Cannabis edibles may seem like an easy or discreet option, but their effects can be unpredictable and much stronger than expected. Because the concentration of THC is often inaccurate or unknown, people may unintentionally consume more than they can safely tolerate—especially when the effects take longer to kick in. Edibles can also pose serious risks […]
Cannabis and Poisoning Read More »
Across the United States, the landscape of cannabis use has shifted dramatically. What was once a tightly restricted substance has now become a booming multibillion-dollar industry, with 37 states legalizing medical cannabis and 19 approving recreational use as of June 2022. Cannabis is recognized for its therapeutic potential—helping with seizures, nausea, and appetite loss—but the
Cognitive effects in midlife of long-term cannabis use Read More »
While smokeless tobacco is often marketed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, the truth is that it carries serious health risks. These products still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are linked to cancers, oral diseases, and even risks during pregnancy. They can also harm children through accidental nicotine poisoning. Understanding the dangers of smokeless tobacco
Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco Read More »
Youth substance use is a significant public health challenge in the United States, but importantly, it’s preventable. In 2024, surveys revealed that 9% of eighth graders, 16.9% of tenth graders, and 26.2% of twelfth graders reported using illegal substances within the past year. Early substance use is associated with serious consequences, including impaired brain development, decreased school performance,
ENGAGE: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use Read More »
As cannabis use becomes increasingly common around the world, understanding its impact on lung health has become an urgent priority for both physicians and the public. While tobacco smoking has been extensively studied and linked to serious respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the long-term effects of cannabis
Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms Read More »
Many people still believe marijuana is “safe” or that it’s impossible to get addicted, but research increasingly proves the opposite. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is emerging as a serious public health issue in the United States and beyond. Unlike casual perceptions that downplay its risks, science shows cannabis can have long-lasting effects on the brain,
Calls to Reassess Cannabis Risks: New Research Reported Read More »
Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease, impacting lung health at every stage of life. It is responsible for about 8 in 10 COPD-related deaths in the United States, worsens asthma in both adults and adolescents, and increases the risk for tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. Additional consequences include reduced lung function,
Respiratory Care Settings and Smoking Cessation Read More »
Cigarettes, cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco all negatively impact oral health, often in ways that are both painful and dangerous. Tobacco use is strongly linked to oral cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, lips, and gums. Cigarettes can cause gum disease, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. Cigars, even without inhaling, can cause
How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health Read More »
Cigars and cigarettes may seem similar, but the differences go far beyond size. Cigarettes are typically small, wrapped in paper, and contain less than 1 gram of unfermented tobacco. They’re made to be inhaled and usually smoked in under 10 minutes. In contrast, cigars are made from fermented tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaf, come in
Cigar Smoking and Cancer Read More »
As marijuana use continues to rise across the country, new research is uncovering unexpected health concerns—especially in trauma patients. A study analyzing over 593,000 adult trauma cases from the ACS Trauma Quality and Improvement Program (2015–2016) found a significant link between preinjury marijuana exposure and increased thromboembolic complications (TEC), such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT)