Researchers globally have dived into the science of cannabis and cannabinoids with unprecedented vigor over the last decade, publishing a staggering 32,000 inquiries, according to NORML. Remarkably, 2023 marked the third consecutive year in which scientists published over 4,000 papers specifically focused on cannabis, cannabinoids, and their diverse effects.
Contrary to some political arguments advocating for more research into potential cannabis dangers before relaxing restrictions, NORML’s findings, based on a keyword search of the National Library of Medicine and PubMed.gov, underscore the exponential increase in scientific interest.
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano emphasized the need for evidence-based discussions, stating, “It is time for politicians and others to stop assessing cannabis through the lens of ‘what we don’t know’ and instead start engaging in evidence-based discussions about marijuana and marijuana reform policies that are indicative of all that we do know.”
Founded in 1970, NORML, the oldest and largest U.S. organization advocating for cannabis legalization, highlights notable studies from 2023. These include findings supporting claims such as cannabis aiding sleep without reliance on over-the-counter sleep aids, positive outcomes for cannabis consumers with COVID-19, and a potential positive impact of cannabis on individuals’ sex lives.
Researchers also explore the societal effects of cannabis law reform, with recent studies indicating that average home values in states with adult-use cannabis laws surpass those in non-legal states.
