As medical use of cannabis becomes more common in the treatment of chronic pain, these researchers wanted to better understand the patient perspective of this therapy.
Based on semi-structured interviews with 13 chronic pain patients at a hospital-based clinic in Ontario, Canada, patients reported reduced pain, improved functionality, and less risk of harms associated with opioids.
Harms identified by patients included grogginess and coughing, and wide variability in personal experience. Patients also cited stigma and costs as important barriers to the use of cannabis.
The authors conclude that clinicians who prescribe medical cannabis would benefit from evidence-based guidance for addressing these patient concerns.
Source: AminiLari M, Kithulegoda N, Strachan P, et al. Benefits and concerns regarding use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes among people living with chronic pain: a qualitative research study. Pain Med. 2022;11(23):1828–1836. doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnac085.
