How THC Went From Illegal Drug to Active Medical Research Subject in the United States ↗
A historical review traced how federal laws, patient reports, and 25 state research acts moved THC from prohibition into active medical investigation by 1981.
Legalization research
Explore published research on legalization, including study methods and limitations.
A Commentary Called for Better Evidence Before Expanding Medical Cannabis Access ↗
A commentary acknowledged cannabis showed therapeutic promise for nausea and appetite but emphasized that controlled studies were lacking and risks must be weighed against benefits.
A Physician Called for Removing Research Barriers While Noting Cannabis Has a Narrow Therapeutic Window ↗
A 1998 review called for removing research barriers to medical marijuana while noting the narrow therapeutic window as a major limitation, supporting pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid development.
Mechoulam Called for Cannabis Clinical Trials, Noting the UK and US Took Opposite Positions on MS Research ↗
Endocannabinoid discoverer Mechoulam highlighted a UK-US divide on cannabis MS research, with Britain recommending "high priority" clinical trials while the US MS Society did not support cannabis use.
A Pharmacist's Review Found Cannabis Had Low Addiction Potential and Clinical Promise for Multiple Conditions ↗
A pharmaceutical review found marijuana causes dependence but has less addictive power than cocaine, alcohol, heroin, or nicotine, and shows therapeutic promise for six conditions.
An Ethics Review Argued Denying Patients Medical Marijuana Violates Their Dignity and Rights ↗
An ethics review applied the principle of double effect to IOM evidence and concluded that denying medical marijuana to seriously ill patients violates their dignity and right to effective therapy.
A Prominent Researcher Proposed a Legal Marijuana Program for Patients While Gathering Clinical Data ↗
A respected pharmacologist proposed a six-month legal marijuana access program for patients with four conditions while collecting structured clinical data, bridging the gap between patient need and evidence.
The Landmark 1999 Institute of Medicine Report: Medical Marijuana Has Promise but Smoking Is Not the Answer ↗
The landmark IOM report found therapeutic promise for cannabinoids in pain, nausea, and appetite, recommended against smoking in favor of an inhaler, called for research investment, and found limited gateway and addiction risks.
Should Doctors Be Allowed to Recommend Cannabis? An Australian Perspective ↗
Australian editorial arguing for prosecution exemptions for patients using cannabis medicinally, noting that while cannabinoid drugs were not registered, patient need warranted a compassionate policy response.
Workplace Drug Testing in Europe: How It Compared to the US in 2001 ↗
Review of European workplace drug testing finding it far less standardized than US programs, with cannabis as the most frequently detected substance and significant gaps in quality control.
Medical Marijuana Laws: Are They Justified and Can They Work? ↗
Policy review finding THC moderately effective for nausea, appetite, and pain, comparing medical cannabis approaches across US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
When Drug Quality Drops, Users Switch to Alcohol and Other Substances ↗
Simulated drug market study found cannabis demand was quality-sensitive, with users switching to alcohol when cannabis quality dropped, while alcohol demand was unaffected by quality changes.
Drug Use Among Nigerian Prison Inmates Was Lower Than Western Countries but Showed Concerning Patterns ↗
Survey of Nigerian prison inmates found 7% current cannabis use with 71% heavy users, rates barely lower than pre-imprisonment, and cannabis was uniquely associated with criminal history patterns.
Cannabis initiation was 44% heritable in the Netherlands, similar to countries with stricter laws ↗
Dutch twin study found 44% heritability for cannabis initiation, matching results from countries with stricter cannabis laws.
Medical marijuana showed effectiveness for chronic pain, chemo nausea, AIDS wasting, and MS spasms despite federal prohibition ↗
Review argued that evidence supported medical marijuana for chronic pain, chemo nausea, AIDS wasting, and MS spasms, making federal prohibition ethically unjustifiable.
The complex intersection of medical marijuana, recreation, and science ↗
Comprehensive Mayo Clinic review of cannabis therapeutics, addiction, psychosis, and policy, noting the gap between public approval and scientific evidence.
The economic cost of drug-related crime in Chile: cannabis was the least costly substance ↗
Analysis of Chile's drug-crime costs found cannabis accounted for only 18% of the $268 million burden, compared to 53% for cocaine base paste.
Nearly 1 in 10 weekend nighttime drivers in California tested positive for THC ↗
California roadside survey found 8.5% of weekend nighttime drivers tested THC-positive, ranging from 4.3% to 18.3% by jurisdiction, with rates increasing since 2007.
South Africans Viewed All Substance Users Negatively, but Saw Cannabis as Less Dangerous Than Alcohol ↗
South African survey found high stigma toward all substance users, but cannabis was rated less dangerous than alcohol, and men faced more coercive attitudes than women.
Medical Cannabis Patients Reported High Psychological Distress and Stress From Drug Law Enforcement ↗
Survey of 37 medical cannabis patients found elevated psychological distress and widespread exposure to drug law enforcement tactics.
Norwegian Cannabis Users Used Medical Language to Justify Their Use, Blurring Medical and Recreational Lines ↗
Qualitative study of 100 Norwegian cannabis users found blurred medical-recreational boundaries and strategies using medical language to gain social acceptance.
Most Canadian therapeutic cannabis users accessed it outside the legal system ↗
Survey of 628 Canadian therapeutic cannabis users found only 7% accessed it exclusively through legal sources, with physician reluctance, cost, and program complexity as major barriers.
Downgrading cannabis penalties in the UK did not increase drug use or crime ↗
When the UK downgraded cannabis penalties in 2004, researchers found no increases in cannabis use, other drug use, crime, or risky behavior using individual-level panel data.
Fatal Crashes Involving Marijuana-Positive Drivers Increased in Colorado After Dispensary Expansion ↗
Colorado saw a significant increase in marijuana-positive drivers in fatal crashes after commercial medical marijuana expanded in 2009, while 34 comparison states showed no similar change.
Butane hash oil production burns surged in Colorado after marijuana liberalization ↗
29 burn patients admitted to a Colorado burn center from homemade butane hash oil extraction, with cases increasing sharply after marijuana liberalization.
Historical data from British India showed opium and hashish were economic substitutes ↗
Econometric analysis of 1907-1918 Punjab data found opium and hashish were economic substitutes: when hashish prices rose, opium consumption increased.
Middle schoolers exposed to more medical marijuana ads were more likely to use marijuana a year later ↗
Survey of 8,214 middle schoolers found medical marijuana ad exposure predicted higher marijuana use and intentions one year later, with the relationship running in both directions.
A school-based cannabis prevention program was cost-effective and potentially cost-saving when targeted to high-risk students ↗
Economic modeling showed a school cannabis prevention program was cost-effective generally and cost-saving (3.2:1 return) when targeted to at-risk boys over 20 years.
A 35-year New Zealand study found regular cannabis use linked to lower education, welfare dependence, and psychotic symptoms ↗
35-year birth cohort study of 1,265 New Zealanders found regular cannabis use associated with lower education, unemployment, and psychotic symptoms, but many regular users experienced no harm.
The Largest Study of Cannabis Addiction in America ↗
U.S. adult cannabis use more than doubled by 2012-2013. Use disorders nearly doubled in the population, while the share of users with a disorder fell from 36% to 31%.
Cyclic Vomiting ER Visits Nearly Doubled After Colorado Marijuana Liberalization ↗
Colorado ER visits for cyclic vomiting nearly doubled after medical marijuana liberalization, with affected patients 3.6 times more likely to report marijuana use.
What the Evidence Says About Medicinal Cannabis in Australia ↗
Australian review found limited evidence for medicinal cannabis in MS spasticity, cancer nausea, and pain, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks as access expands.
The Economics of Cannabis Decriminalization: What Different Policy Models Cost ↗
Economic analysis found repressive cannabis policies are costly without reducing use, while regulated legalization could cut enforcement costs and generate revenue without a consumption spike.
What Small-Scale Cannabis Growers Look Like Across 11 Countries ↗
Survey of 6,530 cannabis growers across 11 countries found most grew for personal use, came from normal backgrounds, and had minimal involvement in other criminal activity.
What Teens Were Saying About Marijuana on Twitter After Legalization ↗
Analysis of 36,000+ marijuana-related tweets found mostly positive attitudes among adolescents, with personal use disclosures increasing after two states legalized recreational cannabis.
Belgium Switched from Urine to Oral Fluid Testing for Drugged Driving and Got More Accurate Results ↗
Belgium's switch from urine to oral fluid roadside drug testing cut the false positive rate from 17% to 8%, though cannabis confirmation rates also changed.
What Germany Can Learn from Israel and Canada About Medical Cannabis Regulation ↗
A comparison of medical cannabis programs in Israel and Canada found both countries maintain strict regulations, specific approved conditions, and no insurance coverage for raw marijuana.
What Clinicians Need to Know About Adolescents and Cannabis ↗
A clinical review examined the evidence on adolescent cannabis use in the context of expanding legalization, covering risks, legal frameworks, and clinical considerations.
Why Criminalizing Youth Cannabis Possession Does More Harm Than the Drug Itself ↗
A policy review argued that the legal consequences of juvenile cannabis arrests (records, expulsions, loan ineligibility, racial disparities) often cause more harm than the drug itself.
Poison Center Calls for Edible Marijuana Exposures Rose Steadily, With Children Under 5 Most Affected ↗
Analysis of 430 US poison center calls for edible marijuana found children under 5 were most affected (25%), calls rose yearly, and 91% came from states with decriminalized cannabis.
A Smarter Approach to Preventing Youth Marijuana Use: Three Tiers of Prevention ↗
A policy review criticized simplistic youth drug prevention and recommended the IOM three-tiered model with Student Assistance Programs and stable marijuana tax funding.
People on Probation and Parole Have Much Higher Rates of Marijuana Dependence Than the General Population ↗
National survey data from 2002-2014 showed probationers and parolees had substance use disorder rates four to nine times higher than the general population, with marijuana dependence significantly elevated but still less common than alcohol disorders.
Most Dispensary Staff Give Medical Advice Despite Limited Training, With Some Recommendations Inconsistent with Evidence ↗
A survey of 55 dispensary staff found nearly all gave specific medical cannabis recommendations despite only 20% having medical training, with some recommendations inconsistent with available evidence.
Australian Pharmacists Support Legal Medical Cannabis Through Pharmacies but See Barriers ↗
Interviews with 34 Australian pharmacists found broad support for medical cannabis legalization through pharmacy settings, but identified stigma, safety concerns, and training gaps as key barriers to implementation.
CDC National Survey: 21.7% of US High School Students Used Marijuana in the Past Month in 2015 ↗
The 2015 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 21.7% of US high school students used marijuana in the past month, a rate that had not declined over time even as cigarette and alcohol use decreased.
Older Medical Cannabis Patients and Those Treating Anxiety Spend More Per Dispensary Visit ↗
A pilot survey of 132 medical marijuana patients found average spending of $41 per dispensary visit, with older patients and those treating anxiety/sleep spending significantly more than chronic pain patients.
Twitter Analysis Reveals Mostly Positive Attitudes Toward Cannabis Edibles, With Some Warning Signs ↗
Analysis of 100,000+ tweets found mostly positive attitudes toward cannabis edibles, but concerning reports of unpredictable effects, with more edibles discussion in states where cannabis is legal.
A Clinical Guide for Discussing Marijuana With Patients in the Age of Legalization ↗
Clinical guidance article helps providers navigate marijuana conversations with patients using motivational interviewing, evidence-based informed consent, and balanced discussion of benefits and risks.
Oregon Dispensary Staff Rely on On-the-Job Training and Personal Experience to Advise Patients ↗
Oregon dispensary staff primarily learn through on-the-job training and personal experience, advising patients on product selection but rarely discussing drug interactions or referring to healthcare providers.
Pediatric Marijuana Exposures in Colorado Increased Significantly After Recreational Legalization ↗
Colorado pediatric marijuana exposures nearly doubled at a children's hospital and increased 5-fold at the poison center after recreational legalization, with edibles responsible for ~50% of cases.
Marijuana Legalization: What Doctors and Public Health Need to Know ↗
Annual Review of Medicine assessment finds limited medical cannabis evidence (4 conditions), notes pre-legalization high use in legal states, and identifies key public health concerns for physicians.
Cannabis-related emergency room visits increased significantly from 2004 to 2011, especially among teens ↗
Cannabis-related emergency room visits in the US increased significantly from 2004 to 2011, with the steepest rises among adolescents and disproportionate representation of Black Americans.
Colorado healthcare providers felt unprepared to talk to patients about marijuana health risks after legalization ↗
Survey of 114 Colorado providers found frequent marijuana screening but low confidence discussing specific health risks, highlighting gaps in medical education around cannabis legalization.
Chile's 2011 student protest movement did not cause the increase in adolescent marijuana use ↗
Despite marijuana use doubling among Chilean teens from 2009-2013, rigorous analysis found the massive 2011 school protest movement had no causal effect on substance use.
Denver researchers created a 95.7% accurate system for tracking marijuana-related ER visits in real time ↗
Denver researchers developed a 95.7% accurate surveillance system for tracking marijuana-related ER visits in near-real time using 6 keywords and 5 diagnosis codes.
Australian doctors frequently ask pregnant women about cigarettes but rarely about cannabis, e-cigarettes, or secondhand smoke ↗
Australian survey found 95% of clinicians asked pregnant women about cigarettes but only 58% about cannabis and 13% about e-cigarettes, revealing gaps in prenatal exposure screening.
Cannabis use among Americans over 50 surged between 2006 and 2013, with a 250% increase among those 65 and older ↗
Cannabis use among Americans over 50 surged between 2006-2013, with a 250% increase among those 65+, while most older users perceived little to no risk.
What Happens When You Breathe in Someone Else's Marijuana Smoke ↗
Systematic review of 15 studies finding secondhand marijuana smoke causes detectable cannabinoid metabolites, psychoactive effects, and eye irritation, with THC content and ventilation as key factors.
Cannabis Use Among Older Americans: Public Health Concern or Useful Alternative? ↗
Essay examining rising cannabis use among Americans 65+, arguing cannabis may be a viable alternative to opioids for pain but calling for more research on this understudied population.
Who Gets Medical Cannabis in Switzerland? A Look at 1,193 Approved Patients ↗
Analysis of 1,193 Swiss patients approved for medical cannabis showing 52% growth in one year, with chronic pain and spasticity as primary conditions and 91% paying out of pocket.
How Common Is Cannabis Use Among Primary Care Patients in a Legal State? ↗
Screening of 22,095 primary care patients in Washington State finding 15.3% past-year cannabis use and 3.1% daily use, with rates reaching 36% among young adults and 32% among young men with depression.
More Teens Entered Marijuana Treatment Over 18 Years, But Their Drug Problems Got Less Severe ↗
Analysis of 12 million treatment records finding increasing youth marijuana admissions from 1995-2012 alongside dramatically decreasing drug severity, suggesting lower referral thresholds rather than worsening problems.
Hispanic Youth Marijuana Treatment Admissions Are Rising, Especially Among Girls ↗
Analysis of national data finding rising Hispanic youth marijuana treatment admissions from 1995-2012, with female admissions growing faster than male, linked more to school/community referrals than severe drug problems.
College Has Become a Bigger Risk Factor for Starting Marijuana Since 2013 ↗
Monitoring the Future data showing college became a dramatically stronger risk factor for marijuana initiation after 2013, with 51% increased risk by 2015 compared to 17-22% historically.
Cautioning Cannabis Offenders Instead of Arresting Them Costs Half as Much with No Difference in Use ↗
Australian study found cannabis cautioning cost half as much as arrest ($388 vs. $733) with no difference in subsequent cannabis use, supporting diversion over criminalization.
Inside Washington State's Legal Cannabis Market: THC Levels, Prices, and the Rise of Concentrates ↗
Analysis of 44 million legal cannabis purchases in Washington found concentrates growing rapidly (146%) with 68.7% average THC, while consumers consistently paid premiums for higher potency.
Cannabis Legalization's Unintended Consequences for Children: From Prenatal Exposure to Accidental Ingestion ↗
Review of cannabis legalization's unintended pediatric consequences, covering prenatal exposure, accidental childhood ingestion, adolescent use, and the need for rigorous CBD epilepsy trials.
Marijuana-Related Hospitalizations, ER Visits, and Poison Control Calls All Increased in Colorado After Legalization ↗
Colorado data showed marijuana-related hospitalizations doubled, ER visits had 5x higher mental illness rates, and poison control calls surged after both medical and recreational legalization.
A surveillance tool tracked marijuana retail marketing practices and regulatory compliance in Seattle ↗
A validated surveillance tool found most Seattle marijuana retailers complied with age rules but engaged in promotional marketing, with only 1 of 25 displaying health warnings.
Medical cannabis in Europe is mostly limited to the spray Sativex, with little whole-plant use ↗
Survey of 17 European countries found medical cannabis mostly limited to Sativex spray, with little whole-plant use and no personal growing allowed, contrasting sharply with the US.
Medical marijuana dispensary customers did not match the demographics of their surrounding neighborhoods ↗
Survey of 132 patients at 4 dispensaries found customer demographics differed significantly by location and did not match surrounding neighborhoods, suggesting market segmentation.
Nearly 70% of Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for first-trimester morning sickness ↗
Mystery caller study found 69% of 400 Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for first-trimester nausea, mostly based on personal opinion, with only 32% voluntarily suggesting medical consultation.
Cannabis use among parents with children at home rose from 4.9% to 6.8% between 2002 and 2015 ↗
National survey found parental cannabis use rose from 4.9% to 6.8% (2002-2015) while cigarette smoking declined, with cannabis use nearly 4 times higher among smoking parents.
Cannabis decriminalization in five states cut drug arrests by 75% without increasing youth use ↗
Analysis of five states found cannabis decriminalization cut youth drug arrests by 75% with no increase in past-30-day youth cannabis use, achieving intended consequences without feared side effects.
Comprehensive review of US cannabis trends showing increases in use, potency, and cannabis-related emergencies ↗
Major review documented US increases in cannabis potency, use disorders, ER visits, and fatal crashes alongside growing perception of harmlessness, while medical marijuana laws showed no effect on adolescent use.
A national survey found most Americans believe marijuana has benefits, with views more favorable than evidence supports ↗
National survey of 9,003 adults found 81% believe marijuana has benefits and 29% believe it prevents health problems, with public views more favorable than current evidence supports.
A European survey found striking differences between countries in cannabis medicine availability, approval, and insurance coverage ↗
European survey found dramatic country-by-country differences in cannabis medicine availability, with THC/CBD spray approved in 21 countries but broader medical cannabis access limited to a few.
Medical Cannabis Patients Stopped Using Dangerous Prescription Drugs at High Rates ↗
After joining New Mexico's medical cannabis program, 34% of chronic pain patients stopped all scheduled prescription medications, with significant monthly decreases across all measures compared to non-enrolled patients.
Medical Cannabis Patient Stories in Media Made People More Positive About Recreational Cannabis ↗
Experiment found that watching medical cannabis patient testimonials indirectly increased positive attitudes toward recreational cannabis, especially when patients were portrayed as not responsible for their illness.
