Observatorio Español del Cannabis Medicinal

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Priority Considerations for Medicinal Cannabis-Related Research

[…] Until recently, cannabis and its derivatives were widely restricted under legislation which stated they had no medical value and carried a substantial risk of misuse. Policy is rapidly changing, and cannabis can now be prescribed for medicinal use in many countries, including the UK. This provides important new opportunities for treating patients although these need to be weighed up against potential risks. Several different medicinal products exist, with contrasting mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety. Use of these products may increase as new evidence arises and policy changes occur. Here we review this emerging field […] Cannabidiol (CBD) oils are low tetrahydrocannabinol products derived from Cannabis sativa that have become very popular over the past few years. Patients report relief for a variety of conditions, particularly pain, without the intoxicating adverse effects of medical marijuana. In June 2018, the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of rare, severe epilepsy, further putting the spotlight on CBD and hemp oils […]This document focuses on priority areas for medicinal cannabis-related research. The authors, an international group of cannabis experts, have compiled this list, based on their extensive cannabinoid research experience. For clinicians to have confidence in recommending medicinal cannabis, anecdotal reports, however extensive and/or remarkable, are not sufficient. Evidence-based research is required. […]