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Introduction: Gender and sexual minority/minoritized groups are at a higher risk of substance misuse and related harm compared to the rest of the population. However, limited research has focused on understanding the extent of these issues and the support needs of all minoritized groups within the LGBTQ + population. Methods: This qualitative cross-sectional survey sought to explore LGBTQ + individuals' perspectives on substance use and treatment experiences. Researchers used a manual thematic analysis approach to thoroughly study the data, examining each part closely to uncover themes and patterns. Co-produced with stakeholders and developed with input from LGBTQ + individuals with lived experience, the survey included 38 participants across the UK. Results: Cannabis (83% n = 20), ecstasy (68% n = 15), and cocaine (67% n = 16) were commonly used substances, while some participants (19% n = 6) reported consuming high levels of alcohol. Many respondents highlighted the role of "stigma" and peer pressure within the LGBTQ + communities as a motivator for substance use. Participants expressed a preference for informal support due to fears of "discrimination" from formal treatment services. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for research inclusive of all LGBTQ + groups and highlights the importance of tailored interventions that address the diverse needs of LGBTQ + individuals. Further exploration of peer-led interventions is necessary to assess their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the necessity of person-centered treatment approaches that recognize the heterogeneity of service users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: High‐potency cannabis has been associated with increased risk of psychosis, but a lack of prospective data hinders understanding of causality in this relationship. This study aimed to combine prospective report of cannabis use with retrospective report of potency to infer the potency of cannabis used in adolescence and explore whether use of cannabis, and the use of high‐potency cannabis, in adolescence is associated with incident psychotic experiences. Design: Population‐based birth cohort study. Setting: United Kingdom. Participants: n = 5570 participants who reported on any cannabis use (yes/no) age 16 and 18 years, and n = 1560 participants from this group who also retrospectively reported on cannabis potency. Measurements In questionnaires at ages 16 and 18, individuals self‐reported lifetime cannabis use, and at age 24, participants reported the type of cannabis they most commonly used in the whole time since first using cannabis. Psychotic experiences were assessed at age 24 years using the semi‐structured Psychosis‐Like Symptom Interview, with incident defined as new‐onset occurring between ages 19 and 24 years. Findings Use of high‐potency cannabis at age 16 or 18 was associated with twice the likelihood of experiencing incident psychotic experiences from age 19–24 (Odds Ratio 2.15, 95% Confidence Intervals 1.13–4.06). There was less evidence for an effect of any cannabis use on incident psychotic experiences (Odds Ratio 1.45, 95% Confidence Intervals 0.94–2.12). Conclusions: Use of high‐potency cannabis appears to be associated with increased likelihood of psychotic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Societal beliefs about the seriousness of different addictions were assessed in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: An online panel, conducted in 2021 and sampled to be representative of the UK general population 18 years and over (N = 1499), was conducted and asked participants their views regarding the seriousness of different societal problems, including various addictive behaviors. Results: Cannabis was ranked as the least serious of the addictive behaviors. Other illicit drug use (cocaine, amphetamine, heroin) was rated as the most serious of addictive behaviors. None of the addictive behaviors were rated as being as serious a problem to society as environmental damage, violent crime, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Ratings of cannabis use were not as expected and stand in contrast to the current UK policy on cannabis use. In addition, the UK policy on alcohol consumption contrasts with societal concerns about alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of cannabis use in the United Kingdom might be underestimated using the Crime Survey of England and Wales. The current study examined whether responding to questions about their cannabis use as part of a crime survey would be less likely to report that they use cannabis compared to those responding to the same questions that are part of a survey about health. Methods: Participants were randomized to be told that the items about cannabis use came from a crime survey versus from a health survey. In addition, the sample was recruited using a representative online sampling method and compared to published rates of self-reported cannabis use collected as part of the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Results: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proportion endorsing cannabis use between those told the items came from a crime survey versus a health survey. However, self-reported rates of cannabis use collected as part of the online panel (51.3% ever use; 11.9% past year; age range 18–64 years) appeared higher than those reported based on results from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (37.2% ever and 5.8% past year; age range 18–59 years). Conclusion: The current study did not find evidence that manipulating whether participants were told that the items asking about cannabis use came from a survey asking about criminal activity versus one about health had an impact on self-reported cannabis use. However, as prevalence estimates generated by the Crime Survey of England and Wales do appear to be an underestimate of actual levels of cannabis use in the United Kingdom, further research is merited on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were to present an enhanced cannabis timeline followback (EC‐TLFB) enabling comprehensive assessment of cannabis use measures, including standard tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) units, and to validate these against objectively indexed urinary 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC‐COOH) concentrations. Design: We used cross‐sectional baseline data from the 'CannTeen' observational longitudinal study. Setting: The study was conducted in London, UK. Participants: A total of 147 participants who used cannabis regularly took part in the study (n = 71 female, n = 76 male; mean age = 21.90, standard deviation = 5.32). Measurements The EC‐TLFB was used