Medical Cannabis Laws Were Linked to Fewer Opioid Deaths and Lower Healthcare Costs ↗
Systematic review of 10 studies found medical cannabis laws associated with decreased opioid use, fewer opioid hospitalizations, lower overdose deaths, and reduced healthcare costs.
Marijuana-Related ER Visits by Teens Nearly Tripled After Colorado Legalization ↗
Marijuana-related ER visits by teens at a Colorado children's hospital nearly tripled after legalization (1.8 to 4.9 per 1,000 visits), with most involving psychiatric diagnoses, despite surveys showing no increase in use.
Cannabis Legalization Has Made Limited Progress on Correcting the Racial Injustices of Prohibition ↗
Review found cannabis legalization has made some progress on convictions and arrests but very little on industry diversity and equity programs for communities most harmed by prohibition.
At least 27 jurisdictions allow some form of home cannabis cultivation, creating potential for community supply models ↗
A review of 27+ jurisdictions found wide variation in home cannabis cultivation policies and argues they could serve as a foundation for community-level supply models.
Cyclic vomiting hospitalizations jumped 46% in Colorado as cannabis use rose with legalization ↗
Cyclic vomiting hospitalizations in Colorado rose 46% from 2010-2014 alongside rising cannabis use after legalization, with CVS patients 8-10x more likely to use cannabis than other patients.
Older adults in Colorado want more cannabis education from doctors but feel stigma prevents open conversations ↗
Focus groups with 136 Colorado adults over 60 found older adults want cannabis education from providers but stigma and lack of research prevent meaningful conversations about use.
Drivers with THC below 5 ng/mL showed no increased crash risk, while alcohol at 0.08% increased risk sixfold ↗
A prospective study of 3,005 injured drivers found no crash risk increase with THC below 5 ng/mL and only a non-significant increase above, compared to sixfold increase for alcohol above 0.08%.
Online training for marijuana store employees improved ID checking and ability to spot intoxicated customers ↗
A randomized trial found online responsible vendor training for marijuana stores improved ID checking skills and intoxication detection confidence, with 91% of employees recommending it.
Cannabis Got Stronger Again: THC Doubled From 2008 to 2017 and Concentrates Exploded ↗
Follow-up potency monitoring found cannabis THC doubled to 17.1% by 2017, concentrates hit 55.7%, and the THC:CBD ratio reached 104:1 in both U.S. and European markets.
THC blood levels do not reliably predict driving impairment, creating a policy challenge ↗
A review of 52+ studies found cannabis impairs driving but blood THC levels do not reliably predict impairment, creating a fundamental challenge for per se driving laws.
Cannabis secondhand smoke exposure in apartments is as common as tobacco secondhand smoke ↗
A survey found 7.5% of Ontario apartment residents were involuntarily exposed to cannabis smoke from neighbors, similar to tobacco smoke exposure (6.6%), with lower-income residents most affected.
Colorado sleep aid sales dropped sharply when recreational cannabis dispensaries opened nearby ↗
Colorado grocery store data shows OTC sleep aid sales dropped sharply after recreational dispensaries opened, with a 236% trend reversal driven by substitution away from antihistamine-based sleep products.
THC-positive daytime drivers tripled after Washington State started retail cannabis sales ↗
Roadside testing of 2,355 Washington drivers found daytime THC-positive rates tripled after recreational sales opened, while risk perceptions and self-reported use remained unchanged.
Washington State marijuana arrests plummeted after legalization but racial disparities widened ↗
Washington State analysis found marijuana arrests dropped dramatically after legalization, but the relative disparity between African American and White arrest rates doubled from 2.5x to 5x.
European Cannabis Got Stronger and Cheaper Per Milligram of THC Over a Decade ↗
Across 30 European countries, cannabis resin potency doubled while cost per milligram of THC dropped from 2006 to 2016 — users got more THC for less money.
New Zealand experts argue cannabis products should meet the same standards as other medicines ↗
New Zealand pharmacologists argue that medicinal cannabis is not a single entity and all cannabis products should meet the same quality and evidence standards as other pharmaceutical medicines.
Plain packaging and health warnings make cannabis products less appealing, especially edible gummies to youth ↗
Experiment with 27,000+ participants found plain packaging and health warnings reduce cannabis product appeal, with edible gummies being the most youth-appealing product type.
After Washington legalized cannabis, marijuana use increased specifically among working 12th graders ↗
Washington State data shows marijuana use declined among younger teens after legalization but increased among working 12th graders relative to non-working peers, especially those working more hours.
Half of Danish MS patients have used cannabis, mostly illegally, reporting high efficacy for pain and spasticity ↗
Largest MS cannabis survey finds 49% of 2,009 Danish patients have used cannabis, mostly illegally, reporting high efficacy for pain and spasticity with mild side effects, while 44% of non-users would consider it if legalized.
Lancet review of cannabis legalization warns commercialization may repeat the public health harms of alcohol and tobacco industries ↗
Lancet review finds cannabis legalization associated with increased use and road crash concerns, warns commercial cannabis industries may resist effective regulation like alcohol and tobacco, and outlines harm-minimizing policy approaches.
No evidence that April 20th "cannabis holiday" increases fatal traffic crashes nationally ↗
Analysis of 42 years of US fatal crash data finds little evidence that April 20th cannabis celebrations increase drivers involved in fatal crashes when compared against appropriate control periods.
Cannabis research is dangerously behind the reality of legalization, and the field needs new study designs ↗
Review finds cannabis science dangerously behind the legalization reality, with 63% of Americans accessing medicinal cannabis markets while research barriers create critical knowledge gaps.
Half of MS patients use cannabis medicinally, but neurologists have limited prescribing guidance ↗
Clinical review for neurologists notes about half of MS patients use cannabis medicinally, while practitioners lack prescribing guidance and pharmaceutical-grade products remain restricted.
Most epilepsy patients using marijuana in Oregon did so for seizures and believed it helped, but almost none knew their dose ↗
Oregon survey of 39 cannabis-using epilepsy patients found 87% used for seizures and 82% said it helped, but only 2 could specify their dose, highlighting the gap between self-medication and medical-grade use.
Researchers propose 28 indicators to track whether cannabis legalization helps or hurts public health in Canada ↗
Review proposes 28 public health indicators to evaluate Canada's cannabis legalization, with early US data showing mixed harms but some benefits.
Colorado surveillance system validated for tracking marijuana-related ER visits after legalization ↗
Validated surveillance of Colorado ER visits found 188 confirmed marijuana-related cases, disproportionately affecting edible users and out-of-state visitors.
Edible cannabis caused more psychiatric and cardiovascular ER visits than expected based on sales volume ↗
Colorado study found edible cannabis accounted for 0.32% of THC sales but 10.7% of cannabis ER visits, with higher rates of psychiatric, intoxication, and cardiovascular events.
Medical cannabis states had lower opioid prescription rates in adults under 55 ↗
Medical cannabis states had 24-44% lower opioid prescription rates in adults under 55, but recreational cannabis and decriminalization laws showed no effect.
Colorado emergency departments are seeing more cannabis-related illnesses since legalization ↗
Colorado EDs have seen rising cannabis-related presentations including psychosis, CHS, cardiac events, and pediatric exposures since legalization.
Medical marijuana programs in Canada, Germany, and Thailand show industry pressure outpacing evidence ↗
Analysis of medical marijuana programs in Canada, Germany, and Thailand shows industry pressure and self-medication driving adoption faster than evidence.
A cautionary review of health effects seen in Colorado after cannabis legalization ↗
Since legalization, Colorado has seen increases in psychosis, suicide, substance abuse, motor vehicle fatalities, pediatric exposures, and other harms.
Your dispensary's strain names are genetically unreliable ↗
Genetic analysis found no basis for sativa/indica/hybrid labels and significant inconsistencies in the same strain from different dispensaries.
Cannabis-related emergency department visits increased 7% annually from 2006 to 2014 ↗
US cannabis-related ED visits rose 7% annually from 2006-2014, with teenagers at highest risk and the West region growing fastest.
When choosing cannabis, consumers prioritize price, but medical users prioritize CBD content ↗
Consumer choice experiments showed medical cannabis users prioritize CBD content while recreational users and non-users prioritize price. Some warning messages paradoxically increased appeal.
The claim that medical cannabis laws reduce opioid deaths reversed when extended through 2017 ↗
The widely-cited finding that medical cannabis laws reduce opioid deaths reversed from -21% to +23% when extended through 2017, likely indicating a spurious correlation.
Cancer patients in Georgia struggle to access medical cannabis despite having legal authorization ↗
Cancer patients in Georgia with legal medical marijuana cards reported cannabis as helpful for pain but struggled with access (68%) and legality concerns (64%).
What we know about how cannabis legalization affects substance use: a policy review ↗
Medical cannabis laws increase adult but not adolescent use and may reduce opioid harms. Recreational law effects on youth are minimal so far, but long-term impacts remain unknown.
How Colorado tried to protect youth in its legal cannabis market ↗
Five years into legal cannabis, Colorado stakeholders identified gaps between youth protection goals and real-world enforcement.
College students in medical marijuana states used more, but didn't perceive more risk ↗
Survey of 7,105 college students found higher marijuana use in medical marijuana states, with less than 30% of all students viewing it as a health risk.
Does marijuana legalization reduce opioid abuse? Evidence is mixed. ↗
Review of 10 studies found mostly positive associations between marijuana legalization and reduced opioid use, but the one individual-level study found increased adverse outcomes.
Pediatric cannabis poisoning calls jumped 140% after Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana ↗
Cannabis poison control calls for children and teens in Massachusetts increased 140% after medical marijuana legalization, with rising edible exposures.
Parents in more permissive marijuana states see less risk for their medically vulnerable teens ↗
Survey of 595 parents of chronically ill teens found those in more permissive marijuana states perceived less risk and were more likely to report their child had used marijuana.
How Australia's medical cannabis prescribing system works in practice ↗
Australia issued over 28,000 medical cannabis approvals by 2019, mostly for chronic pain and anxiety, with 100+ products available but many doctors still hesitant.
Italy's accidental CBD liberalization led to significant drops in prescriptions for anxiety, sleep, pain, and psychiatric medications ↗
When Italy accidentally liberalized CBD products in 2017, prescription sales of anxiolytics, sedatives, opioids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics dropped significantly in provinces where the products became available.
Pre-legalization baseline: most pediatric cannabis poisonings involved intentional use by older teens, often with other substances ↗
Before cannabis legalization, a Canadian pediatric hospital saw 114 cannabis poisonings over 3 years. Most involved teens using cannabis with other substances, while rare accidental ingestions by toddlers all involved family-owned cannabis at home.
Arizona dispensary lottery shows medical marijuana access increased cannabis ER visits by 45% ↗
Using Arizona's random dispensary lottery as a natural experiment, researchers found a ~45% increase in cannabis-related ER visits in zip codes assigned a dispensary, providing unusually strong causal evidence.
Medical cannabis patients showed a brief spike then slight decrease in healthcare visits over 6 months ↗
Matched cohort study of nearly 28,000 people in Ontario found medical cannabis patients had a brief initial increase in healthcare visits that faded over 6 months, with a slight decrease in ED visits.
Oregon cannabis products contained high pesticide levels, including some classified as extremely hazardous ↗
Analysis of Oregon cannabis found 50 different pesticides, 9 classified as highly hazardous, with medical cannabis containing 3-12 times more residue than recreational products.
Three-quarters of Oregon students reported seeing marijuana advertising after legalization ↗
Survey of over 26,000 Oregon students found about 75% reported seeing marijuana advertising in the past month after retail legalization, mostly on storefronts and online.
Cannabis-related psychosis hospitalizations in Portugal increased 29-fold from 2000 to 2015 ↗
Portuguese hospital data showed cannabis-related psychosis hospitalizations increased 29-fold from 2000 to 2015, rising from under 1% to over 10% of all psychosis admissions.
Cannabis co-use patterns among cigarette smokers varied by country, with higher rates in Canada and the US ↗
Survey of 10,035 smokers across 4 countries found higher cannabis co-use in countries with permissive regulations, with tobacco-cannabis mixing far more common in England and Australia than North America.
Analysis of cannabis policy options finds unavoidable trade-offs between competing social values ↗
Review of cannabis policy options finds each approach involves trade-offs, with commercialization likely to increase use based on alcohol and tobacco industry precedents, and prohibition reducing use but creating criminal justice harms.
The link between monthly cannabis use and depression/suicidal thinking strengthened in Canada from 2002 to 2012 ↗
Canadian survey data shows the association between monthly cannabis use and depression/suicidal ideation strengthened from 2002 to 2012, with monthly users in 2012 having ~1.5 times the odds of both outcomes vs 2002 users.
Cannabis use among Canadian cancer patients increased 26% after recreational legalization, but access problems also grew ↗
Canadian cancer patient surveys found cannabis use increased 26% after recreational legalization, but access problems also doubled, mainly because preferred products like edibles were not legally available.
MS patients in states with legal cannabis were 4.5 times more likely to use it for symptom relief ↗
Survey of 548 MS patients found cannabis use for symptoms was 4.5 times more likely in recreationally legal states, more common in men and those with severe disability.
Cannabis and the Workplace: Legalization Outpaced the Research on Safety, Impairment, and Testing ↗
NIOSH commentary identified that cannabis legalization outpaced workplace research — drug testing can't measure current impairment, and safety policies lack evidence.
Cannabis legalization in Uruguay was associated with a 52% increase in driver fatalities ↗
Time-series analysis found Uruguay cannabis legalization associated with 52% increase in car driver fatalities, concentrated in urban Montevideo, with no effect on motorcyclists.
Cannabis package warnings about psychosis were most educational and best at discouraging youth use ↗
Study of 1,000 adults found psychosis warnings on cannabis packaging were most educational and best for discouraging youth use; any warning increased perceived harm.
Cannabis exposure tracked with all four major mental health problems across US states and time periods ↗
Analysis of 410,138 NSDUH respondents found cannabis exposure tracked with all four mental health indices, with serious mental illness doubling as use increased and legalization linked to 12.91% attributable fraction.
Cannabis-related healthcare visits were far less costly than cocaine, opioid, or multiple drug visits in Florida ↗
Analysis of 709,658 drug-related healthcare visits in Florida found cannabis SUD was the lowest-cost condition, with opioids 23.4% and cocaine 9.25% more expensive.
Black and Latino participants were less likely to complete a cannabis diversion program in Harris County, Texas ↗
Study of 8,323 cannabis diversion participants found African Americans and Latinos had significantly lower program completion rates, with males overrepresented at 80%.
One in four US adults reported recent marijuana secondhand smoke exposure, but 81% opposed public marijuana smoking ↗
Survey of 4,088 adults found 27.4% had recent marijuana secondhand smoke exposure in public, while 81% opposed public marijuana smoking and 52.4% perceived it as harmful.
Only 25% of cannabis-coded ER visits were actually attributable to cannabis use ↗
Chart review found only 25.74% of cannabis-coded ED visits were actually attributable to cannabis use, suggesting administrative data grossly overestimates cannabis-related ER burden.
States that list opioid use disorder as a cannabis qualifying condition had 39% more dispensaries claiming cannabis treats OUD ↗
JAMA study found states listing OUD as a cannabis qualifying condition had 39% more dispensaries claiming cannabis treats OUD, potentially diverting patients from proven medications.
Marijuana ad exposure had a small link to teen use, amplified by perceived access and age ↗
A survey of 9,024 US teens found marijuana advertising was linked to use, but perceived ease of access and age were much stronger predictors and amplified the advertising effect.
Marijuana poison center calls in Colorado stabilized after legalization but continued rising in young children ↗
Colorado poison center data showed marijuana exposure calls stabilized after 2014 legalization overall but continued rising in children ages 0-8, driven by edible products.
Half of Colorado marijuana dispensaries recommended cannabis for glaucoma, but few eye specialists did ↗
Half of Colorado dispensaries recommended cannabis for glaucoma, compared to only 7.6% of glaucoma specialists, highlighting a dangerous information gap in legalized cannabis markets.
Law enforcement officers at outdoor concerts were exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke but at levels far below those causing impairment ↗
Officers at outdoor concerts had measurable airborne THC exposure and 34% had a THC metabolite in urine, but all levels were far below impairment or drug-screening thresholds.
After Legalization, Cannabis Got Stronger, ER Visits Rose, and Risk Perception Dropped ↗
Review found legalization increased cannabis potency and ER visits while decreasing risk perception, arguing for health-focused regulation beyond market economics.
Cannabis use among methadone patients increased only in Las Vegas (where legal) and predicted worse treatment retention in both clinics ↗
A 20+ year comparison of methadone clinics found cannabis use at admission increased only in Las Vegas (legal cannabis) and predicted worse treatment retention in both Las Vegas and Tel Aviv.
Medical marijuana laws increased cannabis use in women but did not reduce opioid misuse overall ↗
Analysis of 2002-2014 survey data found medical marijuana laws increased cannabis use among women but did not reduce opioid misuse, with divergent effects for pregnant versus parenting women.
Psychological science should guide cannabis regulation to protect public health ↗
Most state cannabis regulatory systems ignore behavioral science evidence. This review argues that applying psychology to understanding consumers, industry tactics, and regulatory design could substantially reduce cannabis-related public health harms.
Key questions about cannabis and road safety remain unanswered as legalization expands ↗
Despite growing legalization, key questions about cannabis and driving remain unanswered, including the dose-response relationship, tolerance effects, edible impairment timelines, and differences between medical and recreational users.
Canada's cannabis legalization was not linked to increased traffic injuries in Ontario or Alberta ↗
Analysis of over 239,000 traffic-injury emergency visits in Ontario and Alberta found no increase in driver injuries after Canada legalized cannabis in October 2018, including no increase among youth drivers.
One in Four Canadian Cannabis Users Had Used Before or During Work — and They Looked Different From Off-the-Clock Users ↗
Survey of 1,651 Canadian workers found 25% of cannabis users had used at or before work. Workplace users were more likely to use daily, use high-THC, and use for medical reasons.
A third of young cannabis-using drivers in Ontario reported driving under the influence, with 42% planning to do so again ↗
A third of young cannabis-using Ontario drivers reported driving high, with 42% planning to do so again. Past behavior, low moral awareness, and low perceived danger were the strongest predictors of future cannabis-impaired driving.
Inside Washington's Legal Cannabis Market: Extracts Took Over, Prices Fell, and THC Per Dollar Soared ↗
Analysis of 110M transactions in Washington's legal market showed extracts growing to 28.5% of sales, with falling THC prices and dabs dominating the concentrate category.
Pediatric cannabis poisonings in Michigan rose steadily after medical marijuana legalization ↗
Michigan saw 426 pediatric cannabis exposures from 2008-2019, doubling every 2.1 years after medical legalization, with young children mostly ingesting products and teens mostly inhaling.
US poison control reports for cannabis products rose sharply from 2017 to 2019 ↗
Analysis of US poison control data from 2017-2019 found rising cannabis exposure reports, with manufactured products and plant materials showing different patient demographics and clinical patterns.
