Health officials at the federal level have outlined research priorities on cannabinoids and cannabis in a new report by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The report highlights efforts by the NCCIH and other National Institutes of Health (NIH) entities to bridge the gap between the medicinal use of cannabis and the research informing its efficacy and safety.
Key areas of research include the effects of cannabis on social anxiety, pain and sleep; the use of terpenes therapeutically; the use of computers to identify bioactive minor cannabinoids in hemp; and the chemical synthesis of uncommon cannabinoids.
Funding opportunities were introduced by NCCIH in 2019, and $3 million in grants was awarded to researchers to investigate the mechanisms of action and possible pain-relieving properties of phytochemicals found in cannabis. This initiative included minor cannabinoids, excluding delta 9 THC, and terpenes.
Over the years, research has expanded to cover several key areas, including investigating the impact of CBD on arthritis-related chronic pain; determining the effects of uncommon cannabinoids on microglia; investigating the role of terpenoid and CBD interactions in the control of pain states by the amygdala; and testing terpenes and cannabinoids separately and in combination for morphine-induced pain alleviation in mouse models, among others.
In addition to advancing scientific studies, NIH is supporting the creation of a Resource Center for Cannabinoid and Cannabis Research. The center aims to assist researchers in overcoming barriers and challenges, both scientific and legal, which stand in the way of studying marijuana and its components.
Funding for the center will come from a $1 million allocation from NCCIH in the fiscal year 2025, with cofunding from NCI, NIA and NIDA totaling $100,000 each. Additionally, NCI recently awarded researchers $3.2 million to study the effects of marijuana use during immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
The agency’s website compiles information about the NIH cannabinoid and cannabis research program, including pertinent staff contacts, funding opportunities, priorities and access to research grant applications that are currently being financed.
NCCIH representatives, along with representatives from other federal health entities, convened recently to deliberate on the present status of cannabis research and policy implications for researchers examining cannabis while it remains illegal. The discussion focused on terpenes and cannabinoids’ potential to alleviate pain.
Craig Hopp, deputy director of NCCIH’s extramural research unit and coauthor of the new paper, discussed the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent proposal to reclassify cannabis under the Controlled Substance Act from Schedule 1 to 3, describing it as the elephant in the room for researchers.
While cannabis advocates and researchers have emphasized the potential for a Schedule 3 reclassification to reduce research obstacles related to Schedule 1 substances, Hopp stated that nothing has changed yet in the early phases of the regulation process. He further noted that any modifications won’t happen for at least a year and that it’s still unclear if a Schedule 3 status will eventually enable academics to obtain marijuana for research purposes from state-licensed dispensaries.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in researching restricted substances, the burgeoning legalization movement has coincided with a rise in research. Over the past 10 years, academics have published more than 32,000 studies on marijuana, with recent years setting records for study, according to NORML.
As more marijuana studies are published, they could help companies in the industry such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) to keep tweaking their offerings in order to better address the needs of their customers, especially those using medical marijuana products.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
