Major national report found strong evidence that cannabis treats chronic pain, nausea, and spasticity

The NASEM committee followed key features of a systematic review process, searching relevant databases and reviewing 10,000 recent abstracts. Priority was given to recently published systematic reviews and primary research addressing 11 health categories. Standardized language was used to categorize evidence strength: conclusive, substantial, moderate, limited, or insufficient.

This is one of the most authoritative reviews of cannabis therapeutics ever conducted, coming from the National Academies, the same body that advises the US government on science. Its conclusions carry significant weight in policy discussions and clinical decision-making. The identification of research barriers is equally important, as it acknowledges that absence of evidence does not equal evidence of absence.

This NASEM report has become a landmark reference in cannabis medicine. It established a framework for discussing the evidence that separates well-supported therapeutic uses from those that need more research. The report's identification of barriers to research has also influenced ongoing policy debates about cannabis scheduling and research access.

The review was constrained by the quality and quantity of available research, which the authors acknowledged was itself limited by regulatory barriers. The rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis products and formulations means some findings may not reflect current clinical practice. The committee could only assess published literature, which may not capture all clinical experience.