At this time, scientists are only able to study cannabis of a specific quality. Specifically, the scientists are required to study only a specially grown research-grade type of plant. However, a number of lawmakers and scientists have pointed out that there is a limitation in this method. This is why some groups are working to remove the barriers preventing them from studying the consumer-use products. Some might wonder how inadequate these research-grade marijuana plants are, which is what a recent study examined.

Study

Recently, the researchers of the new study analyzed the composition of three types of plants. Specifically, they looked at wild hemp, cultivated hemp, “research-grade” cannabis from the government source and several varieties of commercially available marijuana. They used 49 samples as a part of this study. In other words, the researchers used wild hemp plants, specially cultivated hemp plants, plants typically used in research, and the products that come from dispensaries. 

Results

The researchers found that the research-grade cannabis samples were more similar hemp samples. This is instead of the cannabis samples that would be a part of the study. The researchers specified that they don’t believe the research-grade cannabis is hemp instead, but that it is genetically closer to it.

Discussion

With this study showing this lack of dispensary-quality being examined, it shows that the barriers preventing study of the products that customers will actually use need to be removed. In fact, as already mentioned, some are working to remove these barriers. Some are looking to give scientists access to the products from the state-legal retailers. On the other hand, others are looking to add more research-grade manufacturers. This is to allow scientists to have easier access to research materials.

Activists hope that studies like this will show that the laws should remove these barriers preventing proper research. With the removal of these barriers, scientists will be able to show the actual effects of the products.

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