HomeCannabis MedicineHistory of Cannabis Regulation and Medicinal Therapeutics: It’s Complicated

History of Cannabis Regulation and Medicinal Therapeutics: It’s Complicated

July 7, 2023

Clin Ther. 2023 Jun;45(6):521-526. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.04.011.

ABSTRACT

The genus Cannabis has a complex history, with great variations in the genus itself, as well as in its current uses worldwide. Today, it is the most commonly used psychoactive substance, with 209 million users in 2020. The legalization of cannabis for medicinal or adult use is complex. From its origins as a therapeutic agent in 2800 bc China, to the current knowledge on cannabinoids and the cannabinoid system, to the complex status of cannabis regulation across continents-knowledge gained from the history of cannabis use can inform research on cannabis-based treatments for patients with medical conditions that remain challenging in 21st century medicine, warranting research and evidence-based policy options. Changes in cannabis-related policymaking, scientific advances, and perceptions may result in increasing patient inquiries about its medicinal usage, regardless of personal opinions, thus meriting education and training of clinicians. This commentary outlines the long history of cannabis use, its current therapeutic potential from a regulatory research perspective, and the continued challenges in research and regulation in the ever-changing era of modern cannabis use. It is crucial to understand the history and complexity of cannabis use as medicine to better understand its potential for clinical therapeutics and the effects of modern-day legalization on other health- and society-related issues.

PMID:37414502 | DOI:10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.04.011

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.