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Li A, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Barros D, Bhoskar U, Crews M, Donnelly L, Imran M, Korb L, Mwimba G, Sachdeva-Mohan S, Rucker JJ, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: a case series analyzing clinical outcomes of medical cannabis therapy for generalized anxiety disorder patients. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 39:350-360. [PMID: 38299624 PMCID: PMC11424060 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to analyze changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and safety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) prescribed a homogenous selection of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). Patients prescribed Adven CBMPs (Curaleaf International, UK) for GAD were identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from baseline up to 12 months, including GAD-7, Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), and EQ-5D-5L. Adverse events were recorded using CTCAE version 4.0. A total of 120 patients were identified for inclusion, of which 38 (31.67%), 52 (43.33%), and 30 (25.00%) were prescribed oils, dried flower, and both formulations of CBMP. Associated improvements in GAD-7, SQS, and EQ-5D-5L at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were observed compared to baseline ( P < 0.010). There were 24 (20.00%) patients who reported 442 (368.33%) adverse events, most of which were mild (n = 184, 41.63%) and moderate (n = 197, 44.57%). This study reports an association between initiation of a homogeneous CBMP therapy and improvements in anxiety severity and HRQoL in individuals with GAD. Moreover, therapy was well-tolerated at 12 months follow-up. Further investigation through randomized controlled trials will ultimately be required to determine causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Li
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London
| | - Simon Erridge
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London
- Sapphire Medical Clinics
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical Clinics
- St. George’s Hospital NHS Trust
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Korb
- Sapphire Medical Clinics
- North London Mental Health Partnership
| | | | | | - James J. Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London
- Sapphire Medical Clinics
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Mick G, Douek P. Clinical Benefits and Safety of Medical Cannabis Products: A Narrative Review on Natural Extracts. Pain Ther 2024; 13:1063-1094. [PMID: 39096481 PMCID: PMC11393281 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) has increased greatly in recent years. Two cannabinoids are of principal importance; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the primary psychoactive component, and also cannabidiol (CBD), considered non-intoxicating. Each has distinct mechanisms of action and different therapeutic potentials. CBMPs differ in their ∆9-THC and CBD components; predominantly ∆9-THC, balanced formulations with equivalent ∆9-THC and CBD elements, and CBD-predominant products. In this narrative review, we evaluate the published evidence for the clinical benefits of CBMPs and overall benefits in well-being. We also review the overall safety profile and discuss the potential for dependence with CBMPs. Evidence can be drawn from a wide range of randomized and other controlled studies and from observational real-world studies. Most data from observational registry studies are supportive of ∆9-THC-based products (∆9-THC-predominant or balanced CBMPs) in the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Balanced products are also effective in reducing spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Most CBMPs show benefit in providing symptomatic benefits in reducing anxiety, nausea, and in improving sleep, but the place of specific products is more subtle, and choice guided by specific circumstances. Symptomatic improvements are accompanied by improved quality of life and well-being. Safety data indicate that CBMPs are generally well tolerated in most patients without specific contraindications. The majority of adverse effects are non-serious, and transient; most are principally associated with ∆9-THC and are dose-dependent. In contrast to recreational cannabis use, there is little evidence from clinical studies that CBMPs have any potential for dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Mick
- Pain Center, Voiron Hospital, CHU Grenoble-Alpes-Voiron, Voiron, 38500, Grenoble, France.
- CETD, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, CHU de Lyon-Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69500, Bron, France.
- Health Systemic Process (P2S) Laboratory, Research Unit 4129, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France.
- THEMAS Team, TIMC Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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Erridge S, Troup L, Sodergren MH. Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e57595. [PMID: 39149844 PMCID: PMC11337234 DOI: 10.2196/57595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In 2019, it was estimated that approximately 1.4 million adults in the United Kingdom purchased illicit cannabis to self-treat chronic physical and mental health conditions. This analysis was conducted following the rescheduling of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in the United Kingdom but before the first specialist clinics had started treating patients. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of illicit cannabis consumption to treat a medically diagnosed condition following the introduction of specialist clinics that could prescribe legal CBMPs in the United Kingdom. Methods Adults older than 18 years in the United Kingdom were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey through YouGov between September 22 and 29, 2022. A series of questions were asked about respondents' medical diagnoses, illicit cannabis use, the cost of purchasing illicit cannabis per month, and basic demographics. The responding sample was weighted to generate a sample representative of the adult population of the United Kingdom. Modeling of population size was conducted based on an adult (18 years or older) population of 53,369,083 according to 2021 national census data. Results There were 10,965 respondents to the questionnaire, to which weighting was applied. A total of 5700 (51.98%) respondents indicated that they were affected by a chronic health condition. The most reported condition was anxiety (n=1588, 14.48%). Of those enduring health conditions, 364 (6.38%) purchased illicit cannabis to self-treat health conditions. Based on survey responses, it was modeled that 1,770,627 (95% CI 1,073,791-2,467,001) individuals consume illicit cannabis for health conditions across the United Kingdom. In the multivariable logistic regression, the following were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting illicit cannabis use for health reasons-chronic pain, fibromyalgia, posttraumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, other mental health disorders, male sex, younger age, living in London, being unemployed or not working for other reasons, and working part-time (P<.05). Conclusions This study highlights the scale of illicit cannabis use for health reasons in the United Kingdom and the potential barriers to accessing legally prescribed CBMPs. This is an important step in developing harm reduction policies to transition these individuals, where appropriate, to CBMPs. Such policies are particularly important considering the potential risks from harmful contaminants of illicit cannabis and self-treating a medical condition without clinical oversight. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for further funding of randomized controlled trials and the use of novel methodologies to determine the efficacy of CBMPs and their use in common chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Erridge
