The University of WA (UWA) are at the forefront of medicinal marijuana research, not just in Australia, but in the world. Recent results have shown a cannabinoid extract to be effective against insomnia.

23 patients were involved in the study, all having been diagnosed with symptoms relating to chronic insomnia.

The study took place over a 28-day period, with the first 14 days being treated with the cannabinoid formula, and after a week’s break, the second 14 days being treated with a placebo.

As with many clinical studies, neither the researchers nor the patients knew which ones were the placebo.

During the 28 days, patients were asked to rate their symptoms based on the Insomnia Severity Index. Here are the questions asked on the index:

Results showed a clear betterment on the index in those taking the cannabis formula. On average, scores decreased 26% across all participants, with those on the highest doses decreasing by 36%.

Peter Eastwood from UWA’s Centre for Sleep Science, and Lead Researcher of the study, said this one of the most stringent studies conducted relating cannabis to insomnia treatment.

The fact that the treatment achieved significant, dose-responsive improvements across a broad range of key insomnia indices is impressive.

The cannabis formula was provided by Zelira Therapeutics (ASX:ZLD) who aims to launch the world’s first clinically validated medicinal cannabis product for insomnia later this year.

Following the release of these results, Zelira’s share price has increased 25% in a matter of days.