Q. Does the Federal government block medical marijuana research?
No. The Federal government supports studies that meet accepted scientific standards and successfully compete for research funding based on peer review and potential public health significance. The Federal Government will continue to call for research that may result in the development of products to effectively treat debilitating diseases and chronic pain. Already, there are DEA-registered researchers eligible to study marijuana, and currently there are Phase III clinical trials underway examining the medical utility of a spray containing a mixture of two active ingredients in marijuana (i.e., Sativex).
A number of government-funded research projects involving marijuana or its component compounds have been completed or are currently in progress. Studies include evaluation of abuse potential, physical/psychological effects, adverse effects, therapeutic potential, and detection. It is worth noting that a number of these studies include research with smoked marijuana on human subjects.