Medical Marijuana Use Research Articles

Clinical associations of fetal heart rate accelerations as derived from transabdominal fetal electrocardiograms

ObjectiveTo determine the value of quantifying accelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR), as collected non-invasively during pregnancy, as a proxy for fetal movements. Study DesignThe study consists of a prospective collection of research material with retrospective analyses of the collected fetal electrocardiograms (ECGs), done in a homogeneous population in a low socioeconomic residential area of Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the Safe Passage Study. Recruitment and follow-up were done from August 2007 to August 2016. Maternal and fetal ECGs were collected non-invasively at various gestational ages, for approximately 30–60 min at a time in 4418 pregnant women. After processing of the signal, the number and duration of accelerations and the area under the acceleration curve of the FHR were calculated and compared with the pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries, common medical conditions, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine use and z-scores of the birthweight (BWZS). ResultsOf the total, 2777, 691, and 3879 women were at gestational ages of 20–24, 28–32 and 34–38 weeks respectively. At 20–24 weeks duration of accelerations was significantly longer in women who used marijuana (p = 0.014) or methamphetamine (p < 0.001) when compared to nonusers. At 28–32 weeks the duration of accelerations was significantly shorter in hypertensive women (p = 0.003) and significantly longer in women who used methamphetamine (p = 0.015). At 34–38 weeks the number of accelerations were significantly less in women who had hypertension ((p = 0.01) or stillbirths (p = 0.028) and the duration significantly shorter in hypertensive women (p = 0.007) and significantly longer in women who used marjuana (p = 0.003) or methamphetamine (p = 0.028). The acceleration area was significantly smaller (p = 0.02) in women who has stillbirths. Duration of accelerations was significantly longer in users of nicotine and alcohol when compared with that of abstainers. Birthweight z-score correlated significantly with number of accelerations (p < 0.01) and the acceleration area (<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of accelerations (p < 0.01) and acceleration area (p < 0.01) and the PI of the uterine artery at 34–38 weeks. ConclusionsCalculation of the acceleration parameters of the FHR during pregnancy may provide useful information for evaluating fetal development.

1.36 Impact of Marijuana Legislation on Marijuana- and Cannabidiol-Related Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Among Adolescents Receiving Mood Disorder Treatment in the United States and Their Parents

1.36 Impact of Marijuana Legislation on Marijuana- and Cannabidiol-Related Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Among Adolescents Receiving Mood Disorder Treatment in the United States and Their Parents

S906 Survey on Medical Marijuana Use in IBD Patients in Oklahoma Before and After Legalization

S906 Survey on Medical Marijuana Use in IBD Patients in Oklahoma Before and After Legalization

Pediatric Subspecialist Alcohol Screening Rates and Concerns About Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Their Adolescent Patients

PurposePediatric specialty care provides an opportunity to screen for and address patient substance use; however, little is known about providers’ screening rates, their opinions regarding substance use harms, or the potential marijuana to be used as a medication. MethodsWe surveyed national convenience samples of pediatric endocrinologists (N = 142) and rheumatologists (N = 83) and used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to examine alcohol screening rates, barriers, and for medical use of marijuana, differences between subspecialist concerns. ResultsIn all, 36.4% of providers reported screening adolescent patients annually or more, and a majority expressed concerns about impacts on disease management (80.0%/80.0%) and symptom management (69.3%/53.3%) from alcohol and marijuana, respectively. Nearly equal proportions disagreed (30.2%), were neutral (34.7%), or agreed (35.1%) that some patients would benefit from medical marijuana, although majorities were not comfortable recommending marijuana (62.7%) and did not believe marijuana is standardized enough to be used as medication (57.8%). DiscussionFewer than half of the subspecialists in our study routinely screen their adolescent patients for substance use, although many have concerns regarding the impacts of alcohol and marijuana use on their patients. Education and training on best practice could help to increase screening rates. There is agreement that marijuana is not standardized enough to be used as a medication. There is also a broad range of opinions regarding the pharmaceutical potential of marijuana and concerns about the impact of marijuana on underlying chronic medical conditions, which should be considered as marijuana policy continues to evolve.

