Researchers worldwide published more than 4,000 scientific papers related to marijuana in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year with that level of output, according to an analysis by the advocacy group NORML.
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Since 2014, over 35,000 papers have been published, reflecting increased focus on marijuana’s therapeutic potential and the effects of legalization laws.
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano highlighted this surge, stating that scientific interest in cannabis has grown exponentially over the past decade. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based discussions on marijuana policies, given the substantial body of research now available.
The analysis, conducted through PubMed.gov, found over 49,500 scientific papers on marijuana dating back to 1840, with more than 70 percent published in the last decade. While the 2024 total slightly trails the record set in 2022 with over 4,300 publications, it underscores ongoing interest in cannabis research.
Studies published in the past year have explored marijuana’s impact on opioid use and overdose rates, pain management, and quality of life improvements for patients with conditions like autism and epilepsy. Other research examined cannabis’s chemical components, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, revealing potential therapeutic benefits.
A recent study using the “C&S approach” found a consistent negative correlation between recreational marijuana legalization (RML) and opioid overdose deaths. Published on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), it estimated that RML reduces opioid overdose deaths by approximately 3.5 per 100,000 individuals. The effect was stronger in states that legalized cannabis earlier in the opioid crisis.
Researchers analyzed opioid mortality rates and marijuana policies using data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They noted immediate and sustained declines in opioid overdose rates in states adopting RML earlier, with consistent trends in later-adopting states.
Additional studies supported these findings. Research in Utah linked medical marijuana access to reduced opioid use among chronic pain patients and fewer prescription overdose deaths. Reports published by the American Medical Association (AMA) also found that chronic pain patients using medical cannabis experienced reduced opioid dependency.
Other studies explored the role of minor cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis. For instance, the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) showed therapeutic potential for conditions like pain and inflammation. Another study highlighted the anxiety-reducing effects of the terpene D-limonene, suggesting it could mitigate THC-related paranoia.
While limitations remain, including the lack of long-term data, the growing body of research underscores marijuana’s role in addressing opioid-related public health challenges. As more states consider legalization, these findings provide critical insights into marijuana’s potential to reduce opioid dependency and improve pain management alternatives.
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