Public Health Strategies for Tobacco Prevention and Control

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. For decades, tobacco companies have strategically targeted youth, low-income communities, and racial and ethnic minorities, increasing access to and appeal of tobacco products. Social factors like poverty, discrimination, and adverse childhood experiences further contribute to tobacco use, making it harder for individuals to quit. Addressing these disparities through evidence-based strategies—such as tobacco-free policies, cessation support, and restrictions on tobacco marketing—can help reduce tobacco-related health inequities and protect future generations.

Key Facts About Tobacco Use and Its Impact:

Targeted Marketing: Tobacco companies have historically marketed their products more aggressively to youth, low-income communities, and racial and ethnic minorities.
Health Disparities: People with mental health conditions and substance use disorders face higher rates of tobacco-related disease and death.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Comprehensive smoke-free policies in workplaces, schools, and multi-unit housing help protect public health.
Cessation Support: Expanding access to affordable quitting resources, including FDA-approved medications and behavioral counseling, increases success rates.
Policy Impact: States like California, Massachusetts, and Michigan have made significant progress through tobacco-free laws and retailer restrictions.

Eliminating tobacco-related disparities requires a collective effort. By supporting smoke-free policies, promoting access to cessation resources, and addressing targeted marketing, we can create healthier communities for all. If you or someone you know is trying to quit, seek out proven resources and support systems. Together, we can work toward a future free from the harms of commercial tobacco.

**Reducing access to flavored tobacco products decreases the likelihood of peer pressure to try tobacco.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/reach/php/strategies/tobacco-prevention-control.html

The Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage and Young Adult Brain

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Marijuana, known for its mind-altering effects due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is one of the most widely used substances in the United States. In 2021, 11.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana, while 30.7% of 12th graders admitted to using it within the past year. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, its use has become more socially acceptable, particularly among teens and young adults. However, the adolescent brain continues developing until age 25, and marijuana use during this critical period can disrupt brain development, impair memory, learning, and decision-making, and lead to long-term cognitive issues. Additionally, chronic marijuana use in youth is linked to a loss of IQ, poor academic performance, increased risk of depression and anxiety, and even addiction.

Key Factors of Marijuana Use and Its Risks:

Cognitive Impairment: Problems with attention, concentration, memory, and learning.
Poor Decision-Making: Reduced coordination, slower reaction time, and impaired judgment.
Academic and Professional Impact: Lower performance, increased likelihood of dropping out, and reduced career opportunities.
Mental Health Risks: Higher chances of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Addiction Potential: Regular use of high-THC products can lead to marijuana use disorder, especially in those who start young.

Choosing a healthier lifestyle free from marijuana can help young people reach their full potential, both mentally and physically. If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana use, seeking support from a counselor, healthcare provider, or support group can make a significant difference. Making informed decisions about substance use is essential for long-term well-being, leading to a future filled with greater opportunities, stronger relationships, and improved overall health.

Reference: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/effects-of-marijuana-on-teenage-brain

Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies

Posted on February 15, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Smoking is widely known to cause cancer and other severe health issues, and smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as premature birth, birth defects, or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exposure to cigarette smoke can also harm both the mother and baby. While quitting before pregnancy is ideal, stopping at any stage can still greatly reduce health risks. A previous healthy pregnancy despite smoking does not ensure future pregnancies will be problem-free. Additionally, smoking can impair fertility in both men and women, making it more difficult to conceive. Women who smoke often struggle to get pregnant.

Key Factors: How Smoking Harms You and Your Baby

Low birth weight – Slows baby’s growth before birth.
Premature birth – Increases risk of health complications.
Lung & brain damage – Effects can last into teen years.
Abnormal bleeding – Doubles the risk during pregnancy and delivery.
Birth defects – Higher chance of cleft lip, cleft palate, or both.
Higher SIDS risk – Babies exposed to smoke face increased risk.

Key Factors: How Premature Birth Harms Your Baby

Low birth weight – Missing crucial womb growth.
Feeding difficulties – Trouble eating and gaining weight.
Breathing problems – Immediate and long-term respiratory issues.
Cerebral palsy – Brain damage affecting movement and muscle tone.
Developmental delays – Delayed language, thinking, and motor skills.
Hearing & vision issues – Increased risk of sensory impairments.
Extended hospital stay – May require weeks or months of care.

Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of premature birth, which can lead to serious health complications for your baby, including low birth weight, breathing problems, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and hearing or vision issues. Premature babies often require extended hospital stays and may face long-term health challenges. Quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy can greatly improve your baby’s chances of being born healthy and thriving. Protecting your baby from the harmful effects of smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for their well-being, both before and after birth.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/pregnancy.html

Marijuana addiction increases risk for premature death, Canadian study finds

Posted on February 8, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

A new Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a troubling connection between cannabis use disorder and an elevated risk of premature death within five years. With marijuana use rising globally and daily consumption surpassing alcohol in Canada and the U.S., researchers stress the need to recognize cannabis use disorder as a significant public health issue. Dr. Daniel Myran, the study’s lead author and Canada Research Chair of Social Accountability at the University of Ottawa, emphasized that despite the increasing prevalence and potency of marijuana products, little is known about its long-term risks. This finding is especially concerning among young people, as cannabis legalization and commercial marketing continue to expand.

Key Factors

Large Study Population – The study analyzed data from 11.6 million people in Ontario over a median period of five years (2006–2021), covering individuals aged 15 to 105 years.

Increased Risk of Premature Death – Those who required hospital-based care for cannabis use disorder were at six times the risk of death within five years compared to people of the same age in the general population.
Major Causes of Death – After accounting for co-morbid health conditions, individuals with cannabis use disorder still faced nearly three times the risk of death from suicide, trauma, drug poisoning, and lung cancer.
Comparison with Alcohol Use Disorder – While alcohol use disorder posed a higher risk of death, the difference in mortality risk between cannabis and alcohol use disorders was not substantial.
Public Perception vs. Reality – Many do not perceive cannabis to have serious health risks, despite the evidence showing significant health dangers associated with cannabis use disorder.
Need for Public Health Intervention – Addressing this issue requires greater efforts in prevention, treatment, and support services for individuals struggling with cannabis addiction.

The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to re-evaluate public perceptions of cannabis use disorder and its associated risks. While many view cannabis as relatively harmless, the increased likelihood of premature death—especially from suicide, trauma, drug poisoning, and lung cancer—reveals the serious health consequences of heavy use. The comparison with alcohol use disorder further highlights the need for greater awareness, prevention, and accessible treatment options. As cannabis consumption continues to rise globally, public health efforts must prioritize education, early intervention, and support systems to mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable individuals.

Reference: https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/02/06/canada-marujuana-addition-premature-death-study/8111738854000/

How marijuana impacts pain, sleep, anxiety and more, according to the latest science

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Are you turning to marijuana to manage anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, pregnancy-related nausea, sleep issues, or other challenges? You might be surprised to learn that a comprehensive review of over 100 clinical trials and meta-analyses reveals limited high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes.

“After applying very strict quantitative criteria, and accounting for both observational studies and experimental trials, most of the associations between cannabis and health outcomes were supported by very low or low credibility,” – Dr. Marco Solmi

Key Facts About Marijuana Use:

1. Mental Health Risks:

Cannabis shows no benefits for easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders.

It increases the risk of developing psychotic or mental health disorders.

Cannabis worsens clinical outcomes in people with pre-existing mental conditions like psychosis, increasing the risk of relapse and impairing cognition.

2. Impact During Pregnancy:

Cannabis use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is linked to low birth weight and potentially harmful effects on the fetal brain.

THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can be passed to the baby during breastfeeding.

3. Adolescents and Young Adults:

Cannabis use in developing brains (adolescence through early adulthood) negatively impacts cognition and mental health.

It is linked to poorer memory, verbal cognition, and visual recall.

Young users should stop cannabis use if they experience declines in educational, social, or mental health functioning.

4. General Cognitive Effects:

Cannabis use can worsen multiple cognitive domains, including memory and problem-solving skills.

The permanence of these effects is still unclear, requiring further research.

While marijuana is often perceived as a remedy for various physical and mental health challenges, the evidence reveals significant risks, particularly for mental health, pregnancy, and young people. Its use can exacerbate mental disorders, impair cognition, and pose developmental risks to unborn and breastfeeding children. For adolescents and young adults, cannabis can hinder brain development, memory, and overall functioning, with lasting consequences still under study. Given these findings, it’s crucial to approach cannabis use with caution and prioritize safer, evidence-based alternatives for managing health concerns.