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Academic Surgical Unit, 10th Floor QEQM, St Mary’s Hospital, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY, United Kingdom, 44 203312666
- Curaleaf Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Troup
- University of the West of Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mikael Hans Sodergren
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Academic Surgical Unit, 10th Floor QEQM, St Mary’s Hospital, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY, United Kingdom, 44 203312666
- Curaleaf Clinic, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Murphy M, Kaur V, Bui HL, Yang T, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Weatherall MW, Sodergren MH. Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis - Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105665. [PMID: 38728958 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whilst disease-modifying therapies are the cornerstone for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a need to develop novel therapeutics for the symptomatic sequalae of the disease. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) have been suggested as a potential therapy for the associated pain, spasticity, and mental health disorders. However, there is a paucity of clinical evidence on CBMPs in MS. The aim of this study is to assess changes in MS-specific and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes alongside adverse event incidence in patients prescribed CBMPs for MS from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry (UKMCR). METHOD Patients prescribed CBMPs for MS symptoms for longer than one month were identified from the UKMCR. The primary outcomes were changes from baseline in MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), and EQ-5D-5L scales at one month, three months and six months. p < 0.050 was defined as statistically significant. RESULTS 141 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. There was an improvement in the following subscales of the MSQoL-54 at 6 months: change in health scale, cognitive function, mental health composition, physical health, role limitations due to physical limitation and due to emotional problems, as well as social and sexual function (p < 0.050). There were also improvements in the EQ-5D-5L index value, GAD-7 and SQS (p < 0.050). 146 (103.55 %) adverse events were reported in total. Most were considered mild (n = 47; 33.33 %) and moderate (n = 72; 51.06 %). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary analysis demonstrates a possible association with improved general health-related quality of life in those prescribed CBMPs for MS. Moreover, the results suggest that CBMPs are well-tolerated in the first 6 months of treatment. However, this must be interpreted with caution considering the limitations of the observational study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Murphy
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Varinder Kaur
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hanh Lan Bui
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Toby Yang
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Curaleaf Clinic, London, UK
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Curaleaf Clinic, London, UK; St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Curaleaf Clinic, London, UK; Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK; South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark W Weatherall
- Curaleaf Clinic, London, UK; Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Amersham, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Curaleaf Clinic, London, UK.
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Manning B, Hayley AC, Catchlove S, Stough C, Downey LA. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial on the effect of a 20:1 cannabidiol: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol medical cannabis product on neurocognition, attention, and mood. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 82:35-43. [PMID: 38490083 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
As cannabinoid-based medications gain popularity in the treatment of refractory medical conditions, it is crucial to examine the neurocognitive effects of commonly prescribed products to ensure associated safety profiles. The present study aims to investigate the acute effects of a standard 1 mL sublingual dose of CannEpil®, a medicinal cannabis oil containing 100 mg cannabidiol (CBD) and 5 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on neurocognition, attention, and mood. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design assessed 31 healthy participants (16 female, 15 male), aged between 21 and 58 years, over a two-week experimental protocol. Neurocognitive performance outcomes were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, with the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and the Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scale used to assess subjective state and mood. CannEpil increased Total Errors in Spatial Span and Correct Latency (median) in Pattern Recognition Memory, while also increasing Efficiency Score (lower score indicates greater efficiency) relative to placebo (all p < .05). Subjective Contentedness (p < .01) and Amicability (p < .05) were also increased at around 2.5 h post dosing, relative to placebo. Drowsiness or sedative effect was reported by 23 % of participants between three to six hours post CannEpil administration. Plasma concentrations of CBD, THC, and their metabolites were not significantly correlated with any observed alterations in neurocognition, subjective state, or adverse event occurrence. An acute dose of CannEpil impairs select aspects of visuospatial working memory and delayed pattern recognition, while largely preserving mood states among healthy individuals. Intermittent reports of drowsiness and sedation underscore the inter-individual variability of medicinal cannabis effects on subjective state. (ANZCTR; ACTRN12619000932167; https://www.anzctr.org.au).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Manning
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Amie C Hayley
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia; International Council for Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic Safety (ICADTS), Rotterdam, the Netherland; Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Health, Melbourne Australia.
| | - Sarah Catchlove
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Con Stough
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Luke A Downey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia; Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Health, Melbourne Australia
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Jessen MH, Petersen M, Leutscher PDC. Cannabis medicine for chronic pain. Ugeskr Laeger 2024; 186:V08230546. [PMID: 38708699 DOI: 10.61409/v08230546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, patients with chronic pain have expressed increasing interest in cannabis-derived products for adjuvant therapy when treatment is deemed refractory to conventional analgesics. At present, clinical evidence to support this treatment approach appears to be sparse. Not because clinical studies as such are lacking, but rather as a result of methodological bias in relation to study design, patient populations, and treatment protocols. In this review, research in cannabis medicine for relief of chronic pain is reviewed, mainly with reference to published meta-analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Hovgaard Jessen
- Center for Klinisk Forskning, Regionshospital Nordjylland, Hjørring
- Klinisk Institut, Aalborg Universitet
