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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Government data suggest medical cannabis availability improved after legalization in Canada. But producers have struggled to meet demand for recreational cannabis other than oils.
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.
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.
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.
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.