Online survey of medicinal cannabis users: Qualitative analysis of patient-level data

Abstract

Aim: To characterize perceived benefits and challenges experienced by medicinal cannabis users.Methods: An anonymous online survey collected demographics, health information, and open-ended responses from medicinal cannabis users regarding perceptions, motivations, and experience of treatment. Qualitative open-ended responses were thematically analyzed.Results: Respondents (N = 808) were predominantly White (79%), female (63%), with a mean (SD) age of 38 (20). Two hundred eighty-four (35%) respondents provided data on a dependent family member (e.g., child; 22% of total sample). Most used cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant products (58%), primarily for neurological disorders (38%) or pain (25%). Primary motivations for medicinal cannabis use were based on beliefs that traditional treatments were ineffective and/or had intolerable side effects (51%), positive scientific or media portrayals of the safety/efficacy of cannabis as a therapeutic (29%), or preference for “natural” treatments over pharmaceuticals (21%). A majority of respondents (77%) attributed positive effects to the medicinal use of cannabis/cannabinoids. These included physical symptom improvements such as reduced pain (28%), improved sleep (18%), and seizure reduction (18%), and mental health improvements including reduced anxiety (22%) and improved mood (11%). Additionally, respondents reported reduced use of other medications (e.g., opioids) (12%), and improved quality of life (14%). Problems associated with use were cited by 41% of respondents, and included unwanted side effects (16%), lack of information or medical support (16%), prohibitive costs (12%), and legal concerns (10%).Conclusion: Most participants reported benefits from cannabis use for a variety of conditions where traditional treatments were ineffective or unacceptable. Concerns regarding cannabis side effects, legality, lack of information, and cost were raised. Data indicate greater research and education on the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis/cannabinoid use is warranted.

Knowledge and perceptions about Cannabidiol use

“…Social stigma associated with the use of CBD and potential judgement of HCPs were barriers to CBD use reported by members of the public which were also concerns reported in other studies 15,16,32,33 .…”

Development of cannabis use disorder in medical cannabis users: A 9-month follow-up of a randomized clinical trial testing effects of medical cannabis card ownership

“…We did not assess quality-of-life measures such as stress levels, activity levels, or positive affect. Other studies suggest that even if symptoms themselves do not improve, cannabis may improve these quality-of-life measures ( 58 , 59 ). Finally, past CUD (>1 year before enrollment) was not exclusionary for this study, though we note that rates of past CUD were low (8.0% of participants) and the time between any CUD diagnosis and trial enrollment was often long (M = 23, SD = 20 years prior to study enrollment).…”

Oral CBD-rich hemp extract modulates sterile inflammation in female and male rats

“…Recent surveys of older and younger adults concluded that most CBD users believe there is compelling experimental evidence that CBD-rich hemp products are both safe and effective even though results from rigorously designed studies are equivocal ( Astray et al, 2022 ; Garcia-Romeu et al, 2022 ; Kaufmann et al, 2022 ; Kimless et al, 2022 ; Utter et al, 2022 ; Wysota et al, 2022 ). There remains a need, therefore, for additional clinical trials and preclinical studies that more closely reflect the route of administration and phytochemical composition of CBD products being used.…”