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Trevitt BT, Bailey S, Mills L, Arkell TR, Suraev A, McGregor IS, Lintzeris N. Differences in prescribed medicinal cannabis use by cannabinoid product composition: Findings from the cannabis as medicine survey 2020 (CAMS-20) Australia-wide study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297092. [PMID: 38354169 PMCID: PMC10866492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prescribed medicinal cannabis (MC) is an increasingly common prescription in Australia for treating pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Prescribed MC products generally contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) in a variety of dose levels and forms. It is unclear whether THC and CBD products are used by patients with different characteristics and for different conditions. OBJECTIVES To examine consumer experiences of using THC- and CBD-containing prescribed MC products to better understand how they are being used within the Australian context. METHODS We utilised data collected from an online anonymous cross-sectional survey of individuals (CAMS-20 survey), consisting of Australian residents using cannabis for therapeutic reasons. We focused on a subgroup of participants (N = 546) receiving prescribed MC products. We utilised linear, logistic, and multinomial regression modelling to analyse responses to survey questions based on the cannabinoid profile of the prescribed product. RESULTS Participants prescribed THC-dominant MC products were statistically more likely to be younger, male, and to prefer inhaled routes of administration than participants using CBD-dominant products who were older, female, and preferred oral routes of administration. Pain and mental health were the most common reasons for all types of prescribed MC, but were more likely to be treated with THC than CBD despite the significantly higher risk of mild to severe drowsiness, dry mouth and eye irritation. Consumer reported effectiveness of prescribed MC was very positive, particularly for THC-containing products. Consumers on opioids and antipsychotics were statistically more likely to be prescribed THC-containing products than products containing CBD only, despite the greater risk of impairment. CONCLUSIONS This Australia-wide study found clear differences in consumer-reported experiences of prescribed THC- and CBD-containing products. Current prescriptions of these products do not always align with relevant clinical guidance. Educating prescribers around cannabinoid products is essential to ensure optimal prescribing practices and to prevent avoidable drug side effects and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T. Trevitt
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sasha Bailey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Llewellyn Mills
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Speciality Addiction Medicine, Faculty Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas R. Arkell
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Anastasia Suraev
- The University of Sydney, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- The University of Sydney, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Speciality Addiction Medicine, Faculty Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
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Hachem Y, Moride Y, Castilloux AM, Castillon G, Kalaba M, Néron A, Gamaoun R, Martel MO, Beaulieu P, Ware M, Vigano A. A Descriptive Analysis of Adverse Event Reports from the Quebec Cannabis Registry. Drug Saf 2024; 47:161-171. [PMID: 37996777 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Published data on the safety of natural medical cannabis (MC) when used in the real-world clinical practice setting are lacking. This study aimed to describe adverse events (AEs) reported across three years following MC initiation. METHODS The Quebec Cannabis Registry (QCR) was a prospective registry of adults enrolled through participating physicians when they initiated MC between May 2015 and October 2018. Follow-up ended at MC discontinuation, loss to follow-up, three years, or end of data collection (May 2019). Data were collected at baseline and at follow-up visits every three months for the first two years, then once in the third year. Physicians filled adverse event (AE) reports, which were coded using MedDRA® preferred terms (PTs), and descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 2991 patients were enrolled (mean age 50.9 years, 50.2% females). During follow-up, 108 patients (3.6%) experienced moderate or severe AEs, yielding 111 AE reports (three patients had two reports) and 214 AEs (average 1.9 AEs per report). Mild AEs were recorded as a reason for MC discontinuation for nine patients, but no AE reports were available. The most common PTs for ingested MC (62 reports) were dizziness (12.9%), nausea (11.3%), somnolence (9.7%), and vomiting (8.1%), and for inhaled MC (23 reports), headache (13.0%) was the most common. The most frequent PTs associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant MC (25 reports) were dizziness and somnolence (12.0% each); for cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant MC (20 reports), vomiting (20.0%) was most common; and dizziness (17.2%), nausea (13.8%), somnolence (10.3%), and headache (8.6%) were the most frequent for balanced MC (58 reports). CONCLUSION No new safety concerns were identified relative to the published literature, although notable differences in AE profile between modes of administration and cannabinoid content ratios should be considered by health professionals. Further work identifying and managing risk factors for AEs is warranted to maintain a favorable benefit-risk balance for MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Hachem
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yola Moride
- Center for PharmacoEpidemiology and Treatment Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- YolaRX Consultants, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | | | | | - Maja Kalaba
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, ON, Canada
| | - Andrée Néron
- Bureau d'évaluation médicale (Consultant on request in medical cannabis-related pharmacological assessments and needs for injured workers), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Rihab Gamaoun
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marc O Martel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Beaulieu
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie/Département d'anesthésiologie et de médecine de la douleur, Faculté de médecine de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Ware
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio Vigano
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Vigano A, Moride Y, Hachem Y, Canac-Marquis M, Gamaoun R, Kalaba M, Martel MO, Perez J, Néron A, Beaulieu P, Desroches J, Ware M. The Quebec Cannabis Registry: Investigating the Safety and Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:1106-1116. [PMID: 36579921 PMCID: PMC10714117 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis (MC) in the real-world clinical practice setting. Design: A 4-year prospective noncomparative registry of adult patients who initiated MC for a variety of indications. This paper reports on patients followed for up to 12 months, with interim visits at 3, 6, and 9 months after enrollment. Setting: Public or private outpatient clinics certified to authorize MC in the province of Quebec, Canada. Participants: Overall, 2991 adult (age ≥18 years) patients (mean age 51 years; 50.2% women) were enrolled between May 2015 and October 2018, with the last follow-up ending in May 2019. Interventions/Exposures: Cannabis products (dried, oil, or other) purchased from a Canadian licensed cannabis producer as authorized by physicians. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were self-reported pain severity, interference and relief (Brief Pain Inventory [BPI]), symptoms using the Revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) and health-related quality of life dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) at baseline and each follow-up visit. The secondary outcomes were self-reported adverse events (AEs) and characteristics of cannabis treatment. Results: All patient-reported outcomes (BPI, ESAS-r, and EQ-5D-5L) showed a statistically significant improvement at 3 months (all p<0.01), which was maintained or further improved (for pain interference, tiredness, and well-being) over the remainder of the 12-month follow-up. Results also revealed clinically significant improvements in pain interference and tiredness, anxiety, and well-being from baseline. There were 79 AE reports (77 patients), 16 met the regulatory definition of seriousness, in which only 8 AEs were certainly or probably related to MC. Conclusions: MC directed by physicians appears to be safe and effective within 3 months of initiation for a variety of medical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vigano
