How medical cannabis laws affect healthcare use for patients with pain
The Effect of Medical Cannabis Laws on Health Care Use in Insured Populations with Pain
This study looks at how new medical cannabis laws affect how often people with chronic pain visit doctors and use medications, helping us understand if cannabis can change their pain management, especially for those living in cities versus rural areas or dealing with different types of pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10626713 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the implementation of medical cannabis laws influences healthcare utilization among patients suffering from chronic pain. By analyzing data from patients enrolled in public and private insurance plans, the study aims to understand whether these laws lead to a reduction in the use of prescription medications and other pain-related health services. The research will also explore differences in healthcare use between rural and urban patients, as well as between those with neuropathic and nociceptive pain. This comprehensive analysis will provide insights into the broader implications of medical cannabis on pain management.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic non-cancer pain who are enrolled in public or private insurance plans and reside in states with medical cannabis laws.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or those living in states without medical cannabis laws may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help inform policies that optimize pain management strategies and improve patient outcomes through the use of medical cannabis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of cannabis for chronic pain, but this specific analysis of healthcare utilization in relation to medical cannabis laws is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Amanda J — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Amanda J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.