Realm of Caring Appoints Research Director to Oversee Groundbreaking Cannabis Data Registry and Medical StudiesPosted by On

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.–()–Realm of Caring (RoC), a nonprofit dedicated to cannabinoid research, has appointed Nicolas Schlienz, Ph.D., as its Research Director, a new role in the organization’s leadership. His first initiative is co-authoring an original study on epilepsy using survey data gathered from RoC’s innovative Observational Research Registry (ORR).

Schlienz, a clinical psychologist, led the development of the ORR as a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University. The ORR is a web-based research platform open to adults and adult caregivers of dependents who are, or are considering, the use of cannabis or hemp products for therapeutic purposes. The aim is to better understand the impact that therapeutic use of such products has on individual health, functioning and quality of life.

“There are numerous obstacles to exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis due to its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance,” Schlienz said. “Research opportunities such as the ORR expand the existing scientific knowledge base to better inform clinical decision making, and also dispels the stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis use.”

Schlienz and colleagues have published a paper summarizing ORR data from individuals with epilepsy in the medical journal Epilepsy & Behavior. The longitudinal study showed that individuals who used artisanal cannabidiol (CBD) products reported better quality of life, lower psychiatric symptom severity and fewer medication-related adverse events compared with those not using CBD.

“This study represents a refreshing collaboration of scientists, clinicians, patients and advocates. The results affirm what has been suspected for a long time, that cannabinoid products have value in the treatment of epilepsy as well as associated neuropsychiatric conditions,” said Jay Salpekar, MD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Johns Hopkins University. “It is our hope that this study may embolden clinicians and patients to effectively partner in considering these treatments.”

Based on these findings, he and study co-author Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., plan to conduct a controlled clinical trial to further understand the effects of CBD in epilepsy treatment.

About Realm of Caring

Through research and education, Realm of Caring (RoC) is facilitating the mainstream acceptance of cannabinoid-based therapies and building an empowered community. RoC is committed to research into novel healthcare options to improve quality of life. The organization leverages a deep bench of experience and leads with compassion to provide trusted resources, create support and build community for all who seek it. The 501(c)(3) high-impact independent public charitable organization has served tens of thousands of families and healthcare professionals since its inception in 2013.

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