Is Medical Marijuana Really Helping?
Weak Evidence and Potential Risks
In the United States, a large number of people use cannabis for medical reasons, such as relieving pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. However, a recent review of 15 years of research suggests that the evidence supporting its benefits is often weak or unclear. Additionally, nearly 30% of medical cannabis users may have a cannabis use disorder.
Widespread Use vs. Scientific Evidence
This review comes at a time when cannabis products are becoming more widely accepted and used. The review looked at over 2,500 clinical trials, guidelines, and surveys, mostly from the United States and Canada. It found a big difference between what people believe cannabis can do for their health and what scientific research actually shows.
Medical Cannabis vs. Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabinoids
The review also looked at the difference between medical cannabis, which is sold in dispensaries, and pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids. These are medicines approved by the FDA that contain either low-grade THC or CBD. These medicines have been shown to help with:
- Chemotherapy-related nausea
- Stimulating appetite in patients with serious illnesses
- Helping with some types of seizures in children
Doctors Lack Knowledge
The review also found that doctors do not have a good understanding of medical cannabis. In a 2021 review, only 33% of clinicians globally felt confident in their knowledge about medical cannabis, and 86% said they needed more education.
Pain Management and Cancer Pain
Pain is a common reason people use medical cannabis, but the review found no evidence that cannabis can help with acute pain. It also cited the 2024 guidelines for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which said there was not enough evidence to recommend cannabis for cancer pain.
