As science delves deeper into the cannabis plant more medical properties are revealed. Historical, the plant has been used for medicine in a variety of cultural, but through research has only started in the past generation. Currently, focus has been on the “fun” side of THC, not the difference in can make in long term wellness.
THC, cannabis’ most popular cannabinoid. It is the reason we feel elevated, lifted, high, however you classify it, it’s what gets us in a different headspace. THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical dopamine at levels higher than typically observed in response to natural rewarding stimuli. Simply put, cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate—how they send, receive, or process messages.
Evidence suggests medications with THC can be effective treatments for chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage), nociceptive pain (pain caused by ongoing inflammation and related damage) and nociplastic pain (pain arising from the altered function of pain-related sensory pathways).
Currently around 50% of research has focused on the harmful effects of THC and cannabis, but more research is starting to be done on the potential of medical marijuana and TCH. The imited research completed suggests cannabinoids might:
Anxiety disorders are common, affecting millions of people worldwide. Over 7 million Canadian and U.S. adults have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, but the number of people experiencing anxiety likely is significantly higher. Research data show with all things being equal, THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and CBD helps in all doses.
For veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and looking for alternative ways to treat it, the first FDA-regulated study on the benefits of smoked cannabis yielded favorable results in 2021 showing THC can help veterans.
Research on Cancer, chronic pain, nausea and more are grinding to a halt due to the federal funding freeze.
New research is validating cannabis can help cancer, chronic pain or more. It is a key alternative to avoid opioid use for post surgery pain. But now the deal funding freeze to hit medical marijuana research has significant implications for various sectors of scientific research, including medical marijuana studies. While the freeze has been temporarily halted, the uncertainty it created has already affected ongoing projects and future research prospects.
Medical marijuana research has long faced challenges due to federal restrictions. Despite growing interest in its therapeutic potential, the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act limits research opportunities. Historically, most federal funding for cannabis research has focused on its potential harms rather than its medical benefits. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) are key players in controlling access to research-grade cannabis, which further complicates the process for researchers.
Effects of the Funding Freeze
Uncertainty and Delayed Projects: The funding freeze, even if temporary, has introduced uncertainty into the research environment. Scientists rely on stable funding to plan and execute long-term studies. Any disruption can delay projects, impacting years of research efforts.
Impact on Academic Freedom: The freeze is seen as a threat to academic freedom, as researchers fear speaking out against government actions might jeopardize their funding4. This fear can particularly affect medical marijuana research, which is already controversial and underfunded.
Limited Access to Research Materials: The NIDA monopoly on research-grade cannabis has historically limited access to materials necessary for comprehensive studies6. A funding freeze exacerbates this issue by potentially reducing the already limited resources available for acquiring and studying cannabis.
State-Level Initiatives: While federal funding is crucial, some states have taken the initiative to fund medical marijuana research. However, these efforts are often insufficient to compensate for the lack of federal support
The ongoing challenges in medical marijuana research highlight the need for consistent and supportive federal policies. As more states legalize cannabis for medical use, there is a growing demand for rigorous scientific studies to validate its efficacy and safety. However, until federal restrictions are eased and funding becomes more accessible, progress in this area will remain slow.
The federal funding freeze compounds the existing barriers to medical marijuana research, further hindering efforts to explore its therapeutic potential. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in federal policy to support comprehensive and unbiased research into cannabis’s medical benefits.
CBD oil has become a popular natural remedy many people use to improve their well-being. You may have heard about it from friends, on social media, or even seen it at your local store. But what exactly is CBD oil, and how can it help you? Let’s look at CBD oil, how it works, and the many ways it might boost your overall health and happiness.
Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, has gained widespread acceptance for both medicinal and recreational use in recent years. However, while cannabis can offer therapeutic benefits and a relaxing recreational experience, it’s important to recognize that for some individuals, regular use can lead to dependency and problematic behavior. This condition is known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).