Over the past decade, more than 32,000 studies on the medical use of cannabis cannabinoids have been published, including 4,000 per year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, according to the NORML report.

We're learning more and more about cannabis, and we're gaining a better understanding of its mechanisms of action in various cases, which in turn makes its use increasingly safer. Learn what most medical marijuana research focuses on.

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 impact on both users and society at large.” he said deputy director of NORML (an American organization promoting knowledge about marijuana and striving for its full legalization), Paul Armentano.

Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in scientific interest cannabis research Since the beginning of 2013, scientists have published over 32,000 articles on this plant. Most studies concern the therapeutic properties of marijuana, followed by works on the real, measurable consequences of marijuana legalization for society.

As of today, the PubMed.gov scientific database cites over 45,900 scientific articles on marijuana dating back to 1840. As you can easily see, the last decade has been a real boom in cannabis research – between 2013 and 2023, as many as 70% scientific articles were published on the subject.

What is marijuana research about?

As clinical trials on the therapeutic value of cannabinoids, understanding of their mechanism of action in various diseases is also increasing. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the possibility of using medical marijuana for the temporary relief of various symptoms.

For example, it was about the use of medical marijuana for the relief of nausea induced by chemotherapy in cancer patients or pain associated with various injuries and ailments. Currently, more emphasis is placed on the potential hemp cannabinoids in the modulation of diseases, and therefore their more comprehensive and long-lasting impact on the human body.

Autoimmune diseases and cannabis

Autoimmune diseases are a topic of much recent research. The ability of cannabis cannabinoids to modulate the immune system and relieving inflammation.

Examples of autoimmune diseases receiving attention include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and Hashimoto's disease. The use of hemp cannabinoids in neurological diseases and disorders, e.g. Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Cannabis and cancer

Researchers are also working on anticancer effects of cannabinoids A growing body of preclinical data (from studies conducted on cell cultures, isolated organs, and animals) indicates that cannabinoids may limit the spread of certain cancer cells through apoptosis (programmed cell death) and by inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).

The analgesic effects of cannabis

Scientists are also exploring the use of hemp as a harm reduction alternative. Dozens of studies have been devoted to the possibility of replacing strong painkillers (primarily opioids) with marijuana or the possibility of incorporating marijuana for pain therapy to reduce the doses of other medications. This seems like a particularly important issue, especially given the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.

Safety is an advantage of cannabis therapy

Cannabinoids from hemp have a positive safety record compared to conventional prescription drugs. Importantly, consuming marijuana—regardless of quantity or potency—cannot cause a fatal overdose.

Therapeutic use of marijuana is also rarely associated with serious side effects. Review Data from clinical trials conducted over a 40-year period (1968-2008) did not show a high frequency of serious adverse events associated with the use of medical cannabinoids.

Although safe to use in most cases, it should not be forgotten that the active ingredients of cannabis can cause various physiological and psychological effects.

As a result, certain populations may be at greater risk from cannabis use, particularly strains containing the psychoactive substance THC. These include teenagers, pregnant women, and individuals experiencing psychotic states or at risk for psychotic disorders.

Patients with history of cardiovascular disorders, heart disease, or stroke may also be at increased risk of experiencing side effects from cannabis, especially if consumed by smoking. As with any prescription medication, deciding to use cannabis medically requires consulting a doctor.

If this research trend continues, medical marijuana will continue to gain popularity in the coming years, and its mechanisms of action will be further understood and described. This, in turn, will allow for precise adjustments to the dosage and chemical composition of the herb to suit the needs of specific individuals and reduce the (already minimal) risks of its use.