Staff
A new study is being conducted to measure the quality of life that medical cannabis patients in Pennsylvania report when using cannabis to address pain relief. The University of the Sciences and Releaf App have partnered with the Pennsylvania dispensary Keystone Canna Remedies to conduct a second collaborative research study on the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program.
An original study by that group found that cannabis products with THC gave the greatest symptom relief in patients. The report said that on a 10-point scale, the pain relief seen in patients taking primarily THC products was nearly two points, a statistically significant difference from one point reduction seen in patients taking primarily CBD based products.
Dr. Andrew Peterson, Executive Director of the Substance Use Disorders Institute, and principal investigator notes that “the results of the first study showed that THC products used by PA patients had a beneficial effect on pain, but now we need to find out if a patient’s health-related quality of life is also improved as a result of the pain relief from cannabis use.”
“KCR has always prioritized the furthering of cannabis research in Pennsylvania, and dispensaries with established patient bases should be looked at as data-rich resources,” said Victor Guadagnino, Founder of Keystone Canna Remedies. “As part of our ongoing care, we equip our robust patient base with tools to self analyze which should prove very effective for this study. Participation in this study also empowers patients to have an active role in their healthcare while engaging in a way that can shape the overall understanding of cannabis beyond state lines.”
“While Pennsylvania has a robust clinical research program designed specifically for pre-approved licensed operators and universities, one of our goals is to open up research opportunities beyond the pre-approved stakeholders to a wider group of universities, dispensaries, and cannabis brands who are commonly motivated to contribute to our growing body of cannabis research,” says Keenan Keeling, CEO of MoreBetter Ltd, the company behind Releaf App. “Focusing on the efficacy of Pennsylvania products, as reported by Pennsylvania patients, allows us to provide actionable insights to cannabis patients and regional stakeholders. Ultimately, we aim to improve the experience for both patients and healthcare professionals within the state.”
Certified medical cannabis patients in Pennsylvania medicating for pain relief who are interested in signing up to participate in this research study can reach out to medicalcannabis@usciences.edu. Healthcare professionals, dispensaries, and growers/processors in Pennsylvania who are interested in supporting or participating in this research study, or future study efforts, can reach out to tyler@releafapp.com.
