With 29 states and counting allowing medical marijuana, research into innovative and effective applications is becoming increasingly vital. The University of Mississippi stands out as the only federally authorized grower of marijuana, supplying essential plant material for research through a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Dr. Mahmoud ElSohly, co-director of the marijuana project at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy’s National Center for Natural Products Research, emphasized, “We are doing our best to make sure that materials are available for research for whatever indications, whatever varieties, whatever chemical compositions is needed for doing that research.” He noted that their primary role is to standardize marijuana for research purposes, adhering to organic growing practices free from herbicides and pesticides.
Research and Development in Cannabis
The university is actively investigating the botanical, pharmacological, and chemical properties of cannabis, supplying findings through collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program. This initiative supports the development and commercialization of FDA-approved drug products derived from cannabis.
In addition to cultivating cannabis for research, the team also analyzes the potency of illicit marijuana seized by law enforcement and produces cannabis extracts for investigations. Cannabis contains 483 known compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has demonstrated the capacity to alleviate anxiety and disordered thinking.
Varieties of Cannabis and Research Expansion
Cannabis can be categorized into three major groups: high THC and low CBD strains, high CBD and low THC fiber types, and hybrid strains with balanced levels of both THC and CBD. Researchers at the University of Mississippi currently cultivate 14 different sub-varieties. Previously, emphasis was placed on high THC varieties, as they account for over 90% of U.S. marijuana use. Responding to investigator requests, the program diversified its offerings in 2014.
The team utilizes around 12 acres of outdoor growing space, typically planting on 1 to 1.5 acres at a time, producing more than 500 kilograms of plant material. They also maintain a small indoor facility capable of growing up to 10 kilograms of marijuana.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
The University of Mississippi has held a federal contract to cultivate marijuana for research since 1968, with contracts re-evaluated every five years. However, cultivation has been on hold since 2014 as they await a growing quota from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Dr. ElSohly explained, “The government has already exercised the option to grow this year, which means we should have been in the field last month. But we are still not in the field; we can’t begin to make the cuttings for plant growth until we receive DEA approval. Working with marijuana involves more regulations due to its status as a Schedule I controlled substance.”
Looking ahead, Dr. ElSohly expressed uncertainty about the trajectory of marijuana research and regulation in the U.S., stating, “As far as where marijuana is going, it is up in the air depending on how the regulators will ultimately decide to either legalize marijuana or enforce federal law.”