scholarly journals The NFL Should Stop Trying to Weed Out Marijuana

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 33-36
Author(s):  
Stephanie Assi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Drug Testing ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Addiction ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Medical Marijuana Use

Is the NFL’s drug-testing policy on medical marijuana out of date? In recent years, the United States has seen a rise in opioid addiction and opioid related deaths. The NFL is not immune from the opioid epidemic, as many current and retired players have addressed the troubled paradigm of needing relief from pain caused by years of playing in the NFL, but the increased risks of opioid use to treat said pain. This article addresses the current NFL policy regarding medical marijuana use and how changing this policy could ultimately benefit the health and safety of the NFL players.

Marijuana Use and Breastfeeding

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 101-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie W. Miller
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breastfed Infants ◽  
Feeding Difficulty ◽  
Medical Marijuana Use

Marijuana is one of the most widely used recreational substances in the United States, with high rates of use during peak childbearing years. Medical marijuana use is also becoming more widely accepted in the United States, with legalization in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The available literature suggests that maternal marijuana use during breastfeeding is associated with potentially negative outcomes for infants and children. Adverse effects can include feeding difficulty, lethargy, and delayed cognitive and motor development. Mothers considered heavy or chronic users of marijuana are advised to not breastfeed infants. The aim of this article is to examine the prevalence of marijuana use, the potential effects on breastfed infants, and current recommendations from lactation experts.

Trends in and correlates of medical marijuana use among adults in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 186 ◽  
pp. 120-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Han ◽  
Wilson M. Compton ◽  
Carlos Blanco ◽  
Christopher M. Jones
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Marijuana Use

scholarly journals Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Recommended Solutions from Physicians

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Cataldo ◽  
Sandra Collins ◽  
Richard C Mckinnies ◽  
Jane Nichols ◽  
Thomas A Shaw
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Active Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Misuse ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Opioid Crisis ◽  
A Current

The purpose of this study was to assess physicians’ accounts related to the current opioid epidemic and to identify solutions that they feel would be most successful in addressing opioid misuse and overuse. A survey was administered a group of physicians obtained from a nationwide database. Nearly all physicians surveyed believed there was a current opioid crisis in the United States and that physicians should take an active role in addressing opioid use in patients. Four key themes emerged regarding solutions to the opioid crisis: i) policy change, ii) improve treatment, iii) education, and iv) alternative treatment. The diversity of responses highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to address opioid misuse and abuse.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of opioid involvement in non-poisoning suicide – risks and prevention opportunities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryann Mason ◽  
Suzanne McLone ◽  
Tami Bartell ◽  
Sarah Welch ◽  
Karen Sheehan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The current opioid epidemic has drawn attention to drug overdose deaths including unintentional and suicide poisoning deaths which peaked in the United States in 2017. Concurrent with the opioid epidemic, the number and rate of suicides in the United States has increased. At the same time, the proportion of suicide deaths across cause of death has shifted and the proportion of suicides by poisoning (including overdose) has decreased. On the face of it, it would appear that the opioid epidemic has not intersected with suicide as signaled by the decline in suicide deaths due to poisoning. However, opioid use and misuse is associated with suicidal ideation and attempts and therefore it is plausible that opioids may play a role in suicide deaths by causes other than poisoning. Objective This study examines opioid involvement (as measured by the presence of opioids but below the lethality threshold) in suicides by causes other than poisoning, Methods A cross-sectional study utilizing Illinois National Violent Death Reporting System data including all suicides toxicology screened for opioids. Chi-square tests were used to compare decedent and incident circumstance characteristics by opioid toxicology screen status. Results Of 1007 non-poisoning suicides screened for opioids, 83.6% (842) were opioid negative and 16.4% (165) were opioid positive. Over half (52.7%) of decedents positive for opioids died by firearm. White race, age 75 and over, and widowed or unknown marital status were associated with opioid positivity. Opioid positivity is linked to testing positive for other substances. One quarter of decedents testing positive for opioids had a history of substance abuse. Twenty eight percent of opioid positive decedents suffered from physical health problems. Conclusion Suicide decedents who are opioid positive and who die from causes other than poisoning have distinct characteristics which suggest an array of suicide prevention efforts – for example -- including information on risk of suicide for opiate users in firearm sales, including suicide prevention counseling in health care settings in which opiates and/or benzodiazepines are therapeutically prescribed, and close monitoring of pain symptoms among patients experiencing chronic pain. ​

scholarly journals The Opioid Crisis Viewed Through the Lens of a Black and White Camera

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Health Care Disparities ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Regulatory Control ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Access To Treatment

