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Scientists Warn: Cannabis Reclassification Could Unlock Vast Research Opportunities

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A long-awaited change in drug policy could pave the way for scientists to explore the benefits and risks of marijuana, the most widely used federally prohibited substance.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance, a move initiated during the Biden administration.

“Decades of federal drug control policy have overlooked the medical applications of marijuana,” states the order. “This oversight hampers scientists and manufacturers in conducting essential safety and efficacy studies to inform healthcare providers and patients.”

This reclassification is expected to enhance research into medical marijuana, without federally legalizing the substance. However, marijuana use in the U.S. is rising significantly. Gallup data suggests that 15% of adults may smoke marijuana in 2023 and 2024, an increase from 7% in 2013.

The poll did not differentiate between medical and recreational use, revealing the highest usage (19%) among 18- to 34-year-olds—an age group that has exhibited concerning psychological side effects from cannabis use. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicated that even infrequent use was linked to increased psychological distress and lower academic performance in teens.

Medical marijuana is often prescribed for chronic pain relief, to manage nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to stimulate appetite in individuals with specific medical conditions. It remains uncertain how rescheduling cannabis will impact funding for recreational cannabis research.

Scientists like Ziva Cooper are hopeful that reclassification will transform public health through in-depth marijuana research.

“Studying cannabis, also known as marijuana, for both its therapeutic and side effects has been very challenging,” said Cooper, director of the Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids at UCLA. “The rapid evolution of this industry often outpaces consumer behavior and research developments.”

“It’s challenging to study, and as a scientist committed to public health, it’s tough to keep up with the shifting landscape.”

Schedule I is the most restrictive category within U.S. drug scheduling recognized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), applying to substances with “no currently accepted medical use and high abuse potential,” such as ecstasy and heroin. Schedule III substances, which include ketamine and anabolic steroids, are classified as having a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Even in cannabis-friendly regions, Cooper acknowledges that he faces similar research obstacles as those in states like Idaho, where cannabis use is prohibited.

“Researchers are unable to test readily available products; they can only inquire about basic characteristics of the cannabis available at compounding pharmacies visible from their lab,” Cooper said. “This creates limitations on sourcing the cannabis for research.”

Need for Thorough Research on Marijuana’s Benefits and Risks

Last year, the National Institutes of Health allocated $75 million for cannabinoid research, a slight increase from $70 million in 2023. Moreover, $217 million was directed towards cannabinoid studies, with $53 million specifically for cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Dr. Brooke Wurster, medical director of the master’s in medical cannabis science and business program at Thomas Jefferson University, pointed out that bureaucratic challenges often confine cannabis research to observational studies rather than the rigorous clinical trials required for pharmaceuticals, resulting in mixed findings.

For instance, a study published in 2024 in the journal Current Alzheimer’s Research found a 96% reduced risk of subjective cognitive decline among recreational cannabis users aged 45 and older compared to non-users. In contrast, 2025 research in the JAMA Network Open indicated that heavy cannabis users aged 22-36 exhibited memory impairments.

A recent study in Biomedicine suggested cannabinoids as a “promising” alternative for opioid use in chronic pain management, emphasizing an urgent need for large-scale randomized controlled trials. Meanwhile, a study last year found that JAMA Network Open reported increased medical visits for cannabis-related disorders among older Medicare beneficiaries from 2017 to 2022.

The reclassification will enable researchers to examine and prepare specific marijuana formulations, Wurster noted. Even in states with medical cannabis programs, cannabis quality and potency can vary significantly across dispensaries.

“We can comprehensively monitor immediate symptoms, blood levels, and long-term effects,” she explained. “All the essential elements required for drug research mandated by the federal government.”

While cannabis has medical benefits for some individuals, Jonathan Caulkins, H. Guyford Steever Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, cautioned that administrative barriers alone do not account for cannabis not being a “miracle cure” for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

“Studies conducted in countries like Canada, France, and Israel are not under the same restrictions,” Caulkins stated. “We should not assume U.S. law is the sole reason cannabis hasn’t emerged as a definitive treatment option.”

Wurster emphasized that these changes bring new responsibilities for the medical community, as smoked and inhaled products may not be safe for all individuals.

“We still need to comprehend the best methods for delivering appropriate medications and guidance to the right patients,” she cautioned. “Available products are frequently unregulated and present significant mental health risks, particularly among young users, as well as cardiovascular concerns, necessitating greater caution.”

A Major Shift in Cannabis Policy After 55 Years

The regulatory barriers that researchers face have roots extending back over fifty years. Under the Nixon administration, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 categorized marijuana as a Schedule I drug.

Almost six decades later, much regarding marijuana’s medicinal potential remains undiscovered. Currently, from a legal standpoint, it is viewed merely as a substance of abuse, Wurster noted.

