Effective treatment of marijuana: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Marijuana use has been shown to increase heart rate and may improve mood, but it can also have negative effects on cognitive function and motor skills. 3 , 9 , 4 , 5 , 15 , 12 , 8 , 14 , 18 , 17 , 13 , 11 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 6 , 16 , 1 . It has also been shown to increase appetite in some individuals. 7 . In addition, smoking marijuana in a tobacco leaf (blunt) has been shown to increase carbon monoxide exposure and heart rate compared to smoking it in cigarette paper (joint). 9

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Some studies suggest that marijuana can help alleviate symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea. 7 . Additionally, marijuana may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms in addiction treatment. 14

Risks Summary

Marijuana use has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, mental illness, cognitive impairment, and addiction. 17 , 13 , 11 , 2 , 6 , 16 . Young males have been identified as particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of marijuana. 16

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Numerous studies have consistently shown that marijuana use increases heart rate. 3 , 9 , 4 , 5 , 15 , 12 , 8 , 14 , 18 , 17 , 13 , 11 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 6 , 16 , 1

Differences

The effects of marijuana on cognitive function and motor skills can vary depending on the study. 3 , 9 , 4 , 5 , 15 , 12 , 8 , 14 , 18 , 17 , 13 , 11 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 6 , 16 , 1 . The impact of marijuana on appetite can vary depending on the individual. 7

Consistency and Contradictions

The effects of marijuana can vary depending on several factors, such as dosage, smoking method, and individual characteristics. Therefore, research findings may not always be consistent. 3 , 9 , 4 , 5 , 15 , 12 , 8 , 14 , 18 , 17 , 13 , 11 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 6 , 16 , 1

Real-World Applications and Considerations

It is important to remember that marijuana use, even for medical purposes, carries risks. It is never safe to use marijuana without consulting a doctor and following their instructions. Do not self-medicate with marijuana.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on marijuana is still in its early stages. There is a particular lack of information regarding the long-term effects of marijuana use and its impact on specific populations. 16

Future Research Directions

More research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of marijuana use. Long-term effects, as well as effects on specific populations, such as youth and pregnant women, need to be further explored. 16

Conclusion

Marijuana can increase heart rate and improve mood, but it also carries risks of negative effects on cognitive function and motor skills. 3 , 9 , 4 , 5 , 15 , 12 , 8 , 14 , 18 , 17 , 13 , 11 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 6 , 16 , 1 . It is crucial to consult a doctor before using marijuana for any reason.

Literature analysis of 18 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
6
Article Type
15
0
3
1
18
1.

The disruption of marijuana intoxication.

Author: PihlR O, SpiersP, SheaD

Dosage impacts intoxication
Marijuana affects heart rate
Noise amplifies marijuana effects

A study of 96 males found that marijuana intoxication was suppressed in those who smoked marijuana in a noisy environment, especially at low doses. However, the noise group had higher pulse rates than the music group.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Acute effects of marijuana on cognition: relationships to chronic effects and smoking techniques.

Author: BlockR I, FarinpourR, BravermanK

None mentioned
Cognitive impairment

Marijuana use impaired cognitive abilities in all areas except abstraction and vocabulary. The impairment was more widespread than that seen in chronic marijuana users, but some similarities were observed. Prolonged breath holding may have increased the effects of marijuana in some tests, but overall, it did not. Prolonged breath holding itself negatively affected performance in four tests, regardless of marijuana use. The causes of these effects, whether physiological or psychological, could not be determined.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

3.

Acute effects of smoking marijuana on hormones, subjective effects and performance in male human subjects.

Author: ConeE J, JohnsonR E, MooreJ D, RoacheJ D

Hormonal changes
Psychomotor impairment

Marijuana smoking significantly decreased plasma LH and increased cortisol levels in healthy males. Other hormones like prolactin, FSH, testosterone, and GH also showed non-significant changes. Subjective effects, measured by various questionnaires, were generally elevated. These changes were accompanied by impaired psychomotor performance. While all hormone effects remained within normal ranges, the potential interactions between these systems and their impact on behavior require further investigation.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Effects of marijuana smoking on subjective ratings and tobacco smoking.

Author: Nemeth-CoslettR, HenningfieldJ E, O'KeeffeM K, GriffithsR R

This study found that marijuana smoking increased heart rate, dose strength ratings, and drug liking, but had no significant effect on tobacco cigarette smoking.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

5.

Reinforcing properties of oral delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, smoked marijuana, and nabilone: influence of previous marijuana use.

Author: MendelsonJ H, MelloN K

The study showed that smoked marijuana was significantly more reinforcing than other cannabis compounds, regardless of marijuana use history. Regular users experienced increased elation, while intermittent and occasional users showed increased pulse rate.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

6.

Comparison of the subjective effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and marijuana in humans.

Author: WachtelS R, ElSohlyM A, RossS A, AmbreJ, de WitH

Few studies comparing marijuana and THC
Need for further research
Unclear effects comparison

There is debate about whether the effects of whole-plant marijuana differ from those of its main active ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Few studies have directly compared the effects of marijuana and THC using matched doses administered through smoking or orally.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

7.

Dronabinol and marijuana in HIV(+) marijuana smokers: acute effects on caloric intake and mood.

Author: HaneyMargaret, RabkinJudith, GundersonErik, FoltinRichard W

Food intake increase
Tolerability
Dronabinol side effects

Dronabinol and marijuana were well-tolerated and increased caloric intake in HIV(+) marijuana smokers with clinically significant muscle mass loss.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

8.

