An investigation into the efficacy of medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids for the treatment of chronic pain has been supported by the Cannabis Research Institute of South Africa (CRI) for a full year.
The aim is to give credible, trustworthy, and verifiable data to the relevant authorities to regulate the accessibility of medicinal cannabis, in addition to demonstrating therapeutic efficacy and pain relief.
The overuse of opioids, which results in hundreds of fatalities annually, continues to be a global epidemic.
In 2020, there were 91,799 drug overdose deaths in the United States, with opioids being responsible for 68,630 (74.8%) of those deaths. In 2017, roughly 115,000 individuals died from opioid overdoses, according to estimates made by the World Health Organization.
As opioid painkillers, drugs like morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol are frequently employed.
The WHO adds that if opioids are used for non-medical purposes, for an extended period of time, improperly, or without a doctor’s supervision, dependence may result. Due to its pharmacological effects, opioid overdoses can be lethal.
South Africa’s initial cannabis clinical study
As patients, consumers, and society have gotten more educated over the past few years, the cannabis sector has witnessed substantial development because it has become more customer-centric and customer-facing.
Participants in the most recent ground-breaking study will have access to their medicinal cannabis through the study thanks to a partnership with the Releaf cannabis e-clinics, a part of the ImpiloVest company.
As part of the sponsorship, patients who sign up for the study won’t be charged for their prescription.
Shiksha Gallow, the study’s chief investigator and a world authority on cannabis, will collaborate with a group of highly qualified medical professionals, including Regina Hurley, Ahmed Jamaloodeen, Omphemetse Mathibe, and Xavagne Leigh Fransman.
The effects over the world
The study has the potential to alter the medical landscape not only in the nation but also around the world, according to Bella Dorrington, a senior researcher at the Cannabis in South Africa institute.
“CRI is happy to take part in this study, which aims to highlight the advantages of cannabis therapy. We have the resources, the technology, and the workforce to make South Africa the global leader in the medicinal cannabis business. At our company, teamwork is the norm rather than working in silos.
The goal of the study, according to Willco Janse van Vuuren, managing director of Releaf Pharmaceuticals and head of the ImpiloVest retail division, is to provide better patient solutions.
“Solutions that take into account the needs of a health-conscious, community are necessary. Medical marijuana is receiving a lot of attention as a potent and trustworthy alternative to traditional medication.
People that cultivate a healthy lifestyle place a high importance on a primary healthcare approach. Together, with your support and our care, we can significantly improve healthcare. We also think that having one’s bodily, emotional, and social needs met is a fundamental right.
Pharma-ethics, the Department of Health, and the South African Medical Research Council have all given their approval to the study, which has drawn attention from around the world with numerous nations and international medical professionals eagerly anticipating the results (SAMRC).
