​In Summary 
The ripple effects of COVID-19 in the United States is something even experts cannot predict. One of the only few things that can be agreed upon ths the financial revenue that will be lost. However, some individuals believe there is a way to help states and cities rebound after the pandemic: legalize recreational marijuana. The logic behind this is how regulating marijuana would be more effective than simply raising income taxes. If the latter happens, state representatives are fearful this will drive people out of the state if they cannot afford to live their anymore.
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Many states who have not legalized medical and/or recreational marijuana are are looking at states such as Colorado as a model for a program to be implemented. In 2019 Colorado raised more than $300 million from marijuana sales. More populated states such as New York have the potential to earn well over half of a billion dollars just from recreational and medical cannabis. Although some states consider cannabis a taboo topic, economic hardships may force each state’s hands in hopes of economically bouncing back when the pandemic is over.

What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuana Use in Adolescents​

In Summary

Further examination of chronic cannabis use in adolescents correlates with a higher prevalence of anxiety. Research discussing adolescent cannabis use and mental disorders has been inconsistent, mainly debating whether or not some mental disorders are caused by cannabis use. The featured article found no evidence of causation but did notice a positive correlation between chronic (described here as daily) adolescent cannabis use and the development of anxiety. The development of major depressive disorders was not positively correlated with cannabis use, even in regular users. Causation, especially for psychosis, should continue to be looked into in order to determine the full safety profile of cannabis-based medications. ​

Adolescent cannabis use does seem risky when considering that cannabis directly affects the brain while the brain is still developing and very few researchers have published well recognized and accepted data discussing the effect of cannabis on neural development. It seems interesting that chronic cannabis use is positively correlated to the development of anxiety when the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid and multiple terpenes are praised for their anxiolytic effects. Research into the effect of each chemical component of cannabis should be researched to fully elucidate which cannabinoid or combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, etc., cause alternations in neurodevelopment and other effects. ​

In Summary

A recent study has revealed the positive correlation of fatty acid amine hydrolase (FAAH) polymorphisms with increased obesity rates in Iranian women. FAAH is a regulatory enzyme in the endocannabinoid system that is important for the inactivation of endogenous cannabinoids and has previously been associated with the obese phenotype. It was specifically found that two different genotypes of the 385 C/A polymorphism of FAAH increased the probability of obesity risk almost two times. Further research should focus on the possible screening of polymorphisms of the FAAH enzyme in order to advise those at an increased risk of developing obesity, and perhaps developing a weight management medication that targets FAAH and the endocannabinoid system. 

The “munchies” is a well-known side effect of cannabis consumption popularized by derogatory or humorous characterizations of chronic cannabis users, such as stoner/surfer Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Cannabinoids and terpenes have been shown to have various effects on weight management and appetite stimulation, including appetite suppression. Cannabis-based medication to aid in the recovery of anorexia nervosa are currently being researched due to the anxiolytic effects and appetite stimulation, but some terpenes like humulene have recently been featured for their appetite suppressant capabilities. Further research should be conducted to fully develop the various weight management medications that cannabis has the ability to produce. 

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive:  http://bit.ly/drcaplan ​