Under the mentorship of Professor and Researcher João P. de Aquino from Yale University's Department of Psychiatry, Costa collaborated with researchers from the University of São Paulo and Cleveland University Hospital to develop this scientific project.
Costa explains that the project arose due to his interest in the area of psychiatry, specifically substance use
Highlighting the study's relevance to the scientific community and society at large, Costa stresses that despite global discourse, medical cannabis usage remains stigmatized.
"In patients with opioid use disorder, physicians mustn't stigmatize cannabis usage to the detriment of treatment. Emphasizing life-saving medications and tailored treatment is crucial. Nonetheless, as a drug, it's imperative to assess whether patients are open to reducing usage and understand their motivations—some seek pain relief, while others aim to address insomnia," Costa explains.
According to Professor Reinaldo Bulgarelli Bestetti, the Medicine program coordinator, the research's international media coverage "paves the way and forms a vital part of internationalization. This aligns with our university's research ethos, addressing the community's needs."
The complete article, authored by Gabriel Costa in collaboration with researchers Julio Nunes, Daniel Heringer, Akhil Anand, and João de Aquino, can be read in its entirety by clicking here.
