While there are still no studies conducted in the United States regarding the effectiveness of medical marijuana for treatment of chronic illnesses like chronic pain, researchers in Canada are increasing their research work.

Cannabinoids are a modestly safe and effective treatment for chronic non-cancer pain, according to the results of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.

Researchers conducted a systemic review of 11 placebo-controlled trials conducted from 2010 and 2014 investigating cannabinoids and chronic pain.

Evidence for the efficacy of medicinal cannabis is scarce, and a system to regulate it would be challenging and costly, but there would be therapeutic benefit for specific patient groups.

In a review published in Australian Prescriber today, Bridin Murnion — senior staff specialist in drug health services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and clinical senior lecturer in addiction medicine at Sydney University — says the debate must be kept distinct from the one over recreational marijuana.

Cannabis use is associated with improved outcomes in opioid-dependent subjects undergoing outpatient treatment, according to data published online ahead of print in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

BOCA RATON, Fla. —Now that the state of Florida has chosen five nurseries to begin growing and distributing a weak form of marijuana, patients are counting the days until they can use it.

Joey Jones, of Boca Raton, just underwent his second surgery for brain cancer. His surgeries were in California were he said he used medical marijuana to ease his pain and help his appetite.

"It's also controlled my seizures, too, which is a huge part," Jones said. "I only had one seizure which revealed my tumor and I haven't had any seizures since."

Jones recently moved to Florida so his family can help him recover.

Map shows most people are seeking treatment for cannabis and opioids. Image / RecoveryBrands

A new drug map built on data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals New Zealand as one of the world's highest cannabis consumers, and the highest country for drug rehabilitation.

The green-typeface slogan "WE'ED like to be your doctor!" -unmistakably weed-friendly - has attracted hundreds of medical marijuana patients in less than a year to Dr. Bodo Schneider's clinics in southern Illinois and suburban Chicago.

In New Jersey, Dr. Anthony Anzalone has a similar following at his three clinics, marketed online with a marijuana leaf logo and a "DrMarijuanaNJ" web address.

The two marijuana-friendly doctors in states with similar laws face starkly different treatment by government regulators. When it comes to oversight of boundary-pushing doctors, enforcement practices vary in the 23 states allowing medical cannabis.

WSIL -- Medical marijuana may be legal in Illinois, but the Associated Press has found the state is cracking down on at least three physicians over the issue.

The AP says a Marion physician is among them.

He's Doctor Bodo Schneider and News 3 did a story on him back in May as the state was preparing to make medical marijuana legally available.

Dr. Schneider could get his medical license revoked at a hearing on Tuesday.

News 3 was unable to reach him Sunday because his office was closed.

But the Chicago Sun-Times says state regulators accuse him of "charging dozens of patients to pre-certify them to receive medical marijuana despite not being their treating physician --- which is required under Illinois law."

Could one of the most important entitlement programs for seniors ever cover a medical marijuana prescription? Here's what would need to happen.

There are certainly no shortage of issues as we head into the 2016 elections, some of which include terrorism/national security, U.S. economic growth, prescription drug inflation, and of course marijuana.

With more and more states legalizing it, so-called "medical marijuana" is getting a lot of attention these days. In 2014 a University of Wyoming study found 72% of Wyoming residents support adult use of marijuana if prescribed by a physician. Advocates for legalizing cannabis say it has nothing to do with rolling up a joint, but rather taking advantage of a plant they argue can make a real difference in people's lives.