The University of Utah Health is making strides in the medical cannabis field by launching the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR). This new initiative aims to not only advance scientific understanding of medical cannabis but also provide valuable information for patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about this increasingly popular medication.
With so much misinformation and hype surrounding medical cannabis, the CMCR seeks to be a trusted source of evidence-based information. The center’s work has the potential to impact not only those in Utah but also people across the country and beyond who are curious about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis.
The Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) at the University of Utah was established in response to a growing need for scientific research on medical cannabis. This need was identified by the Utah State Legislature, which approved House Bill 230 in July 2023.
But the history of medical cannabis in Utah goes back even further. In November 2018, citizens were given access to the therapeutic use of cannabis through a voter-approved initiative. This marked the beginning of the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, which has since evolved over the past three years.
In a press release by the University of Utah Health, Valerie Ahanonu, senior manager of the new Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR), says the center’s overall aim is to “look at the methodology behind how people are using cannabis, and to create a translational approach to understanding its benefits and risks.”
They cite several strategies to achieve that goal, such as:
- Supporting research about medical cannabis within the University of Utah and statewide
- Improving patient, provider, and pharmacist education about cannabis risks and benefits
- Working to instate an DEA-approved grow site for research-grade medical cannabis
Jerry Cochran, M.S.W., Ph.D., interim director for the CMCR, describes the spectrum of research the center will support as “bench to bedside.” Starting with pilot grants to help scientists begin projects on medical cannabis, promoting research ranging from chemical characterization of the active components of cannabis through to late-stage clinical trials. The steering committee of the CMCR is reviewing the existing science to find areas that are most in need of more research and has found a particular need for clinical trials to identify additional health conditions that could be alleviated—or aggravated—by cannabis use.
In order to achieve their goals and support research efforts, the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) has established key partnerships within the state of Utah.
One of their primary partnerships is with Utah State University (USU), who has been growing cannabis for research purposes since 2019. With their expertise in plant genetics and cultivation, USU will play a crucial role in providing research-grade medical cannabis for studies conducted by the CMCR.
Another important partnership is with the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah. The GSLC will assist in creating educational materials about medical cannabis, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
Additionally, the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSL) will provide a database of up-to-date information on medical cannabis. This resource will be available to researchers, healthcare providers, and the general public, ensuring that accurate and trustworthy information is readily accessible.
DEA Approved Grow Site
One of the biggest challenges facing medical cannabis research is the limited supply of high-quality, research-grade cannabis from a site approved by the DEA. This issue has hindered progress in understanding the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis as a medication.
However, the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) at the University of Utah aims to change this by creating their own DEA-approved grow site for research-grade medical cannabis. This site would not only provide a much-needed supply of high-quality cannabis for research purposes, but it would also allow for standardization and consistency in the plant’s composition.
This is crucial because as a medication, cannabis contains multiple active ingredients that can vary greatly depending on the strain of the plant and how it’s processed. A reliable source for research-grade cannabis plants would allow scientists across Utah to begin exploring how these differences may impact human health.
Jennifer Dailey-Provost, MBA, District 22 representative in the Utah House of Representatives, who sponsored House Bill 230 to establish says “This is one of the premier research institutions in the nation, We couldn’t ask for a better place to keep the heart of a meaningful research program than the University of Utah.”
The CMCR’s efforts to establish their own grow site for research-grade medical cannabis highlights their commitment to advancing medical cannabis research in the state of Utah.
As the Center for Medical Cannabis Research at the University of Utah continues to make progress in their efforts to bridge knowledge gaps and promote responsible use of medical cannabis, their work is welcomed by both the scientific community and the general public alike.
By establishing partnerships, creating educational materials, and advocating for a DEA-approved grow site for research-grade cannabis, this center is helping to pave the way for a deeper understanding of the potential benefits of using cannabis as a medication. With their dedication and expertise, we can look forward to more groundbreaking research and advancements in this field, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for patients.
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