4 Marijuana studies that changed the way we look at cannabis

Cannabis has come a long way over the last few years. Slowly, surely, the negative stigma that once enshrouded the topic of marijuana is lifting. Nowadays, the green plant is much less commonly associated with the typical stoner stereotype and instead, it is gaining global attention for its abundance of medical qualities. From treating chronic pain and cancer-related pain to curing children with epilepsy, medicinal marijuana is without a doubt one of the most magnificent things that Mother Nature has blessed us with.

The Cannabis Landscape is Evolving

Marijuana is now legal for medical use in 29 U.S. states. This number will undoubtedly increase as more studies reveal the medical efficacy of the plant. Also legalized for recreational use in nine states and Washington, DC, cannabis is contributing to healthier lifestyles and a much more stable economy.

The use of cannabis is becoming a lot more normal than it once was. Canada is poised to legalize the plant for recreational use by summer and with so many other places on the map following suit, the future looks a vibrant shade of green. Something that has helped marijuana to become normalized, as opposed to being labeled a gateway drug, is the solid facts we can glean from marijuana studies.

Below, we highlight four studies that have influenced opinions and helped cannabis to gain acceptance as a medical treatment on a global scale:

1) Marijuana Use and Mortality(1997)

This study may be fairly old now, but it was one of the most eye-opening examples of medical cannabis research. The American National Institute on Drug Abuse funded the study, which revealed how cannabis consumption did not contribute to an increased risk of mortality. The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

2) Antitumor Effects of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid, on Human Glioma Cell Lines(2003)

When people started talking about medical cannabis’ potential to treat tumors, researchers took it upon themselves to delve deeper into the effects of CBD. The study proved how the active chemical compound found in cannabis had anti-tumor qualities. When administered to patients, CBD reduced the viability of tumor cells and would, therefore, be suitable for use in an anti-tumor.application. The study was published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

3) Cannabidiol Displays Antipileptiform and Antiseizure Properties In Vitro and In Vivi(2010)

CBD boasts anticonvulsant properties and this study focused on exactly this. An experiment was carried out on isolated tissue and animals. The outcome of the research demonstrated how CBD reacts with CB1 receptors, which meant that CBD could effectively inhibit epileptiform activity within the samples of isolated tissue being tested on. Furthermore, CBD reduced seizures in the living animal test subjects. The study was published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

4) Cannabinoids for treatment of chronic non-cancer pain; a systematic review of randomized trials(2011)

These days, the words “chronic pain” and “medical cannabis” are commonly used in the same sentences, what with the cannabis plant being a highly effective natural pain reliever. This study was published in the US National Library of Medicine and it uncovered the advantages of using cannabinoids like CBD to treat chronic pain. Best of all, there were no severe side effects associated with cannabis use.

What are the latest medical cannabis discoveries?

Fresh cannabis research is being conducted all of the time and so, you can bet that the cannabis landscape will be a lot different next year than it is right now. By different, we mean better, of course!

How could it not be? The plant’s healing powers continuously amaze scientists and medical professionals. More people are saying “yes” to the plant in 2018 after hearing about the following medical cannabis breakthroughs:

  • GW Pharmaceuticals admit cannabis kills cancer cells –Creators of cannabis-based medicines Sativex and Epidiolex, GW Pharmaceuticals recently revealed how the plant kills cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth.
  • University researchers in Canada test cannabis oil as an MS treatment – Among the many medical conditions that cannabis is being used to treat, researchers at the Canadian University of Manitoba have also uncovered the potential of using cannabidiol oil to treat neuropathic pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Medical marijuana could help to reverse the opioid epidemic –Thousands of people are unnecessarily losing their lives each year as a result of opioid medication abuse. Thankfully, medical cannabis is being linked to a reduction in opioid overdose deaths. This was proven in a study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Where can I legally obtain medical cannabis?

If you feel that you would benefit from introducing cannabis into your daily life, plan a trip to one of the dispensaries in San Francisco. The rise in cannabis stores is helping to dismantle the black market marijuana trade, and giving patients a safer alternative that they can be sure has not been cultivated in environments that are exposed to contaminants, toxins, and chemicals.

A licensed dispensary will only sell the highest quality medical-grade buds and cannabis-based products. Reputable dispensaries hire seasoned employees who possess the skill and knowledge to help guide you through the process of choosing a strain to suit your medical condition.

Are you a medical marijuana patient, what strain of cannabis or cannabis derivative have you found most effective in treating your symptoms?