An Australian-led global study will investigate if medicinal cannabis reduces the economic impact of chronic disease through reduction of medications and healthcare services a patient requires.
Western Australia’s Curtin University announced this week the launch of QUEST (QUality-of-life, Evaluation STudy) Global, which follows on from the QUEST Initiative. Sponsored by local medicinal cannabis company Little Green Pharma (ASX:LGP), the initiative seeks to determine changes in participants conditions, symptoms and health-related economic factors through the use of medicinal cannabis.
Australians – and others – living with one of 200 chronic conditions may be eligible to participate in the study, which will be conducted over five years. Qualifying participants will be required to purchase medicines, but be able to access medicinal cannabis products supplied by LGP at a discounted rate (from $135 per bottle or $130 per 10g sachet).
The cannabis oils available come in a range of THC and CBD ratios, including a CBD only formulation. The appropriate product and ratio for a participant will be determined by a prescribing doctor based on a participant’s medical condition and personal circumstances.
“As part of the study, participants can access pharmaceutical-grade cannabis oils and flower medications made locally, as well as book a range of affordable, independent doctors who are experienced medical cannabis prescribers,” said lead researcher Associate Professor Richard Norman. “We hope to gain more information about the benefits of using medicinal cannabis to treat chronic conditions and how we can make these types of medications more economical going forward.”
The earlier QUEST Initiative was endorsed by MS Research Australia, Arthritis Australia, Chronic Pain Australia, Epilepsy Action Australia and insurer HIF – which is also involved in Quest Global.
“We believe this study, like the QUEST Initiative, will provide insights that will be valuable not just to HIF and its members but the industry as a whole,” said HIF CEO Justin James.
Participants in QUEST Global will complete online surveys as part of the study and consult their prescribing doctor from time to time to discuss the results. Among the qualifying criteria for the study is a participant must not have received any prescribed medicinal cannabis therapy in the previous 4 weeks. This requirement is so researchers can detect meaningful changes prior to treatment starting.
Further information on QUEST Global can be found here.
Preliminary findings from the QUEST Initiative indicated significant improvements in the quality of life of participants. The results are still being compiled for peer-review and publication.
