Patients and doctors agree medical cannabis should be a last resort for chronic pain

Both patients and physicians view medical cannabis as a last resort option for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain due to the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness, according to a study.

The study included interviews with 27 adult patients and 11 physicians.

A significant portion (59.3%) of patients reported not currently using medical cannabis. Similarly, 45.5% of the physicians admitted to never having authorized its use.

The study underscored the influence of societal and professional norms on the acceptance of medical cannabis as a viable therapeutic option. Both patients and physicians acknowledged that societal perceptions and professional standards heavily influenced their attitudes towards this form of treatment.

Participants emphasized the need for further research to establish a more concrete understanding of the benefits and potential risks associated with the use of medical cannabis.

Reference

Poisblaud L, Kröger E, Jauvin N, et al. Perceptions and Preoccupations of Patients and Physicians Regarding Use of Medical Cannabis as an Intervention Against Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Results from a Qualitative Study. J Pain Res. 2023;16:3463-3475. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S413450. PMID: 37873024; PMCID: PMC10590559.