Medical Marijuana Use for Cancer-Related Symptoms among Floridians: A Descriptive Study.

Background: Thirty-six states, including Florida, have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, yet how it is used and perceived by persons with cancer is not well understood. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of use, perceived benefits, and side effects of medical marijuana (MMJ) among cancer patients in Florida. Methods: For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, anyone residing within the state of Florida who was diagnosed or treated for a malignancy within the last five years and had used MMJ was eligible. An online survey containing questions about dosing, side effects, perceived benefits, and barriers to use was used. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to analyze quantitative data. Responses to open-ended questions were coded and categorized. Results: Sleep (n = 112), pain (n = 96), and anxiety (n = 82) were the most common symptoms participants used MMJ to relieve and overall felt it was highly effective. MMJ was well tolerated with a minority (10.3%) reporting any adverse effects. Cost was the most frequent barrier reported by participants (42.8%). A variety of legal, bureaucratic, and system-related barriers were described. Conclusion: Participants perceived MMJ to be helpful in alleviating cancer symptoms. They held negative perceptions of the way MMJ is implemented and integrated into their oncology treatment plan. Enhanced communication and patient/provider education on MMJ are needed to inform patient decision making.

Perceptions and prevalence of marijuana use among cancer patients managed at an outpatient department in Zimbabwe: A brief report.

Globally, marijuana is becoming an acceptable complementary medicine for symptom management in cancer. At the time that the study was conducted, Zimbabwean laws only allowed for the cultivation of marijuana for medical and scientific use. As of 18 July 2022, the national medicines regulator released a circular allowing the licensing, distribution, and use of cannabidiol-based products. Anecdotes indicate there is medical marijuana use among Zimbabwean patients with cancer. We sought to determine the prevalence, patterns of use and perceptions of medical marijuana among patients with cancer. A cross-sectional survey was used to determine patterns and perceptions of marijuana use among outpatient patients with cancer. The study included adults attending the outpatient oncology clinic at Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy Treatment Center. Fifty participants with a median age of 50.5 years (IQR: 41-58) completed the questionnaire, and 28.0% of them were male. The prevalence of marijuana use in the sample was 24.0% (95% CI 13.9-38.2). Most marijuana users were male (83.3%, p < 0.001). The rate of medical marijuana use among users was 66.7%. Participants were generally neutral concerning the benefits of marijuana and how it should be regulated. Just under 50% indicated that they would be open to using it if it were legal. The prevalence of marijuana use in the sample was comparable to other jurisdictions. Perceptions toward medical marijuana were generally neutral. Consequently, for medical marijuana and/or cannabidiol-based products to become acceptable in the Zimbabwean context, there is need for the dissemination of evidence-based information on their benefits.

Trends in Cannabis-Related and Opioid-Related Hospitalization Rates in Maine, 2010-2020

Introduction: Medical marijuana use became legal in the state of Maine in 1999, and recreational adult-use marijuana became legal in 2016. However, the rates of hospitalization related to marijuana (also known as cannabis) use have not been studied. We estimated trends in cannabis-related hospitalization rates in Maine based on rurality and descriptively compared these trends to opioid-related hospitalization rates during the past decade. Methods: We obtained de-identified data of inpatient encounters for Maine residents between 2010 and 2020 from MaineHealth Data Organization. We then calculated age-standardized rates of cannabis-related and opioid-related hospitalizations overall and by rural-urban residence using International Classification of Diseases clinical modification (ICD-CM) diagnosis codes. We used Poisson regression models to assess linear trends over time, stratified by ICD-9-CM versus ICD-10-CM timeframes. Results: Cannabis-related inpatient encounters accounted for 2.3% of all inpatient encounters among Maine residents between 2010 and 2020 and increased 0.3% per quarter between 2016 and 2020. Rates for urban residents were higher than rates for rural residents. Opioid-related inpatient encounters among Maine residents accounted for 3.4% of all inpatient encounters, and rates increased 0.6% per quarter between 2016 and 2020. Rates were higher among urban versus rural residents. Discussion: We found increasing rates of cannabis-related and opioid-related inpatient encounters in Maine spanning a period that included when recreational adult-use marijuana was legalized, but largely preceded its retail sales in Maine (October 2020). Conclusions: These trends and other public health impacts of increased access to marijuana use in Maine should continue to be monitored, especially after recreational adult-use marijuana is fully implemented.

