A large-scale observational study of medical cannabis in the UK is now active in Australia, and looking for participants.
Project Twenty21 was launched in 2019 with the aims of establishing the UK’s largest body of evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of medical cannabis, and providing patients access to medicines at reduced prices.
The latter was achieved through partnerships with licensed producers to subsidise the cost; the tradeoff being patients needed to consent to their medical data being collected by the organisation leading the initiative, Drug Science.
While the program didn’t come anywhere close to achieving its ambitious goal of reaching 20,000 patients by the end of last year – only 2,000 patients were registered – it has been extended through to the end of 2022 in the UK. Along with the extension came changes to medical cannabis pricing.
Yesterday, Drug Science announced the project is also operating in Australia in collaboration with the Australasian College of Cannabinoid Medicine (ACCM), the research arm of Releaf Group Ltd.
The Australian side of the Project Twenty21 study, to be conducted at Releaf Clinics in various locations, will focus on collecting data on the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and multiple sclerosis. Those participating in the study will be required to complete online questionnaires every three months over 12 months.
“By engaging at least 1000 patients locally, we intend to track the outcomes of their medicinal cannabis treatments to gain valuable insights and information which will contribute to improved patient care in Australia,” said Chief Scientific Officer of Releaf Group and Co-Chief Investigator, Professor Kylie O’Brien PhD.
Among other criteria, eligible participants need to be about to consult or have just consulted a clinician at Releaf Clinics. Those already using cannabis medicinally are unable to participate. Cannabis medicines prescribed for study participants will be available at a discounted price for the duration they are participating.
Further information on the study and participation can be found here.
The research project was approved by the National Institute of Integrative Medicine Human Research Ethics Committee last month and is also being supported by Cann Global Limited, Beacon Medical Australia Pty Ltd, Levin Health Limited, Infinity Wellness and Releaf Dispensaries Pty Ltd.
Results from the study will be made public via the ACCM website and submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.
