John S Luque1, Arinze Nkemdirim Okere2, Carlos A Reyes-Ortiz2, Paula M Williams2. 1. College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, United States. Electronic address: john.luque@famu.edu. 2. College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, United States.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medical marijuana patients' perceptions of therapeutic benefits for self-reported medical conditions. DESIGN: The study was a concurrent mixed methods study with adult medical marijuana patients. Survey data were collected using a web-based survey, and interviews were conducted in person or over the phone. SETTING: The study recruited 196 medical marijuana patients to complete surveys and 13 patients to participate in qualitative interviews in Florida. MEASURES: A validated patient survey was distributed via Florida medical marijuana social media groups to examine the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant for medical conditions and overall well-being. Concurrently, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand barriers and facilitators to accessing medical cannabis and explore preferences for different forms and strains, as well as any unexpected side effects. RESULTS: Patients used medical cannabis for relief of chronic pain or depression, followed by arthritis and nausea. Survey results indicated 89 % of patients reported "great relief" for their medical condition. Over 76 % of patients reported a score of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale that their medical condition had improved, and over 68 % reported a score of 8 or higher that medical cannabis had reduced their pain. Interviews indicated medical cannabis was effective for pain relief and reducing the use of prescription medicines, but the drug was perceived as too expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Medical marijuana patients were positive about the health benefits they received and the fact they were able to reduce or eliminate many prescription medications; however, there were concerns about the costs.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medical marijuana patients' perceptions of therapeutic benefits for self-reported medical conditions. DESIGN: The study was a concurrent mixed methods study with adult medical marijuana patients. Survey data were collected using a web-based survey, and interviews were conducted in person or over the phone. SETTING: The study recruited 196 medical marijuana patients to complete surveys and 13 patients to participate in qualitative interviews in Florida. MEASURES: A validated patient survey was distributed via Florida medical marijuana social media groups to examine the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant for medical conditions and overall well-being. Concurrently, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand barriers and facilitators to accessing medical cannabis and explore preferences for different forms and strains, as well as any unexpected side effects. RESULTS: Patients used medical cannabis for relief of chronic pain or depression, followed by arthritis and nausea. Survey results indicated 89 % of patients reported "great relief" for their medical condition. Over 76 % of patients reported a score of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale that their medical condition had improved, and over 68 % reported a score of 8 or higher that medical cannabis had reduced their pain. Interviews indicated medical cannabis was effective for pain relief and reducing the use of prescription medicines, but the drug was perceived as too expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Medical marijuana patients were positive about the health benefits they received and the fact they were able to reduce or eliminate many prescription medications; however, there were concerns about the costs.
Authors: Brian J Piper; Rebecca M DeKeuster; Monica L Beals; Catherine M Cobb; Corey A Burchman; Leah Perkinson; Shayne T Lynn; Stephanie D Nichols; Alexander T Abess Journal: J Psychopharmacol Date: 2017-04-04 Impact factor: 4.153
Authors: Alexia Blake; Bo Angela Wan; Leila Malek; Carlo DeAngelis; Patrick Diaz; Nicholas Lao; Edward Chow; Shannon O'Hearn Journal: Ann Palliat Med Date: 2017-08-23