There is a widespread and intense debate raging around the health benefits of medical and therapeutic cannabis, despite a number of legislative alterations around the drug’s legality. Many trials, using a variety of scientific instruments, have thus far demonstrated the drug’s potential in the realms of pain management, treatment of depressive symptoms, alleviation of conditions associated with chemotherapy, and more.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Dmytro Tyshchenko
Currently, thirty one states in the U.S. have laws in place that permit the use of medical cannabis. Canada too recently decriminalized recreational use of the drug. However, at a federal level, cannabis is still illegal in the U.S., with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refuting findings that cannabis is a, “safe and effective drug for any indication.”
Scientific Instruments: Modernizing Cannabis Research
The FDA has so far recognized the potential effects of distinct bioactive ingredients that derive from one or more of the cannabis plant’s constituents. For instance, cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary therapeutic ingredient, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component. The backbone of modern cannabis research involves high purity extraction of these distinct constituents using specialized scientific instruments, such as short-path distillers. Quantitative data regarding the therapeutic action of CBD has been made possible by isolating these ingredients and studying them in clinical trials.
In June 2018, the FDA approved a novel drug for the treatment of rare and severe forms of epilepsy. One of the primary active ingredients in this drug is cannabidiol (CBD).
This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies.
Scott Gottlieb, M.D., Commissioner, FDA
In today’s digital age, the importance of clinical cannabis trials is often overlooked. Social media has witnessed the dissemination of circumstantial or individual cases, with the verbatim adoption involving the therapeutic effects of the drug for select conditions. However, the FDA and other administrations around the world have stoically maintained that while cannabis’ effects may be well documented, the results are currently inconclusive for many specific conditions.
Thus, it becomes important to analyze, in a highly precise manner, the chemical composition of cannabis constituents. Moreover, it is also important to assess their therapeutic actions with respect to distinct conditions and diseases using specialist scientific instruments.
Thus, the evidence suggests the need for further research regarding the therapeutic potential of CBD, before final conclusions can be drawn.
Scientific Instruments from Glas-Col
Glas-Col is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of scientific instruments for an extensive range of commercial, industrial, and academic fields. Believing in the importance of the scientific method, Glas-Col understands that the widespread legalization of cannabis use will expand the potential research avenues for the drug’s use in novel areas of the pharmacological sector.
[Source: FDA]
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Glas-Col.
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