Medical Cannabis Research

Approximately 449,000+ Texans are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recent studies suggest that medical cannabis reduced the number and/or intensity of symptoms, including hyperactivity, self-injuring behavior, anger, sleep-related difficulties, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness and depression.

Human-Based Clinical Trial Results

  • Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities | Read More

  • Cannabidiol-Based Medical Cannabis in Children with Autism- a Retrospective Feasibility Study |  Read More

  • Real-life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy |  Read More

Additional Resources

  • Ethical Implications for Providers Regarding Cannabis Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders​  |  Read More 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. Some studies indicate the use of medical cannabis may slow the progress of neurodegeneration. Medical cannabis may also improve the quality of life for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms by improving appetite and sleep while decreasing pain and spasticity.

Resources

  • Cannabis and ALS: Hypothetical and Practical Applications, and a Call for Clinical Trials   |  Read More

  • Can cannabinoids be a potential therapeutic tool in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?   |  Read More

  • Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders   |  Read More

  • Endocannabinoids and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis   |  Read More

  • Survey of cannabis use in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |  Read More

Research On Symptoms Related to ALS

  • Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid?  |  Read More

  • Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors |  Read More

  • Randomized Controlled Trials of Cannabis-Based Medicine in Spasticity Caused by Multiple Sclerosis |  Read More

  • Multiple Sclerosis and Extract of Cannabis: results of the MUSEC trial | Read More

  • Randomized, controlled trial of cannabis-based medicine in central pain in multiple sclerosis  |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. Texas has the third highest Alzheimer's rates, with an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's in 2024. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that may respond positively to medical cannabis treatments include sleep problems, paranoia, anxiety, dysphoria, pain, poor appetite, and weight loss. In late-stage Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis may reduce agitation and improve sleep and appetite.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Effects of dronabinol on anorexia and disturbed behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s disease  |  Read More

  • Delta–9-tetrahydrocannabinol for nighttime agitation in severe dementia  |  Read More

  • Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study  |  Read More

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia | Read More

Other Articles of Interest

  • Cannabinoids for behavioral symptoms in severe dementia | Read More
  • The Potential Therapeutic Effects of THC on Alzheimer’s Disease |  Read More
  • Amyloid proteotoxicity initiates an inflammatory response blocked by cannabinoids |  Read More

  • The cannabinoid receptor agonist nabilone for the treatment of dementia-related agitation |  Read More

  • THC for age-related cognitive decline?  |  Read More

  • Cannabinoids remove plaque-forming Alzheimer’s proteins from brain cells  |  Read More

  • Cannabinoids for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: moving toward the clinic | Read More

  • A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

There is an increased interest in the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms in cancer and palliative care patients, including pain, loss of appetite, anxiety, insomnia and nausea. A 2024 survey found that one-third of cancer patients report using cannabis during treatment for symptom relief. In recognition of this growing trend, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released guidance to help clinicians navigate conversations about medical cannabis use for cancer.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related Pain  |  Read More 

  • An Open-Label Extension Study to Investigate the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray and Oromucosal THC Spray in Patients With Terminal Cancer-Related Pain Refractory to Strong Opioid Analgesics  | Read More

Additional Resources

  • Flavonoid Derivative of Cannabis Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer | Read More 
  • Cannabinoids as therapeutic agents in cancer: current status and future implications |  Read More

  • Cannabis in palliative care: current challenges and practical recommendations |  Read More

  • Choice of opioids and the WHO ladder | Read More

  • Update on prevalence of pain in patients with cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis  |  Read More

  • Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review |  Read More

  • Management of chronic pain in survivors of adult cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline  |  Read More

  • Patterns of Use of Medical Cannabis Among Israeli Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

An estimated 30% to 40% of patients with epilepsy do not respond to traditional medications to manage seizures. Many also worry about the long-term effects of chronic anti-epileptic drug use. Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that medical cannabis can be a safe and effective option for reducing seizure frequency.

Seizure Management Resources

  • Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome |  Read More
  • Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial |  Read More
  • Effect of Cannabidiol on drop seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome |  Read More

Other Epilepsy Resources

  • Perceived Efficacy of Cannabidiol-enriched Cannabis Extracts for Treatment Of Pediatric Epilepsy |  Read More

  • Cannabinoids and Epilepsy |  Read More

  • CBD-enriched Medical Cannabis for Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy |  Read More

  • Efficacy Of Artisanal Preparations of Cannabidiol For The Treatment Of Epilepsy |  Read More

  • Efficacy Of CBD-enriched Medical Cannabis for Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy in Children |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Recent studies indicate that medical cannabis may offer relief for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly when using products with balanced levels of CBD and THC. These formulations have been shown to help reduce muscle spasticity, pain and other common MS symptoms. In Texas, MS is one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program, allowing patients to access a natural alternative to commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Multiple Sclerosis and Extract of Cannabis: results of the MUSEC trial |  Read More

  • Randomized Controlled Trials of Cannabis-Based Medicine in Spasticity Caused by Multiple Sclerosis | Read More

  • Randomized, controlled trial of cannabis-based medicine in central pain in multiple sclerosis  | Read More

  • Do cannabis-based medicinal extracts have general or specific effects on symptoms of multiple sclerosis? |  Read More 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Extensive preclinical studies in animals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) provide evidence that regulation of the endocannabinoid system may positively impact various PD symptoms. Cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in the brain, specifically basal ganglia tissues involved in PD. These findings support the potential of cannabinoids to influence both symptom management and disease progression. 

