Then (1985), The Emperor Wears No Clothes
The Medicinal Cannabis Science: From Historical Claims to Clinical Evidence
Herer documented historical medical uses of cannabis extensively, 19th century pharmacopeia listings, physician testimonials, pre-prohibition clinical accounts. He was arguing from historical evidence in the absence of controlled trials. The controlled trial evidence was largely prohibited by scheduling.
confirmed
The clinical evidence for medical cannabis has developed significantly since legalization enabled research. Strongest evidence (multiple RCTs): chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (FDA-approved synthetic THC since 1985); chronic pain (systematic review of 28 RCTs, Aviram & Samuelly, 2017, positive); spasticity in multiple sclerosis (Collin et al., RCT, 2007, positive); childhood epilepsy syndromes (prescription cannabidiol, FDA-approved 2018, the first cannabis-derived FDA drug). Moderate evidence: anxiety, insomnia, PTSD (symptom management). Limited evidence: cancer-direct treatment (anti-tumor in vitro; no Phase 3 trials). Herer's historical evidence has been partially confirmed by controlled trials; his broader claims about cancer treatment remain at pre-clinical stage.
Sources
- Aviram & Samuelly, Pain Physician (2017)
- FDA approval of prescription cannabidiol, with clinical data (2018)
- National Academies of Sciences, Health Effects of Cannabis (2017)