Emily M LaFrance

2 papers in the library · publishing 2021

Papers

Acute effects of high-potency cannabis flower and cannabis concentrates on everyday life memory and decision making.

Scientific Reports July 2, 2021 Carrie Cuttler, Emily M LaFrance, Amanda Stueber

Acute use of high-potency cannabis impairs memory and increases false memories, regardless of whether it contains CBD. In a study where 80 cannabis users either stayed sober or purchased and inhaled one of three high-potency products (flower with ≥20% THC without CBD, flower with ≥20% THC with CBD, or concentrates with ≥60% THC with CBD), all three cannabis products increased susceptibility to false memories. High-potency flower with CBD impaired free recall, while flower without CBD and concentrates impaired source memory. CBD did not offset cognitive impairments, and users self-titrated concentrates to produce comparable intoxication and impairment as flower.

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93198-5 Full text

Acute Effects of Cannabis on Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Journal of Affective Disorders January 15, 2021 Dakota Mauzay, Emily M LaFrance, Carrie Cuttler

Inhaling cannabis is associated with short-term reductions in OCD symptoms. In an analysis of 1,810 cannabis use sessions tracked by 87 self-identified OCD patients via the Strainprint® app, compulsions dropped by 60%, intrusions by 49%, and anxiety by 52% from before to after inhalation. Higher CBD concentrations and higher doses predicted larger reductions in compulsions. Over 31 months, later sessions showed smaller reductions in intrusions, suggesting possible tolerance. Baseline symptom severity and dose remained stable. The absence of a placebo control and the self-selected sample limit causal conclusions.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.124 Full text