The Impact of Cannabis Laws and Innovative Treatments in Addiction Medicine
Episode Overview
Legalised medical cannabis is linked to higher rates of CUD and poisoning. Recreational cannabis laws also correlate with increased poisoning cases. Methadone treatment in emergency departments can effectively link patients to ongoing care. Cannabis vaping may pose similar health risks to traditional smoking. Various interventions for quitting vaping show mixed results.
States with legalised medical cannabis experienced 42% and 88% increases in CUD and cannabis poisoning respectively.
This episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' dives into some intriguing findings from recent studies on cannabis use, methadone treatment, and alcohol use disorder. Hosted by Zach Caruso, the episode kicks off with a detailed look at a longitudinal cohort study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The study reveals that states with legalised medical cannabis have seen significant increases in cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabis poisoning. Recreational cannabis laws are also linked to higher rates of cannabis poisoning.
If you're curious about how these laws might impact public health, this segment is a must-listen. Next up, the episode explores a study from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine on the utilisation of methadone in emergency departments. The findings suggest that initiating methadone treatment in the ED can effectively link patients to ongoing care. This could be a game-changer for those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). The episode doesn't stop there.
You'll also hear about the potential dangers of cannabis vaping from a study in the American Journal of Physiology. This research indicates that cannabis aerosol contains harmful substances that could affect your lungs similarly to traditional smoking. For those looking to quit vaping, there's an interesting Cochrane review that evaluates various interventions. While the evidence for some methods is still low, it opens up a conversation about what might work best for different individuals.
Finally, the episode delves into a comprehensive review of alcohol use disorder (AUD) from the New England Journal of Medicine and a fascinating study on hypothalamic changes in patients with AUD. These segments offer valuable insights into the neurobiology of addiction and the potential for recovery. If you're keen on staying updated with the latest in addiction medicine, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert analysis.
Don't miss out on these important discussions that could have real-world implications for treatment and public health policies.