Use of Medical Cannabis by Patients With Cancer: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practice

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2023 Sep;66(3):203-211.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.05.010. Epub 2023 May 25.

Abstract

Context: Demand for medical cannabis (MC) is growing among Israeli patients with cancer.

Objectives: The study sought to assess factors contributing to the demand for MC among patients with cancer.

Methods: Patients applying for a permit to receive MC at a pain and palliative clinic of a university-affiliated cancer center in Israel in 2020-2021 were asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing attitudes, knowledge, and expectations regarding MC use. Findings were compared between first-time and repeat applicants. Repeat applicants were asked to report their indications for requesting MC, patterns of use, and treatment effect.

Results: The cohort included 146 patients: 63 first-time applicants and 83 repeat applicants. First-time applicants were more likely to consult sources other than their oncologist for MC-related information (P < 0.01) and expressed more concern about addiction (P < 0.001) and side effects (P < 0.05). They often erroneously assumed the treatment was subsidized (P < 0.001). Repeat applicants were younger (P < 0.05) and included more smokers (P < 0.05) and recreational cannabis users (P < 0.05); 56.6% were cancer survivors and 78% used high-potency MC. Most patients believed to some degree that MC is more effective than conventional medications for symptom control, and over half thought that MC helps to cure cancer.

Conclusion: Misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of MC for symptom management and treatment may explain the motivation of patients with cancer to apply for a permit. There seems to be an association of young age, cigarette smoking, and recreational cannabis use with ongoing use of MC among cancer survivors.

Keywords: Cannabis; cancer; chronic pain; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; palliative care; self-report.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Cannabis*
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pain / drug therapy

Substances

  • Medical Marijuana