More than 32,000 studies on the medical use of cannabinoids of cannabis have been published over the past decade, including 4,000 each year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, according to a NORML report.
We know more and more about cannabis, we understand more and more about its mechanism of action in various cases, which in turn makes its use increasingly safe. Find out what most of the research on medical marijuana is about.
Medical cannabis - we know more and more
"Scientists' interest in studying cannabis has grown in recent years, as has their understanding of the plant, its active ingredients, its mechanisms of action, and its effects on both users/users and society as a whole." -. said deputy director of NORML (a U.S.-based organization promoting marijuana awareness and pushing for its full legalization), Paul Armentano.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in interest in scientific hemp research - Since the beginning of 2013, researchers have published more than 32,000 articles on the plant. Most of the research is on the therapeutic properties of marijuana, followed by papers on the real, measurable consequences of marijuana legalization for society.
As of today, the PubMed.gov scientific database cites more than 45,900 scientific articles on cannabis dating back to 1840. As you can easily see, the last decade has been a real boom in cannabis research, with as many as 70% scientific articles written on it between 2013 and 2023.
What does marijuana research involve?
As clinical research into the therapeutic value of the cannabinoids, the understanding of their mechanism of action for various diseases is also increasing. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, it was mainly exploring the possibility of using medical marijuana For temporary relief of various symptoms.
For example, it was about the use of medical marijuana for the mitigation of nausea induced by chemotherapy in oncology patient/s or pain associated with various injuries and ailments. Currently, more emphasis is being placed on the potential hemp cannabinoids in the modulation of diseases, and therefore their more holistic and long-term impact on the human body.
Autoimmune diseases and cannabis
A topic that many newer studies are focusing on is autoimmune diseases. The ability of hemp cannabinoids to modulate the immune system and alleviate inflammation.
Examples of autoimmune diseases receiving attention include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and Hashimoto's disease. Also under intensive investigation is the use of hemp cannabinoids In neurological diseases and disorders, such as disease Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Cannabis and cancer
Researchers are also looking into The anticancer effects of cannabinoids cannabis. A growing body of preclinical data (from studies in cell cultures, isolated organs and animals) shows that cannabinoids can limit the proliferation of specific cancer cells through apoptosis (programmed cell death) and by inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).
Analgesic effects of cannabis
Scientists are also exploring use of hemp as an alternative for harm reduction. Dozens of studies have been devoted to the possibility of replacing powerful painkillers (primarily opioids) with marijuana or the possibility of including Cannabis for pain therapy to reduce doses of other drugs. This seems to be a particularly important issue, especially with the opioid crisis still ongoing in the United States.
Safety is a perk of hemp therapy
Hemp cannabinoids have a positive safety record compared to conventional prescription drugs. Importantly, the consumption of cannabis - regardless of quantity or potency - cannot cause a fatal overdose.
The therapeutic use of marijuana is also rarely associated with serious side effects. Overview data from clinical trials conducted over 40 years (1968-2008) did not show a high frequency of serious adverse events associated with the use of medical cannabinoids.
Despite the safety of use in most cases, it should not be forgotten that the active ingredients of cannabis can cause a variety of physiological and psychological effects.
As a result, certain groups in society may be more at risk from cannabis use, particularly varieties containing the psychoactive THC. These include, for example, adolescents, pregnant women, people experiencing psychotic states or those at risk for psychotic disorders.
Patient(s) with history of cardiovascular disorders, heart disease or stroke may also be at increased risk of cannabis side effects, especially if they consume it in smoked form. As with any prescription drug, deciding whether to use cannabis medically requires consulting a doctor.
If the research trend continues, medical marijuana will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years, and its mechanisms of action will be even better understood and described. This, in turn, will make it possible to precisely match the dosage and chemical composition of the dried drug to the needs of specific individuals and reduce the (already minimal) risks of its use.