Nurse Leaders’ Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Medical Marijuana

<h3>Background</h3> As more states in the United States legalize marijuana for medical use, nurse leaders will play increasingly important roles in patients' access to and use of medical marijuana. <h3>Purpose</h3> To examine nurse leaders' attitudes toward and experiences with medical marijuana by state policy environment. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a national, online, cross-sectional survey of nurse leaders who were recruited through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (<i>n</i> = 811). Descriptive statistics were used to examine the prevalence of responses to each item. <h3>Results</h3> The majority of respondents worked in inpatient settings or health systems. Nearly 90% of nurse leaders thought that people should be able to use marijuana legally to treat their medical conditions, 67% believed that nurses should facilitate access to medical marijuana for patients who would benefit from its use, and 78% agreed that state and national nursing organizations should help reduce the stigma associated with the drug. Two-thirds of nurse leaders viewed medical marijuana as less dangerous than other drugs for treating pain and viewed legalization as leading to safer marijuana products (e.g., ensuring it is not laced with other substances) and enabling clinicians to be responsive to patient preferences. In states that had legalized medical marijuana, the absence of institutional policies and clinical guidelines about medical marijuana were identified by most respondents as significant barriers to patients' legal use of it in healthcare settings. Fourteen percent of nurse leaders were aware of NCSBN's <i>National Nursing Guidelines for Medical Marijuana</i>. The vast majority of respondents (85%) believed that education about medical marijuana should be provided in prelicensure nursing education programs. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Nurse leaders were supportive of legalization and viewed nurses and nursing organizations as central to patients' acceptance of, access to, and use of medical marijuana. Nurse leaders acknowledged that they lacked education and were unaware of existing guidelines on the topic.

Thromboembolic Outcomes in Tetrahydrocannabinol-Positive Trauma PatientsWith Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Recent shifts in state legislation have increased the use of recreational and medical marijuana. While cannabinoids and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have known anti-inflammatory effects, the impact of preinjury THC use on clinical outcomes in the setting of severe TBI is unknown. We hypothesized that preinjury THC use in trauma patients suffering TBI would be associated with decreased thromboembolic events and adverse outcomes. The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients aged ≥18y with TBI and severe injury (Injury Severity Score≥16) in admit year 2017. Patients with smoking or tobacco history or missing or positive toxicology tests for drug and/or alcohol use other than THC were excluded. Propensity score matching was used to compare THC+ patients to similar THC- patients. A total of 13,266 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 1669 were THC+. A total of 1377 THC+ patients were matched to 1377 THC- patients. No significant differences were found in in-hospital outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. No patients had ischemic stroke, and THC+ patients had significantly decreased rates of hemorrhagic stroke (0.5% versus 1.5%, P=0.02, odds ratio 0.41 [95% confidence interval 0.18-0.86]). Preinjury THC use may be associated with decreased hemorrhagic stroke in severely injured patients with TBI, but there was no difference in thromboembolic outcomes. Further research into pathophysiological mechanisms related to THC are needed.

Experience With Medical Marijuana for Cancer Patients in the Palliative Setting.

Objectives: Medical marijuana is a symptom treatment option for palliative cancer patients; however, its useful applications remain limited. The goals of this study were to review the characteristics of patients who received medical marijuana under our ambulatory palliative care program and to determine barriers to access and use of medical marijuana in this population.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who were enrolled in the medical marijuana registry through the ambulatory palliative care department at Upstate Cancer Center. Data from June 2017 to June 2020 were analyzed. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of cancer, were certified by a qualified practitioner in the New York Medical Marijuana Program, and received care at Upstate Medical University. Patients were excluded if no marijuana certificate was found or if they transferred care.Results: The study population was 184 patients. Ninety-three patients (51.5%) received at least one prescription from a New York licensed marijuana dispensary while 72 (39.13%) were certified but never obtained any medical marijuana. For patients who took at least one dose of medical marijuana, 48.14% experienced an improvement in pain, 44.95% used fewer opioids, and 85.11% had an improvement in at least one symptom. Adverse effects were low at 3.72%.Conclusion: Medical marijuana has an important role in the palliation of symptoms in advanced cancers with few adverse effects. There are still many barriers to effective use. More prospective research is needed to optimize delivery and dosing.

