Cannabis therapy for pain management in degenerative diseases – implementation of R&D results in health resort. A case study and best practices

Aim: The aim of this article is to present the completed research and development work on the use of cannabis in health resort dedicated to reducing the perception of pain in degenerative diseases of the spine and peripheral joints. The study serves as a case study and an example of best practice in setting new directions for treatment and the development of health tourism in Busko-Zdrój. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted as part of project no. RPSW.01.02.00-26-0025/18 titled "Improving quality of life by reducing pain perception in degenerative diseases of the spine and peripheral joints", implemented at TERMA Słowacki Resort Medical Thermal in Busko-Zdrój. The project was co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund within the Regional Operational Programme of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship for 2014-2020. The research utilized a comparative study method to assess traditional therapies against cannabis-based treatments. In the initial phase, new therapeutic procedures were developed, followed by a clinical study involving 200 patients. The research was conducted under the supervision of the Medical Bioethics Committee in Kielce. Results: The findings indicate a positive impact of cannabis-based products used in thermal treatments. Outcomes were evaluated both objectively – through blood and urine analysis – and subjectively – by assessing patients' perceived pain levels. As a result of the study, an innovative commercial pain therapy for degenerative diseases was developed and implemented. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study confirmed that treatments involving cannabis products had a positive effect on reducing pain symptoms in the research group, as well as on the final laboratory test results.