With drug overdoses at an all-time high in the U.S., a new study sheds light on the path many patients take from their first opioid prescription to a fatal overdose. A study of more than 236,000 adults identified several factors that people had in common: they were more likely to be men, over 75, insured by Medicaid or Medicare, and have substance use disorder or depression and underlying medical conditions. In addition, they were at higher risk if they were first prescribed oxycodone or tramadol, and fill their prescriptions at three or more pharmacies. Flagging these factors, the study noted, might help doctors see which patients are most likely to be harmed when given these drugs.
Meanwhile, a recent analysis of previous research on the impact of cannabis on young people’s cognition finds that many of the known learning and memory difficulties—such as slowed processing speed, and difficulties in focusing—could linger for weeks. Verbal learning, retention, and recall were especially affected for longer periods when the person was no longer high. There’s also a suggestion that cannabis use in teen and young adult years, when the brain is especially vulnerable, may have lasting residual effects, such as poor academic and job performance.
And finally, despite such findings of the impact of pot on teens, the cannabis industry continues to flout rules and regulations intended to curb marketing to this age group. In fact, many recreational marijuana companies market their product in a way that specifically appeals to children and teens, and is also easily viewed by people of all ages on social media platforms, according to a new study. It found content designed to appeal to youth culture—with young models or recognizable characters—or budget limitations, such as promotions and discounts, despite current regulations. Many pot companies generate dozens of social media posts per day, and there is currently no system in place to monitor them and enforce rules. As more and more pro-pot groups tout safety precautions in the push for legalization, such studies point to the industry’s flagrant disregard for the health of consumers—especially vulnerable populations including young people.