Cannabis use and self-medication among people living with chronic pain
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months. This condition, which affects 20% of Canadians, is associated with several biological, psychological, and social risk factors. Despite decades of research on DC and its treatment, its management unfortunately continues to be suboptimal, and people struggling with DC are searching for alternative treatments. Cannabis is used by one-third of people living with chronic pain to alleviate their symptoms despite warnings from several organizations regarding its efficacy and safety. We currently know very little about self-medication practices (use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes without guidance), mainly since the legalization of recreational cannabis in countries such as Canada has opened the doors to this phenomenon. This study aimed to: (1) Describe cannabis self-medication for pain relief in people living with chronic pain, and (2) Explore perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of cannabis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 73 individuals living with chronic pain and using cannabis (Quebec, Canada). Data collection using telephone interviews occurred from January to May 2023. Results indicated that 61.6% of participants reported using cannabis without the guidance of a healthcare professional (self-medication). Among those, 40.0% however held a medical authorization. Overall, 20.6% of study participants were using both medical and non-medical cannabis. Proportion of women vs. men participants self-medicating were 58.18% vs. 70.59% (p=0.284). In terms of perceptions, 90.4% of the sample perceived cannabis to be effective for pain management; 72.6% estimated that it posed no or minimal health risk. Cannabis research is often organized around medical vs. non-medical cannabis but in the real-world context, those two vessels are connected. Interested parties, including researchers, healthcare professionals and funding agencies, need to consider this. Patients using cannabis feel confident in the safety of cannabis, and many of them self-medicate, which calls for action.
Author: Audet, Claudie
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7201932858