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Yola Moride
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yasmina Hachem
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Rihab Gamaoun
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maja Kalaba
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Canada
| | - Marc O. Martel
- Faculty of Dentistry & Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jordi Perez
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Andrée Néron
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Pierre Beaulieu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal Faculté de Medecine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Desroches
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mark Ware
- Department of Family Medicine, McGil University, Montreal, Canada
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Erridge S, Leung O, Holvey C, Coomber R, Beri S, Khan S, Weatherall MW, Rucker JJ, Platt MW, Sodergren MH. An observational study of clinical outcome measures in patients treated with cannabis-based medicinal products on the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2023; 43:616-632. [PMID: 38057993 PMCID: PMC10739137 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While there is increasing evidence of the effects of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a major limitation of the current literature is the heterogeneity of studied CBMPs. This study aims to analyze changes in HRQoL in patients prescribed a homogenous selection of CBMPs. METHODS Primary outcomes were changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline. The secondary outcome was an adverse events analysis. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050. RESULTS 1378 patients prescribed Adven® CBMPs (Curaleaf International, Guernsey, UK) were included in the final analysis. 581 (42.16%) participants were current users of cannabis at baseline. 641 (46.51%), 235 (17.05%), and 502 (36.43%) patients were treated with oils, dried flowers, or a combination of the two, respectively. Improvements were found in all PROMs in each route of administration at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline (p < 0.010). Those prescribed dried flower only or both oils and dried flower experienced greater improvements in GAD-7, SQS, and EQ-5D-5L index values at 12 months (p < 0.050). There was no difference in outcomes between those prescribed dried flower only or dried flower with oils (p > 0.050). 3663 (265.82%) adverse events were reported by 297 (21.55%) patients. CONCLUSION There was an associated improvement in self-reported anxiety, sleep quality, and HRQoL in patients treated with the CBMPs. Those prescribed treatment formulations including dried flower were most likely to show a clinical improvement. However, these results must be interpreted with caution given the limitations of study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
| | - Ophilia Leung
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
- St. George's Hospital NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Sushil Beri
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
- Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Mark W. Weatherall
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustAmershamUK
| | - James J. Rucker
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
- Department of Psychological MedicineKings College LondonLondonUK
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
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11
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Graham M, Chiu V, Stjepanović D, Hall W. A provisional evaluation of Australia's medical cannabis program. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104210. [PMID: 37813082 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the Australian Government legislated to allow cannabis to be prescribed to patients as an unapproved medicine under the special access provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act. This paper compares the Australian regulatory approach with other national approaches, outlines the main provisions of the Special Access Scheme for medical cannabis, describes how the program has evolved since 2017, includes an analysis of adverse events reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and discusses the barriers that remain for patients who wish to access medical cannabis. It assesses how well the Australian program has addressed the challenges of providing patients with easier access to medical cannabis while ensuring that high-quality products are used safely and effectively under medical guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myfanwy Graham
- Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Australia; Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, The University of Southern California, United States.
| | - Vivian Chiu
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Stjepanović
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
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12
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Beckett Wilson H, Metcalf McGrath L. "It's a big added stress on top of being so ill": The challenges facing people prescribed cannabis in the UK. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104220. [PMID: 37806073 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper reports on the first qualitative study to interview people prescribed cannabis in the UK. Cannabis is a class B controlled substance under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs (MoD) Act, but a 2018 change to UK regulations provided for the prescription of cannabis for medical purposes. Relatively few people have been able to access a prescription, despite this policy change. This paper examines their experiences. METHODS Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 people with a prescription for cannabis, or their carers. Data was analysed using a reflextive thematic analysis approach. The findings are discussed using a zemiology (social harms) perspective which provides a language for critical reflection on the current cannabis policy context. RESULTS All participants reported that cannabis had significantly improved their mental and/or physical health, across a broad range of conditions. Many had been able to reduce their use of conventional medicines and reported that cannabis had relatively few side effects. Despite the potentially life-enhancing benefits of cannabis medicine, patients in the UK face multiple barriers to access. These include a lack of funding streams, bureaucratic supply problems, and a lack of training for doctors and police. Even for the few people able to obtain a prescription, the ongoing criminalisation of cannabis in the UK contributed to their experiences of stigmatisation. This often made it difficult and anxiety-inducing to take their medicine in public spaces. CONCLUSION The UK government's lack of implementation of medical cannabis legalisation, combined with their ongoing prohibition position, is producing multiple harms to people who need cannabis medicine. The policy context is perpetuating stigmatising attitudes to cannabis which, as we demonstrate, contribute to social harms. We make recommendations on equality of patient access, and highlight the importance of education and policy change as means of combatting stigma.
