What ethical considerations arise when conducting cannabinoid research on vulnerable populations?
What ethical considerations arise when conducting cannabinoid research on vulnerable populations? Conducting cannabinoid research on vulnerable populations raises several ethical considerations, including issues related to informed consent, coercion, and potential exploitation. Researchers must ensure that participants fully understand the risks and benefits associated with cannabinoid therapies, particularly in populations with limited health literacy or cognitive impairments. Additionally, the potential for coercion exists when vulnerable individuals are offered incentives to participate in studies, which can undermine their autonomy. Researchers must also be sensitive to the historical context of medical exploitation among marginalized communities, ensuring that their studies prioritize the well-being and rights of participants. Establishing robust ethical guidelines and oversight mechanisms is crucial to protecting vulnerable populations in cannabinoid research (Miller et al., 2021).