A THC-like substance that occurs naturally in humans and other vertebrates helps maintain immunity, memory, nerve function and more – and research suggests a lack of it can harm health.
Since 2018, it has been legal in the U.S. to use a drug made from purified cannabis-derived cannabidiol – CBD – to treat certain childhood seizure disorders.
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In the mid-1800s, France was at the epicenter of the international movement to medicalize hashish, a potent form of cannabis. Now the country’s medical marijuana research is making a comeback.
The use of cannabis, though safer than many other drugs, is not entirely without risk.
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Weed, though far less dangerous than many other drugs, is not entirely without risk. Some 59% of people treating pain with medical cannabis experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms
Marriage equality supporters in 2006 probably had no idea the law they advocated would spur innovation.
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Decriminalizing medical and recreational marijuana may exacerbate racial inequality within the criminal justice system, among other things.
Bill Blazina, 73, uses a high-potency marijuana oil as a medical marijuana patient, but he can’t afford it at a recreational marijuana store.
AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus
Before marijuana was legalized, people argued over how it would affect taxes, crime and teens. But only now is there enough data to settle some of these debates.
It’s very difficult to separate anxiety and fear from the experience of pain linked with actual physical damage.
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Life without pain might seem like a blessing. But pain plays an important role in protecting our bodies from further damage.
Governments worry that medical cannabis tax exemptions could tempt recreational users. Some might seek prescriptions to save money. Eliminating taxes on medical purchases of only cannabis oil could work as a compromise.
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Marijuana is known for delivering a good high. But the plant’s uses go well beyond the recreational. Marijuana contains a trove of medicinal compounds whose uses we are just now discovering.
A man holds up a joint during a 2017 rally to support the legalization of marijuana in Washington, D.C.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
As politically polarized as the country may seem, when it comes to marijuana, Americans across the spectrum have changed their minds. A new study says it’s all thanks to the media.
A depiction of a cannabis bud drops from the ceiling at Leafly’s countdown party in Toronto as midnight passes and marks the first day of the legalization of cannabis across Canada.
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Government data suggest medical cannabis availability improved after legalization in Canada. But producers have struggled to meet demand for recreational cannabis other than oils.
Students rolling a joint in a classroom. Marijuana may not lead them to other drugs, a study suggests.
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Parents of teens often worry about marijuana use and whether it might lead to other drugs or behavioral problems. A recent study suggests it doesn’t, but that there are real dangers to be aware of.
Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, was re-elected in West Virginia, where voters cited health care as a major concern.
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Two-thirds of all US states now have some kind of legal pot, and support for legalization has never been higher. But ballot initiatives can only take legalization so far, researchers say.
Utah residents show support for a ballot initiative that would legalize medical marijuana in the state.
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
Midterm voters in Utah, Missouri, Michigan and North Dakota will decide whether to join the 31 US states that have some form of legal marijuana. But ballot initiatives can only take pot so far.
Since California passed the first medical marijuana law in 1996, 30 US states and the District of Columbia have legalised medical marijuana.
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Yu-Wei Luke Chu, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
People opposing medical marijuana are often concerned about increased crime rates, but analysis of city-level data across the US found medical marijuana laws have little effect on crime.
A parade of bar men protest Prohibition along Yonge Street in Toronto in 1916.
Library and Archives Canada
History has shown that prohibiting popular intoxicants spurs illegal and sometimes excessive use. Ontario municipalities taking up Doug Ford’s offer to ban local retail weed sales should take note.