The product and the question matter
NCCIH distinguishes cannabis, cannabinoids and specific medicines, and discusses both evidence and safety concerns. Findings about a particular preparation should not be treated as a claim about every product or every person.
Find the study behind the headline
Record the paper’s title, publication date and research question. Was this a laboratory experiment, an observational study or a clinical trial? What was compared, and what outcome was measured? A useful article should let a reader find these answers without guessing.
Separate a result from a promise
Look for the size of the study, uncertainty, limitations and potential conflicts of interest. A promising finding is a reason for further investigation, not an automatic recommendation. Our coverage should report negative findings and unanswered questions alongside positive results.
Keep reporting separate from treatment
A news article cannot decide whether a treatment is appropriate for an individual. Discuss health decisions with a qualified clinician. We do not turn research summaries into dosing advice or product recommendations.
Sources & further reading
General information, not individual legal or medical advice.