Retrospectively, most of the things we’ve learned about cannabis were a flat-out lie. The War on Drugs was an utter failure; the misinformation associated with one of the war’s primary targets, cannabis, has been abundant for literally centuries. It’s time to unlearn the lies associated with cannabis a la D.A.R.E. and learn the truth about W.E.E.D. (see what we did there?)

How does cannabis affect lives?

Research has shown that more than 50 million adults consume cannabis daily. Considering this stat, one can safely assume that these same individuals are consuming cannabis while still properly functioning throughout their everyday lives. Researchers are fascinated to know if this regular cannabis consumption truly affects the toker’s personal and professional circumstances.

What does weed consist of?

One of the most commonly asked questions from researchers and patients is what is really in the bud? We know that cannabis contains a slew of compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids, but is there anything else? Are there compounds that could be used to further pharmaceuticals? The short answer is yes. Well, probably. More research is necessary to determine the former.

What are the benefits of weed?

It is commonly believed that cannabis has a variety of wellness benefits. Some of these health benefits include the reduction of swelling, anxiety, pain, depression, and much more. Some even believe that cannabis can cure cancer. Despite this, due to current regulations, the FDA cannot appraise those claims effectively. With federal legalization of cannabis becoming closer than ever, the Food and Drug Administration may be evaluating weed as soon as next year.

Cannabis buds come in a bevy of complex shapes and sizes. Nevertheless, the physical traits of cannabis buds are not limited to any assortment of cannabis strains. The same is affirmed for the genetics and wellness benefits of cannabis. Researchers often tie wellness benefits to particular strains of cannabis and cannabinoids.

Does cannabis use cause long-term adverse effects?

As with many health benefits that have been associated with cannabis, the long-term side effects of weed have not been appropriately researched. Again, this is likely due to the current political strife the medication is snared in. Researchers would like to study the adverse effects of cannabis (if there are any.)

How does cannabis affect senior citizens?

There is a large population of geriatric patients who spoil themselves in the medicinal buds every day. Many of these older patients deal with adverse health effects like Glaucoma, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and general bodily inflammation. It is believed that cannabis is quite beneficial for those enduring these ailments. Despite this, without effective research, we do not know how much power cannabis truly holds.

Is the potency of cannabis important?

The common cannabis consumer chooses strains based on terpenes, effects, and potency. Researchers have become anxious to know if the THC percentage of cannabis is meaningful. Does the THC percentage affect the amount of health benefits that cannabis consumers can receive? As potency increases, do the health benefits of cannabis increase or decrease? The answer is unclear; despite this, the THC percentage isn’t individually responsible for psychoactivity. It eventually comes down to the composition of each consumer’s Endocannabinoid System.

How should medicinal cannabis be dosed?

More than half of the US has enacted some form of medicinal bud law. Most states have passed legislation that allows patients to obtain 2 ounces of dry cannabis flower and 14 grams of concentrates in a 14-day period. Nevertheless, this does not mean that each patient needs to consume that much bud within two weeks. So with that in mind, how should medical professionals dose cannabis concentrates and cannabis flowers?

Who is accountable for evaluating medical weed?

As mentioned above, medicinal bud has become widely available but is not being adequately dosed for patients. Furthermore, medical-grade cannabis is not being evaluated by the proper pharmaceutical bodies, thanks to federal restrictions on cannabis.