Healing from Addiction

Adolescence

Stunning Research Suggests a Mechanism for Cannabis "Chill"

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 25, 2023

New research shows the impact of THC exposure during adolescence persists into early adulthood, leaving some too "chill" to mature.

New research shows the impact of THC exposure during adolescence persists into early adulthood, leaving some too "chill" to mature.

Addiction

The Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Cannabis Users

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 23, 2023

Increased marijuana potency and legalization have contributed to a rise in cannabis dependence.

Increased marijuana potency and legalization have contributed to a rise in cannabis dependence.

Addiction

Even Moderate Cannabis Use Can Have Negative Consequences

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 19, 2023

There is a stepwise increase in negative impact associated with cannabis use by adolescents, from non-use, to moderate use, to diagnosable Cannavia Use Disorder.

There is a stepwise increase in negative impact associated with cannabis use by adolescents, from non-use, to moderate use, to diagnosable Cannavia Use Disorder.

Addiction

The Most Important Things to Know to Use Cannabis Safely

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 17, 2023

If you want to use cannabis safely, there are 4 basic facts you should know. Bottom line: A well-balanced endocannabinoid system is necessary for good mental and emotional health.

If you want to use cannabis safely, there are 4 basic facts you should know. Bottom line: A well-balanced endocannabinoid system is necessary for good mental and emotional health.

Addiction

Kratom: $3 Million of “Wellness Beverage” Seized

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 16, 2023

A certain "wellness beverage" contains kratom, an opiate-like substance. The FDA has raided its factory, and social media groups seem to support claims of addiction.

A certain "wellness beverage" contains kratom, an opiate-like substance. The FDA has raided its factory, and social media groups seem to support claims of addiction.

Addiction

So What’s the Big Deal About Addiction?

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 10, 2023

When kept secret, even addiction to substances such as caffeine and cannabis can produce shame and loss of integrity.

When kept secret, even addiction to substances such as caffeine and cannabis can produce shame and loss of integrity.

Addiction

Some “Wellness Drinks” May Contain an Opiate-Like Substance

Timmen L. Cermak MD on May 5, 2023

Wellness beverages should be safe, but some contain opiate-like substances without sufficient warning. Here's how one unsuspecting man in recovery relapsed on a "wellness" drink.

Wellness beverages should be safe, but some contain opiate-like substances without sufficient warning. Here's how one unsuspecting man in recovery relapsed on a "wellness" drink.

Addiction

Why Public Health Efforts Lag Behind Cannabis Legalization

Timmen L. Cermak MD on April 18, 2023

Public health concerns lag behind efforts to create a healthy cannabis industry. This means we need to include public health experts at all policymaking levels.

Public health concerns lag behind efforts to create a healthy cannabis industry. This means we need to include public health experts at all policymaking levels.

Psychopharmacology

It's Time to Stop Treating Medicinal Cannabis Like Candy

Timmen L. Cermak MD on April 14, 2023

Cannabis is strong medicine, so we should apply the same standards to it that we apply to other medications, and demand the same transparency from its sellers.

Cannabis is strong medicine, so we should apply the same standards to it that we apply to other medications, and demand the same transparency from its sellers.

Appetite

5 Tips for Opening Meaningful Discussion With Cannabis Users

Timmen L. Cermak MD on April 4, 2023

Opening conversations about cannabis with cannabis users can be tricky. These five tips will help.

Opening conversations about cannabis with cannabis users can be tricky. These five tips will help.

Gratitude

Raphael Mechoulam, Father of Cannabis Research, Dead at 92

Timmen L. Cermak MD on March 13, 2023

Raphael Mechoulam's death is a blow to the cannabis community, but his legacy will be carried into the future by millions of grateful cannabis users and thousands of scientists.

Raphael Mechoulam's death is a blow to the cannabis community, but his legacy will be carried into the future by millions of grateful cannabis users and thousands of scientists.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

How Long-Term Cannabis Use Can Influence Cognitive Decline

Timmen L. Cermak MD on March 8, 2023

Long-term cannabis use produces cognitive changes and reductions in hippocampal size that resemble risk factors for later dementia. Is it cause for worry?

Long-term cannabis use produces cognitive changes and reductions in hippocampal size that resemble risk factors for later dementia. Is it cause for worry?

Personality

How Cannabinoid Receptor Density Determines Personality

Timmen L. Cermak MD on March 2, 2023

Genetic variations in our brain's natural cannabinoid chemistry determine differences in temperament, including novelty-seeking, risk-taking, and attraction to cannabis.

Genetic variations in our brain's natural cannabinoid chemistry determine differences in temperament, including novelty-seeking, risk-taking, and attraction to cannabis.

Addiction

The Relationship Between Addiction and Personality

Timmen L. Cermak MD on February 13, 2023

Does someone's personality cause addiction, or does addiction cause a personality change? Both can be true. Here's why.

Does someone's personality cause addiction, or does addiction cause a personality change? Both can be true. Here's why.

Adolescence

Cannabis Can Distort Teen Psychological Development

Timmen L. Cermak MD on February 2, 2023

The act of an adolescent using cannabis feels like a personal, autonomous decision that breaks parental expectations.

The act of an adolescent using cannabis feels like a personal, autonomous decision that breaks parental expectations.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Cannabis Are a Bad Recipe

Timmen L. Cermak MD on January 31, 2023

Cannabis use during pregnancy is common, especially to treat morning sickness. But THC passes into the fetus where it interferes with brain development, impacting later cognition.

Cannabis use during pregnancy is common, especially to treat morning sickness. But THC passes into the fetus where it interferes with brain development, impacting later cognition.

Boredom

Boredom vs. Awe: Opposite Brain States, Incompatible Emotions

Timmen L. Cermak MD on January 27, 2023

Why are boredom and awe incompatible? Research shows how opposite brain states in the amygdala underlie these two experiences in cannabis users.

Why are boredom and awe incompatible? Research shows how opposite brain states in the amygdala underlie these two experiences in cannabis users.

Bias

Sponsorship of Marijuana Research May Bias the Results

Timmen L. Cermak MD on January 26, 2023

A new study shows how the "funding effect" of corporate sponsorship of cannabis research can alter the results to favor industry interests.

A new study shows how the "funding effect" of corporate sponsorship of cannabis research can alter the results to favor industry interests.

Chronic Pain

Cannabis Acceptance as Legitimate Pain Relief Medication

Timmen L. Cermak MD on January 24, 2023

A new study demonstrates increasing acceptance of cannabis for treatment of chronic pain. More than half of cannabis users decrease their use of opioids.

A new study demonstrates increasing acceptance of cannabis for treatment of chronic pain. More than half of cannabis users decrease their use of opioids.

Meditation

The Cannabis Community Sees the World Differently

Timmen L. Cermak MD on January 16, 2023

Science tends to ignore the subjective experience of using cannabis, and many cannabis users do not know the science. The concept of "umwelt" could help balance both perspectives.

Science tends to ignore the subjective experience of using cannabis, and many cannabis users do not know the science. The concept of "umwelt" could help balance both perspectives.