In Summary

​Researchers have recently found that the antinociceptive effects of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) differ depending on the age of the subject. While examining the effects of THC on the nociceptive receptors of rats it was found that the THC was not as effective of a pain reliever in adolescent rats as it was in adult rats. It was determined that although adolescent and adult rats metabolize the cannabinoid differently it is not the cause of the differences in THC’s effect on nociception. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism that underlies the difference in age-dependent effects. 
This article brings to light the issues of dosing between age and gender. Clinical trials often occur in a population of healthy young men and are rarely dosed specifically for women. By noting the differences in effect and metabolism of drugs depending on sex and age clinical trials need to be broadened to accurately dose drugs for all users. Although the featured study was conducted in mouse models it provides evidence that the effects of cannabis are age-dependent and should be a serious consideration for researchers moving forward with the development of cannabis-based therapies. 

In Summary

A recent meta-analysis has compiled a list of all known effects of smoking medical cannabis. Smoke is produced when medical cannabis is combusted by a flame, like when users smoke a bowl of flower products. Although fewer carcinogens were found in the smoke produced from cannabis than the smoke produced from cigarettes, those who choose to smoke medical cannabis still put themselves at great risk of developing lung cancer, spontaneous pneumothorax, bullous emphysema, and COPD. The medical benefits like bronchodilation, pain relief, and uplifting feelings are still able to take effect but patients considering smoking cannabis should be made aware of the risks associated with the inhalation of smoke. Other consumption methods such as vaporization, edibles, or topicals pose much less of a health risk to users. 
This article highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate consumption method depending on your ailment. Those suffering from lung cancer or COPD may be less inclined to vaporize their marijuana because of the lung strain, or more inclined to vaporize marijuana to replace a possible cigarette habit. Vaporization occurs at a much lower temperature than combustion, which requires a flame, which provides more efficient delivery of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in a flower product. Each cannabinoid has a specific vaporization temperature that optimizes the benefits of that cannabinoid and many vaporizers have been designed with the ability to heat up to specific temperatures so that patients can get the most out of their product. Users should discuss the best options for their ailment with their physicians and budtenders.

In Summary

Researchers have recently analyzed popular vaping behavior and revealed the advantages of vaporizing medical cannabis. The general advantages of vaporizing medical cannabis include portability, concealability, and efficiency, while the medical advantages like promoting tobacco cessation and it’s quick-acting effects. There are also limitations to vaporization, like technology-use barriers for those who find technology difficult to work with and the cost of such devices. Vaporizing may also prove to be advantageous or disadvantageous for patients depending on their medical condition, meaning that all patients should discuss consumption mechanisms with their physician. 
As the cannabis industry continues to grow various consumption methods become readily available for consumers, each presenting its own benefits and limitations. Patients should thoroughly research the different consumption methods and discuss which method would work best for them. Vaporizers in the featured article were mainly portable but desktop vaporizers are also available and often more efficient. The world of edibles continues to grow and it better for those looking for longer-lasting, stronger, and delayed effects. Tinctures are easy to prepare at home or buy online and are ideal for incorporating into patients' favorite meals, smoothies, or can be taken sublingually for fast-acting effects and raw cannabinoids. Experimentation is encouraged, just be sure to start at a slow dose and slowly feel out the effects. 

In Summary

Last summer an op-ed came out in response to cannabis legalization in Canada discussing the risks and benefits of the legalization. The author acknowledges the myriad of health benefits that cannabis has been shown to treat but also brings forth the gaps in our knowledge that still remain. The piece urges physicians to fully discuss the most current information with their patients when recommending cannabis and for at-home cultivators to carefully manage their plants to prevent underage consumption. The author ends the piece on a hopeful note, mentioning that the only certainty of legalization cannabis is that much more robust research will be able to be conducted and provide more information for the public. 
The author emphasizes the research opportunities that have now opened up in Canada due to the legalization of cannabis, highlighting the limitations of cannabis research in the United States. As cannabis is currently ruled a schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act the federal government sees no medical benefit in medical cannabis, despite an abundance of research. Researchers around the world have found evidence that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids can provide novel therapies for various disorders yet research in the US is still extremely limited by the lack of federal funding. Canada’s decision to legalize cannabis opens the door for so many cannabis-based therapies to be developed, and for economic and healthcare reasons, other countries should follow along. 

