Medicinal cannabis

Our research is focused on investigating the medical and the health benefits of cannabis with a view to developing new cannabinoid-based treatments for a range of diseases. Our understanding of this ancient plant has been stunted by its illegal status. However there has been a recent paradigm shift, with increasing recognition of the plant’s medicinal effects, and a growing list of countries that have legalised the use of medicinal cannabis.

More than ever there is a need to strengthen and expand the evidence base supporting the use of the plant in medicine. By conducting research and educating the medical profession, and the community at large, we hope to open people’s minds, change perceptions and ultimately facilitate patient access to medicinal cannabis.

What are the medical and health benefits of cannabis?

There are many potential uses for cannabis-derived treatments, with new applications being investigated in current clinical studies.

Recently a landmark phase III placebo-controlled trial showed that CBD unequivocally reduced seizures in childhood epilepsy.

A recent authoritative review by the USA National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine concluded there was already substantial evidence to support the use of cannabinoids in:

• Chronic Pain
• Nausea and Vomiting during Chemotherapy
• Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis.

They also concluded there was moderate evidence for use of cannabinoids in:

• Improving sleep in people suffering from specific diseases, e.g. chronic pain.

Other areas highlighted where more limited evidence is currently available, but showing some promise, include in the treatment of:

• PTSD
• Appetite and weight loss in HIV and AIDS
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Social anxiety
• Traumatic brain injury and brain haemorrhage.