hamper. complicating the legal entanglements

Take a look at this graphic to see how marijuana affects the body—and how researchers are using the knowledge to develop new treatments.

Marijuana's Moment

Though healers in ancient China, India, and Greece used cannabis, its status today as an illegal drug hampers the study of its medical potential.

NGM.NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM

Motorola filed several patent-infringement complaints against Apple, further complicating the legal entanglements in the mobile-technology sector.


entanglement

(in′taŋ·gəl·mənt) (ordnance) An obstacle, such as barbed wire, that is utilized to stop or hamper the forward movement of troops.

hamper

Pronunciation: /ˈhampə/ 

verb

[WITH OBJECT]

Hinder or impede the movement or progress of:their work is hampered by lack of funds