Cannabis improves quality of life in pain and neurology patients – study

A new study shows that medical cannabis use is linked to improved quality of life for patients with neurological and pain-related conditions.

Medical cannabis consumption can improve the quality of life for those who could not find reprieve from traditional methods, according to a large online study conducted by cannabis nonprofit advocacy organisation Realm of Caring and researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The study’s results, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, showed that medical cannabis helped mitigate various neurological disorders and pain-related ailments that were impacting participants.

Study participants who consumed medicinal cannabis were invited to complete anonymous surveys and provide feedback about their experiences.

Of the 808 study respondents, 77 per cent reported positive effects — with 28 per cent citing reduced pain, 18 per cent noting improved sleep and 22 per cent experiencing reduced anxiety.

The study participants also described many of the issues they face as medical cannabis patients — such as difficulty in finding adequate providers who know how to dose cannabis, what strains are most helpful to alleviate specific ailments and which consumption methods work best with their treatment plan.

Regarding patient concerns, commonly reported problems included a lack of information for medical cannabis support, with 16 per cent of participants citing this concern along with 12 per cent reporting prohibitive costs as an additional apprehension.

Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, executive director of Realm of Caring, said: “Realm of Caring takes part in Institutional Review Board-approved research to ensure we are truly helping individuals to improve their quality of life. 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. Realm of Caring will continue to collect and publish data to ensure we fulfil our mission.”

As access to medicinal cannabis increases, the researchers said the study aims to help inform and educate policymakers, patients and healthcare providers about the industry’s rapidly evolving landscape.

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