| Description: |
Introduction: The growing opioid crisis and persistent global health disparities underscore the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Cannabis, with its long-standing historical use and recent legislative developments, presents a potentially significant avenue for addressing these challenges. This review examines the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis, drawing from historical ethnopharmacological data and contemporary scientific discussions. Methods: This review synthesized evidence from historical ethnobotanical records, peer-reviewed studies, and outcomes derived from recent Global Health events. These events facilitated discussions among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, farmers, and patient advocates. Case studies and successful models from the USA and Africa, including the recent FDA approval for first-in-human clinical trials of a medicinal cannabis derivative for pancreatic cancer, were analysed. Results: Successful models include collaborative platforms fostering stakeholder engagement, such as partnerships between African farmers and biotech firms to standardize cultivation. Successful models demonstrate the potential for adaptation and scaling in diverse healthcare settings. The FDA trial approval exemplifies progress in clinical translation. However, disparities persist, with patients within Africa facing systemic barriers to medical Cannabis certification and higher rates of punitive opioid discontinuation. Conclusion: Medicinal Cannabis presents a complex yet promising solution for reducing opioid-related mortality and addressing healthcare inequities. Implementing strategic frameworks like CORE (Care, Outreach, Research, Education) is essential for developing safe, high-quality, evidence-based cannabis products. Through fostering collaboration and addressing existing obstacles, the therapeutic potential of medicinal Cannabis can be harnessed to mitigate the opioid crisis and reduce global health disparities, effectively translating research from farm to bedside. |