In an election year it is natural that the question of legalization of marijuana should come up. But last month on the campaign trail Presidential candidate Joe Biden raised the issue of science. Though Biden has not exactly come out against legalization, he does take a more moderate stance, wanting there to be more research before it becomes legal on the Federal level.

Studies are being done into marijuana use and medical applications in both the US and abroad. The University of Sydney in Australia recently studied whether cannabis would have an affect on curtailing addiction. The University of New Mexico has undertaken a data study to see if cannabis products are effective in ameliorating pain.

Science cannot keep up with demand however. Although CBD products are already on the shelves in the UK, the Food Standards Agency (equivalent to our FDA) has issued advice that CBD products should not be considered for medical application. And any product that is not registered with the agency by March could be pulled from store shelves.

While those that oppose legalization may be looking for studies that highlight the downside of marijuana use, those in the industry would also benefit from more study but focused on the uses and effects of cannabis for medical application.