Patterns of use of medical cannabis in a community oncology clinic.

Abstract

e24111 Background: Despite the fact that cannabis is still illegal in some states, two-thirds of all patients with cancer may have used cannabis at some point in their life to alleviate anorexia, nausea, chronic pain, and/or insomnia. Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug on the federal list with drugs such as heroin and LSD, which limits the ability to conduct quality clinical trials. This purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, reasons for use, methods of use, and perceived benefits of medical cannabis in an adult community oncology clinic. Methods: Patients completed a questionnaire when they checked in for their appointment at the outpatient oncology clinic at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. Patients who used marijuana were asked questions regarding the mode of ingestion, perceived benefits, types of underlying cancer, and estimated monthly cost. Results: Of the 775 patients who completed the study to date, 129 men (29.3%) and 54 women (70.1%) responded that they used medical cannabis. Approximately 72% were white, 29.3% had breast cancer, and 13% had lung cancer. 39% percent had a diagnosis of metastatic cancer and 44% were undergoing chemotherapy. The most often stated reasons for use were pain (45%), sleep (43%), nausea (38%); and anxiety/mood (38%). Over 50% reported use of oils and tinctures and 44% used edibles. A smaller percentage preferred vaping (26%) or smoking (30%). Topical use was preferred by fewer patients (17%). Over 58% of patients stated they used more than one method. Most patients felt that use of cannabis helped alleviate symptoms. Marked improvement was reported by 40% patients; moderate improvement by another 41%. Only 13% users stated that they noted little to no improvement. The majority of patients (66%) spent $100 or less per month on marijuana whereas 22% spent between $100 and$200 per month. Conclusions: Medical cannabis is used by approximately one-fourth of all patients in an urban community cancer center in Northern California and the majority reported that cannabis provided improvements in symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. Further research regarding mechanism of actions and associated risks is warranted.