The medical world is becoming increasingly aware that when given a choice, many patients choose to utilize the natural cannabis plant (marijuana) instead of synthetic chemicals. This study, published in the Harm Reduction Journal, evaluated 2,032 surveys completed by registered Canadian medical cannabis patients regarding their patterns of use and substitution for opioids and other […]
alcohol
Marijuana Drivers Safer Than Alcohol Drivers
In the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration’s Marijuana-Impaired Driving Report to congress they noted some interesting findings. According to this official report, marijuana-dosed subjects tended to drive below the speed limit, to allow for greater distances for vehicles ahead of them, and took fewer risks than when they were not under the influence of […]
Marijuana Doesn’t Damage Brain Like Alcohol
For decades misconceptions have persisted about cannabis (marijuana) due to poor studies and the propaganda of prohibition. Good science is eliminating many of those misconceptions. This study set out to determine the association of alcohol use with gray matter volume and white matter integrity; and of cannabis use and gray matter volume and white matter […]
Marijuana Use Does Not Lead To Mood Disorders
Some may have been exposed to the idea that using marijuana (cannabis) is associated with depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD). However this causality is not well documented in the literature. This study set out to explore the association of cannabis use and MDD, if any. The data was gathered from the National Epidemiologic Survey […]
Marijuana Is Impossible To Overdose On
In the world of substance use, most of them are associated with the potential for harm and death due to overdose. But what about cannabis? In this study a comparative risk assessment of alcohol, tobacco, heroin, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine type stimulants, benzodiazepines, ecstasy, and marijuana was conducted using the margin of exposure approach. Margin of […]
Marijuana, Prescription Meds & Substance Abuse
Management of chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking marijuana (cannabis) medicine. However little is known regarding the effects of combining marijuana and prescription pain medicines on the potential for more serious alcohol and other substance involvement. This article collected data on 273 participants in southwestern Michigan with comparisons on socio-demographics, […]
Medical Marijuana May Reduce Substance Use
The Cannabis Access for Medical Purposes Survey is a 414-question cross-sectional survey that was completed by 473 adults who use cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic purposes between 2011-2012. This study examines the use of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, illicit substances and prescription drugs. Substituting medical marijuana for one of the above substances was reported […]
Marijuana Use In HIV & Hepatitis C Infected Women
In this study, 575 HIV & hepatitis C co-infected women were followed for an average of 11 years. 56% reported no THC (marijuana) use, 25% reported less than weekly use, 12% reported weekly use, and 7% reported daily use at the beginning of the study. The analysis was looking for association of THC (marijuana) use […]
Marijuana Could Inhibit Some Stomach Ulcers
It is well documented that marijuana (cannabis) is regularly and effectively used for pain mitigation. But its other benefits are often surprising. In this study it was found that cannabis sativa (marijuana) extracts rich in THC can protect the mucosal lining of the stomach. One method of protection is that marijuana seems to inhibit stomach […]
Medical Marijuana May Decrease Prescription Use
In this Canadian study of 271 medical marijuana patients, results were similar to that found for dispensary patients in New England, where many were able to reduce prescription medication. Cannabis (marijuana) is perceived to be an effective treatment for many diverse conditions, including pain and mental health, and 63% of these patients substituted marijuana for […]