We Should Be Leading Cannabis Research in America, Yet We Are the Furthest Behind
We Should Be Leading Cannabis Research in America, Yet We Are the Furthest Behind
The United States has long been a leader in medical research, from cancer treatments to vaccines, but it’s far behind in cannabis research. Despite cannabis being legal in many states for medicinal use, federal restrictions severely hinder scientific exploration. As a result, patients are missing out on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis-based treatments, including natural pain relief options. This article discusses why the U.S. is falling behind in cannabis research, how other nations are advancing, and the crucial steps needed to regain our leadership in cannabis research.
The U.S. Paradox: Legalization vs. Research Barriers
Cannabis is legal for medicinal use in 38 states and for recreational use in 23 states as of 2024. However, it remains a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, preventing researchers from exploring its full therapeutic potential. This classification places cannabis in the same category as heroin, making it difficult to conduct clinical trials. According to a 2019 Brookings Institution study, only 25 federally funded studies on cannabis were approved between 1999 and 2019, while thousands of studies on other pharmaceutical compounds proceeded unhindered.
Despite this, 85% of physicians support reclassifying cannabis to facilitate more research, according to a 2021 survey by the American Medical Association. If the U.S. can remove these bureaucratic barriers, it could unlock significant advancements in natural pain relief and other therapeutic applications.
How Other Nations Are Leading Cannabis Research
While the U.S. struggles with restrictions, countries like Israel, Canada, and Germany are ahead in cannabis research. Israel, often considered the "medical cannabis research capital," has conducted over 50 clinical trials on cannabis therapies since 1996, focusing on conditions such as epilepsy, PTSD, and cancer-related pain. Canada fully legalized cannabis in 2018, and since then, its cannabis research publications have increased by 300%, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Other nations have found success by embracing scientific exploration into cannabis and its potential for chronic pain relief. Meanwhile, American patients continue to lack access to evidence-based treatments, despite cannabis being a promising natural alternative to opioids.
Cannabis and Natural Pain Relief
Chronic pain affects more than 50 million Americans, many of whom seek alternatives to traditional opioid medications. Studies, such as one published by JAMA Internal Medicine in 2021, suggest that medical cannabis programs in certain states have contributed to a 14% reduction in opioid prescriptions. Cannabis has been shown to help with pain management, inflammation, and anxiety, with CBD, menthol, arnica, lavender, and white willow bark serving as key plant-based ingredients that promote natural pain relief.
The growing interest in cannabis-based treatments, such as topical analgesic salves, highlights the demand for safer, natural pain relief solutions. Products like Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel, which incorporates these plant-based ingredients, are becoming increasingly popular for people seeking relief from muscle pain, joint discomfort, and other chronic conditions. This plant-powered pain relief cream provides a natural alternative that’s both effective and gentle.
Explore Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel here to discover how a blend of CBD and natural ingredients can help manage pain naturally.
Economic and Medical Impact: Why U.S. Cannabis Research Matters
The U.S. cannabis industry generated over $32 billion in revenue in 2022 alone, according to New Frontier Data. However, despite the financial boom, cannabis research remains limited, preventing us from tapping into its full medical potential. A 2023 report from the American Academy of Sciences suggests that increasing federal support for cannabis research could boost U.S. economic growth by an additional $5 billion annually.
Research into cannabis for pain relief could significantly reduce America’s reliance on opioid prescriptions, which have contributed to the opioid crisis. Studies have already indicated that medical cannabis can help alleviate chronic pain without the harmful side effects associated with opioids. By investing in cannabis research, the U.S. could make groundbreaking strides in managing pain more effectively.
The Path Forward: Policy Changes for Better Pain Relief
To regain leadership in cannabis research and develop evidence-based pain relief treatments, the U.S. must take three key steps:
Reclassify Cannabis: To facilitate scientific studies and allow researchers to study cannabis freely, it must be reclassified from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule II or III substance.
Increase Federal Funding: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) must allocate more resources to cannabis research, dedicating at least 1-2% of its budget to explore cannabis’s medical benefits.
Foster Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government entities could accelerate the pace of cannabis research, similar to initiatives seen in Israel.
Conclusion
Despite the U.S.'s immense resources and medical research talent, we lag in cannabis research, especially in terms of developing validated treatments for chronic pain. By reclassifying cannabis, increasing funding, and fostering collaborations, the U.S. can take back its position as a global leader in medical research and natural pain relief solutions. With more robust research, cannabis-based therapies, like Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel, could become a primary option for managing chronic pain effectively and naturally.
The U.S. must act now to unlock the full potential of cannabis as a solution to chronic pain and other health issues. Reclaiming leadership in cannabis research is not only an economic opportunity but also a medical and social imperative.
References:
Brookings Cannabis Opportunity Agenda