In Summary

​A recent study has revealed that brief interventions given by primary care physicians can reduce alcohol and drug abuse among at-risk adolescents. This study aimed to address only alcohol and cannabis use disorders in teenagers who already reported the misuse of such substances. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an intervention from their physician or assigned as controls and then asked about their substance use habits 12 months later. Those who received an intervention reported a marked decrease in substance use through self-reporting and chemical screening. This research suggests that pediatricians and other general practitioners should speak candidly about the risks of substance use disorders with their patients. 
Pieces like the featured article highlight the importance of responsible cannabis use. Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable as states continue to put forth policies that legalize medical and recreational use. Like alcohol and other drugs, cannabis should remain a semi-controlled substance whose availability is restricted by age or other factors so that at-risk youth are unable or less likely to abuse its benefits. State laws currently decide who has access to cannabis but as at-home cultivators become more prominent it will be necessary to ensure the security of those plants to prevent adolescents from misusing plants grown by family or friends. 

It may be difficult to go to bed with heaps of bad news on your mind. Thankfully, certain types of cannabis are well known for their ability to distract, add artificial levity, and support sleep. Many people find Indica strains to be especially helpful, however, some people may not experience a sleepy effect. ​

You definitely don’t want any extra discomfort from a relaxing cannabis session. Please keep in mind, While you CANNOT overdose from cannabis with lasting concern,  everyone has a limit of comfort and a maximum tolerable dose. If you are a new user or are unsure of your comfort levels with a cannabis product, remember to START SLOW and GO SLOW. When inhaling, wait at least 10 minutes after your first hit from a vape or joint (or wait 2+ hours if you are ingesting edibles). ​

​Gif sourced from Giphy.com

In Summary

​Researchers have recently found a cannabinoid-like compound, VSN16R, which is able to modulate Ca2+- activated potassium channels and may reduce seizure severity. By hyperpolarizing the neurons through the opening of Ca2+- activated potassium channels VSN16R ultimately results in the reduction of hyperexcitability seen in individuals who suffer from seizures. The compiled data reveals that cannabinoids or compounds structurally similar to cannabinoids may prove useful in the treatment of seizures or epileptic disorders, similar to the cannabinol-based Epidiolex® medication for rare forms of epilepsy, reducing the chance of a seizure or minimizing its duration. Further research is needed to aid the development of more readily available cannabis-based therapies for seizure activity and more general forms of epilepsy. 
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Highlighting in this article are the options for treatment that the endocannabinoid system provides us, even in the absence of naturally occurring cannabinoids. If structurally similar compounds like VSN16R are able to be synthesized and proven effective, it could mean novel therapies could be developed even while red tape surrounds cannabis. The endocannabinoid system affects a myriad of systems within the human body and is severely under-researched considering its potential. Epidiolex® is the only cannabinoid-based medication currently approved by the federal government but cannabis has shown promise in so many other areas where the current treatment is either ineffective or lacking. Research utilizing the endocannabinoid system as a target should continue and be pushed to the forefront of the medical community. 

In Summary

​Researchers have recently found no evidence that the legalization of recreational cannabis increases the risk for small gestational age (SGA) births but may be linked to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions immediately post-birth. The study merely looks at the prevalence of both SGA and NICU admissions immediately post-legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado and claims no causation conclusions can be drawn from the gathered data but did note an increase of 1% of NICU admissions per month immediately following legalization. The rate of the SGA births decreased following the new laws meaning cannabis may not affect the growth of a fetus or could improve development but future research is encouraged to ensure these results and identify possible causation for an increase in NICU admissions, which could be due to a myriad of factors. 

This article serves as a call for research so that patients who take cannabis and fall pregnant are fully aware of the possible risks associated with continuing cannabis use during pregnancy. Currently, most obstetricians and gynecologists advise against cannabis use due to the lack of knowledge concerning cannabis and fetal development but those who fall pregnant and rely on cannabis are often left unaware of alternative options. Considering the uncertainty of the effects of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and the inconsistency between the few studies currently published more research is definitely needed so that pregnant women can continue to receive safe and effective treatment. 

In Summary

A recent analysis has found that cannabis-based therapies may prove useful for those attempting to quit smoking. Billions of dollars are spent every year attempting to treat smoking-related conditions yet mortality rates continue to rise, proving the current treatment methods rather ineffective. Researchers thoroughly examined previous clinical studies in a search for more effective treatments and found that the endocannabinoid system provides an ideal target as it not only reduces the desire to smoke but also minimizes the weight gain most addicts fear. Further research is needed as no specific cannabinoid or cannabis-based medicine has proven to be effective without producing negative side-effects, but the few trials that have been conducted have shown promising results. 
The issue this research aimed to address is the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses, highlighting the inability of the medical community to cease all tobacco use. Despite constant warnings and lessons in school concerning the danger of tobacco use new products like e-cigarettes have been made readily available for consumers and marketed on social media to teenagers who follow celebrities like Sophie Turner, an actress rarely seen without her choice of e-cigarette in hand. The tobacco industry is driven by the economy and, despite its proven deleterious effects on users' health, has yet to be banned on a federal level. Better restrictions need to be put into place to prevent consumers from beginning tobacco use while researchers continue to look for effective treatment methods.