly reduce or eliminate their use of opioids over time, according to longitudinal data published in the Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia.
A team of Canadian investigators assessed patterns of self-reported opioid consumption in a cohort of authorized medical cannabis patients who suffered from pain-related issues. Consistent with numerous other studies, researchers reported that many subjects tapered their use of opioids following medical cannabis initiation. "The proportion of individuals who reported using opioids decreased by half" over a period of twelve months, they determined.
In addition, subjects' "pain intensity and pain-related interference scores were reduced and [their] quality of life and general health symptom scores were improved compared with baseline." Authors also noted that many subjects switched from consuming herbal cannabis to ingesting oil extracts over the course of the trial.
Authors concluded: "Over time, individuals who continued consuming cannabis within this longitudinal study reported lower pain severity and pain interference scores, as well as improved quality of life and general health symptoms scores. ... [B]eneficial effects of cannabis appear to persist long-term and tolerance may not become a significant issue for patients on a stable regimen. ... [T]he proportion of patients using opioids at each follow-up was decreased, ... suggesting an opioid-sparing effect with cannabis use. ... Our data speaks to the need for robust clinical trials, given the overall increase in opioid cessation for those that remained on cannabis.
The study comes only weeks after separate longitudinal data, also from Canada, reported that patients prescribed opioids reduce their mean opioid dosage by over 70 percent following the use of medical cannabis.
Commenting on the findings, NORML's Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: "The data to date is consistent and persuasive. For many pain patients, cannabis offers a viable alternative to opioids, potentially improving their quality of life while possessing a superior safety profile."
Full text of the study, "Patient-reported outcomes in those consuming medical cannabis: A prospective longitudinal observational study in chronic pain patients," appears in the Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia. Additional information is available in the NORML fact-sheet, "Relationship Between Marijuana and Opioids."
Review: Cannabis Exposure Shows Little Impact on Cognition in Older Adults
San Diego, CA: Cannabis exposure appears to have no significant adverse impact on the cognitive function of older adults, according to a review of the relevant literature published in the journal Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
A team of researchers affiliated with the University of California at San Diego reviewed human studies and animal trials specific to the potential impact of cannabis on cognition in older subjects. In the human trials, cannabis exposure revealed "predominantly null findings" in adults ages 50 and older. In animal models, cannabinoid dosing was associated with "improved cognition." Authors suggested caution in interpreting the studies' results because of their limited number and heterogeneity.
Authors concluded: "This systematic scoping review examined current research on the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive function in healthy aging and provides a starting point for future research. ... Ultimately, given the recent increase in cannabis use among older adults, future human research should examine the relationship between both early and later-life cannabis use on cognitive function within more homogenous, older adult samples of people who use cannabis."
In recent years, the proportion of older Americans consuming cannabis has increased dramatically, with many reporting that it mitigates symptoms of age-related illnesses and improves their overall quality of life.
Full text of the study, "The effects of cannabis use on cognitive function in healthy aging: A systematic scoping review," appears in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Case Report: Cannabis Extract Associated with Improvement in Autism-Related Behavioral Symptoms
Calgary, Canada: The daily administration of CBD-dominant, plant-derived cannabis extracts is associated with improved behavioral symptoms in a teenager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a case study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
A team of Canadian researchers affiliated with Caleo Health Services and the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary reported on the effects of low-doses of a cannabidiol-based extract in a fifteen-year-old with autism, anxiety, and controlled epilepsy. The patient used cannabis as an adjunct to other prescribed medications. The patient consumed low doses (0.2 mL) of the extract twice daily. The plant-derived extract contained a CBD to THC ratio of 20 to 1.
Researchers reported that the patient's symptoms improved within six-months of treatment, and that he has maintained "positive effects on his behavioral symptoms, anxiety, sleep, and social deficits" since that time.
"This case report provides evidence that a lower than previously reported dose of a phytocannabinoid in the form of a cannabidiol-based extract may be capable of aiding in autism spectrum disorder-related behavioral symptoms, core social communication abilities, and comorbid anxiety, sleep difficulties, and weight control," authors concluded. "Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical role and underlying biological mechanisms of action of cannabidiol-based extract in patients with autism spectrum disorder."
Research published last year by investigators at Tufts University in Boston similarly reported that the oral administration of cannabis-based products is associated with improvements in autistic symptoms in patients with self-injurious behaviors and co-morbid epilepsy, Several small clinical trials - such as those reported here, here, here, and here - have also previously reported that plant-derived cannabis extracts are effective and well-tolerated in mitigating various symptoms in patients with ASD, including hyperactivity, seizures, anxiety, and rage attacks.
Full text of the study, "A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extract as complementary therapy: A case report," appears in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
Case Report: Cannabis Extract Associated with Improvement in Autism-Related Behavioral Symptoms
Calgary, Canada: The daily administration of CBD-dominant, plant-derived cannabis extracts is associated with improved behavioral symptoms in a teenager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a case study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
A team of Canadian researchers affiliated with Caleo Health Services and the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary reported on the effects of low-doses of a cannabidiol-based extract in a fifteen-year-old with autism, anxiety, and controlled epilepsy. The patient used cannabis as an adjunct to other prescribed medications. The patient consumed low doses (0.2 mL) of the extract twice daily. The plant-derived extract contained a CBD to THC ratio of 20 to 1.
