Another study has indicated patients experiencing benefits from cannabis use for a variety of conditions where conventional treatments proved ineffective or unacceptable.
Founded in 2013, Realm of Caring (RoC) is a registered charity providing information about cannabinoid therapies. A large online study conducted by RoC and researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found medical cannabis helped alleviate the impacts of various neurological disorders and pain-related ailments.
Involving 808 respondents, the research indicates 77% of participants reported positive effects. More specifically, 28% cited a reduction in pain, 18% improved sleep and 22% reduced anxiety. Additionally, 12% reported reduced use of other medications such as opioids. Mental health improvements were reported by 29% of respondents.
Reasons for turning to cannabis included traditional treatments being ineffective and/or intolerable (51%), motivation from positive scientific or media portrayals (29%) and a preference for natural products (21%) . 17% indicated cannabis was being used as a “last resort”, or use was primarily driven by curiosity or other factors.
17% said they initiated medicinal cannabis use after a recommendation by a healthcare provider or other trusted individual, such as a family member.
Participants also identified issues and challenges faced in using medical cannabis; including locating sufficiently educated health providers and information on the most effective consumption methods. A lack of information on medical cannabis support was cited by 16% of participants and 12% reported costs as a concern.16% also noted unwanted side effects.
The most used medical cannabis products by participants were cannabidiol (CBD) dominant (58%), primarily for the treatment/management of neurological disorders (38%) or pain (25%).
“This research spotlights several concerns that we actively address, such as providing information to the medical community, partnering with quality product companies for more affordable options, and providing free one-on-one support to alleviate unwanted side effects,” said RoC Executive Director Sasha Kalcheff-Korn.
The conclusion states data indicate greater research and education on the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis/cannabinoid use is warranted – a common theme in many related studies.
The full study, which has been published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, can be accessed here.