Susan Ferguson, director of the Institute on Addiction, Drugs and Alcohol at the University of Washington School of Medicine, anticipates that obtaining cannabis research licenses will soon become easier for scientists. Presently, researchers can broadly license drugs classified from Schedule II to V, while those exploring Schedule I substances must secure individual licenses for each.

“This necessitates a detailed written protocol,” she explained. “It involves DEA personnel visiting to review research and experimental strategies, which complicates the process considerably.”

Ferguson believes that reclassifying marijuana would “open the floodgates” for clinical research. Participants may be more willing to engage in Schedule III studies than in those involving Schedule I drugs.

Ferguson compared cannabis to alcohol and tobacco, which, although common, are not benign. Due to medical research, their risks are well documented.

“We have yet to conduct that level of research on cannabis,” Ferguson concluded. “Ultimately, we aim to inform people more comprehensively about the risks and benefits associated with its use.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Cannabis Extracts Demonstrated to Relieve Back Pain

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Cannabis extracts tested for chronic pain treatment

Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

Extracts from cannabis have shown potential in relieving chronic low back pain, offering an alternative to traditional painkillers with minimal risk of serious side effects or addiction.

At present, treatment options for chronic pain are limited, forcing many patients to rely on opioids, which carry a substantial risk of addiction.

The experimental drug VER-01 is derived from the cannabis plant and contains 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient.

In a clinical trial, 820 participants with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either VER-01 or a placebo over a 12-week period. The results indicated an average pain score reduction of 1.9 for those taking VER-01 on a scale of 0-10, compared to a reduction of 1.4 for those on placebo. No adverse events signaling risks of withdrawal or abuse were reported.

This study stands out as one of the most rigorous to validate a cannabis-based treatment for chronic pain, contributing to the increasing interest in cannabis as a legitimate pain management option.

“This is among the first high-quality research initiatives on medical cannabis that many have been anticipating, both researchers and patients alike,” states Winfried Meissner, a researcher at Jena University Hospital in Germany. “Previous evidence has been weak, with past studies lacking in quality and participants.”

Participants taking VER-01 also reported marked improvements in sleep quality and physical functioning, with mild side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Patients were able to gradually increase their dosage to 13 times per day during the treatment.

This treatment proved particularly effective for lower back pain originating from nerve damage, classified as neuropathic pain. Meissner emphasizes that patients with chronic pain should initially pursue physical therapy, while painkillers can assist those unable to engage in movement. “Even a modest degree of pain relief can motivate patients to exercise,” he explains.

Although the pain reduction was not dramatic, significant reductions in chronic pain are uncommon. Marta Di Forti from King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, notes, “The improvement in sleep quality, a secondary outcome of the research, can profoundly influence daily functioning.” “In chronic pain instances, substantial effects are rare.”

Di Forti added that the study showed no signs of drug dependence among the participants, hoping this could pave the way for a prescription. She frequently hears from patients who find cannabis effective but resort to purchasing it from dealers. She highlights the variability in THC levels in cannabis products, which can lead to excessive consumption and increase the potential for substance misuse.

“In an environment where claims about cannabis proliferate, we are rigorously testing it through randomized controlled trials,” she asserts. “In my opinion, the evidence that it alleviates pain is excellent news.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research shows that elderly individuals are seeking care for cannabis use due to increased risk of dementia.

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Hospital or emergency room care for cannabis use among middle-aged and elderly individuals may lead to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a large Canadian study published in Jama Neurology. Over a five-year period, individuals seeking care for cannabis use were almost twice as likely to develop dementia compared to the general population.

The study, which analyzed medical records of six million Ontario residents from 2008 to 2021, highlighted a 23% higher risk of dementia among cannabis users compared to those seeking care for other reasons.

While the study did not specify the amount of cannabis used by participants, it did not establish a causal relationship between regular or heavy cannabis use and dementia.

Dr. Daniel T. Myran, the study’s lead author, emphasized the need for further research to explore the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. He acknowledged the complexity of determining whether cannabis use could lead to dementia and highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns.

Previous research by Dr. Myran indicated a higher mortality rate among individuals with cannabis use disorder and noted an increase in cases of schizophrenia and psychosis related to cannabis use in Canada.

Recent studies focusing on the impact of cannabis use on cognition have provided valuable insights, highlighting potential risks associated with regular or heavy cannabis consumption.

While previous research on cannabis and dementia has been limited, the strength of the new study lies in its large sample size and long-term follow-up of patients. Dr. Madeline Meyer, an expert not involved in the study, commended the study for its ability to rule out dementia at the outset and track the temporal relationship between cannabis use and dementia.

Dr. Meyer’s own research has linked cannabis use with neuropsychological decline, challenging the perception of cannabis as a harmless substance with potential medical benefits.