States with recreational cannabis laws saw a temporary 7.6% drop in opioid-related ER visits ↗
Analysis of ED data from 29 states found recreational cannabis laws reduced opioid-related emergency visits by 7.6% for two quarters, with effects concentrated in men aged 25-44, but the reduction faded after six months.
U.S. Cannabis Potency Update Through 2019: THC Rose, Then CBD Made a Comeback ↗
Third potency monitoring report: THC continued rising through 2019, but the THC:CBD ratio suddenly reversed as CBD products entered the market post-2018 Farm Bill.
Austrian medical students knew little about CBD vs. THC differences and were skeptical of medical cannabis ↗
Survey of 404 Austrian students found medical students struggled to tell CBD from THC apart and were more skeptical of medical cannabis than non-medical students, despite more university education on the topic.
Cannabis detected in follicular fluid altered epigenetic markers in surrounding egg cells ↗
Study of 318 IVF follicular fluid samples found cannabis exposure altered cannabinoid receptor and DNA methylation enzyme expression in granulosa cells, with cannabis detection tripling after Canadian legalization.
Oregon counties with more marijuana and alcohol shops saw more teen co-use after legalization ↗
Analysis of 71,870 Oregon 11th graders found counties with the most marijuana and alcohol retail outlets had significant increases in adolescent co-use after legalization, mediated by changes in beliefs about availability and risk.
Cannabis use among women with pelvic pain jumped from 13% to 22% after Canadian legalization ↗
Among 3,426 women with pelvic pain, cannabis use jumped from 13% to 22% after Canadian legalization, with newer users being more educated and taking fewer daily opioids.
Less than half of cannabis-using households with children stored it locked and hidden ↗
Survey of 401 adults in a California pediatric ER found 14.5% had cannabis at home, but fewer than half stored it locked and hidden, and 45% received no storage guidance.
Plain packaging and health warnings made cannabis products less appealing in a large experiment ↗
Experiment with 45,378 people found plain packaging reduced cannabis appeal while health warnings increased perceived harm, with specific Canadian-style warnings outperforming generic US warnings.
Cannabis use among US adults with children at home increased with both medical and recreational legalization ↗
Analysis of 287,624 US adults with children found cannabis use was 28% higher in recreational legalization states and 12% higher in medical-only states compared to non-legal states.
Current cannabis product labels may not effectively communicate THC dose to consumers ↗
Policy review found that cannabis product labels in regulated markets often fail to help consumers understand THC dose, and proposed five principles for more effective labeling.
Fewer older adults view regular cannabis use as risky, especially those with chronic diseases ↗
National survey of 18,794 older adults found perceived risk of regular cannabis use dropped nearly 19% between 2015-2019, with the steepest declines among those with chronic diseases.
Cannabis-induced psychosis rates more than doubled in Denmark from 2006 to 2016 ↗
Danish national registry data showed cannabis-induced psychosis incidence more than doubled from 2006-2016, while alcohol-induced psychosis declined and other substance-induced psychoses remained stable.
90% of marijuana-using parents said their pediatrician never asked about their use ↗
Survey of 1,500 caregivers in Colorado found 11% used marijuana, but 90% of those said their child's pediatrician had never asked about their use.
Medical marijuana laws were not associated with increased teen marijuana use across 46 states ↗
Analysis of over 1 million high school students across 46 states found no evidence that medical marijuana laws or dispensaries increased adolescent marijuana use from 1991-2015.
Pediatric cannabis edible exposures jumped 5-fold after dispensaries opened in Massachusetts ↗
Hospital review found a 5-fold increase in pediatric cannabis edible exposures after dispensaries opened, with 16% of 32 children needing respiratory support and 34% hospitalized.
Medical cannabis laws had minimal effect on pharmaceutical marketing to physicians ↗
Analysis of pharmaceutical marketing records found medical cannabis laws had minimal effect on drug company detailing to physicians, with only small, delayed reductions for substitute drugs.
Brand imagery on cannabis packaging increased appeal among young people ↗
A survey experiment with 870 young Canadians found that branded cannabis packaging increased appeal while health warnings decreased it. Lifestyle imagery made products seem targeted at younger consumers.
Cannabis legalization made it harder to keep patients enrolled in medical cannabis research ↗
A Canadian study found that after recreational cannabis legalization, the odds of patients staying in a medical cannabis research study dropped by 72%, raising concerns about the validity of ongoing cannabis research.
Eleven factors drove adolescent marijuana farming and trading in rural South Africa ↗
Focus groups in rural South Africa found 11 factors sustaining adolescent marijuana farming, from family tradition and economic necessity to favorable soil conditions and lax law enforcement.
Adolescent cannabis hospitalizations increased after legalization, especially in recreational states ↗
A study of 1.9 million adolescent hospitalizations found cannabis-related admissions increased after legalization, with the steepest rises in recreational states, younger teens, and those without prior mental health diagnoses.
Male cannabis users most likely to underestimate driving-under-the-influence risks ↗
A survey of 1,813 Ontario adults found most people recognize cannabis-impaired driving risks, but male frequent cannabis users were the most likely to dismiss these risks, and safety concerns predicted actual driving behavior more than fear of legal consequences.
Cannabis use before first psychiatric hospitalization rose from 17% to 26% in Ontario over a decade ↗
Cannabis use before first psychiatric hospitalization in Ontario rose from 17% to 26% over a decade, with nearly half of young adults (18-24) using cannabis before admission by 2017.
Dispensary staff rely on personal experience and customer reports more than clinician input ↗
A US survey of 434 dispensary workers found most based cannabis recommendations on customer experience rather than clinical evidence, and few counseled about serious risks like cannabis use disorder or psychotic reactions.
Are Maryland medical marijuana dispensaries concentrated in wealthy, white neighborhoods? ↗
Analysis of 85 Maryland dispensaries found no racial or income disparities in geographic placement, with dispensaries located in racially diverse, retail-dense areas.
How did COVID-19 affect drug seizures in the United States? ↗
Drug seizure analysis finds marijuana seizures dipped during early COVID then surged past pre-pandemic levels by August 2020, while fentanyl seizures rose continuously.
Should medicinal cannabis patients face zero-tolerance drug driving laws? ↗
Australian policy analysis finds zero-tolerance THC driving laws harm medicinal cannabis patients without evidence of greater road risk compared to other impairing prescription drugs.
Is cannabis exposure associated with childhood leukemia rates across US states? ↗
Ecological analysis finds US states with higher cannabis use and legal cannabis have higher pediatric leukemia rates, though the study design cannot prove individual-level causation.
Do children in legal-cannabis states know more about marijuana? ↗
ABCD Study data from 11,875 children finds those in legal-cannabis states know more about marijuana but not other drugs, with no link between cannabis knowledge and behavioral problems.
How has cannabis use changed in Canada since legalization? ↗
Canadian national data shows cannabis use rose from 14% to 20% after legalization, with female rates matching male for the first time and legal purchasing increasing.
Cannabis Legalization Cut Arrests but Racial Gaps Persisted ↗
Analysis of 43 states found legalization and decriminalization dramatically reduced cannabis arrests overall, but racial disparities persisted, with states lacking policy changes seeing increasing racial gaps.
Most Canadian Cannabis Companies Violated Online Marketing Rules ↗
Study found 86.3% of Canadian cannabis companies violated online marketing regulations, with social media platforms showing higher violation rates than websites, particularly for age restrictions and brand glamorization.
Living Near Cannabis Shops May Affect Use Intentions Differently by Race ↗
Survey of 604 LA young adults found that living near cannabis outlets affected use intentions differently by race/ethnicity, with White young adults near recreational shops showing stronger co-use intentions.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to Higher Use Before and During Pregnancy ↗
Survey of 36,391 women found recreational cannabis legalization was associated with 2.37x higher preconception and 1.51x higher prenatal cannabis use compared to non-legal states.
THC-Positive Drivers in Fatal Crashes Doubled After Washington Legalized Cannabis ↗
After Washington legalized recreational cannabis, THC-positive drivers in fatal crashes more than doubled (9.3% to 19.1%), with high-concentration THC drivers increasing nearly five-fold.
Evidence That Cannabis Laws Reduce Opioid Problems Is Still Inconclusive ↗
Review of 21 studies found largely inconclusive evidence on whether cannabis laws affect opioid prescribing, use, or mortality, identifying six major research challenges limiting current evidence.
What drugs were found in suspected impaired drivers in Quebec before cannabis legalization ↗
Analysis of nearly 3,000 suspected impaired drivers in Quebec (2014-2018) found cannabis in 48% of cases, methamphetamine in 54%, and polydrug use in 79%, establishing a pre-legalization baseline.
Vomiting-related ER visits increased 29% in Colorado after cannabis legalization ↗
Vomiting-related ER visits in Colorado rose 29% from 2013 to 2018, with each additional recreational dispensary linked to a 3% increase, though areas with existing medical dispensaries saw slower growth.
States that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 15% increase in fatal car crashes ↗
Multi-state ecologic study found recreational cannabis legalization was associated with a 15% increase in fatal motor vehicle collisions and 16% increase in traffic deaths.
Young adults most impacted by legalization attitudes showed the heaviest cannabis use and most problems ↗
Study of 301 cannabis-using young adults found those most influenced by legalization attitudes reported the heaviest use and highest problematic cannabis use scores.
Cannabis legalization in Alberta increased accidental ingestions by children but not overall pediatric ER visits ↗
Canadian study found accidental cannabis ingestions increased 77% in children after legalization, despite no overall change in pediatric ER visit volume when accounting for pre-existing trends.
Cannabis buyers care most about quality, strain type, and price when choosing products at dispensaries ↗
Survey of 817 cannabis users found quality, strain type, price, THC content, and pesticide status drive purchase decisions, with medical users prioritizing CBD and pesticides over THC.
CHS emergency visits doubled after cannabis legalization and rose further during COVID-19 ↗
CHS emergency visits in Alberta doubled after legalization and rose further during COVID-19 (15 to 32 per 100,000). All surveyed CHS patients met criteria for cannabis use disorder.
Survey of 505 Australian GPs finds growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis but widespread knowledge gaps ↗
A survey of 505 Australian GPs found growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis since 2017, but most felt they lacked adequate knowledge to prescribe confidently.
Expert panel rates state monopoly as the most effective cannabis policy for reducing youth use, excessive use, and impaired driving ↗
An expert panel rated state monopoly as the most effective cannabis policy for reducing youth use, excessive use, and impaired driving, while noting almost no direct evidence exists for most policies.
Review of Canada's cannabis legalization finds mixed and inconclusive public health impacts after four years ↗
A review of Canada's cannabis legalization finds mixed public health impacts: use increased in some groups, smoking declined, hospitalizations showed mixed results, and impaired driving prevalence was stable.
Earlier cannabis use onset, male sex, and living in legal states linked to more cannabis-impaired driving ↗
A survey across three U.S. states found earlier cannabis use onset, male sex, and living in a legal state were linked to more cannabis-impaired driving and more positive safety perceptions.
Canada's cannabis legalization was not associated with increased psychosis-related ER visits in Ontario and Alberta ↗
Cannabis-induced psychosis ER visits doubled from 2015-2019 in Ontario and Alberta, but statistical analysis found no significant increase attributable to Canada's 2018 legalization.
Washington State cannabis industry committed 328 marketing violations in five years, with many targeting minors ↗
Analysis of 328 cannabis marketing violations in Washington State found violations common online and near stores, with community members identifying many targeting minors.
French national survey finds 10% of adults use CBD, with most considering it harmless ↗
A French national survey found 10% of adults use CBD, with users tending to be younger, in poorer health, and viewing CBD as harmless.
Nearly 30% of flavored cigar smokers say they would switch to cannabis if flavored cigars were banned ↗
A national survey found 29% of flavored cigar smokers would switch to cannabis if flavored cigars were banned, with racial/ethnic minorities more likely to make the switch.
UK ban on psychoactive substances did not change hospital presentation rates for synthetic cannabinoid poisoning ↗
Hospital presentations for synthetic cannabinoid poisoning in the UK showed no change after the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act banned their sale.
What drives cannabis purchase decisions in a legal market? ↗
Qualitative study found price, quality, and social factors drive cannabis purchase decisions in Canada, while packaging and warnings have little influence.
Cannabis legalization, teen use trends, and what works in drug education ↗
Review of national survey data finds that cannabis legalization has not consistently increased adolescent use, and evidence-based education outperforms fear-based approaches.
Massachusetts legal cannabis industry leadership remains predominantly white and male ↗
Massachusetts cannabis industry data showed senior positions were 84% white and 82% male at 18 months, lagging behind overall workforce diversity.
Millions report secondhand cannabis smoke exposure at home in the U.S. and Canada ↗
Large survey found about 1 in 5 residents reported secondhand cannabis smoke at home, with higher rates in multi-unit housing across both legal and illegal jurisdictions.
Self-reported driving high was less common in states with legal cannabis ↗
National survey found cannabis users in legal states were 59-61% less likely to report driving within 3 hours of getting high compared to users in non-legal states.
How young adults' cannabis use patterns changed after California legalized recreational use ↗
Longitudinal study tracked how young adults' cannabis use and medical patient status shifted after California legalized recreational use.
Licensed California cannabis shops verified age 100% of the time in compliance checks ↗
All 50 licensed California cannabis outlets checked required age verification, suggesting effective compliance with minimum age laws.
Cannabinoid-related psychiatric hospitalizations increased nearly 5-fold in Germany over 18 years ↗
German hospital data showed a 4.8-fold increase in cannabinoid-related psychiatric admissions from 2000-2018, while alcohol and schizophrenia admissions remained stable or declined.
Low risk perception and high accessibility predicted cannabis use among Spanish teens ↗
Large Spanish survey found low cannabis risk perception and high accessibility mediated the path from demographics to cannabis use among 35,369 adolescents.
Most people are poorly informed about cannabis health risks, especially psychosis ↗
Survey of 72,459 people found most knew about driving and pregnancy risks of cannabis, but only 23-37% knew about psychosis risk, with frequent users knowing least.
Canada's mandatory cannabis warning labels tripled health risk recall after legalization ↗
Canada's mandatory cannabis warning labels tripled health risk recall post-legalization, significantly outpacing U.S. states with less comprehensive requirements.
Recreational cannabis legalization further reduced possession arrests even in states that already decriminalized ↗
Legalization cut adult cannabis possession arrests by 40-76%, even in states that already decriminalized, but did not change youth arrest rates or racial disparities.
Opening cannabis dispensaries in Colorado did not increase traffic crashes ↗
Colorado county-level analysis found dispensary openings increased cannabis-related hospitalizations but not traffic crash rates.
Cannabis decriminalization cut arrests by 70% for adults and reduced racial disparities by 17% ↗
Cannabis decriminalization in 11 states cut arrests 70% for adults, 40% for youth, and reduced Black-White adult arrest disparity by 17%.
Pediatric ER visits with positive cannabis tests rose 71% after legalization ↗
Among 422 pediatric ER patients testing positive for cannabis, 71% presented after legalization. Suicidal ideation was the most common complaint at 43%.
Cannabis use linked to teen suicidal ideation, but school policies did not mediate the relationship ↗
Cannabis use was linked to suicidal ideation in 412 youth aged 13-18, but existing school prevention policies did not weaken this association.
Teens who buy cannabis from people or dispensaries use more persistently than those who get it free ↗
Among 835 high schoolers, buying cannabis from someone or using a medical card at a dispensary predicted continued and more frequent use six months later.
In Uruguay, self-cultivating cannabis was linked to more traffic crashes, but pharmacy purchases were not ↗
In Uruguay, registered cannabis self-cultivators were associated with more traffic crashes, while pharmacy purchases and cannabis clubs showed no consistent link.
Adding pictures to cannabis warning labels significantly improved health risk recall in young adults ↗
Adding pictures to cannabis warning labels significantly improved health risk recall and perceived effectiveness among 523 at-risk young adults.
Legal cannabis cultivation in Colorado caused habitat encroachment into threatened species areas ↗
Legal cannabis cultivation in Colorado caused 67+ hectares of land use change and vegetation clearing, including in threatened species habitats.
Edible gummies perceived as healthier and more appealing than other cannabis products in packaging experiments ↗
Edible gummies were seen as healthier and more appealing than other cannabis forms. Health claims on packages boosted positive feelings, while health warnings had little effect.
School Discipline Style Did Not Directly Affect Student Cannabis Use in Canada ↗
Study of 68,037 Canadian students found school disciplinary approaches to cannabis did not directly affect use, but supportive schools fostered perceptions that were linked to lower cannabis use.
Cannabis Dependence Rose Across South America While Treatment Remained Scarce ↗
Cannabis dependence roughly doubled or tripled across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay from 2006-2018, while fewer than 16% of dependent individuals accessed treatment in any country.
Cannabis Clinical Trials Have Tripled Since 2013, Reaching 834 Registered Studies ↗
Review of 834 cannabis clinical trials found registrations tripled since 2013, with chronic pain and mental health as the most studied areas and growing pharmaceutical industry involvement.
States with More Liberal Cannabis Laws Had More Psychosis Hospitalizations ↗
National data found 129,070 psychosis-cannabis hospitalizations in 2017, with the Pacific division (mostly legal states) having 55% higher odds and a significant correlation between legality and hospitalization rates.
Cannabis Companies Routinely Violate Social Media Marketing Restrictions ↗
Analysis of 2,660 social media posts from cannabis companies found 35% contained prohibited promotions and fewer than half included required safety warnings, with youth-appealing content common.
Cannabis Hyperemesis ER Visits Rose 13-Fold in Ontario, Driven by Commercialization ↗
CHS emergency visits rose 13-fold in Ontario over 7.5 years, with legalization having no immediate effect but cannabis commercialization (more stores, products) associated with a 49% jump.
Web-Based School Program Reduced Adolescent Drinking but Not Cannabis Use ↗
A web-based school prevention program reduced alcohol uptake by 38-51% in over 6,000 Australian students but did not significantly affect cannabis use at 12-month follow-up.
Use of Diverted Medical Cannabis Tripled Among Massachusetts Youth After Legalization ↗
Among cannabis-using Massachusetts youth, use of diverted medical cannabis rose from 15% to 44% between 2013 and 2016, with higher rates of cannabis-impaired driving among diverted users.
California Marijuana Legalization Linked to Increased Adolescent Alcohol-Cannabis Co-Use ↗
Analysis of 3.3 million California students found marijuana legalization increased alcohol-cannabis co-use by 6% overall and 58% among past-month drinkers.
Cannabis-Related Psychiatric Hospitalizations Rose Sharply in Switzerland Over Two Decades ↗
Nationwide Swiss data showed sharp increases in cannabis-related psychiatric hospitalizations from 1998-2020, concentrated in the 15-44 age range.
Cannabis Use Linked to Shorter Hospital Stays and Lower Costs for IBD Patients After Legalization ↗
After recreational legalization in CO and WA, cannabis use among IBD inpatients tripled. Cannabis-using patients had shorter stays and $8,418 lower hospital charges.
Cannabis Policies, Use Patterns, and Research Vary Dramatically Across 16 Countries ↗
Review of 16 countries found wide variation in cannabis policies, use reporting, and research output. European countries dominated research while Asian countries were significantly underrepresented.
