More Cannabis Studies With More Demographics Are Needed

[Danielle]

Since the legalization of cannabis use for medicinal purposes, there is widespread cannabis use without enough clinical trials to demonstrate its safety and efficacy. This dilemma presents regulatory challenges. In the United States, there are more than 2.1 million people who are registered in state medical cannabis use programs. They use cannabis for more than 40 different health conditions.

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of distinct chemicals, of which 120 are unique to the cannabis plant. Examples of these are phytocannabinoids. The two most prevalent phytocannabinoids are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and cannabidiol,CBD, which we analyze and discuss in this forum. As we have learned, THC produces many of the classic intoxicating effects, such as the euphoric feelings, increased appetite, temporary cognitive limitations and dry mouth. CBD, conversely, does not produce the intoxicating effects that THC can, and has low to no abuse potential. It has been thought to produce few adverse effects in human studies. It is agreed upon that additional safety factors in longer term trials with more populations are needed.

Additional studies are desired that utilize drug development approaches, such as randomized, controlled trials, RCT. In prior clinical trials, the health and demographic profiles of medical cannabis users have been evaluated, but there is also a need for a control group. This part of studies would include people who are thinking about taking medical cannabis, for self-reported health reasons.

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