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Addiction research

Explore published research on addiction, including study methods and limitations.

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2002 / Animal Study / Preliminary evidence

How Cannabinoids Affect the Brain's Reward Center ↗

Electrophysiology study showing cannabinoids strongly inhibited excitatory inputs to the brain's reward center through CB1 receptors, independent of dopamine and opioid systems.

2015 / Cross Sectional / Preliminary evidence

What Motivates Indigenous Australian Men to Quit Cannabis ↗

Study of 101 incarcerated Indigenous Australian men found family responsibilities and incarceration were the strongest motivators for quitting cannabis, suggesting culturally tailored cessation programs are needed.

2021 / Retrospective Cohort / Preliminary evidence

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Drives Higher Healthcare Costs ↗

Study found patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome consumed more healthcare resources than non-users, driven by repeated evaluations before correct diagnosis, though cost differences were not consistently statistically significant.

2021 / Systematic Review / Moderate evidence

How Cannabis Cues Light Up the Brain in Regular Users ↗

Systematic review of 18 fMRI studies found regular cannabis users show consistently heightened brain activity in reward, executive control, and memory regions when exposed to cannabis cues, with preliminary links to craving.

2021 / Cross Sectional / Preliminary evidence

Cannabis and Stimulant Use Affect ADHD Patients Differently ↗

Study found adults with ADHD show different clinical profiles based on substance type: cannabis users had worse general psychopathology, while stimulant/alcohol users showed more hyperactivity and legal problems.

2022 / Narrative Review / Preliminary evidence

Workplace Cannabis Policies: A Moving Target ↗

Employers face conflicting laws and unreliable drug tests — a practical framework for cannabis workplace policies addresses safety, legal protections, and impairment measurement.

2024 / Narrative Review / Preliminary evidence

Can Cannabinoids Help Treat Alcohol Use Disorder? ↗

A review found that the endocannabinoid system modulates alcohol reward, suggesting cannabinoids could help treat alcohol use disorder, but concurrent use carries additional risks.

2025 / Animal Study / Preliminary evidence

Cannabis Extract Reduced Cocaine Relapse in Mice ↗

A non-psychoactive cannabis extract reduced cocaine preference extinction time and blocked priming-dose relapse in mice, with serotonin receptors mediating the effect.