Perspectives of Orthopedic Patients on Medical Cannabis: A Survey of More Than 2500 Patients

Abstract

Nationwide perspectives on cannabis have changed dramatically over recent decades. Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, medical cannabis (MC) is now legal in most states, and research has continued to show its effectiveness in a variety of medical conditions. However, both perception and acceptance of MC by the general public are evolving and remain poorly understood. Treating patients effectively with these novel therapeutics requires an understanding of the complex interplay of social and legal factors that could affect patient use. This cross-sectional survey study of more than 2500 patients sought to assess current patient perspectives on MC and to investigate factors related to its use that may represent barriers to broader patient use. Most respondents would consider using MC for chronic pain or other medical conditions. Most respondents were aware of the legal status of MC in their state, and 9 of 10 respondents believed that MC should be legal throughout the United States. General public knowledge of the utility of MC is an area needing improvement because older patients were significantly less likely to believe that MC is safe to use or that MC is safer than prescription opioids. As has been reported in previous literature, social stigma and cost appear to remain barriers for patient use of MC. Our findings provide further insight into current patient perspectives on MC, aiding both medical providers and researchers as we continue to provide access to and research MC. [ Orthopedics . 2022;45(6):e309–e314.]

Patients' knowledge about the uses, risks, and beliefs surrounding the regulation and safety of Cannabis sativa L. in Peru

“…Regarding the legal aspects of medical cannabis use, our study revealed that a significant majority of patients (90.9%) believe that the law permits the utilization and potential misuse of Cannabis sativa L., notwithstanding the acknowledged risks associated with its consumption. This finding aligns with a study involving American patients, where a majority was aware of the legal status of medical cannabis [ 20 ]. Despite the legal authorization for the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMP), concerns persist regarding illegal access to these products and their quality.…”

“…Furthermore, there are significant differences in accessing information about medical cannabis [ 31 ]. Our findings highlight the self-reported use of cannabis, which aligns with a study conducted on Canadian patients who reported a high prevalence of cannabis use as a substitute for other medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants [ 20 ]. Similarly, a study in Germany revealed that most patients acquire knowledge about medical cannabis through the Internet rather than from physicians [ 21 ].…”

“…A growing body of evidence supports the global use of cannabis in patients [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] ]. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids is increasingly acknowledged, as highlighted in an Italian study on cancer patients, where a majority were familiar with medical cannabis, and one-third considered its use to alleviate symptoms [ 23 ].…”

“…Recognized as beneficial, the utilization of cannabinoids for pain management has garnered substantial support in recent reviews [ 29 ]. Notably, a study involving over 2500 American patients concluded that the use of medical cannabis for chronic pain management was perceived as appropriate [ 20 ]. Our findings are consistent with this, as Peruvian patients also identified chronic pain as one of the primary conditions for which cannabinoids were used.…”