One of the difficulties faced by the medical cannabis industry is the lack of large-scale research and trials. Canadian-based Strainprint Technologies is on the forefront of utilizing data to generate science-based analysis, designed to help decision-makers regarding patient care. Without enough relevant research, it has been hard to improve therapeutic bio-accessibility, as well as make informed decisions as to patient care.
“Other data companies in the cannabis space work in supply-side analysis,” says David Berg, president and chief technology officer of Strainprint. “We look at the demand side and how cannabis use impacts the consumer.”
In 2016, Strainprint partners set out to create a data resource for producers, clinics, and researchers to be able to make informed decisions. The analytics platform was rolled out in 2017. The analytics rely on anonymous, real-time patient data – representing 1.6 million patient outcomes collected from 3,800 lab-verified cannabis products and over 25,000 patient-entered products.
The above creates a dynamic dataset with in excess of 80 million data points regarding patients and chemovar efficacy.
“The system is based on statistically validated real-world evidence, not anecdotal reviews.” David Berg
The Strainprint System
A free mobile app is provided to patients via Apple or Android mobile devices. Patients select the symptom they are experiencing and create a library of the cannabis products they use. Strainprint tracks their usage and feedback rating regarding a particular strain; including dose and administration data. The app summarizes the customer data anonymously, and stores and encrypts it into a secure, cloud-based network which meets HIPAA guidelines. This personal treatment diary can be shared privately with health care providers directly from the app.
Strainpoints are loyalty points which can be redeemed for discounts on a variety of products. This incentive is provided to encourage people to use the app and share their data.
How It Works: Patients enter their symptoms or ailment, score the severity of the pain, enter the medical cannabis strain purchased, and dosage information. After approximately 20 minutes, patients receive a “push” notification asking how they feel in order to track results.
Geographical Considerations
Berg indicates that there are differences from his home Canadian market to the United State market. In the U.S. regulation is overseen by each individual state, with its own regulations.
There are also differences within the U.S. market. Florida markets experience different weather and production methods than cultivators in the Midwest, so chemovars may be different. However, the app depends on having a baseline for a valid comparison, so the Strainpoint app takes the differences into account for better data analysis.
More Applications for the Data
The user information, once anonymized, is used as the basis for Strainprint Analytics.
Analytics is a web-based subscription service available to clinics, pharmacies, licensed producers, researchers, physicians, and governments. Real-time data direct from the users themselves assists in making informed decisions in areas such as what product to grow and recommend, as well as any trends in the industry that the data may indicate.
Producers can learn, for instance, how many patients are using a particular product as well as what ailments the product is being used to treat. They can further understand dosages and results. Retailers can stock what customers want and need, and patients can use the database to find the right product for their needs.
Considering Medical Cannabis? Here’s How to Get Started
Dr. Daniel P. Stein is one of the country’s leading medical cannabis experts. If you are considering medical marijuana for your treatment and live in the Sarasota area, call Neurology of Cannabis today for a consultation.