The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has awarded $246,885 to Dr. Marta
Rychert at Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Center in Auckland to study why people use medicinal cannabis, what conditions they use it for, how they obtain it, and what advice health professionals give them.
The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has awarded $246,885 to Dr. Marta Rychert at Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Center in Auckland to study why people use medicinal cannabis, what conditions they use it for, how they obtain it, and what advice health professionals give them.
The grant is part of nearly $3.7 million designated for HRC’s Emerging Researcher First Grants which help up and coming talent establish independent health research centers in New Zealand.
The government passed medical cannabis legislation in late 2018 and is currently developing the regulatory framework for it, which is to be ready by the end of 2019.
Dr. Rychert’s study will help identify areas with the system that might need further development.
“Medicinal cannabis and the policy framework that will surround its use is an important topic of discussion in New Zealand society,” says College of Health Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mills. “Understanding the perspective and lived experience of consumers and health professionals will help ensure the development of resources that are fit for purpose and focused on ensuring best practice, quality, and safety.”
According to Dr. Rychert, the study will use surveys and “in-depth interviews” with medical cannabis users, their support networks, and health professionals to gauge their engagement with the new system and provide insights for its further implementation.
Dr. Rychert noted that in other countries where medical cannabis laws have been established, there have been issues such as high prices, lack of engagement by healthcare professionals, and a steady supply of product from the black market.
The study, Exploring Medicinal Cannabis Use in New Zealand at a Time of Policy Change, will begin in June and continue for the next three years.