Uruguay's Cannabis Legalization Did Not Increase Youth Use or Risky Consumption ↗
Analysis of 204,730 students found Uruguay's 2013 cannabis legalization was not associated with sustained increases in youth cannabis use, risky use, or frequent use.
Roadside Oral Fluid THC Tests Are Good at Detecting Any Cannabis Use but Poor at Predicting Blood Levels ↗
Meta-analysis of 18,000+ paired samples found oral fluid THC tests detect recent cannabis use well but are unreliable for predicting whether blood THC exceeds legal driving limits.
US Cannabis Emergency Department Visits Increased 12% Annually from 2006 to 2014 ↗
US cannabis ER visits rose 12% annually from 2006-2014 and continued increasing after 2016. The Midwest had the largest regional surge (36.8%), with notable increases among children and females.
Cannabis Industry Spent Over $7 Million Lobbying Colorado's Legislature in 12 Years ↗
Cannabis industry spent $7M+ lobbying Colorado's legislature over 12 years. Nearly half of reports hid the funder's cannabis connection, and some lobbyists represented alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis simultaneously.
54% of Cannabis TikTok Videos Portrayed Use Positively, None Were Age-Restricted ↗
Analysis of 881 TikTok cannabis videos found 54% portrayed use positively with 417 million views. 72% used humor. None were age-restricted despite massive youth exposure.
Drivers with alcohol interlock devices increased cannabis use, and it persisted after device removal ↗
Study of 189 DUI-convicted drivers found those with alcohol interlock devices increased cannabis use, and this substitution persisted after device removal.
Most endometriosis patients using cannabis obtained it illicitly despite legal access ↗
Survey of 237 endometriosis patients found 72-88% used illicit cannabis despite legal access, with over 60% reporting more than 50% reduction in pain medication use.
Australian women with period pain want medicinal cannabis but face major access barriers ↗
Focus groups with 26 Australian women found interest in medicinal cannabis for period pain was high, but cost, stigma, drug driving laws, and prescriber bias blocked access.
Cannabis strain labels like "indica" and "sativa" don't reliably predict chemical content ↗
Analysis of commercial cannabis across 6 US states found strain names and indica/sativa labels do not reliably predict actual chemical content.
Cannabis edibles packaging often contains youth-appealing content like candy knockoffs and cartoon characters ↗
Analysis of 256 cannabis edibles packages found widespread youth-appealing content including candy knockoffs and cartoon characters, with less-regulated states having the most.
Young adults wanted cannabis edibles packaging to promote safe use, not just deter consumption ↗
Focus groups with 57 Canadian young adults found they wanted cannabis edibles packaging focused on safe use (standardized dosing, child safety) rather than consumption deterrence.
Cannabis substitution for opioids was common but not affected by legalization status ↗
Survey of 44,119 cannabis consumers found 79-84% of pain users substituted cannabis for opioids, but legalization status made no significant difference.
Canadian cannabis consumers increasingly preferred legal products, except for price, over 3 years ↗
Three-year Canadian survey found consumers increasingly viewed legal cannabis as safer and more convenient, but price remained the main barrier, especially for frequent users.
Cannabis companies use corporate social responsibility strategies similar to the tobacco industry ↗
Analysis of 9 major cannabis companies found CSR strategies that paralleled tobacco industry tactics, encouraging consumption and targeting marginalized communities.
More cannabis dispensaries in Colorado counties were linked to 24% more psychosis ER visits ↗
Colorado study found each increase in dispensary density was associated with 24% more psychosis ER visits after recreational legalization, while schizophrenia visits were unchanged.
Cannabis-involved pregnancy hospitalizations more than doubled in Colorado after legalization ↗
Colorado study found cannabis-involved pregnancy hospitalizations more than doubled after legalization, with recreational dispensary density associated with the increase.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to More Positive Drug Tests in Drivers but Mixed Effects on Crashes ↗
Systematic review of 65 studies found medical cannabis legalization associated with fewer fatal crashes while recreational legalization associated with more, with both increasing cannabis-positive driver tests.
Parent Disapproval Directly Reduces Youth Cannabis Use While Peer Disapproval Works Through Risk Perception ↗
Study of 2,293 adolescents found parent disapproval directly reduced cannabis use while peer disapproval worked through changing risk perception, with similar patterns in legalized and non-legalized states.
Pregnant Cannabis Users Say Legalization Made Access Easier and Reduced Stigma ↗
Focus groups with 53 pregnant cannabis users found legalization reduced access barriers and stigma, and that participants trusted cannabis retailers as information sources.
Living Closer to Cannabis Stores Linked to Higher Prenatal Cannabis Use During the Pandemic ↗
Study of 99,127 pregnancies found prenatal cannabis use was more common near cannabis retailers (6.8% pre-pandemic, 8.2% during), with the pandemic increase larger for those within 10 minutes of a store.
Families in Public Housing Faced Much Higher Marijuana Smoke Exposure During the Pandemic ↗
NYC survey found 30.7% of families experienced marijuana smoke incursions during the pandemic, with families in subsidized housing facing nearly 7 times the odds and their children having 3 times the asthma rate.
Perspective Argues Cannabis Should Be Removed From the World Anti-Doping List ↗
Perspective argues cannabis should be removed from the WADA prohibited list because it does not enhance performance, its health risks are overestimated, and the ban relies on subjective moral criteria.
Recreational Cannabis Legalization Linked to More Cannabis Use Disorder but Fewer Treatment Admissions ↗
Review of 9 studies found recreational cannabis legalization increased cannabis use disorder prevalence but treatment admissions declined, suggesting a growing treatment gap.
Medical Cannabis Legalization Did Not Increase ADHD Stimulant Prescriptions ↗
Analysis of DEA data from 2006-2021 found medical cannabis legalization did not increase ADHD stimulant prescriptions, contradicting concerns about cannabis-related cognitive effects.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Initially Reduced Opioid Misuse, but the Effect Faded After 2-3 Years ↗
National survey analysis found recreational cannabis laws initially reduced opioid misuse, but the effect faded within 2-3 years when using methods accounting for staggered adoption.
Every Dollar of Medical Cannabis Sold in Canada Was Associated With a $0.74-0.84 Drop in Alcohol Sales ↗
Canadian economic analysis found each dollar of medical cannabis sold was associated with $0.74-$0.84 less in alcohol sales, suggesting cannabis substitutes for alcohol at the population level.
Cannabis Legalization Had Mixed Effects on Youth Use but Increased Pediatric Edible Ingestion ↗
Review found recreational cannabis legalization mostly did not increase youth use, but accidental pediatric edible ingestion rose significantly, along with some increases in adolescent alcohol and vaping.
States that legalized medical marijuana saw reduced opioid use among cancer patients ↗
JAMA Oncology study of 58,000+ cancer patients found medical marijuana legalization was associated with reduced opioid dispensing and fewer pain-related hospital visits.
Income inequality linked to higher rates of daily cannabis use among Canadian teens ↗
Study of 74,501 Canadian students found those in areas with greater income inequality were 25% more likely to use cannabis daily, independent of individual-level factors.
School-based substance prevention programs showed mixed and sometimes counterproductive results ↗
Study of 42,149 Canadian students found school-based substance prevention programs showed no overall benefit and some approaches increased cannabis use in low-use schools.
Colorado county-level cannabis access showed mixed effects on opioid prescribing ↗
Colorado county-level analysis found recreational cannabis access reduced opioid prescription fills and inpatient visits but not total opioid consumption or ED visits.
Presenting scientific facts about cannabis shifted public attitudes in a Mexican state known for drug trade ↗
After receiving scientific information about cannabis, 3,162 residents of Sinaloa, Mexico shifted toward more positive or neutral views, with education and age moderating the effect.
Oklahoma cannabis dispensaries concentrated in underserved areas with fewer pharmacies and more uninsured residents ↗
Analysis of 1,046 Oklahoma census tracts found dispensaries concentrated in areas with more uninsured residents and fewer healthcare outlets.
Cannabis marketing exposure linked to more positive attitudes and greater use in Oklahoma ↗
Survey of 5,428 Oklahoma adults found 75% reported cannabis marketing exposure, which was associated with more positive attitudes and greater cannabis use.
Youth-appealing cannabis packaging drew more eye attention to fun features and less to warning labels ↗
Eye-tracking study of 72 young adults found youth-appealing cannabis edible packaging increased product appeal and reduced attention to warning labels.
Cannabis legalization in Canada did not increase self-harm rates in Ontario or Alberta ↗
Interrupted time series found no increase in self-harm ED visits or hospitalizations in Ontario or Alberta following Canadian cannabis legalization.
Social class, race, and gender shaped whether marijuana promoted or harmed well-being among Brazilians ↗
Brazilian survey of 2,637 adults found marijuana's well-being effects shaped by race, gender, and class, with Indigenous peoples and youth most harmed by prohibition.
Delta-8 THC: The Legal-Loophole Cannabinoid That's Booming with Minimal Research ↗
Delta-8 THC boomed after the 2018 Farm Bill accidentally legalized it, but this scoping review found almost no human safety data behind the millions of products being sold.
Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis Held Steady From 2016-2020, Even as Cannabis Use Rose 29% ↗
National survey data from 2016-2020 found that cannabis-impaired driving among users actually decreased even as past-year cannabis use rose 29%, while alcohol-impaired driving also continued to decline.
Cannabis-Involved Traffic Injury ER Visits Rose 475% in Ontario Over a Decade, Accelerating After Commercialization ↗
Cannabis-involved traffic injury ER visits in Ontario rose 475% from 2010-2021, accelerating after retail expansion, though they remained rare at 0.04% of all traffic injury visits.
Cannabis Commercialization, Not Initial Legalization, Was Linked to a 30% Jump in ER Visits for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis ↗
Ontario data showed no increase in cannabis psychosis ER visits after initial legalization, but a 30% jump after retail and product expansion, driven by youth aged 19-24.
Acute Care for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Nearly Doubled After Legalization in Ontario ↗
Cannabis-related acute care during pregnancy nearly doubled after legalization in Ontario, with associated increases in preterm birth and NICU admissions, though absolute numbers stayed small.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Were Linked to Reduced Codeine Dispensing Across US Pharmacies ↗
Recreational cannabis laws in 11 US states were associated with reduced codeine dispensing at pharmacies, while other opioid types were unaffected.
A US Epidemiological Study Found Cannabis Use Was Associated with Rising Autism Rates, Including a Dose-Response Pattern ↗
US ecological study found daily cannabis use and first-trimester exposure were statistically associated with autism rates in 40 million children, with exponential dose-response patterns.
Emergency Department Visits for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Increased Significantly After Oklahoma Medical Legalization ↗
Oklahoma ED visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome increased significantly after medical cannabis legalization, with prevalence far higher than previously reported.
Cannabis-Related Emergency Visits Among Youth Under 25 Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Especially in Children Under 10 ↗
CDC data showed cannabis ED visits among youth increased during the COVID pandemic, with the steepest rises in children under 10 and a notable shift to higher rates among adolescent girls.
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Incidence Rose Across All Three Scandinavian Countries While Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Declined ↗
Registry data from all three Scandinavian countries showed cannabis-induced psychosis doubled while alcohol-induced psychosis declined from 2000 to 2016.
A Review of How Adolescent Cannabis Use Disrupts Brain Development Amid Expanding Legal Access to High-Potency Products ↗
Review found adolescent cannabis use disrupts critical brain development, with concern that new high-potency products and delivery devices amplify the risk.
About 5% of Canadian Cannabis Users Showed Signs of Impaired Control After Legalization ↗
After legalization, 4.7% of Canadian cannabis users showed impaired control, with higher risk among young males, early initiators, and those with mental health conditions.
Cannabis Regulators Identified Six Critical Research Gaps That Should Shape Future Cannabis Policy ↗
Cannabis regulators outlined six research priority areas they say are essential for informed policy, with federal scheduling identified as the main barrier.
Black Newborns Were Drug-Tested More Often Than White Newborns Even Without Risk Factors, and Cannabis Legalization Did Not Reduce the Disparity ↗
Study of 26,366 births found Black newborns were drug-tested at 3.8x the rate of White newborns without clinical justification, and cannabis legalization did not reduce the disparity.
A Systematic Mapping of 447 Studies on Cannabis Legalization Found Major Evidence Gaps on Long-Term Health and Socioeconomic Outcomes ↗
Systematic mapping of 447 studies on cannabis liberalization found massive evidence gaps, with over half of outcomes studied by 3 or fewer papers.
Cannabis legalization creates equity challenges alongside big business growth ↗
Legal analysis examines how cannabis industry consolidation and big business entry create barriers for equity programs designed to address prohibition-era harms.
Cannabis and Heart Attack/Stroke Risk: A 183-Million-Patient Meta-Analysis Finds Stroke Risk but Not Heart Attack Risk ↗
Largest-ever meta-analysis (183M patients) found cannabis use significantly associated with stroke risk but not heart attack risk — though observational data can't prove causation.
National survey mapped where Americans use cannabis and whether homes have rules about it ↗
National survey found most cannabis use happens at home with few household rules restricting it, creating potential secondhand exposure for non-users.
Washington State saw more traffic crashes after marijuana legalization and retail sales ↗
Interrupted time series analysis found Washington State traffic crashes increased after marijuana legalization and especially after retail store openings.
Cannabis flower prices and purchase sources varied widely across US state legal frameworks ↗
Survey of US cannabis flower purchases found prices and sources varied significantly across state legal frameworks in 2019-2020.
Canadians living closer to legal cannabis stores were more likely to buy from legal sources ↗
Study of 15,311 Canadian cannabis consumers found proximity to legal retail stores strongly predicted legal purchasing in the first 3 years of legalization.
Legal sourcing of cannabis products in Canada varied widely by product type and province ↗
Survey of 15,311 Canadian consumers found legal cannabis sourcing varied widely by product type, province, and use frequency from 2019-2021.
Most states that legalized cannabis offered some form of criminal record expungement, but access varied widely ↗
Survey of 39 states and DC found cannabis record expungement options widely available but varying dramatically in accessibility and scope.
Almost no US film incentive programs restrict cannabis depictions ↗
Survey found almost no US film incentive programs restrict cannabis or tobacco depictions, despite evidence that media exposure influences youth substance initiation.
Web-based and government cannabis retailer data often disagreed on store locations and status ↗
Study found significant disagreements between web-based and government cannabis retailer data across US states, raising concerns for access research accuracy.
Chicago parents had gaps in cannabis law knowledge and health effects, and rarely discussed it with teens ↗
Chicago parent survey found knowledge gaps about cannabis laws and health effects, with many parents not discussing cannabis with their adolescents.
Recreational cannabis legalization did not increase prescription stimulant distribution ↗
DEA data showed recreational cannabis legalization did not accelerate the national rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions across states.
Pediatric cannabis ER visits and hospitalizations rose sharply after Massachusetts legalization ↗
Massachusetts data showed a 60% increase in pediatric cannabis ER visits and 126% increase in hospitalizations after recreational legalization, with youngest children most affected.
Canadian medical cannabis registrations declined after recreational legalization ↗
After Canada legalized recreational cannabis, medical registrations dropped but remaining patients bought more per purchase, suggesting casual users left while committed patients stayed.
Three patterns of medicinal cannabis use emerged among young LA adults after recreational legalization ↗
Study of LA young adults found 40% of medical cannabis patients used recreationally, with these groups showing increasing mental health symptoms and problematic use over time.
Canadian medical cannabis patients who kept authorization had better outcomes than unauthorized users ↗
Survey of 5,433 Canadians found medical cannabis authorization associated with fewer side effects, better dosing knowledge, more regulated sources, and more professional guidance.
Smoking Marijuana and Your Lungs: Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms but No Clear Long-Term Damage ↗
Smoked marijuana causes bronchitis symptoms and airway changes, but hasn't been linked to progressive lung function decline or clearly increased lung cancer risk — a paradox given its similarity to tobacco smoke.
Uruguay's cannabis regulation was shaped more by political strategy than health policy coherence ↗
Analysis found Uruguay's cannabis legalization was driven by political strategy and public security concerns, with tobacco/alcohol comparisons used to justify the market rather than reflecting genuine health policy coordination.
Cannabis use disorder treatment admissions declined in California after legalization ↗
California CUD treatment admissions declined after legalization, particularly for White males, while increasing for criminal justice referrals and Black and Hispanic patients.
Cannabis retailer marketing practices varied by neighborhood race and income ↗
Audit of 150 cannabis retailers across 5 US cities found less regulatory signage in minority communities and varying marketing practices by neighborhood demographics.
Medical cannabis patients reported mixed effects from recreational legalization ↗
Survey of 505 medical patients found recreational legalization reduced stigma and legal stress but increased prices, with mixed effects on product accessibility.
US medical cannabis registries rarely track safety outcomes or patient demographics ↗
Analysis found US medical cannabis registries focus on patient counts and sales data while largely failing to track safety outcomes, demographics, or therapeutic benefits.
Most Americans get cannabis information from friends and websites, not doctors ↗
National survey found Americans mostly get cannabis information from friends (36%) and websites (34%), with only 9% consulting healthcare providers and 5% using government sources.
US medical cannabis enrollment grew 33% but declined in states with recreational access ↗
US medical cannabis grew to 4.1 million patients by 2022 but declined in recreational states, with increasing use for conditions without strong evidence support.
States with cannabis laws saw lower benzodiazepine use but higher antidepressant prescriptions ↗
Analysis of 10 million insured patients found cannabis laws were associated with 12-15% fewer benzodiazepine fills but increases in antidepressant and antipsychotic prescriptions, suggesting complex effects on mental health treatment patterns.
Neighborhood deprivation and daily cannabis use independently linked to psychosis rates across Europe ↗
Across 14 European sites, lower homeownership and higher daily cannabis use prevalence each independently predicted psychosis incidence, with daily cannabis use specifically linked to affective psychosis.
Cannabis industry uses familiar tactics from tobacco and alcohol to fight THC potency regulation ↗
Analysis of cannabis industry testimony in Washington State identified three rhetorical strategies against THC potency regulation: threatening economic harm, distracting from the issue, and discrediting the science, mirroring tactics used by tobacco and alcohol industries.
Community and professional stakeholders support taxing high-THC products, but industry opposes ↗
Legislature-mandated study in Washington found community and professional stakeholders favor THC-based taxation and age restrictions for high-potency cannabis, while industry advocates oppose taxation and prefer education-only approaches.
Two-thirds of California teens noticed tobacco, vape, or cannabis ads, linked to future use expectations ↗
Survey of 2,530 California teens found two-thirds noticed substance ads, with cannabis advertising exposure associated with doubled odds of expecting to use marijuana among never-users.
Nearly a third of US cannabis users met criteria for cannabis use disorder in 2022 ↗
2022 national survey found 23% of US adults used cannabis, with 30% of users meeting CUD criteria. Over half had co-occurring substance disorders, yet only 16.5% with CUD received any treatment.
Cannabis hospitalization and tuberculosis rates overlapped geographically in Thailand but causal link unconfirmed ↗
Thai national analysis found geographic overlap between cannabis and TB hospitalizations, with a non-significant 48% higher TB hazard in those with prior cannabis admission, leaving the causal question open.
