Cannabis consumption in young adults with cancer: descriptive study

Abstract

ObjectiveIn the USA, the increase in state-sanctioned medical and recreational cannabis consumption means more young adults (YA) with cancer are using cannabis. Data and information are needed to characterise this use and frame much needed discussions about the role of cannabis in cancer care. To that end, this study’s objective was to describe consumption of cannabis in YA with cancer.MethodsFour hundred seventy-six patients with cancer ages 18–39 years at a large comprehensive cancer centre responded to a survey about their cannabis consumption. The survey was administered online between July 2019 and June 2020, and respondents were anonymous.ResultsFifty-two per cent (n=247) of respondents endorsed use within the last year; of these, half reported using cannabis prior to their diagnosis. Consumption was about equally distributed between smoking/inhalation and eating/drinking cannabis products. Seventy-five per cent of consumers used cannabis at least weekly. Top five primary reasons for use were pain, anxiety, nausea, sleep and recreation. More frequent consumption was associated with greater perceived improvement in certain symptoms. Cannabis products tended to be sourced from friends and family and information from non-medical sources. Most YA reported being comfortable discussing their consumption with providers.ConclusionsMany YA are using cannabis frequently to manage their cancer-related and treatment-related symptoms. Findings support the need for providers to consider cannabis use in treatment planning and symptom management with YA. Findings should help frame patient and provider discussions and herald much needed research on the effect of cannabis consumption on patient outcomes.

Cannabis use among adults undergoing cancer treatment

“…Although our findings parallel other studies of cannabis use to relieve cancer‐related symptoms, 5,27,29,30,40,45 we also identified that those who used cannabis in the past 30 days had significantly worse symptom profiles overall than those who did not use cannabis. Participants who used cannabis reported more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, poorer social functioning, greater psychological distress, and greater physical symptoms, including nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain interference/intensity.…”

“…In order of frequency, participants were most likely to use cannabis for pain, cancer (in general), sleep problems, anxiety, nausea/vomiting, poor appetite/weight loss, and depression. Consistent with previous research, 5,27–30 cannabis was perceived to be most effective for treating sleep problems, nausea/vomiting, headaches, pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Also consistent with the literature, 31,32 participants who used cannabis in the past 30 days perceived cannabis to be less harmful overall and compared to other substances than those who did not use cannabis.…”

“…Consistent with previous research, 5,[27][28][29][30] cannabis was perceived to be most effective for treating sleep problems, nausea/vomiting, headaches, pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Also consistent with the literature, 31,32 participants who used cannabis in the past 30 days perceived cannabis to be less harmful overall and compared to other substances than those who did not use cannabis.…”

“…More research is needed to close these gaps and to study the conditions for which cannabis is commonly used and perceived to provide the most relief, while acknowledging potential placebo effects. 44 Although our findings parallel other studies of cannabis use to relieve cancer-related symptoms, 5,27,29,30,40,45 we also identified that those who used cannabis in the past 30 14,30,35,46,47 Participants who used cannabis reported lower perceived risks for most health outcomes and were more likely to report that cannabis was associated with more benefits and fewer harms than those who did not use cannabis. Even still, participants who used cannabis were more likely to report lifetime smoking, had slightly higher rates of past 30-day alcohol use than those who did not use cannabis (i.e., 46% vs. 35%), and reported higher rates of prescription pain medication use.…”