to calculate frequency of cannabis use, method of administration, including co‐administration with tobacco, amount of cannabis used (measured with unaided self‐report and also using pictorial aided self‐report) and type of cannabis product (flower, hash) which was used to estimate THC concentration (both from published data on THC concentration of products and analysis of cannabis samples donated by participants in this study). We calculated total weekly standard THC units (i.e. 5 mg THC for all cannabis products and methods of administration) using the EC‐TLFB. The outcome variable for validation of past week EC‐TLFB assessments was creatinine‐normalized carboxy‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC‐COOH) in urine. Findings All measures of cannabis exposure included in this analysis were positively correlated with levels of THC‐COOH in urine (r = 0.41–0.52). Standard THC units, calculated with average concentrations of THC in cannabis in the UK and unaided self‐report measures of amount of cannabis used in grams showed the strongest correlation with THC‐COOH in urine (r = 0.52, 95% bias‐corrected and accelerated = 0.26–0.70). Conclusions: The enhanced cannabis timeline followback (EC‐TLFB) can provide a valid assessment of a comprehensive set of cannabis use measures including standard tetrahydrocannabinol units as well as and traditional TLFB assessments (e.g. frequency of use and grams of cannabis use). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 40% of US university students use cannabis, 25% of whom present with cannabis use disorder, which endangers health. We investigated the concurrent contribution of reflective processes, which generate action via conscious deliberation, and non-reflective processes, which prompt behavior automatically, to undergraduates' cannabis consumption. Eighteen UK undergraduates who regularly consume cannabis (11 female, 7 male; mean age 20 y). Semi-structured interviews explored cannabis motives, routines, cues, and decision points. Thematic analysis identified themes, in each of which reflective and non-reflective dimensions were coded. Four themes were identified: cannabis use for relaxation, social bonding, and symbolic-affective significance, and contexts and triggers. Some influences guided cannabis use reflectively in some settings, and non-reflectively in others. Even when cannabis use was consciously driven, non-reflective processes were deployed to execute subservient acts, such as rolling joints. Findings highlight specific processes and pathways that might be targeted to reduce cannabis-related harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to analyze the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and safety outcomes in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients treated with cannabis‐based medicinal products (CBMPs). Methods: Patients were identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were changes in the following patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline: EQ‐5D‐5L index value, generalized anxiety disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) questionnaire, and the single‐item sleep quality score (SQS). Secondary outcomes assessed the incidence of adverse events. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050. Results: Sixty‐eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvements were identified in general HRQoL assessed by EQ‐5D‐5L index value at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.050). Improvements were also identified in GAD‐7 and SQS scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.010). 61 (89.71%) adverse events were recorded by 11 (16.18%) participants, of which most were moderate (n = 26, 38.24%). Conclusion: An association between CBMP treatment and improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and general HRQoL was observed in patients with ADHD. Treatment was well tolerated at 12 months. Results must be interpreted with caution as a causative effect cannot be proven. These results, however, do provide additional support for future evaluation within randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of parents' cannabis use in the context of child protection has far‐reaching implications for how their parenting is perceived and assessed and for the decisions made regarding their children's lives. Yet little is known about the meanings various stakeholders in child protection processes attribute to parents' cannabis use. This paper aims to explore constructions of parents' cannabis use in child protection court proceedings and position them within a political and social context. A qualitative data mining method was used to examine 32 Family Court judgements in care proceedings that involved parents using cannabis in England and Wales. The analysis of the judgements revealed that most portrayed parents' cannabis use as a negative, deviant and harmful activity. Three constructions of cannabis use were identified: cannabis use as a risk to children, cannabis use as proof of parents' deficits, and cannabis use as (responsible) self‐medication. The discussion considers the findings in light of two social and political processes that underpin child protection policy and practice: the adoption of a risk perspective and the manifestation of othering processes. Implications for policy and practice highlight the importance of developing a critical framework for responding to parental cannabis use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of university students who have ever engaged in self-harm and to examine its correlates. Frequency of thinking about self-harm was explored as a secondary outcome. Participants: Students at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Methods: This cross-sectional study was completed via an online questionnaire. Logistic regressions assessed the influence of sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with lifetime self-harm and thoughts about self-harm. Results: The sample consisted of 2626 university students. Almost 25% engaged in self-harm in their lifetime and close to 33% have thought about harming themselves. A non-straight sexual orientation, marijuana use, prescription drugs not prescribed, and mental health problems increased the risk of both outcomes. Females were over two times more likely to engage in self-harm than males. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that is needed for developing effective interventions to reduce the risk of self-harm by targeting university students who are most at-risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cannabis use is a global public health issue associated with increased risks of developing mental health disorders, especially in young people. We aimed to investigate the relationships between cannabis exposure and risks of receiving mental illness diagnoses or treatment as outcomes. Methods: A population based, retrospective, open cohort study using patients recorded in 'IQVIA medical research data', a UK primary care database. Read codes were used to confirm patients with recorded exposure to cannabis use who were matched up to two unexposed patients. We examined the risk of developing three categories of mental ill health: depression, anxiety or serious mental illness (SMI). Results: At study entry, the exposed cohort had an increased likelihood of having experienced mental ill health [odds ratio (OR) 4.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.99–4.27] and mental ill health-related prescription (OR 2.95; 95% CI 2.86–3.05) compared to the unexposed group. During the study period we found that exposure to cannabis was associated with an increased risk of developing any mental disorder [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.73; 95% CI 2.59–2.88], also noted when examining by subtype of disorder: anxiety (aHR 2.46; 95% CI 2.29–2.64), depression (aHR 2.34; 95% CI 2.20–2.49) and SMI (aHR 6.41; 95% CI 5.42–7.57). These results remained robust in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: These findings point to the potential need for a public health approach to the management of people misusing cannabis. However, there is a gross under-recording of cannabis use in GP records, as seen by the prevalence of recorded cannabis exposure substantially lower than self-reported survey records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosis rates are higher among some migrant groups. We hypothesized that psychosis in migrants is associated with cumulative social disadvantage during different phases of migration. Methods: We used data from the EUropean Network of National Schizophrenia Networks studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) case–control study. We defined a set of three indicators of social disadvantage for each phase: pre-migration, migration and post-migration. We examined whether social disadvantage in the pre- and post-migration phases, migration adversities, and mismatch between achievements and expectations differed between first-generation migrants with first-episode psychosis and healthy first-generation migrants, and tested whether this accounted for differences in odds of psychosis in multivariable logistic regression models. Results: In total, 249 cases and 219 controls were assessed. Pre-migration (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06–2.44, p = 0.027) and post-migration social disadvantages (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.02–3.51, p = 0.044), along with expectations/achievements mismatch (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.26, p = 0.014) were all significantly associated with psychosis. Migration adversities (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.672–2.06, p = 0.568) were not significantly related to the outcome. Finally, we found a dose–response effect between the number of adversities across all phases and odds of psychosis (⩾6: OR 14.09, 95% CI 2.06–96.47, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The cumulative effect of social disadvantages before, during and after migration was associated with increased odds of psychosis in migrants, independently of ethnicity or length of stay in the country of arrival. Public health initiatives that address the social disadvantages that many migrants face during the whole migration process and post-migration psychological support may reduce the excess of psychosis in migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fascinating share from specific natural additives are used during the formation of constructions and paths. From them, hazardous gases are departing. These gases are crucial to the variance in the earth's atmosphere. Cannabis Sativa, gokshura are natural resources(carbon negative material) from the medieval period are using essentially like a cheap environmental bearing substance against numerous composite commodities. Within structures, this is frequently practiced, including a lime filler cover inside drywall structures. Some precise data ready to judge the atmosphere behavior of here kind of structure in India, UK. Here analysis strives to recognize the methods and supplies associated with the development of cannabis sativa, chrysopogen zizanoides walls blended with lime and strengthening their maturity classification impact upon climate alteration. This research obeys methods including guidelines regarding worldwide (ISO14040) and UK (PAS2050) measures. We will execute cannabis Sativa -lime drywall frame is 1m2 in range, 315 millimeters including wood framing brace internally. The investigated parts of hempcrete consolidate characteristics of hemp appropriate to development, binder qualities, mechanical properties, sturdiness, and melting properties, natural qualifications, fabricating cycles, and current applications. A few exploration gaps concerning the hydraulic nature of the binder, strength, and sturdiness, and burning obstruction of hempcrete were verified. This was additionally settled that hempcrete has remarkably moderate embodied carbon, some other gases and encapsulated power, addressing it absolute for natural additive structure pertinence. The conclusion closes with a conversation illustrating the demand and aiming for future examination on enhancing the amount of co2 other greenhouse gaseous sequestration from natural additives while blending with lime and also to increase compressive strength of lime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are no reliable data to identify the number of patients who present for infertility investigations and who are current users of illicit drugs. Therefore, the full extent of this problem remains hidden. Estimates can be made on the basis of population use, although this lacks rigour. The use of illicit drugs can impact on infertility investigations, treatment, welfare of the child and parenting. Furthermore, it can result in serious legal sanctions, including imprisonment. There does not appear to be consistent practice across HFEA licenced clinics in either requiring: (i) the addicted patient to have a specified drug-free period before commencing investigations; or (ii) all patients to be routinely screened. As well as describing the extent of illicit drug use in the UK population, and therefore in those who present in clinic, this paper will discuss screening and encourages debate across clinics regarding a mandatory drug-free period and the development of an appropriate Standard Operating Procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: In Great Britain, cannabis and tobacco are commonly