Despite thousands of studies on CBD (cannabidiol), most doctors still aren’t trained in how it works or how it may fit into healthcare.
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of decades of deliberate suppression, medical corruption, and an outdated education system that has failed to evolve with the science.
This blog explores why your GP still raises an eyebrow when you mention CBD, how corporate interests shaped the medical establishment, and what you actually need to know to use cannabis-based medicine safely and effectively.
Let’s start with what’s not taught.
Despite the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this major regulatory system is still absent from most medical school curricula worldwide. The ECS is a vast network of receptors (CB1 and CB2), neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids like anandamide), and enzymes that help maintain homeostasis across the immune, nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems.
Research suggests the ECS (endocannabinoid system) plays a role in processes like sleep, mood, stress response, pain perception, and immune balance.
Yet, most doctors graduate without ever hearing about it.
Study source: McPartland JM et al. (2006) found that 89% of U.S. medical schools provided no formal education on the ECS.
In fact, many physicians report learning more about cannabis from their patients than from their medical training. That’s a dangerous gap in knowledge.
To understand why doctors aren’t taught about CBD or the ECS, we need to go back over a century.
In the early 1900s, John D. Rockefeller – the oil tycoon – set out to monopolise healthcare. At the time, America had a rich variety of healing modalities: naturopathy, herbalism, homeopathy, chiropractic, and Indigenous medicine. Cannabis was widely used in tinctures and topicals.
But Rockefeller, along with Andrew Carnegie, funded the Flexner Report in 1910. This report evaluated medical schools and led to the closure of hundreds of institutions that taught holistic or herbal medicine. The report promoted a pharmaceutical-based model, training doctors to diagnose symptoms and prescribe chemical drugs.
From then on:
In 1937, the U.S. government passed the Marijuana Tax Act, effectively criminalising cannabis. While promoted as a drug-control measure, it was driven by industrial and political motives:
The result? Cannabis research was halted. Physicians could no longer prescribe it. And the ECS wouldn’t even be discovered for another 50 years.
Meanwhile, generations of doctors were trained in a model that ignored the body's most fundamental self-regulating system.
Modern medical research is often driven by corporate funding. Big Pharma pours billions into clinical trials for synthetic drugs but rarely funds studies on plant-based medicine.
Why?
Yet, the science around CBD is growing regardless. As of 2025, there are over 25,000 peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and cannabinoids.
So why isn’t your doctor using this knowledge?
Because they’re not taught how.
Even open-minded physicians often misunderstand how CBD works. Common myths include:
In reality:
Doctors are not the enemy. Many genuinely want to help but are stuck in a system that prioritises profit over wellness.
If you want to bring CBD into your health journey, here are the steps you can take:
Start with the basics. Our free eBook The Complete Guide to CBD gives you a breakdown that should’ve been included in med school.
Use a daily journal to monitor how you feel after using CBD. Bring this data to your doctor—it helps bridge the clinical gap.
Work with full-spectrum oils where possible. Begin with a low dose and gradually increase. Always consider weight, condition, and severity.
If your doctor is sceptical, share peer-reviewed articles. Let science speak louder than stigma.
What if the future of medicine isn’t in a pill bottle but in a plant?
The ECS is the bridge between body, mind, and environment. CBD isn’t a cure-all. But studies suggest it may support balance in the body by working with the endocannabinoid system - a regulatory network researchers are still learning more about.
Doctors might not have learned this in med school, but you can learn it now.
Educate yourself. Challenge the narrative. And trust your body’s wisdom.
Resources:
Download our free eBook The Complete Guide to CBD and learn how CBD really works.
Because healing is your right, not a prescription.
Written by Dee Mani
A. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was only discovered in the late 20th century and is still not widely taught in medical schools. As a result, many doctors have limited training on how CBD works.
A. CBD has been researched in a variety of areas, such as stress, sleep, and inflammation. While some studies show promise, more large-scale human trials are needed before strong medical claims can be made.
A. Yes. It’s a good idea to share with your doctor if you are using or considering CBD, especially if you take prescription medications, since CBD may interact with certain drugs.
A. Factors include limited formal education, complex regulations, and a research landscape that is still developing. While thousands of studies exist, CBD isn’t yet fully integrated into medical training.
A. CBD is generally well-tolerated, but like any supplement, it may not be suitable for everyone. Possible side effects can include drowsiness or digestive upset, and interactions with medications are possible. Always seek professional guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you are taking medication or have a medical condition.
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