Targeted Therapies:
-
- Scientists are exploring cannabinoids for his or her capacity to treat conditions like most cancers, Alzheimer’s sickness, and continual pain with minimum aspect outcomes.
- Personalized medicine using cannabis-derived compounds tailor-made to character genetic profiles may additionally turn out to be a fact.
Cannabinoid Synthesis:
- Advances in artificial biology allow for the manufacturing of cannabinoids without cultivating the plant, offering consistency and value-efficiency.
Drug interactions
My practice has shown that marijuana interacts with roughly 399 different medications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most dangerous interactions I’ve seen:
Blood-Related Medications:
-
- Anticoagulants lead to increased bleeding risk
- Anti-platelet drugs show enhanced blood-thinning effects
- Warfarin results in elevated INR levels
Marijuana affects medication classes through various mechanisms. THC interacts with nearly 400 prescription medications, while CBD interacts with more than 540.
Here’s a table of common drug interactions I often discuss with my patients:
| Drug Class | Potential Effects |
| Sedatives | Enhanced drowsiness |
| Anti-anxiety medications | Increased sedation |
| Antidepressants | Risk of mania |
| Pain medications | Amplified effects |
CBD inhibits CYP2C19, which can triple the levels of certain medications like clobazam. This interaction makes monitoring medications essential for cannabis users.
High-risk groups
My years of research have identified several populations that need extra caution with marijuana use. Studies show adolescents face four to seven times higher risk than adults to develop cannabis use disorder.
These risk factors raise serious concerns for:
- Youth and Adolescents
- Higher vulnerability to cognitive impairment
- Increased risk of developmental issues
- Greater likelihood of addiction
- Pregnant Women
- Risk of low birth weight
- Potential fetal brain development issues
- Increased risk of premature birth
- Mental Health Patients
- Enhanced risk of psychosis
- Potential worsening of anxiety
- Increased depression risk
Clinical data shows that using cannabis daily or almost daily presents the highest risk of developing cannabis use disorder. Products in dispensaries now average 22% THC concentration, with some reaching 45%.
Adults aged 50 and above represent the fastest-growing group of cannabis users. This age group needs special attention because of:
- Possible drug interactions with existing medications
- Age-related changes in drug metabolism
- Higher risk of adverse effects
The method of using marijuana affects its safety profile significantly. Oral formulations show moderate interaction risks, while inhaled cannabis carries the highest risk of adverse effects. This becomes especially important since some cannabis edibles look like popular snack brands, which increases accidental ingestion risks.