Jean E Wallace1, Lori R Kogan2, Eloise C J Carr3, Peter W Hellyer2. 1. Department of Sociology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. jwallace@ucalgary.ca. 2. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA. 3. Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Social media and academic literature suggest that more people are using cannabis to treat their own or their dog's chronic pain. This study identifies the reasons people use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog's pain and explores whether these products have fulfilled their expectations. METHODS: An anonymous, online survey was used to collect quantitative and qualitative self-report data on respondents' perceptions, motivations and expectations about their or their dog's chronic pain and cannabis use. The analyses are based on U.S. adults who reported using cannabis products to treat their own (N = 313) or their dog's (N = 204) chronic pain. Quantitative responses from the two groups were compared using Chi-Square tests and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Human patients and dog owners reported similar motivations for using cannabis products to treat chronic pain, with the more popular reasons being that cannabis products are natural, are preferred over conventional medication, are believed to be the best treatment or good treatment option for pain. Similar proportions of human patients and dog owners reported that the use of cannabis products fulfilled their expectations (86% vs. 82% respectively, χ2 (1, 200) = .59, p = .32). The qualitative data revealed that their expectations were met by reducing pain, increasing relaxation, and improving sleep, coping, functionality and overall well being. Additionally, the qualitative data suggests that cannabis products offer a return to normalcy and a restored sense of self to human and dog patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that people choose cannabis products because they are natural and a possible solution to managing chronic pain when conventional medicines have not been effective. Most people report that their expectations regarding pain management are fulfilled by these products. More accurate assessments are vital, however, for understanding both the objective biomedical and subjective socioemotional benefits of cannabis products for effective pain management for human and dog patients. In addition, objective factual information regarding cannabis products for effective pain management in humans and dogs is needed. It is recommended that both physicians and veterinarians work towards feeling more comfortable proactively broaching the subject of cannabis use with additional training and education.
BACKGROUND: Social media and academic literature suggest that more people are using cannabis to treat their own or their dog's chronic pain. This study identifies the reasons people use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog's pain and explores whether these products have fulfilled their expectations. METHODS: An anonymous, online survey was used to collect quantitative and qualitative self-report data on respondents' perceptions, motivations and expectations about their or their dog's chronic pain and cannabis use. The analyses are based on U.S. adults who reported using cannabis products to treat their own (N = 313) or their dog's (N = 204) chronic pain. Quantitative responses from the two groups were compared using Chi-Square tests and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS:Humanpatients and dog owners reported similar motivations for using cannabis products to treat chronic pain, with the more popular reasons being that cannabis products are natural, are preferred over conventional medication, are believed to be the best treatment or good treatment option for pain. Similar proportions of humanpatients and dog owners reported that the use of cannabis products fulfilled their expectations (86% vs. 82% respectively, χ2 (1, 200) = .59, p = .32). The qualitative data revealed that their expectations were met by reducing pain, increasing relaxation, and improving sleep, coping, functionality and overall well being. Additionally, the qualitative data suggests that cannabis products offer a return to normalcy and a restored sense of self to human and dogpatients. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that people choose cannabis products because they are natural and a possible solution to managing chronic pain when conventional medicines have not been effective. Most people report that their expectations regarding pain management are fulfilled by these products. More accurate assessments are vital, however, for understanding both the objective biomedical and subjective socioemotional benefits of cannabis products for effective pain management for human and dogpatients. In addition, objective factual information regarding cannabis products for effective pain management in humans and dogs is needed. It is recommended that both physicians and veterinarians work towards feeling more comfortable proactively broaching the subject of cannabis use with additional training and education.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alternative medicine; Canine; Chronic pain; Medical cannabis; Pain management; Well being
Authors: Mark E Epstein; Ilona Rodanm; Gregg Griffenhagen; Jamie Kadrlik; Michael C Petty; Sheilah A Robertson; Wendy Simpson Journal: J Feline Med Surg Date: 2015-03 Impact factor: 2.015
Authors: Stephanie Lake; Zach Walsh; Thomas Kerr; Ziva D Cooper; Jane Buxton; Evan Wood; Mark A Ware; M J Milloy Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2019-11-19 Impact factor: 11.069
Authors: Lauri-Jo Gamble; Jordyn M Boesch; Christopher W Frye; Wayne S Schwark; Sabine Mann; Lisa Wolfe; Holly Brown; Erin S Berthelsen; Joseph J Wakshlag Journal: Front Vet Sci Date: 2018-07-23