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13
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Hurn S. An Individual's Lived Experiences of Taking Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) to Treat Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6776. [PMID: 37754635 PMCID: PMC10530413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This report documents the case of a patient (the author) participating in a clinical trial of medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.)-the Sapphire Access Scheme, run by the Sapphire Medical Clinic as part of the UK Medical Cannabis Registry-to explore the impacts of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) on anxiety. For most of my life, I have experienced often very serious bouts of poor mental health arising, in part, from childhood abuse, and have been diagnosed with several mental health conditions which constitute disabilities. I have received various conventional treatments and multiple alternative therapies. However, none of these have enabled me to consistently manage my conditions long-term, and I often suffer relapses. As part of the Sapphire Access Scheme, I complete regular quantitative questionnaires regarding the impacts of the CBMPs on my anxiety and have also obtained the clinic's permission to qualitatively document and write up the impacts of CBMPs on my mental health. Here, I present a preliminary autoethnographic exploration of my lived experiences of CBMP use over the first four months of the trial, which show that even within such a short space of time, CBMPs have had a positive impact on treating what had previously been treatment-refractive chronic anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hurn
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy and Anthropology, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
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14
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Abstract
Importance The use of cannabis as a medicine is becoming increasingly prevalent. Given the diverse range of conditions being treated with medical cannabis, as well as the vast array of products and dose forms available, clinical evidence incorporating patient-reported outcomes may help determine safety and efficacy. Objective To assess whether patients using medical cannabis report improvements in health-related quality of life over time. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective case series study was conducted at a network of specialist medical clinics (Emerald Clinics) located across Australia. Participants were patients who received treatment for any indication at any point between December 2018 and May 2022. Patients were followed up every mean (SD) 44.6 (30.1) days. Data for up to 15 follow-ups were reported. Statistical analysis was conducted from August to September 2022. Exposure Medical cannabis. Product types and cannabinoid content varied over time in accordance with the treating physician's clinical judgement. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome measure was health-related quality of life as assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Results In this case series of 3148 patients, 1688 (53.6%) were female; 820 (30.2%) were employed; and the mean (SD) age was 55.9 (18.7) years at baseline before treatment. Chronic noncancer pain was the most common indication for treatment (68.6% [2160 of 3148]), followed by cancer pain (6.0% [190 of 3148]), insomnia (4.8% [152 of 3148]), and anxiety (4.2% [132 of 3148]). After commencing treatment with medical cannabis, patients reported significant improvements relative to baseline on all 8 domains of the SF-36, and these improvements were mostly sustained over time. After controlling for potential confounders in a regression model, treatment with medical cannabis was associated with an improvement of 6.60 (95% CI, 4.57-8.63) points to 18.31 (95% CI, 15.86-20.77) points in SF-36 scores, depending on the domain (all P < .001). Effect sizes (Cohen d) ranged from 0.21 to 0.72. A total of 2919 adverse events were reported, including 2 that were considered serious. Conclusions and Relevance In this case series study, patients using medical cannabis reported improvements in health-related quality of life, which were mostly sustained over time. Adverse events were rarely serious but common, highlighting the need for caution with prescribing medical cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Arkell
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke A Downey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amie C Hayley
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Roth
- Department of Economics, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Emyria, Leederville, Western Australia, Australia
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15
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Olsson F, Erridge S, Tait J, Holvey C, Coomber R, Beri S, Hoare J, Khan S, Weatherall MW, Platt M, Rucker JJ, Sodergren MH. An observational study of safety and clinical outcome measures across patient groups in the United Kingdom Medical Cannabis Registry. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:257-266. [PMID: 36848456 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2183841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of high-quality data on patient outcomes and safety after initiating treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and safety of CBMPs by analyzing patient-reported outcome measures and adverse events across a broad spectrum of chronic conditions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study analyzed patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Participants completed the EQ-5D-5L to assess health-related quality of life, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire to measure anxiety severity, and the Single-item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) to rate sleep quality at baseline and follow-up after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS A total of 2833 participants met inclusion criteria. The EQ-5D-5L index value, GAD-7, and SQS all improved at each follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no difference in EQ-5D-5L index values between former or current illicit cannabis consumers and naïve patients (p > 0.050). Adverse events were reported by 474 (16.73%) participants. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CBMPs are associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life in UK patients with chronic diseases. Treatment was tolerated well by most participants, but adverse events were more common in female and cannabis-naïve patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Olsson
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - James Tait
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Carl Holvey
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Ross Coomber
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sushil Beri
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Hoare
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark W Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Amersham, UK
| | - Michael Platt
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Centre for Affective Disorders, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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16
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Bapir L, Erridge S, Nicholas M, Pillai M, Dalavaye N, Holvey C, Coomber R, Hoare J, Khan S, Weatherall MW, Rucker JJ, Platt M, Sodergren MH. Comparing the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain patients with and without co-morbid anxiety: A cohort study. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:281-295. [PMID: 36803620 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2181696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing evidence on the efficacy of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for chronic pain (CP). Due to the interaction between CP and anxiety, and the potential impact of CBMPs on both anxiety and CP, this article aimed to compare the outcomes of CP patients with and without co-morbid anxiety following CBMP treatment. METHODS Participants were prospectively enrolled and categorized by baseline General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7) scores, into 'no anxiety'(GAD-7 < 5) and 'anxiety'(GAD-7 ≥ 5) cohorts. Primary outcomes were changes in Brief Pain Inventory Short-Form, Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), GAD-7 and EQ-5D-5L index values at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS 1254 patients (anxiety = 711; no anxiety = 543) met inclusion criteria. Significant improvements in all primary outcomes were observed at all timepoints (p < 0.050), except GAD-7 in the no anxiety group(p > 0.050). The anxiety cohort reported greater improvements in EQ-5D-5L index values, SQS and GAD-7(p < 0.050), but there were no consistent differences in pain outcomes. CONCLUSION A potential association between CBMPs and improvements in pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in CP patients was identified. Those with co-morbid anxiety reported greater improvements in HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Bapir
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Martha Nicholas
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Manaswini Pillai
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nishaanth Dalavaye
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Carl Holvey
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Ross Coomber
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Hoare
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Palliative Care, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark W Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Amersham, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK.,Centre for Affective Disorders, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Platt
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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17
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Tait J, Erridge S, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A Patient Evaluation. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2023:1-8. [PMID: 36762986 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2023.2174633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The UK Medical Cannabis Registry is the largest real world data platform for medical cannabis outcomes in the UK, providing insight into clinical outcomes and monitoring safety of this novel therapy. This study aims to assess the functionality and accessibility of the online data collection platform and patient priorities for future research. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. For open-ended questions an inductive thematic analysis was performed. 600 responses were recorded. 554 (92.3%) patients had used the platform. 272 (90.4%) patients believed it was easy to input medications. 52 (8.67%) patients recorded an adverse event with 38 (73.1%) finding it easy to record. 535 (96.6%) patients had completed health questionnaires with 490 (91.6%) patients finding this easy to do. 553 (92.2%) patients agreed that contributing to the registry would impact the medical care of future patients. 'Assessing the impact of medical cannabis on quality of life generally' was the top research priority for 357 (59.3%) patients. This study demonstrates that most enrolled patients found the platform easy to use and believed they were positively impacting future medical cannabis patient care. Future patient research priorities included assessment of quality of life and condition-specific outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Tait
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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18
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Erridge S, Olsson F, Sodergren MH. Patient priorities for research: A focus group study of UK medical cannabis patients. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 50:101693. [PMID: 36399996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has yet to be an evaluation of medical cannabis patient preferences with respect to future research. As such, prioritisation of research agendas has been largely driven by academia and industry. The primary aim of this study was to elicit priorities for research from medical cannabis patients in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS Patients undergoing active treatment for health conditions with medical cannabis in the UK were invited to take part in focus groups from December 2021 to February 2022. An inductive thematic analysis of responses was performed. Participants also completed a ranking exercise whereby they assigned ten counters (each equivalent to £1 million GBP) to competing research priorities. RESULTS 30 medical cannabis patients participated across 3 focus groups. The following themes were identified as research priorities: adverse events, comparison between cannabis-based medicinal products, health conditions, pharmacology of cannabis, types of study, healthcare professionals' attitudes, social environment, agriculture and manufacturing, and the cannabis plant. Participants assigned the highest proportion of research funding to 'assessment of effect on specific symptoms' (26 counters; 8.7%). CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted specific themes within which to focus future research on medical cannabis. Clinically, there was a directive towards ensuring that research is condition- or symptom-specific. Participants also emphasised themes on the social impact of medical cannabis, such as knowledge of medical cannabis among healthcare professionals, stigma, and effects on driving and in the workplace. These findings can guide both research funders and researchers into effectively conducting research which fits within a more patient-centric model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Fabian Olsson
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.