The United States’ opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. As opioid use has not been shielded from health care disparities furthered by economic, gender, race, and sex biases, discrepancies in the rates of abuse and access to treatment exist among non-white minorities. This narrative literature review is an evaluation of the literature centered on minority racial disparities in opioid use, abuse, and care in the United States. Racial disparities in prescribing opioid-containing compounds are staggering among non-white individuals. A historical review of opioid regulatory control is offered as an explanation for the cognitive biases demonstrated by clinicians. Governmental regulation is among the polyfactorial roots of racial inequity in the opioid epidemic. Literature describing physician bias and portrayals of racial and sexual disparities in opioid abuse disorders are presented. As part of the national response to this evident disparity, addressing these issues will be an important factor in curbing this epidemic and tools to assist in mitigating these obstacles are presented.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Older Adults Who Were Early Adopters of Medical Cannabis in the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua D. Brown ◽  
Brianna Costales ◽  
Sascha van Boemmel-Wegmann ◽  
Amie J. Goodin ◽  
Richard Segal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
Medical Marijuana Use

Use of medical marijuana is increasing in the United States and older adults are the fastest growing user group. There is little information about the characteristics and outcomes related to medical marijuana use. This study is a descriptive analysis of older adults (aged ≥50 years old) who were early adopters of a medical marijuana program in the U.S. state of Florida. Per state legislation, initial and follow-up treatment plans were submitted to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Data collection included demographics, clinical history, medical conditions, substance use history, prescription history, and health status. Follow-up treatment plans noted changes in the chief complaint and actions taken since the initial visit. Of the state’s 7548 registered users between August 2016 and July 2017, N = 4447 (58.9%) were older adults. Patients utilized cannabidiol (CBD)-only preparations (45%), preparations that had both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD (33.3%) or were recorded to use both CBD-only and THC + CBD products (21.7%). The chief complaints indicating medical cannabis treatment were musculoskeletal disorders and spasms (48.4%) and chronic pain (45.4%). Among other prescription medications, patients utilized antidepressants (23.8%), anxiolytics and benzodiazepines (23.5%), opioids (28.6%), and cardiovascular agents (27.9%). Among all drug classes with potential sedating effects, 44.8% of the cohort were exposed to at least one. Patients with follow-up visits (27.5%) exhibited marked improvement as assessed by the authorizing physicians. However, the patient registry lacked detailed records and linkable information to other data resources to achieve complete follow up in order to assess safety or efficacy. Future improvements to registries are needed to more adequately capture patient information to fill knowledge gaps related to the safety and effectiveness of medical marijuana, particularly in the older adult population.

Regulating Marijuana Use in the United States: Moving Past the Gateway Hypothesis of Drug Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason F. Arnold ◽  
Robert M. Sade
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Gateway Hypothesis

Many studies have shown that marijuana can negatively affect the cognitive development of adolescents. For some individuals, marijuana use may also initiate opioid use, dose escalation, and opioid use disorder. States that legalize marijuana should help adolescents through regulation of advertising and availability of marijuana-infused edibles. Such policies may assist in protecting neurodevelopment of the adolescent and young adult brain. The federal government should also remove its prohibition of marijuana sales and use, leaving their regulation to state law-makers.

scholarly journals Medical marijuana laws and adolescent marijuana use in the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Addiction ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 1003-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron L. Sarvet ◽  
Melanie M. Wall ◽  
David S. Fink ◽  
Emily Greene ◽  
Aline Le ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Marijuana Laws ◽  
Adolescent Marijuana Use

scholarly journals Long-term Infective Endocarditis Mortality Associated With Injection Opioid Use in the United States: A Modeling Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua A Barocas ◽  
Golnaz Eftekhari Yazdi ◽  
Alexandra Savinkina ◽  
Shayla Nolen ◽  
Caroline Savitzky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Behavior Profiles

Abstract Background The expansion of the US opioid epidemic has led to significant increases in infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE), which is tied to injection behaviors. We aimed to estimate the population-level IE mortality rate among people who inject opioids and compare the risk of IE death against the risks of death from other causes. Methods We developed a microsimulation model of the natural history of injection opioid use. We defined injection behavior profiles by both injection frequency and injection techniques. We accounted for competing risks of death and populated the model with primary and published data. We modeled cohorts of 1 million individuals with different injection behavior profiles until age 60 years. We combined model-generated estimates with published data to project the total expected number of IE deaths in the United States by 2030. Results The probabilities of death from IE by age 60 years for 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old men with high-frequency use with higher infection risk techniques compared to lower risk techniques for IE were 53.8% versus 3.7%, 51.4% versus 3.1%, and 44.5% versus 2.2%, respectively. The predicted population-level attributable fraction of 10-year mortality from IE among all risk groups was 20%. We estimated that approximately 257 800 people are expected to die from IE by 2030. Conclusions The expected burden of IE among people who inject opioids in the United States is large. Adopting a harm reduction approach, including through expansion of syringe service programs, to address injection behaviors could have a major impact on decreasing the mortality rate associated with the opioid epidemic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document