A recent study led by Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) indicates that individuals using medical marijuana report "rapid and significant improvements" in their health-related quality of life within the first three months. The research, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, tracked nearly 400 adults new to medical marijuana for various qualifying conditions in Pennsylvania, with anxiety disorders and severe chronic pain being the most common.
Initial Benefits Observed
Participants, averaging around 46 years old, showed improvements across all evaluated areas of health-related quality of life. These included reduced pain, increased energy levels, and enhanced emotional, social, and physical functioning. According to Michelle R. Lent, PhD, a professor at PCOM and director of psychosocial research in the PCOM Medical Marijuana Research Program, this study is one of the largest to capture how individuals' lives and health status change after using medical cannabis products.
Significant Gains Reported
Semi-structured interviews conducted after three months revealed significant improvements in role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, as well as in social functioning. The study noted a 20% improvement in reported pain levels, a 20% increase in social functioning, and a 15% improvement in emotional well-being. Younger participants experienced the most substantial gains in physical functioning and pain reduction.
Implications for Treatment
Dr. Lent emphasized the challenges patients and providers face in deciding whether to incorporate medical marijuana into treatment plans. She stated that studies like these provide "evidence to support greater access to, and coverage of, medical cannabis treatments."
Study Details and Future Research
The research team assessed participants at three, six, nine, and 12-month intervals. The majority of participants were white and predominantly female. Data beyond the initial three months are yet to be analyzed, with future studies planned to determine if these short-term gains persist over the first year of use. The study was funded by Organic Remedies, who had no role in research design or data analysis.
