18% of high school seniors smoke hookah

NYU researchers find 18 percent of high school seniors smoke hookah — Higher socioeconomic status associated with higher rates of hookah use – American adolescents are turning to ethnically-linked alternative tobacco products, such as hookahs, cigars, and various smokeless tobacco products.

Nicotine primes brain for drug abuse like cocaine

Nicotine primes brain for cocaine use: Molecular basis of gateway sequence of drug use – Cigarettes and alcohol serve as gateway drugs, which people use before progressing to the use of marijuana and then to cocaine and other illicit substances; this progression is called the “gateway sequence” of drug use.

Indoor tanning may be an addictive behavior

Study suggests indoor tanning may be an addictive behavior – Individuals who have used indoor tanning facilities may meet criteria for addiction, and may also be more prone to anxiety symptoms and substance use, according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Dermatology.

Cannabis smoke alters human DNA, raising cancer risk

Cannabis alters human DNA — Research at University of Leicester highlights cancer risk from cannabis smoke. – Cannabis smoke damages DNA in ways that could potentially increase the risk of cancer development in humans, revealed by researchers. The new study published by University of Leicester researchers in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.

Marijuana smoking increases COPD risk for tobacco smokers

Smoking marijuana and tobacco concurrently may have a synergistic effect on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. – Smoking both tobacco and marijuana increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), found a study in CMAJ.

Testicular cancer risk rises with marijuana use

Marijuana use linked to increased risk of testicular cancer. Risk appears to be elevated particularly among frequent and/or long-term users of marijuana. – Frequent and/or long-term marijuana use may significantly increase a man’s risk of developing the most aggressive type of testicular cancer, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Marijuana reduces memory impairment

Marijuana reduces memory impairment

Marijuana could help reduce memory loss in old age and fight Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, revealed by researchers. – The more research they do, the more evidence Ohio State University scientists find that specific elements of marijuana can be good for the aging brain by reducing inflammation there and possibly even stimulating the formation of new brain cells.

Brain and genes to improve anxiety treatment

U-M researchers look at cannabinoids, genes, medicines and brain scans to find better anxiety treatments. – Right now, about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety disorder don’t get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way to predict who will, and who won’t, benefit from each anti-anxiety prescription they write.

American physicians supporting marijuana research

American College of Physicians (ACP) supports programs and funding for rigorous scientific evaluation of the potential therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana and the publication of such findings. – Marijuana has been smoked for its medicinal properties for centuries. Preclinical, clinical, and anecdotal reports suggest numerous potential medical uses for marijuana. Although the indications for some conditions have been well documented, less information is available about other potential medical uses.

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