Clinical Characteristics and Quality of Life in Adults Initiating Medical Marijuana Treatment

Introduction: Despite the rising availability and use of medical marijuana (MM) in the USA, little is known about the demographics, clinical characteristics, or quality of life of MM patients. This study describes the demographic characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of MM patients who are initiating treatment in Pennsylvania. Methods: Two-hundred adults naive to MM and referred for any of the 23 state-approved qualifying conditions were recruited at three MM dispensaries in Pennsylvania between September 2020 and March 2021. All participants consented to the study; completed semi-structured interviews that included demographic questionnaires, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); provided height and weight measurements; and allowed access their dispensary medical records. Results: Participants had a mean age of 48.5 ± 15.6 years, predominantly identified as female (67.5%), and were most commonly referred for chronic pain (63.5%) and/or anxiety (58.5%). Additionally, 46.0% were living with obesity as determined by BMI. Relative to a normative sample, participants reported diminished HRQoL in several domains, most notably in role limitations due to physical health (M = 46.0 ± 42.0), role limitations due to emotional problems (M = 52.5 ± 42.3), energy and fatigue (M = 39.8 ± 20.2), and pain (M = 49.4 ± 26.0). Discussion/Conclusion: Patients initiating MM treatment experienced low HRQoL in multiple domains. Future studies could evaluate the relationship between HRQoL and patients’ decisions to pursue MM treatment, as well as changes in HRQoL with MM use over time.

NURS-04. Marijuana, Hemp, and the Child with Cancer: Education for Nurses

Abstract Many pediatric oncology patients report medical marijuana (MMJ) and hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) use. Nearly 4,000 minors are registered users of marijuana in Colorado, the first state in the United States of America (USA) to legalize recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana is legalized in 37 states and four territories in the USA. Additionally, due to the bipartisan Farm Bill passed in December of 2018, hemp is federally legal. Forty-three countries have also legalized medical marijuana. With increased legality and many countries decriminalizing marijuana, the use of MMJ and hemp-based CBD is also increasing. This upsurge in use raises significant concerns with pharmacological interactions with CBD and the medications routinely administered to children with cancer (including chemotherapy). Cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals can also have pharmacological interactions. Nurses are the frontline for discussions with patients about MMJ and must be aware of the emerging field of MMJ in pediatric cancer. Education including the difference between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD and their indications, extraction methods and safety, product types, infection control, and dosing considerations are important for nurses to learn. Nurses with increased knowledge will then help patients and families make educated and safer choices in treating their children for tumor treatment and side effect management with MMJ and hemp-based CBD. Additionally, nurses can influence patient care protocols and processes for alternative therapy administration enabling an open dialogue between providers, parents, and patients regarding treatments, symptoms, adverse effects, and drug interactions.

Marijuana liberalization and public finance: A capital market perspective on the passage of medical use laws

We find that the staggered passage of state-level laws that legalize marijuana for medical use increases states' borrowing costs by 7–9 basis points. Consistent with economic theory on substance use suggesting that marijuana legalization increases local consumption of the drug (by expanding its availability and reducing its perceived risks), we predict and find that increased consumption represents an important mechanism that explains the higher state bond spreads. We also show that following such laws’ passage, states incur higher marijuana-consumption-related expenditures, including for police, corrections, and public welfare.

