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Melissa Hutsell is an award-winning freelance journalist with a deep rooted passion for both community and international journalism. She was born and raised in Northern California, and has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in more 20 different countries. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Global Journalism from City University London, as well as degrees in Journalism and Globalization from Humboldt State University. Though she covers various topics as both a writer and editor, she specializes in business and cannabis journalism.
The Writing On The Wall: Medical Marijuana Patients Report Better Health
A recent survey-based study has revealed that cannabis may be the key to a higher quality of life for patients suffering from a variety of disorders.
Researchers surveyed 874 patients (518 users, 356 non-users) and found that users reported significantly better “satisfaction with their health”, which included “less pain, less anxiety, less depression, better sleep, less visits to the emergency department and hospital, and fewer sick days versus non-users”, said Nicolas Schlienz, PhD.
The results may come as no surprise to many medical marijuana patients, especially those who suffer from epilepsy. These patients in particular reported higher qualities of life, including less hospital visits, versus non-users.
Another significant finding is that the “majority of epilepsy patients used cannabidiol (CBD) products (56.5%), with 4.8% saying they used THC products". In other words, “these folks don’t want the psychoactive effects”, Schlienz explained.
In a further effort to survey the therapeutic value of cannabis and the characteristics of its consumers, Schlienz will continue to conduct questionnaires online every three months.
What both Schlienz and the results of the study make evident is that public policy and usage are moving quicker than science or research on the subject. Like so many others, these researchers are calling for more insight into medical marijuana simply because “patients are going to do it anyway”.
