Although millions of Americans use cannabis for medical reasons, new research suggests that there is not enough evidence to support much of that medicinal use.
Although millions of Americans use cannabis for medical reasons, new research suggests that there is not enough evidence to support much of that medicinal use., published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reviewed the scientific evidence behind claims of medical benefits for cannabis and cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis.
The study found little proof that cannabis helps with the top three afflictions for which people use it: pain, anxiety and insomnia. Dr. Kevin Hill, director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is among the researchers who reviewed the evidence, which he said is the"most thorough and up to date review" yet. He said while the review found there are some ailments — like nausea from cancer treatment — for which cannabis and cannabinoids are helpful, the evidence is scant to support its growing use for a variety of issues. Hill also said there are risks to cannabis use, such as cardiovascular complications and addiction, so patients and doctors should consider alternatives. "What we're hopeful for is our review will encourage sensible, evidence-based conversations between clinicians and patients and hopefully steer them towards evidence-based treatments," Hill said. Research has been hampered because cannabis is classified federally as an illegal drug. But more than half of states and the District of Columbia have legalized its use, creating a U.S. cannabis industry that's worth tens of billions of dollars. Hill believes cannabis businesses — and states getting tax revenues from them — should fund more scientific research. "A big part of the problem here is that there's a lot of money involved here, a lot of people and states like Massachusetts are frankly making a lot of money on cannabis," Hill said. The study found that 27% of adults in the U.S. and Canada have at one point used cannabis for medical reasons. More than 10% of the U.S. population reported using cannabidiol , a cannabis extract without psychoactive properties, for therapeutic purposes. The research did point out that there are medical benefits for the FDA-approved cannabis for cancer patients' nausea, appetite stimulation and some seizures. "I'm not saying that there are not clinical uses for cannabis or cannabinoids," Hill said."But we have to acknowledge that at this point there's overwhelmingly negative evidence and the risks in most cases outweigh the benefits."Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Times Square to Unveil New 'Constellation Ball' for New Year's Eve 2026A dazzling new 'Constellation Ball' will replace the iconic Times Square Ball for the 2026 New Year's Eve celebration. The ball, featuring thousands of crystals and advanced technology, will be a focal point of 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' broadcast, hosted by Ryan Seacrest with performances by Rita Ora, Chance the Rapper, and co-hosted by Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski.
Read more »
Fans Of Prime’s New Fantasy Masterpiece Already Have Another New Release in the Same FranchiseThe digital comic is a partnership with Dark Horse Comics and presents the beloved stories in a brand-new, exclusive vertical scroll format.
Read more »
Most Americans tire of houseguests before the week ends, new survey revealsToday's Video Headlines: 11/25/25
Read more »
NY Attorney General James sues Trump admin over cuts to homeless housing programNew York City could lose at least $109 million to house formerly homeless New Yorkers.
Read more »
New Update Adds Battle Challenges, Weapons, and Quality-of-Life Improvements to Zelda SpinoffA new update for the Zelda spinoff game, released on November 27th, introduces new Battle and Hyrule Challenges, two new weapons, and various quality-of-life enhancements and bug fixes. The update provides new content such as new challenges that give players new opponents with better materials and weapons. This will extend the game's lifespan with new content.
Read more »
Niles: New ride reveals inspire new hope for theme park fansIndustry leaders offer a glimpse of the future as they roll out new ride systems at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando.
Read more »