10 Most Important Cannabis Studies Released in 2015 (So Far)

Despite being far from over, 2015 has already been an incredible year for cannabis science, with numerous studies bringing forth further evidence that cannabis is an incredibly diverse, safe and effective medicine

Although it’s extremely hard to narrow it down, below is a list of what we feel are the 10 most important cannabis-related studies released so far this year. We’ll revisit this again once the year is officially over.

Activation of the endocannabinoid system – something done naturally by cannabis – can attenuate newborn brain injury caused by germinal matrix hemorrhages, which is one of the most common and devastating cerebrovascular events that affect premature infants. This is according to a May study published by the U.S. National Institute of Health.

Cannabis greatly improves the healing process of broken bones, and makes the bones harder to break in the future, according to a July study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.^[1]

An April study ^[2] published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found that activation of the body’s cannabinoid receptors can rescue learning and memory after a traumatic brain injury.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may prevent the rejection of organs during a transplant, according to a study ^[3] published in the September issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.

A study ^[4] published in the journal Molecular Oncology, and published online by the National Institute of Health, found that the cannabis compound cannabidiol inhibits the growth and metastasis of highly aggressive breast cancer. The study was published in February.

An April study published by the journal Psychopharmacology found that the body’s cannabinoid receptors play a vital role in the management of social interactions and aggressive behavior, and that administration of a cannabinoid receptor agonist (meant to mimic the effects of cannabis) significantly reduces aggression.

∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis – inhibits melanoma tumor growth, according to a study published in the most recent issue of the journal Life Science, and published online by the National Institute of Health. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, killing over 10,000 people a year.

A study funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and released at the beginning of the year, found that driving after smoking cannabis does not make you more likely to get into a car crash.

Consuming at least one joint a day for 20 years has no negative effect on a person’s lung health, according to a comprehensive study ^[5] published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society, and published online by the National Institute of Health.

A study ^[6] published by the Oxford journal Carcinogenesis, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health, has found that the cannabis compound cannabigerol can prevent the progression of cancer cells formed in the colon.

Honorable mentions:

A study ^[7] published in April by the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology, and published online by the National Institute of Health, found CB1R (cannabinoid receptor type 1) activiation, which occurs naturally through the consumption of cannabis, can treat pain arising from cystitis (urinary tract infection).

Daily cannabis use among U.S. college students now exceeds daily cigarette use, according to a new study ^[8]conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan. Given that cigarettes are fatal and highly addictive, and cannabis is neither of those things, this is definitely a positive development, and one that signifies the acceptance of cannabis into mainstream culture.

A history of cannabis use is associated with a lower likelihood of obesity and diabetes, according to a study published in the journal Obesity.

You Can find our list of the top 10 cannabis studies of 2014 by clicking here ^[9].

– TheJointBlog