DPH Commissioner goes ‘On the Record’ about measles outbreaks, cannabis – YouTube

WHY IT MATTERS: If state health authorities move forward with potency restrictions or new labeling requirements, patients who rely on higher-concentration products for legitimate medical purposes may face reduced access or need to significantly adjust their dosing strategies. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Public health officials are raising concerns about the increasing potency of cannabis products available in the legal market, particularly regarding exposure among adolescents and young people. The discussion centers on how THC concentrations in modern products differ substantially from those in cannabis consumed decades ago, and what that means for developing brains.

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Health department providing safe-storage marijuana bags in vending machines – WBAL-TV

WHY IT MATTERS: If cannabis is stored at home without child-resistant containers, even occasional or recreational adult use significantly increases the risk of accidental ingestion and emergency room visits for children in that household. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Cannabis legalization for adults in Maryland has been accompanied by an unintended consequence seen across many states: increased accidental exposures in children and a rise in cannabis-related emergency visits among both pediatric and adult populations. Proper storage is one of the most evidence-supported harm reduction strategies available, as the majority of pediatric ingestions occur when cannabis products are left accessible in the home.

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Horrifying simulation shows what happens to your body if you smoke weed every day

WHY IT MATTERS: If you are a daily cannabis user or a parent of a teenager considering cannabis, this research reinforces why age of initiation, dosing discipline, and medical guidance matter for protecting long-term brain health. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Daily cannabis use, particularly when initiated during adolescence, carries real clinical risks including changes to brain development such as accelerated cortical thinning in the prefrontal cortex. While sensationalized media simulations often exaggerate these effects, the underlying research on adolescent neurodevelopment and heavy daily use is legitimate and something clinicians must take seriously when counseling patients.

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Cannabis-Infused Drinks May Help People Cut Their Alcohol Intake in Half

If you or someone you know struggles with cannabis dependence, new treatments are finally in developmentโ€”because right now, there are zero FDA-approved medications to help. ZME Science reports on the University at Buffalo study (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs) finding cannabis beverage users cut weekly alcohol intake from 7.02 to 3.35 drinksโ€”nearly in half. Among 438 adults surveyed, 62.6% reduced or stopped drinking alcohol entirely, with fewer binge episodes reported.

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Cannabis and Pregnancy: 5 Hidden Truths Doctors Ignore

Cannabis and pregnancy is not a black-and-white issueโ€”but you wouldnโ€™t know that from most media headlines. In this thought-provoking piece, Dr. Caplan breaks down the uncomfortable truths about risk, suffering, and why patients deserve personalized, harm-reduction-focused care today. The future of pregnancy care demands we stop sweeping these conversations under the rugโ€”and start facing them with honesty and compassion.

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