She emphasized the importance of taking the association between cannabis use and dementia seriously and considering the potential risks it may pose.

The increasing use of cannabis among older adults has raised concerns about potential health risks, including the development of dementia. A new study found a significant rise in cannabis-related medical visits among adults aged 45 and older, prompting further investigation into the potential impact of cannabis on cognitive health.

Comparing individuals with cannabis-related medical visits to the general population, the study highlighted a higher incidence of dementia among cannabis users, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation of the risks associated with cannabis use.

While some factors contributing to the increased risk of dementia among cannabis users can be explained, others remain unclear, requiring further research to fully understand the potential relationship between cannabis use and cognitive decline.

Dr. Mylan and his colleagues found that individuals seeking care for alcohol use are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those using cannabis, highlighting the complex nature of substance use and its impact on cognitive health.

Despite efforts to control for various factors, there are still uncertainties surrounding the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. It is essential to consider all possible variables that may contribute to the development of dementia in cannabis users.

Source: www.nytimes.com

High potency cannabis increases the likelihood of developing cannabis-induced psychosis

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Anders Gillian was only 17 years old when he started to lose touch with reality.

“He believed there was a higher being communicating with him, telling him what to do and who he was,” said his mother, Christine Gillian, who lives in Nashville. ‘ he said.

Her son, who had been using marijuana since he was 14, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness with symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and incoherent speech.

He began taking antipsychotic medication but eventually stopped due to side effects. He turned to heroin to quiet the voices in his head and tragically died from an accidental drug overdose at age 22 in 2019.

“If he hadn’t started using marijuana, he might still be here today,” says Gillian, a neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University. Despite having a family history of schizophrenia, she believes her son’s marijuana use triggered a psychotic episode and led to his condition.

Anders was part of a group of young men at heightened risk of developing psychosis due to marijuana use. Studies from Denmark and Britain suggest a connection between heavy marijuana use and mental disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Researchers believe that the increased potency of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, may exacerbate these symptoms in individuals predisposed genetically. THC levels in marijuana have been rising over the years.

Kristen Gilliland holds a photo of her son Anders, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia due to marijuana-induced psychosis and died of an accidental overdose.NBC News

“We’re seeing a rise in marijuana-induced psychosis among teenagers,” said Dr. Christian Thurstone, an addiction expert and child psychiatrist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver.

Is higher potency marijuana more dangerous?

Nora Borkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stated that the higher the potency of a cannabis product, the more negative effects it is likely to have on users.

“Those who consume higher doses are at a greater risk of developing psychosis,” she explained.

Research on the adverse effects of high THC levels is limited, but a 2020 study found that high-potency cannabis products were associated with an increased risk of hallucinations and delusions compared to lower-potency variants.

“There seems to be a correlation between potency and the risk of psychosis, but further research is needed,” said Ziva Cooper, director of UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Research suggests that a proportion of individuals with cannabis-induced psychosis may go on to develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Mr. Thurstone highlighted the particular concern regarding young people and adolescents.

“Current research shows that the risk of psychosis is dependent on the dose of marijuana, especially during adolescence. Higher exposure during this critical period increases the likelihood of psychosis, schizophrenia, and potentially severe mental illnesses,” he stated.

More news about marijuana and health

Another issue with high-potency products is the risk of developing cannabis use disorder or marijuana addiction. Increased exposure to stronger cannabis products may lead to addiction, although more research is required to definitively establish this connection.

“There is clear scientific evidence that marijuana can be psychologically addictive and habit-forming, and even physically habit-forming,” Thurstone warned. “It creates tolerance, requiring increased usage for the same effect.”

Approximately 1 in 10 individuals who start using cannabis may become addicted. According to the Centers for Disease Control.

How the potency of cannabis is related to psychosis

Marijuana overstimulates cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to a high. This stimulation can impair cognitive functions, memory, and problem-solving abilities.

While the exact mechanisms of how marijuana induces psychosis are not fully understood, scientists believe it interferes with the brain’s ability to differentiate between internal thoughts and external reality.

“In the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s, marijuana had THC content of about 2% to 3%,” noted Thurstone, highlighting the significant increase in potency levels in recent years.

Patrick Johnson, an assistant store manager at Frost Exotic Dispensary in Colorado, has witnessed the rise in potency firsthand, especially after the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014.

Since then, 24 states, two territories, and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use.

As cannabis consumption grows across the nation, the demand for high-potency products is increasing, experts suggest.

“After legalization, I’ve seen potency rise from 19-20% to 30-35%,” Johnson remarked.

Currently, his store offers strains ranging from 14% to 30%, with most customers preferring stronger varieties.

