Researchers are constantly revealing new ways cannabis could improve human health. These discoveries are typically published in peer-reviewed journals, yet most cannabis studies never reach mainstream news outlets. As a result, the public remains largely unaware of these important findings. Below are five cannabis research studies that deserve far more attention.
1. Cannabis Could Serve as a Safer Substitute for Opioids
Opioids have faced intense scrutiny recently, and rightly so. Thomas Gilson, medical examiner for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, noted:
Could cannabis offer a safer pain management option without the high overdose risk?
A recent Israeli study examined cannabis safety among older adults.
Researchers administered cannabis treatment to 2,736 patients with a median age of 74.5. Participants completed an initial questionnaire. During the study, two-thirds used cannabis for pain, and 60.8% for cancer. After six months, researchers conducted a follow-up questionnaire.
The findings, published in February 2018 in the European Journal of Internal Medicine, revealed:
This research suggests cannabis holds promise as an alternative to opioids.
2. Cannabis May Shield Alcohol Users from Liver Disease
Excessive alcohol consumption is known to harm the liver. Could cannabis's anti-inflammatory properties also influence liver disease progression?
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School aimed to "determine the effects of cannabis use on the incidence of liver disease in individuals who abuse alcohol." They analyzed discharge records from the 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). The team studied four stages of liver disease in 319,000 patients with a history of alcohol abuse: alcoholic steatosis (AS) or fatty liver; steatohepatitis (AH) or non-alcoholic fatty liver; cirrhosis (AC); and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer.
3. Cannabis Might Help Prevent Dementia
A common argument against cannabis is that it impairs cognition. But is cannabis truly harmful to the brain?
According to animal research published in May 2017, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) positively affects the aging brain. Scientists tested learning, memory, orientation, and recognition skills in lab animals. They found that 18-month-old mice given THC performed cognitively as well as 2-month-old controls. In contrast, the placebo group showed age-typical cognitive decline.
Neurobiologist Andreas Zimmer from the University of Bonn stated:
Rather than dulling cognition, THC appears to reverse aging-related decline and enhance mental function. This raises the possibility it could be useful for treating dementia.
4. Cannabinoids Show Anti-Tumor Potential
A wealth of anecdotal evidence suggests cannabinoids help patients slow, control, or even reverse cancer. Consequently, many researchers are investigating how cannabinoids affect cancer cells.
Much research focuses on THC and cannabidiol (CBD), with numerous studies concluding cannabis kills cancer cells.
For example, Dr. Christina Sanchez from the Complutense University of Madrid led studies indicating THC is a cancer killer. In one study, she applied THC compounds to brain cancer cell cultures.
Sanchez and her team discovered that after THC treatment, cancer cells underwent apoptosis (self-destruction). She explains why cannabis treatment is preferred over conventional approaches:
In another study, a synthetic form of THC called Dronabinol proved equally effective. Researchers at University Hospital Tübingen in Germany evaluated THC's anti-leukemic efficacy by administering it to various leukemia cell types ex vivo. Their conclusion, published in BMC Cancer, stated:
Growing cannabis research suggests cannabinoids could become some of the most promising cancer treatments available. Dr. Allen Herman, Chief Medical Officer at Cannabis Science, notes:
5. Cannabis's Impact on Cardiovascular Health Remains Unclear
Some speculate that cannabis use may increase hypertension risk. But how much do we really know about the link between cardiovascular health and cannabis?
A team of researchers from California, Pennsylvania, and New York reviewed 24 studies to identify a clear correlation. All studies involved adults using some form of cannabis. Some examined associations between cannabis use and vascular risk factors like hyperglycemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Others explored links between cannabis use and outcomes such as stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that none of the evaluated studies provided sufficient evidence.
Final Thoughts
The lack of mainstream coverage of cannabis research stems from ongoing opposition to the medical cannabis movement. Federal drug laws have stigmatized cannabis, equating it with heroin and crack cocaine. Additionally, the mainstream medical industry often aligns with the belief that cannabis is a dangerous drug. Therefore, it may take time for the public to recognize and publicize discoveries about cannabis's many health benefits.
Nevertheless, it's important to remember that cannabis use does carry potential downsides. As with any substance affecting the body, adverse effects can occur. For cannabis, these include dizziness and increased anxiety. All researchers involved in the studies above agree that more cannabis research is essential to fully understand both the benefits and risks of this plant.
About the Author
Anna Hunt is a writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and advocate of healthy eating. She founded Awareness Junkie, an online community dedicated to better health and personal transformation. She also serves as co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent six years in Costa Rica teaching Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. In her free time, you'll find her on the mat or in the kitchen, creating new kid-friendly superfood recipes.
This article (5 Cannabis Research Findings that Should’ve Been on the Front Page) was originally created and published by Waking Times and is republished here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Anna Hunt and WakingTimes.com. It may be freely reposted with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Waking Times or its staff.
