The medical uses just keep coming

The Journal of Biological Chemistry has a paper in it's May 5 issue by a team of Japanese scientists that takes a look at the effect of cannabinoids (compunds found in marijuana) on the immune system. They found a mild suppressive effect, which could mean that cannabinoids are effective in treating inflamitory diseases (like arthritis). One thing that was not mentioned, but could be relevant is potential applications for treatment of autoimmune disorders. It's been established that there is a genetic link with autoimmune disorders, and I'm wondering if this might be related to decreased endocannabinoid production. If that's the case, then Marijuana could have potential applications for everything from Diabetes to Chron's Disease. Too bad the federal government won't allow american scientists to study this kind of stuff.