Middle school substance offenses rose 30% after Oregon marijuana legalization, especially near dispensaries ↗
Oregon middle school substance discipline referrals increased 30% after marijuana legalization compared to control states, with dispensary proximity amplifying the effect. High schools showed no significant change.
Cannabis edible packaging style influences preferences more than warning labels ↗
Choice experiment with 1,578 adults found cannabis edible preferences driven primarily by package style (33-51%) and health claims (23-31%), with cannabis users preferring youth-appealing designs and warning labels having minimal influence.
Suspected cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ED visits nearly tripled in Northern California over 11 years ↗
Over 57,000 Kaiser Permanente patients in Northern California had suspected CHS ED visits from 2009-2019, with prevalence nearly tripling (175% increase) over the period.
Canadians in areas with higher COVID-19 rates were more likely to use cannabis during the pandemic ↗
Canadian data from 2020 found residents of health regions with higher COVID-19 rates were more likely to use cannabis and use it more often, even after accounting for pre-pandemic use levels and demographics.
Medical marijuana legalization in Oklahoma increased neonatal THC exposure but did not change opioid exposure rates ↗
After Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana, neonatal THC exposure increased significantly (16.2 to 22.2 per 1,000 births) while opioid exposure showed no significant change across 16,804 births.
Cannabis use declined among King County students from 2008-2021, but girls overtook boys in use rates for the first time ↗
In King County, Washington, cannabis use declined among students from 2008-2021, but female students surpassed male students in current use prevalence for the first time in 2021.
Graphic yellow health warnings on cannabis packaging were most effective at reducing product appeal and increasing risk perception ↗
Experiment with 533 participants found graphic yellow health warnings on cannabis products were most effective at reducing appeal and increasing harm perception, with mental health and traffic accident themes most impactful.
Children in states with legal recreational cannabis did not perceive cannabis as less risky than children in states where it was illegal ↗
ABCD Study analysis of 10,395 children found no evidence that state recreational cannabis laws affected children's perception of cannabis risk over a 3-year period.
Nearly half of adults in Canada's northern territories use cannabis, with most buying from legal sources ↗
A survey of 2,462 adults in Canada's northern territories found 46% used cannabis, 22% daily, with three-quarters of products coming from legal sources.
Cannabis-impaired driving among young adults showed mixed trends after Washington State opened retail stores ↗
Five years after Washington opened cannabis retail stores, alcohol DUI decreased and cannabis DUI held steady overall (11%) while dropping among cannabis users.
Cannabis use among IBD patients more than doubled after Canadian legalization ↗
A Canadian study found cannabis use among IBD patients more than doubled after legalization (41% of CD, 31% of UC), but users had worse symptoms and quality of life.
Peer norms and ability to resist peer pressure predicted hazardous cannabis use in Oregon teens ↗
A 12-month study of 204 Oregon teens found that perceiving more peer cannabis use and having less ability to resist peer pressure predicted increasing hazardous cannabis use.
Youth, parents, and providers in Ontario described barriers to reducing cannabis harms after legalization ↗
Interviews with 88 Ontario youth, parents, and providers found widespread concern about cannabis harms alongside normalization, with structural barriers hampering harm reduction efforts.
New Jersey residents prefer cannabis tax dollars go to health and education over policing ↗
Survey of 1,006 NJ residents found broader support for spending cannabis tax revenue on health, housing, and education than on policing or courts.
Delta-8 THC was available at about 1 in 10 tobacco and hemp retailers in Fort Worth, even amid legal uncertainty ↗
Survey of Fort Worth retailers found Delta-8 THC available at ~10% of licensed locations, concentrated in tobacco and hemp shops, with no decline despite ongoing legal challenges.
Rising THC Potency Linked to More Cannabis-Related Diagnoses in Germany ↗
A German study found rising THC potency was associated with more cannabis-related psychiatric diagnoses across all 16 federal states, with men affected more than women.
How Well Do Cannabis Dispensaries Follow Advertising Rules on Social Media? ↗
A study found that nearly one-third of Illinois cannabis dispensary social media posts violated advertising regulations in the first year of legal sales.
How Cannabis Adverse Events Changed After Canada Legalized Recreational Use ↗
A study of 18,285 Canadian cannabis users found similar adverse event rates before and after legalization, but ER visits increased while edible-related problems decreased.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Hospitalizations Rose After Massachusetts Legalization ↗
CHS hospitalizations increased fivefold after Massachusetts cannabis legalization, with hospital stays tripling and costs more than doubling per admission.
Cannabis Health Warnings on Products Can Change Attitudes and Intentions ↗
Cannabis health warnings triggered fear and hope, both driving protective intentions, though pictures added no benefit over text.
Medical Cannabis Laws Were Linked to Declining Specialty Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
Medical cannabis laws with dispensaries were associated with declining CUD treatment in 2004-2014, though the effect faded by 2015-2019.
Most US states with legal cannabis have weak, wordy warning labels that skip mental health risks ↗
Content analysis finds most US states with legal cannabis have weak warning labels averaging 57 words, with almost none requiring mental health or psychosis risk warnings.
After legalization, teen cannabis treatment admissions dropped even as risk factors increased ↗
Legalization strengthened the link between seeing cannabis as low-risk and using it, but broke the link between use and seeking treatment, leading to declining teen treatment admissions.
Cannabis users are more physically active than non-users, especially in states with legal recreational cannabis ↗
Large national survey finds cannabis users are 24% more likely to be physically active, with the strongest association in states with legal recreational cannabis.
How You Use Cannabis Changes What It Does to Your Heart and Lungs: A Systematic Review by Route ↗
Systematic review finds smoking cannabis carries the most cardiovascular and respiratory risks, vaping may reduce respiratory harm, and edibles/dabbing are poorly studied.
Cannabis-involved self-harm ER visits nearly doubled over 12 years in Ontario, accelerating after medical cannabis liberalization ↗
Cannabis-involved self-harm ER visits increased 90% over 12 years in Ontario after medical liberalization, while alcohol-involved self-harm declined.
What Half a Million Cannabis Products Look Like on a Major Online Marketplace ↗
Analysis of 500K+ cannabis product listings from Weedmaps found THC dominates, 42% feature flavor marketing, and multisystem delivery methods are most common.
Cannabis-Related Diagnoses Among Pregnant Women Rose 24% After Canada Legalized Non-Medical Use ↗
Diagnosed cannabis-related disorders among pregnant women in Quebec rose 24% after Canada legalized non-medical cannabis.
ER Visits for Cannabis Intoxication Jumped After Michigan Legalized Recreational Use ↗
Cannabis-related ER visits in Michigan rose 47-70% immediately after recreational legalization across 8 hospitals.
Cannabis Legalization Showed No Clear Effect on Opioid Prescriptions or Overdose Deaths ↗
Rigorous 15-year analysis found cannabis legalization had no significant effect on opioid prescriptions or deaths overall.
Switzerland's Legal Tension Between Medical Cannabis and Zero-Tolerance Driving Laws ↗
Switzerland's 2022 medical cannabis deregulation conflicts with zero-tolerance THC driving laws, creating legal uncertainty for prescribed patients.
More Permissive Cannabis Laws Linked to Fewer Traffic Deaths, But Medicalization Linked to More ↗
Analysis of US state cannabis policies over 27 years found permissive laws linked to fewer traffic deaths, while pharmaceutical-style regulations were linked to more.
Nepal's Debate Over Cannabis Legalization: Cultural History Meets Modern Policy ↗
Despite deep cultural roots, Nepal's 1976 cannabis prohibition persists even as legalization advocates grow. The country looks to global experiences for guidance.
Cannabis Use Among Forensic Mental Health Patients Rose After Canadian Legalization, With Clinical Consequences ↗
Cannabis use among 187 forensic psychiatric patients rose after Canadian legalization, with over half showing mental health decline after use, though violence rates did not increase.
Cannabis Use Rose While Tobacco Fell Across All Drinking Levels in the US, 2010-2019 ↗
US data from 2010-2019 showed cannabis use rising across all drinking levels while tobacco fell, with the fastest cannabis increase among non-drinkers.
Cannabis Legalization Increased Cannabis Use But Did Not Affect Tobacco Use or Co-Use ↗
National US cohort study found legalization increased cannabis use but had no effect on tobacco use or cannabis-tobacco co-use from 2017-2021.
Most Peruvian Medical Cannabis Patients Knew About Consumption Methods But Had Knowledge Gaps ↗
Survey of 86 Peruvian medical cannabis patients found reasonable knowledge about consumption but gaps in understanding risks, regulations, and safety.
Cannabis Edible Packaging Borrows Marketing Tricks from the Food Industry ↗
Content analysis of 1,229 cannabis edible packages found widespread use of health-oriented descriptors, food imagery, and experience-based marketing borrowing from mainstream food industry practices.
Delta-8 THC Products Sold at 11% of Fort Worth Retail Outlets, Concentrated in Poorer Neighborhoods ↗
Survey of 1,223 Fort Worth retail outlets found 11% sold delta-8 THC products, with outlets in more socioeconomically deprived areas significantly more likely to carry them.
74% of US Vape Shops Sell Intoxicating Cannabis Products, Even in States With Bans ↗
National survey found 74% of US vape shops sell intoxicating cannabis products, including 43% in states with bans, meaning these products are available in retail stores in all 50 states.
CDC Report: Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Rose From 2016 to 2019 ↗
CDC analysis of national survey data found marijuana-impaired driving increased from 4.5% to 5.3% of US drivers between 2016 and 2019, while alcohol-impaired driving declined.
Cannabis Education Campaigns in Northern Canada Had Modest Effects on Risk Perception ↗
Survey of 2,452 people in Canada's northern territories found that noticing cannabis education campaigns was associated with a modest 9% increase in perceiving daily cannabis use as risky.
Kentucky Cannabis Use Was Lower Than the National Average Despite Being Illegal ↗
Kentucky BRFSS data showed 10% cannabis use prevalence (below national average), with 42% daily/near-daily use and most users citing medical reasons, even before legalization.
How Patients and Doctors Discuss Cannabis Through Hospital Messaging Systems ↗
Analysis of ~383,000 patient portal messages found cannabis discussions shifted from drug screening concerns to patients seeking medical marijuana access after Pennsylvania legalized medical use.
ER Visits for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Doubled in Nevada After Recreational Cannabis Sales ↗
Nevada ER visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome doubled after recreational cannabis sales began in 2017, rising from 1.07 to 2.22 per 100,000 population.
After Canadian Legalization, Only People With Schizophrenia Increased Cannabis Use ↗
Canadian survey of 13,527 cannabis users found that after legalization, only people with schizophrenia showed significant increases in daily use (9-fold higher odds), while other psychiatric groups showed no change.
Swiss Cannabis Trials Show How Politics Shapes Drug Policy Research ↗
Interviews with 18 Swiss cannabis trial stakeholders revealed political pressures and power dynamics systematically shaped research design, illustrating "policy-based evidence" in drug policy.
Lesotho's Medicinal Cannabis Industry Faces Regulatory and Equity Challenges ↗
Interviews with cannabis managers in Lesotho found regulatory delays and exclusion of small enterprises threatening Africa's first legal medicinal cannabis sector.
Reported Cannabis Use in Pregnancy Dropped After New Mexico Legalization ↗
New Mexico study found reported prenatal cannabis use paradoxically decreased after recreational legalization, while cannabis-exposed infants continued to show worse birth outcomes in both periods.
People Who Think Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Is Harmful Are Less Likely to Smoke at Home ↗
21-country survey of 28,154 drug users found higher perceived harm from secondhand cannabis smoke was associated with 70% greater odds of not smoking cannabis at home.
Believing Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Is Harmful Was Strongly Linked to Home Smoking Bans ↗
US survey of 21,381 adults found perceiving secondhand cannabis smoke as "extremely harmful" was associated with 6x higher odds of banning cannabis smoking in the home.
Psychiatric Hospital Staff Say Cannabis Legalization Brought Benefits But Also New Clinical Challenges ↗
Interviews with 20 psychiatric hospital staff found cannabis legalization improved some aspects of care but increased use, complicated mental health treatment, and exposed gaps in provider training.
Canada Develops a Standardized THC Unit to Help Consumers and Regulators Measure Cannabis Doses ↗
Canada is developing a standardized THC unit for cannabis product labeling and consumer education, modeled on the standard drink concept for alcohol, to improve dosing literacy.
Driving After Cannabis Use Spiked in Rural Canada Right After Legalization Then Returned to Normal ↗
Analysis of Canada's National Cannabis Survey found cannabis-impaired driving spiked significantly in rural areas right after legalization but returned to baseline within a year.
Quality and Accessibility Matter Most for Legal Cannabis; Price Matters Most for Illegal ↗
Choice experiment with 963 cannabis consumers found quality and accessibility drive legal purchases while price drives illegal purchases, with specific policy levers identified to shrink the illicit market.
Prenatal Cannabis Use Jumped After California Legalized Recreational Sales, Especially Where Dispensaries Opened ↗
Study of 300,993 pregnancies found California recreational cannabis sales implementation increased prenatal use by 10%, concentrated in jurisdictions with dispensaries (21% increase vs no change in areas banning retailers).
Clinicians Report Increased Teen Cannabis Use, Higher Potency Products, and More Hyperemesis After Legalization ↗
Thirty-two clinicians across four specialties reported post-legalization increases in adolescent cannabis use, high-potency products, hyperemesis syndrome, psychosis, and parental permissiveness.
Cannabis Use Peaks at Age 21-22 in Washington State, With Signs of "Maturing Out" in Recent Cohorts ↗
In post-legalization Washington State, cannabis use now peaks at ages 21-22 rather than declining from 18, with emerging signs of "maturing out" by 23-25 in recent birth cohorts.
Neuroscience Does Not Support Raising the Cannabis Legal Age to 25 ↗
Critical review of neuroscience finds no empirical basis for the "brain matures at 25" threshold, concluding an 18-21 legal age for cannabis is scientifically supportable.
Morocco's cannabis legalization overlooks environmental sustainability in the Rif mountains ↗
Two decades of fieldwork reveals Morocco's cannabis legalization risks accelerating environmental damage by favoring industrial cultivation over traditional methods.
California cannabis experts identified successes and shortcomings of Proposition 64 ↗
Interviews with 22 California cannabis experts found Prop 64 improved quality control and reduced stigma but created high costs, licensing barriers, and social inequity.
Most California cannabis users were unfamiliar with Prop 64's specific regulations ↗
Survey of 5,178 Californians found most cannabis users believed they understood Prop 64 but lacked knowledge of specific possession, transportation, and gifting rules.
Medical cannabis legalization associated with increased cannabis sales but not increased illicit drug use across 20 countries ↗
20-country analysis found medical cannabis legalization expanded legal markets while showing negative associations with tobacco and amphetamine use.
How cannabis laws are designed matters more for youth mental health than whether they exist ↗
Analysis of YRBS data found cannabis legalization design matters for youth mental health: permissive and pharmaceutical bundles improved outcomes while fiscal focus worsened them.
Spanish-language Twitter discourse heavily favored cannabis regulation while underemphasizing health risks ↗
Analysis of 35,527 Spanish-language tweets found 73% favored cannabis regulation while only 20% discussed health risks, revealing significant pro-legalization online bias.
Recreational cannabis legalization caused increased traffic fatalities, primarily after retail sales began ↗
Rigorous causal analysis found recreational cannabis legalization increased traffic fatalities in US states, with the effect primarily linked to the start of retail sales.
Nova Scotia alcohol sales dipped slightly after cannabis legalization but rose at stores selling both ↗
Nova Scotia alcohol sales fell 2.4% at alcohol-only stores but rose 3.1% at stores selling both cannabis and alcohol after legalization.
Canada's cannabis retail expansion changed use patterns more through falling prices than store count ↗
Analysis of 10 Canadian provinces found cannabis use changes were associated with falling prices, not rising store numbers, with increases among women and older adults.
Israel's Medical Cannabis Program Grew 4,400% in 13 Years ↗
Israel's medical cannabis program grew from 3,097 to over 140,000 licenses between 2011 and 2024, with a 7.5% decline after a 2024 HMO-led reform.
Removing Cannabis From Drug Screening Criteria Improved Racial Equity in Maternity Care ↗
Removing cannabis as a urine drug screening indication in a maternity unit eliminated racial disparities in testing and CPS reporting without missing other substance use.
NICU Policies on Cannabis and Breastfeeding Vary Widely Across the US ↗
Survey of 187 US NICUs found wide variation in cannabis screening and breast milk feeding policies, with 60% imposing restrictions on THC-positive mothers regardless of state legalization status.
Opening Cannabis Stores in Ontario Did Not Increase ER Visits ↗
Ontario's lottery-based cannabis retailer licensing provided a natural experiment showing no significant increase in emergency visits for cannabis, alcohol, or opioids after stores opened.
Many California Cannabis Users Unsure About Driving Laws Six Years After Legalization ↗
Survey of over 4,000 California cannabis users found mixed awareness of driving regulations six years after legalization, with lower knowledge linked to worse driving outcomes.
Less Than Half of Legal Cannabis States Fund Research ↗
Analysis found only 12 of 38 legal cannabis states have actually allocated research funding, despite states navigating complex policy decisions without federal guidance.
First Randomized Trial Comparing Legal and Illegal Cannabis Markets ↗
First randomized trial of legal vs illegal cannabis found a trend toward reduced misuse with regulated access, with benefits concentrated among polysubstance users.
California Legalization Was Followed by Worse Cannabis Treatment Outcomes ↗
Analysis of 192,580 CUD treatment episodes found California's recreational legalization was associated with lower treatment retention and successful discharge rates.
Why French Cannabis Users Grow Their Own Despite Prohibition ↗
Study of daily cannabis users in France found 11-16% grew their own, primarily to control quality, with growers more likely to use cannabis therapeutically and avoid tobacco.
Unlicensed Cannabis Products in New York Had Less Safety Info and More Youth Appeal ↗
Study of 88 New York cannabis products found unlicensed products had less safety information, less essential data, and more youth-appealing design than licensed products.
NYC Unlicensed Cannabis Shops Rarely Checked IDs and Sold Near Schools ↗
NYC secret shopper study found 100% of licensed cannabis retailers verified age versus only 10% of unlicensed shops, which also featured youth-appealing products and marketing.
What Happens When Countries Regulate Cannabis: Arrests Drop, Adult Use Rises ↗
Systematic review across five jurisdictions found regulated cannabis supply consistently reduced arrests and increased adult use, with health outcomes varying by regulation model.
Areas With More Teen Cannabis Use Had Higher Rates of First Psychotic Episodes ↗
Italian study found area-level teen cannabis use was associated with higher first-episode psychosis rates and 12.9 months longer delays before treatment.
Cannabis Edibles Contained Up to 5,491 mg More THC Than Labels Claimed ↗
Lab testing of 12 cannabis edibles found THC content varied by up to 5,491 mg from labels, with no CBD detected in any product, highlighting severe quality control problems.
