National Health Institutes Outline Cannabis Research Priorities

USA: According to a recent article by Ben Adlin on Marijuana Moment, federal health officials have highlighted the need for extensive research into marijuana and cannabinoids. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has published a report emphasizing the importance of bridging “the chasm between medical use of cannabis and research that informs safety and efficacy.”

The report, as outlined by Adlin, states: “Use of cannabis for purported medical purposes continues to increase despite insufficient knowledge regarding risks and benefits.” This underscores the urgency for comprehensive research to guide both health professionals and patients in making informed decisions about cannabis use for medical purposes.

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Key Research Areas and Funding Initiatives

The NCCIH, along with other National Institutes of Health (NIH) components, has initiated various studies focusing on the safety, efficacy, and potential harms of cannabis use. These research areas encompass:

• Cannabis effects on pain, sleep, and social anxiety issues
• Therapeutic use of terpenes
• Computer-aided identification of bioactive minor cannabinoids in hemp
• Chemical synthesis of rare cannabinoids
• Interactions of cannabis constituents with the body and brain

Adlin reports that in 2019, NCCIH issued a $3 million grant “to investigate the potential analgesic effects of phytochemicals from cannabis and their mechanisms of action.”

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Recent Findings and Ongoing Studies

The article highlights some recent findings from NCCIH-supported research:

“Recently published research that NCCIH supported showed that the minor cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) relieved chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy pain without evidence of tolerance,” Adlin writes, citing the report.

Additionally, another study demonstrated analgesic effects of CBD and CBG in a mouse model for tibial fracture, with the interesting observation that “these cannabinoids also promoted bone healing through several mechanisms.”

Future Directions and Regulatory Considerations

The NIH is supporting the launch of a Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research to address challenges in conducting cannabis research. As quoted in the article, the center “is expected to be a focal point for investigators who are new to cannabis research.”

While the potential rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act has been proposed, Craig Hopp, deputy director of NCCIH’s division of extramural research, cautions that the regulatory environment remains unchanged for now.

In conclusion, despite the challenges, the NCCIH report affirms their commitment: “Only through rigorous and innovative research can we fully understand and harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis constituents while clearly articulating safety concerns to address this public health imperative.”