Medical cannabis: From research breakthroughs to shifting public perceptions and ensuring safe use

Summary & key facts

This review describes how medical cannabis went from being illegal and stigmatized to being seen as a possible medicine. It says more scientific studies are finding possible benefits, but that laws, public opinion and safety rules are all changing and affecting how people use it. The authors look at recent research, how stigma and public views are shifting, and what could make medical cannabis safer and easier for patients to follow correctly.

Key facts:

• Medical cannabis used to be illegal and widely stigmatized, but it is now increasingly recognized for possible medical uses as scientific research has grown.
• The review says recent scientific advances are only one part of the change. Changes in laws and in how the public sees cannabis also matter a lot.
• The paper examines three linked areas: new research findings, shifting public perceptions and stigma, and regulatory or safety approaches for legal medical use.
• Safety and how well patients stick to their treatment (called patient adherence) are influenced by science, public opinion and the rules governments make.
• The authors do not claim cannabis is a cure-all. They describe it as having potential therapeutic benefits, while pointing out the need for clear safety strategies and more evidence.
• For people, this means access and attitudes may keep changing. But concerns about safe dosing, regulation and stigma are still important and affect whether people can use medical cannabis as part of healthcare.

Abstract

The landscape of medical cannabis has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. Once stigmatized and illegal in most parts of the world, cannabis is now recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits, supported by an expanding body of scientific research. However, the transition from prohibition to medical recognition is shaped by complex interactions among scientific advancements, public perception and regulatory frameworks for its legalization. This review examines the recent breakthroughs in medical cannabis research, explores the shifting public perceptions and the stigma associated with its use and discusses strategies for enhancing the safety of medical cannabis. We also synthesize the connections between scientific research, public perception and safety considerations in the uses of medical cannabis, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these elements influence each other and shape the future of medical cannabis use for patient adherence.

Topics

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Business Cannabis Environmental health Medical cannabis Medicine Neuroscience Perception Psychiatry Psychology

Substances

Cannabis medical cannabis

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Chronic Pain PTSD Sleep disorder Anxiety or worry Chronic pain Poor sleep