Clinical Trial Results

  • Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease |  Read More

  • Nabilone for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease |  Read More

Additional Resources

  • Marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease? Innovations in Clinical Science | Read More

  • Marijuana Compounds: A Nonconventional Approach to Parkinson’s Disease Therapy | Read More

  • Survey on cannabis use in Parkinson’s disease: subjective improvement of motor symptoms | Read More

  • Cannabis use in people with Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis: A web-based investigation  |  Read More

  • Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s disease. Cannabinoids in Neurologic and Mental Disease |  Read More

  • Promising cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease: motor symptoms to neuroprotection |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Huntington's Disease (HD) is caused by a genetic mutation of the HTT gene, with symptom onset between ages 30-50. Cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in the brain, specifically basal ganglia tissues and preclinical studies provide evidence that the regulation of the endocannabinoid system may positively impact various Huntington's symptoms. Multiple studies in animal models have demonstrated symptom relief with cannabinoids and suggest cannabinoids play a role in neuroprotection.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Cannabinoids for Treatment of Dystonia in Huntington's Disease | Read More

Additional Resources

  • Medical Marijuana Effects in Movement Disorders, Focus on Huntington's Disease | Read More
  • A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for Psychiatric, Movement and Neurodegenerative Disorders | Read More
  • Cannabinoids in the management of behavioral, psychological, and motor symptoms of neurocognitive disorders: a mixed studies systematic review | Read More
  • Cannabinoid signaling and risk in Huntington's disease | Read More
  • A Systematic Review of Minor Phytocannabinoids with Promising Neuroprotective Potential | Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Approximately 2.3 million Texans, including veterans, first responders and civilians, have experienced post-traumatic stress after enduring a traumatic event. Research suggests that medical cannabis may help alleviate PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, nightmares and anxiety, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to regulate stress responses and emotional processing.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Medical Cannabis for Treatment-Resistant Combat PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Read More
  • Nabilone for the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Read More

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

  • A Systematic Review of the Clinical Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on PTSD Symptoms and Symptom Clusters | Read More
  • The Effectiveness of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review | Read More

Additional Resources

  • FDA Approves Cannabis Study for Veterans with PTSD | Read More
  • Using cannabis to help you sleep: Heightened frequency of medical cannabis use among those with PTSD | Read More
  • Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series | Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

As of 2021, 1 in 15 Texans lives with neuropathy, a condition that causes chronic pain, numbness and weakness due to nerve damage and can affect people of all ages. Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may help manage neuropathic pain by reducing inflammation, regulating nerve activity and alleviating discomfort. Clinic trials and reviews indicate that compounds found in the cannabis plant, like cannabinoids and terpenes, may offer pain relief comparable to traditional neuropathic pain medications, with potentially fewer side effects.

Clinical Trial Results

  • Low-Dose Vaporized Cannabis Significantly Improves Neuropathic Pain | Read More
  • Oral Cannabidiol for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy | Read More
  • Cannabis-Based Medicine for Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity | Read More

Additional Resources

  • Cannabis‐based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults | Read More
  • Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain | Read More
  • Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Chronic Neuropathic Pain | Read More
  • Terpenes From Cannabis Sativa Induce Antinociception | Read More
  • Cannabis Constituents for Chronic Neuropathic Pain | Read More
  • Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors |  Read More 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Many Texans experience spasticity and muscle spasms, often linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. These involuntary muscle contractions can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, significantly impacting daily life. Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may help relieve spasticity by calming overactive nerves and relaxing muscles. Clinical trials and reviews indicate that cannabinoids like CBD and THC may provide spasm relief comparable to traditional muscle relaxants, with potentially fewer side effects. 

Clinical Trial Results 

  • The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms | Read More
  • Medical Cannabis Oil for Benign Essential Blepharospasm | Read More
  • Randomized controlled trial of cannabis-based medicine in spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis | Read More

Additional Resources

  • Marijuana and Muscle Spasms | Read More
  • Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids, and Synthetic Cannabimimetic Molecules in Neuromuscular Disorders | Read More
  • Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders |  Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Anxiety, chronic pain, depression and insomnia are not approved conditions under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. However, these symptoms are often associated with qualifying conditions. Please consult a healthcare professional to determine eligibility and appropriate treatment options.

Anxiety

  • Efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for anxiety disorders in adults | Read More
  • Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety | Read More
  • Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders | Read More
  • Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment | Read More

Chronic Pain

  • The Comparative Effectiveness of Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain Versus Prescription Medication Treatment | Read More
  • Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy | Read More
  • The Holistic Effects of Medical Cannabis Compared to Opioids on Pain Experience in Finnish Patients with Chronic Pain | Read More
  • Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems | Read More
  • Cannabis in Pain Treatment: Clinical and Research Considerations | Read More
  • The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain | Read More
  • The Effect of Medicinal Cannabis on Pain and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Chronic Pain | Read More
  • Health Outcomes among Adults Initiating Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain | Read More

Depression

  • Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Medicinal Cannabis Use in an Observational Trial | Read More
  • Medical cannabis use in Canada and its impact on anxiety and depression | Read More
  • Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Depression | Read More
  • Assessment of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for depression | Read More

Insomnia

  • Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia | Read More 
  • Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders | Read More
  • Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep | Read More
  • Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia | Read More