![Copyright © 2018 Reed Sutton & Joe Dang
All rights reserved.
A BLOCKCHAIN-BASED ECOSYSTEM FOR INFORMED
CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AND OPEN RESEARCH
1. PROPOSAL SUMMARY
With the legalization of recreational cannabis throughout Canada rapidly approaching,
there is a significant lack of data regarding its use and effect on various aspects of health.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Edmonton has the opportunity to shape a new
national ecosystem surrounding healthy cannabis consumption and regulation, while
simultaneously generating open and transparent data that will have global implications.
2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
Canada is set to become a world leader and trendsetter when recreational use of
cannabis becomes legalized in 2018. However; with 42.5% of the Canadian population
reporting use in 2012[1], and more to join them following legalization [2], there are still
many uncertainties and concerns.
Many beliefs surrounding the health effects of cannabis consumption have
unproven scientific basis. Although many report that using cannabis improves anxiety[3],
it’s possible they are experiencing a masking of symptoms only. In fact, there is only
sufficient evidence for use in three conditions (neuropathic and palliative pain,
chemotherapy-induced nausea) [4], and studies have shown functional status is worse
amongst marijuana users[5]. Further research is needed, and while real-world legalized
use provides an excellent opportunity, caution should be taken in order to avoid the
corrupt, industry-influenced practices that took place with early tobacco research. There
is also a need for public awareness regarding the current research, indications for
consumption, habit-forming effects, and healthy consumption practices such as vaporizing
as opposed to smoking.
We need to create an ecosystem that promotes safe and, at minimum, informed
cannabis consumption, while advancing medical knowledge. The first go-to-market
implementation in this ecosystem could be an innovative, incentivized blockchain-based
mobile application. The application would be bidirectional, providing to the user cannabis
information such as contraindications with pharmaceuticals, facts, and the the latest
cannabis research. More importantly, it would prompt users to complete ongoing surveys
regarding important topics of cannabis research, to establish longitudinal data collection.
Users could authorize the app to access other sources of data that integrate with their
phone, such as smartwatches, which would provide biological data. Cognitive impairment
measurement tools such as DRUID [6] will be incorporated into the app, and upon an
impairment result, suggest a list of activities the user should avoid, including driving, with
easy access to ride-sharing services. These types of tests are already being compared to
saliva or breathalyzer tests, which have their own set of problems[7].](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/blockchain-basedcannabisecosystem-180320022113/85/A-BLOCKCHAIN-BASED-ECOSYSTEM-FOR-INFORMED-CANNABIS-CONSUMPTION-AND-OPEN-RESEARCH-1-320.jpg)
![Copyright © 2018 Reed Sutton & Joe Dang
All rights reserved.
The blockchain is being investigated for its potential in medical research [8]. It will
allow data to be stored publicly and privately, as well as immutably. This facilitates
transparency and reproducibility of studies (which is currently an issue), while maintaining
patient/user privacy. In our solution, the blockchain-based application would also be a
wallet for the tokenized currency of the ecosystem, allowing for incentivization of the above
mentioned user activities that contribute data. On the other side of the economy, goods
and services’ providers would plug in and be available to users, with tokenized transaction
fees being deducted to subsidize further development of the ecosystem and research
environment.
Such an ecosystem (starting with the app but with the potential to become a
dashboard or full blown system) would lead to a more informed, healthier, and safer
community. There is infinite potential for IoT and blockchain-based integrations, with the
potential for point-of-care interventions that could prevent behaviors such as impaired
driving. China and Dubai are already leveraging blockchain in their IoT Smart City
solutions and it is our hope that Canada will follow suit [9,10].](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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A BLOCKCHAIN-BASED ECOSYSTEM FOR INFORMED CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AND OPEN RESEARCH
- 1. Copyright © 2018 Reed Sutton & Joe Dang All rights reserved. A BLOCKCHAIN-BASED ECOSYSTEM FOR INFORMED CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AND OPEN RESEARCH 1. PROPOSAL SUMMARY With the legalization of recreational cannabis throughout Canada rapidly approaching, there is a significant lack of data regarding its use and effect on various aspects of health. By leveraging blockchain technology, Edmonton has the opportunity to shape a new national ecosystem surrounding healthy cannabis consumption and regulation, while simultaneously generating open and transparent data that will have global implications. 2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION Canada is set to become a world leader and trendsetter when recreational use of cannabis becomes legalized in 2018. However; with 42.5% of the Canadian population reporting use in 2012[1], and more to join them following legalization [2], there are still many uncertainties and concerns. Many beliefs surrounding the health effects of cannabis consumption have unproven scientific basis. Although many report that using cannabis improves anxiety[3], it’s possible they are experiencing a masking of symptoms only. In fact, there is only sufficient evidence for use in three conditions (neuropathic and palliative pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea) [4], and studies have shown functional status is worse amongst marijuana users[5]. Further research is needed, and while real-world legalized use provides an excellent opportunity, caution should be taken in order to avoid the corrupt, industry-influenced practices that took place with early tobacco research. There is also a need for public awareness regarding the current research, indications for consumption, habit-forming effects, and healthy consumption practices such as vaporizing as opposed to smoking. We need to create an ecosystem that promotes safe and, at minimum, informed cannabis consumption, while advancing medical knowledge. The first go-to-market implementation in this ecosystem could be an innovative, incentivized blockchain-based mobile application. The application would be bidirectional, providing to the user cannabis information such as contraindications with pharmaceuticals, facts, and the the latest cannabis research. More importantly, it would prompt users to complete ongoing surveys regarding important topics of cannabis research, to establish longitudinal data collection. Users could authorize the app to access other sources of data that integrate with their phone, such as smartwatches, which would provide biological data. Cognitive impairment measurement tools such as DRUID [6] will be incorporated into the app, and upon an impairment result, suggest a list of activities the user should avoid, including driving, with easy access to ride-sharing services. These types of tests are already being compared to saliva or breathalyzer tests, which have their own set of problems[7].
