Johns Hopkins ramps up cannabis studies

Where is the science to support the sweeping health claims made by cannabis brands flooding the market and dominating conversations? Both Americans and healthcare professionals want to know.

Johns Hopkins University, renowned for its world-class medical program, is spearheading efforts to bring science-backed evidence to this emerging field through its Cannabis Science Lab (CSL). Established nearly two decades ago, the Lab’s importance has become increasingly critical as the US government continues to neglect its duty in this area, hindering the industry’s growth and economic development. Armed with a Schedule 1 research license, access to state-of-the-art cognitive testing equipment, an in-house pharmacy capable of formulating various products, and a reliable supply of high-quality cannabis flower and extracts, the Lab is well-equipped to conduct rigorous investigations.

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Led by Professor Ryan Vandrey, PhD, and other esteemed colleagues, the research is supported by grants, strategic partnerships, and donations from industry leaders such as Charlotte’s Web, Canopy Growth, and the Wana Brands Foundation. Vandrey offered the latest on his team’s research—and the current state of cannabis science.

Closeup of a female scientist in a laboratory working with CBD oil extracted from a marijuana plant. Photo: seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty

Frustration over an unregulated market

One of the tasks put forth by the CSL is to test different formats of hemp cannabis consumables sold in the marketplace that contain cannabinoids, such as Delta-8-THC (D8), HHC, and THC-O, to analyze the various chemical compositions and their effects. Unsurprisingly, they found that most of the products they purchased from unregulated stores did not contain the ingredients stated on the packaging, and they confirmed that D-8 produces half the psychoactive effect that D-9-THC products do in similar amounts.

Since the hemp plant mainly produces CBD and low levels of THC and other cannabinoids, manufacturers are forced to make their products synthetically. Vandrey knocked the claim from brands that say they do not produce synthetic cannabinoid products but extract their cannabis oils from extreme amounts of hemp biomass, claiming it is simply not true. 

“They’re not taking the natural amount of Delta 9 or Delta 8 and hemp, which are very, very, very small amounts, and wasting the entire crop to get a little bit of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, that’s not what’s happening, they are being synthetically made,” emphasizes Vandrey.

The power of terpenes

Dr. Ethan Russo, a renowned cannabis neurologist and leading expert on terpenes and the entourage effect, has long claimed that terpenes are biologically active and can elicit physiological responses when consumed. To put this industry claim to the test, the Cannabis Science Lab conducted a series of experiments examining THC and terpene interactions.

One study of healthy volunteers found that the terpene limonene mitigated the anxiety effects of THC when using a vapor inhalation method, highlighting how limonene might be valuable in reducing the risk of side effects of some THC products. Building on this research, the Lab conducted a similar experiment to test whether alpha-pinene could counteract the memory-impairing effects of high doses of THC. However, according to Professor Vandrey, they found no evidence supporting this claim. 

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He cautioned, “These are singular one-off experiments and need to be replicated to look at different doses and other routes of administration. We’re getting ready to launch a study to replicate our Limonene findings with an oral dose.” 

Next, they plan to experiment with the effects of myrcene, known for its sleepy and sedative properties.

Are hemp-based topicals more hype than help?

Dr. Tory Spindle, an associate professor at the Cannabis Science Lab, conducted a study on hemp-based topicals to evaluate their chemical composition and cannabinoid levels. The team purchased a variety of product formulations, including patches, balms, creams, and lotions, to analyze whether the CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids listed on the packaging matched the actual contents. Again, many products—especially those from unregulated stores—did not contain the claimed ingredients or concentrations.

Cannabis topicals are popular for aches and pains. Photo: MysteryShot / Getty

To test the effectiveness of these topicals, study volunteers applied them twice daily for two weeks. Researchers then analyzed blood, urine, and saliva samples to determine whether cannabinoids were systemically absorbed. 

Reflecting on the findings, Professor Vandrey noted, “We didn’t see any evidence of absorption for some of the products. In others, where we did see transdermal absorption, there was a permeation enhancer in the product.”

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Vandrey explained that cannabinoids like THC and CBD generally cannot penetrate the skin on their own. 

“To get these chemicals into the body through a topical formulation, you need alcohol, DMSO, or another permeation enhancer to help force them through the skin. Without it, they’re not permeable,” he emphasized.

Exploring the science behind cannabis consumption

As the cannabis industry evolves, product innovation continues to expand the range of consumption options and manufacturing processes, from beverages to solventless-extracted products. However, for now, consumers rely on trial and error to determine the effects, onset time, and proper dosing of these products.

The Cannabis Science Lab has embarked on a study to analyze various edible formats, focusing on the pharmacokinetics of cannabis—how THC is absorbed, metabolized, and distributed in the body. Additional ongoing research explores cannabis use for anxiety, stress, appetite regulation, sleep, circadian rhythms, and even opioid dependence.

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One of the Lab’s studies also revealed that vaping cannabis results in significantly higher THC concentrations in the blood compared to smoking an equivalent dose. These findings underscore the importance of continued research to better understand the effects of different cannabis products and consumption methods.

Major consumer-based study ramps up at Johns Hopkins

In 2016, the Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Lab partnered with the nonprofit Realm of Caring to establish an Observational Research Registry. This project has collected information on the health impact of cannabis use on the health of over two thousand patients using cannabis for medicinal purposes.  

Now, Johns Hopkins and Realm of Caring are launching The National Cannabis Study, a more comprehensive project that focuses on first-time medicinal cannabis users, with the goal of identifying which cannabinoids, route of administration, and doses are most effective for specific conditions, and to identify specific health conditions where cannabis works well and which cannabis is not very effective. The data from both projects will be stored in a research repository designed to support additional scientific discovery, inform policy, and drive future product innovation.

In collaboration with Johns Hopkins computer scientists, the Lab is also developing an advanced AI platform capable of extracting valuable insights from the electronic health records of patients who use cannabis. However, stigma surrounding cannabis use remains a barrier, often discouraging patients from disclosing their consumption to healthcare providers—and limiting access to crucial data.

A researcher inspects cannabis plants. Photo: Tinnakorn Jorruang / Getty

Seeking global input, the Lab invites scientists and organizations with cannabis-related health data to contribute their findings on dosing, consumption methods, and cannabinoid or terpene formulations. For example, the Lambert Initiative at the University of Sydney has made significant strides in cannabinoid research, and Germany has collected extensive patient data through pharmacies that exclusively distribute medical cannabis. 

Vandrey is optimistic that this growing data repository will help substantiate cannabis health claims, identify promising treatment areas, and direct resources where they are most needed.

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“We want to use our findings to reverse-engineer product development, offering a more targeted approach to specific health conditions and paving the way for future clinical drug trials,” Vandrey explained. 

Additionally, the Johns Hopkins legal team is prepared with data transfer agreements for companies that would like the Cannabis Science Lab to conduct custom clinical trials and studies for R&D or to know if a product they have is beneficial for a specific health condition. 

“Several physicians at Hopkins are interested in the area of cannabis medicine, and we’re happy to facilitate collaborations as needed,” Vandrey added.

In an industry rife with speculation, the Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Lab delivers the evidence needed to separate fact from fiction, where cannabis is backed by science, not just claims.

*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the content.