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Main article: Drugs
Risks of use
Marijuana use leads to chronic sleep disturbance, weakened immunity, persistent stomatitis and lung disease. Muscle coordination is impaired, vision and memory are impaired.
Legalizing marijuana
Main article: Legalization of marijuana
Chronicle
2024
First proven: Marijuana alters DNA
On October 16, 2024, British scientists released the results of a study proving for the first time that the use of potent marijuana leaves a unique mark on DNA. It has been established that cannabis can provoke changes in genes associated with mitochondrial and immune functions.
Specialists from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurology (IoPPN) at King's College London and the University of Exeter took part in the work. The research was funded by the Medical Research Centre, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
The study involved 682 volunteers who used cannabis containing 10% or more of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the main psychoactive component of marijuana. Experts have studied the effect of cannabis on DNA methylation - this is a modification of a DNA molecule without changing the DNA nucleotide sequence itself. This process alters gene expression. It turned out that marijuana can have an effect on the Cavin1 gene, which is able to influence the immune response. Moreover, the detected changes are not explained by the well-known effect of tobacco on DNA methylation. Differences in the effect of cannabis on DNA in healthy individuals and those who have experienced a state of psychosis have also been identified.
 | This is the first study to show that frequent use of potent marijuana leaves a distinct molecular footprint on DNA, particularly affecting genes associated with energy and immune function. Our findings provide important insights into how cannabis use can alter biological processes, says Dr. Emma Dempster, senior author of the study.[1] |  |
How marijuana affects the brain. MRIs pictures
In early March 2023, specialists from the Australian Catholic University released the results of a study suggesting that cannabis use can provoke changes in the microstructure of the white matter of the brain. This is reflected in a person's cognitive abilities and mental health.
The conclusions of scientists are based on data obtained through diffusion MRI: the technology, among other things, makes it possible to reconstruct neural pathways. Researchers found that people who use marijuana often have lower upper longitudinal bundle integrity. It is a large tract connecting the cortex of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, and the area around the Sylvian cleft. In addition, in marijuana smokers, the corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres of the brain, may exhibit higher average diffusion, indicating possible changes in interhemispheric communication.
The changes recorded appeared to be more pronounced in those who started using cannabis at an early age and those who used it for long periods of time. However, scientists emphasize, some of the results are contradictory. For example, other studies suggest that people who do not use cannabis and marijuana smokers do not show significant differences in brain structure.
Overall, the scientists note, the data collected highlight the complexity of the brain and how individual factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle can influence changes in the white matter microstructure. Some studies have shown that young people who use cannabis have an increased risk of developing psychosis. Plus, smoking marijuana can increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and suicidal moods.[2]
2023
How dangerous is marijuana use. Conclusions from the study of 60 thousand people
People who regularly use marijuana are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is stated in a study by Canadian specialists from the University of Calgary, the results of which were published on September 27, 2023.
The data presented are based on the results of an analysis of information about about 60 thousand people. It is noted that after Canada legalized cannabis in 2018, the share of users increased by 5%, reaching 27% in 2020. It is estimated that more than 200 million people use marijuana worldwide. Of these, approximately a third (34%) face various harmful health effects. The occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, or peripheral vascular disease is observed in 2.4% of those cannabis users who have experienced poorer health.
| | Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies show that regular cannabis use provokes many adverse effects on the body. However, the link between marijuana and cardiovascular disease is an understudied field, "noted Anees Bahji, MD, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Calgary | |
The available evidence points to an increase in cases of cardiovascular disease among young people consuming cannabis. Although the exact mechanisms of this process are unknown, scientists believe that the development of cardiac ailments is due to the activation of the endogenous cannabinoid system consisting of endocannabinoids, their receptors and complex downstream signaling pathways. In addition, some cannabinoids can exacerbate the cardiovascular diseases already present in humans.[3]
How long-term marijuana use affects the brain
On June 6, 2023, specialists from the University of Otago in Christchurch (New Zealand) released the results of a study that examined possible changes in the brain with long-term use of marijuana.
It is noted that marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. So, by the age of 21, 80% of New Zealanders have tried cannabis at least once, while 10% develop addiction. In the United States, the proportion of the population over 12 years old who used marijuana rose from 11% in 2002 to 18% in 2019. At the same time, approximately 43% of college students reported that they took cannabis within a year. The researchers also note that society's attitude towards the use of marijuana for medical purposes is becoming more tolerant. Against this background, it is important to understand what changes in the body can provoke this substance.
To study the long-term effect of cannabis on the brain, specialists used the diffusion MRI method. This technology allows you to form three-dimensional models and reconstruct neural pathways. The study involved 69 people born in 1977 whose health indicators were tracked throughout their lives. Of those, 35 used marijuana and the remaining 34 did not. All participants underwent scans on a Skyra MRI machine manufactured by Siemens Healthineers.
Scientists have concluded that the intensive use of cannabis in adolescence and early adulthood leads to a significant decrease in the volume of gray matter in the hippocampus and amygdala. At the same time, there were no significant differences in cerebral blood flow or white matter integrity in people from the two groups studied. Further work is expected to help establish a causal link between marijuana use and changes in the brain.[4]
Marijuana raises risks of heart ischemia by a third
At the end of February 2023, scientists from the American Heart Association not only confirmed the relationship of marijuana consumption with coronary heart disease, but also demonstrated that the higher the dose, the stronger the negative effect.
