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Copyright of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria is the property of Thieme Medical Publishing Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ius et Praxis (07172877) is the property of Universidad de Talca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colección is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Recent research suggests potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis-derived products, a lower risk profile than other illicit substances, and significant functional improvement from reduced use. Likewise, low abstinence rates and low motivation to achieve abstinence among those with cannabis use disorder (CUD) are the norm. As such, the harm reduction model has gained traction among substance use scientists and health care professionals as a viable alternative approach. Yet, to date no formal definition of cannabis harm reduction has been proposed. Method: We reviewed the literature, including two recent empirical papers published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Sherman et al. (2022) and Borodovsky et al. (2022), which demonstrate that harm reduction is sufficient to achieve functional improvement. We then propose and define a harm reduction approach for cannabis use research and treatment, and argue why this approach is a timely, necessary discussion. Results: We suggest that a cannabis harm reduction approach includes treatment, research, and education initiatives that reduce the public health burden of cannabis use. This approach includes interventions that reduce functional impairment and risk from cannabis, reduced or managed use, and sometimes, but not necessarily, abstinence. Psychoeducation for treatment providers, legislative barriers, and research recommendations are also discussed. Conclusions: Research and treatment for CUD has historically focused on cannabis abstinence. Treatment trials rarely yield durable abstinence rates, and reduction has recently been tied to functional improvement. We comment on Sherman et al. (2022) and Borodovsky et al. (2022) and propose a shift toward a cannabis harm reduction approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos Médico Sociales is the property of Colegio Medico de Chile (A.G.) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The decriminalisation of the prodigal "green crop" has left the most vulnerable small-scale cannabis farmers high and dry. In 2018, the South African Constitutional Court legalised the use of cannabis for personal and medical use. The 2018 regulations on cannabis were welcomed as a new lifeline in the eradication of poverty. However, in the haste to join the global urgency in cultivating cannabis, small-scale farmers were left behind and prevented from partaking in the green gold rush. The cannabis legislation and laws that were created to enable South Africans to participate in the lucrative cannabis market have done the opposite and have crafted barriers to entry. This study employed a desk research methodology, deemed optimal for this article's objectives and purpose, to explore how the 2018 regulations on cannabis cultivation prevent small-scale farmers from participating in the legalised market in South Africa. Data were gathered and analysed from diverse secondary sources, encompassing published and unpublished documents, reports, academic literature, and online materials from sources like news websites. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges that South African small-scale cannabis farmers face, and how their participation in the newly-opened market would benefit the communities in which they live and operate. The main findings of the research indicate the challenges for small-scale farmers having no support system and still facing transformational issues that persist even after 29 years of democracy in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Constitutional Court of South Africa has recently held that there must be a legal protection for the personal cultivation, possession and use of cannabis in the private setting in South Africa. This presupposes that the use of cannabis is decriminalised but at the same time regulated because it was meant to be utilised only in a private setting. However, the socio-economic aspects such as the commercial cultivation, trading and sale of cannabis for purposes of earning income to improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty were overlooked. These aspects are so significant because commercialisation of cannabis would generate taxes and revenues, create employment opportunities and alleviate poverty. Therefore, this paper argued that there should be a commercial cultivation and trade in cannabis for socio-economic benefits. It explained further that the decriminalisation and legal protection granted the personal cultivation, possession and use of cannabis should also be extended and allowed for vast and massive cultivation, trade and sale of cannabis, which will, in turn, foster socio-economic benefits to the people, society and the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cannabidiol is efficacious as an adjunctive treatment in children with epilepsy associated with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. As its role is currently adjunctive, we reviewed the interactions of cannabidiol with other antiseizure medications (ASMs).Methods: A search of Cochrane, Pubmed and Embase databases from January 2015 to April 2020 was performed. All original research