- 2. Copyright © 2018 Reed Sutton & Joe Dang All rights reserved. The blockchain is being investigated for its potential in medical research [8]. It will allow data to be stored publicly and privately, as well as immutably. This facilitates transparency and reproducibility of studies (which is currently an issue), while maintaining patient/user privacy. In our solution, the blockchain-based application would also be a wallet for the tokenized currency of the ecosystem, allowing for incentivization of the above mentioned user activities that contribute data. On the other side of the economy, goods and services’ providers would plug in and be available to users, with tokenized transaction fees being deducted to subsidize further development of the ecosystem and research environment. Such an ecosystem (starting with the app but with the potential to become a dashboard or full blown system) would lead to a more informed, healthier, and safer community. There is infinite potential for IoT and blockchain-based integrations, with the potential for point-of-care interventions that could prevent behaviors such as impaired driving. China and Dubai are already leveraging blockchain in their IoT Smart City solutions and it is our hope that Canada will follow suit [9,10].
- 3. Copyright © 2018 Reed Sutton & Joe Dang All rights reserved. 3. REFERENCES 1. Rotermann M, Langlois K. Prevalence and correlates of marijuana use in Canada, 2012. Health Rep. 2015;26: 10–15. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25875158 2. Cain P. Canada will see 900,000 new pot smokers under legalization, poll implies. In: Global News [Internet]. 12 Oct 2016 [cited 5 Mar 2018]. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/2995390/canada-will-see-900000-new-pot-smokers-under- legalization-poll-implies/ 3. Canada H. Canadian cannabis survey 2017 - Summary - Canada.ca [Internet]. 19 Dec 2017 [cited 5 Mar 2018]. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health- canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/canadian-cannabis-survey-2017- summary.html 4. Allan GM, Ramji J, Perry D, Ton J, Beahm NP, Crisp N, et al. Simplified guideline for prescribing medical cannabinoids in primary care. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64: 111–120. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29449241 5. Fischer B, Ialomiteanu AR, Aeby S, Rudzinski K, Kurdyak P, Rehm J. Substance Use, Health, and Functioning Characteristics of Medical Marijuana Program Participants Compared to the General Adult Population in Ontario (Canada). J Psychoactive Drugs. 2017;49: 31–38. doi:10.1080/02791072.2016.1264648 6. DRUID | impairment measurement tool. In: DRUID | impairment measurement tool [Internet]. [cited 7 Mar 2018]. Available: https://www.druidapp.com/ 7. Gouaux B. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Cannabis in Healthy Volunteers Evaluating Simulated Driving, Field Performance Tests and Cannabinoid Levels [Internet]. [cited 8 Mar 2018]. Available: https://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu/index.php/2015-11-20-20-52-15/pending- studies/62-ab266 8. Benchoufi M, Ravaud P. Blockchain technology for improving clinical research quality. Trials. Trials; 2017;18: 1–5. doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2035-z 9. Waltonchain_EN. Smart City Founders, Alibaba Cloud & Waltonchain Subsidiary Zhongchuan IoT, Sign Strategic…. In: Medium [Internet]. Medium; 6 Mar 2018 [cited 7 Mar 2018]. Available: https://medium.com/@Waltonchain_EN/smart-city-founders-alibaba-cloud- waltonchain-subsidiary-zhongchuan-iot-sign-strategic-97ccc27ce7bf 10. Ereiqat S. Blockchain in Dubai: Smart cities from concept to reality - Blockchain Unleashed: IBM Blockchain Blog. In: Blockchain Unleashed: IBM Blockchain Blog [Internet]. 10 Apr 2017 [cited 8 Mar 2018]. Available: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/blockchain/2017/04/blockchain-in-dubai-smart-cities-from- concept-to-reality/