An Australian study assessing overall health-related quality of life (HRQL) and other benefits for patients prescribed medicinal cannabis has provided encouraging results.
Led by Curtin University, the Australian Government-backed QUEST (QUality of life Evaluation STudy) Initiative involves thousands of Australian participants prescribed medicinal cannabis. In addition to HRQL, the study delves into the impact of medicinal cannabis use on pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, and depression.
Participating patients completed questionnaires at baseline (commencement), then at 2-weeks titration, and 1-,2-,3-,5-,7-,9- and 12-months follow-up. Of 3,302 invited eligible patients of 114 clinicians from between November 2020 and December 2021, 2,744 (83%) provided consent and completed baseline PROMs (Patient-reported outcomes measurements) and demographics.
The study previously found all outcomes reported by patients improved in the first 3-months and the researchers hypothesised these improvements would be maintained to 12-months. It appears their hypothesis was correct.
“Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in overall HRQL, fatigue, and sleep disturbance were maintained over 12-months in patients prescribed medical cannabis for chronic health conditions.” states a new report on QUEST. “Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain also improved over time for those with corresponding health conditions.”
Among their findings, THC-dominant products had greater odds of larger improvements in these outcomes compared with THC:CBD-balanced. However, CBD-dominant medicines were also better than THC:CBD-balanced for anxiety. Another interesting finding was most participants had reduced or stopped their opioid intake by the end of the study.
During the study, participants are required to pay for their own medication, which is provided by a study partner company. Medicines are offered at a subsidised cost ranging from $125 for a 50ml bottle or $110 for 10 sachets, including delivery charges. In terms of oils and based on a 25mg THC / 25mg CBD balanced product, the “subsidised” price isn’t much different from some other commercially available products of good quality.
More than one million new patients with chronic health conditions have been prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia since it was legalised in 2016. The researchers said findings from the QUEST study contribute to the emerging evidence-base to inform decision-making; both in terms of clinical practice and at a policy level.
The QUEST study is expected to run for a total of 5 years and is still recruiting. More information about participating can be found here.
The new study report has been published in the journal PLOS One.
Encouraging results from Australian study on health-related quality of life and other benefits for patients prescribed medicinal cannabis. Read More
