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This webinar features Ziva Cooper presenting cutting-edge research on the potential “THC-sparing” effects of minor cannabinoids, with a focus on cannabigerol (CBG). Drawing on controlled human studies, Dr. Cooper explores how CBG interacts with THC, highlighting findings that suggest CBG is non-intoxicating, shows no abuse liability or analgesic effects, and may offer modest anxiety-reducing benefits—particularly in mitigating some of THC’s adverse effects.

Set against the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization and increasingly potent THC products, the session also examines broader public health implications, including patterns of use, regulatory challenges, and the complexities of studying cannabinoids for conditions such as chronic pain. Attendees will gain insight into the pharmacology of emerging cannabis compounds, current research limitations, and future directions, including the role of other minor cannabinoids and terpenes. This session is designed for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking an evidence-based understanding of cannabis and its therapeutic potential.

A recent policy shift highlighted in a New York Times Article and an AXOS report marks a significant turning point in U.S. cannabis policy. The Trump administration has moved to reclassify certain marijuana products—particularly FDA-approved and state-sanctioned medical cannabis—from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This change signals federal acknowledgment of cannabis’ potential medical value and reduces the severity of regulatory restrictions that have long limited scientific study.

For the research community, the implications are substantial. Historically, Schedule I classification created significant barriers, including complex approval processes, strict storage requirements, and limited sourcing options. With a shift to Schedule III, researchers may now face fewer administrative hurdles, allowing studies to launch more efficiently and with broader institutional participation.

This reclassification is expected to expand access to cannabis for clinical and preclinical research, potentially increasing both the volume and quality of scientific evidence. It may also improve opportunities for funding and collaboration, as institutions that previously avoided cannabis-related work due to regulatory risk may now be more willing to engage.

However, the change is not without limitations. The policy primarily applies to medical and regulated cannabis products, while recreational use remains federally restricted. As a result, some legal and logistical complexities will persist, particularly for studies involving commercially available products outside federally recognized channels.

What This Means Moving Forward

This policy shift represents one of the most meaningful federal developments in cannabis research in decades. By easing restrictions, it lays the groundwork for more rigorous, large-scale studies that can better inform clinical practice, public health policy, and therapeutic development. While not a complete resolution of existing challenges, it is a clear step toward a more research-friendly environment for cannabis science.

This 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids as primary treatments for mental disorders and substance use disorders. Analyzing 54 randomized controlled trials involving over 2,400 participants, the study found limited and generally low-quality evidence supporting cannabinoid use. Some modest benefits were observed for conditions such as cannabis use disorder (reduced withdrawal symptoms and use), insomnia (increased sleep duration), tic/Tourette’s syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder. However, cannabinoids showed no significant benefit for several major conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and opioid use disorder, and evidence was lacking for depression. Importantly, cannabinoid use was associated with a higher rate of non-serious adverse events. Overall, the authors conclude that current evidence does not justify routine clinical use of cannabinoids for these conditions and highlight the need for more rigorous research.

A Quebec government survey suggests marijuana use is declining among young people, with rates among those under 20 dropping significantly since 2018.

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