[Press Release] OTTAWA, ON (PRWEB) JUNE 27, 2016
National Access Cannabis in collaboration with Phytosciences Consultants in the U.S. are establishing the largest Harm Reduction Study involving opioids and cannabis in North America. This two-year, evidence-based cohort study, will investigate the potential of prescribed pharmaceutical-grade cannabis as an opioid substitute in the treatment of chronic pain and acute conditions.
Canada and the U.S are at the center of an opioid epidemic. Deaths due to opioid overdose continue to rapidly rise in Canada making it second in highest users of opioids and third leading cause of accidental death in Ontario. In Ontario alone, these drugs are estimated to have killed nearly 2,500 people between 2011 and 2014.
The objective of the study is to assess the therapeutic satisfaction of patients using prescribed cannabis and to compare the subjective effects among the available strains as compared to prescription opioid use. The results of this study may aid in further research, present information, options and next steps for developing an effective evidence-based policy for potential substitution of opioids.
In recent news, opioid overdose involving Fentanyl made headlines as the main factor in the death of the musician Prince. While in Canada the number of opioid deaths and overdoses are increasing rapidly. In 2007 an estimated 47,000 deaths a year were reported by the Health Officers Council of British Columbia. The Narcotics Control Board reports that Canadians use of opioids increased by 203% between 2000 and 2010.
This groundbreaking international Harm Reduction Study will provide a basis to create clinical guidelines for healthcare practitioners. The vital missing information is in the clinical evidence healthcare practitioners need in order to advise patients on optimal dosages, strains and routes of administration with respect to comorbidities, contraindications, adverse effects, drug-drug interactions and medical conditions.
To read full details on the Harm Reduction study visit http://www.opiatestudy.com.