Researchers reported that the patient's symptoms improved within six-months of treatment, and that he has maintained "positive effects on his behavioral symptoms, anxiety, sleep, and social deficits" since that time.
"This case report provides evidence that a lower than previously reported dose of a phytocannabinoid in the form of a cannabidiol-based extract may be capable of aiding in autism spectrum disorder-related behavioral symptoms, core social communication abilities, and comorbid anxiety, sleep difficulties, and weight control," authors concluded. "Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical role and underlying biological mechanisms of action of cannabidiol-based extract in patients with autism spectrum disorder."
Research published last year by investigators at Tufts University in Boston similarly reported that the oral administration of cannabis-based products is associated with improvements in autistic symptoms in patients with self-injurious behaviors and co-morbid epilepsy, Several small clinical trials - such as those reported here, here, here, and here - have also previously reported that plant-derived cannabis extracts are effective and well-tolerated in mitigating various symptoms in patients with ASD, including hyperactivity, seizures, anxiety, and rage attacks.
Full text of the study, "A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extract as complementary therapy: A case report," appears in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
Delaware: State Auditor's Report Recommends Legalizing Marijuana
Dover, DE: Delaware lawmakers should legalize the retail production and sale of cannabis in order to create jobs, increase revenue, and disrupt the illegal marketplace, according to recommendations issued this week by the state Auditor's office.
The analysis, issued by the Office of the Auditor of Accounts, estimates that legalizing the commercial cannabis market in Delaware would yield some $43 million in new annual revenue and will create 1,400 new jobs within five years.
"Legalization ... would allow Delaware to establish a policy framework to suppress the black market, curb usage through regulation for minors and collect revenue on a market demand that seems only to be increasing," the report concludes. "It would also provide a new revenue stream and new potential for economic growth. Additionally, it would eliminate arrests and keep people out of prison. Each year that we fail to capitalize on this opportunity means more money could flow to neighboring states instead of being invested here. It is time Delaware pursue legalizing marijuana."
State Auditor Kathy McGuiness similarly acknowledged: "The State of Delaware is missing out on millions in tax revenue by not taxing and regulating marijuana - money that could be used to plug budget holes in the immediate term and continue to provide revenue in future years. ... With nearby states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia on the cusp of legalization and implementation, Delaware should apply the same consideration. Inaction doesn't reward us with curbed usage, but will prevent us from realizing economic benefits and the $43 million that could be available if Delaware were to devise a responsible regulatory framework. It's time to legalize it."
In 2018, legislation that sought to legalize the adult-use market fell just four votes shy of passage on floor of the Delaware House of Representatives. Under current law, minor possession offenses are subject to civil fines, while physician-authorized access to cannabis is permitted to qualified patients. Statewide polling finds that 61 percent of Delawareans endorse legalizing marijuana for adults.
Commenting on the state Auditor's report, NORML's Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: "Legalizing and regulating the adult-use of marijuana in Delaware will disrupt the illicit marijuana market, end low-level marijuana arrests, and create jobs and new revenue. This has been the experience in other jurisdictions that have enacted legalization — none of which have ever repealed or even seriously considered rolling back their policies. That is because these legalization laws are operating largely as voters and politicians intended, and in a way that the public finds preferable to the failed policies associated with criminal prohibition."
Atlanta: Mayor Takes Executive Action Abolishing Pre-Employment Drug Screens for Many Public Employees
Atlanta, GA: Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an executive order this week suspending pre-employment drug screenings for public employees in non-safety sensitive positions. The citywide order is similar to legislative changes enacted recently in several other municipalities - including New York City and Washington, DC - that have also eliminated drug screening for marijuana and other controlled substances as a condition of employment.
The Mayor categorized the drug testing requirements as "outdated and costly barriers to onboarding new talent in the city of Atlanta."
Under the new order, "Prospective employees who are not applying for employment in safety sensitive positions shall not be required to undergo a post-employment offer physical examination/drug test."
Because THC's primary metabolite, carboxy-THC, is lipid soluble, residual levels of the compound may persist in urine for weeks or even months post-abstinence. According to the US Department of Justice, a positive urine test screen for drug metabolites "does not indicate abuse or addiction, recency, frequency, or amount of use; or impairment."
Data published last year in the scientific journal Occupational Medicine reported that those with a history of cannabis use over the past year are no more likely than non-users to experience an injury at work, regardless of occupation. The study's conclusion was consistent with those of other studies — such as those here, here, here, and here — finding that adults who consume cannabis in their off-hours are no more likely to suffer workplace injuries than are those employees who abstain from the substance.
Additional information regarding marijuana and workplace drug testing is available from the NORML fact-sheet, "Marijuana Legalization and Impact on the Workplace."
