Cannabis research in South Korea.
South Korea, a nation renowned for its technological advancements and cultural influence, has taken strides in the medical field by becoming the first country in East Asia to legalize medical cannabis in 2018. This landmark decision marked a significant shift in perspective towards the plant’s medicinal applications, showcasing the nation’s commitment to exploring new avenues in the healthcare industry. Crucial to note, however, is that while medicinal usage of cannabis has been sanctioned, recreational use remains strictly prohibited. In fact, the law in South Korea is stern about this, and penalties for non-compliance are severe, indicating the nation’s cautious approach to the substance’s legalization. Amidst this cautiously progressive approach towards cannabis legalization, one location stands out as a significant hub for research and development in South Korea: the Gyeongbuk Hemp Regulation-Free Zone. Launched in the year 2020, this zone serves as a special area where licensed farmers are permitted to grow and cultivate cannabis. Despite the tightly regulated nature of cannabis cultivation in the rest of the country, this zone operates under a different set of rules. Here, farmers can not only cultivate cannabis but are also allowed to export their produce for medical purposes. This innovative approach symbolizes the nation’s willingness to explore the potential benefits of cannabis while maintaining strict control over its usage. One of the pioneering startups operating out of the Gyeongbuk Hemp Regulation-Free Zone is Imagination Garden. This innovative venture stands out due to its unique approach to cannabis cultivation. Implementing smart farming technology, Imagination Garden takes the unconventional route of growing cannabis vertically using artificial light. This method not only optimizes the use of space but also allows for precise control over the growing conditions, ultimately resulting in a higher quality of the crop. Another significant source of information regarding South Korea’s evolving relationship with cannabis is a qualitative review titled “Cannabis Stigmas at the Twilight of Prohibition.” This comprehensive study was published in the reputable Journal of Cannabis Research in 2020. The review takes a deep dive into how South Korean society perceives cannabis users and how these perceptions have been influenced by the changing legal environment surrounding cannabis. It sheds light on the societal attitudes towards cannabis, highlighting the struggles faced by users and how the shift in legal status has impacted their experiences. For more information about South Korea’s journey towards cannabis legalization and its implications, the interested reader can find detailed articles and research papers on websites like vice.com, en.wikipedia.org, and jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com. These platforms provide a wealth of information on the subject, ranging from the legal aspects of cannabis use in South Korea to the latest advancements in cannabis research and cultivation.
Kangwon National University (KNU) in South Korea has conducted extensive research on cannabis and its properties. A noteworthy study explored the pharmacological effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) on human colorectal cancer cells. This research demonstrated that Δ9-THC induced cell death and influenced intracellular vesicle formation by altering the expression of specific proteins. Furthermore, KNU investigated the impact of LED spectral changes on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cannabinoid accumulation in hemp plants grown indoors. Findings revealed that ROS metabolism plays a crucial role in hemp plants’ morpho-physiological acclimation and cannabinoid accumulation. Additional research examined the differential effects of various LED light spectra on cannabinoids accumulation and stress markers in hemp plants. The results revealed a distinct influence of LED light spectra on cannabinoids accumulation and stress response. The history of cannabis research at KNU, although relatively recent, has already yielded significant findings. Some of the main topics have included the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on human colorectal cancer cells and the influence of different LED light spectra on ROS and cannabinoid accumulation in hemp plants. These studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of cannabis and its potential applications. References: 1. Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. 2. Cannabinoid accumulation in hemp depends on ROS generation and interlinked with morpho-physiological acclimation and plasticity under an indoor LED environment. 3. Cannabinoids Accumulation in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Plants under LED Light Spectra and Their Discrete Role as a Stress Marker. To Learn more: 1. link.springer.com 2. frontiersin.org 3. mdpi.com 4. doi.org.
The effects of ∆<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆<sup>9</sup>-THC, 1a), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, on human colorectal cancer cells1. This study showed that ∆<sup>9</sup>-THC induced cell death and regulated intracellular vesicle formation by modulating the expression of some proteins1.
The effects of different LED light spectra on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cannabinoid accumulation in hemp plants23. These studies investigated how LED spectral changes influenced growth, pigmentation, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolites production of cannabis grown in an indoor environment. The findings suggested that ROS metabolism has a crucial role in morpho-physiological acclimation and cannabinoid accumulation in hemp plants23.
1: Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol 2: Cannabinoid accumulation in hemp depends on ROS generation and interlinked with morpho-physiological acclimation and plasticity under indoor LED environment 3: Cannabinoids Accumulation in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Plants under LED Light Spectra and Their Discrete Role as a Stress Marker
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South Korea has strict laws against the recreational use of cannabis, but it legalized medical cannabis in 2018, making it the first country in East Asia to do so1. However, the use of medical cannabis is still highly regulated and controlled by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the Korean Orphan Drug Center (KODC)2.
To use medical cannabis, patients need to obtain a prescription from a doctor and apply for approval from the MFDS. Currently, the MFDS only allows three cannabis-based drugs: Epidiolex, Marinol and Sativex1. These drugs are used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis2.
The cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes is also restricted to a special zone in Gyeongbuk province, where licensed farmers can grow hemp under strict supervision3. The hemp plants must have a low THC content (less than 0.3%) and can only be exported or used for medical purposes3.
Cannabis research in South Korea is relatively new, but has produced some notable publications on topics such as the effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells, hemp growth under LED light spectra, and cannabis stigmas in society4. However, there are still many challenges and barriers for researchers to access and use cannabis materials legally4.
1: Cannabis in South Korea – Wikipedia 3: We Visited South Korea’s First and Only Special Zone For Cannabis – VICE 4: South Korea: CBD and cannabis regulation, November 2022 – CannIntelligence 2: How to Buy CBD Products in South Korea Legally in 2023
Learn more:
2. dailycbd.com
3. vice.com
Cannabis for Medical Use: Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials in View of Current Legislation 2: Cannabinoid accumulation in hemp depends on ROS generation and interlinked with morpho-physiological acclimation and plasticity under indoor LED environment 3: Cannabinoids Accumulation in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Plants under LED Light Spectra and Their Discrete Role as a Stress Marker 4: South Korea Gives the Green Light to Imports of Medical Cannabis 5: Regulatory process for conducting clinical trials in South Korea
Learn more:
1. credevo.com
3. cannagea.com
5. globalregulatorypartners.com
6. doi.org
Cannabis in South Korea – Wikipedia 2: Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol 3: Cannabinoid accumulation in hemp depends on ROS generation and interlinked with morpho-physiological acclimation and plasticity under indoor LED environment : South Korea: CBD and cannabis regulation, November 2022 – CannIntelligence : Cannabis for Medical Use: Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials in View of Current Legislation
Learn more:
1. statista.com
3. vice.com