Barriers to access to medical cannabis for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS

Belle-Isle, Lynne; Hathaway, Andrew D.

doi:10.1080/09540120701207833

Cited by 37 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Previous studies of medical users all found that smoking was the most commonly used and most preferred mode, in contrast to the current study’s findings [7–9, 27–30]. Among past studies that examined vapourizer use, the prevalence of using a vapourizer was generally low, falling between 8 and 20 % [7, 28, 29]. However, one Canadian study, conducted in 2007, found that 88 % of approved medical users smoked, 72 % ate it, and 52 % used a vapourizer, which offers similar estimates to the current study [27].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 98%

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

et al. 2016

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Background: The mode of medical cannabis delivery-whether cannabis is smoked, vapourized, or consumed orally-may have important implications for its therapeutic efficacy and health risks. However, there is very little evidence on current patterns of use among Canadian medical cannabis users, particularly with respect to modes of delivery. The current study examined modes of medical cannabis delivery following regulatory changes in 2014 governing how Canadians access medical cannabis. Methods: A total of 364 approved adult Canadian medical cannabis users completed an online cross-sectional survey between April and June 2015. The survey examined patterns of medical cannabis use, modes of delivery used, and reasons for use. Participants were recruited through a convenience sample from nine Health Canada licensed producers. Results: Using a vapourizer was the most popular mode of delivery for medical cannabis (53 %), followed by smoking a joint (47 %). The main reason for using a vapourizer was to reduce negative health consequences associated with smoking. A majority of current vapourizer users reported using a portable vapourizer (67.2 %), followed by a stationary vapourizer (41.7 %), and an e-cigarette or vape pen (19.3 %). Current use of a vapourizer was associated with fewer respiratory symptoms (AOR = 1.28, 95 % CI 1.05-1.56, p = 0.01). Conclusions:The findings suggest an increase in the popularity of vapourizers as the primary mode of delivery among approved medical users. Using vapourizers has the potential to prevent some of the adverse respiratory health consequences associated with smoking and may serve as an effective harm reduction method. Monitoring implications of such current and future changes to medical cannabis regulations may be beneficial to policymakers.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 98%

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

et al. 2016

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“…Despite growing legal access to cannabis for PLWHA in Canada/North America and growing evidence of its effectiveness for symptom management in HIV care (Abrams et al, 2003; Abrams et al, 2007; Department of Justice Canada, 2011; Ellis et al, 2009; Haney et al, 2007) many healthcare practitioners remain reluctant to prescribe cannabis to patients (Belle-Isle & Hathaway, 2007). In order to support decisions to prescribe cannabis and cannabinoids, physicians will require additional evidence regarding the long-term impact of cannabis use on the health of cannabis users.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High-Intensity Cannabis Use and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Who Use Illicit Drugs in a Canadian Setting

et al. 2014

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Background Cannabis is increasingly prescribed clinically and utilized by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to address symptoms of HIV disease and to manage side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In light of concerns about the possibly deleterious effect of psychoactive drug use on adherence to ART, we sought to determine the relationship between high-intensity cannabis use and adherence to ART among a community-recruited cohort of HIV-positive illicit drug users. Methods We used data from the ACCESS study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of HIV-seropositive illicit drug users linked to comprehensive ART dispensation records in a setting of universal no-cost HIV care. We estimated the relationship between at least daily cannabis use in the last six months, measured longitudinally, and the likelihood of optimal adherence to ART during the same period, using a multivariate linear mixed-effects model accounting for relevant socio-demographic, behavioral, clinical and structural factors. Results From May 2005 to May 2012, 523 HIV-positive illicit drug users were recruited and contributed 2430 interviews. At baseline, 121 (23.1%) participants reported at least daily cannabis use. In bivariate and multivariate analyses we did not observe an association between using cannabis at least daily and optimal adherence to prescribed HAART (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.12, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 0.76 – 1.64, p-value = 0.555.) Conclusions High-intensity cannabis use was not associated with adherence to ART. These findings suggest cannabis may be utilized by PLWHA for medicinal and recreational purposes without compromising effective adherence to ART.

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“…Conversely, although cannabis remains a controlled substance in Canada, in recent years the courts have upheld the right to use for serious medical conditions without fear of criminal sanction (Hathaway, 2001). It was in response to one such ruling (Belle-Isle & Hathaway, 2007) that Health Canada introduced the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations to meet this constitutional requirement.…”

Section: Social Capital Community and Healthmentioning

confidence: 97%

Medical Marijuana, Community Building, and Canada’s Compassionate Societies¹

Hathaway¹,

Rossiter

2007

Contemporary Justice Review

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Marijuana's use as medicine is now legal in Canada for patients who meet strict compassionate use guidelines. Most who self-medicate, however, still do so on their own terms, without government approval or the guidance of physicians. In this unregulated climate, "compassion clubs" outside the law play a vital role in the provision of safe access and therapeutic knowledge about medical marijuana. Operating on the margins of society, these outlets fulfill another purpose in creating a community among persons who are often highly marginalized themselves. Club membership provides a group identity, empowerment, and restorative supports over and above the marijuana use itself. The authors examine the role of compassion clubs in the lives of patients who choose to self-manage their pain and suffering by using marijuana. This supportive function of the clubs will be contrasted with the overly restrictive, formal system of supply under Canada's evolving Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR).

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Barriers to access to medical cannabis for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS

Cited by 37 publications

References 10 publications

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

High-Intensity Cannabis Use and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Who Use Illicit Drugs in a Canadian Setting

Medical Marijuana, Community Building, and Canada’s Compassionate Societies¹

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Barriers to access to medical cannabis for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS

Cited by 37 publications

References 10 publications

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

Medical cannabis use in Canada: vapourization and modes of delivery

High-Intensity Cannabis Use and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Who Use Illicit Drugs in a Canadian Setting

Medical Marijuana, Community Building, and Canada’s Compassionate Societies1

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Medical Marijuana, Community Building, and Canada’s Compassionate Societies¹