Michigan wants to study marijuana’s health benefits

MICHIGAN WANTS TO STUDY MARIJUANA’S HEALTH BENEFITS

When Michigan voters approved recreational marijuana six years ago, they also allocated cannabis tax revenue for research into the health benefits of the drug specifically for military veterans. In a remarkable commitment, state officials dedicated a substantial $40 million to this cause.

Not a single veteran has received marijuana in a trial.

Critics argue that federal restrictions are to blame for the delays in marijuana research. A Michigan study on post-traumatic stress disorder faced obstacles from the Food and Drug Administration, which opposed participants inhaling marijuana, despite it being the primary method of consumption for many veterans.

Additionally, researchers faced significant challenges in acquiring a federally approved marijuana supply for their proposed studies, enduring a time-consuming process spanning nearly two years. Due to legal constraints, they are unable to utilize readily available cannabis from dispensaries.

Consequently, these studies are still several months away from commencing.

In Michigan, veterans like Anton Harb said they believe marijuana holds promise for PTSD treatment and staves off suicidal impulses. He’s a former Army artilleryman who served in Iraq and says marijuana helped ease nightmares, anxiety and depression caused by PTSD.

“Cannabis set me on a path of healing,” said Harb, 41. “I want other veterans to be able to at least make an informed decision.”

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Harb has voiced concerns about the slow progress of research. The 2018 legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan enforced a requirement that generated tax revenue from sales be designated for FDA-approved research.

Since 2021, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency of Michigan has bestowed $40 million in grants upon the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a reputable nonprofit organization.

Researchers say the larger trial in Michigan, paid for with a $12.9 million state grant, will study 320 veterans.

The FDA held up the second trial over concerns about inhalation and danger to the lungs in smoking pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes and vaping, as well as THC dosing. In a Dec. 28 letter, an FDA official said the hold would be lifted if the “drug delivery method” changes. MAPS plans to appeal the ruling. The FDA declined to comment, saying the agency’s “ability to discuss pending [applications] is strictly limited by federal law.”

Some experts, including a prominent pulmonologist who has studied the effects of marijuana smoking, say there is no evidence marijuana smokers are at significant risk of developing lung cancer or pulmonary disease like tobacco smokers. But a study published Wednesday found that frequent cannabis smoking may significantly increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

There is much more to the story —> Read More here at the Midland Daily News

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