Utilization and dispensing patterns of medical cannabis products in a state with legalized medical cannabis.

Abstract

e18844 Background: The medical uses of cannabis-based products have been proposed to include treatment of pain, various neurological, gastrointestinal and psychological conditions. Cancer patients are some of the highest utilizers of medical cannabis-based products. To understand real world use and impact of cannabis-based products, we analyzed the database from 4 dispensaries of a cannabis company licensed in New York state. We aim to evaluate the dose, average THC/CBD ratios, association of various medical conditions to THC/CBD dose and cost of products to individuals receiving cannabis-based products. Methods: A retrospective analysis of anonymized data was conducted on 422,201 dispensed products from 32,845 unique individuals aged 18 years and older between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2020. The database included patient’s age, gender, qualifying medical condition, type of product, medication directions and amount of product dispensed. Results: Median age was 53 years old and 52% were females. Cancer and non-cancer related pain (85%) were the most common medical condition and inhalation (57%) the most common route. Individuals received a median of 6 prescriptions with median cost of $50/product. Average THC:CBD ratios were 28:0.5mg/day and 12:0.25mg/dose. Highest average cost [mean (95% CI): $73 ($71-$75)] and average CBD/dose per product [mean (95% CI):5.89 (5.38-6.40)] were dispensed for neurological conditions. Highest average THC/dose [mean (95% CI): 14.25 (13.36-15.14)] were found as use as alternative products for those with substance use disorders. Table 1 shows the comparison of gender and route to medical condition. Conclusions: More females received medical cannabis prescriptions while males used more products. Pain was the most common reason for medical cannabis prescriptions. Neurological conditions demonstrated highest average cost and CBD/dose and prescriptions for substance use disorder demonstrated highest THC/dose for products dispensed. Products prescribed had more THC as compared to CBD and inhalation was preferred. As cancer patients increasingly utilize medical cannabis products in conjunction with tumor directed and symptom therapy it will be important to have randomized studies to help guide oncologists. [Table: see text]