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Marijuana as Medicine

Medical cannabis research at PCOM

Medicinal Cannabis 
Research at PCOM

The rapid expansion of cannabis use for serious medical conditions across 37 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam reflects the mounting recognition of the medical marijuana's therapeutic potential for a number of disorders and diseases.

Although some of cannabis' medicinal properties are well documented, rigorous research is needed to identify which patients will benefit from the drug, the most effective method of treatment, benefits versus risks and barriers to use.

What is Medical Cannabis Research?

Medical cannabis  research investigates the potential therapeutic applications and safety of marijuana and its derivatives for medical purposes. Researchers explore the effects of cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), on various medical conditions and symptoms including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nausea, psychological trauma and more. Researchers investigate the delivery mechanisms, optimal dosage and potential side effects of medical marijuana, aiming to provide evidence-based knowledge to guide medical professionals in prescribing cannabis-based treatments and to inform healthcare policies and regulations.

Medical Marijuana Research in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is first in the nation to require that research accompany legalization of cannabis for serious medical conditions, thereby positioning the Commonwealth as the leader in generating new knowledge that further defines the drug's therapeutic applications.

PCOM's Medicinal Cannabis Research Programs

PCOM, in collaboration with its Clinical Registrant partner Organic Remedies, has developed a multi-study research program that will gather and share data and insights into the use and processing of medicinal cannabis and its impact on behavior, quality of life, cognition, chronic pain, opioid management, autism spectrum disorder and PTSD.

A recent study on medical marijuana use conducted by Dr. Michelle Lent found rapid and significant improvements in health-related quality of life after just 3 months of treatment.

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PCOM Study Reveals Benefits for Medical Marijuana Users portrait

To address a critical gap in pharmacy education, Dr. Avadhesh C. Sharma is spearheading research to improve pharmacy students' knowledge and ability to counsel patients about medical cannabis.

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Professor Leads Innovative Medical Cannabis Education Research portrait

Doctor of Pharmacy students at PCOM Georgia may now customize their degree program by pursuing a concentration in medical cannabis.

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Pharmacy Program Introduces Medical Cannabis Concentration portrait

PCOM researchers found positive preliminary results from an ongoing pilot clinical study on Dronabinol, a prescription-only synthetic version of THC, as a treatment option for patients with chronic pain.

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PCOM's Pilot Study on THC Medical Benefits Shows Promise portrait

PCOM has been approved as a certified Academic Clinical Research Center under Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana law since 2018.

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PCOM Forms Research Partnership with Cansortium portrait

PCOM and Organic Remedies announced a strategic partnership dedicated to various physical and mental health outcomes-based research involving cannabinoids and medical marijuana.

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PCOM Announces Medical Marijuana Research Partnership with Organic Remedies portrait

Cannabis Research Studies at PCOM

Principal Investigator: Michelle Lent, PhD, PCOM

The goal of this observational study is to measure changes in the health, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life of adults initiating medical marijuana for the first time for any of the qualifying medical conditions in Pennsylvania. Individuals are followed for the first year of medical marijuana use and participate in quarterly anthropometric measurements, semi-structured clinical interviews, and cognitive screens.

Buonomano, L. S., Mitnick, M. M., McCalmont, T. R., Syracuse, P., Dugosh, K. L., Festinger, D. S., & Lent, M. R. (2022). Clinical Characteristics and Quality of Life in Adults Initiating Medical Marijuana Treatment. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 5(1), 95-101.

View the abstract.

Principal Investigator: Michelle Lent, PhD, PCOM

Co-Principal Investigator: Karen Dugosh, PhD, Public Health Management Corporation

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the incremental effect of medical marijuana on pain functioning and illicit opioid use in individuals with chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) taking buprenorphine. This study assesses pain functioning, sleep quality and duration, mood, substance use, and treatment engagement in individuals with OUD for one year.

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Gosch, PhD, PCOM

Co-Principal Investigator: Michelle Lent, PhD, PCOM

This observational study is designed to evaluate changes in cognition, functioning, sleep, and behavior over the first three months of medical marijuana treatment in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as reported by their adult caregivers.

Principal Investigator: Kumar Mukherjee, PhD, PCOM

Co-Investigator: Jane Dumsha, PhD, PCOM

The goal of this retrospective study is to compare marijuana use before and after the passage of the medical marijuana law in Pennsylvania. This study explores whether legalization for a limited number of disorders and diseases increases or decreases overall use of recreational and medicinal marijuana among various socio-demographic groups.

Principal Investigator: Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, PCOM

Co-Investigator: Mindy Weinstein, PhD, PCOM

This study is designed to evaluate the current state of usage of medical marijuana in Skilled Nursing Facilities in Pennsylvania. The goal of the study is to determine the extent of use of medical marijuana in different geographic areas across Pennsylvania and identify barriers to use for residents with qualifying conditions.

Principal Investigator: Frederick Goldstein, PhD, PCOM

Co-Investigators: Michelle Lent, PhD, PCOM, and Kumar Mukherjee, PhD, PCOM

This observational study will determine whether patients receiving a combined medical marijuana product, THC:CBD, experience reduction of pain and improvements in quality of life during 28 days of daily use.

Principal Investigator: Frederick Goldstein, PhD, PCOM

Co-Investigator: Katherine Galluzzi, DO, PCOM

This study will measure blood levels of THC for 24 hours following oral administration of medication containing an absorption enhancer.

Principal Investigator: Mark June-Wells, PhD, Organic Remedies

Co-Investigators: Brian Balin, PhD, PCOM; Fred Fochtman, PhD, Duquesne University; Weston; Petroski, PhD, Organic Remedies; Daniel Niesen PhD, Steep Hill Laboratory; Eric Hauser, BS, Organic Remedies

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of solvent based extraction methods for eliminating or substantially diminishing microbial contamination from marijuana plant material during the manufacturing process.

Principal Investigator: Avadhesh C. Sharma, PharmD, PhD

The goal of this research is to enhance pharmacy student training in medical cannabis through the development and implementation of an expanded educational program.

Faculty Researchers

Research at PCOM

PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.

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