CHICAGO, May 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclara Research, a leader in the development of patient and consumer insights within the medical cannabis industry, today released the results of The Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Experience Study - the first of Illinois patients since the inception of the pilot program in 2012. The study is the largest and most comprehensive look at the impact of the statewide program, examining nearly 300 of the 18,000 Illinois residents registered.
The Aclara Research study found that 86 percent of survey respondents are managing leading symptoms of chronic pain. While chronic pain is not one of the 41 qualifying conditions in Illinois, cannabis shows strong potential in treating autoimmune diseases in which chronic inflammation plays a central role.
Key findings from the study include:
While industry experts have labeled the Illinois program as one of the most restrictive in the country based on condition list and application requirements, the Aclara Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Experience Study showcases the positive benefits the pilot program has had on the lives of those suffering from the qualifying debilitating conditions as well as the potential benefits to health care costs.
This is the first study conducted in Illinois by Aclara Research, however the company has been a leader in the cannabis industry since 2016, already conducting comprehensive studies across multiple states including Michigan, Oregon and Colorado. A second study in Illinois is slated to be released in the fall.
“We are excited to be the first to conduct the largest study of Illinois patients since the inception of the pilot program,” said Carmen Brace, Founder of Aclara Research. “We will continue to build strong partnerships within the state and other markets to provide our clients with insights that lead to consumer centric product innovation and business strategies across medical use markets.”
For more information or to learn more about the Illinois study, please visit www.aclararesearch.com.
About Aclara Research
Aclara Research is a leader in the development of patient and consumer insights within the medical cannabis industry. Their team of consulting professionals help link cannabis patient and consumer insights with healthcare research to solve commercial challenges. Join the conversation and connect with Aclara Research, @aclararesearch, on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Mass Roots or visit www.aclararesearch.com.
*Illinois Medicaid savings based on US rate of chronic pain incidence applied to Illinois adult participants with annual prescription drug spend of $934. Source: The Henry Kaiser Family Foundation, F2015 Total Medicaid Spending