A brand new study published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research journal claims that the federally illegal plant could give regular consumers a significant boost of health. What’s more, researchers feel confident that the green, leafy plant and its active cannabinoids can enhance quality of life. 

The medical community was alerted to the publication of this recent study on June 9, when the Colorado-based Realm of Caring Foundation (ROCF) announced that the Observational Research Registry (ORR) had broadcasted some fascinating findings into the cannabis plant. 

Based on a statement from ROCF officials, most consumers who participated in this study on cannabis’ effect on quality of life claimed to use products that contained the primary active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD). This chemical compound occurs naturally and is non-psychoactive.

“Though prior observational studies have reported health benefits among medicinal cannabis users, this study extends that work considerably by including a control group for comparison as well as evaluation of changes over time in the same individuals as they initiated or stopped cannabinoid use,” says the CEO of ROCF, Dr. Jonathon Hoggard. 

Study on cannabis’ effects on quality of life: What is the ORR?

This continuous research project is overseen by the Associate Professor of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D. He assumes the role of principal investigator for the project, which is responsible for publishing the peer-reviewed research manuscript highlighted in this blog post.

A total of 1,276 patients participated in the study. Of those people, 808 were cannabis consumers and 468 were non-consumers. In comparison with those who didn’t use the green plant on a regular basis, consumers self-reported experiencing improved health, sleep and quality of life. In addition to this, frequent consumers experienced less anxiety, depression and pain. 

“Perhaps the most dramatic finding in this study was that medicinal cannabis use was associated with 39 percent fewer ER visits and 46 percent fewer hospital admissions,” said Dr. Hoggard, who believes that the study results encapsulate the beneficial health effects of cannabis use across every age group and demographics. 

The doctor also noted that this study on cannabis’ effect on quality of life only features a fraction of the team’s findings from their large-scale sample of data. More insights are expected to be published soon.

Study on cannabis’ effects on quality of life: ROFC anticipates future collaborative studies

Thanks to the positive results gleaned from the ROCF’s cannabis study, similar studies are much more likely to take place in future. With the recently published findings, a solid basis has been set that outlines the health benefits of medicinal cannabis consumption. Moving forwards, scientists and researchers can build off of existing evidence that demonstrates cannabis’ suitability for treating specific health conditions, according to the foundation.

Established in 2013, the non-profit organization is operated by a group of parents whose intention is to provide in-need families with the medical support they need and deserve. More than 2,000 medical professionals collaborate with the ROCF’s Care Team, which has assisted over 65,000 clients around the world since its inception.