Pain Relief Research at St. F.X. Gets Funding

A psychology professor's research of the pain-killing benefits of cannabis has earned $52,560 in support from the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust Fund.

St. Francis Xavier (St. F.X.) University professor John McKenna is researching how certain compounds in the cannabis plant can be used to treat pain without harmful side effects.

"We established this trust fund to help researchers like Dr. McKenna make discoveries and build our body of knowledge," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "As a result, he can help Nova Scotians live healthier lives and, potentially down the road, contribute to our economy by marketing a new product."

Little is known about the pain-killing properties of cannabis. Dr. McKenna's research will determine why the plant's compounds have a positive effect on pain sufferers. Eventually, his research could lead to cannabis compounds being marketed in the same way as common pain-relief products such as ibuprofen or Aspirin.

"The work we're doing is a source of hope for people who live with chronic pain," said Dr. McKenna. "We're aiming to provide them with the positive, pain-killing effect of cannabis without having to inhale smoke or inhibit their ability to function normally and safely."

The $15-million Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust Fund was established in the spring of 2001 to support research projects at Nova Scotia colleges and universities. It is managed by the province's university and community college presidents who review applications and approve grants for research projects.

St. F.X. received more than $100,000 from the trust fund for two projects in October 2002.

"This grant from the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust will contribute in a very large way to improving lab facilities for Dr. McKenna's research," said the university's vice-president academic, Ron Johnson. "The support we get from the provincial government is helping St. F.X. to be a centre of research excellence where both faculty and students benefit from working with the latest equipment."

Most projects that receive grants from the trust fund also receive about the same amount in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Dr. McKenna's research project has received $52,560 from the foundation.