Faculty and Alum Have Medical Marijuana Study Published

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

The results of a study conducted by USciences faculty examining patients using medical marijuana was recently published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Participants were surveyed over time, and results showed an increase in health related quality of life in those using medical marijuana to treat pain.

The study, authored by Andrew Peterson PharmD, PhD, Executive Director of the Substance Use Disorders Institute, is entitled “Measuring the Change in Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Using Marijuana for Pain Relief.” Dr. Peterson was joined in this work by two co-authors, including alumna Christine Le '21 (PharmD).

“Current evidence suggests that cannabinoids are safe with minimal side effects and are effective in managing chronic pain. Data also show that medical marijuana (MM) may improve quality of life (QoL) among patients. However, there are little data showing the health-related QoL (HRQoL) benefit in MM patients using it for pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between HRQoL and MM use in patients using it to relieve pain,” reads the abstract.

Dr. Peterson conducted the study in collaboration with Releaf, an app that allows users to anonymously share their experience with various cannabis and CBD products and treatment methods. The Releaf app provides an opportunity for others to make informed choices when purchasing cannabis or CBD products to better fit their needs.

The study gathered data from 181 patients enrolled in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Access program over an eight week period. This is one of the first studies to examine a longitudinal view of HRQoL in patients using MM for pain. The results of the study show that MM, when used for the treatment of pain, can improve a patient’s HRQoL along with alleviating their pain. This benefit is due primarily to an improvement in a patient’s pain and anxiety levels.

The full publication in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids can be found online.