Cannabis Substitution for Medications: A Growing Trend
A recent study has found that nearly two-thirds of patients with rheumatic conditions have switched to medical cannabis as a substitute for traditional medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. The study, published in ACR Open Rheumatology, analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of over 1,700 patients in the United States and Canada.
The researchers found that 62.5% of patients reported substituting medical cannabis for certain medications, with the most common reasons being fewer side effects, better symptom control, and fewer adverse effects. Patients who substituted medical cannabis reported significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and inflammation, as well as overall health.
The study also found that patients who substituted medical cannabis were more likely to use inhalation methods, such as smoking and vaporizing, and preferred products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. However, the study had some limitations, including its cross-sectional design and anonymous and self-reported nature, which may have introduced recall bias.
Despite these limitations, the study’s findings suggest that medical cannabis may be a viable alternative for patients with rheumatic conditions who are looking to reduce their medication use. The study’s authors noted that the changing legal status of cannabis has allowed for greater openness and willingness to try cannabis for symptom relief.
The study’s lead author, Kevin F. Boehnke, PhD, from the University of Michigan Medical School, emphasized the need for further research to confirm the study’s findings and to determine the long-term effects of medical cannabis use. However, the study’s results provide encouraging evidence for the potential benefits of medical cannabis as a substitute for traditional medications.