used substances, both independently and together. Use of either substance is associated with mental health problems, but prevalence of co‐use within these populations is unknown. We aimed to (1) estimate prevalence of cannabis use, frequency of use and routes of administration (ROA) among tobacco smokers and non‐smokers and (2) investigate mental health problems among non‐users, tobacco‐only, cannabis‐only and co‐users of both substances. Design Cross‐sectional national on‐line survey (Action on Smoking and Health) fielded in February–March 2020. Setting: Great Britain. Participants: Adults in Great Britain aged ≥ 18 years (n = 12 809) Measurements Tobacco use status [smoker (daily or non‐daily) or non‐smoker (never or ex‐smoker)], cannabis use frequency (never to daily), detailed ROAs of cannabis, self‐reported treatment for mental health disorders (depression, anxiety and any). Statistically weighted prevalence estimates were computed to ensure representativeness. Correlates were assessed using χ2 tests and logistic regression. Findings In Great Britain in 2020, 7.1% of the sample had used cannabis in the past year. Tobacco smokers had greater odds of using cannabis in the past year (21.9%) and using cannabis daily (8.7%) than non‐smokers [past‐year: 4.7%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.4–12.0; daily: 0.7%; aOR = 24.6, 95% CI = 18.0–33.6)]. Co‐administration with tobacco was common (46.2% of non‐smokers, 80.8% of tobacco smokers). Co‐users reported the highest prevalence of any treatment for mental health problems (54.2%) in comparison to cannabis‐only (45.8%), tobacco‐only (33.2%) and non‐users (22.7%; all P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Approximately one in 13 adults in Great Britain reports having used cannabis in the past year, approximately four times as many among cigarette smokers as non‐smokers. Co‐administration of cannabis and tobacco, via smoking, appears to be common, including among self‐identified non‐smokers. Mental health problems appear to be particularly common among dual users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe an outbreak of lung injuries in 2019 among people who vaped in the United States (type of injuries, people afflicted, substances vaped and cause of the injuries) and to analyse critically the regulatory responses of public health authorities and the media reporting of the outbreak. Methods: Case studies of the reporting of the e‐cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak. We examined data on the number of cases of lung injury provided by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), public advice on the causes of the outbreak provided by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), major media reports of the outbreak and proposed regulatory responses by governments in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Results: The CDC initially suggested that the cause of the outbreak was nicotine vaping because the outbreak followed a large increase in nicotine vaping among US adolescents. Case–control studies revealed that the majority of cases had vaped illicit cannabis oils that were contaminated by vitamin E acetate. The CDC's public advice and the media were slow to report the evidence on the role of cannabis vaping. Popular government regulatory proposals—bans on sales of nicotine flavours and vaporizers—were based on the assumption that nicotine vaping was the cause of the outbreak. Conclusions: Media reporting in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom of the US Centers for Disease Control's analysis of the causes of the e‐cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury outbreak contributed to regulatory over‐reactions to nicotine vaping by the public health community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lawful sale of Cannabis sativa L. and its extracts including Cannabidiol is not harmonized under European Union law. Such products have in the most part been classified as novel foods and thus illegal for sale in Europe without prior authorization. The regulation of such substances not only spans EU and Member State food laws but also international conventions on illicit drug and psychoactive substances. An understanding of the laws governing the sale of these compounds can help business and academia better understand the challenges consumers may face in selecting products lawfully placed on the market, whilst identifying the unique challenges imposed from the marketing of Cannabis-based foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, one in three people are born overseas, and one in five households speak languages other than English. This study explores substance use prevalence, related harms, and attitudes among these large groups in the population. Analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data (N = 22, 696) from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. General linear model and binary logistic regression were used to assess substance use and harms, using stabilized inverse propensity score weighting to control for potential confounding variables. Between culturally and linguistically diverse populations and the population born in Australia, United Kingdom, or New Zealand who speak only English at home, there is no statistically significant variation in the likelihood of current smoking; using analgesics, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills; or administering drugs via injection. Culturally diverse populations are less likely to drink alcohol or use cannabis or methamphetamines. No difference between these two major groups in the population is observed in substance-related abuse from strangers; but culturally diverse respondents are less likely to report substance-related abuse from known persons. Lower substance use prevalence is not observed among people from culturally diverse backgrounds who have mental health issues. Australian-, UK-, or New Zealand–born respondents who speak only English at home are more likely to oppose drug and tobacco policies, including a range of harm reduction policies. We discuss the practical and ethical limitations of this major Australian data set for examining the burden of drug-related harms experienced by specific migrant populations. Avenues for potential future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents addiction-related news briefs on topics including the Thailand government's decision to suspend the nation's medical cannabis cultivation licencing application and approval process due to concerns about potential monopolization by international companies. It states that the global use of the death penalty for drug crimes declined by 68 percent between 2017 and 2018. Virginia's drug-induced homicide legislative bill is assessed.

