Despite marijuana remaining a Schedule I drug on the federal level, 2024 has been a huge year for marijuana research.
As marijuana moves closer to being rescheduled to Schedule III, the potential for easier and more comprehensive research on marijuana and its compounds appears to be on the horizon. While this change has not yet been finalized, 2024 has still proven to be a pivotal year for marijuana research.
With that in mind, below are some of the most notable marijuana studies published in 2024, in no particular order.
Medical Marijuana Linked to Decrease in Suicidal Thoughts, Finds Study
A recent study published in the journal Archives of Suicide Research has revealed that medicinal cannabis may significantly reduce suicidal ideation among patients.
Clinical Trial Finds Psilocybin Effective at Combatting COVID-19-Related Depression in Healthcare Workers
A randomized clinical trial conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and the Yale School of Medicine has found that psilocybin therapy significantly reduces symptoms of depression in clinicians who developed moderate to severe symptoms while providing frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
THC Reverses Brain Aging and Enhances Cognition in Animal Model
According to researchers at the University of Bonn and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the long-term, low-dose administration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can reverse aging processes in the brain and may have broader anti-aging effects.
Cannabidiol Found to Suppress Aggressive Prostate Cancer Progression and Recurrence
A new study suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may offer a promising approach to controlling metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
THC Inhalation Reduces PTSD Symptoms and Improves Sleep and Mood
A study published in the peer reviewed journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid and e-published by the National Library of Medicine reveals promising findings on the impact of high-THC marijuana on PTSD symptoms.
Federally Funded Survey Finds Marijuana Use By Teens at Historic Lows
Federally funded survey data from the University of Michigan reveals that teen marijuana use has dropped significantly over the past decade, reaching historic lows.
Study of Nearly 10 Million People Finds Marijuana Linked to Improved Outcomes for Heart Attack Patients, Reduced In-Hospital Mortality
According to a study published in the Archives of Medical Sciences: Atherosclerotic Disease, heart attack patients with a history of marijuana use have a lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to those without a history of use.
Study Finds Marijuana Users “Had Better Outcomes and Mortality Compared with Non-Users” in COVID-19 Cases
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research and available online through the National Institutes of Health found that when it comes to COVID-19, “Cannabis users had better outcomes and mortality compared with non-users”.
Year-Long Medical Marijuana Use Shows No Negative Impact on Brain Function
According to a study published recently in JAMA Network Open, there was no significant impact on brain activation in individuals using medical marijuana over the course of a year.
Medical Marijuana Leads to “Rapid and Significant Improvements” in Health-Related Quality of Life
A new study of hundreds of people using medical marijuana reported “rapid and significant improvements” in health-related quality of life over the first three months, according to new research led by Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).
Cannabidiol (CBD) Shows Antiviral Effects Against SARS-CoV-2
A recent study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine has revealed that cannabidiol (CBD) may have antiviral properties against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
Medical Marijuana Linked to Improved Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Patients
A recent observational study published in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy suggests that patients with fibromyalgia (FM) experience significant symptom improvement when using cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs).
Cannabidiol Found to Damage Cancer Cells and Halt Growth in Oral Cancer Study
A study set to be published in the journal Archives of Oral Biology in January 2025 explores the potential biological effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
CBD and THC Show Anti-Metastatic Potential in Breast Cancer Cells
Researchers from Lebanese American University and Germany’s University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover have published findings in the journal Scientific Reports indicating that cannabinoids derived from Lebanese cannabis may offer significant anti-cancer properties.
Marijuana and THC Improve Working Memory in Aging
With marijuana use surging among older adults, researchers are uncovering how it may influence age-related cognitive decline.
Cannabis Use Associated with Less Cognitive Decline Over Lifetime
Lifetime cannabis use does not appear to negatively impact cognitive decline, and may actually protect against it, according to a longitudinal study published in Brain and Behavior.
Study Finds CBD Oil Improves Symptoms in Children with Moderate to Severe Autism
A study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals found that high-CBD, full-spectrum cannabis extract can improve the symptoms of moderate to severe non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents.
Marijuana Use Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Rates, Study Finds
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Florida, and the University of Connecticut have published a study that suggests marijuana use may be linked to lower prostate cancer prevalence.
Study: Legalizing Marijuana “Results in a Substantial Decrease in Rates of Intimate Partner Violence”
A recent study from Georgetown University found that the legalization of recreational marijuana is associated with a significant decrease in intimate partner violence (IPV).
Study of 400,000 Patients With Collapsed Lunge Finds Marijuana Associated With Reduced Hospital Stay and In-Hospital Mortality
According to a new study of hundreds of thousands of patients with spontaneous pneumothora, also referred to as collapsed lung, those with a history of marijuana use had significantly reduced average hospital stays and in-hospital mortality than non-marijuana users.
Study: Marijuana Oil Shows Potent Anti-Cancer Effects Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia
A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has highlighted the potential anti-cancer properties of cannabis oil extract (COE) in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Clinical Trial Finds Marijuana May Decrease Diabetes Risk
Those who consume marijuana have “healthier inflammatory cytokine profile, better insulin sensitivity, and higher levels of physical activity than nonusers,” all of which can be linked lower diabetes, according to an ongoing clinical trial presented at the 2024 annual American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions.
Cannabidiol Inhibits Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Finds New Study
The marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD) “inhibits epithelial ovarian cancer”, according to the results of a study published in April.
Study Finds Marijuana Enhances Orgasm Frequency and Satisfaction in Women with Female Orgasmic Disorder
A study published in the journal Sexual Medicine revealed promising results for women who struggle with achieving orgasms.
