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Sydney, Australia – A recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS One has indicated that patients in Australia prescribed medicinal cannabis experienced sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life (HRQL) over a 12-month period. The research, conducted by Margaret-Ann Tait from The University of Sydney and her colleagues, suggests that these improvements were not only maintained but also observed across a range of symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain.
The study, known as the QUEST initiative (QUality of life Evaluation STudy), recruited adult patients with various chronic health conditions who were newly prescribed medicinal cannabis oil between November 2020 and December 2021. Researchers tracked 2,353 participants over 12 months, collecting data on condition-specific symptoms and overall HRQL, which encompasses physical, emotional, social, and cognitive function.
Findings revealed that the initial improvements in HRQL reported at three months were sustained throughout the 12-month period. Participants with conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain showed significant improvements in their respective symptoms. Additionally, patients treated for generalized anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and PTSD reported enhanced overall HRQL. While those with movement disorders experienced improved HRQL, no significant changes were noted in upper extremity function scores.
The study, which analyzed data from a large and diverse patient population, provides valuable insights into the long-term benefits of medicinal cannabis. This research comes after the Australian government’s 2016 decision to allow patients access to medicinal cannabis when conventional treatments proved ineffective. Since then, over a million Australians have received prescriptions for medicinal cannabis to address more than 200 health conditions.
“This is promising news for patients who are not responding to conventional medicines for these conditions,” stated the authors. They also highlighted that the findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that can inform clinical practice and policy decisions.
However, the researchers acknowledged a significant limitation: the absence of a control group. This absence means that while improvements were observed, they cannot be definitively attributed solely to medicinal cannabis. Further research with controlled studies is needed to solidify these findings.
Despite this limitation, the study suggests that medicinal cannabis may offer significant and sustained improvements in pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and overall HRQL for patients with chronic health conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the findings of a single study published in PLOS One. It is important to note that further research, including studies with control groups, is necessary to confirm these results. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical advice. Individuals considering medicinal cannabis should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss their specific medical conditions and treatment options.