Adolescents are at risk of developing detrimental health behaviours that will affect their adult health. The aim was to estimate prevalence of health risk behaviours (HRB), comparing young people (12–18 years old) in Wiltshire (UK) who are vulnerable (looked after children, special education needs and disabilities, young carers and military dependents) to those who are not vulnerable and assess whether these behaviours are associated with protective factors (e.g. friendship groups). Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data (n = 4129). In total, 900 vulnerable young people were compared with 3229 non-vulnerable young people. Differences between the two groups were assessed using Chi-squared tests, and associations with possible protective factors were assessed using logistic regression (adjusting for confounding factors). Vulnerable young people have a higher prevalence of smoking tobacco (15% vs 9%, P < 0.001), using cannabis (7% vs 5%, P = 0.03) and self-harming (16% vs 9%, P < 0.001) monthly or more compared with the rest of the Wiltshire adolescent population. Whilst vulnerable young people have many shared protective factors with non-vulnerable young people, there are also differences between the two groups. There are shared protective factors across HRB that can build on the resilience of a young person, impacting their current and future health. Therefore, we should focus our attention on developing protective factors that promote health and well-being, not solely delivering specialist interventions targeted at specific risks. Further consideration should be given to identifying and promoting protective factors specifically for vulnerable people as they have higher levels of HRB and experience protective factors differently. • Vulnerable young people experience higher prevalence of health risk behaviours. • Shared protective factors are associated with reductions in multiple health risk behaviours. • There is some evidence that vulnerable young people may respond differently to protective factors. • Prevention strategies and interventions to reduce adolescent risk-taking behaviours should take this into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one-third of people who do not gain seizure control through current treatment options need a revolution in epilepsy therapeutics. The general population appears to be showing a fundamental and rapid shift in its opinion regarding cannabis and cannabis-related drugs. It is quite possible that cannabidiol, licensed in the USA for treating rare genetic epilepsies, may open the door for the widespread legalisation of recreational cannabis. It is important that neurologists understand the difference between artisanal cannabidiol products available legally on the high street and the cannabidiol medications that have strong trial evidence. In the UK in 2018 there are multiple high-profile reports of the response of children taking cannabis-derived medication, meaning that neurologists are commonly asked questions about these treatments in clinic. We address what an adult neurologist needs to know now, ahead of the likely licensing of Epidiolex in the UK in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents 2018 addiction-related news briefs on topics including Japan's national ban on smoking in public places. The deaths associated with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign are examined, along with the Canadian government's passage of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act which deals with plain and standardized packing for cigarettes and regulations governing the sale and promotion of electronic cigarettes.

Abstract: Background and Aims: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, may be a promising novel smoking cessation treatment due to its anxiolytic properties, minimal side effects and research showing that it may modify drug cue salience. We used an experimental medicine approach with dependent cigarette smokers to investigate if (1) overnight nicotine abstinence, compared with satiety, will produce greater attentional bias (AB), higher pleasantness ratings of cigarette‐related stimuli and increased craving and withdrawal; and (2) CBD in comparison to placebo, would attenuate AB, pleasantness of cigarette‐related stimuli, craving and withdrawal and not produce any side effects. Design: Randomized, double‐blind cross‐over study with a fixed satiated session followed by two overnight abstinent sessions. Setting: UK laboratory. Participants: Thirty non‐treatment‐seeking, dependent cigarette smokers recruited from the community. Intervention and comparator: 800 mg oral CBD, or matched placebo (PBO) in a counterbalanced order Measurements: AB to pictorial tobacco cues was recorded using a visual probe task and an explicit rating task. Withdrawal, craving, side effects, heart rate and blood pressure were assessed repeatedly. Findings: When participants received PBO, tobacco abstinence increased AB (P = 0.001, d = 0.789) compared with satiety. However, CBD reversed this effect, such that automatic AB was directed away from cigarette cues (P = 0.007, d = 0.704) and no longer differed from satiety (P = 0.82). Compared with PBO, CBD also reduced explicit pleasantness of cigarette images (P = 0.011; d = 0.514). Craving (Bayes factor = 7.08) and withdrawal (Bayes factor = 6.95) were unaffected by CBD, but greater in abstinence compared with satiety. Systolic blood pressure decreased under CBD during abstinence. Conclusions: A single 800‐mg oral dose of cannabidiol reduced the salience and pleasantness of cigarette cues, compared with placebo, after overnight cigarette abstinence in dependent smokers. Cannabidiol did not influence tobacco craving or withdrawal or any subjectively rated side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from a 6-month study of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) use in Manchester, UK. Drawing on interviews with 53 NPS users and 31 stakeholders, the paper documents a notable shift in the drug using landscape. It highlights how the homeless community-traditionally associated with alcohol dependency and problematic intravenous heroin and/or crack cocaine use are now switching to smoking synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, while men who have sex with men (MSM) and engage in chemsex-who have traditionally been strongly associated with the recreational use of ecstasy and other stimulants are now developing problematic intravenous drug using habits. The paper goes on to discuss the implications of this shift for existing models of treatment service delivery. In particular, it outlines the necessity for treatment services to develop innovative engagement strategies, alongside clearer referral pathways and improved service integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is now commonly accepted that there exists a form of drug supply, that involves the non-commercial supply of drugs to friends and acquaintances for little or no profit, which is qualitatively different from profit motivated 'drug dealing proper'. 