6. RESEARCH STRATEGIES

In view of the complexity and cross-cultural nature of some of the more important researCh needs that have been mentioned, a number of observations and recommendations are offered on ways in which investi-gations might be encouraged and facilitated, and their productivity enhanced.

6.1 Provision for research access to cannabis and cammbis users

Laws and regulations concerning the control of cannabis and its preparations should take account of legitimate research needs. Where not already in existence, provisions should be considered that would permit (a) possession of needed research materials by accredited investigators, and (b) epidemiological research (e.g., surveys of patterns of use) without legal hazard to the investigator or user.

6.2 Comparability of cannabis materials involved in research studies

There is great variability in the degree of psychoactivity produced by different cannabis plants and preparations (see section 2.1). The following means are recommended to ensure the maximum comparability of results from studies in which the potency of cannabis materials is an important consideration.
(1) Standard materials of known chemical content should be avail-able for experimental studies of acute and chronic effects.' If such materials are prepared in different laboratories, there should be common agreement on the chemical and biological criteria of potency.
(2) As noted in section 5.1, the cannabinoid content should be de-termined for cannabis preparations available in many parts of the world. It would be desirable for one organization to co-ordinate the collection and analysis of samples. Standard techniques of handling and analysing samples are essential.
(3) Research workers should have ready access to means of monitoring, by commonly agreed methods, the chemical and bioloaical potency of materials under investigation.

6.3 Comparability of research approaches

Without underestimating the importance of endeavouring to develop new and increasingly effective approaches and methods for the study of complex problems, it must be stressed that the results of individual investi-gations can be better related to one another the more these investigations have in common as regards approach, method, and definition. Because they lack such elements in common, many reports in the cannabis literature must stand essentially alone, especially those dealing with various patterns of use and the phenomena associated with long-term use. Valid compari-sons between such studies are frequently impossible. Moreover, the lack of appropriate comparison groups within many of the studies permits only rather limited conclusions to be drawn, if any.
Means must be provided to foster the development of research pro-grammes having sufficient comparability of approach and methods to permit increasingly informative comparisons and cross-cultural analyses to be made. The following proposals are made for this purpose.

(1) Provision should be made for the formation of a multidisciplinary group of research and other workers concerned with the epidemiology of cannabis use. These workers should be representative of each of the major areas of use in the world, and should meet periodically to develop common elements of approach, methods, and test instruments, 1- and to share experiences and pool data from their respective geographic areas and fields of competence. They group might be assigned the additional task of preparing periodic statistical and interpretative reports on the use of cannabis. Finally, selected members of the group might be called upon from time to time to constitute a team to assist in the development of epidemiological studies or to carry out time-limited studies in a particular area.

(2) Provision should be made for the convening of small groups of selected investigators who have entree, in different regions of the world, to subcultures in which cannabis is used extensively. Discussions would centre on (a) their experiences in data collection, (b) the individual and social factors apparently associated with cannabis use and non-use in their localities, (c) the feasibility of collecting data with reasonably compar-able parameters, and (d) the feasibility of establishing pilot programmes for cross-cultural collection and analyses of data.

(3) Development of multidisciplinary research centres and information resources
The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the entire field of drug dependence has been stressed by the WHO Expert Committee on Mental Health (1967). Research designed to further knowledge about the extent and consequences of cannabis use is no exception. To stimulate further the development of much-needed research on cannabis in many parts of the world, it is recommended that WHO consider designating centres and individuals in appropriate regions of the world to assist in such endeavours. The Organization would be in a unique situation to foster collaboration among these centres and individuals, and their co-operation with other individuals and organizations concerned.
In so far as possible, standard psychological and other test instruments and procedures should be identified that are relatively " culture-free " and capable of being adopted for local use in a variety of settings. They would not necessarily be the only tests used, but would provide a common bridge for purposes of comparison between projects.

1 Substantial progress has recently been achieved in this field through the mari-huana research programme of the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S.A. (Miller, 1970; Waller, 1970).