An Ethical Exploration of Barriers to Research on Controlled Drugs.
Michael H Andreae, Evelyn Rhodes, Tyler Bourgoise, George M Carter, Robert S White, Debbie Indyk, Henry Sacks, Rosamond Rhodes
The American Journal of Bioethics 2016 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2016.1145282 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis Ketamine |
| Keywords | Humans Heroin Biomedical research Freedom Informed consent Social justice Ethics committees, research Ethics, research United states Controlled substances United kingdom Research ethics Institutional review board Human subjects research Confidentiality and privacy |
| Key findings | Argues that overly strict regulations, fear of legal consequences, stigma, and lack of funding may hinder research on the therapeutic potential of controlled substances like marijuana, heroin, and ketamine, despite legitimate concerns about hazards and adverse effects. Proposes an empirical research agenda to provide an evidentiary basis for ethical reasoning about such research. |
Abstract
We examine the ethical, social, and regulatory barriers that may hinder research on therapeutic potential of certain controversial controlled substances like marijuana, heroin, or ketamine. Hazards for individuals and society and potential adverse effects on communities may be good reasons for limiting access and justify careful monitoring of these substances. Overly strict regulations, fear of legal consequences, stigma associated with abuse and populations using illicit drugs, and lack of funding may, however, limit research on their considerable therapeutic potential. We review the surprisingly sparse literature and address the particular ethical concerns pertinent to research with illicit and addictive substances, such as undue inducement, informed consent, therapeutic misconception, and risk to participants, researchers, and institutions. We consider the perspectives of key research stakeholders and explore whether they may be infected with bias. We conclude by proposing an empirical research agenda to provide an evidentiary basis for ethical reasoning.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Ketamine treatment for depression: opportunities for clinical innovation and ethical foresight. The Lancet Psychiatry April 5, 2017
- Rodent ketamine depression-related research: Finding patterns in a literature of variability Behavioural Brain Research August 13, 2019
- Research ethics aspects of experimentation with LSD on human subjects: a historical and ethical review. Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy June 1, 2019
- Ethical issues with psychedelic-assisted treatments in psychiatry: A systematic scoping review Psychological Medicine 2025
- The Use of Classic Psychedelics for Depressive and Anxiety-Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
and 5 more in the library
Cites 13
- Ketamine and postoperative pain – a quantitative systematic review of randomised trials Pain December 15, 2004
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Treatment of acute opioid withdrawal with ibogaine. American Journal on Addictions 1999
- To use or not to use: an update on licit and illicit ketamine use Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation March 1, 2011
- The mechanistic basis for noncompetitive ibogaine inhibition of serotonin and dopamine transporters. Journal of Biological Chemistry May 25, 2012
and 8 more in the library