Some State Cannabis Laws Worked as Intended, Many Did Not ↗
Study of 1,847 young adults found some cannabis retail laws (billboard bans, driving warnings) achieved intended effects while many others showed no measurable impact.
Adolescent Drug Overdose Deaths Rose More in States That Legalized Cannabis ↗
CDC data showed adolescent drug overdose death rates were significantly higher in cannabis-legalizing states, with recreational-legalization states showing the largest increases across sexes and racial groups.
44% of Older Canadians in This Survey Used Cannabis, But Most Wanted More Safety Information ↗
Survey of 1,615 Canadians aged 50+ found 44% used cannabis, but over 60% said there was not enough information about its safety or effectiveness, revealing a major information gap.
Medical Cannabis Patients Face Legal Limbo When Traveling Internationally ↗
Interviews with 15 Israeli medical cannabis patients found international travel regulations are vague and inconsistent, forcing patients into strategies from avoiding travel to obtaining cannabis illegally.
Only 7% of German Cannabis Users Had Ever Discussed Use With Their Doctor ↗
Survey of 2,057 German cannabis users found only 7% had ever discussed their use with a GP, rising to 16-26% among frequent and past-year users.
Cannabis Users Took Fewer Hits of Concentrates Than Flower, But Heavy Users Chose Stronger Products ↗
Study of 8,158 cannabis users found they took fewer hits of concentrates than flower (suggesting some self-titration), but users who preferred higher-potency products consumed them in larger amounts and more frequently.
The Sharpest Jump in Cannabis Use Occurred Between Adolescence and Young Adulthood for Low-Risk Perceivers ↗
National survey of 58,034 Americans found the sharpest increase in cannabis use occurred between adolescence and young adulthood specifically among those with low risk perception, identifying a critical prevention window.
Cannabis Use Did Not Increase Overall in California After Legalization, But Trends Varied by Race ↗
California Health Interview Survey data (2018-2023) showed no overall increase in adult cannabis use after legalization, but significant variation by race/ethnicity with increases among some minority populations.
White Californians Were Most Likely to Co-Use Alcohol and Cannabis ↗
California survey of 21,463 adults found alcohol-cannabis co-use highest among White (17%) and multiracial (17.7%) adults, with Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations less likely to co-use.
Cannabis regulators focus more on public health than alcohol regulators in US states ↗
Content analysis found state cannabis regulatory agencies reported stronger public health orientation than alcohol agencies, while alcohol regulators emphasized law enforcement more.
Twitter analysis finds most cannabis discussions are political, with majority favoring legalization worldwide ↗
Analysis of cannabis-related tweets across continents found political debate was the dominant topic, most personal experiences were positive, and majority sentiment favored legalization.
Historical data from colonial India shows alcohol and cannabis were economic substitutes ↗
Economic analysis of 1911-1925 Bengal data found alcohol and cannabis bud were market substitutes, with consumption of both declining as income rose.
Opening recreational cannabis stores was not linked to self-harm injuries, but alcohol outlet density was ↗
California spatiotemporal analysis found no link between recreational cannabis outlets and self-harm injuries, while alcohol outlet density was strongly associated with nonfatal self-harm.
Living farther from cannabis dispensaries was weakly linked to more favorable views of medical cannabis ↗
Survey of 935 people found dispensary proximity weakly correlated with medical cannabis attitudes, with gender and state legal status being stronger predictors than physical proximity.
A review of Canadian programs aimed at reducing youth cannabis-impaired driving found limited evidence they change behavior ↗
Systematic review found 15 Canadian youth DUIC prevention initiatives since legalization, but limited evidence that any changed actual driving behavior.
Young adults were significantly less likely to correctly identify cannabis content on copycat packages ↗
Experiment with 2,523 young adults found copycat cannabis packaging reduced correct identification by 65%, highlighting accidental ingestion risks.
Plain cannabis packaging improved health warning recall and reduced product appeal among young adults ↗
Experiment with 4,500 young adults found plain cannabis packaging boosted warning recall by 47% and reduced appeal, while health claims on packages increased appeal.
Having Cannabis-Using Parents Nearly Triples Young Adults' Odds of Using Cannabis ↗
Survey of 4,031 young adults found cannabis-using parents nearly tripled their odds of using cannabis.
Four Distinct Spending and Use Profiles Emerge Among Young Adult Cannabis Consumers ↗
Study of 1,359 young adult cannabis users identified four spending profiles. Higher-spending groups reported more problematic use.
43% of Cystic Fibrosis Patients Surveyed Use Cannabis, Mostly for Medical Reasons ↗
Survey of 110 Canadian CF patients: 43% use cannabis, 85% for medical reasons (stress, insomnia, anxiety). Most rate it effective. Legalization reduced stigma.
Frequent Cannabis Users Are Less Likely to Get Breast and Prostate Cancer Screenings ↗
Analysis of 229,711 adults: frequent cannabis use linked to 30% lower breast and 40% lower prostate cancer screening adherence. No effect on cervical or colorectal screening.
Taxing E-Cigarettes Reduced Teen Marijuana Use, Suggesting the Two Are Complements ↗
Policy analysis: each $1 increase in e-cigarette taxes reduced teen marijuana use by 1.0-1.5 percentage points. No effect on harder drugs. Effects fade over time.
Recreational cannabis laws had limited overall effect on drinking and smoking, but varied by group ↗
A study of 4.8 million US adults found recreational cannabis laws produced small decreases in drinking and smoking only after dispensaries opened, with effects varying significantly across age, sex, race, and income groups.
Most Colombians were indifferent to tobacco and marijuana control policies in survey ↗
A survey of 147 Colombian adults found that roughly a third expressed no opinion on tobacco or marijuana control policies, with the remainder split between consistent support, conditional support, and blanket opposition.
Recreational marijuana dispensaries showed a trend toward lower opioid deaths, but results were not significant ↗
A synthetic control analysis found recreational marijuana dispensary openings in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon were associated with lower opioid death rates, but the reductions were not statistically significant despite being consistent across all three states.
National survey maps how cannabis use methods vary by age, race, sex, and income in the US ↗
A national survey of 17,000 US cannabis users found smoking dominant (77%) but methods varied by demographics: women preferred topicals, young adults vaped, Black adults were 5.3x more likely to use blunts, and older adults used sublingual products.
Five years after Canadian legalization, social acceptance grew but so did perceived risks of cannabis ↗
Five years after Canadian legalization, a longitudinal cohort showed growing social acceptance of recreational cannabis alongside increasing recognition of health risks, with non-users showing the biggest attitude shifts toward acceptance.
Canadian legalization slowed the natural decline in cannabis use among young adults compared to US peers ↗
A natural experiment comparing Canadian and US young adults found legalization was associated with less decline in cannabis use over time (attenuated aging out) rather than increased use, with effects emerging 6-12 months post-legalization.
A state-by-state breakdown of cannabis delivery laws across the US ↗
A 2024 review found 14 states allow recreational cannabis delivery and 26 states plus DC allow medical delivery, with wide variation in how delivery is regulated.
Cannabis use trends among young people in Germany before partial legalization ↗
German survey data from 2008-2023 show stable cannabis use among adolescents but significant increases among young adults aged 18-25, providing a baseline before the country's 2024 partial legalization.
What emergency departments should expect as cannabis legalization expands in Germany ↗
A review of international trends suggests Germany should expect more cannabis-related ER visits after legalization, with Canada seeing doubled hospital admissions and acute intoxication as the top reason.
Cannabis school discipline initially rose after decriminalization but fell after full legalization in Massachusetts ↗
Massachusetts school data from 2005-2019 showed cannabis-related discipline increased 34% after decriminalization but then declined 45% after medical legalization and 20% more after recreational legalization.
Cannabis use frequency did not increase among 18-20 year olds in LA after recreational legalization, except for edibles ↗
Among 18-20 year old cannabis users in LA, use frequency stayed stable after legalization, though edible consumption increased.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to More Positive Drug Tests in Emergency Rooms ↗
Biological drug testing in ER patients confirmed cannabis use increased nationally from 2008-2019, with the biggest increases in states that legalized recreational cannabis.
43% of Regular Cannabis Users Exceeded Legal Driving Limits After 48 Hours of Abstinence ↗
Nearly half of regular cannabis users exceeded zero-tolerance driving THC limits after 48+ hours of abstinence, raising questions about per se impairment laws.
Young Adult Cannabis Use Kept Rising Through COVID in Washington State ↗
Cannabis use among Washington State young adults continued rising through COVID while alcohol, cigarette, and e-cigarette use declined.
Most Small-Scale Cannabis Growers Are Also General Gardeners ↗
Survey of 1,302 small-scale growers: 82% also grew other plants, with most starting as gardeners before adding cannabis.
Deprived Neighborhoods Had Higher Rates of Cannabis, Cigarette, and E-Cigarette Use in Canada ↗
Canadian study: neighborhood deprivation and gentrification linked to higher cannabis use; immigrant neighborhoods showed lower use.
Cannabis Compassion Clubs Created Harm Reduction Through Access, Safety, and Quality ↗
BC cannabis compassion clubs created harm reduction through structural (access, safety, quality) and operational (compassion, low-threshold) dimensions.
Model Projects German Cannabis Legalization Will Cause 19x More Health Harm Than It Prevents ↗
Projection: German legalization may produce 19x more health harm from increased use disorder than gains from reduced contamination.
Australian patients face major barriers accessing legal medicinal cannabis, pushing many to illicit markets ↗
Australian patients seeking medicinal cannabis face practitioner reluctance, high costs, and supply shortages, driving many to unregulated illicit sources despite legalization.
Cannabis flower products frequently overstate THC potency on labels while concentrates are more accurate ↗
Independent testing of 277 Colorado cannabis products found flower THC labels are frequently inflated (only 57% accurate), while concentrate labels are much more reliable (96% accurate).
Cannabis involvement among mass shooters increased after medical legalization began ↗
Cannabis involvement among mass shooters doubled after medical legalization began in 1996, while remaining stable among non-firearm mass murderers, though causation cannot be established.
Young adult cannabis use increased more in states with full legalization than medical-only states ↗
Cannabis use among young adults increased more in states with adult-use legalization than medical-only states, with retail outlet opening appearing to be the key inflection point.
Cannabis use among New Jersey young adults jumped 42% after adult-use retail sales began ↗
Cannabis use among New Jersey young adults increased 42% within three months of adult-use retail sales, driven by increases in edibles and dried herb rather than concentrates or vapes.
Maternal THC use increased significantly in Arkansas, especially after state legalization ↗
THC was found in 64% of positive newborn drug screens at an Arkansas hospital, with use increasing after state legalization. Exposed infants had lower birth metrics and longer hospital stays.
Pregnancy-related emergency visits for cannabis and alcohol increased during the COVID-19 pandemic ↗
Cannabis-related ED visits during pregnancy increased 10% during COVID-19, with Medicaid-insured patients showing consistently elevated substance use and racial disparities in cannabis use narrowing.
Health Professionals Became the Top Cannabis Information Source as Traditional Media Declined ↗
Longitudinal study of 5,053 US adults found health professionals became the top source for cannabis information while traditional media declined sharply.
Most Cannabis Edibles Contain 100+ mg THC and Use Child-Appealing Marketing ↗
Analysis of 2,282 cannabis edibles found most contained 100+ mg THC, with widespread use of child-appealing characters, colors, and flavors.
Warning Labels on Delta-8 THC Products Increased Youth Awareness of Intoxication and Harm ↗
Experiment with 3,647 adolescents found warning labels on delta-8 THC products increased perceived risk and intoxication but did not reduce use susceptibility.
Cannabis Legalization Drove Greater CUD Increases Among Veterans with Psychiatric Disorders ↗
Analysis of 4+ million VHA patients over 18 years found cannabis legalization drove greater CUD increases among veterans with psychiatric disorders than those without.
37% of California Adults Used Cannabis After Legalization, with 38% of Users Consuming Multiple Times Daily ↗
Survey of 15,208 California adults found 37% used cannabis, with 38% of users consuming multiple times daily, primarily from licensed dispensaries.
Cannabis Use in Germany Before and After Partial Legalization ↗
German survey data across five waves (2012-2024) shows cannabis use rose steadily from 4.6% to 9.8%, with the post-legalization increase small and not statistically significant.
What German Family Doctors Think About Cannabis Legalization ↗
Survey of 239 German physicians found most expected more cannabis use after legalization, but few screened patients for it or wanted training.
Drug-Impaired Driving Patterns in Munich During the COVID-19 Pandemic ↗
Analysis of 6,210 traffic-stop blood samples in Munich found cannabis was the top substance detected (66-67%) throughout the pandemic, with THC metabolite levels rising during lockdowns.
Black Parents Describe Racism in Newborn Drug Testing Practices ↗
Interviews with 15 birthing parents found racial bias in newborn drug testing practices, poor communication about cannabis risks in pregnancy, and calls for non-punitive approaches.
Teens Find Cannabis Edible Packaging Appealing Despite Regulations ↗
Focus groups with 28 Washington teens found cannabis edible packaging appealing despite regulations, with cannabis-knowledgeable teens showing more skepticism.
Cannabis and Vaping Rose After Legalization, But Cigarette Use Did Not ↗
JAMA study of 55,406 adults over 5 years found cannabis legalization increased cannabis and e-cigarette use but did not affect cigarette smoking, with cannabis use rising more after retail outlets opened.
States with Legal Cannabis Saw More Asthma Hospitalizations ↗
Difference-in-differences analysis found states with cannabis dispensaries and legal recreational cannabis had 14-20% more asthma hospitalizations than comparison states.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to More Cannabis Use Disorder and Poisoning Diagnoses ↗
JAMA Psychiatry study of 110 million insured adults found medical cannabis laws associated with 31 more CUD diagnoses per 100,000 per quarter, with recreational laws linked to more cannabis poisoning.
Cannabis Use Disorder Is the Leading Cause of Drug Use Disorder Prevalence Worldwide ↗
Global Burden of Disease analysis (1990-2021) shows cannabis use disorder is the most prevalent drug use disorder worldwide, with burden concentrated in high-income countries.
Youth Psychosis Hospitalizations in Colorado Rose After Cannabis Legalization ↗
Denver Health data showed youth psychosis hospitalizations rose significantly after cannabis legalization, with CUD-involved cases quadrupling from 2.0 to 8.5 per 100,000 monthly.
Legalizing Smokable Medical Cannabis in Florida Sharply Increased THC Per Patient ↗
After Florida legalized smokable medical cannabis, weekly THC dispensed per patient increased 42% and continued rising, exceeding recommended daily dose thresholds.
Swedish Study Finds Higher-Income Families Linked to Greater Teen Cannabis Use ↗
A Swedish cohort study of 3,328 adolescents found those with higher-SES parents were more likely to use cannabis, with low-SES teens showing 39% lower risk of past-year use after adjustment.
Global Meta-Analysis: 29% of Medical Students Have Tried Cannabis at Least Once ↗
A meta-analysis of 109 studies across 32 countries found 29.2% lifetime cannabis prevalence among medical students, with rates rebounding to 30.4% in the 2020s after declining from the 1970s through 2000s.
Cannabis Retailers Cluster in Low-Income and Minority Neighborhoods Across 18 States ↗
Analysis of 5,586 cannabis retailers across 18 states found those in neighborhoods with higher deprivation and more low-income residents of color had 2.0-2.5 times the odds of retailer presence.
More Cannabis Stores in Washington Counties Linked to Fewer Opioid and Accidental Poisoning Deaths ↗
Washington state counties with more cannabis stores per capita had 17% lower accidental poisoning and opioid death rates from 2009-2020, with no increase in motor vehicle, suicide, or homicide mortality.
Cannabis Legalization in Ontario Linked to Fewer ER Visits Among Schizophrenia Patients ↗
An analysis of 121,061 Ontario schizophrenia patients found cannabis legalization was associated with a 26% decrease in cannabis-related ER visits for men and an 18.5% decrease in mental health ER visits for women.
57% of Young Adult Cannabis Users Now Use Multiple Methods Like Smoking, Vaping, and Edibles ↗
Analysis of 7,635 young adult cannabis users across 23 states found 57% used two or more consumption methods, with recreational legalization and e-cigarette co-use among the strongest predictors.
Wisconsin Restaurant Accidentally Serves THC-Laced Food, Sickening 85 People ↗
A Wisconsin restaurant accidentally used hemp-derived THC cooking oil from a shared kitchen, causing 85 people to experience THC intoxication over three days in October 2024.
EFSA Sets Delta-8-THC as Equally Potent to Delta-9-THC, Establishes Group Safety Limit for Food ↗
EFSA determined delta-8-THC is equally potent to delta-9-THC and set a combined safety limit of 1 microgram/kg body weight, finding many food products contain above-natural delta-8 levels.
Workers in Legal Cannabis States and High-Risk Jobs Are More Likely to Use Cannabis at Work ↗
A survey of 26,458 US workers found 7.4% used cannabis at or near work, with highest rates in legal states, high-risk jobs, and among medical cardholders.
Driving After Cannabis Use Rose in Canada Post-Legalization, But Not Among Regular Users ↗
Five years post-legalization in Canada, overall driving after cannabis use rose, but among consumers specifically, it slightly declined.
Most Young Adult Cannabis Users Are "Uncontrolled" Users, But Self-Regulation Rules Increase After Legalization ↗
A 9-year LA study found most young cannabis users were "Uncontrolled," but harm-reduction rules like avoiding use at work and while driving increased after legalization.
How Should South African Workplaces Test for Cannabis After Legalization? ↗
After legalizing private cannabis use, South Africa faces the challenge of workplace testing—this paper proposes impairment-based THC thresholds over zero-tolerance approaches.
Youth Cannabis Use Slightly Decreased After Legalization in Canada, But Risk Factor Profiles Changed ↗
Youth cannabis use slightly decreased after Canadian legalization (15% to 12.3%), but risk factor profiles shifted toward anxiety and mental health indicators.
About 1 in 4 Cannabis Home Growers Used Chemical Additives, With Rates Declining Over Time ↗
A survey of 11,479 cannabis growers across 18 countries found about 1 in 4 used chemical additives, but rates appear to be declining over the past decade.
Teens Who Perceived Their Neighborhoods as Disadvantaged Were More Likely to Vape Cannabis ↗
A two-year study of 3,278 Southern California teens found that how they perceived their neighborhood was a stronger predictor of cannabis and nicotine vaping than census-based measures of disadvantage.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling Suggests Current THC Driving Limits May Not Work for Oral Cannabis Users ↗
A pharmacokinetic model showed that current blood THC limits for driving (1, 2, or 5 ng/mL) may be unreliable for people who consume cannabis orally, with the 1 ng/mL limit most prone to false positives.
More Social Media Time Was Linked to Higher Odds of Teen Substance Use, Including Marijuana ↗
A longitudinal study of 4,769 US teens found that those spending 30 minutes to 3 hours daily on social media had the highest odds of later marijuana and alcohol use.
More Sitting Time Was Linked to Lower Marijuana Use, With Differences Across Ethnic Groups ↗
Analysis of over 7,000 US adults found that those who sat for 6-8 hours daily were 22% less likely to report marijuana use, with the strongest pattern among Hispanic adults.
