A Christchurch-based medicinal marijuana company is leading New Zealand’s first clinical trial testing medicinal cannabis as a substitute for pain and sleep medication in aged care facilities.
Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals (under its Medical Kiwi brand) has penned a deal with Waikato-based aged care provider Kingswood Healthcare to undertake the trial.
“Disrupted sleep patterns, and the negative health effects that stem from poor sleep, have been cited by industry professionals as a major problem area that continues to afflict many patients in the aged care sector,” Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals chairman Aldo Miccio said.
“The study aims to determine the existence of any general improvements in the quality of life amongst aged care residents caused by the use of medicinal cannabis.
“The company is confident that the study may unlock a new use case for medicinal cannabis products in place of commonly used treatments.”