Peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and scientific evidence about cannabis. Evidence-based information for patients, healthcare providers, and advocates.
High-impact studies that have shaped our understanding of cannabis medicine
Whiting PF, Wolff RF, Deshpande S, et al.
JAMA • 2,847 citations
This systematic review examined 79 trials (6,462 participants) evaluating cannabinoids for various medical conditions. Evidence suggests cannabinoids are moderately effective for chronic pain and spasticity. Common adverse effects included dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, somnolence, euphoria, vomiting, disorientation, drowsiness, confusion, loss of balance, and hallucination.
Stockings E, Campbell G, Hall WD, et al.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews • 1,523 citations
This Cochrane review included 16 studies with 1,750 participants examining cannabis-based medicines for chronic noncancer pain. Authors found very low-quality evidence that cannabis-based medicines may increase the number of people achieving 50% pain relief, but also increase nervous system and psychiatric adverse events.
Devinsky O, Marsh E, Friedman D, et al.
The Lancet Neurology • 1,876 citations
This open-label trial examined cannabidiol (CBD) in 214 patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Median seizure frequency decreased from 30 per month at baseline to 15.8 per month during treatment. 9% of patients became seizure-free. Adverse events occurred in 79% of patients, most commonly somnolence, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.
Explore research organized by medical condition and application
Chronic pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory conditions
Anxiety, PTSD, depression, sleep disorders
Epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's, neuroprotection
Cancer pain, nausea, appetite, tumor effects
Adverse effects, drug interactions, long-term safety
Policy, access, social impacts, epidemiology
Latest peer-reviewed research from 2023-2024
Boehnke KF, Gagnier JJ, Matallana L, Williams DA
JAMA Network Open
Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S
The Permanente Journal
Haroutounian S, Ratz Y, Ginosar Y, et al.
European Journal of Pain
Nielsen S, Sabioni P, Trigo JM, et al.
Addiction
Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O, Pazos MR, et al.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Abrams DI, Guzman M
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Current research studies actively recruiting participants or in progress
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