papers discussing interactions between cannabidiol and ASMs were included. Bibliographies of review articles were searched to identify further papers. Adverse events and side effects were excluded.Results: Cannabidiol interacts with ASMs through both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Thirty studies were identified (eighteen observational cohort studies, two randomised-control trials, three case reports/series, three animal studies, two briefing reports, an analysis of cohort data and a clinical trial simulation). There is potential for pharmacokinetic interactions between CBD and brivaracetam, clobazam, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, potassium bromide, pregabalin, rufinamide, sirolimus/everolimus, stiripentol, tiagabine, topiramate and zonisamide. Pharmacodynamic interactions were identified for clobazam, valproate and levetiracetam. An animal study identified that the brain concentration of ASMs may be altered while the serum concentration remains the same.Conclusion: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions exist between cannabidiol and ASMs. The cytochrome p450 system in particular has been implicated in pharmacokinetic interactions, although not exclusively. The existing literature is limited for some ASMs by studies having relatively small cohorts. As increasing numbers of patients use cannabidiol, specialists need to monitor closely for interactions clinically and with blood levels when required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis is one of the widely used psychoactive substances in the world. It is used for different reasons ranging from recreational, personal, religious, cultural, medical and social reasons. While some countries still criminalise the use of cannabis, others have decriminalised it. South Africa is one the countries that recently decriminalised it where the Court pronounced legal protection for the personal cultivation, possession and use of cannabis. Even though the Court has given legal protection for the use of cannabis, this paper posits that it was not a blanket protection as there are still some limitations imposed on the use, possession and cultivation of cannabis. In addition, trading of cannabis is still prohibited. The paper looks at the prohibitions imposed by the laws during and after colonial and apartheid regimes, and also looks at the benefits of cannabis in contrast to their negative effects. The Court allowed the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in a private setting but not in the public space. Over and above, in order to remove all restrictions, the paper proactively makes suggestions for the amendment of legislation governing the cultivation and use of cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis use represents the most commonly illicit drug intake worldwide. m-Health interventions have the potential to play a key role in the fight against cannabis intake issues. A steadily increasing number of m-Health apps are currently available on commercial app stores to support psychoactive substance users. This study aims at exploring technical and functional characteristics of available m-Health-apps intended for non-medical Cannabis Use and Dependence (CUD). We carried out a scoping review following guidance from Arksey & O'Malley. We searched in Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases end of March 2021. Only five papers fitted our inclusion criteria out of 113 studies. Four out of five included studies reported a decrease of cannabis use and adequate feasibility and acceptability of m-Health apps. Most of these studies used self-reported questionnaires. More studies are need to rigourously assess the usability and effective of m-Health apps for CUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Backlog is a reality in many different types of Forensic Laboratories. • THC content decreases with storage and can be used to understand backlog impact. • Changes in bench procedures were able to decrease waiting time considerably. • Lon term storage of marijuana samples sharply increases inconclusive results. • The escalation of inconclusive results increases the run cost of a laboratory. Forensic laboratories worldwide are struggling to keep up with the increasing number of cases submitted for analysis, regardless of the reasons, backlog of controlled substances cases is a reality in many countries. In this paper we analyse the number of petitioned examinations (from 2016 to 2020) and the data from 11,655 marijuana TLC results from the Forensic Laboratory in the Federal District Civil Police in Brazil. Data demonstrates that backlog increases inconclusive results, with storage and light playing a crucial role in the process. Additionally we explored the repercussions of delayed forensic results for controlled substances and propose an approach to overcome waiting time in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis, like the mythic shape-shifter, presents in various guises, morphing with the perspective and context of the observer. Arguments about cannabis are confused by a myriad of debates-medical, social, ethical and political-as if a single conceptual umbrella can capture the variety and granularity of marijuana-related issues. This paper responds to marijuana use as it is commonly practised by youth in Australia. It has little to say about synthetic cannabinoids, specific medicinal cannabinoids, or medicinal properties of marijuana. We address those adolescents genetically and environmentally vulnerable to