shantibaba
Breeder and moderator
Cannabis can benefit physical and mental health in myriad ways by tapping into our body’s highly connected, balance-seeking endocannabinoid system. It can also cause harm. But in some cases, researchers find no effect at all, also known as a null result. This can be due to a true lack of effect, or simply to the particulars of the study’s design – and discerning between the two is a key function of science as an iterative, evolving practice.
Three recent papers serve as enlightening examples: one evaluating the effect of smoked cannabis on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity; one reviewing the link between cannabis-derived cannabinol (CBN) and sleep quality; and one testing CBD as a treatment for arthritis pain. None of these papers report evidence of positive or negative outcomes. But they still play a part in the larger scientific process by building upon previous research and informing subsequent inquiries.
CANNABIS & PTSD
Rick Doblin of MAPS fame serves as senior author of a paper published in PLOS One
earlier this year describing the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial of smoked cannabis for post-traumatic stress disorder. Better known for his work with MDMA, or ecstasy, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies founder and executive director here investigates the potential of three different types of smoked cannabis (THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and balanced THC/CBD) to treat PTSD – and finds none better than an inactive placebo. But that still doesn’t mean cannabis won’t help; it just means that among the 80 study participants, all active cannabis users, expectations about cannabis’ effects were statistically as powerful as any additional benefit derived from actual exposure to THC and CBD during the study. Moreover, “Given the topical nature of the current trial and its relevance for public policy on medical cannabis, participants might have been biased to report positive effects regardless of condition,” the authors write. “Additional well-controlled and adequately powered studies with cannabis suitable for FDA drug development are needed to determine whether smoked cannabis improves symptoms of PTSD.” After publication of the PLOS One paper, MAPS received $13 million from the state of Michigan for a “Phase 2” cannabis/PTSD clinical trial involving 320 military veterans.
Three recent papers serve as enlightening examples: one evaluating the effect of smoked cannabis on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity; one reviewing the link between cannabis-derived cannabinol (CBN) and sleep quality; and one testing CBD as a treatment for arthritis pain. None of these papers report evidence of positive or negative outcomes. But they still play a part in the larger scientific process by building upon previous research and informing subsequent inquiries.
CANNABIS & PTSD
Rick Doblin of MAPS fame serves as senior author of a paper published in PLOS One
earlier this year describing the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial of smoked cannabis for post-traumatic stress disorder. Better known for his work with MDMA, or ecstasy, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies founder and executive director here investigates the potential of three different types of smoked cannabis (THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and balanced THC/CBD) to treat PTSD – and finds none better than an inactive placebo. But that still doesn’t mean cannabis won’t help; it just means that among the 80 study participants, all active cannabis users, expectations about cannabis’ effects were statistically as powerful as any additional benefit derived from actual exposure to THC and CBD during the study. Moreover, “Given the topical nature of the current trial and its relevance for public policy on medical cannabis, participants might have been biased to report positive effects regardless of condition,” the authors write. “Additional well-controlled and adequately powered studies with cannabis suitable for FDA drug development are needed to determine whether smoked cannabis improves symptoms of PTSD.” After publication of the PLOS One paper, MAPS received $13 million from the state of Michigan for a “Phase 2” cannabis/PTSD clinical trial involving 320 military veterans.
Not So Fast: Null Results in Cannabis Science | Project CBD
While some studies show therapeutic benefits and some show harms, others show no effects at all.
www.projectcbd.org