Cannabis News
Over 10% of High School Seniors Say They Have Tried Delta-8 THC, But Is It Keeping Them Away from Booze?
Just in is data analysis from the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey, led by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It reveals that about 11% of 12th-grade students nationwide reported using delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as delta-8-THC or delta-8) within the past year.
According to Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIDA, this percentage signifies a significant portion of high school seniors, with at least one or two students in an average-sized class potentially using delta-8. Dr. Volkow also highlights the concerning accessibility of these drugs to teenagers, emphasizing the need for further understanding and research into their effects.
Vaping nicotine is by far the biggest teen heath concern according to a new University of Michigan study spanning teens across America.
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC, a chemical compound present in the cannabis sativa plant, is part of a group of over 100 such compounds. It serves as a chemical relative to delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. While delta-9 is renowned for inducing the cannabis high, delta-8 affects the brain similarly but with reduced potency and fewer legal constraints.
In contrast to cannabis, delta-8 lacks age restrictions in many states where it’s lawful. A recent study published in the journal JAMA underscores concerns regarding adolescent usage, suggesting it poses a potential public health risk.
Dr. Adam Leventhal, lead author of the study and executive director of the USC Institute for Addiction Science, notes a lack of comprehensive regulation contributing to the accessibility of delta-8 to teens.
Delta-8 is available in various enticing forms for adolescents, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, vaping cartridges, sodas, and even breakfast cereals. Its widespread availability extends beyond age-restricted dispensaries to convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms.
The Research
In the latest study, researchers utilized data from the Monitoring the Future in-school survey conducted nationwide between February and June 2023. This survey, which continuously and representatively assesses adolescent behavior and perspectives on various subjects, initially gauged delta-8 usage in 2023.
Among the 2,186 12th-grade students sampled, 11.4% acknowledged using delta-8 THC within the past year. In contrast, despite the illegality of cannabis for teens, 30.4% admitted to its use.
Of the 295 students who reported delta-8 usage in the previous year, 68.1% had consumed it at least three times, 35.4% had indulged at least ten times, and nearly 17% had used it a minimum of 40 times. Additionally, approximately 91% of delta-8 users disclosed concurrent cannabis use.
The study revealed higher rates of delta-8 usage among teenagers in the South and Midwest, particularly in states where marijuana remains illegal for adults.
The study found that white teens were more inclined to use both delta-8 and cannabis compared to individuals of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, slightly more boys reported using both substances than girls.
Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the significance of the 11% statistic, noting its representation of at least one or two students in an average-sized high school class. She emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of these substances due to their widespread accessibility among teens.
Dr. Volkow stressed the importance of educating young people about potential risks associated with cannabis use, particularly considering its negative impacts on the adolescent brain. She advocated for adequate treatment options for cannabis use disorder and mental health care for those in need.
Dr. Adam Leventhal echoed these concerns, labeling the 11% figure as “very high” and expressing surprise at its magnitude. He emphasized the need for attention to this issue and the importance of effectively addressing it.
Limitations of the Study
The study has certain limitations. First, it does not encompass teenagers from every state and solely surveys those currently enrolled in school. Additionally, given that most participants were around 17 years old, the study might need to capture the extent of delta-8 usage among younger adolescents fully.
The authors acknowledge that their research likely underestimates the prevalence of delta-8 usage among teenagers. Furthermore, an editorial published alongside the study notes a growing concern regarding the increasing number of students using delta-8.
Navigating Health Hazards and Regulatory Gaps
Dr. Jennifer Whitehill, Dr. Kelly Dunn, and Dr. Renee Johnson, researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Johns Hopkins University, underscored the potential public health risk posed by the unregulated proliferation of Δ8-THC. They emphasized that the usage trends outlined by Harlow et al. should be regarded as a significant warning, suggesting that future cannabinoids entering the market might pose more significant dangers.
Concerns surrounding delta-8 usage have led to its prohibition in at least 17 states and severe restrictions in seven more as of November, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association.
The effects delta-8 on teenagers remain poorly understood, lacking substantial medical studies to elucidate its impact on a developing body, particularly among youths. Studies on cannabis have demonstrated adverse effects on adolescent memory, attention, learning abilities, and potential risks of addiction and neurodevelopmental changes. This is due to the teenage brain’s ongoing maturation.
Dr. Adam Leventhal highlighted concerns about the potential for addiction and neurodevelopmental impacts due to exposure to intoxicating substances during adolescence. The lack of FDA regulation on delta-8 further obscures the content of individual products.
Growing indications suggest an increase in delta-8 usage, accompanied by associated issues. Calls to America’s Poison Centers regarding delta-8 products surged 82% from 2021 to 2022, with 3,358 exposures managed in 2022. These calls mainly involved accidental ingestion by children and adverse reactions reported by adults.
Conclusion
According to findings from the 2023 Monitoring the Future poll, 11% of American students in their 12th grade reported taking delta-8 THC in the previous year. This noteworthy percentage highlights worries regarding accessibility and possible hazards to the public’s health, especially for teenagers. The report emphasizes the need for more research and regulation by highlighting differences in consumption rates among demographic groups and geographical areas.
Experts have also expressed alarm about the lack of knowledge about delta-8’s effects on young people and its uncontrolled availability, which calls for immediate attention. Given the rising incidence of delta-8 usage, efforts to address these issues such as education, regulation, and treatment access are essential to preserving adolescents’ health and well-being.
TEENS AND LEGALIZATION, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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