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19
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Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Hoare J, Khan S, Platt MW, Rucker JJ, Weatherall MW, Beri S, Sodergren MH. Clinical Outcome Data of Children Treated with Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products for Treatment Resistant Epilepsy - Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Neuropediatrics 2023; 54:174-181. [PMID: 36539215 PMCID: PMC10166640 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of high-quality evidence of the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicinal products in treatment of treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) in children. METHODS A case series of children (<18 years old) with TRE from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry was analyzed. Primary outcomes were ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, changes in the Impact of Pediatric Epilepsy Score (IPES), and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included in the analysis. Patients were prescribed during their treatment with the following: CBD isolate oils (n = 19), CBD broad-spectrum oils (n = 17), and CBD/Δ9-THC combination therapy (n = 17). Twenty-three (65.7%) patients achieved a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. 94.1% (n = 16) of patients treated with CBD and Δ9-THC observed a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency compared to 31.6% (n = 6) and 17.6% (n = 3) of patients treated with CBD isolates and broad-spectrum CBD products, respectively (p< 0.001). Twenty-six (74.3%) adverse events were reported by 16 patients (45.7%). The majority of these were mild (n = 12; 34.2%) and moderate (n = 10; 28.6%). CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate a positive signal of improved seizure frequency in children treated with Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for TRE. Moreover, the results suggest that CBMPs are well-tolerated in the short term. The limitations mean causation cannot be determined in this open-label, case series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Erridge
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Holvey
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Coomber
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, St Georges NHS Healthcare Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Hoare
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael W Platt
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Affective Disorders, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark W Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Amersham, United Kingdom
| | - Sushil Beri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Withanarachchie V, Rychert M, Wilkins C. The role of cannabis clinics in the health system: a qualitative study of physicians' views in New Zealand. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:10. [PMID: 36600251 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-09021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Privately-owned cannabis clinics have sprung up in many jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis has been legalised and provide an alternative pathway for patients who are unable or unwilling to access a prescription for cannabis-based medicinal products from their usual healthcare providers. AIMS This study aimed to explore physicians' views on cannabis clinics, including their perceptions of the role cannabis clinics play in the wider health system. METHODS A qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with thirty-one physicians affiliated with private and community clinics in New Zealand (including cannabis clinicians, GPs, and specialist doctors). The interviews were conducted from July to December 2021. Data were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Cannabis clinicians positioned themselves as (1) "service providers", facilitating consumer access to cannabis prescriptions and products, and (2) "educators", providing advice to patients and the wider physician community. While general practitioners and specialists recognised the benefits of specialised cannabis clinics (i.e., knowledge of products and a non-judgmental environment), they questioned the limited evidence of clinical efficacy for cannabis, potential financial conflicts of interests of cannabis clinicians that may blur their clinical judgement, and the risk of compartmentalising patients' healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Our paper raises a number of challenges with attempting to integrate cannabis clinics into the wider health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinuli Withanarachchie
- Shore & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Marta Rychert
- Shore & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilkins
- Shore & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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21
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Clinical Research Evidence Supporting Administration and Dosing Recommendations of Medicinal Cannabis as Analgesic in Cancer Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010307. [PMID: 36615107 PMCID: PMC9821014 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The analgesic potential of Cannabis sativa L.-based medicinal cannabis products for treatment of cancer associated chronic pains has gained increased interest in recent years. To ensure a controlled distribution of these products and investigate their therapeutic potential, several countries have established so-called pilot trials. Many doctors, however, are hesitant to prescribe medicinal cannabis primarily due to lack of research evidence regarding the products' efficacy, safety and thus questionable dosing guidelines. This review aims to elucidate clinical research supporting administration of medicinal cannabis in cancer patients for analgesic purposes. The cannabinoids' effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its implication in pain regulation is included to illustrate the complexity related to this research field. Published clinical studies on medicinal cannabis primarily consist of observational studies and only one pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), where more RCTs exist on the cannabis-based product, Sativex® (GW Pharma Ltd., Cambridge, UK). The studies indicate analgesic potential, however non-significantly, for most patients and with acceptable safety profile. Summarizing, high-quality RCTs are scarce in this research field, and the limitations of the observational studies complicates interpretation of clinical outcomes. Despite discrepancy among the studies, they do show indications for administration and dosing regimens providing analgesic effects for some cancer patients.
