Adam Jackson
A trio of cannabis companies teamed up with researchers at the University of Michigan to figure out how to better target certain types of chronic pain with cannabinoid tablets and capsules.
The study, sponsored by MoreBetter (maker of the Releaf App), LEVEL and OP Innovates LLC subsidiary Overcome LLC, aims to help fill the gaps in cannabinoid research on treating chronic pain using standardized dosing and different product formulations.
Researchers will look at the efficacy of different cannabinoid capsules and tablets for managing chronic pain related to fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as overall quality of life.
“Data shows cannabinoids are effective at helping individuals manage or reduce chronic pain, however, there is little data on what specific formulation, administration form and dose is most efficacious,” MoreBetter COO Tyler Dautrich said. “This study is important because by normalizing the administration form, we can more accurately monitor dosing regimens leading to better insights on condition-specific efficacy as it relates to product formulation.”
Around one-fifth of the U.S. population lives with chronic pain, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain. That translates to approximately 50.2 million people in one country.
Chronic pain can reduced quality of life, and medical costs in the U.S. has left one out of every 10 adults in the country saddled with debt.
“We need more research to know how to optimize pain relief with cannabis,” said Daniel Kruger, who is leading the research investigation. “This cross-sector partnership is critical for overcoming regulatory barriers to cannabis research and enhancing trust by including independent academic researchers.”
Eligible study participants living in California will be able to use their smartphone to answer standardized pain and quality of life questionnaires from home, the announcement said. Enrolled participants will receive a 12-week supply of study product from LEVEL and Overcome.
A licensed California delivery company, Flower Co., will deliver study products to participants. Those who complete the study also have a chance to earn up to $500 in Amazon gift cards.
People interested in participating in the 12-week study can enroll at releaf.at/umpain.