Medical conditions of primary care patients with documented cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in electronic health records: a case control study from an academic health system in a medical marijuana state

BackgroundApproximately 3.8% of adults worldwide have used cannabis in the past year. Understanding how cannabis use is associated with other health conditions is crucial for healthcare providers seeking to understand the needs of their patients, and for health policymakers. This paper analyzes the relationship between documented cannabis use disorders (CUD), cannabis use (CU) and other health diagnoses among primary care patients during a time when medical use of marijuana was permitted by state law in California, United States of America.MethodsThe study utilized primary care electronic health record (EHR) data from an academic health system, using a case–control design to compare diagnoses among individuals with CUD/CU to those of matched controls, and those of individuals with CUD diagnoses with individuals who had CU otherwise documented. Associations of documented CU and CUD with general medical conditions and health conditions associated with cannabis use (both medical and behavioral) were analyzed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsOf 1,047,463 patients with ambulatory encounters from 2013–2017, 729 (0.06%) had CUD diagnoses and 3,731 (0.36%) had CU documented in their EHR. Patients with documented CUD and CU patients had significantly (p < 0.01) higher odds of most medical and behavioral diagnoses analyzed. Compared to matched controls, CUD-documented patients had highest odds of other substance use disorders (OR = 21.44: 95% CI 9.43–48.73), any mental health disorder (OR = 6.99; 95% CI 5.03–9.70) social anxiety disorder (OR = 13.03; 95% CI 2.18–77.94), HIV/AIDS (OR = 7.88: 95% CI 2.58–24.08), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 7.74: 95% CI 2.66–22.51); depression (OR = 7.01: 95% CI 4,79–10.27), and bipolar disorder (OR = 6.49: 95% CI 2.90–14.52). Compared to matched controls, CU-documented patients had highest odds of other substance use disorders (OR = 3.64; 95% CI 2.53–5.25) and post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 3.41; 95% CI 2.53–5.25). CUD-documented patients were significantly more likely than CU-documented patients to have HIV/AIDS (OR = 6.70; 95% CI 2.10–21.39), other substance use disorder (OR = 5.88; 95% CI 2.42–14.22), depression (OR = 2.85; 95% CI 1.90–4.26), and anxiety (OR = 2.19: 95% CI 1.57–3.05) diagnoses.ConclusionThe prevalence of CUD and CU notation in EHR data from an academic health system was low, highlighting the need for improved screening in primary care. CUD and CU documentation were associated with increased risk for many health conditions, with the most elevated risk for behavioral health disorders and HIV/AIDS (among CUD-documented, but not CU-documented patients). Given the strong associations of CUD and CU documentation with health problems, it is important for healthcare providers to be prepared to identify CU and CUD, discuss the pros and cons of cannabis use with patients thoughtfully and empathically, and address cannabis-related comorbidities among these patients.

Marijuana use among US adults with cancer: findings from the 2018-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of current marijuana use and to identify the factors associated with its use among US adults with cancer living in 17 US states and territories. Data from the2018-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Marijuana Use module were analyzed. The analytic sample included 13,174 adults with cancer. The primary outcome was current marijuana use. Weighted, multivariable logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic, health, and healthcare factors associated with marijuana use. Overall, 9.2% of adult cancer survivors (n = 13,174; weighted 5.7 million) reported marijuana current use, 51.3% of whom used it for medical reasons only, with 65.2% reporting smoking as the main method of administration. Adult cancer survivors were significantly more likely to use marijuana if they were younger (odds ratio [OR] for 55-64years old, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.93, vs. 18-44); male (OR for female, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.87, vs. male); non-Hispanic black (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.21-3.33; P < 0.01, vs. non-Hispanic white); living with depression (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.17-2.14); and current (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.20-4.74) or former tobacco smoker (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.70-3.38, vs. never smoker) and binge drinker (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.53-3.29, vs. non-binge drinker). Among a large cohort of US adults with cancer, marijuana use was commonly reported, and certain subgroups were at increased likelihood of marijuana use. Health professionals should identify the risk factors for marijuana use, especially as more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana use.

Medical Marijuana Use: Considerations for a Free, Appropriate Public Education

In special education, medication often plays a critical role in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. The use of medications in schools, however, can be a problem when state laws and federal law conflict regarding the use of a medication, in this situation, medical marijuana. This column reports on a ruling by the U.S. District Court in New Mexico involving medical marijuana, in which state law in New Mexico and federal law conflicted. A short-term solution may be for school districts to consider home instruction as a means to ensure a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for qualified students with disabilities who need medical marijuana. A long-term solution may be to amend state laws, and the federal law (i.e., the Controlled Substances Act of 1970) that prohibits marijuana use, to allow the use and administration of medical marijuana in schools.

