Lead Story: Getting to the Heart of Cannabis Health Risks

Lead Story: Getting to the Heart of Cannabis Health Risks

Have you ever wondered about the impact of cannabis on your heart? This episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' from ASAM dives deep into the cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use. Host Claire Rasmussen unpacks a groundbreaking study from Cell Press that shows how just one marijuana joint can spike inflammatory markers and trigger vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and even atherosclerosis. But there's a twist—genistein, a compound found in soy, might help mitigate these harmful effects.

It's not all about cannabis, though. Rasmussen also explores a fascinating trial comparing e-cigarettes and nicotine patches for pregnant smokers trying to quit. You'll get insights into the effectiveness of each method and the unexpected findings when participants mixed both approaches. The episode doesn't stop there. It covers a wide range of topics, from the patterns of cannabis use among U.S. adults to the latest on treating major depressive disorder with AXS.

There's also a poignant look at mental health and substance use among homeless adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for federal support for overdose prevention centers. If you're grappling with benzodiazepine dependence or curious about patient-centered measures of success in opioid use disorder treatment, this episode has something for you too. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a researcher, or someone personally affected by addiction, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and real-world applications.

Tune in for an episode that's both informative and eye-opening.