The connection between cannabis use and psychosis has long been a topic of interest for researchers. A recent study led by McGill University sheds light on the brain’s dopamine system as a possible explanation for why cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions, key symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and motivation, and an excess is associated with psychosis. The study reveals that individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region linked to psychosis. This finding could help explain why cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions.

The study involved 61 participants, including those with and without CUD, as well as individuals with early-stage schizophrenia, some of whom also had CUD. Using a specialized brain scan called neuromelanin-MRI, researchers measured their neuromelanin signal, which reflects dopamine activity. The results showed that people with CUD had an abnormally high neuromelanin signal, and the elevation was tied to the severity of their cannabis use.

These findings have significant implications for educating youth about the risks associated with frequent cannabis use. In Canada, about one-in-five youth are cannabis users, consuming it daily or almost daily. Understanding the potential impact on mental health remains a pressing question.

The study’s lead author, Jessica Ahrens, notes that “for a long time, clinical researchers across the world have been searching for a link showing that cannabis affects the brain mechanism behind psychosis. We now show that a shared dopamine pathway could be the answer.”

Future research will explore whether long-term cannabis use leads to lasting dopamine changes and whether these effects reverse after quitting. As Dr. Lena Palaniyappan, Professor of Psychiatry at McGill and Psychiatrist at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, suggests, “our findings could help doctors and mental health professionals better educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis use, especially for those with a family history of psychosis.”

The study’s publication in Jama Psychiatry provides valuable insights into the link between cannabis use and psychosis, and its findings have important implications for public health and education.

The world is rapidly shifting its stance on marijuana, with many places embracing its recreational and medicinal use. However, beneath the façade of relaxation and enjoyment lies a concerning reality: marijuana users face an alarmingly higher risk of heart attack. Two recent studies have shed light on this alarming trend, emphasizing that cannabis consumption can no longer be dismissed as harmless.

A retrospective study of over 4.6 million people has revealed that cannabis users under the age of 50 are more than six times likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of considering marijuana use in cardiovascular assessments, just like cigarette smoking.

The research team conducted the analysis using data from TriNetX, a global health research network providing access to electronic medical records. Their findings indicate that cannabis users had:

* A sixfold increased risk of heart attack
* Fourfold increased risk of ischemic stroke
* Twofold increased risk of heart failure
* Threefold increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke

These alarming numbers highlight the need for policymakers and healthcare professionals to take a closer look at the potential risks associated with marijuana use. As Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, lead author of the study, suggests, “Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk.”

A meta-analysis of 12 previously published studies has further solidified these findings, revealing a 50% increased risk among active cannabis users compared to those who don’t use the drug. This comprehensive review of existing research highlights the importance of considering marijuana consumption when evaluating heart attack risk.

The mechanisms behind marijuana’s impact on cardiovascular health are not yet fully understood, but researchers hypothesize that it can affect:

* Heart rhythm regulation
* Oxygen demand in the heart muscle
* Endothelial dysfunction, making blood vessels harder to relax and expand

One study found that the risk of heart attack peaks about one hour after marijuana consumption. This knowledge underscores the need for caution when using cannabis.

While more research is necessary to confirm these findings and determine which groups face the highest risk, the existing evidence demands attention. As Dr. Kamel concludes, “Patients should be forthcoming with their doctors, and we are their number one advocate. Having the full story matters.”

The Dark Side of High: How Marijuana Use Can Increase Heart Attack Risk serves as a stark reminder that the risks associated with cannabis consumption cannot be ignored. It’s time for policymakers and healthcare professionals to acknowledge these concerns and take proactive steps to protect public health.

The development of new drugs is a complex process that requires extensive testing on animals before they can be approved for human use. Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly reduce the number of laboratory animals required in this process.

The team, led by Markus Seeger from the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Johannes vom Berg from the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, has developed a technology that allows them to test up to 25 antibodies simultaneously in a single mouse. This innovation is set to speed up the research and development pipeline for new drugs while also reducing the number of laboratory animals required.

Antibodies are proteins that specifically bind to certain structures on cells or molecules. They are used in many modern medicines, including treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. However, testing antibodies individually in animal models is a time-consuming process that requires a large number of laboratory animals.

The new technology uses protein fragments called flycodes to mark each antibody individually. These flycodes act as barcodes, allowing researchers to separate and analyze the individual antibodies from a complex mixture. The results show that this method delivers high-quality preclinical data on the investigated antibodies, reducing the need for multiple animal tests.

One of the most significant advantages of this technology is its potential to reduce the number of laboratory animals required in drug development. According to the researchers, this new method could reduce the number of animals required by a factor of up to 100. This not only speeds up the research and development process but also contributes to reducing animal suffering.

The researchers demonstrated that their flycode technology does not compromise the efficacy of the antibodies in living organisms. They tested the antibodies against cancer cells, and the targeted accumulation worked correctly even when combined with other antibodies. The team also used flycodes to analyze the properties and data for a series of 80 drug-like synthetic biomolecules, known as sybodies.

The breakthrough has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, where preclinical tests account for a large proportion of animals used. By reducing the number of animal tests required, this technology can advance preclinical discovery pipelines more efficiently in the future.