'Social supply', as it has become known, has a strong conceptual footprint in the United Kingdom, shaped by empirical research, policy discussion and its accommodation in legal frameworks. Though scholarship has emerged in a number of contexts outside the UK, the extent to which social supply has developed as an internationally recognised concept in criminal justice contexts is still unclear.Methods: Drawing on an established international social supply research network across eleven nations, this paper provides the first assessment of social supply as an internationally relevant concept. Data derives from individual and team research stemming from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, England and Wales, and the United States, supported by expert reflection on research evidence and analysis of sentencing and media reporting in each context. In situ social supply experts addressed a common set of questions regarding the nature of social supply for their particular context including: an overview of social supply research activity, reflection on the extent that differentiation is accommodated in drug supply sentencing frameworks; evaluating the extent to which social supply is recognised in legal discourse and in sentencing practices and more broadly by e.g. criminal justice professionals in the public sphere. A thematic analysis of these scripts was undertaken and emergent themes were developed. Whilst having an absence of local research, New Zealand is also included in the analysis as there exists a genuine discursive presence of social supply in the drug control and sentencing policy contexts in that country.Results: Findings suggest that while social supply has been found to exist as a real and distinct behaviour, its acceptance and application in criminal justice systems ranges from explicit through to implicit. In the absence of dedicated guiding frameworks, strong use is made of discretion and mitigating circumstances in attempts to acknowledge supply differentiation. In some jurisdictions, there is no accommodation of social supply, and while aggravating factors can be applied to differentiate more serious offences, social suppliers remain subject to arbitrary deterrent sentencing apparatus.Conclusion: Due to the shifting sands of politics, mood, or geographical disparity, reliance on judicial discretion and the use of mitigating circumstances to implement commensurate sentences for social suppliers is no longer sufficient. Further research is required to strengthen the conceptual presence of social supply in policy and practice as a behaviour that extends beyond cannabis and is relevant to users of all drugs. Research informed guidelines and/or specific sentencing provisions for social suppliers would provide fewer possibilities for inconsistency and promote more proportionate outcomes for this fast-growing group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to the growing literature on the use of computer-mediated communications to research illicit markets. In it, we conduct an analysis of the British cannabis market using data crowdsourced from a publicly available platform, PriceofWeed.com. Crowd-sourced transaction data present some new insights into the British cannabis market. First, this study has tracked the trafficking flow of cannabis within the UK. Second, it shows the extent to which a quantity discount is granted to consumers. Third, it discusses purchasing habits of cannabis users. Conclusions suggest new areas of application of crowdsourcing to research hard to reach and deviant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the last ten years, there has been a worldwide expansion of research on drug use among university students. However, this trend has been less noticeable in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of the current study is to add to the existing research base by investigating some of the characteristics and correlates of drug use among university students in the UK. Methods: Seven of the nine universities in Wales collaborated in a national survey of drug use among students during the academic year 2015–2016. The online questionnaire was identical for each university and covered a range of topics including: tobacco and e-cigarette use, traditional drug use, use of new psychoactive substances and illicit use of prescription drugs. Results: All students from seven universities in Wales were individually emailed an online questionnaire. In total 7,855 students returned the questionnaire. The most commonly used drugs, after alcohol and cigarettes, were cannabis, ecstasy, nitrous oxide and powder cocaine. There was significant variation across universities in the prevalence of drug use. Conclusions: Several prevention and treatment programmes have been implemented by universities in the United States (US) to reduce drug use among students. These include university-based education and information programmes, social norm approaches, and brief motivational interventions. Such programmes should be trialled in UK universities to test their effectiveness based on rigorous methods of evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents addiction-related news briefs on topics including the British Supreme Court's approval of minimum alcohol pricing legislation in Scotland and the U.S. government's declaration of a Nationwide Public Health Emergency to address an opioids crisis. The American Drug Enforcement Agency's 2017 report on the threats posed by domestic and international drug trafficking and illicit drug abuse is examined, along with an electronic cigarette ban in New York.

The article presents addiction-related news briefs on topics such as the French government's plan to decriminalize cannabis. According to the article, the Canadian Parliament passed a federal budget bill which includes a measure to raise alcohol excise tax rates by two percent. It states that the Mexican government has legalized the medicinal use of the pharmacological derivatives of Cannabis sativa, indica, and marijuana.

The article presents news briefs related to addiction and addiction research as of August 2017. Canada passed legislation reforming the process of creating supervised consumption rooms for injecting drug users. A World Health Organization (WHO) report found that tobacco use and tobacco-related health conditions are highest in China. Smoking in public places has been banned in the Philippines via an executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The article presents addiction-related news briefs on topics such as the establishment of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis in the U.S., and it previews several conferences and events such as the 9th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science in Paris, France on July 23-26, 2017. The legalisation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in New Zealand is examined, along with a cigarette tax increase in California.

