A significant new initiative has been launched in Canada as Santé Cannabis, a leading medical cannabis clinic and research organization, begins recruitment for a comprehensive study on patient outcomes from personalized medical cannabis treatment plans. Established in 2014, Santé Cannabis has supported over 20,000 patients and is recognized as Canada’s first independently accredited cannabis Contract Research Organization (CRO).
Study Overview and Objectives
The new study aims to recruit 3,000 patients over a three-year period, focusing on various aspects of medical cannabis treatment. Key areas of investigation will include:
- Patient Benefits: Evaluating the therapeutic effects of personalized cannabis treatment.
- Safety Risks: Identifying potential adverse effects associated with different cannabis products.
- Medication Substitution: Exploring the potential for cannabis to replace more harmful medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Cost Analysis: Assessing the financial implications of medical cannabis treatment for patients.
Dr. Michael Dworkind, Medical Director and Co-founder of Santé Cannabis, emphasizes the importance of this study in addressing the unanswered clinical questions surrounding the therapeutic use of cannabis. “This is such an important initiative to prioritize patients’ needs in the age of cannabis legalization,” he stated.
Innovative Products and Research Support
The study will also examine newer cannabis products, including capsules, tablets, and sublingual formulations, as well as cannabinoid formulations like cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG). This focus on diverse product types reflects the evolving landscape of medical cannabis and its potential applications.
The project is backed by grants from industry partners, including Aurora Cannabis, Tilray Medical, and Vectura Fertin Pharma. Dr. Dworkind expressed pride in being part of a group of Canadian leaders dedicated to advancing medical cannabis research. “Canada should be a global leader in medical cannabis research and lead the charge to investigate potential substitution of harmful medications,” he added.
Broader Context: Impact of Legalization
In related news, recent research from Brock University has shed light on the effects of legal recreational cannabis on Canada’s medical market. Nearly six years after the legalization of marijuana for adult use, Health Canada data shows a significant decline in medical client registrations with federally licensed sellers, dropping from 345,520 at the time of legalization to 180,878 in March of this year.
Despite this decline, there is a positive trend emerging. Survey results released earlier this year indicate an increasing proportion of Canadians are purchasing cannabis legally rather than through illicit sources. This shift highlights the ongoing evolution of the cannabis market in Canada and the importance of continued research and development in the medical cannabis sector.
