The Department of Health in Pennsylvania approved three companies on Thursday that will be allowed to grow cannabis for research in partnership with medical schools at Penn State, Thomas Jefferson, and Drexel.
“This research is essential to providing physicians with more evidence-based research to make clinical decisions for their patients,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine.
She added, “It is the cornerstone of our program and the key to our clinically-based, patient-focused program for those suffering with cancer, PTSD, and other serious medical conditions.”
Under the research program, the health systems will design research studies for the cannabis companies said The Inquirer March. Researchers won’t be able to work with the plant or its products so patients will be self-reporting data.
The three approved research growers are: PA Options for Wellness Inc., affiliated with Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey; Agronomed Biologics LLC, affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine; and MLH Explorations LLC, affiliated with Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
“We are delighted that the state Department of Health has awarded a clinical registrant permit to MLH Explorations LLC, with whom we have entered into a definitive services agreement and research agreement,” Jefferson commented.