mental illness, with specific emphasis on indigenous and neurodevelopmentally impaired young people who show patterns of usage and response very different to adults and more resilient members of the population. Specifically, the practice of mixing tobacco with marijuana by aboriginal youth, and the resultant coalition of dependencies, will likely presage a rise in pulmonary and central nervous system pathology over the coming decades. Aboriginal youth begin using earlier, persist longer, and take greater quantities of cannabis than non-indigenous youth. This paper recommends practical interventions to reduce the multiple health consequences of chronic cannabis use in young people, especially indigenous young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cannabis is a known teratogen. Data availability addressing both major congenital anomalies and cannabis use allowed us to explore their geospatial relationships. Methods: Data for the years 1998 to 2009 from Canada Health and Statistics Canada was analyzed in R. Maps have been drawn and odds ratios, principal component analysis, correlation matrices, least squares regression and geospatial regression analyses have been conducted using the R packages base, dplyr, epiR, psych, ggplot2, colorplaner and the spml and spreml functions from package splm. Results: Mapping showed cannabis use was more common in the northern Territories of Canada in the Second National Survey of Cannabis Use 2018. Total congenital anomalies, all cardiovascular defects, orofacial clefts, Downs syndrome and gastroschisis were all found to be more common in these same regions and rose as a function of cannabis exposure. When Canada was dichotomized into high and low cannabis use zones by Provinces v Territories the Territories had a higher rate of total congenital anomalies 450.026 v 390.413 (O.R. = 1.16 95%C.I. 1.08-1.25, P = 0.000058; attributable fraction in exposed 13.25%, 95%C.I. 7.04-19.04%). In geospatial analysis in a spreml spatial error model cannabis was significant both alone as a main effect (P < 2.0 x 10-16) and in all its first and second order interactions with both tobacco and opioids from P < 2.0 x 10-16. Conclusion: These results show that the northern Territories of Canada share a higher rate of cannabis use together with elevated rates of total congenital anomalies, all cardiovascular defects, Down's syndrome and gastroschisis. This is the second report of a significant association between cannabis use and both total defects and all cardiovascular anomalies and the fourth published report of a link with Downs syndrome and thereby direct major genotoxicity. The correlative relationships described in this paper are confounded by many features of social disadvantage in Canada's northern territories. However, in the context of a similar broad spectrum of defects described both in animals and in epidemiological reports from Hawaii, Colorado, USA and Australia they are cause for particular concern and indicate further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal cannabis has been used for over 6000 years. It may be accessed legally in many western countries, yet in Australia, access is very difficult. It is treated as a pharmaceutical and an 'unapproved therapeutic good ', and is subsequently subject to a complex regulatory system around prescribing. There have been calls by authoritative bodies in Australia for more evidence in relation to its efficacy and safety, suggesting that this is inadequate. The adoption of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach as the basis of decision-making in the healthcare sector positions systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) at the top of the hierarchy of evidence. It is largely this form of evidence that has been used to argue for or against the efficacy and safety of cannabis and to substantiate the current regulatory system in Australia. It is therefore important to understand the EBM approach and factors that need to be considered when examining scientific research into cannabis, in order to decide whether there is sufficient evidence or not. It is argued that regulation of cannabis is inappropriate, based on a limited understanding of evidence, and continues to limit access to medicinal cannabis by patients. This paper examines the notion of evidence in medicine, points of consideration in scrutinizing research methodology, what the actual evidence is in relation to safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis, the implications of evidence and whether it supports the current regulatory framework around medicinal cannabis in Australia. It poses an alternative regulatory approach. A robust definition of EBM goes beyond the notion of simply scientific evidence in the form of RCTs and systematic reviews. Rigorous scrutiny of the evidence about cannabis is required, since evidence is being used to control access. Scientific evidence including reports from authoritative bodies indicates there is much evidence to support the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis. CBD has been found to be relatively safe, non-addictive and efficacious. Access to medicines that alleviate suffering in a timely manner is a human right and a medical responsibility. There is enough evidence to justify regulatory changes to significantly increase access to medicinal cannabis in Australia. We need to bring back the human element when considering what evidence we use and how we use it in medicine. Cannabis has the potential to alleviate much suffering, and