Greek Study Reveals Positive Impact of Medical Cannabis on Neurological Patients' Quality of Life

In a fresh investigation into the quality of life enhancements experienced by patients using medical cannabis, a substantial majority of neurological patients have reported positive outcomes.

Conducted by a team of researchers hailing from the Department of Nursing at the University of West Attica, Athens, Greece, the study encompassed one hundred medical cannabis patients. Participants were subjected to a comprehensive socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, alongside the SF-36 Health Survey scale - a recognized tool for evaluating quality of life. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, developed by RAND Corporation in 1992, has enjoyed widespread utilization over the years.

The study's findings spotlighted that a notable majority (58%) of those employing medical cannabis for neurological disorders indicated the following benefits:

• A significant decrease in their symptoms (96%)
• Enhanced energy and vitality (68%)
• Improved capacity to fulfil professional responsibilities (88%)
• Betterment in sleep quality (79%) and appetite (71%)

Remarkably, participants who reported a more extended duration of medical cannabis usage demonstrated statistically significant improvements in energy levels, mental well-being, and overall health status.

Given the persisting stigma surrounding medical cannabis, the study examined patients' experiences with disclosure to their social circles.

Results indicated that the majority had confided in their family members about their medical cannabis use (85%). Notably, a resounding 93% received support from their family members regarding their decision. However, when it came to individuals outside the immediate family, a substantial 81% had not revealed their treatment, including within their workplaces.

For more comprehensive insights from the study, further details can be accessed here.

In 2017, the Greek government enacted legislation permitting medical cannabis use with a doctor's prescription. Subsequently, in the following year, restrictions on cultivation and production were lifted for appropriately licensed entities. However, Greece's inaugural medicinal cannabis production facility only commenced operations earlier this year. The combination of limited production and constraints on cannabis product importation has resulted in many patients still sourcing medicines containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through illicit channels. Notably, a legal market exists for other cannabinoids, notably cannabidiol (CBD).

In a related context, an Australian study carried out by Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Victoria, released earlier this year, examined the quality of life of numerous patients utilizing medical cannabis to manage diverse conditions. The study discovered that patients self-reported substantial improvements across all eight aspects of the SF-36, with these enhancements largely sustained over time.

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