Rutgers University has embarked on a groundbreaking study to examine the therapeutic benefits and potential risks of medical cannabis, an area of research that has gained increasing attention as more states legalize its use. The five-year study, funded by a $686,376 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), aims to provide critical insights into how medical cannabis affects users, particularly in relation to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
Led by Dr. Tammy Chung, a professor of psychiatry at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, the study will assess both the positive and negative effects of medical cannabis on patients. The goal is to better understand how medical cannabis interacts with various conditions and what factors may contribute to dependency or misuse.
Addressing the Knowledge Gap in Medical Cannabis Use
With medical cannabis now legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., millions of Americans have turned to cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on its long-term impact.
“Medical cannabis is widely used, but we still don’t fully understand the risks involved,” Dr. Chung said. “For instance, should the criteria for diagnosing Cannabis Use Disorder be the same for patients using it therapeutically versus recreational users? And what factors might increase the risk of dependence?”
According to previous studies, about 20% of medical cannabis users develop signs of CUD within three months of starting treatment. This disorder, which includes symptoms such as cravings, withdrawal, and inability to control use, can affect both recreational and medical users. Rutgers researchers aim to determine which medical cannabis users are most vulnerable to developing dependency and what steps can be taken to prevent it.
Longitudinal Study to Track Patient Outcomes
The Rutgers study will track individuals who qualify for New Jersey’s medical cannabis program over an extended period. Researchers will collect data on patients’ cannabis usage, their medical conditions, and any side effects or signs of dependency. By studying these factors, the team hopes to establish clearer guidelines for safe medical cannabis use.
Dr. Chung emphasized that while cannabis has therapeutic potential, understanding its risks is equally important. “Some patients experience great relief from their symptoms, but we need to make sure they’re using it in a way that minimizes harm. This study will help us refine recommendations for both doctors and patients,” she said.
Implications for Healthcare and Policy
The findings from this study could have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. If researchers identify key risk factors for CUD, doctors may be able to tailor prescriptions more effectively, ensuring that patients receive the benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of dependency. Additionally, the study could influence regulations on cannabis dosing, usage frequency, and patient education.
The Rutgers study comes at a time when medical cannabis research is gaining momentum nationwide. Historically, federal restrictions have limited scientific exploration of cannabis, but with growing public support for legalization, funding for such studies is becoming more available. The NIDA grant awarded to Rutgers signals a shift in how medical cannabis is being viewed by the scientific and medical communities.
A Step Toward Safer Cannabis Use
As Rutgers researchers gather data over the next five years, their findings could help shape the future of medical cannabis treatment. By understanding both the benefits and risks, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to guide patients in using cannabis safely and effectively.
“This research is essential to ensuring that medical cannabis remains a viable and safe treatment option for those who need it,” Dr. Chung said. “With evidence-based guidelines, we can help patients make informed decisions about their health.”
With millions of Americans relying on medical cannabis for relief, the results of this study could have a lasting impact on how cannabis is prescribed and regulated in the years to come.
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