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22
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Hallinan CM, Gunn JM, Bonomo YA. Use of electronic medical records to monitor the safe and effective prescribing of medicinal cannabis: is it feasible? Aust J Prim Health 2022; 28:564-572. [PMID: 35927928 DOI: 10.1071/py22054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners are well positioned to contribute to the pharmacovigilance of medical cannabis via the general practice electronic medical record (EMR). The aim of this research is to interrogate de-identified patient data from the Patron primary care data repository for reports of medicinal cannabis to ascertain the feasibility of using EMRs to monitor medicinal cannabis prescribing in Australia. METHODS EMR rule-based digital phenotyping of 1 164 846 active patients from 109 practices was undertaken to investigate reports of medicinal cannabis use from September 2017 to September 2020. RESULTS Eighty patients with 170 prescriptions of medicinal cannabis were identified in the Patron repository. Reasons for prescription included anxiety, multiple sclerosis, cancer, nausea, and Crohn's disease. Nine patients showed symptoms of a possible adverse event, including depression, motor vehicle accident, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The recording of medicinal cannabis effects in the patient EMR provides potential for medicinal cannabis monitoring in the community. This is especially feasible if monitoring were to be embedded into general practitioner workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Hallinan
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, Level 2, 780 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, Level 2, Alan Gilbert Building, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Health and Biomedical Research Information Technology Unit (HaBIC R2), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, Level 2, 780 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Jane M Gunn
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, Level 2, Alan Gilbert Building, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Yvonne A Bonomo
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, Level 2, Alan Gilbert Building, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Department of Addiction Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
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23
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Klein TA, Clark CS. Therapeutic use of cannabis in the US. Nurse Pract 2022; 47:16-25. [PMID: 36399143 PMCID: PMC9674439 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000884880.81603.c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT NPs are likely to encounter patients using cannabis with therapeutic intent, with or without legal authorization. During the clinical history and assessment process, NPs need to engage in frank discussion about cannabis therapeutics, including the risks and benefits, evidence for use, dosing considerations, potential drug interactions, and harm reduction.
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24
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A large Australian longitudinal cohort registry demonstrates sustained safety and efficacy of oral medicinal cannabis for at least two years. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272241. [PMCID: PMC9674134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Oral medicinal cannabis (MC) has been increasingly prescribed for a wide range of clinical conditions since 2016. Despite an exponential rise in prescriptions and publications, high quality clinical efficacy and safety studies are lacking. The outcomes of a large Australian clinical electronic registry cohort are presented.
Methods
A prospective cannabis-naïve patient cohort prescribed oral MC participated in an ongoing longitudinal registry at a network of specialised clinics. Patient MC dose, safety and validated outcome data were collected regularly over two years and analysed.
Results
3,961 patients (mean age 56.07 years [SD 19.08], 51.0% female) with multimorbidity (mean diagnoses 5.14 [SD 4.08]) and polypharmacy (mean 6.26 medications [SD 4.61]) were included in this analysis. Clinical indications were for: chronic pain (71.9%), psychiatric (15.4%), neurological (2.1%), and other diagnoses (10.7%). Median total oral daily dose was 10mg for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 22.5mg for cannabidiol (CBD). A stable dose was observed for over two years. 37.3% experienced treatment related adverse events. These were graded mild (67%), moderate (31%), severe (<2%, n = 23) and two (0.1%) serious adverse events. Statistically significant improvements at a p value of <0.001 across all outcomes were sustained for over two years, including: clinical global impression (CGI-E, +39%: CGI-I, +52%; p<0.001), pain interference and severity (BPI, 26.1% and 22.2%; p<0.001), mental health (DASS-21, depression 24.5%, anxiety 25.5%, stress 27.7%; p<0.001), insomnia (ISI, 35.0%; p<0.001), and health status (RAND SF36: physical function, 34.4%: emotional well-being, 37.3%; p<0.001). Mean number of concomitant medications did not significantly change over 2 years (p = 0.481).
Conclusions
Oral MC was demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated for a sustained period in a large complex cohort of cannabis-naïve, multimorbid patients with polypharmacy. There was significant improvement (p<0.001) across all measured clinical outcomes over two years. Results are subject to limitations of Real World Data (RWD) for causation and generalisability. Future high quality randomised controlled trials are awaited.
