Canopy Growth funds CBD study on former field hockey players

The NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA), an association of former professional field hockey players based in the United States and Canada, and Canopy Growth enter into a partnership to study a possible treatment for cannabinoids against neurological disorders caused by the concussions common among former National Hockey League (NHL) players.

After top-level sport...

In contact sports (American soccer, field hockey, etc.) played at professional level, athletes are often victims of violent and repeated concussions. Once retired, the consequences of these shocks translate into significant neurological after-effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, progressive dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and debilitating limitations known as functional disintegration.

Researchers estimate that between 1.6 and 3.8 million athletes suffer a sports-related concussion every year. 10 to 15% of them go on to develop chronic post-concussion symptoms that affect their independence and quality of life. At present, such symptoms are mainly treated with opioid painkillers and antidepressants, which are known to cause addiction and, in cases of abuse, fatal overdose.

For this reason, the NHLAA wants to explore other treatment options for its members and cannabinoids appear to be a promising alternative. The CBD is reputed to be effective against inflammation, anxiety, CBD has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of ailments, including insomnia, depression, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress. That's why, in partnership with Canopy Growth and the clinical company NEEKA Health Canada, the association is launching this clinical trial to study the efficacy of CBD treatment.

«Former NHL players gave their all during their careers. The physical consequences once they hang up their skates can be devastating for them and their loved ones, for the rest of their lives.» said Glenn Healy, executive director of the NHLAA. «This study brings a wind of help and hope to former players. We're delighted to be involved in a project that could make a real difference, enabling these professional athletes to finish on a high note.

The course of the study

The study will be funded by Canopy Growth and led by neurosurgeon Dr. Amin Kassam of NEEKA Health Canada. It will be conducted in a double-blind study on 100 former players, of whom 80% will receive CBD in the form of pills to be taken twice a day, and 20% will receive a placebo. Over a 10-week period, study participants will undergo MRI scans to map their brains and measure water and blood movements. Abnormalities in these movements usually signal injury.

Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires about their mental and physical health, their use of opioids and other medications, and any self-medication practices. They will also undergo blood tests and cognitive, memory and emotional tests. «This complex, multidimensional study will give us a whole new insight into the interaction between the cannabidiol (CBD), We've been studying the brain and behavior of former NHL players with post-concussion symptoms,» says Dr. Mark Ware, Canopy Growth's Chief Medical Officer.

The study is scheduled to begin this summer and run for one year. Association representatives are still negotiating with Toronto Clinical Services to determine where the study will be held. If the results are conclusive, Canopy Growth has already agreed to fund another study with more players. Positive results could also encourage further CBD research initiatives for former athletes as well as for civilians with brain injuries.