For years, scientists have pushed for a more open-minded approach to researching marijuana. Governments have thrown up roadblocks with nonsensical classifications and last-minute interventions, but that position can't hold. A prime example is the report from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which references over ten thousand studies on marijuana, covering its potential risks and, naturally, its medical benefits.
The status of marijuana is shifting. Many countries that fought it tooth and nail have decided to decriminalize or legalize its use, possession, and cultivation. The same trend is visible across the pond. Only five states and two unincorporated territories have explicit bans on marijuana, and we must also contend with the absurd "Schedule 1" classification in federal law. One criterion for a drug to be Schedule 1 is that it has no accepted medical use, but we can easily count more than a dozen states that already permit its medical use. What's lacking is research, and Schedule 1 is an obstacle. Nevertheless, that didn't stop the National Academies from publishing a comprehensive report of almost 400 pages.
The Report's Findings
The report includes data from ten thousand studies focused on the benefits and risks of marijuana consumption. Unfortunately, solid conclusions can't be reached in every case due to a lack of additional data, largely caused by existing restrictions. But it establishes that cannabis and cannabinoids were effective for treating chronic pain, especially pain related to multiple sclerosis. Positive results were also observed in managing chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting. The report also indicates that there are no links between the use of these substances and lung, neck, or head cancer.
Risks and Uncertainties
Naturally, the report wouldn't be complete without highlighting some risks. It found a statistical association between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia, with a slight increase in so-called "positive symptoms" among those who already suffer from it. It also mentions respiratory problems and a reduction in attention, learning, and memory abilities.
The full report is available for free as a PDF, with a guest mode that requires no registration. Despite its size, it's not hard to follow. Many questions remain unanswered, but it ultimately confirms what has been said for years: marijuana has medical benefits.
