As marijuana legalization has expanded to many states in the United States, understanding the full impact of cannabis use on patients experiencing health issues, including cancer, has gained new importance.
Marijuana, the dried flowers, leaves, stems, or seeds of a plant called cannabis, can include over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. These components, with their diverse medicinal benefits, hold the potential to enhance oncological care for cancer patients. Two of the most commonly used cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can alter brain signals causing a “high,” and cannabidiol (CBD), which has no known psychoactive or intoxicating effects.
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs published the results of a study that detailed how patients and healthcare providers perceived medical cannabis use. The researchers recruited patients receiving cancer treatment. The volunteers on the study completed a comprehensive survey about cannabis use, including the types of cannabis used and the reasons for cannabis use. The study also included a survey for healthcare providers detailing their insights about patients using cannabis.
Three hundred and thirteen cancer patients with diverse diagnoses participated in the study. The participants had an average age of about 61 years and a little more than half (58%) identified as female. Most patients (61%) identified as White and 23% as Black. A large proportion of patients (43%) had used cannabis prior to their diagnosis and 25% reported using cannabis since their diagnosis. Only 17% of the patients surveyed were using cannabis at the time they completed the survey.
The survey included details on the type of cannabis used by cancer patients. Gummies (33%) and smoking (30%) comprised the most common routes of ingestion. The patients’ reasons for cannabis use included insomnia, pain management, and a desire to modulate mood.
When surveying 164 healthcare providers, the vast majority felt cannabis use was safe and beneficial for cancer patients. Despite the general acceptance of the safety of cannabis use, only 39% of healthcare providers surveyed reported feeling comfortable providing their patients guidance on cannabis use. Moreover, only 13% of the healthcare professionals in the study reported feeling knowledgeable about cannabis.
The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training and education for healthcare providers. While cancer patients commonly use cannabis while undergoing treatment, most healthcare professionals lack a strong understanding and knowledge to advise their patients accurately and effectively. These findings reveal a significant need for comprehensive training and education for healthcare providers to ensure they can provide the best possible care to their patients.
Source: J Nat Cancer Inst Monographs