Bedrocan creates its clinical research unit in the Netherlands to study the effects of cannabis

Bedrocan, which for years has provided financial support only to external researchers, announced today the launch of its own clinical research unit to study the effects of the cannabis-based products it manufactures on behalf of the Dutch government. Matthijs Bossong, a Dutch researcher specializing in cannabis, will head the clinical research unit in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

The clinical research unit has long been a goal of Mikael Kowal, Bedrocan’s scientific director: «A great deal of research is being conducted around the world on these products, but it’s other scientists who ultimately decide what gets studied. Today, we’re taking the lead by conducting our own research.»

The first study has already been approved by a medical ethics committee: «We are going to take a closer look at two products: Bedrocan® and Bediol®. »The study will identify risk factors associated with cannabis use and will, we hope, serve as a guide for patients on how to use these products safely—that is, in a way that does not cause anxiety or psychotic symptoms.”

Chronic Pain and Cannabis

Bedrocan's plan is to establish a coherent clinical research program that addresses relevant scientific questions, such as the chronic neuropathic pain.

According to Matthijs Bossong, «there is scientific evidence that the Medical cannabis can help treat certain conditions, including chronic pain. However, the problem with clinical research on cannabis is that there are significant differences between studies. For example, the route of administration, dosage, and composition of cannabis can vary, making the results difficult to interpret. »We will conduct research using the standardized products manufactured by Bedrocan, which we hope will help encourage doctors to prescribe medical cannabis.”.

CEO Jaap Erkelens is very pleased with the opening of Bedrocan’s research facility: «Bedrocan can now conduct targeted research on the effects of cannabis products which it manufactures on behalf of the Dutch government. This is the only way to obtain official recognition of the safety and efficacy of these products from regulatory authorities around the world. This is a goal the company has always strived to achieve, and it has moved closer to that goal with the opening of the clinical research unit.».

Bedrocan

Bedrocan is a cannabis producer pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis certified under EU GMP standards. Its high-quality products are used as pharmaceutical raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Bedrocan operates several indoor cultivation facilities and a research and development center in the Netherlands. A brand-new production facility will soon open its doors in Denmark. Bedrocan products are available in countries such as Australia, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Denmark.