Research into cannabis has only gained momentum in the last two decades, leaving scientists with many unanswered questions about its effects on health, society, and the environment. While cannabis has a long history of use, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that scientific research on the drug began in earnest. The initial studies highlighted its potential in reducing nausea for HIV patients and those undergoing chemotherapy, sparking a surge in research. However, the number of studies conducted on cannabis is significantly lower compared to other drugs like tobacco and alcohol.
The limited research on cannabis can be attributed to strict government regulations that make studying the drug challenging. In the United States, researchers are required to obtain a special license from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and they can only study cannabis grown at licensed facilities. Similar restrictions exist in Canada, even though recreational cannabis use has been legal since 2018.
Currently, the availability and hype surrounding cannabis products have surpassed the availability of scientific evidence regarding their effects. This lack of knowledge concerns experts like Ryan Sultan at Columbia University, who highlights the challenges in determining appropriate dosage, long-term effects, and even the accurate composition of cannabis products. Additionally, there are many fundamental aspects of cannabis that remain unknown, such as how the endocannabinoid system influences health and how readily available cannabis products differ from those studied in controlled settings.
Sultan emphasizes the importance of gathering essential information about cannabis to establish evidence-based guidelines instead of conducting natural experiments. Scientists aim to understand the medicinal potential of cannabis, its environmental impact, its effects on the human body and mind, and the future of marijuana.
The science of cannabis
As the use of marijuana and its compounds continues to increase globally, there is a need to explore the latest research on its medical applications, cultivation practices, environmental impact, and how it affects our bodies and minds.