Cannabis Flower Labels Consistently Overstated THC Content Compared to Independent Testing ↗
Independent testing of 74 Colorado cannabis products found flower labels consistently overstated THC content, sometimes beyond the 15% legally allowed variance.
Patients Were Less Satisfied With Specialized Cannabis Clinics Than With General Healthcare Settings ↗
A survey of nearly 2,400 Australian medical cannabis patients found those using specialized cannabis clinics were less satisfied than those treated in general healthcare settings, especially regarding consultation quality and costs.
More Permissive Cannabis Policies Were Linked to Higher Cannabis and Opioid Involvement in Suicide Deaths ↗
Analysis of nearly 69,000 suicide deaths found that more permissive cannabis policies and cannabis involvement were both linked to higher odds of opioid involvement in these deaths.
Specific, Concrete Cannabis Warning Labels Held Attention and Improved Risk Recognition Better Than Generic Ones ↗
An eye-tracking study found specific, concrete cannabis warning labels captured more attention and improved risk recognition among young adults compared to generic labels.
What Should We Be Measuring to Know If Cannabis Legalization Is Working? ↗
A review of expert recommendations for monitoring cannabis legalization impacts reveals a wide gap between what should be tracked and what actually is.
Delta-9 THC Users Had 20 Times the Odds of Also Using Delta-8 THC ↗
A survey of 166 young adults found that Delta-9 THC users had 20 times the odds of also using Delta-8, with complex and sometimes contradictory risk perception patterns.
Snapchat's AI Chatbot Provided Favorable, Uncited Information About Delta-8 THC to Users ↗
Snapchat's AI chatbot freely discussed Delta-8 THC despite blocking other drug terms, providing favorable but uncited information to its predominantly young user base.
Young Adults Using Both Cannabis and Derived Products Reported More Negative Consequences ↗
Among 1,968 young adult cannabis users, those who also used derived products like Delta-8 reported more negative consequences than cannabis-only users, with coping and enhancement motives driving co-use.
Most US States With Legal Cannabis Had Social Equity Programs, but They Varied Widely ↗
A review of 22 US states with legal cannabis found most had social equity programs, but only 4 directed tax revenue back to equity initiatives and programs varied widely in scope.
Most Young Adults Incorrectly Believed Derived Cannabis Products Were FDA-Approved or Safety-Tested ↗
A survey of 4,031 young adults found 70% incorrectly believed derived cannabis products like Delta-8 were safety-tested and 59% thought they were FDA-approved.
Cannabis Companies Spent Nearly $500K on Ads, Mostly Through Online Displays on News Sites ↗
Analysis of four US cannabis companies found nearly $500K spent on 399 unique ads, primarily through online displays on news websites using GIF-based visuals.
Most Cannabis Dispensary Workers Viewed Cannabis as Beneficial for Mental Health, Often Diverging From Evidence ↗
A survey of 46 budtenders found most viewed cannabis as beneficial for mental health, especially for sleep and depression, but their perceptions often did not align with scientific evidence.
Cannabis Dispensaries Were More Likely Located in Neighborhoods With Higher Black and Hispanic Populations ↗
A national analysis of 3,167 dispensaries found they were twice as likely to be in neighborhoods with high Black populations and far less likely in areas with high homeownership.
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Openings Were Linked to Significant Drops in Opioid Prescribing for Cancer Patients ↗
A JAMA Health Forum study of 3 million cancer patients found medical cannabis dispensary openings linked to 41 fewer patients per 10,000 receiving opioid prescriptions and shorter supply durations.
No Clear THC Blood Level Could Be Identified as a Reliable Driving Impairment Threshold ↗
Analysis of 740 cannabis driving cases in Germany found THC blood levels were too weakly correlated with impairment to define a useful legal threshold, and the new 3.5 ng/mL limit would remove one-third of current offenses.
Cannabis-Related Hospital Visits in Canada More Than Doubled from 2007 to 2020 ↗
A 13-year analysis of Canadian hospital data found cannabis-related hospitalizations rose 120% and ER visits rose 113%, driven largely by psychosis cases and youth intoxications.
Rural Americans Are Less Likely to Tell Their Doctors About Cannabis Use ↗
Survey of 1,045 Pennsylvanians found rural residents were less likely to tell doctors about marijuana use, potentially harming medical care quality due to stigma.
What Happens When Children Accidentally Consume Cannabis Products ↗
Review explains why children are more vulnerable to cannabis intoxication than adults, with immature metabolism and unique brain receptor patterns amplifying THC effects.
Cannabis Legalization Was Linked to Slightly Higher Opioid Use Disorder Rates Among Veterans ↗
Analysis of millions of VHA patients from 2005-2022 found cannabis legalization was associated with small increases in opioid use disorder, with the largest effects in older adults with chronic pain.
Medical Cannabis Laws Combined with Prescription Monitoring Reduced Chronic Pain Outpatient Visits ↗
Study of nearly 5 million Medicaid patients found that states with both prescription monitoring and medical cannabis laws saw 19% fewer chronic pain outpatient visits, suggesting cannabis substitution for some conventional treatments.
One in Three European Treatment Admissions for Substance Use Are Now Cannabis-Related ↗
European analysis shows cannabis-related treatment admissions rose to 37% of all substance treatment entries by 2020, but only 3% of frequent users sought help, indicating a widening treatment gap.
Cannabis Use, Health Problems, and Criminal Offences All Rose in Germany from 2009 to 2021 ↗
German national data shows cannabis-related medical diagnoses tripled between 2009 and 2021, rising faster than use prevalence, with the biggest increases in middle-aged adults.
Recreational Cannabis Markets Increased Use Across All Age Groups, Especially Older Adults ↗
Synthetic control analysis of 5 states found recreational cannabis markets increased use prevalence by 11% in teens, 17% in young adults, and 33% in adults 26+, with an 82% increase in new adult users.
Most Canadians Support Cannabis Regulations, Even Many Who Use Cannabis ↗
Survey of nearly 17,000 Canadians found majority support for cannabis health warnings and legalization, with regulations broadly accepted even by daily consumers.
Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients Rose at the Same Rate as the General Population Regardless of State Laws ↗
Five waves of national data show cannabis use among cancer patients rose at the same rate as the general population (55-60%) from 2013-2019, regardless of state legalization status.
Cannabis Use Rose Through Age 22 and Stayed Stable in Washington State After Legalization ↗
Study of 15,000+ Washington young adults found cannabis use rose through age 22 then plateaued, with social acceptability and low perceived harm as the strongest drivers.
Cannabis Is the Second Leading Drug Use Disorder in the Americas, Affecting 5.6 Million People ↗
Global Burden of Disease data shows cannabis use disorders affect an estimated 5.6 million people in the Americas (31.5% of all drug use disorders), second only to opioids.
Medical Cannabis Laws May Reduce Opioid Misuse, but Only Among People Already Using Cannabis ↗
Analysis of national survey data found medical cannabis laws reduced opioid misuse by 43% among cannabis users, but had no effect at the population level.
Japanese Cannabis Users Rarely Progressed to Other Drugs, Challenging the Gateway Hypothesis ↗
Survey of 3,900 Japanese cannabis users found cannabis was rarely a gateway to harder drugs, with odds of progressing to methamphetamine at just 0.08.
Cannabis Users Mostly Ignore Health Warnings on Products and Doubt Their Accuracy ↗
Focus groups with 77 cannabis consumers found most ignore existing product warnings and want cited sources, direct language, and visuals to make health warnings credible.
Gender Norms Still Shape Cannabis Use, but Legalization May Be Changing the Rules ↗
Interviews with 23 Canadians in cannabis treatment found recreational use is still seen as masculine, women face extra stigma, but legalization may be shifting these norms.
Cannabis Decriminalization and Legalization Both Reduced Arrests, but Racial Disparities Persisted ↗
Systematic review of 17 studies finds cannabis decriminalization and legalization reduce arrests by 13-87%, but racial disparities in enforcement persist.
One in Five Cannabis Users in Australia Drove Within 3 Hours of Using ↗
Survey of 385 Australian cannabis users found 21.5% drove within 3 hours of use, with heavy users and those unconcerned about testing most likely to drive soon after consuming.
Five Years After Canadian Legalization, Cannabis Use Rose Modestly but Misuse Actually Decreased ↗
Five-year Canadian prospective study found cannabis use increased modestly after legalization while misuse decreased, with the largest improvements among frequent pre-legalization users.
Canadian Legal Cannabis Captured 72% of the Market Within 5 Years, but Total Spending Rose 75% ↗
Canadian data shows legal cannabis captured 72% of the market and illegal share fell to 24% within 5 years of legalization, but total cannabis spending grew 75%.
Medical Cannabis Laws Had No Effect on Opioid Treatment or Overdose in Chronic Pain Patients ↗
Rigorous analysis of Medicare chronic pain patients in 7 states found medical cannabis laws had no measurable effect on opioid treatment or overdose-related healthcare.
One-Third of NYC Young Adults Used Cannabis, With Edibles Surpassing Smoking as the Most Common Method ↗
NYC longitudinal study found edible cannabis surpassed smoking as the most common method among young adults, with new users far outnumbering quitters.
Missouri College Students More Open to Cannabis After Legalization ↗
Missouri college students showed more positive cannabis attitudes and higher use intentions after the state legalized recreational cannabis.
Cannabis-Related Hospitalizations Rose in Arizona Between 2016 and 2021 ↗
Arizona cannabis-related hospitalizations rose significantly from 2016 to 2021, spanning the pre- and post-recreational legalization period.
Lancet Review Warns of Public Health Risks From Cannabis Legalization ↗
Lancet review catalogs adverse public health effects of cannabis legalization including more ER visits, impaired driving, and pediatric exposures.
Cannabis Vape Ads Linked to More Vaping Among Young Adults ↗
Survey of 2,204 young adults finds cannabis vape advertising exposure, especially on social media, is linked to higher use rates and frequency.
Polish Pharmacists Open to Medical Cannabis but Want More Training ↗
Survey of 422 Polish pharmacists finds broad openness to medical cannabis but significant confidence gaps in advising patients, highlighting the need for targeted education.
CHS Cases in Massachusetts ERs Surged 14-Fold From 2012 to 2021 ↗
Massachusetts ER data shows CHS cases surged 14-fold from 2012 to 2021, with young adults, Hispanic, and Black populations most affected.
Warning Labels on Cannabis Posts Reduce Sharing and Dampen Brain Self-Relevance ↗
Warning labels on cannabis social media posts reduce sharing intentions in 1,776 people and dampen self-relevance processing in the brain, revealing the mechanism behind their effectiveness.
Cannabis-Positive ER Tests in Israel Rose Modestly Despite Prescription Surge ↗
Israeli ER data shows cannabis-positive urine tests rose modestly from 15.4% to 17.6% over 8 years despite exponential growth in cannabis prescriptions.
Legalizing Cannabis Edibles Increased Teen Cannabis Use by 26% in Canada ↗
JAMA study of 106,032 Canadian students finds legalizing cannabis edibles increased teen use by 26%, edible consumption by 43%, and cannabis smoking by 34%.
Does Legalizing Drugs Help or Hurt Mental Health? What 55 Studies Found ↗
A review of 55 studies found drug legalization and decriminalization had mostly neutral effects on population-level mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
South African Medical Students Hold Diverse Views on Cannabis Decriminalization ↗
Review finds South African medical students hold diverse views on cannabis decriminalization, with gaps in knowledge about health impacts and professional implications.
Cannabis Legalization Cut Drug Seizures and Modestly Reduced Racial Disparities ↗
NIBRS analysis finds cannabis legalization cut overall drug seizures and modestly reduced Black-white disparities in cannabis enforcement, but racial gaps persisted for other drugs.
Cannabis Advertising Uses Tobacco Industry Playbook, Review Finds ↗
Review finds cannabis advertising mirrors tobacco marketing tactics including price promotions and social media, with widespread exposure among youth and adults linked to increased use.
Medical Cannabis Laws Linked to More Teen Use, Perceived Penalties Linked to Less ↗
National survey finds medical cannabis laws increase and perceived penalties decrease teen cannabis use, with legalization weakening the protective effect of social bonds.
Researchers Warn of a Growing Epidemic of Drug-Induced Psychosis ↗
A review warns that 30 years of rising methamphetamine and high-potency cannabis use have fueled a growing wave of drug-induced psychosis, with up to half of cases progressing to schizophrenia.
Canada's Legal Age for Cannabis May Be Protecting Youth From Hospitalizations ↗
A population-based Canadian study found cannabis-related hospitalizations dropped 34% among youth below the legal purchase age after legalization, while continuing to rise among adults above it.
People Hospitalized for Cannabis Use Disorder Had Nearly 3x the Death Risk Over 5 Years ↗
An Ontario study of 11.6 million people found that individuals hospitalized for cannabis use disorder were nearly 3 times more likely to die within 5 years, with especially high risks for suicide and trauma.
The Share of Schizophrenia Cases Linked to Cannabis Use Disorder Nearly Tripled After Legalization ↗
An Ontario study of 13.6 million people found the share of schizophrenia cases linked to cannabis use disorder nearly tripled from 3.7% to 10.3% during a period of cannabis policy liberalization, reaching 18.9% among young men.
Cannabis Use in Georgia Barely Changed After Legalization ↗
A nationally representative study found cannabis use among young adults in the country of Georgia barely changed four years after legalization, though the drug became easier to obtain and first use shifted to older ages.
Georgian Doctors Lack Training to Screen or Counsel Patients on Cannabis ↗
A mixed-method study found that only 36% of Georgian primary care physicians were familiar with cannabis laws, and 88% had never used diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorders, citing time constraints and stigma as key barriers.
Over 26,000 Cannabis Products Online Make Health Claims, Often Unverified ↗
An analysis of over 624,000 cannabis products on Leafly and Weedmaps found more than 26,000 listings making health benefit claims, with mood disorders, pain, and sleep being the most common.
Illicit Cannabis Still Dominates in Many Legal States, and Hemp-Derived THC Is a Growing Wild Card ↗
A 12-state US study found illicit cannabis persists alongside legal markets, hemp-derived THC is growing rapidly in regulatory gaps, and THC products dominate 90%+ of all cannabis market value.
Indonesia's Cannabis History Stretches Back Centuries, But Modern Law Remains Punitive ↗
A legal analysis traces Indonesian cannabis use from the 14th century to modern Constitutional Court battles, arguing that punitive policies conflict with human rights and centuries of cultural practice.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Were Linked to a Small Increase in Suicide Deaths, But Results Varied by State ↗
Recreational marijuana laws were linked to an increase of 0.68 suicide deaths per 100,000 overall, but early-adopting states saw decreases while later-adopting states drove the increase.
Cannabis Sales Were Linked to More Drug- and Alcohol-Related Crashes in Quebec ↗
A Quebec study found that higher cannabis sales were linked to 12% more drug-related and 12% more alcohol-related traffic crashes across five cities, with Montreal showing 87-93% increases.
Greek Patients See Potential in Medical Cannabis But Want Better Guidance ↗
A qualitative study of 24 Greeks found CBD-experienced patients reported benefits for pain and anxiety but wanted better guidance, while cannabis-naive patients were skeptical but open to regulated medical use.
Cannabis Store Employees Care Less About THC Levels Than Their Customers Do ↗
A Washington State survey found cannabis retail employees rated THC concentration as less important than customers, valuing terpene profiles and production methods more.
5.1 Million Germans Used Cannabis in the Past Year, With 1% Meeting Dependence Criteria ↗
Germany's 2024 national survey found 9.8% of adults (5.1 million) used cannabis in the past year, with 1% dependent, compared to 4.2% alcohol and 8.3% tobacco dependence.
YouTube Videos Portray Delta-8 THC as a Legal, Milder Cannabis Alternative ↗
An analysis of 47 YouTube videos found Delta-8 THC portrayed as a legal, milder cannabis alternative with easy access, while few videos were age-restricted.
Big Tobacco, Alcohol, and Pharma Companies Are Moving Into the Cannabis Industry ↗
A study of five major cannabis companies found significant investment and employee flows from alcohol, tobacco, and pharma industries, raising concerns about profit-driven practices entering cannabis markets.
Nearly Half of Cannabis Users in This Survey Had Tried Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids ↗
Survey of 229 cannabis users found 44.5% had used semi-synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC and THCP, with adverse effects reported across all product types.
Specific Cannabis Ad Features Make Youth More Interested in Using ↗
Experiment with 409 California youth found that cannabis ads with illustrations, food references, and positive sensation imagery significantly increased interest in cannabis use.
Thailand Saw More Cannabis Poisonings and Child Exposures After Legalization ↗
Thai poison center data showed cannabis hospitalizations rose from 69% to 97% across legalization stages, with more children exposed after recreational legalization.
Almost All CBD Retailers in This Study Displayed Ads with Unapproved Health Claims ↗
Pilot study of 13 CBD retailers in North Carolina found 92% displayed unapproved health claims, most commonly for stress/anxiety, arthritis, and pain.
Cannabis Policy Needs to Balance Psychosis Risk with Medicinal Potential ↗
British Journal of Psychiatry editorial argues cannabis policy should reduce psychosis harm while improving access to regulated medicinal products.
Tribal Communities Face Unique Cannabis Policy Challenges with Higher Use Rates ↗
Review highlights that Native American communities face unique cannabis policy challenges, with higher youth use rates and multi-jurisdictional regulatory complexity.
Cannabis Involvement in PTSD Emergency Visits Rose 151% During Canada's Legalization Era ↗
Ontario data showed cannabis involvement in PTSD emergency visits rose 151% during cannabis liberalization (2008-2022), outpacing alcohol's 58% increase.
More Restrictive Cannabis Policies Were Associated with Less Cannabis Use in Both Adults and Youth ↗
Analysis of 17 state cannabis policy areas from 2002-2019 found more restrictive policies consistently associated with lower cannabis use in both adults and youth.
Youth Cannabis Use Is Shaped by Individual, Family, Peer, Community, and Policy Factors at Every Level ↗
Systematic review found youth cannabis use shaped by multi-level factors: individual perceived risk, peer influence, neighborhood stress, and policy context.
Canada's Post-Legalization Adverse Reaction Reports Reveal Patterns in Cannabis Side Effects ↗
Analysis of 698 adverse reaction reports since Canadian cannabis legalization found most came from older medical users of extracts, with different side effect profiles for THC- and CBD-dominant products.
Smoking Remains the Most Common Way Americans Use Cannabis, With Vaping Rising Among Young Adults ↗
CDC surveillance across 22 states found smoking remains the dominant cannabis route (79%), followed by edibles (42%), vaping (30%), and dabbing (15%), with vaping concentrated among young adults.
Cannabis Users Want Better Warning Labels That Actually Educate Rather Than Scare ↗
Focus groups found cannabis users never notice current warning labels and want informative, attention-grabbing warnings that educate about specific risks rather than generic cautions.
Cannabis Edible Brand Names Use Different Marketing Strategies for THC vs CBD Products ↗
Analysis of 1,344 cannabis edibles found CBD brands use health/wellness themes (45%) while THC brands emphasize cannabis culture and food, potentially shaping consumer risk perceptions.
