Cannabis Research Restrictions a Danger to Public Health
US and Canadian Scientists Call for All Cannabis Research Restrictions to Be Lifted – LPC
Three scientists from Canada and the US are calling for cannabis research restrictions to be lifted. They state that these restrictions are unnecessary, perpetuate stigma, and are ultimately a danger to public health.
“We think these restrictions require a second look as they are hampering governments from meeting their own policy objectives,” the scientists said in a commentary. “Preserving public health and public safety while also promoting social justice and economic development requires strong partnerships among governments, universities, and industry.”
The commentary appeared in Folio, a newsletter published by the University of Alberta.
The scientists refer to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which reviews all applications to cultivate cannabis for research. Many find this system too slow, and many universities do not secure their licences. Canada is not much better. Though cannabis is legalized here, cannabis research restrictions – and stigmas – persist. They say cannabis is treated like Big Tobacco, even though health benefits may exist.
The cannabis research restrictions “are rooted in persistent political and professional biases about the value of cannabis research,” they write. “Stigma associated with cannabis research persist within universities and governments.”
Scientists Make Six Recommendations – LPC
The three scientists called on governments on both sides of the border to lift cannabis research restrictions. They wrote six recommendations:
- Remove restrictions on industry donations to universities
- Shift attitudes about cannabis research
- Leverage and promote research partnership opportunities
- Develop cannabis research best practices
- In the US, DEA should ease restrictions
- Increase research into positive effects of cannabis rather than just negative
These recommendations should be commended. Doctors are reluctant to give cannabis prescriptions because they don’t know enough about it. The Canadian Medical Association Journal also stated that not enough is known about the risks and benefits of cannabis. If enough scientists and medical professionals fight to reduce the stigma and cannabis research restrictions, change will come.
This editorial content from the LPC News Team provides analysis, insight, and perspective on current news articles. To read the source article this commentary is based upon, please click on the link below.
