Aclara Research Continues to Lead the Cannabis Industry with Release of Latest Study

CHICAGO, Nov. 01, 2017 -- Aclara Research, a leader in the development of patient and consumer insights within the cannabis industry, today released the preliminary results of their latest study examining patient usage of medical cannabis and the impact on prescription opioid usage. The study, which was conducted in partnership with a group of pharmacist professionals active within the cannabis industry, found that 67 percent of patients stopped using opioid medications after using medical cannabis. The study further went on to find that 30 percent of patients stopped using prescription drugs completely after using medical cannabis.

The study also examined pharmacist perception of medical cannabis and their role in dispensing and counseling patients. Aclara and the participating pharmacists, partnered with patient advocacy groups, dispensaries and the National Community Pharmacists Association to field online surveys of each audience, resulting in more than 400 patients and 500 pharmacists nationwide.   

While the full study will be released in early 2018, key preliminary findings from the research study include:

• Sixty seven percent of patients stopped using opioid medications after using medical cannabis. In addition, 29 percent of patients reported a decrease in the number of opioid medications after starting medical cannabis.
• Thirty percent of study respondents stopped using all prescription drugs after using medical cannabis.
• Eighty seven percent of pharmacists participating in the study said cannabis should be legal for medical usage. Only 15 percent of patients are talking to their pharmacist about medical cannabis. Instead, over 40 percent of patients said they obtain information about medical cannabis from the internet and social media.
• Over 60 percent of patients that reported decreasing their usage of prescription drugs after using medical cannabis, also reported making fewer monthly trips to their pharmacy retailer.  
• Sixty nine percent of the pharmacists surveyed believe that pharmacists should dispense medical cannabis AND counsel patients. Currently, there are only five states that require pharmacist involvement in medical cannabis dispensaries: Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Arkansas.  

Brace, who led the study in partnership with the below listed medical cannabis and pharmaceutical experts, will be attending and speaking at the upcoming American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Convention November 3 and 4 in Kissimmee, Florida.

• Luba Andrus, RPh, Vice President of Patient Care, MedMar Dispensaries of Illinois
• Anne Berg, PharmD, Consultant Pharmacist
• Bradley Carlson, PharmD, RPh, Director of Pharmacy, Keystone Canna Remedies and Principal, CannaRPh
• Joseph Friedman, RPh, COO of PDI Medical Dispensary of Illinois and Principal, CannaRPh

Aclara Research will continue examining results of this study in conjunction with pharmacy partners through qualitative research among both patients and adult consumers that have used cannabis to eliminate or decrease prescription drug and opioid usage. Final study results will be released in January 2018.

About Aclara

Aclara Research is a leader in the development of patient and consumer insights within the cannabis industry. The company is made up of a team of professionals who link cannabis user insights and healthcare research to solve commercial challenges. Their cannabis patient and consumer research panel offers real time access to cannabis user insights across markets, and the implications of expanding legal access of cannabis on consumer product and retailer choice. Aclara’s quantitative and qualitative research are the foundation of a customer-centric innovation strategy. Join the conversation and connect with Aclara Research, @aclararesearch, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.aclararesearch.com.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Podkasik
Arrowhead Communications
630.347.9338
[email protected]