patient (human) rights must be central in public policy. There is already much scientific evidence in relation to safety and efficacy of cannabis and cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. In Australia, the current regulatory system needs to be disbanded, cannabis products treated as 'approved goods' and regulated as complementary medicines (for products containing CBD and low THC) or in the case of high THC-containing products, regulated under the SUSMP as an S4 (rather than S8) medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This paper reviews the literature regarding the effects of cannabinoid administration on sleep in humans. A literature search using a set of cannabinoid and sleep-related terms was conducted across eight electronic databases. Human studies that involved the administration of cannabinoids and at least one quantitative sleep-related measure were included. Review papers, opinion pieces, letters or editorials, case studies (final N < 7), published abstracts, posters, and non-English papers were excluded. Thirty-nine publications were included in the review. Findings were mixed and showed various effects of cannabinoid administration on several aspects of sleep. Methodological issues in the majority of studies to date, however, preclude any definitive conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined associations between prenatal cannabis use and prescribed psychotropic medication use among pregnant patients with depression or anxiety in a large, integrated healthcare system. METHODS: Study patients had a confirmed pregnancy and a depressive or anxiety disorder defined by International Classification of Diseases codes between 2012 and 2018 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Patients were screened for prenatal substance use via a self-reported questionnaire and urine toxicology test as part of standard prenatal care. Generalized estimating equation models tested for associations between prenatal cannabis use and any dispensation of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics during gestation. Models were stratified by diagnosis (depression or anxiety) and depression symptom severity. Results: This study included 35,047 pregnancies (32,278 patients; 17.6% aged <25 years, 48.1% non-Hispanic White). Adjusting for patient age, income, race/ethnicity, and depression symptom severity, the 12.6% of patients who screened positive for prenatal cannabis use demonstrated higher odds of prenatal benzodiazepine (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.62) and hypnotic (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.11–1.48), but not antidepressants (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.96–1.14) use. This pattern persisted when diagnostic groups were examined separately. The odds of prenatal benzodiazepine and hypnotic use associated with prenatal cannabis use were higher among pregnancies with severe depression symptom severity (31.8% of the sample). CONCLUSIONS: Among pregnant patients with depression or anxiety, prenatal cannabis use was associated with higher odds of prenatal benzodiazepine and hypnotic use. As patients may be using cannabis to address depression and anxiety, prescribers should remain vigilant for under- or untreated psychiatric symptoms among pregnant patients and provide evidence-based treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of drugs and other substance abuse has become paradigmatic for much research within the mental health domain. Mental health and substance abuse is undoubtedly a very broad topic and it is not within the scope of the present paper to address every single aspect of it. Instead, not sacrificing depth of analysis this essay will focus upon aetiology of bipolar disorder as a result of illegal substance abuse. It is thought that the high frequency with which substance abuse precedes instances of bipolar disorder can increase the risk of this illness. In this way, this paper investigates a number of factors that have been implicated in the aetiology of bipolar disorder and its co-occurrence with cannabis use, including the use of this substance as 'self-medication', and as anti-depressant. One will also examine the ways in which cannabis effects may precede manic episodes, as well as reduction of its consumption can lower bipolar disorder symptoms. It is found in the present review that it is not particularly clear if individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder are only using cannabis as means of coping and mitigating the symptoms of this illness, or if cannabis itself can lead to changes in bipolar disorder symptoms. Establishing a causal relationship between bipolar disorder and cannabis may require much theoretical and methodological sophistication in future studies investigating the co-occurrence of cannabis use and bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contrasting careers of two government-sponsored commissions of inquiry in the late 1960s are the focus of this paper, which examines what can be learnt from them about the impact, or lack of impact, of such bodies on policy making. The Wootton Report on cannabis, published in 1968, had its recommendations rejected by the government that had sponsored it. The Wootton Report on alternatives to prison, published in 1970, resulted in speedy changes to the law, which had the effect of introducing the penalty of community service in Britain for the first time. The paper looks at the short- and long-term impact of the two reports, and