Medical cannabis research to bridge knowledge gaps

Added on 24 November 2023

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Medical cannabis research to bridge knowledge gaps

Valerie Ahanonu, senior manager of the CMCR

Thousands of new Utah patients are approved for an active medical cannabis card every month. But much remains unknown about how cannabis interacts with other medications, what other factors increase its risks, and even which health conditions medical cannabis is effective for.

University of Utah Health, in partnership with the state, has launched a new research initiative to advance scientific understanding of medical cannabis and help patients and providers make informed health decisions about this increasingly common medication.

Valerie Ahanonu, B.S., senior manager of the newly instated 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.” To achieve this goal, the CMCR will use several complementary strategies:

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

While the CMCR is based at U of U Health, it is a statewide institution that aims to foster collaborations between institutes of research and higher learning across Utah. The center will work in partnership with Utah State University, for instance, which has been growing cannabis for research purposes since 2019. The center is also currently doing a nationwide search for a director.