There is no question that we, as a country, have a moral obligation to build restorative measures for those who have been negatively impacted by the War on Drugs.
Black and Brown individuals and communities have been unfairly targeted and are still paying the price for an exploding industry that the majority of Americans believe should be accessible and regulated. If we want to reinvest in our communities fully, we need to accept responsibility for the decades-long stigma as well.
Legitimate research to understand the medicinal benefits of cannabis allows for an opportunity to truly de-stigmatize the plant. It is not enough to slightly adjust policy and then free the incarcerated of cannabis crimes.
Changing the mindset of society so that these individuals are accepted and feel welcome on the other side is critical. And that is a job that should not fall on the shoulders of the already disadvantaged. This is a job for those who know the power of the plant and are ready to prove it.
Cannabis is utilized as a medicine, and it needs to be recognized as such. The cannabis industry is accountable, and research should be a priority, not an afterthought.
There are frustrations among advocates and stakeholders because we still find ourselves caught in an era of prohibition. However, it has been written by academic institutions that advocacy research is necessary to influence the formal and informal policies established by decision-makers.
Not only must the research be conducted, but we need collaboration in the scientific and political communities to ensure research findings are translated into law and policy, a gap that continues to hinder advances in public health.
Realm of Caring serves to fill this gap with our Observational Research Registry (ORR) and the newly launched National Cannabis Study (NCS). Alongside Johns Hopkins University, we are gathering and publishing compelling data on the health outcomes of individuals who are using cannabis in everyday life.
Read below our statement on industry accountability to learn more about Realm of Caring’s initiatives and how you can get involved.
Industry Accountability
Realm of Caring is committed to extending our efforts to engage the industry in its responsibility to appropriately represent the history, research, and future of cannabis.
Our Commitment
We will play an active role in righting the wrongs of our industry’s past by speaking loudly about the injustices of our legal system and the impact on families and communities. Our goal is to transform society by understanding our fears and challenging oppressive ideologies, policies, and systems.
● Through research and education, we will actively pursue common sense cannabis policies that support medicinal use and access.
● Through research and education, we will promote a culture that destigmatizes and normalizes cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option.
● Through partnering with stakeholders and sponsors, we will embody a collective message that supports access to plant-based therapies.
● Through advocacy for the rights and dignity of all people, we will reject the criminalization and stigma of cannabis use.
● Through participation in social and legislative reforms, we will represent the needs and voices of patients, families, and caregivers.
You, Too, Can Take Part in These Efforts
Whether you are a cannabis user or non-user, you can participate in research. Cannabis and hemp users may report what product they are using and how they are using it in their daily lives. Caregivers may report on behalf of users. For non-users, this is a valuable way to advocate for someone you care about – your participation is equally essential.
We are currently enrolling participants in the following studies:
● Observational Research Registry (ORR)
Published Research Highlights
Our commitment to legitimizing cannabinoid therapy through research has already led to several peer-reviewed publications:
● Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Medicinal Cannabis Use in an Observational Trial, 2021
● Online survey of medicinal cannabis users: Qualitative analysis of patient-level data, 2022
Having dedicated 13 years to nonprofit work, Sasha Kalcheff-Korn has focused her career on improving the well-being of others through education, advocacy, and research. As the Executive Director of Realm of Caring, she leads efforts to advance cannabis research, break stigmas through education, and empower individuals and families to take control of their health.
Realm of Caring’s science-backed approach has impacted over 100,000 lives worldwide, particularly those living with chronic conditions. The organization plays a pivotal role in cannabis research, publishing data from its Observational Research Registry, the largest prospective epidemiological survey of cannabinoid users in the U.S. Since its founding in 2013, Realm of Caring has gained invaluable insights through IRB-approved studies and its free call center, examining the long-term effects of cannabinoid therapy.
A passionate advocate for informed patient choice and policy reform, Sasha regularly speaks at conferences and leads discussions on the intersection of cannabis, healthcare, and research. She values bridging scientific data with real-world impact to ensure that evidence-based cannabis solutions reach those who need them most.