**远离大麻，保持健康。Stay away from cannabis, maintain your health.**

Reference: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/30/health/marijuana-pros-and-cons-wellness/index.html

Cannabis and mental health

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

In the 1990s, cannabis use among young people saw a significant rise, becoming more common than tobacco smoking in some countries. Several factors may contribute to this shift, including the drug’s ready availability, growing social disapproval of cigarette smoking, stricter drink-driving laws, and perceptions that cannabis is safer or less harmful than cigarettes or alcohol. This trend raises concerns, as cannabis use is linked to being a potential gateway to other drugs and is associated with psychiatric conditions. Research has established a connection between cannabis use and psychosis, with some studies also linking it to depression. While it remains unclear whether cannabis causes these conditions or if individuals use it to alleviate existing distress, the prevailing explanation is that cannabis may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in predisposed individuals and worsen symptoms overall. However, establishing clear causality is challenging due to methodological limitations, including the low incidence of schizophrenia and the common use of multiple substances among drug users.

Key Facts About Cannabis and Mental Health Risks

Increased Risk of Schizophrenia:
- A Swedish study tracking 50,000 conscripts for 15 years found that adolescent cannabis use increases the risk of schizophrenia in a dose-response relationship.
- Follow-up analysis confirmed that cannabis, not other drugs, was linked to later schizophrenia and was not due to pre-existing symptoms.
- Longer cannabis exposure predicted greater psychosis severity.
Worse Outcomes for Those with Symptoms:
- Cannabis use in individuals with baseline psychotic symptoms worsened outcomes, suggesting an additive effect.
- A New Zealand study linked frequent cannabis use by age 18 to increased schizophrenia symptoms by age 26.
Risk of Depression:
- A U.S. study showed cannabis use increased the risk of major depression fourfold over 15 years.
- Cannabis was associated with suicidal ideation and anhedonia.
- An Australian study found a dose-response link between cannabis use and anxiety or depression, with stronger effects on young women.
Self-Medication Hypothesis Disputed:
- Studies found no evidence that baseline depression or psychosis predicts cannabis use, suggesting cannabis use is more likely a cause rather than a coping mechanism.
Developmental Stage Matters:
- Cannabis use during adolescence is more likely linked to later mental health problems, whereas mental disorders may lead to cannabis use in early adulthood.
Public Health Implications:
- Reducing cannabis use could significantly lower rates of schizophrenia and depression.
- Dutch data suggests up to a 50% reduction in psychosis requiring treatment if cannabis exposure was eliminated.
- Swedish data indicates a 30% increased risk of schizophrenia associated with cannabis use.
Legislative and Clinical Considerations:
- The surprising magnitude of cannabis’ impact on psychosis and depression underscores the need for preventive measures and policy discussions.

The evidence is clear: cannabis use, especially during adolescence, significantly increases the risk of mental health complications such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. While the long-term effects vary by individual, the dose-response relationship highlights the importance of reducing or avoiding cannabis use altogether to protect mental well-being. Prevention is key, as studies show that eliminating cannabis exposure could drastically reduce the incidence of psychosis and depressive disorders. By making informed choices and understanding the risks, you can prioritize your mental health and help build a healthier future for yourself and your community.

Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1124674/

Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Smoking harms your eyes just as much as it harms the rest of your body, increasing your risk of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Two major threats to your eyesight are macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects central vision, which is essential for tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving. AMD starts in its dry form but can progress to the wet form, causing rapid vision loss if untreated. Cataracts cause blurry vision that worsens over time, and without surgery, they can result in severe vision impairment. The best way to protect your eyes from smoking-related damage is to quit or never start smoking.

Symptoms of Eye Diseases Related to Smoking

Symptoms of AMD may include:

Blurred vision or a blurry spot in your central vision
The need for more light to read or do other tasks
Straight lines that look wavy
Trouble recognizing faces

How Does Smoking Affect Your Eyes?

Smoking causes changes in the eyes that may result in vision loss. If you smoke:

You are twice as likely to develop AMD compared with a people who do not smoke.^2,8
You are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with a people who do not smoke.

Smoking not only harms your overall health but also puts your vision at serious risk, leading to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. By choosing to quit smoking, you can protect your eyes and your health, ensuring a clearer, brighter future. Take control of your well-being today—embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle, and make the choice to live tobacco-free. Your body, mind, and eyes will thank you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html

Asthma and Secondhand Smoke

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to swell and narrow during an asthma attack, which makes breathing difficult. This swelling reduces the flow of air in and out of the lungs, and the cells in the airways may produce excess mucus—a thick, sticky substance—that further obstructs airflow and exacerbates breathing challenges. If you have asthma, an attack can occur when something irritates your airways and triggers symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, is a common trigger and is particularly harmful to individuals with asthma, though it is unhealthy for everyone.

Symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

Coughing
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Wheezing
Tightness or pain in the chest

Secondhand smoke consists of a combination of gases and fine particles, including:

Smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
Smoke that has been exhaled (breathed out) by someone who smokes

To reduce the risk of asthma attacks, it is crucial to identify and avoid personal triggers, such as tobacco smoke, which is not only harmful to individuals with asthma but also to everyone exposed to it. Preventative measures include maintaining a smoke-free environment, minimizing exposure to pollutants, and following a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and the health of those around you, especially children and individuals with asthma. By making these changes, you can create a healthier, safer space for everyone while managing asthma more effectively.

**Studies show that flavors such as fruit, candy, and menthol are particularly appealing to adolescents.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/secondhand-smoke-asthma.html

Know the Effects, Risks and Side Effects of Marijuana

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Marijuana use carries significant risks that can impact a person’s health and life, yet its use continues to rise, especially among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women. In the U.S., marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance, and despite growing usage, the perception of its potential harm is declining. Many young people today do not view marijuana use as risky. However, the dangers are very real, particularly for youth, young adults, and pregnant or nursing women. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever, and addiction to it is a genuine concern.

Marijuana Risks

Marijuana use can lead to negative and lasting effects:

Brain health: Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.

Mental health: Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. It is not known, however, if marijuana use is the cause of these conditions.

Athletic Performance: Research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination, which can harm athletic performance.

Driving: People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination, and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.

Baby’s health and development: Marijuana use during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals from marijuana can also be passed from a mother to her baby through breast milk, further impacting a child’s healthy development.

Daily life: Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.

In conclusion, it’s important to recognize that marijuana is addictive, contrary to the common belief that it’s harmless. Research shows that 1 in 6 people who start using marijuana before the age of 18 can become addicted, and 1 in 10 adults who use it face the same risk. Over the years, the potency of marijuana has significantly increased, with today’s marijuana containing three times the THC concentration compared to 25 years ago. The higher the THC content, the more intense the effects on the brain, likely contributing to the rise in marijuana-related emergency room visits. While the long-term risks of higher potency marijuana are still being studied, it’s clear that increased THC levels likely lead to higher rates of dependency and addiction. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about marijuana use.

Reference: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/marijuana/risks

What are the physical health consequences of tobacco use?

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States, contributing to an estimated 480,000 deaths annually. Smokers aged 60 and older face a twofold increase in mortality compared to nonsmokers, dying approximately six years earlier. While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, tobacco smoke contains at least 69 cancer-causing chemicals, making smoking responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. Overall cancer death rates are twice as high among smokers as nonsmokers, with heavy smokers having a fourfold greater risk. Quitting smoking yields immediate health benefits, and depending on the age of cessation, some or all of the reduced life expectancy can be regained.

Key Factors:

Cancer Risks:
- Lung cancer: Smoking is linked to 80–90% of cases and 80% of deaths.
- Other cancers: Mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, acute myeloid leukemia.
- Smokeless tobacco: Associated with cancers of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Lung Diseases:
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Worsened asthma symptoms in adults and children.
- Leading risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is irreversible once developed.
Heart Disease:
- Increases risk of stroke, heart attack, vascular disease, and aneurysm.
- Responsible for 40% of smoking-related deaths.
- Causes coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Other Health Conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, impaired immune function.
- Reduced health-related quality of life in young smokers aged 26–41.
- Potential link to Type 2 Diabetes through pathways between the pancreas and brain.
Benefits of Quitting:
- Lung damage repair over time (except in COPD).
- Improved overall health and reduced risk of smoking-related diseases.

The devastating impact of smoking on nearly every aspect of health—causing cancers, lung diseases, heart conditions, and a host of other ailments—underscores the urgent need to quit. While the damage caused by smoking is significant, the good news is that quitting can lead to remarkable health benefits, including the repair of lung damage, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of life-threatening diseases. Whether you’re a long-term smoker or have recently started, it’s never too late to take the first step toward a healthier future. Seek support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or smoking cessation programs to embark on this life-changing journey. Quitting smoking not only adds years to your life but also greatly improves the quality of those years—an investment in your well-being and the peace of mind of those who care about you.