Survey: Many Patients Substitute Cannabis for Prescription Drugs
According to a new survey, a large number of patients who experience chronic pain or who take mental health medications prefer to substitute cannabis for their prescription drugs.1
The survey was completed by 271 patients being treated for various conditions, including chronic pain, mental health conditions, and gastrointestinal issues, who were registered to purchase cannabis from Tilray, a federally authorized licensed producer in Canada. Participants completed a 107-question survey that included questions on demographics, patterns of use, and cannabis substitution effect.
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Overall, 63% of patients self-reported substituting cannabis for prescription drugs, particularly pharmaceutical opioids (30%), benzodiazepines (16%), and antidepressants (12%). Further, in addition to acquiring cannabis at a licensed producer, 42% of respondents reported obtaining cannabis from illegal or unregulated sources.
Additionally, 25% of participants reported substituted cannabis for alcohol, 12% for cigarettes/tobacco, and 3% for illicit drugs.
Lead author Philippe Lucas, vice-president of Patient Research and Access at Tilray and graduate fellow at the University of British Columbia, suggested that patients might choose cannabis over prescription medication due to reduced adverse effects, better symptom management, and a belief that cannabis is safer than prescription medication.2
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
1] Lucas P and Walsh Z. Medical cannabis access, use, and substitution for prescription opioids and other substances: a survey of authorized medical cannabis patients [February 10, 2017]. Int J Drug Policy. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.01.011.
2] Zeindler C. Given the choice, patients reach for cannabis over prescribed opioids [press release]. Kelowna, Canada: University of British Columbia; February 27, 2017. https://news.ok.ubc.ca/2017/02/27/given-the-choice-patients-will-reach-for-cannabis-over-prescribed-opioids/.