Sundial Growers Inc. (Sundial) and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) have struck a deal to work together to research how cannabis can help deal with various health issues.
That announcement was made last week. As part of that plan, they've agreed to study how effective cannabis might be as a treatment for dementia.
Dementia is a problem that occurs in some elderly people. Those who suffer from it usually have severe memory loss. They may not even remember words or understand language.
Sundial is constructing a cannabis growing facility in Olds. Plans call for it to be officially opened on Oct. 10.
Earlier, Sundial announced a research initiative through a professor at the University of Lethbridge, which, through a Mitacs research grant, will look at how cannabis impacts inflammation and to understand its anti-cancer properties.
"With our wide-ranging multidisciplinary expertise and cutting-edge plant genomics research, the U of S is eager to work with Sundial to uncover the full potential of cannabis for health and economic benefits," Karen Chad, U of S vice-president of research says.
"This unique study is the first step in our exciting collaboration, and will no doubt position the U of S as a national leader in advancing cannabis as a treatment for dementia."
The study will take place at two extended care facilities in Saskatoon. It will examine the degree to which patients can tolerate side effects of cannabis, its dosage, as well as any adverse effects that may occur if dosage is increased.
"With today's announcement and similar collaborations with the University of Calgary and Sundial's Mitacs research initiative, we are demonstrating our commitment to becoming a leader in Canada with respect to cannabinoid research," Sundial president Geoff Thompson says.
"We believe strongly in the potential of cannabis as a modern natural alternative and health solution to many ailments," Thompson adds.
"We are excited to work with the University of Saskatchewan to further prove the efficacy of cannabis through rigorous scientific research and clinical testing."
The memorandum of understanding aligns with the U of S Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan (CRIS), an interdisciplinary biomedical and plant genomics research initiative.
Its goal is to obtain scientific evidence about how cannabinoids and various derivatives of cannabis could help people and animals deal with health, disease and disorders.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can have an effect on the brain.
The U of S has privileged access to cannabis gene collections but it needs a consistent supply of cannabis for research purposes. Sundial can provide that.
The U of S has chosen dementia as one area of focus for clinical trials, due to national and international concerns about the impact dementia is having in countries with aging populations.
Secondary outcomes of the study include learning more about the impact of cannabis on patient anxiety, aggression, sleep, pain, cognitive stabilization and nutrition when it is used as a treatment option for dementia.
Jane Alcorn, co-lead of the biomedical branch of CRIS and associate dean of research and graduate affairs in the college of pharmacy and nutrition, says the collaborative research agreement will also benefit students and faculty.
"This partnership with Sundial will create opportunities to sponsor specific trainees and faculty for projects that will advance understanding of medicinal applications of cannabis, as well as secure other partnership funding for trainee sponsorships," she says.
