Study Reveals Limited Evidence for Medical Cannabis in Treating Certain Conditions
A new JAMA review highlights the limited scientific support for medical cannabis, emphasizing the need for more rigorous research to align public perception with evidence
Key Points
- 1JAMA review analyzes over 2,500 articles on medical cannabis
- 2Evidence for cannabis efficacy is limited and inconsistent for many conditions
- 3Study emphasizes the need for honest patient-clinician conversations
- 4Researchers call for more rigorous studies to improve clinical guidance
A comprehensive review recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has shed light on the limited evidence supporting the use of medical cannabis for certain health conditions. The analysis, which examined over 2,500 articles, highlighted the inconsistency in evidence and an increased risk of harm associated with some uses of cannabis. This review underscores the gap between public perception and scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of cannabis for medical purposes
The study, titled 'Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review,' was conducted by researchers from several prestigious institutions, including UCLA, University of California, San Francisco, and Harvard Medical School. It analyzed studies published from January 2010 to September 2025. Despite the growing popularity of medical cannabis, with 27% of adults in the US and Canada having used it, the study found that scientific support for its efficacy remains limited
Michael Hsu, MD, the lead author and clinical instructor at UCLA Health, emphasized the need for honest discussions about what science can substantiate regarding medical cannabis. He stated, 'Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn't tell us about medical cannabis.' The review also pointed out that while some conditions may benefit from cannabinoids, others show inconclusive or inadequate results
The study advises clinicians to be cautious, suggesting they consider regulations, potential drug interactions, and contraindications when discussing cannabis with patients. It also recommends harm reduction strategies such as avoiding cannabis with alcohol, using the lowest effective dose, and not driving while under its influence. Limitations of the study include its non-systematic approach and lack of a formal risk of bias assessment
Hsu further stressed the importance of rigorous research to better understand the benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis. 'Further research is crucial to better understand the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis,' he added. This call for more robust studies aims to provide clearer guidance and improve clinical care, ensuring that patient decisions are informed by evidence-based practices