Mahmoud Elsohly, a cannabis researcher at the University of Mississippi, explained that one reason for increased potency is users developing tolerance to the drug over time. This has led to a steady increase in THC content over the years.

“People need more potent products to achieve the desired high,” he noted.

Previously, a joint with 2% THC might have been enough, but as tolerance develops, individuals may need multiple joints or higher THC concentrations for the same effect.

Are some forms of marijuana safer?

Cannabis potency primarily refers to the THC content in the smokable parts like the flower or bud.

THC levels in flowers can reach up to 40%, while concentrates and oils may contain levels as high as 95%.

The challenge, according to UCLA’s Cooper, lies in the absence of a standardized dose for cannabis products, making it hard to predict individual reactions.

Establishing unit doses for inhaled products is also complicated. A joint can contain 100 to 200 milligrams of THC, but factors like inhalation depth and frequency of puffs affect actual exposure.

On the other hand, edibles typically contain 5 to 10 milligrams per serving. Efforts are underway to standardize dosing for edibles and regulate THC intake. For example, New York State limits edibles to 10 mg per serving.

How high can THC go?

Borkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse believes that excessively high THC levels may induce extreme reactions like agitation and paranoia, predicting that marijuana flower THC levels won’t exceed 50%.

Cooper added that there is a threshold for THC production, but manufacturers are finding innovative ways to increase potency.

“The industry is boosting THC levels in plant products by adding extra THC, like injecting it into pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes,” she said. “We’re witnessing higher THC exposure levels than ever before.


Source: www.nbcnews.com

Excessive Cannabis Use Associated with Numerous Health Problems According to New Study

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A Yale University study that analyzed the genomes of more than 1 million people revealed genetic factors associated with cannabis use disorder and potential links to psychiatric problems, substance abuse, and lung cancer risk. The importance of understanding the health effects is emphasized.Credit: Illustration by Michael S. Helfenbein

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Yale University and involving the analysis of the genomes of more than 1 million people has provided new insights into the biology of cannabis use disorder. The study also investigated links to various mental illnesses, the propensity to abuse other substances such as tobacco, and the potential increased risk of lung cancer associated with cannabis use.

For this study, researchers analyzed genome-wide genetic variation in individuals from multiple ancestry groups enrolled in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Million Veterans Program, one of the world’s largest genetic databases. set and incorporated additional information from several other genomic databases. . They were able to identify dozens of genetic variants associated with cannabis use disorder, as well as a variety of behavioral and health problems associated with cannabis use disorder.

Understand the risks of marijuana use

The study was led by Daniel Levey, assistant professor of psychiatry, and Joel Gelernter, Foundation Professor of Psychiatry and Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience, and was published Nov. 20 in the journal Psychiatry. natural genetics.

“Understanding the biology of cannabis use disorder can help us better understand associated disorders and inform the public about the risks associated with cannabis use,” said Levy, lead author of the study. .

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, with more than 48 million people (18% of Americans) using marijuana at least once in 2019. There is. Previous research has shown that approximately one-third of marijuana users develop cannabis use disorder, a pattern of problematic cannabis use that results in clinically significant impairment and distress. Defined.

Genetic factors and health risks associated with cannabis use

The new findings provide insight into the genetic factors underlying this phenomenon and other health risks that may be associated.

For example, researchers found that variants in genes encoding three different types of receptors on neurons are associated with an increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder.

They found that these mutations associated with cannabis use disorder were also associated with the development of lung cancer. However, the authors added that more research is needed to distinguish the effects of marijuana use from the effects of tobacco use and other environmental factors on cancer diagnosis.

“This is the largest genome-wide study of cannabis use disorder ever conducted, and as more states legalize or decriminalize marijuana use, studies like this one will “This could help us understand the public health risks associated with this increase,” said Gelernter.

Reference: “Multi-ancestral genome-wide association study of cannabis use disorder provides insight into disease biology and public health implications” Daniel F. Levey, Marco Galimberti, Joseph D. Dieck, Frank R. Wendt, Arjun Bhattacharya, Dora Koller, Kelly M. Harrington, Rachel Quaden, Emma C. Johnson, Priya Gupta, Mahantesh Birader, Max Lamb, Megan Cook, Veera M. Rajagopal, Stephanie LL Empke, Han Zhou, Yaira Z. Nunez, Henry R. Kranzler, Howard J. Edenberg, Alpana Agrawal, Jordan W. Smaller, Todd Lentz, David M. Hougaard, Anders D. Borglum, Ditte Demotis, Veterans Affairs Million – Veterans Program, J. Michael Gaziano, Michael J. Gandal, Renato Polimanti, Murray B. Stein, Joel Gelernter, November 20, 2023, natural genetics.
DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01563-z

Source: scitechdaily.com