Cannabis has been at the center of cultural, medical, and legal debates for decades. Despite strides in state-level legalization and the 2018 Farm Bill making hemp-derived THC ∆9 legal under certain conditions, barriers to cannabis research remain a critical roadblock to full legalization. Understanding why cannabis research is so limited and why it’s difficult to measure its effects on individuals is key to addressing the challenges surrounding its legal status.
The 2018 Farm Bill and the Legality of THC ∆9
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized not only hemp and its derivatives, more importantly it legalized the molecule of THC ∆9. Initially the government with its ruling made it so confusing for consumers it had them believing that Hemp and Marijuana were two totally different species of plant when in actuality it all falls in to the latin terminology Cannabis Sativa L. While this opened the door for hemp-derived cannabinoids to enter the market, it also created a patchwork of regulations. THC ∆9, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, is now legal in some contexts but remains federally illegal in others when sourced from marijuana. Currently there are no methods available to detect whether the molecule of THC ∆9 has been derived from Hemp or Marijuana. This legal gray area makes research funding, regulatory approval, and large-scale studies incredibly difficult.
Why Is Cannabis Research So Difficult?
1. Federal Regulations and Classification
Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This classification places it alongside drugs like heroin, signaling “no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” As a result:
- Researchers face significant hurdles obtaining federal approval to study cannabis.
- Universities and labs fear losing funding if they pursue cannabis research without strict compliance.
- Limited federal funding is available for studying potential benefits, though funding for harm-related research is more accessible.
2. Access to Quality Samples
Cannabis for research must come from federally approved sources, like the University of Mississippi, which has been criticized for producing cannabis with lower potency and inconsistent quality compared to what’s available in legal markets. This lack of representative samples skews research findings and undermines real-world applications.
3. State vs. Federal Disconnect
State-legal cannabis operations cannot supply federally approved studies, creating a gap between what researchers can study and what consumers actually use. This disconnect limits the relevance of findings and perpetuates outdated narratives about cannabis’ effects.
The Complexity of Measuring Intoxication: Why It’s Hard to Predict “How High” Someone Will Get
One of the most significant challenges in cannabis research is understanding how cannabinoids like THC affect individuals. Unlike alcohol, where intoxication can be reliably measured by blood alcohol content (BAC), cannabis’ effects are influenced by a range of factors that vary from person to person.
Factors Influencing Cannabis Intoxication:
- Weight and Body Composition
- THC is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat cells in the body. Individuals with higher body fat may experience delayed onset of effects, while leaner individuals may feel stronger effects faster.
- Genetics
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- Specific genetic markers influence how the body processes cannabinoids. For example, individuals with certain variants of the CYP2C9 gene metabolize THC more slowly, leading to prolonged effects.
- Research suggests that red-haired individuals, due to a variant in the MC1R gene, may have a higher tolerance to THC and other substances. This genetic quirk adds another layer of variability to cannabis’ effects.
- Digestive and Metabolic Factors
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- When cannabis is ingested (e.g., through edibles), it is metabolized differently than when smoked or vaped. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that is significantly more potent. Factors like liver health, digestive speed, and enzyme availability can drastically alter how intoxicating an edible is for one person versus another.
- Protein Absorption Issues
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- The endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabinoids like THC, is influenced by proteins involved in absorption and binding. A lack of these proteins can reduce the effectiveness of cannabinoids or delay their effects, further complicating standardization.
Why This Matters for Legalization
The variability in how cannabis affects individuals is one of the key reasons it remains federally illegal. Policymakers and regulators argue that without reliable measures for intoxication—similar to a breathalyzer for alcohol—legalizing cannabis poses risks for public safety, particularly for activities like driving.
Moreover, the lack of comprehensive research hinders the ability to address these concerns. Without data:
- Policymakers lack evidence-based tools to set safety standards.
- Healthcare providers cannot provide accurate dosing recommendations.
- Misconceptions about cannabis’ risks and benefits persist, fueling opposition to legalization.
A Catch-22 for Cannabis Research
The current regulatory framework creates a paradox: research is needed to justify cannabis legalization, but the lack of legalization makes research nearly impossible. This cycle stifles scientific progress, leaving critical questions about cannabis’ safety, benefits, and risks unanswered.
Moving Forward: Breaking the Barriers to Research
To advance cannabis research and address the challenges of legalization, the following changes are essential:
- Reclassification of Cannabis: Moving cannabis out of Schedule I would open doors for more comprehensive research and funding.
- Improved Access to Samples: Allowing researchers to use cannabis from state-legal markets would provide more representative and meaningful data.
- Standardized Testing Protocols: Developing reliable methods to measure intoxication, accounting for factors like genetics and metabolism, would help address public safety concerns.
Conclusion
Cannabis legalization is a complex issue, with research—or the lack thereof—at its core. The challenges of studying cannabis, from federal regulations to the variability in individual responses, highlight the need for systemic changes. By breaking down these barriers, we can pave the way for more informed policies, safer products, and a better understanding of cannabis’ role in wellness and society.
At Alpine Dispensary, we believe in the power of education and transparency. Stay informed by visiting us in Helen, GA, or exploring our blog for the latest updates on cannabis and CBD.
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