The Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science

Top Cannabis News Story

The Trump administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could have a massive impact on the US economy. If marijuana is reclassified as a Schedule Three drug, it would open the door to significant tax breaks for cannabis companies and make it easier for scientists to conduct federally approved research.

Science Article Reviews

This study aimed to investigate perceptions and risk behaviors related to driving under the influence of cannabis versus alcohol. The key findings suggest that participants perceived driving under the influence of alcohol as more dangerous than driving under the influence of cannabis. Additionally, the study found that individuals who engaged in riding with drunk or drugged drivers were more likely to report past-year DUI of cannabis or alcohol.

This study examined the prospective association between substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) and subsequent job loss in a large population-based sample. The key findings indicate that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, as well as their combination, were associated with an increased risk of job loss at follow-up.

#CannabisBoomer #CannabisScience #Reclassification #DrivingUnderInfluence #SubstanceUse #JobLoss

Grace[0:0:0]​

On today's Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science, Dr. Alex Terrazas PhD gives his take on the latest findings in cannabis research.

But first. here is The Cannabis Boomer's top cannabis news story.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:0:19]

Marijuana Reclassification Could Unlock Billions for the US Economy

The Trump administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could have a massive impact on the US economy. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule One drug, alongside substances like heroin and LSD. This designation makes it very difficult for businesses and researchers to operate in the cannabis industry.

If marijuana is reclassified as a Schedule Three drug, similar to some types of testosterone and caffeine, it would open the door to significant tax breaks for cannabis companies. It would also make it easier for scientists to conduct federally approved research, potentially uncovering new use cases and market opportunities. This shift could send cannabis stock prices soaring, but not everyone is on board - the National Sheriffs' Association has voiced opposition, citing concerns over public safety.

While the timeline for federal legalization remains uncertain, the potential reclassification represents a major milestone. Investors interested in this emerging market should approach with caution, as cannabis stocks are known for their volatility. But with the right tools and information, they may be able to capitalize on this historic moment for the industry. On the Cannabis Boomer Podcast, I dive into the rescheduling conundrum. Rescheduling will have a number of unintended consequences and may make it impossible for patients to access medical cannabis.

Grace [0:2:13]

And now the Cannabis Boomer reviews recent cannabis science publications.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:2:7]

Today's science review focuses on the relative and combined harms of alcohol and cannabis.

First up:

Driving under the influence of cannabis versus alcohol: A mixed-methods study examining perceptions and related risk behaviors among US and Israeli adults by LoParco and others, published in Addictive behaviors

This study aimed to investigate perceptions and risk behaviors related to driving under the influence of cannabis versus alcohol.

The key findings suggest that participants perceived driving under the influence of alcohol as more dangerous than driving under the influence of cannabis. Additionally, the study found that individuals who engaged in riding with drunk or drugged drivers were more likely to report past-year DUI of cannabis or alcohol.

The researchers used a mixed-methods approach, including online surveys and focus groups, to collect data from adults in the US and Israel.

The findings have important clinical and practical implications, as they highlight the need for targeted interventions and public education campaigns to address the misconceptions and risky behaviors associated with driving under the influence of cannabis.

The study's limitations include the use of self-reported data and the potential for cultural differences between the US and Israeli samples, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:3:45]

Our next article today is:

Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use are associated with job loss at follow-up: Findings from the CONSTANCES cohort. by Airagnes and others in the journal PloS one.

This study examined the prospective association between substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) and subsequent job loss in a large population-based sample, while accounting for various sociodemographic and health factors.

The key findings indicate that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, as well as their combination, were associated with an increased risk of job loss at follow-up. This association persisted across different sociodemographic and occupational positions.

The study utilized data from the CONSTANCES cohort, a large population-based cohort in France. Participants' substance use and employment status were assessed at baseline and follow-up, and the analysis accounted for age, gender, overall health status, and depressive symptoms.

The findings suggest that addressing substance use, particularly in the workplace, may be an important strategy for preventing job loss and promoting employment stability. Alternatively, job loss may cause greater substance use. This has important implications for public health and occupational health policies.

The study's limitations include the reliance on self-reported substance use and the potential for residual confounding, which could influence the observed associations. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the long-term consequences of substance use on employment outcomes.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer[0:5:33]

Last up for today:

Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use is associated with daily consequences reflective of alcohol use disorder symptoms. by Howe and others. This publication appeared in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

This study examined the associations between different patterns of alcohol and cannabis co-use (simultaneous, concurrent, and alcohol-only) and the likelihood of endorsing alcohol consequences categorized as alcohol use disorder symptoms, otherwise known as AUD.

The key findings indicate that simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use was associated with a higher likelihood of endorsing alcohol consequences reflective of AUD symptoms compared to concurrent use or alcohol-only use.

The study utilized a daily diary methodology, where participants reported their alcohol and cannabis use patterns and alcohol-related consequences for 30 consecutive days.

The findings have important clinical implications, suggesting that healthcare providers should assess for simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use and target this co-use pattern in interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms.

The study's limitations include the reliance on self-reported data and the lack of information on the specific quantities and timing of alcohol and cannabis use within each day.

Alex Terrazas, PhD: The Cannabis Boomer [0:7:5]​

You've been listening to The Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science. The Cannabis Boomer Podcast is not just for baby boomers and older adults but for all adults who are interested in the science of cannabis and health. Join the Cannabis Boomer daily for these concise scientific reviews and visit The Cannabis Boomer Podcast for in-depth looks and interviews.

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