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Missouri Cannabis Research Licenses Under the Microscope
During these gold-standard studies , the effects of the control substance are compared to a placebo , and there ’ s no chance any patient will get the chance to take a medication without the studies . However , with cannabis being a Schedule I substance , indicating it has no medical value and a high risk for abuse , it is difficult to do this research in the U . S .
been able to produce more peer-reviewed research . Recently , an Israeli-based company shared its findings with me on the effects of an oral cannabinoid-based product for endometriosis , a painful , debilitating condition that currently has insufficient treatment options and no cure . They report that during in-vitro studies , the patentpending product has been shown to reduce the size and number of endometrial cysts significantly . Their company is looking to partner with licensed manufacturers to bring the product to market , hoping to address the unmet need of up to 10 % of women diagnosed with the condition , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ). How long it will take for providers to discuss what they commonly see as risky or alternative treatment options with their patients suffering from endometriosis is unknown , often stating “ there ’ s not enough research .”
Most agree we need more cannabis research , specifically research that examines products currently available and the manufacturing practices companies claim make its product superior to another . Do we have the data to verify whether a specific product is quick-acting , long-lasting , energizing , or calming ? No , but currently , there are nearly 36,000 peer-reviewed cannabis studies published on pubmed . com , the National Library of Medicine ’ s website .
In 1968 , the United States government began allowing cannabis research through a partnership with the National Institute on Drug Abuse ( NIDA ) and a contract with the University of Mississippi . The university was the only organization allowed to cultivate cannabis for research purposes up until 2021 . Many reporting valid data couldn ’ t be obtained because of its poor quality . Dr . Sue Sisley , now licensed to grow cannabis for research , previously had to obtain it from the NIDA-contracted facility for a study examining its effects on veterans with PTSD and described it as an “ anemic green powder .” Although more facilities like Sisley ’ s can cultivate cannabis for science , it continues to take a very long time and even more paperwork to get it in the hands of researchers like those Bud & Mary ’ s have been working with .
Israel has been conducting cannabis research since the early 60s when Raphael Mechoulam , the “ Father of Cannabis Research ,” first obtained hash from the Israeli police . Wanting to understand the effects of THC and other cannabinoids better , he conducted over 200 studies on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system before his passing last year in 2023 .
In Israel , physicians write prescriptions for cannabis , nurses help the patients formulate a treatment plan , and insurance pays for it . Sounds dreamy ! Well , with an actual medical cannabis program and researchers with a lot more freedom in Israel , companies have
April Hatch , Registered Nurse .
In the future , because of support from organizations committed to research like Bud & Mary ’ s , we will see these studies coming out of Missouri with more evidence-based products on the shelves of dispensaries and CBD stores , like my local KC favorite Rustic Oils of Lee ’ s Summit . When I haven ’ t had the time to research products and ensure their quality for patients , I know Rustic Oils owner
Rachel Crawford has .
Stay tuned . In my next article , I will share my opinion about Governor
Parsons ’ recent ban on intoxicating hemp products and how it will likely affect stores like Crawford ’ s .
April Hatch is a Registered Nurse and the co-founder of Cannabis Care Team , where she provides education , support , and advocacy for cannabis patients . She came to know the benefits of cannabis when she saw how miraculously it worked for her own child . She understands how overwhelming starting cannabis treatment can be and can proudly say her patients have the confidence they need to make informed healthcare decisions . She can be reached at april @ cannabiscareteam . com . Ask a Cannabis Nurse- 800.810 . WELL ( 9355 )
34 October 2024