Rutgers Health has commenced a comprehensive five-year study to evaluate the physical and mental health effects of medicinal cannabis, addressing a critical need for understanding its potential risks amidst increasing usage. The project, backed by a $686,376 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, aims to identify individuals at risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD) and to refine treatment approaches.
Identifying Risks of Cannabis Use Disorder
Tammy Chung, the lead researcher and psychiatry professor at Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, emphasized the urgency of the study. "With the rapid increase in medicinal cannabis use, there is an urgent need to identify patients who are at-risk for cannabis use disorder, which can occur as an unintended adverse effect of using medicinal cannabis," she stated.
The study will examine various factors contributing to CUD, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 cannabis users, with nearly 20% of medicinal cannabis users developing the disorder within three months. Symptoms of CUD include paranoia, memory loss, and escalating tolerance, which can lead to dependence and increased consumption costs.
Tailoring Treatment and Guidelines
Researchers aim to address fundamental questions about the differentiation between therapeutic and recreational cannabis use. "For example, should our criteria for assessing cannabis use disorder be the same for therapeutic and recreational users? And what type of guidelines should we apply for individuals using cannabis both recreationally and for therapeutic reasons? There are gaps in our knowledge, and the answers are important to informing health care decisions," Chung explained.
The longitudinal observational study will involve 400 participants who meet New Jersey’s qualifications for legal cannabis use and possess a valid state-issued medicinal cannabis program card. Data will be collected daily over short periods and analyzed long-term to understand the benefits and side effects of medicinal marijuana.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The findings are expected to inform clinical practice guidelines regarding cannabis dosing, symptom relief, medication interactions, and overall well-being. The study seeks to reduce the risk of cannabis-related problems and adverse side effects, ultimately enhancing the support and counseling resources available to patients using medicinal cannabis.
