Researchers raise funds for phase 1 trial to test medical cannabis in sickle cell disease

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG) has partnered with Biotech Research Laboratories and the Phoenix Tears Foundation to raise money for the first clinical study focused on the effectiveness of cannabis oil in sickle cell disease (SCD)-related pain management.

The initiative is in honor of World Sickle Cell Day, held annually on June 19 to mark the day the United Nations General Assembly recognized SCD as a public health problem.

“We urge the Sickle Cell community, our friends and allies to join in supporting the coalition as we search for alternative treatments for those battling this painful and sometimes fatal condition,” Deb McGhee McCrary, SCFG president and CEO, said in a news release. “These trials will fully explore the pain relief properties of medical cannabis as an alternative to highly addictive opioids.”