FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec 6, 2023
Dr. Marion McNabb Kristin Rogers
Cannabis Center of Excellence Ayr Wellness
[email protected] [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE: RESEARCH RESULTS: CCOE & AYR WELLNESS RESEARCH STUDY:
iCOUNT - CANNABIS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUBSTANCE & DRUG USE
(EAST BOSTON – 12/06/2023) – The Cannabis Center of Excellence (CCOE) with support from Ayr Wellness announced findings from the iCount Cannabis as an Alternative to Substance and Drug use today, additional findings were presented at the Cannabis Science Fair at Harvard Science Center from 1:30-2:00 PM on December 9, 2023. Study respondents included those who are canna-curious or those who consume recreational or medical cannabis who are currently or have in the past used cannabis to reduce the use of: alcohol, tobacco, unwanted prescription medications, over the counter medications, opioids, or recreational drugs. The iCount: Cannabis as an Alternative Research Study investigators include: Principal Investigator Marion McNabb, DrPH, MPH President of the Cannabis Center of Excellence, and Co-investigators Peter Grinspoon, MD of MGH/Harvard, and Eva Rachel Tine, MSW.
From August 14 to Nov 31, 2023, 586 people responded to the survey with 76% using cannabis as an alternative therapy or treatment of health conditions/symptoms. Respondents reported cannabis helps/helped them reduce: 79% prescription drugs, 62% tobacco, 58% alcohol, and 54% opioids. Out of all respondents, 53% self identified as having been diagnosed with opioid use disorder and among those actively reducing opioid use, 37% reported reducing Fentanyl, 35% Codeine, 26% Morphine, 26% Vicodin, 22% Heroin, 22% Hydrocodone. Respondents also reported using cannabis to reduce: 27% caffeine, 26% cocaine, 20% crack cocaine, 19% DMT, 17% LSD, 15% Kratom, and 3% Xylazine. Of all respondents, 41% reported being currently homeless or were homeless in the past, 21% reported being an active service member, and 28% reported as veterans. Additional results will be presented on Saturday, Dec 9, 2023 from 1:30 - 2:00 PM at the Cannabis Science Fair at the Harvard Science Center in Cambridge, MA.
The study is publishing results at a time of crisis and need of innovations that address the growing opioid epidemic and intersection with a growing crisis of homelessness in Massachusetts. In 2022, according to the MA Department of Public Health, opioid-related overdose deaths rose 2.5%, with a total of 2,357 deaths in 2022. The overdose death rate increased by 42%, accounting for the largest increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl was present at a rate of 93% of fatal opioid overdoses in 2022 where a toxicology report was available. 47% of all opioid-related overdose deaths were between 25 and 44 years old; 43% were between 45 and 64 years old. Other studies have demonstrated that medical cannabis use in civilian and Veteran populations play a role in improving quality of life and reducing unwanted substance use. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s opioid prevention efforts could benefit from integrating medical cannabis as a harm reduction strategy. Learn more about the study and results at www.cannacenterofexcellence.org
Marion McNabb, DrPH, MPH
President, Cannabis Center of Excellence, INC
https://www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