at factors that may have accounted for the different receptions they received from politicians and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: This paper reports on a qualitative study designed to examine young drivers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding drug-driving, as the formative research for a potential drug-driving social marketing program in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Drug driving has been found to be associated with motor vehicle accidents, particularly among younger drivers. However, the potential for social marketing in this area has received little attention. This study found that young people were not aware of the effects of drugs on driving, formed their perceptions of risk (both of getting caught and of impaired driving) based on other people’s experiences, and felt that there were potential benefits to drug driving and substantial barriers to the alternative behaviours (such as using public transport). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

While studies of cannabis use are numerous, the voices of consumers of cannabis are rarely heard. Even less prevalent are the voices of young people living with a mental illness, whose perceptions, attitudes and experiences are crucial to construction of effective health strategies and campaigns. This paper seeks to enhance understanding of the perceived and experienced links between cannabis use and mental health by young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years who are living with a mental illness. With reference to insights gained from focus groups comprising members of this cohort, motivations for use and non-use of cannabis are discussed. Reappraisal of cannabis from a relatively safe and 'soft' drug to one that is implicated in psychosis and mental illness renders the experience of this cohort particularly relevant to public policy and debate. To the extent that cannabis can precipitate a predisposition to mental illness--thus catalysing a risk factor that may not be known in advance--it is vital that we know more about the perceptions of young people who are already confronting mental illness and their attitudes to cannabis use. Such knowledge can potentially lead both to more effective health promotion campaigns in relation to this cohort, and more effective engagement of young people in general (where, in the context of cannabis use and mental health, youth itself is a risk factor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A majority of women experience some nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy. This condition can range from mild nausea to extreme nausea and vomiting, with 1–2% of women suffering from the life-threatening condition hyperemesis gravidarum. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) may be used therapeutically to mitigate pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. This paper presents the results of a survey of 84 female users of medicinal cannabis, recruited through two compassion societies in British Columbia, Canada. Of the seventy-nine respondents who had experienced pregnancy, 51 (65%) reported using cannabis during their pregnancies. While 59 (77%) of the respondents who had been pregnant had experienced nausea and/or vomiting of pregnancy, 40 (68%) had used cannabis to treat the condition, and of these respondents, 37 (over 92%) rated cannabis as ‘extremely effective’ or ‘effective.’ Our findings support the need for further investigations into cannabis therapy for severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although the measurement of eye pupil variations is a common method in the only few cannabis effect research, there are no studies on short term effects of kif (Moroccan traditional preparation of cannabis) on eye pupil. The aim of the present paper is to present results about effect of a smoked kif preparation (Cannabis sativa L.) on pupil diameter variations after 30mn. Two examiners measured the pupil diameter variations before and after kif smoking in 34 eyes of 17 volunteer-consumers in a dark closed room. Pupil diameter was estimated by Colvard pupillometer. Results reveal a significantly increase in pupil size post kif. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: PurposeThe work reported in this paper was supported by grants from the World Health Organisation Programme on Substance Abuse, the United Nations Development Programme, the South African Medical Research Council, and the Medical Faculty Research Committee of the University of Cape Town.To document the prevalence rates for use of cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis among high school students in Cape Town, and to investigate whether use of these substances is associated with a set of hypothesized psychosocial correlates.: MethodsA multistage sampling procedure produced a sample of 2930 students in grades 8 and 11 at 39 high schools in Cape Town, who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained items about whether the students had used various substances and that addressed the potential correlates of interest. We calculated prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals and constructed a set of generalized estimating equations of use in the past month of cigarettes, alcohol, or cannabis on the hypothesized correlates.: ResultsThe prevalence rates for previous month (recent) use of cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis were 27%, 31%, and 7%, respectively. Rates were low for black females. Recent use