As marijuana becomes legal in an increasing number of US states, this study is one of the largest and most complete as of February 2023. The study examines the potential long-term cardiovascular effects of using this drug. Previous studies have yielded somewhat conflicting results about the association between cannabis and cardiovascular disease. Some of them suggest that smoking marijuana can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart events, especially in young people.
Using the data of the research program "All of us" of the National Institutes of Health, which contains detailed information about the health and habits of 175 thousand people. Researchers from the American Heart Association first analyzed the association between cannabis use rates and heart disease rates. They then used Mendelian randomization, a genetic approach, to identify a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and risk of heart ischemia, using data from an independent genetic consortium.
After adjusting for age, sex and major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the results showed that daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to have coronary heart disease than those who had never used marijuana. In addition, in genetic analysis, this causality was independent of the potential confounding effects of tobacco and alcohol use. By helping to better understand the molecular pathways associated with marijuana use and heart disease, the findings could open new avenues for intervention in the prevention or treatment of heart disease.
Based on these findings, the researchers said it's important for people to know that cannabis use is not without risk. Patients should necessarily inform their doctor if they use cannabis so that doctors can take appropriate measures to monitor heart health.
The datasets used in this study did not distinguish between different forms of cannabis use - for example, smoking the drug, using it as dietary supplements or in other forms. Because tetrahydrocannabinol, scientists say, enters the body via a different route and gets to the brain faster when cannabis is smoked rather than eaten, researchers believe future studies would benefit from examining the health implications of these different forms of cannabis consumption.[5]
2022
10 cities in the world with the lowest marijuana cost
Marijuana - the sixth most expensive agricultural crop in the United States - $5 billion
The legalization of marijuana in the United States led to the fact that in 2022 it entered the sixth place in the ranking of the main crops of the United States with a harvest of $5 billion. The leader - corn - has a noticeably higher result: 82.6 billion, but marijuana has a chance of reaching fifth place.
Compared to 2021, the cost of marijuana harvest in 2022 increased immediately by 24%. Marijuana has only been legalized in 23 states in the country this time.
Marijuana boosts sexual arousal and orgasms
At the end of January 2022, scientists from Spain from the University of Almeria, led by Pablo Roman, conducted a study aimed at analyzing the effect of alcohol and cannabis use on sexual function in young people. The scientific work was published in the international scientific peer-reviewed journal Healthcare, focusing on health systems.
The observational study involved 274 people aged 18 to 30 years. The following selection tools were used: an alcohol use disorder test, a cannabis abuse screening test, and a sexual functioning change questionnaire. Data for the study were collected in Almeria, Spain between January and June 2020.
After processing the results, it turned out that the participants who were the most active users of cannabis scored more in the points regarding arousal and orgasm than the participants who rarely used marijuana. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the scores on the scale of desire. No significant differences were also found in the effect of the amount of marijuana on sexual function. The researchers noted that this study did not receive any special grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or non-profit sectors.
For alcohol, no statistically significant differences in overall sexual function were found between drinkers and non-drinkers. However, there were statistically significant differences based on alcohol consumption levels. Those who reported binge drinking scored higher on the arousal scale than those who did not drink at all. And those who drank more had higher orgasm scores than those who drank alcohol moderately. However, participants who reported severe alcohol dependence had significantly lower scores than study participants whose drinking rate was assessed as average.[6]
Compounds blocking coronavirus found in marijuana
On January 10, 2022, information appeared that the compounds contained in marijuana could prevent infection with the virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by blocking its entry into cells, according to a study published by scientists from Oregon State University. The study report was published in the monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal Journal of Natural Products.
The study was led by Oregon Global Hemp Innovation Center researcher at the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute Richard van Breeman, in collaboration with scientists at Oregon Health & Science University. The scientist noted that the cannabinoids studied are common and readily available.
The researchers found that two cannabinoid acids commonly found in hemp, namely cannabigerol and cannabidiolic acid, can bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19). By binding to the protein, these compounds can prevent the virus from entering cells and cause infection, potentially opening new avenues for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
| | These cannabinoids, isolated or contained in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts. Cannabigerol and cannabidiol acids block the action of new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Our studies have shown that hemp compounds are equally effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including variant B.1.1.7, first detected in the UK, and variant B.1.351, first discovered in South Africa, said Richard van Breemen, a researcher at the Oregon Global Hemp Innovation Center at the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute. | |
Cell entry inhibitors, such as hemp acids, can be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as to shorten the timing of infection by preventing viral particles from entering human cells. They bind to spike proteins, so these proteins cannot bind to the enzyme ACE2, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs. Although further research is needed, Richard van Brimen noted that the study shows that cannabinoids can be developed into drugs to prevent or treat COVID-19. The researcher added that resistant options can still arise against the background of widespread use of cannabinoids, but the combination of vaccination and treatment should create a much more difficult environment for SARS-CoV-2.[7]
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Notes
- ↑ First study to show high potency cannabis use leaves unique signature on DNA
- ↑ Cannabis use linked to changes in brain’s white matter microstructure
- ↑ Cannabis use disorder and adverse cardiovascular outcomes: A population-based retrospective cohort analysis of adults from Alberta, Canada
- ↑ MRI detects brain changes due to long-term cannabis use
- ↑ Frequent Marijuana Use Linked to Heart Disease
- ↑ The Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol Use on Sexuality: An Observational Study in Young People (18–30 Years)
- ↑ Study Finds Cannabis Compounds Prevent Infection By Covid-19 Virus
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