Although the United States government has made it difficult for the scientific community to research the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, one state plans to learn more about the therapeutic properties of marijuana on its own.
Pennsylvania is determined to lead the nation in medical marijuana research. The state has already taken a bold leap, sticking its middle finger in the face of Uncle Sam's bureaucratic labyrinth of red tape when it comes to examining Schedule I drugs, to become a driving force behind the discovery of how the cannabis plant can benefit the masses in the realm of safe and effective medicine.
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It was back in March when Pennsylvania officials hashed out a program to allow medical schools throughout the state to get involved with marijuana research. This week, state powers awarded eight applicants, including the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, with the green light to learn more about the plant's ability to treat various conditions.
So far, no other state has opened up shop for cannabis research in the way that Pennsylvania has.
“It is important to note that Pennsylvania is the first and only state in the country to institute such a program, and we believe that the research that will be conducted by the School of Medicine in collaboration with UPMC will be of great importance in determining the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of medical cannabis products in treating specific diseases,” Pitt officials said.
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