Cost and Supply Concerns Drive Medical Cannabis Patients to Buy From Illicit Sources ↗
About 12% of Utah medical cannabis patients bought from illicit sources, primarily due to cost (79%) and supply concerns, with access barriers nearly 5x increasing illicit use odds.
Older Canadian Cannabis Users Want More Information From Healthcare Providers ↗
Focus groups with 72 Canadians aged 60+ found older adults use cannabis for pain and mental health but lack guidance from healthcare providers about risks and drug interactions.
New Dataset Captures How Differently Each US State Regulates Cannabis ↗
New dataset tracks 36 cannabis policy indicators across all 50 US states from 1994-2023, organized into pharmaceutical, permissive, and fiscal dimensions scored 0-100.
Inside India's Unregulated Cannabis Market: A 13-Year User's Call for Safety Testing ↗
Drawing on 13 years in India's prohibited cannabis market, a researcher argues the real risks come from unregulated product contamination and unpredictable potency, not cannabinoids themselves.
What's Actually on Delta-8 THC Product Labels? A Packaging Analysis ↗
Analysis of 140 delta-8 THC products found most lack health warnings and many don't clearly state cannabinoid content, highlighting gaps in an unregulated market.
Nearly a Third of German Cannabis Users Experience Stigma About Their Use ↗
Pre-legalization German survey found nearly a third of regular cannabis users experienced external stigma, with medical users and those with use disorder most affected.
Legal and Illegal Cannabis Prices Are Converging Five Years After Canadian Legalization ↗
Five years after Canadian legalization, 78% of cannabis purchases come from legal sources, with price gaps narrowing though legal dried flower still costs 24% more.
Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Alone Didn't Predict Child Maltreatment After Policy Changed ↗
Study of 35,437 births found prenatal THC exposure alone did not predict maltreatment after policy stopped automatically substantiating it as abuse, and revealed racial bias in testing.
What Social and Economic Factors Predict Which States Legalize Marijuana? ↗
Analysis of US states found marijuana legalization is significantly predicted by socioeconomic factors including use prevalence and household income, suggesting legalization requires a supportive broader context.
Five US States Taking Different Approaches to Cannabis Social Equity, With Mixed Results ↗
Case study analysis of cannabis social equity programs in 5 US states found varied approaches to expungements, business assistance, and revenue allocation, with limited evidence of effectiveness.
Fetal THC Exposure Rose After Illinois Legalized Cannabis ↗
Study of 2,981 umbilical cord samples found THC positivity increased from 40.6% to 46.2% after Illinois legalized cannabis, with significantly higher THC concentrations in positive samples.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Affected Opioid and Non-Opioid Pain Prescriptions Differently ↗
Analysis of national insurance data examined whether recreational cannabis legalization changed opioid and non-opioid pain prescriptions, providing real-world evidence on cannabis-opioid substitution.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Led to More Treatment-Seeking After a Four-Year Delay ↗
National treatment data showed cannabis-related admissions fell overall from 2010-2021, but recreational legalization was associated with a delayed increase in treatment-seeking starting four years after implementation.
13% of Colorado Birthing Individuals Used Cannabis Perinatally, with Depression Doubling the Odds ↗
Colorado surveillance data showed 13.3% of birthing individuals used cannabis perinatally, with pregnancy depression doubling the odds. Most cited medical reasons during pregnancy but shifted to recreational use postpartum.
Living Near More Cannabis Dispensaries Is Associated With Higher Use Frequency But Not Initiation ↗
A study of 11,569 adults found higher dispensary density near homes was linked to more frequent cannabis use among users, but not to whether someone used at all.
BC Poison Control Calls for Cannabis Doubled in Children After Legalization ↗
BC poison control data showed cannabis calls for children under 10 doubled after legalization, with edibles involved in 72% of post-legalization pediatric cases.
Cannabis Legalization in California Was Linked to Changes in Alcohol Use — But the Direction Depends on Age ↗
An analysis of 8 million+ alcohol screenings in California found that cannabis legalization was associated with declining heavy drinking in younger adults (21–34) but not in older adults, suggesting age shapes the substitution effect.
Cannabis Use Among Canadians Aged 55–65 Jumped After Legalization ↗
Cannabis use among Canadians aged 55–65 jumped from 19% to 25% after legalization, with many using it for health conditions — calling for age-targeted education about medication interactions.
Black Cancer Patients Were Actually More Comfortable Discussing Cannabis With Doctors Than Expected ↗
A survey of 1,003 cancer survivors found no racial disparities in cannabis use or provider discussions — Black patients who used cannabis were actually the most comfortable discussing it with doctors.
In a Massachusetts ER, Patients and Doctors Often Disagreed on Whether Cannabis Caused the Visit ↗
In a Massachusetts ED after cannabis legalization, patients and doctors frequently disagreed about whether cannabis contributed to the visit, revealing a communication gap in emergency cannabis-related care.
How Cannabis Marketing Exposure Differs Across US States With Different Laws ↗
Large national survey of 187,573 people showing significantly higher cannabis marketing exposure in recreational-legal states compared to medical-only or prohibition states.
German Midwives' Knowledge and Practices Around Cannabis Use During Pregnancy ↗
Survey of German midwives after 2024 cannabis legalization finding gaps in knowledge about prenatal cannabis risks and inconsistent screening practices.
Drug Use in Non-Fatal Car Crashes and How Cannabis Policies Affect Crash Rates ↗
Analysis of drug use in non-fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2023, examining how state cannabis legalization policies relate to drug-positive crash rates.
What Canadian Cannabis Retailers Think Is Working—and What Isn't—After Legalization ↗
Canadian cannabis retailers in Newfoundland cited high taxes, advertising restrictions, and supply chain issues as barriers—while recognizing their public health role.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Are Associated With People Sleeping About 5 Minutes Less ↗
Analysis of 175,493 Americans showing recreational cannabis legalization is associated with falling asleep 7 minutes later and sleeping 5 minutes less per night.
Recreational Cannabis Users Drink More on Days They Also Use Cannabis ↗
Daily-level analysis showing recreational cannabis users drink more on cannabis days (complementary), while medical users drink less (substitution) in Washington State.
Canada's Impaired Driving Rose After Legalization — But Enhanced Enforcement May Be Why ↗
Canadian impaired driving reports rose after 2018 cannabis legalization, but analysis suggests enhanced police enforcement and pandemic effects drove the increase more than cannabis sales themselves.
Pregnant Women in Legal Cannabis States Are Less Likely to Complete Treatment ↗
Among 13,088 pregnant women in cannabis treatment, those in legal states had 67% lower odds of completing treatment—only 28.3% completed overall.
Smoking vs. Vaping Cannabis: Different Risks, Not No Risks ↗
Vaping cannabis reduces some combustion harms but produces similar cardiovascular effects to smoking and introduces its own lung risks—not a safe alternative.
How States Are Trying to Fix Cannabis Industry Inequality ↗
Multi-state analysis of social equity programs in legal cannabis found wide variation in design and outcomes, with persistent gaps between policy goals and actual representation.
The Rise of Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids in Europe ↗
Over 30 semi-synthetic cannabinoids derived from hemp CBD are circulating in Europe with unknown safety profiles, posing challenges for regulation and detection.
15% of Americans Now Use Cannabis Monthly, With Distinct CBD-Only and Dual-Use Patterns ↗
2023 national survey reveals 15% of Americans use cannabis monthly, with distinct age patterns: young adults favor dual cannabis-CBD use, middle-aged adults prefer cannabis-only, and seniors lean toward CBD-only.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to More Binge Drinking During Pregnancy ↗
National data shows states with legal recreational cannabis sales had 2x higher binge drinking during pregnancy, with legalization associated with a 5 percentage point increase — an unexpected and concerning connection.
Cannabis Legalization Hit Psychiatric Teens Hardest — 4x More Cannabis Disorders ↗
After Massachusetts legalized cannabis sales, adolescent psychiatric ER patients showed a 4.6-fold increase in cannabis disorders (3% → 12%) and 3.5-fold increase in THC positivity — the biggest impact on the most vulnerable group.
Living Near a Cannabis Store Linked to 12% More Cannabis ER Visits ↗
Rigorous natural experiment of 6 million Ontarians found living within 1km of a cannabis store was associated with 12% more cannabis-related ER visits — providing actionable evidence for store density regulation.
More Drivers Test Positive for Marijuana After Medical Legalization in Pennsylvania ↗
Analysis of 10,517 MVC trauma patients over 16 years found significant increases in marijuana-positive drivers after Pennsylvania's medical marijuana legalization, with these patients having longer hospital stays.
CBD Product Users Are Primed to Try Cannabis If Legalized ↗
A study of 1,492 young Spanish adults found that most would try cannabis if legalized, with existing CBD+THC product users showing the highest demand for both medicinal and recreational cannabis.
Cannabis Substitution Reduces Alcohol Use in Managed Alcohol Program ↗
A Canadian harm reduction program found that offering cannabis alongside alcohol reduced drinking: each additional joint was associated with about 2.4 fewer standard drinks per day among people with severe alcohol use disorder.
Recreational Cannabis Laws Linked to 9-11% Drop in Daily Opioid Use Among People Who Inject Drugs ↗
Analysis of 28,069 people who inject drugs across 13 states found that recreational cannabis legalization was linked to 9-11% less daily opioid misuse, with racial disparities in cannabis use changes.
Cannabis-Mental Health Link Has Doubled in Strength Since 2012 in Canada ↗
Canadian national survey data shows the cannabis-mental health association roughly doubled from 2012 to 2022, with frequent users showing up to 5.4x higher suicidality prevalence by 2022.
Cannabis Laws Linked to Increased Youth Suicide in Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic Populations ↗
Analysis of 113,512 youth suicides found cannabis laws were associated with increased suicide deaths specifically among Asian/Pacific Islander (up to 42% increase) and Hispanic youth, with no effects in other racial groups.
How Cannabis Taxes Actually Compare Across States When You Standardize Them ↗
First standardized comparison of cannabis excise taxes across 12 states found ~13% average tax incidence across product types, with wide state-to-state variation.
Did Opening Cannabis Stores in California Increase Emergency Room Visits? ↗
California city-level analysis found cannabis store authorization increased ER visits, hospitalizations, and poison center calls — with spillover effects into neighboring cities.
Higher Cannabis Prices Reduce Teen Use — But Only Modestly ↗
Analysis of 40,277 adolescents in 10 legal-cannabis states found that higher prices modestly reduced teen cannabis use (elasticity -0.21 to -0.33), but cannabis taxes alone had no significant effect.
Living Near More Dispensaries Increases Young Adult Cannabis Use ↗
A California cohort study found each additional dispensary within 1 mile increased young adult cannabis use by 5-6%, with smoking and edible use most affected but daily use unchanged.
Cannabis Legalization Drives Up Tobacco-Cannabis Co-Use While Reducing Tobacco-Only Use ↗
Analysis of 854,878 adults found recreational legalization nearly doubled cannabis-only use and increased tobacco-cannabis co-use by 44%, while reducing tobacco-only use by 13%.
Cannabis Legalization Drives New Users Rather Than Heavier Use Among Existing Users ↗
Analysis of 859,600 adults found legalization brings new users — especially older adults, women, and college graduates — into cannabis use without increasing frequency among existing users.
Edible Cannabis Use Surges 35% After Recreational Legalization ↗
Analysis of 69,109 cannabis users found that recreational legalization shifted consumption toward edibles by 35%, particularly among males and older adults, while smoking declined.
People with Psychosis Show Large Increases in Cannabis Use After Legalization ↗
People with psychosis increased their cannabis use by nearly 10 percentage points after recreational legalization — larger than general population increases — with the effect linked to retail store openings.
Cannabis Use Disorder Is Now the World's Most Prevalent Drug Use Disorder ↗
Global Burden of Disease analysis of 204 countries finds cannabis use disorder is now the world's most prevalent drug disorder at 271 per 100,000, with legal-cannabis countries showing higher rates across all substances.
Stricter State Cannabis Laws Linked to Less Cannabis Use Among College Students ↗
Study of 900,000+ college students found stricter state cannabis policies associated with less cannabis use and less co-use with alcohol, with the two policy domains operating independently.
More Cannabis Stores Means More Cannabis Use — But Less Heavy Drinking for Some ↗
Oregon data shows cannabis retail density drives use in a dose-response pattern (up to 59% increase), while reducing heavy alcohol use among adults aged 21-24 and 65+.
How German Cannabis Laws Drove Surges in Medical Cannabis Searches ↗
Google Trends analysis shows German medical cannabis searches surged 203% after the 2017 medical law and 216% after the 2024 legalization act, with significant regional variation across states.
Who Supports — and Who Actually Grows — Cannabis at Home After German Legalization? ↗
Representative German survey (n=1,500) finds support for cannabis legalization is driven by broad expectations while actual home cultivation depends on personal cannabis experience, revealing a belief-behavior gap.
How Long Cannabis Shows Up in Urine — and Why Current Thresholds May Be Wrong ↗
Systematic review of 92 studies found even low THC doses can trigger positive urine tests, and regular users may test positive for weeks — exposing problems with current thresholds.
Cannabis Advertising Was Associated With 77% Higher Odds of Cannabis Use ↗
Meta-analysis: cannabis advertising linked to 77% higher odds of use; social media ads showed strongest effect (3.38x).
Nearly 60% of top hip-hop music videos on YouTube contained nicotine or cannabis depictions, generating over 100 billion substance impressions ↗
Analysis of 1,160 top YouTube videos finds hip-hop/rap 13x more likely to show nicotine or cannabis, generating over 100 billion substance impressions.
Stronger alcohol and cannabis policies each independently reduced substance-involved motor vehicle deaths ↗
Decade of US crash data shows stronger alcohol and cannabis policies each independently reduce substance-involved motor vehicle deaths.
When Average Cannabis Use Goes Up Among Teens, Heavy Use Goes Up Too ↗
Analysis of 260,000+ Swedish students over 33 years shows that rising average cannabis use among teens predictably drives increases in heavy use.
Cannabis-Related ER Visits and Outpatient Encounters Rose 71% in Five Years ↗
FDA database study of 115 million insured adults found cannabis-related healthcare encounters rose 71% from 2017 to 2022, with no difference by state legalization status.
Cannabis Use Patterns Differ by Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Gender ↗
National survey of 40,000+ adults reveals bisexual women have 2.57x higher odds of cannabis use, with distinct gender-specific patterns across sexual orientation dimensions.
Nearly 9 in 10 Malaysians Surveyed Support Medical Cannabis Based on Clinical Evidence ↗
Web survey of 2,047 Malaysians found 88.4% support medical cannabis based on clinical evidence, with education and low risk perception as strongest predictors.
Chile's Cannabis Use Plummeted 90% While Cocaine Surged, Wastewater Data Shows ↗
Two years of wastewater surveillance in Chile found cannabis use dropped 90% while cocaine surged tenfold, revealing a dramatic shift in the regional drug landscape.
Cannabis use after Canadian legalization increased mainly among people without mental health problems ↗
A study of nearly 93,000 Canadians over five years found cannabis use after legalization increased mainly among those without mental health problems, with people reporting anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia showing few changes in use.
Eight months after German legalization, no significant increase in cannabis use or stoned driving ↗
A Lancet study comparing Germany and Austria found no significant increases in cannabis use or stoned driving 8 months after German legalization, though 21.5% of driving-under-influence episodes combined cannabis with alcohol or other drugs.
About 30% of Polish adults support full cannabis legalization, but nearly 40% favor depenalization of personal possession ↗
Nationwide Polish survey of 1,113 adults found limited support for full recreational cannabis legalization (29.6%) but substantially greater acceptance of depenalization (39.6%), with demographic factors strongly shaping attitudes.
Frequent cannabis use among California 11th graders increased after retail legalization, especially where new stores opened ↗
Analysis of 377,205 California 11th graders found frequent cannabis use increased after 2018 retail legalization, with jurisdictions newly allowing storefronts seeing sustained elevated rates while ban jurisdictions saw declines.
Medical cannabis dispensary openings increased young children's poison exposures by 52%, but recreational dispensaries then decreased them by 42% ↗
Analysis of 36,161 pediatric cannabis exposures found medical dispensary openings increased young children's poisonings by 52%, but recreational dispensaries subsequently decreased them by 42%, suggesting regulatory maturation protects children.
Over 90% of underage young adults who used cannabis perceived easy access, and most used multiple product types ↗
Study of underage US young adults found 95% of cannabis users perceived easy access and 63.5% used multiple product types, with state recreational policy increasing perceived access among non-users.
Wastewater testing in a Japanese town found low but rising THC use and surprisingly high CBD use from 2020 to 2023 ↗
Wastewater surveillance in a Japanese town found low but steadily rising THC use (27% annual increase) and surprisingly high CBD use from 2020 to 2023, providing objective data in a strict prohibition country.
Teens in states with legal recreational cannabis were 45% more likely to start vaping it, with e-cigarette use being the strongest predictor ↗
Nationally representative study of 19,000+ youth found recreational cannabis legalization linked to 45% higher odds of starting cannabis vaping, but e-cigarette use was the strongest predictor at 8x higher odds.
Most cannabis users in France buy from dealers or friends, but the factors driving supply methods differ between teens and adults ↗
French surveys of 4,164 cannabis users found most buy from dealers or friends, with problematic use and being male predicting purchasing or cultivation over receiving it free.
Nearly 29% of North Americans have tried CBD, about double the rate in Europe ↗
First meta-analysis of CBD prevalence found nearly 29% lifetime use in North America vs. 13% in Europe, with opposite patterns for clinical vs. community use between continents.
Teens often misread cannabis edible warning labels and find products that look like snacks less risky ↗
Focus groups with 28 Washington teens showed they misinterpret cannabis edible warnings, ignore nutrition labels, and find snack-like products less risky.
Only the strongest cannabis marketing restrictions actually reduced exposure, and young people saw the most marketing ↗
Study of 99,132 people in 20 legal-cannabis states found only the strongest marketing restrictions reduced exposure, while those under 21 saw the most cannabis marketing.
Cannabis use disorder rose among veterans in states that legalized, but the increase was similar for men and women ↗
Veteran study found cannabis use disorder rose faster in states that legalized, but increases were similar for male and female veterans with one exception.
In New Zealand, minorities, women, and lower-income people are less likely to get medical cannabis prescriptions and anticipate physician refusal ↗
Survey of 1,742 NZ medical cannabis users found Maori, Pacific Peoples, women, and lower-income users less likely to get prescriptions and more likely to expect physician refusal.
After Germany raised its legal THC driving limit, half of impaired drivers fell below the new threshold while half of unimpaired drivers exceeded it ↗
Analysis of 48,058 German traffic cases found the new 3.5 ng/mL THC limit poorly separates impaired from unimpaired drivers, with identical median THC in both groups.
Nearly 74% of cannabis stores sold to customers acting drunk, despite a law prohibiting it ↗
Pseudo-patron study found 74% of cannabis stores sold to apparently drunk customers, with posted signage being the only factor that increased refusal rates.