Cannabis Use in Cancer Patients Six Years Post-Legalization in Canada

Abstract

Purpose/Aim

Published literature suggests cannabis may be beneficial in the alleviation of symptoms related to cancer and radiation therapy treatment. There is limited research comparing use and attitudes regarding cannabis in this patient population prior to and after legalization of recreational cannabis. This study will assess cannabis use and attitudes towards cannabis in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer through a questionnaire similar to that used at the same cancer centre in early 2018.

Methods/Process

Patients were approached by their radiation therapists during their weekly review appointments at the cancer centre. Eligibility criteria included English-speaking patients over 18 years old undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. Participants received a study package containing the questionnaire in paper format, and a QR code for the online format. They were encouraged to anonymously complete the questionnaire using one of these methods during their appointment. A total of 202 questionnaires were completed, allowing comparability to a similar 2018 study which accrued 213. This methodology mirrored that of the previous study, enabling a direct comparison of results. All study procedures were approved by the Research Ethics Board of our institution.

Results or Benefits/Challenges

In this study, 210 study packages were accepted by patients, with a response rate of 96%, compared to the 2018 study which had a response rate of 88%. When assessing the current cannabis use of the population, 35/202 (17%) identified as active users in the 2024 study, similar to the 2018 study. When asked on a scale of 1 to 5, “Are you interested in learning more about medicinal marijuana?”, where 1 equated to “not interested”, 83/202 (42%) indicated they were not interested, compared to 45/241 (21%) in the 2018 study. When asked “Where are you most likely to go if you wanted to learn more about cannabis use and cancer?”, 150/202 (74%) selected “From a cancer doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist”, similar to the 2018 study. When current cannabis users were asked “Why are you currently using cannabis?”, a variety of answers were chosen, with the most popular being: “It helps me sleep better”, “Recreationally/for enjoyment”, and “Pain”.

Conclusions/Impact

Based on these findings, it is clear that patients are interested in learning more about the use of medicinal cannabis from health care professionals, despite the overall interest declining since the legalization of recreational cannabis. Cancer patients currently using medicinal cannabis are using it for a wide variety of symptom and side effect management, not limited to pain, nausea, and fatigue. Next steps include developing resources for both staff and patients on safe use of medicinal cannabis in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, and conducting education sessions for the department on how to broach conversations and advise patients regarding its use.