Aims We investigate the extent of and factors associated with denial of previously reported cannabis and other illicit drug use, and assess the potential of hair testing for measuring substance use in general population samples. Design Birth cohort study. Setting United Kingdom, 1991-present. Participants A total of 3643 participants who provided hair and self-report measures of cannabis and other illicit drug use in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) at age 18 years. Measurements Denial of ever use of cannabis and other illicit drugs at age 18 following previously reported use. Positive hair drug tests for cannabis and other illicit drugs, and expected numbers of false positives and false negatives based on expected sensitivity and specificity. Findings Cannabis and other illicit drug use was reported by 1223 and 393 individuals, respectively, before age 18 years. Of these 176 (14.4%) and 99 (25.2%), respectively, denied use at age 18. Denial of cannabis use decreased with the reporting of other substances and antisocial behaviour. Cannabis and other illicit drug use at age 18 was reported by 547 (22.5%) and 203 (8.4%) individuals, respectively. Of these, 111 (20.3%) and 13 (6.4%) were hair-positive for cannabis and other illicit drugs, respectively. Based on hair testing for cannabis use we expect 0 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0-169] false positives and 394 (95% CI = 323-449) false negatives compared to observed 362 potential false positives and 436 potential false negatives based on self-report. In hair-positive individuals, reporting the use of other substances and antisocial behaviour decreased the odds of a negative self-report. Conclusions Hair analysis provides an unreliable marker of substance use in general population samples. People who report more frequent substance use before age 18 are less likely to later deny previous substance use at age 18 than people who report occasional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents drug and alcohol addiction-related news briefs and information about events such as the 9th European Public Health Conference which will be held on November 9-12, 2016 in Vienna, Austria. Legislation to legalise cannabis for medical purposes in Germany is examined, along with the trafficking of synthetic drugs on the Vietnam-China border. Laws regulating the use of tax revenues to fund public health programmes in places such as Panama and Poland are assessed.

A large literature exists suggesting that residential mobility leads to increased participation in risky health behaviours such as cannabis use amongst youth. However, much of this work fails to account for the impact that underlying differences between mobile and non-mobile youth have on this relationship. In this study we utilise multilevel models with longitudinal data to simultaneously estimate between-child and within-child effects in the relationship between residential mobility and cannabis use, allowing us to determine the extent to which cannabis use in adolescence is driven by residential mobility and unobserved confounding. Data come from a UK cohort, The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Consistent with previous research we find a positive association between cumulative residential mobility and cannabis use when using multilevel extensions of conventional logistic regression models (log odds: 0.94, standard error: 0.42), indicating that children who move houses are more likely to use cannabis than those who remain residentially stable. However, decomposing this relationship into within- and between-child components reveals that the conventional model is underspecified and misleading; we find that differences in cannabis use between mobile and non-mobile children are due to underlying differences between these groups (between-child log odds: 3.56, standard error: 1.22), not by a change in status of residential mobility (within-child log odds: 1.33, standard error: 1.02). Our findings suggest that residential mobility in the teenage years does not place children at an increased risk of cannabis use throughout these years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presentations to specialist drug treatment services in England for cannabis have been rising in recent years. As cannabis is no longer disaggregated in annual reports of drug treatment presentations published by Public Health England, we requested access to a detailed data-set to explore the treatment population in more detail. Analysis of the data revealed two important issues which were not apparent in the published reports. Males and females over the age of 40 are a rapidly growing sub-group. This reflects the parallel growth in those in treatment primarily for problems due to opiates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to addiction and addiction research. President Barack Obama signed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) into law in July 2016. A proposal to regulate tobacco advertising in Switzerland was rejected by the Health Committee of the Swiss senate in April 2016. The periodical "National Post" has reported that there were 474 drug-related overdose deaths in British Columbia (BC) in Canada in 2015.

This section offers news briefs on relating to addiction as of June 2016. It announces the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules 2014 in India. It reports the prescription drug monitoring to be introduced in Victoria to prevent overdoses, as well as the ruling by the Texas Supreme Court upholding a state Supreme Court decision to impose a special tax on cigarette makers.

