Author: Katsiaryna Bykov
Katsiaryna Bykov
Katsiaryna Bykov, PharmD, ScD, is a pharmacoepidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Originally trained as a pharmacist, she completed her research doctorate in epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and has been conducting research on medication use, safety, and effectiveness for more than a decade.
As marijuana legalization expands across the United States, a groundbreaking study from Northwestern Medicine has uncovered evidence that cannabis use may fundamentally alter human DNA. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 900 adults and discovered that marijuana use is linked to "epigenetic" changes—chemical modifications that turn genes on or off. These changes were specifically found in genes related to the immune system, cell growth, and mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Epigenetics: How Cannabis "Tags" Your DNA Data from Northwestern Medicine reveals a critical shift in our understanding of cannabis toxicology. While previous research focused on immediate physiological effects, this study,…
The rapid rise of ADHD prescriptions in Australia has sparked a new fear among motorists: can legal medication trigger a positive result for methamphetamines on a roadside drug test? With Vyvanse now the fastest-growing script on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), thousands of drivers are questioning if their daily treatment could cost them their license. While rare, anecdotal evidence suggests false positives are possible on initial screenings, though secondary lab tests typically exonerate prescribed users. Examining the Chemistry: Dexamphetamine vs. Methamphetamine A deep dive into the pharmacology reveals why this confusion exists. Dexamphetamine (found in Vyvanse and Elvanse) and methamphetamine…
A disturbing medical phenomenon known as "scromiting" is on the rise among long-term cannabis users. A brutal combination of "screaming" and "vomiting," this condition is the most extreme symptom of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). While cannabis is often prescribed to treat nausea, chronic exposure to high-THC products can trigger a paradoxical reaction, causing the body's digestive system to revolt violently. Understanding the warning signs is critical for heavy users to avoid hospitalization. The Medical Reality: What is CHS? Cross-referencing emergency room data indicates a critical shift in cannabis-related hospitalizations. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a newly recognized condition that turns…
Cannabis regulatory reform in New Jersey refers to the legislative effort to strengthen the legal market by cracking down on illicit activities and clarifying operational rules. Late in 2024, lawmakers advanced a bill that prioritizes strict enforcement while adjusting the framework for licensed businesses, applicants, and investors. Strengthened Enforcement Against the Illicit Market A primary component of the bill is a directive for the **New Jersey State Police** to collaborate with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) and local law enforcement. Their mandate is to develop and execute a structured enforcement program specifically targeting unlicensed cannabis manufacturing and sales. This move represents…
Workplace drug testing refers to the evaluation of employees or job applicants for the presence of illicit drugs or alcohol, a practice that is undergoing a seismic shift as we head into 2026. With federal policy on the brink of major change and state laws increasingly protecting cannabis use, employers face a critical year for policy review and adaptation. The Impact of Reclassifying Marijuana The most significant potential disruptor for 2026 is the federal rescheduling of marijuana. On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a…
Cannabis regulation in Thailand refers to the evolving legal framework governing the sale and use of the plant, which has shifted from broad decriminalization in 2022 to stricter controls aimed at medical use. As the country approaches a pivotal election, the government is moving to rein in the thousands of dispensaries that have emerged. Tightening the Reins on Dispensaries According to a draft regulation from the Health Ministry, cannabis will be designated as a "controlled herb," restricting sales to specific authorized venues. These include: Crucially, establishments will be required to have at least one practitioner trained by the Department of…
"California Sober" refers to a lifestyle choice where individuals abstain from alcohol and hard drugs but continue to use cannabis. As Dry January 2026 kicks off, this concept is moving from the fringe to the mainstream. Millions of people are choosing to drink less, but rather than going completely without intoxication, a growing number are swapping their Cabernet for cannabis tonics and edibles. The Shift: From Abstinence to Intentional Consumption For decades, Dry January was synonymous with white-knuckling through a month of total sobriety. However, the narrative is changing. It's less about quitting everything and more about re-evaluating one's relationship…
A comprehensive new systematic evidence review has shed fresh light on the efficacy of cannabis products for pain relief, offering findings that may surprise many users and healthcare providers. The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, concludes that while products containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may provide small, short-term improvements in pain, they also carry an increased risk of adverse side effects. Perhaps most notably, the review found that products containing mainly or only cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrated almost no benefit for pain management. The review is an…
On December 18, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a significant Executive Order titled Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research. This directive instructs the Attorney General (AG) to expedite the ongoing rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Furthermore, it calls on executive branch officials to enhance research and regulatory coordination regarding medical marijuana and hemp-derived cannabinoid products. While the headlines may suggest immediate change, the reality is more nuanced. The Executive Order itself does not reclassify marijuana; rather, it pushes federal agencies to complete a process that has been underway for…
Ireland is poised to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes within the next six months, following the introduction of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill. Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor presented the legislation to the Dáil, stating its singular purpose is to outlaw these devices to curb youth nicotine addiction and address environmental waste. The move responds to growing concerns from parents and educators about the prevalence of vaping among teenagers. Health officials warn that vaping can act as a gateway to traditional smoking, with the Minister emphasizing the goal of reducing youth smoking rates to zero. Environmental…