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25
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Erridge S, Coomber R, Sodergren MH. Medical cannabis, CBD wellness products and public awareness of evolving regulations in the United Kingdom. J Cannabis Res 2022; 4:56. [PMID: 36309761 PMCID: PMC9617440 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-022-00165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the UK, legislation and regulations governing medical cannabis and over the counter cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products have rapidly evolved since 2018. This study aimed to assess the public awareness of the availability, regulations, and barriers to access medical cannabis and over the counter CBD wellness products. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was performed through YouGov® using quota sampling methodology between March 22nd and March 31st 2021. Responses were matched and statistically weighted to UK adult population demographics, including those without internet access, and analysed according to percentage of respondents. Statistical significance was defined by p-value < 0.050. RESULTS Ten thousand six hundred eighty-four participants completed the survey. 5,494 (51.4%) respondents believed that medical cannabis is legal in the UK. 684 (6.4%) participants consumed CBD for wellness reasons, 286 (2.7%) were prescribed CBD for a medical reason and 222 (2.1%) consumed CBD for another reason. 10,076 (94.3%) respondents were unaware of April 2021 regulations meaning that all over the counter CBD wellness products in the UK must conform to European Novel Foods Regulations. The most frequently reported main barriers to accessing medical cannabis were its association with recreational cannabis (n = 2,686; 25.1%), being unsure if it was legal (n = 2,276; 21.3%) and being unsure what medical conditions its can be used for (n = 1,863; 17.4%). CONCLUSION A large proportion of respondents are unaware of the legislation and regulations surrounding medical cannabis and over the counter CBD wellness products. Lack of knowledge may present a barrier to safe access to either product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Erridge
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Surgery & Cancer, Academic Surgical Unit, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY UK ,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK ,grid.451052.70000 0004 0581 2008St Georges NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Surgery & Cancer, Academic Surgical Unit, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY UK ,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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26
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Fortin D, Marcellin F, Carrieri P, Mancini J, Barré T. Medical Cannabis: Toward a New Policy and Health Model for an Ancient Medicine. Front Public Health 2022; 10:904291. [PMID: 35712276 PMCID: PMC9197104 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Mancini
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Tangui Barré
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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27
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MacPhail SL, Bedoya-Pérez MA, Cohen R, Kotsirilos V, McGregor IS, Cairns EA. Medicinal Cannabis Prescribing in Australia: An Analysis of Trends Over the First Five Years. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:885655. [PMID: 35620292 PMCID: PMC9127064 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.885655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A regulatory framework allowing legal access to medicinal cannabis (MC) products has operated in Australia since November 2016. MC prescribing by healthcare practitioners (HCPs) is primarily conducted through the Special Access Scheme - Category B (SAS-B) pathway, through which prescribers apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA–the federal regulator) for approval to prescribe a category of product to an individual patient suffering from a specific indication. The dataset collected by the TGA provides a unique opportunity to examine MC prescribing trends over time in the Australian population. Here we analysed this TGA SAS-B dataset since inception with respect to age, gender, product type (e.g., oil, flower, etc.), CBD content, indication treated, and prescriber location. Results are presented descriptively as well as being analysed using non-linear regression models. Relationship between variables were explored via correspondence analyses. Indications were classified with reference to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (10th Revision). As of 31 August 2021, a total of 159,665 SAS-B approvals had been issued for MC products, 82.4% of were since January 2020. Leading indications for approvals were for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Oil products were the most popular product type, while CBD-dominant products (≥98% CBD) accounted for 25.1% of total approvals. Approvals for flower products increased markedly during 2020–2021, as did approvals involving younger age groups (18–31 years old), male patients, and non-CBD dominant products. A disproportionate number of SAS-B MC applications (around 50%) came from HCPs in the state of Queensland. Associations between patient gender and age and/or indication with product type were found. For example, approvals for oil products were commonly associated with approvals for pain. While, overall prescribing increased dramatically over the last 2 years of analysis, stabilization of approval numbers is evident for some indications, such as pain. Current prescribing practices do not always reflect provided TGA guidance documents for MC prescribing. While acknowledging some limitations around the SAS-B dataset, it provides a unique and valuable resource with which to better understand current prescribing practices and utilisation of MC products within Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L MacPhail
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhys Cohen
- School of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cannabis Consulting Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vicki Kotsirilos
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Effects of Rare Phytocannabinoids on the Endocannabinoid System of Human Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105430. [PMID: 35628241 PMCID: PMC9145865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decriminalization and legalization of cannabis has paved the way for investigations into the potential of the use of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) as natural therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. This growing interest has recently focused on rare (less abundant) pCBs that are non-psychotropic compounds, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Notably, pCBs can act via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in the regulation of key pathophysiological processes, and also in the skin. In this study, we used human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) as an in vitro model that expresses all major ECS elements in order to systematically investigate the effects of CBG, CBC, THCV and CBGA. To this end, we analyzed the gene and protein expression of ECS components (receptors: CB1, CB2, GPR55, TRPV1 and PPARα/γ/δ; enzymes: NAPE-PLD, FAAH, DAGLα/β and MAGL) using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, along with assessments of their functionality using radioligand binding and activity assays. In addition, we quantified the content of endocannabinoid(-like) compounds (AEA, 2-AG, PEA, etc.) using UHPLC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that rare pCBs modulate the gene and protein expression of distinct ECS elements differently, as well as the content of endocannabinoid(-like) compounds. Notably, they all increased CB1/2 binding, TRPV1 channel stimulation and FAAH and MAGL catalytic activity. These unprecedented observations should be considered when exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis extracts for the treatment of human skin diseases.
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29
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Schlag AK, Zafar RR, Lynskey MT, Athanasiou-Fragkouli A, Phillips LD, Nutt DJ. The value of real world evidence: The case of medical cannabis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1027159. [PMID: 36405915 PMCID: PMC9669276 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have long been considered the gold standard of medical evidence. In relation to cannabis based medicinal products (CBMPs), this focus on RCTs has led to very restrictive guidelines in the UK, which are limiting patient access. There is general agreement that RCT evidence in relation to CBPMs is insufficient at present. As well as commercial reasons, a major problem is that RCTs do not lend themselves well to the study of whole plant medicines. One solution to this challenge is the use of real world evidence (RWE) with patient reported outcomes (PROs) to widen the evidence base. Such data increasingly highlights the positive impact medical cannabis can have on patients' lives. This paper outlines the value of this approach which involves the study of interventions and patients longitudinally under medical care. In relation to CBMPs, RWE has a broad range of advantages. These include the study of larger groups of patients, the use of a broader range and ratio of components of CBMPs, and the inclusion of more and rarer medical conditions. Importantly, and in contrast to RCTs, patients with significant comorbidities-and from a wider demographic profile-can also be studied, so providing higher ecological validity and increasing patient numbers, whilst offering significant cost savings. We conclude by outlining 12 key recommendations of the value of RWE in relation to medical cannabis. We hope that this paper will help policymakers and prescribers understand the importance of RWE in relation to medical cannabis and help them develop approaches to overcome the current situation which is detrimental to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Katrin Schlag
- Drug Science, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rayyan R Zafar
- Drug Science, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lawrence D Phillips
- Drug Science, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Management, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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