Introduction: International drug policy has traditionally been based on the premise that illegal drugs are more harmful than legal substances. Here, we investigate how students in the UK and Norway now perceive possible harms related to tobacco and alcohol—which are legal—and cannabis—which is illegal. Methods: Social science undergraduates at a university in the UK (n = 473) and Norway (n = 472) completed an anonymous survey. They were asked to rate the harms of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis across five domains: (i) physical harms, (ii) mental health conditions, (iii) dependence, (iv) injuries, and (v) social consequences. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the relative harms of the three substances across all the domains as well as possible differences between participants from the UK and Norway. Results: Tobacco was rated as most harmful with regard to physical harm and dependence; alcohol was rated as most harmful with regard to injuries and social consequences, while cannabis was rated as most harmful with regard to mental health. The total harms scores for alcohol were highest, slightly above those of cannabis. British students reported higher tobacco and alcohol harm scores than Norwegian students, while the opposite pattern was true for cannabis. Conclusions: The legal substance alcohol was rated by students as more harmful than the illegal substance cannabis. The findings may imply that young people in the years to come may be less supportive of a traditional drug policy based on criminalization, at least when it comes to cannabis. At the same time, one may hypothesize that liberal alcohol policies may receive little support, given students’ perception of the possible harms associated with alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundCannabis use is decreasing in England and Wales, while demand for cannabis treatment in addiction services continues to rise. This could be partly due to an increased availability of high-potency cannabis.MethodAdults residing in the UK were questioned about their drug use, including three types of cannabis (high potency: skunk; low potency: other grass, resin). Cannabis types were profiled and examined for possible associations between frequency of use and (i) cannabis dependence, (ii) cannabis-related concerns.ResultsFrequent use of high-potency cannabis predicted a greater severity of dependence [days of skunk use per month: b = 0.254, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.161–0.357, p < 0.001] and this effect became stronger as age decreased (b = −0.006, 95% CI −0.010 to −0.002, p = 0.004). By contrast, use of low-potency cannabis was not associated with dependence (days of other grass use per month: b = 0.020, 95% CI −0.029 to 0.070, p = 0.436; days of resin use per month: b = 0.025, 95% CI −0.019 to 0.067, p = 0.245). Frequency of cannabis use (all types) did not predict severity of cannabis-related concerns. High-potency cannabis was clearly distinct from low-potency varieties by its marked effects on memory and paranoia. It also produced the best high, was preferred, and most available.ConclusionsHigh-potency cannabis use is associated with an increased severity of dependence, especially in young people. Its profile is strongly defined by negative effects (memory, paranoia), but also positive characteristics (best high, preferred type), which may be important when considering clinical or public health interventions focusing on cannabis potency. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents addiction-related news briefs on topics such as the British government's plan to classify pregabalin and gabapentin as Class C drugs under Great Britain's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it mentions various conferences and conventions which deal with topics such as clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. Draft guidance on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and smoking cessation is examined, along with a smokefree-based tobacco control plan for England.

Griffith Edwards played an important role in cannabis policy debates within government advisory committees in the United Kingdom from the early 1970s until the early 1980s. This has largely been hidden from public knowledge by the confidentiality of these committee discussions. The purpose of this paper is to use Griffith's writings and the results of recent historical scholarship to outline the views he expressed, the reasons he gave for them, and to provide a brief assessment of his contribution to the development of British cannabis policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to addiction as of 2016. The unregulated cannabidiol (CBD) market in Great Britain has been halted by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The public is supporting minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol products in Great Britain. A World Health Organization (WHO) report has found that the alcohol-attributable mortality burden has increased slightly in Europe since 1990.

The article offers world news briefs related to addictions such as smoking and alcohol and smoking policies. The California Department of Public Health reports on electronic cigarettes and the risk factors. Jamaica passed a bill in regards to cannabis law and possession. The mortality and morbidity rates in Scotland due to the alcoholism are reported.

The article presents news on addiction. Figures released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Great Britain's Office for National Statistics indicate that smoking rates declined between 2005 and 2013 in the U.S. and between 2012 and 2013 in Great Britain. A "BBC News" report indicated that Harsh Vardham, India's Health Minister, announced new regulations which require health warnings to cover 85% of the surface of tobacco packages beginning on April 1, 2015.The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines titled "Community Management of Opioid Overdose".

The article presents 2014 news on addiction. In October Moscow, Russia was the host location for the sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. An article in "The Guardian" reported that Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, John Manzoni, has closed financial links with SABMiller, one of Britain’s major drink companies. An article in "The Huffington Post" reported that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield called for flexible interpretations of international drug control treaties at a United Nations meeting in October.

Research suggests that a large proportion of people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are using cannabis to self-manage symptoms, or at least believe there are potential benefits in using this drug. Since community nurses are frontline caregivers, they are likely to encounter PwMS who use cannabis within the home setting. The literature base surrounding this topic is largely driven by quantitative research examining the effectiveness of cannabis as a medicine. This review found that qualitative research exploring the experiences of PwMS who use cannabis is lacking worldwide and is completely absent within UK nursing literature. PwMS using cannabis may not feel safe discussing this with health professionals, as they might fear being judged. This literature review discusses how people perceive the effectiveness of cannabis in helping symptoms associated with MS, while also considering the stigma and legal concerns people face. This review may help community nurses inform their practice and enhance person-centred relationships between them and PwMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs in the healthcare sector in Great Britain as of August 2015, including the claim by the Medical Defence Union that majority of sexual assault cases involving doctors were dismissed, the creation of the grassroot organization GP Survival (generalpracticesurvival.com), and a study in "Advances in Dual Diagnosis" on cannabis psychosis.