Neurophysiological and subjective profile of marijuana with varying concentrations of cannabinoids.

Author: IlanA B, GevinsA, ColemanM, ElSohlyM A, de WitH

Neurophysiological biomarkers
Attention deficits
Cognitive impairment

This study found that THC and its metabolites are the primary active constituents of marijuana, and that neurophysiological EEG and ERP measures are useful biomarkers for its effects, while varying the concentrations of CBC and CBD had no significant impact on subjective, behavioral, or neurophysiological responses.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

9.

Comparison of subjective, pharmacokinetic, and physiological effects of marijuana smoked as joints and blunts.

Author: CooperZiva D, HaneyMargaret

Increased carbon monoxide exposure
Increased heart rate

This study directly compares the effects of smoking marijuana in blunts (marijuana wrapped in tobacco leaves) versus joints (marijuana wrapped in cigarette paper). The study found that joints produced higher plasma THC levels and greater subjective intoxication compared to blunts, but blunts resulted in higher carbon monoxide levels and increased heart rate.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

10.

Sex, drugs, and cognition: effects of marijuana.

Author: AndersonBeth M, RizzoMatthew, BlockRobert I, PearlsonGodfrey D, O'LearyDaniel S

Marijuana effects study
Marijuana cognitive impairment

Marijuana may have more pronounced effects on cognition in women compared to men. This study examines sex differences in the acute effects of marijuana on cognitive function.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

11.

Contingency management is efficacious and improves outcomes in cocaine patients with pretreatment marijuana use.

Author: AlessiSheila M, RashCarla, PetryNancy M

Cocaine use treatment
Needs further research
Unclear impact on treatment

Many people seeking treatment for cocaine use also use marijuana. However, few studies have examined how marijuana use affects treatment outcomes, especially for contingency management (CM) therapy, a method that has been questioned for potentially encouraging the use of drugs that aren't rewarded.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

12.

Subjective, cognitive and cardiovascular dose-effect profile of nabilone and dronabinol in marijuana smokers.

Author: BediGillinder, CooperZiva D, HaneyMargaret

Marijuana dependence treatment

This study compared the effects of nabilone and dronabinol, both THC analogs, on subjective, cognitive, and cardiovascular effects in marijuana smokers. Nabilone demonstrated sustained, dose-related increases in positive mood, few cognitive decrements, and lawful cardiovascular alterations, suggesting it might be a viable treatment for marijuana dependence.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

13.

Balanced placebo design with marijuana: pharmacological and expectancy effects on impulsivity and risk taking.

Author: MetrikJane, KahlerChristopher W, ReynoldsBrady, McGearyJohn E, MontiPeter M, HaneyMargaret, de WitHarriet, RohsenowDamaris J

Marijuana impulsivity
Marijuana risk taking

Marijuana use may increase impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, possibly due to the pharmacological effects of THC or the expectancy of receiving it.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

14.

"Spice" and "K2" herbal highs: a case series and systematic review of the clinical effects and biopsychosocial implications of synthetic cannabinoid use in humans.

Author: GundersonErik W, HaugheyHeather M, Ait-DaoudNassima, JoshiAmruta S, HartCarl L

Improved cannabis withdrawal treatment
Potential toxicity

This systematic review examines the clinical effects of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in humans, highlighting potential toxicity such as anxiety and psychosis. The review also presents three case reports of individuals who used SCs to alleviate cannabis withdrawal.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

15.

Marijuana's dose-dependent effects in daily marijuana smokers.

Author: RameshDivya, HaneyMargaret, CooperZiva D

Marijuana dose-response
Marijuana effects

This study investigates the dose-response relationship of active marijuana. The study found dose-dependent differences in marijuana's cardiovascular effects and craving, but not in subjective effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

16.

The relationship between cannabis and male infertility, sexual health, and neoplasm: a systematic review.

Author: RajanahallyS, RaheemO, RogersM, BrisbaneW, OstrowskiK, LendvayT, WalshT

Medical marijuana
Increased use in young males
Potential for harm
Unclear medical effects

The use of marijuana in the US is increasing rapidly, with 28 states allowing medical use and 8 allowing recreational use. While marijuana use is rising, its medical effects are not fully understood. Young men are the group most likely to use marijuana, making them particularly vulnerable to potential short-term and long-term consequences.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

Cardiovascular Effects of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review.

Author: PashaAhmed K, ClementsCharlene Y, ReynoldsCharity A, LopezMaegan K, LugoCiara A, GonzalezYulisa, ShiraziFarshad M, AbidovAiden

Cardiovascular side effects
Lack of regulation

Medical marijuana use is becoming increasingly popular, with 25 states legalizing it for medical purposes. However, evidence suggests potential cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use, including rhythm abnormalities, syncope/dizziness, and myocardial infarction. Further research is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana products.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

18.

Effects of Marijuana Use on Smokers Switching to E-Cigarettes in a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: RiceMyra, NollenNicole L, AhluwaliaJasjit S, BenowitzNeal, WoodcockAnna, PulversKim

E-cigarette switching
Reduced smoking
Increased CO
Marijuana use

This study found that marijuana use was not a barrier to switching to e-cigarettes in a 6-week randomized clinical trial. However, marijuana use uniquely contributed to higher carbon monoxide levels among cigarette smokers, indicating greater exposure to toxic combustion products, which could increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

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