Using cannabis for pain management after spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

Abstract

Study design A descriptive qualitative study. Objectives To explore why individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) choose to use cannabis to manage their pain and their experiences in doing so. Setting Community-dwelling adults with SCI in New Zealand. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had a SCI, experienced pain, and self-reported use of cannabis to manage their pain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subject to thematic analysis. Results Eight individuals participated in this study. We interpreted six themes that captured the participants' perspectives regarding their choice to, and perceptions of, using cannabis to manage SCI pain. Participants were motivated to use cannabis when other pain management strategies had been ineffective and were well-informed, knowledgeable cannabis consumers. Participants reported cannabis reduced their pain quickly and enabled them to engage in activities of daily living and participate in life roles without the drowsiness of traditional prescribed pain medication. Despite the positive aspects, participants were concerned about the irregularity of supply and inconsistent dosage. Conclusions Findings show that cannabis is used to reduce pain after SCI and enable increased community participation. Findings suggest that future studies examining the efficacy of cannabinoids in managing pain include function and participation outcome measures rather than solely focusing on measuring pain intensity. Focusing on meaningful outcomes may contribute to a greater understanding of the experiences of people with SCI.

The Therapeutic Potential and Usage Patterns of Cannabinoids in People with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review

“…including three interview-based studies also reported that cannabis was preferred over prescribed medications due to fewer side effects, including less dehydration, memory loss and drowsiness [ 46 , 50 , 54 , 72 ]. Overall, cannabinoids were subjectively rated as the most effective pain relief treatment across several studies [ 44 , 46 , 50 , 53 , 68 ].…”

“…Overall, two studies [ 55 , 58 ], comprised of five therapeutic intervention arms, reported the impact of cannabinoids on functional independence measures (Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index, Rivermead Mobility Index, General Health Questionnaire 28, Functional Independence Measure) and found that cannabinoids had no statistically significant effect (Table 6 , Table e-6 ) [ 55 , 58 ]. On the contrary, one interview-based study reported that the analgesic properties of cannabis use could improve the quality of life due to functional improvement [ 72 ].…”

Cannabis Use in Spinal Injury Patients - a Qualitative Study of Patients

“…The use of cannabis for SCI individuals has been trialled in New Zealand. [11] Patients described prescribed medications such as opiates and neuroleptic based medications to have side-effects leaving them in a 'zombie-like state' such as drowsiness, frustration, and exhaustion. Participants reported cannabis reduced their pain quickly and allowed them to engage in daily living activities without the drowsiness of traditional prescribed pain medications.…”

Chronic marijuana usage by human pancreas donors is associated with impaired islet function

“…Cannabinoids are involved in a variety of physiological functions including metabolism [ 37 ], behavior [ 38 ], emotion, pain [ 39 ], motor coordination [ 40 ], and insulin sensitivity [ 41 ]. However, the effects of chronic marijuana use on human pancreatic tissue and islets have not been investigated.…”