of each of the substances was significantly associated with the number of days absent and the number of years lived in a city. Repeating a grade was significantly associated with previous month use of cigarettes and alcohol by colored (derived from Asian, European, and African ancestry) students and alcohol use by black grade 8 students (race classifications “colored” and “black” are as defined by the repealed population Registration Act of 1950). Not being raised by both parents was significantly associated with cigarette smoking by black and colored students, alcohol use by colored students, and cannabis use by female students. It was inversely associated with cigarette use by black students.: ConclusionsIt is necessary to identify the factors that protect black female adolescents from substance use. It is important to address demographic factors such as race classification and gender analytically if one is to avoid obscuring differences among groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• I investigate the merits of an investment in companies active in the cannabis industry. • I highlight the potential future development and current state of the North American cannabis industry. • Cannabis stocks are uncorrelated with cryptocurrencies. • Cannabis stocks do not provide significantly abnormal returns. • Cannabis stocks may offer diversification benefits in a financial portfolio. This paper investigates the risk and return features of an investment in the cannabis industry. It further describes the current state of the market for cannabis and critically examines its potential future development. Findings show that a portfolio of cannabis stocks displays high volatilities and returns, but also low correlations and beta coefficients with regard to overall stock markets, other sin industries or cryptocurrencies. This makes it an interesting addition to financial portfolios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early initiation of alcohol and cannabis use markedly increases the risk of harms associated with use, including the development of substance use and mental health disorders. To interrupt this trajectory, effective prevention during the adolescent period is critical. Despite evidence showing that parents can play a critical role in delaying substance use initiation, the majority of prevention programs focus on adolescents only. Accordingly, the Climate Schools Plus (CSP) program was developed to address this gap. Objective: This paper outlines the protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the CSP program, a novel internet-based program for parents and students to prevent adolescent substance use and related harms. The CSP program builds on the success of the Climate Schools student programs, with the addition of a newly developed parenting component, which allows parents to access the internet-based content to equip them with knowledge and skills to help prevent substance use in their adolescents. Methods: A cluster RCT is being conducted with year 8 students (aged 12-14 years) and their parents from 12 Australian secondary schools between 2018 and 2020. Using blocked randomization, schools are assigned to one of the two groups to receive either the CSP program (intervention) or health education as usual (control). The primary outcomes of the trial will be any student alcohol use (≥1 standard alcoholic drink/s) and any student drinking to excess (≥5 standard alcoholic drinks). Secondary outcomes will include alcohol- and cannabis-related knowledge, alcohol use-related harms, frequency of alcohol consumption, frequency of drinking to excess, student cannabis use, parents' self-efficacy to stop their children using alcohol, parental supply of alcohol, and parent-adolescent communication. All students and their parents will complete assessments on three occasions-baseline and 12 and 24 months postbaseline. In addition, students and parents in the intervention group will be asked to complete program evaluations on two occasions-immediately following the year 8 program and immediately following the year 9 program. Results: Analyses will be conducted using multilevel, mixed-effects models within an intention-to-treat framework. It is expected that students in the intervention group will have less uptake and excessive use of alcohol compared with the students in the control group. Conclusions: This study will provide the first evaluation of a combined internet-based program for students and their parents to prevent alcohol and cannabis use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has been recently legalised in many countries including the Czech Republic. As a result, there is increased interest on the part of physicians and patients in many aspects of its application. This mini review briefly covers the main active substances of the cannabis plant and mechanisms of action. It focuses on two conditions, cancer pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis, where its effects are well-documented. A comprehensive overview of a few cannabis-based products and the basic pharmacokinetics of marijuana's constituents follows. The review concludes with an outline for preparing cannabis (dried inflorescence) containing drug dosage forms that can be produced in a hospital pharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the medical research "SMOKING OF TOBACCO AND CANNABIS IN STUDENTS OF SEVERAL UNIVERSITIES IN CZECH REPUBLIC AND ITALY," by Alena Trojackova, Lenka Spacilova, Hana Klusonova and Peter Visnovsky is presented.