“Objectives: The study sought to assess factors contributing to the demand for MC among patients with cancer.

Methods: Patients applying for a permit to receive MC at a pain and palliative clinic of a university-affiliated cancer center in Israel in 2020-2021 were asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing attitudes, knowledge, and expectations regarding MC use. Findings were compared between first-time and repeat applicants. Repeat applicants were asked to report their indications for requesting MC, patterns of use, and treatment effect.

Results: The cohort included 146 patients: 63 first-time applicants and 83 repeat applicants. First-time applicants were more likely to consult sources other than their oncologist for MC-related information (p <.01) and expressed more concern about addiction (p <.001) and side effects (p <.05). They often erroneously assumed the treatment was subsidized (p <.001). Repeat applicants were younger (p <.05) and included more smokers (p <.05) and recreational cannabis users (p <.05); 56.6% were cancer survivors and 78% used high-potency MC. Most patients believed to some degree that MC is more effective than conventional medications for symptom control, and over half thought that MC helps to cure cancer.

Conclusion: Misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of MC for symptom management and treatment may explain the motivation of patients with cancer to apply for a permit. There seems to be an association of young age, cigarette smoking, and recreational cannabis use with ongoing use of MC among cancer survivors.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37244526/

https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(23)00514-6/fulltext