Don’t toss cannabis leaves. Scientists just found rare compounds inside

Drug Facts - Wed, 2025-09-10 05:10
Scientists at Stellenbosch University have uncovered a rare class of plant compounds, flavoalkaloids, in Cannabis leaves for the first time. Using advanced two-dimensional chromatography and mass spectrometry, they identified 79 phenolic compounds across three strains, 25 of which had never before been reported in Cannabis. The surprising discovery highlights the complexity of the plant and its untapped biomedical potential beyond cannabinoids, opening new doors for research and medicine.
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Overworked neurons burn out and fuel Parkinson’s disease

Drug Facts - Wed, 2025-09-03 02:57
Overactivation of dopamine neurons may directly drive their death, explaining why movement-controlling brain cells degenerate in Parkinson’s. Mice with chronically stimulated neurons showed the same selective damage seen in patients, along with molecular stress responses. Targeting this overactivity could help slow disease progression.
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Study finds cannabis improves sleep where other drugs fail

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-09-02 06:42
A long-term study following insomnia patients treated with cannabis-based medical products revealed sustained improvements in sleep quality, mood, and pain management over 18 months. Most participants reported better rest and less anxiety or depression, while only a small fraction experienced mild side effects such as fatigue or dry mouth.
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Stronger weed, higher risk? Potent THC linked to psychosis and addiction

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-09-02 01:11
A sweeping review of nearly 100 studies has raised concerns about the mental health impacts of high-potency cannabis products. Researchers found strong links to psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder, while results for anxiety and depression were mixed and sometimes contradictory. Although the findings confirm that higher THC concentrations pose risks, the evidence still isn’t clear enough to offer firm clinical guidance, leaving scientists calling for better-designed studies to fill the gaps.
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Cannabis for coping? Why it may trigger paranoia

Drug Facts - Thu, 2025-08-28 06:30
Using cannabis to self-medicate comes with hidden dangers—new research shows these users face higher paranoia and consume more THC. Childhood trauma further amplifies the risks, especially emotional abuse, which strongly predicts paranoia.
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The hidden mental health danger in today’s high-THC cannabis

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-08-12 10:07
THC levels in cannabis have soared in recent years, raising the risk of psychosis—especially in young, frequent users. Studies reveal a strong connection between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia, making early cessation and treatment essential.
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Found in the trash: A super opioid 1000x stronger than morphine

Drug Facts - Fri, 2025-08-01 02:55
A powerful new synthetic opioid, up to 1000 times stronger than morphine, has emerged in Adelaide’s street drug supply, and researchers are sounding the alarm. Nitazenes, often hidden in heroin or fentanyl, have already caused dozens of deaths in Australia, with most victims unaware they were exposed. Even more concerning, researchers found the sedative xylazine mixed in, echoing deadly drug combinations seen in the U.S.
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Unwanted pregnancies surge with alcohol, but not with cannabis, study finds

Drug Facts - Fri, 2025-08-01 00:01
Women who drank heavily, even though they strongly wished to avoid pregnancy, were 50% more likely to become pregnant than those who drank little or not at all, according to new research. Surprisingly, cannabis use didn t show the same risk.
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People with eating disorders say cannabis and psychedelics help more than antidepressants

Drug Facts - Thu, 2025-07-24 08:42
A massive global survey has revealed that people with eating disorders often turn to cannabis and psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD to ease their symptoms, rating them more effective than traditional medications. Surprisingly, common prescriptions like antidepressants were seen as helpful for overall mental health but fell short for eating disorder relief.
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Magic mushrooms rewind aging in mice—could they do the same for humans?

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-07-22 01:20
A surprising discovery from Emory University shows that psilocin, the active metabolite of psychedelic mushrooms, can delay cellular aging and extend lifespan. Human cells lived over 50% longer, and mice treated with psilocybin not only lived 30% longer but also looked and aged better.
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Parkinson’s reversal? One drug brings dying brain cells back to life

Drug Facts - Thu, 2025-07-03 21:44
Stanford researchers discovered that dialing down an overactive enzyme, LRRK2, can regrow lost cellular “antennae” in key brain cells, restoring vital dopamine communication and neuroprotective signals in a mouse model of genetic Parkinson’s. After three months on the LRRK2-blocking drug MLi-2, damaged circuits revived and early signs of neuronal recovery emerged, hinting that timely treatment could not only halt but reverse disease progression—and perhaps benefit other Parkinson’s forms.
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Synthetic storm: What’s really in your teen’s vape — and why scientists are alarmed

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-07-01 09:00
Teen vaping is changing fast — and not in a good way. A large national study found that more adolescents are vaping THC, CBD, and especially synthetic cannabinoids, which are often unregulated and far more dangerous. Even more troubling, many teens don’t know what’s in their vape pens at all. Researchers also found that girls are now more likely than boys to vape these substances. As these mysterious and risky chemicals gain popularity, scientists are sounding the alarm about the urgent need for better education, regulation, and awareness.
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Candy colors, THC inside: How cannabis edibles are tricking teen brains

Drug Facts - Sat, 2025-06-28 00:38
Teens are being misled by cannabis edibles dressed up like health foods. Bright colors, fruit imagery, and words like vegan make these products look fun, natural, and safe even when they re not. A WSU study warns that this could increase the risk of underage use and urges new packaging rules based on what actually appeals to teens.
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Cannabis use among seniors surges 46% in two years--Study reveals

Drug Facts - Sat, 2025-06-07 21:16
Cannabis use among older Americans has climbed dramatically, with 7% of adults 65 and older now reporting recent use. This rise isn't just in numbers but also in diversity older users today are more likely to be women, college-educated, and higher-income. Researchers suggest legalization and growing social acceptance are contributing factors, especially in states with medical marijuana laws. The trend is especially notable among those with chronic illnesses, raising both opportunities and concerns for medical professionals trying to balance symptom relief with the complexities of aging.
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Clinical research on psychedelics gets a boost from new study

Drug Facts - Tue, 2025-06-03 09:48
As psychedelics gain traction as potential treatments for mental health disorders, an international study stands to improve the rigor and reliability of clinical research.
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Record high: Study finds growing cannabis use among older adults

Drug Facts - Mon, 2025-06-02 20:54
Marijuana use among older adults in the US has reached a new high, with 7 percent of adults aged 65 and over who report using it in the past month, according to a recent analysis.
Categories: Drug Facts

Nearly five million seized seahorses just 'tip of the iceberg' in global wildlife smuggling

Drug Facts - Wed, 2025-05-28 11:22
Close to five million smuggled seahorses worth an estimated CAD$29 million were seized by authorities over a 10-year span, according to a new study that warns the scale of the trade is far larger than current data suggest. The study analyzed online seizure records from 2010 to 2021 and found smuggling incidents in 62 countries, with dried seahorses, widely used in traditional medicine, most commonly intercepted at airports in passenger baggage or shipped in sea cargo.
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Whether it's smoking or edibles, marijuana can be bad for your heart, study suggests

Drug Facts - Wed, 2025-05-28 11:15
A new study finds that chronic cannabis use -- whether it's smoked or consumed in edible form -- is associated with significant cardiovascular risks.
Categories: Drug Facts
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