Motivation for the study

The use of cannabis is more accepted and extended in our society every day. In Catalonia a pioneering regulation model is shaping up in the form of Cannabis Associations. More and more chronic pain patients, people with cancer who suffer nausea because of chemotherapy, or people with autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. are turning to these associations to seek the relief of their symptoms through the use of cannabis. However, there is a great need for more objective studies about its physiological and psychological effects, and its therapeutic potential. The phenomenon of the Catalan Cannabis Associations offers a great opportunity to facilitate this type of research.

Objectives of the study

1. Follow-up on the quality of life of the users, as well as on the subjective perception of the effects of cannabis on their symptomatology.
2. Monitor indicative bio-markers of the functionality of the immune and endocrine system, and of the endocannabinoids system.
3. Evaluate the impact of the cannabinoid composition of the used cannabis on the mental health and cognitive performance of the users.
4. Study the interactions between mental health and the genetic polymorphisms of the users.

Methodology

Sample: 200 medicinal members of cannabis associations who have chronic illnesses.
Admission by means of a basic intake questionnaire and informed consent.
Assignation of an access code to each participant for the online questionnaires.
At 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 months, the participants respond online using internationally- validated questionnaires: personality, psychological health, quality of life, cognitive state and quality of sleep.
A specific questionnaire corresponding to the participants’ chronic illness.
Of a sub-group of 50 participants, samples of hair and blood will be collected at the beginning of the study and at month 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36. These participants will receive economic compensation.

Expected benefits of the study

- The advancement of scientific knowledge on the effects of cannabis on certain illnesses and potential new therapeutic applications.
- This study will give visibility to the social component of the activities of the cannabis associations.
- The participants will gain a better understanding of the influence of cannabis on the process of their illness.
- This study will facilitate better service provision of the cannabis associations towards their therapeutic members.
- With the cooperation with scientific institutions, the cannabis associations demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility.