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.
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.
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, 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 and opioid management.
Doctor of Pharmacy students at PCOM Georgia may now customize their degree program by pursuing a concentration in medical cannabis.
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.
PCOM and Organic Remedies announced a strategic partnership dedicated to various physical and mental health outcomes-based research involving cannabinoids and medical marijuana.
PCOM has been approved as a certified Academic Clinical Research Center under Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana law since 2018.
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.
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.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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