Is There Actually a "Lack of Research" Regarding Medical Marijuana?

Time after time we have heard over and over from some medical professionals that there is no scientific data that suggests the use of marijuana for medical purposes can be safe and effective. This is mostly because there haven’t been many formal research studies conducted in the United States. Stories of improved quality of life from patients suffering from conditions ranging from pain to seizures have gone unqualified by the medical community and labeled as purely anecdotal.

While the anecdotal label may be technically accurate, the lack of research is truly to blame. Marijuana’s classification by the Drug Enforcement Agency has largely prohibited research studies to be conducted. Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, marijuana is considered by the DEA to be amongst drugs with the highest potential for abuse. For decades, marijuana has been classified with drugs like LSD and heroin. This classification has made research nearly impossible because of restrictions Schedule I drugs carry.
Many have called upon the DEA to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule II drug, which wouldn’t make it legal on a federal level, but would allow for studies to be conducted. Associations including The American Academy of Pediatrics has supported and even requested the Drug Enforcement Agency to reclassify marijuana.

The Huffington Post published a statement in early 2015 from the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizing their support for medical marijuana research.  “The AAP strongly supports research and development of pharmaceutical cannabinoids and supports a review of policies promoting research on the medical use of these compounds,” the AAP statement reads.

While there may not be a lot of research taking place here in the United States, The Marijuana Business Daily reported that we can finally welcome the launch of a new research institute in the Czech Republic. Known as the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI), the research center could provide major value to medical cannabis businesses worldwide. A partnership between American and Czech stakeholders has formed allowing this to take place. This partnership includes organizations such as Americans for Safe Access, KOPAC a Czech patient advocacy group, New York-based cannabis investment firm Dioscorides Global Holdings as well as some universities and high-tech companies.

“The main work of the ICCI is to provide scientific instruments to public and private institutions all over the world,” CEO Pavel Kubu said in a statement.
Medical Marijuana hasn’t just become a big industry in the United States, but is becoming a worldwide phenomenon that has captured the interest of people all over the world. Medical marijuana was legalized in the Czech Republic in 2013.