Bio 22

Systematic review

What are the experiences of patients using cannabis for pain? A systematic review of qualitative studies☆ Author links open overlay panelJeremy Y.NgAmandaAbramsAnanyaPathakUmairTahirJaneJomy Show more Add to Mendeley Share Cite

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2021.102098Get rights and content

Abstract

Introduction

Cannabis is used by over 250 million individuals worldwide for a wide range of medical and recreational purposes. The most common health condition for which medicinal cannabis is used by patients is pain. To date, no review has summarized qualitative data from studies seeking to understand patients’ subjective experiences with cannabis for pain management, thus making this the objective of this systematic review.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and CINAHL were systematically searched from database inception to May 15, 2020. English-language studies were eligible if they reported qualitative data surrounding patients’ experiences with using cannabis for pain. Relevant data were extracted and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Of 1741 titles and abstracts screened, 8 studies were included in this review. Four major themes emerged from our thematic analysis, as follows: (1) problems with cannabis use; (2) benefits of cannabis use; (3) patients’

experimentation with and knowledge of cannabis; and 4) physicians’ lack of experience with cannabis for pain therapy.

Conclusions

Patients using cannabis for pain reported experiencing several side effects, however, there were also numerous perceptions of benefits such as pain reduction. It is important that patients feel comfortable inquiring about medicinal cannabis should they choose to pursue it as a therapeutic option; healthcare providers should, therefore, be aware of the stigma that exists surrounding its use. Future qualitative research should aim to understand patients’ experiences with using different strains, dosages, and methods of cannabis administration, as well as their attitudes and concerns associated with cannabis legalization.

• Previous article in issue • Next article in issue

Keywords Cannabis Marijuana Pain Patient experiences Qualitative research Systematic review

Abbreviations CASP Critical Appraisal Skills Programme CBD Cannabidiol ENTREQ Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research

SPIDER Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research type THC Tetrahydrocannabinol