Use of medical marijuana in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

Background The usage and attitudes towards medical marijuana in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is unknown. Through the use of a survey we aim to clarify rates and reasons for use. Methods An anonymous survey was sent out to six centers in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Use of and reason for medical marijuana was assessed, along with attitudes of the perceived utility of medical marijuana. Results A total of 637 surveys were sent out, and 193 surveys were returned (30.3% return rate). Three did not give consent, and one was empty, for a total of 189 completed surveys. 31 subjects (16.5%) reported having used marijuana for medical purposes in their lifetime, with 29 (15.4%) of these in the past year. The most used forms were edible and vaporized. The most common indications for usage were pain and stress. 28 out of 31 found marijuana to be a great deal effective for their symptoms. 21 of the 31 rated marijuana very important or important to their health. There were two reported side effects, both mild. Of 156 subjects who responded to the question if they would be interested in medical marijuana if available, 72 (46.2%) replied yes. Conclusion The use of marijuana for medical reasons was 15.4% in the past year in this sample CF population, although more expressed interest if it was available through prescription. Side effects were rare. CF physicians are going to have to familiarize themselves with advantages and disadvantages of medical marijuana as there is a great deal of interest within the community, and legalization becomes more common.

A clinician survey of use assessment, documentation, and education about cannabis in persons with cystic fibrosis

“…This is the first survey study to describe care team use assessment, documentation, and education about recreational and medical cannabis use in persons with CF. A recent study surveyed people with CF in New Jersey and Pennsylvania about marijuana for medical use 11 . Sixteen percent of survey respondents had used marijuana and provided reasons for and method of use.…”

Clearing up the smoke: Physical and mental health considerations regarding cannabis use in adolescents with cystic fibrosis

“…To alleviate arthritis 17 8. Dyspnea relief 17 9. Relaxation 17 The risk of developing substance use disorders is higher in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder.…”

“…Even though cannabis use was less prevalent among those youth compared with other chronic medical conditions, its prevalence in light of the implications on lung function and clinical outcomes was still concerning 15 . In a recent survey of 16‐year‐olds with CF being treated at CF care centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 15.4% reported cannabis use (31/193) and 46% (72/156) reported interest in trying medical cannabis if it were available 17 …”

Zystische Fibrose und Schmerzen – ein unterschätztes Problem

“…Im Jahr 2020 erfolgte eine Befragung in den USA zum Konsum von medizinischen sowie generell von Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC)-haltigen Substanzen bei CF-Patienten im Alter ab 12 Jahren mit der größten Gruppe zwischen 21 und 34 Jahren [30]. Von 16,5 %, die den Konsum von THC-haltigen Substanzen zu medizinischen Zwecken (Entspannung bei Angstsymptomatik, Behandlung von hauptsächlich muskuloskeletalen Schmerzen, Appetitstimulation) angaben, verspürten 90,3 % einen guten bis sehr guten Effekt [30]. Offenbleiben muss jedoch, ob hier nicht gewollt psychische Effekte im Vordergrund standen.…”

“…Zusätzlich versuchen sich einige Patienten in alternativen Strategien und Therapieansätzen, die von Homöopathie über Akupunktur bis zu physikalischen Maßnahmen (Ruhe oder Aktivität, Wärme oder Kälte, Yoga und Meditation, Osteopathie) reichen [15,20,30,32]. Hier existieren wenige prospektive Studien zu Wirksamkeit und Effektivität.…”