Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management

The mission of the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis is to advance the understanding and application of medical cannabis through comprehensive, evidence-based research. The programme  generates high-quality scientific data to assess the safety, efficacy, and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for various medical conditions. 

The key objectives of the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis include generating high-quality scientific data, disseminating findings to inform clinical practices, and guiding policy development related to medical cannabis use. The initiative also emphasises the importance of patient education and advocacy, ensuring that patients have access to reliable information about cannabis treatments.

The activities of the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis encompass a variety of goals aimed at advancing knowledge and application in the field. These activities include:

1. Promote Evidence-Based Research: Conduct and support high-quality research studies to assess the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for various medical conditions.
2. Standardise Methodologies: Develop standardised protocols and methodologies for clinical trials and observational studies to ensure consistency and reliability in research findings. This also  includes methods and approaches to be used in specific areas such as the marketing efforts and legal aspects associated with the companies working in this field.
3. Enhance Knowledge Dissemination: Disseminate research findings to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to inform evidence-based clinical practices and guidelines regarding medical cannabis.
4. Guide Policy Development: Provide policymakers with comprehensive insights and recommendations to develop informed regulations and policies surrounding the medical use of cannabis.
5. Address Safety and Risk: Investigate the safety profiles of medical cannabis, including potential side effects and interactions with other medications, to inform safe prescribing practices.
6. Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders to create a robust network that supports medical cannabis research and application.
7. Educate Patients: Provide education and resources for patients and healthcare providers about the uses, benefits, and risks of medical cannabis to promote informed decision-making.
8. Adapt to Emerging Evidence: Adapting research focus and objectives in response to new findings and evolving trends in medical cannabis research and usage.

These activities collectively aim to create a comprehensive framework that integrates research, clinical application, and policy formation in the realm of medical cannabis.

The World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis involves a range of partners, including:

• Academic institutions and Research organisations which conduct clinical trials and basic research on medicinal cannabis effects.
• Companies working in the production, distribution and sales of medical Cannabis.
• Health organisations and national health, who may need research guidance.
• Regulatory bodies who need suppor to establish frameworks for research and use of medical cannabis.
• Non-Profit Organisations who advocate for research and education about cannabis for medical purposes.

In order to link these stakeholders, will organise specialist events, conferences and publications in peer-reviewed papers.

Collaborating with the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in a rapidly evolving field. By joining this initiative, researchers, professionals and companies can access a global network of experts, standardise methodologies, and share valuable insights on the therapeutic applications of cannabis. Working with WRP-MC allows for the opportunity to influence clinical practices, marketing, legal advances and policy development based on robust evidence, ultimately improving patient care. Additionally, collaboration fosters interdisciplinary partnerships that enhance understanding and drive innovative solutions, making a collective impact on health outcomes and the responsible integration of medical cannabis into healthcare systems.

To enter a partnership with the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis, potential partners can consider one of the approaches below:

• a) Assess your organistion's objectives and research interests to ensure alignment with the WRP-MC's mission and objectives related to medical cannabis.
• b) Familiarise yourself with the goals and areas of focus of the WRP-MC.                                                                                           
• c) Send us an expression of interest outlining your organisation’s capabilities, relevant expertise, potential contributions, and how a partnership could benefit both parties. Highlight specific projects or research interests that align with WRP-MC priorities and how can cooperate.

If a partnership is possible, we will discuss and negotiate the terms of collaboration, including roles, responsibilities, funding, and timelines.

By following these steps we can concretely identify opportunities for collaboration with the WRP-MC and contribute to advancing research in the field of medical cannabis, also strenghening our partners´ capabilities and institutional profiles (win-win situation).

Secretariat of the World Research Programme on Medical Cannabis
Univ. Prof. Dr. (mult.) Dr. h.c. (mult.) Walter Leal
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences 
Research and Transfer Centre „Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management"
Faculty of Life Sciences
Ulmenliet 20, Sector S4 / Room 0.38
21033 Hamburg
walter.leal2 (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de