The 'Grass Ceiling' is Lowered on Cannabis Research

Limitations on Cannabis research has hindered our ability to understand Cannabis use and it's potential consequences or benefits. Among researchers, there has been a call for more detailed characterization of users and the role Cannabis plays in the context of their lives. The existing information on Cannabis-use related research is limited, preventing an effective description of the 'real world' impact of Cannabis-use related issues. The limits placed on Cannabis abuse and therapeutic research has been coined as the "grass ceiling", an artificial barrier preventing scientists and doctors from developing treatments or intervention strategies.

One example of the 'grass ceiling' came to light during the summer of 2010. Researchers called for a clinical trial on Cannabis  and Lou Gehrig's disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Animal research has been extremely promising, demonstrating a practical halt to the progression of the disease in mice. Despite the lack of a successful treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease and anecdotal data on Cannabis use in Lou Gehrig's patients, a pilot trial has never been approved

Now Congressmen are attempting to cut funds to research they consider "stupid." Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) is hoping to stop NIH funding for two Cannabis research studies. Rep. Issa hopes to stop funding for "stupid" research such as malt liquor and marijuana use in teenagers and for the study of cannabis/cannabinoids use with opiate medication.

Well, as far as teenage drug abuse goes...I don't see what is "silly" about that. I hope Rep.Issa does not represent a Republican belief that prevention strategies and treatment interventions should NOT be developed. Currently, the existing treatment for Cannabis dependence is a prescription for oral tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in the Cannabis plant.

The use of Cannabis or cannabinoids and opiates is no laughing matter, either. Cannabinoids and opiates may synergize, which could allow doctors to use small amounts of both drugs to reach the desired effect. The medical use of both drugs in combination may prevent sensitization, thus patients will not have to continually use higher doses of the drugs over time. Lastly, the endocannabinoid system and the opiate system appear to interact, in fact the interaction of both systems explains the phenomenom known as Runner's high.

Cannabis remains one of the most highly used substances in history. Yet, we are just beginning to understand how this plant works and how the endocannabinoid system can regulate many important functions in the human body.