Abstract
BackgroundCancer patients have been at the forefront of policy discussions leading to legalization of medical Cannabis (marijuana). Unfortunately, Cannabis use among those with cancer is poorly understood.MethodsA diverse group of patients seeking certification for medical Cannabis in the state of Michigan were surveyed at the time of their presentation to medical dispensaries. The survey assessed demographics, employment/disability, pain, physical functioning, mental health, mode of Cannabis use, and frequency/amount of Cannabis use. Chi-square and t-tests were performed to compare those who did and did not endorse cancer diagnosis.ResultsAnalysis of data from 1485 adults pursuing medical Cannabis certification, including 72 (4.8%) reporting a cancer diagnosis, indicated that those with cancer were older [mean age 53.4 years (SD = 10.5) vs. 44.7 years (SD = 13.0); p<0.001] than those without cancer. They also differed regarding employment status (p<0.001; working: 20.8% vs. 46.2%; disabled: 44.4% vs. 26.5% for those with vs. those without cancer, respectively). Those with cancer used less Cannabis (p = 0.033 for quantity used) and used Cannabis less often (p = 0.032 for frequency of use); they less frequently endorsed smoking Cannabis (80% vs 91%; p = 0.015). There was a non-significant trend to increased edible use in those with cancer (57% vs. 44%; p = 0.052).ConclusionsPatients with cancer who are seeking medical Cannabis are different from those seeking medical Cannabis without cancer, and they report using Cannabis differently. Further research to characterize the patterns and consequences of Cannabis use in cancer patients is needed.
Highlights
Cancer is a universal qualifying condition for medical Cannabis across states providing access to medical Cannabis, and many patients with cancer use Cannabis to manage symptoms caused by either malignancy itself or the treatment of malignancy [1]
Analysis of data from 1485 adults pursuing medical Cannabis certification, including 72 (4.8%) reporting a cancer diagnosis, indicated that those with cancer were older [mean age 53.4 years (SD = 10.5) vs. 44.7 years (SD = 13.0); p
Patients with cancer who are seeking medical Cannabis are different from those seeking medical Cannabis without cancer, and they report using Cannabis differently
Summary
Cancer is a universal qualifying condition for medical Cannabis across states providing access to medical Cannabis, and many patients with cancer use Cannabis to manage symptoms caused by either malignancy itself or the treatment of malignancy [1]. Patients with cancer report that they use Cannabis to help with pain, nausea, poor appetite, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and cancer itself, and some reports of observational studies have demonstrated perceived benefit of Cannabis for many symptoms [1,2,3]. There may be significant worry associated with both initial treatment and over a potential long course of follow up after treatment is completed [7]. Despite these clear differences between cancer patients and others, it is not known how these differences may or may not translate into differences in Cannabis use between those with cancer and those using Cannabis for other medical reasons. Cannabis use among those with cancer is poorly understood
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