Work

Patients’ perceived benefit and side effects from the use of medicinal cannabis – a cross-sectional survey study from Denmark

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Medicinal cannabis (MC) has recently been legalized in a growing number of countries. While MC is considered a potentially safe alternative or add-on to conventional treatments for pain, spasms, neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, evidence of its effectiveness and safety remains limited. This study aimed to assess patients' perceived benefits and side effects of MC and explore patterns in side effect experiences. METHODS: We conducted a Danish nationwide online survey in 2020 among two groups of MC users: one with predefined diagnostic indications (neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, or painful spasms from multiple sclerosis/paraplegia) (n=258) and one with other indications (n=786). Perceived benefit and side effects were measured using self-reported responses. We compared perceived benefit to the number of side effects and used a heat plot correlation matrix and exploratory factor analysis to identify patterns. Predicted factor scores were used to compare perceived benefit relative to side effect profiles, stratified by indication group. RESULTS: Most patients (67 %) reported a moderate to large effect of MC. Over half experienced side effects, with more than 10 % reporting three or more. Side effects were equally common among patients reporting a moderate to large vs. no to minor effect (p=0.27 and 0.68 for predefined and other indications). Side effects clustered into four groups: cognitive dysfunction, dizziness, xerostomia, and feeling "high". These were not related to perceived benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients reported a moderate to large effect from MC. Over one in ten experienced three or more side effects, which were unrelated to perceived treatment effect.

Source: Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2025-0277

Authors: Frederik Rosenbæk, Line Bjørnskov Pedersen, Sonja Wehberg, Jesper Bo Nielsen, Jens Søndergaard

Institution: University of Southern Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,712