Marijuana and cannabinoid use in clinical oral and maxillofacial surgery: a scoping review

Background: Despite increased use of recreational and medical marijuana over the past decade, little is known about its effect on oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). The goal of this study was to map the current state of marijuana and cannabinoid research within OMFS and review the findings. The investigators hypothesized that the number of studies evaluating the use and effects of marijuana and cannabinoids in OMFS would be limited.

Acceptance towards decriminalization of medical marijuana among adults in Selangor, Malaysia.

IntroductionThe issue of decriminalization of medical marijuana has gained public attention globally due to the decisions of various governments in developed and developing countries who have decriminalized marijuana for medical purposes. The action was the result of the change in perception towards medical marijuana use, which is now believed to be safe, acceptable, and should be decriminalized. Due to the progress of modernization and the wide access to information, the change in perception towards medical marijuana seems to be inevitable and might have already permeated among the public in Malaysia. However, at the moment there is no baseline data to determine any of this claim.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with acceptance towards decriminalization of medical marijuana among adults in Selangor, Malaysia.MethodologyThe study was a cross-sectional study conducted in year 2021 among 462 adults aged 18 years old and above in Selangor, Malaysia. The respondents were sampled using a multistage random sampling. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and has been analyzed using SPSS version 25.ResultMore than half of the respondents in this study (64.7%) show acceptance towards the decriminalization of medical marijuana in Malaysia. The results of statistical tests indicate that there are significant associations between age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.005), ethnicity (p < 0.012), level of education (p < 0.011), employment status (p = 0.001), ever smoked (p < 0.001), given up smoking (p = 0.002), ever used substance (p < 0.001), current substance use (p < 0.001), given up substance (p < 0.001), exposure to medical marijuana-related content (p < 0.001), perceived risk associated with medical marijuana use (p < 0.001), perceived risk of harm of medical marijuana use (p < 0.001), and perceived approval of medical marijuana use (p < 0.001) with acceptance towards decriminalization of medical marijuana. The predictors for acceptance towards decriminalization of medical marijuana are perceived high approval of medical marijuana use (aOR = 7.023, p < 0.001, 95%CI = 3.534,13.955), perceived low risk of medical marijuana (aOR = 5.716, p < 0.001, 95%CI = 2.828,11.554), perceived low risk of harm from medical marijuana use (aOR = 3.480, p = 0.001, 95%CI = 1.702,7.114), current substance use (aOR = 2.264, p = 0.050, 95%CI = 1.001,5.118), and ever used substance (aOR = 2.005, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.054,0.576).ConclusionThe results of the survey show that the current acceptance level towards decriminalization of medical marijuana is considerably high. However, the acceptance is mainly among those who are exposed to the substance and those who perceive low risk of medical marijuana. Thus, a further exploration of this phenomenon is needed, especially by increasing the sample size and expanding the study location to other states.

Attitudes Toward and Acceptability of Medical Marijuana Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

This study aims to understand the attitudes toward marijuana in HNC patients. A 17-question questionnaire regarding medical marijuana (MM) was distributed to HNC patients at a tertiary cancer center. 63 HNC patients completed the questionnaire. Patients that had used or were using marijuana described benefit with symptoms of headache, pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. 83% of all patients considered marijuana as treatment for cancer related pain and 67% as treatment for cancer related anxiety. About 70% of patients actively undergoing cancer treatment believed marijuana medications would help with symptoms during treatment. By understanding how HNC patients perceive MM, HNC teams may be able to prescribe and educate their patients on MM.

Rehabilitating Effect of Marijuana on Post-Covid-19 Pain Syndrome

Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a condition that develops after the infected patient has recovered as evidenced by laboratory tests. It is characterized by persistence of physical symptoms and subjective sensations considered to be late effects of the virus on body functions. There are currently no therapeutic means to attenuate these symptoms without inducing adverse effects. A communication of the successful use of medical marijuana in a patient with post-COVID-19 syndrome is herein released.