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Dewidar O, Pardo JP, Welch V, Hazlewood GS, Darzi AJ, Barnabe C, Pottie K, Petkovic J, Kuria S, Sha Z, Allam S, Busse JW, Schünemann HJ, Tugwell P. Operationalizing the GRADE-equity criterion to inform guideline recommendations: application to a medical cannabis guideline. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 165:111185. [PMID: 37952701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.10.001] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Incorporating health equity considerations into guideline development often requires information beyond that gathered through traditional evidence synthesis methodology. This article outlines an operationalization plan for the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-equity criterion to gather and assess evidence from primary studies within systematic reviews, enhancing guideline recommendations to promote equity. We demonstrate its use in a clinical guideline on medical cannabis for chronic pain. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We reviewed GRADE guidance and resources recommended by team members regarding the use of evidence for equity considerations, drafted an operationalization plan, and iteratively refined it through team discussion and feedback and piloted it on a medicinal cannabis guideline. RESULTS We propose a seven-step approach: 1) identify disadvantaged populations, 2) examine available data for specific populations, 3) evaluate population baseline risk for primary outcomes, 4) assess representation of these populations in primary studies, 5) appraise analyses, 6) note barriers to implementation of effective interventions for these populations, and 7) suggest supportive strategies to facilitate implementation of effective interventions. CONCLUSION Our approach assists guideline developers in recognizing equity considerations, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Its application across various guideline topics can verify its feasibility and necessary adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Dewidar
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jordi Pardo Pardo
- Ottawa Centre for Health Equity, Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Glen S Hazlewood
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea J Darzi
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Barnabe
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- CT Lamont Centre for Primary Care, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Petkovic
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Kuria
- Ottawa Centre for Health Equity, Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhiming Sha
- Ottawa Centre for Health Equity, Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Allam
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason W Busse
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holger J Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Cochrane Canada, MacGRADE Centres, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; WHO Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Methods and Recommendations, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Cochrane Canada, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Ottawa Centre for Health Equity, Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; WHO Collaborating Centre for Knowledge Translation and Health Technology Assessment in Health Equity, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Zeraatkar D, Cooper MA, Agarwal A, Vernooij RWM, Leung G, Loniewski K, Dookie JE, Ahmed MM, Hong BY, Hong C, Hong P, Couban R, Agoritsas T, Busse JW. Long-term and serious harms of medical cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic pain: a systematic review of non-randomised studies. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054282. [PMID: 35926992 PMCID: PMC9358949 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the prevalence of long-term and serious harms of medical cannabis for chronic pain. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL from inception to 1 April 2020. STUDY SELECTION Non-randomised studies reporting on harms of medical cannabis or cannabinoids in adults or children living with chronic pain with ≥4 weeks of follow-up. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A parallel guideline panel provided input on the design and interpretation of the systematic review, including selection of adverse events for consideration. Two reviewers, working independently and in duplicate, screened the search results, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We used random-effects models for all meta-analyses and the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS We identified 39 eligible studies that enrolled 12 143 adult patients with chronic pain. Very low certainty evidence suggests that adverse events are common (prevalence: 26.0%; 95% CI 13.2% to 41.2%) among users of medical cannabis for chronic pain, particularly any psychiatric adverse events (prevalence: 13.5%; 95% CI 2.6% to 30.6%). Very low certainty evidence, however, indicates serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation, cognitive adverse events, accidents and injuries, and dependence and withdrawal syndrome are less common and each typically occur in fewer than 1 in 20 patients. We compared studies with <24 weeks and ≥24 weeks of cannabis use and found more adverse events reported among studies with longer follow-up (test for interaction p<0.01). Palmitoylethanolamide was usually associated with few to no adverse events. We found insufficient evidence addressing the harms of medical cannabis compared with other pain management options, such as opioids. CONCLUSIONS There is very low certainty evidence that adverse events are common among people living with chronic pain who use medical cannabis or cannabinoids, but that few patients experience serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Zeraatkar
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Adam Cooper
- Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin W M Vernooij
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gareth Leung
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kevin Loniewski
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jared E Dookie
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad Muneeb Ahmed
- Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Y Hong
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris Hong
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Couban
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Agoritsas
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Division of Epidemiology, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Jason W Busse
- Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Shorey Fennell B, Magnan RE, Ladd BO, Fales JL. Young Adult Cannabis Users' Perceptions of Cannabis Risks and Benefits by Chronic Pain Status. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1647-1652. [PMID: 35899812 PMCID: PMC10373546 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Young adults experiencing chronic pain may self-medicate with cannabis. We examined perceived risks and benefits of cannabis use among young adult users by chronic pain status, and identified relationships among perceived risks and benefits, physical and mental health, and cannabis-related problems. Methods: Young adults reporting at least weekly cannabis use (N = 176, 50.9% with chronic pain) reported perceptions of lifetime risks and benefits associated with cannabis use, physical and mental health, and cannabis-related problems. Results: Young adults without chronic pain reported better physical and mental health than those with chronic pain. Cannabis use, problems, and risk and benefit perceptions did not differ by pain status. Risk and benefit perceptions were unrelated to physical health, perceiving fewer risks and more benefits was associated with better mental health, and perceiving more risk was associated with cannabis problems. Chronic pain status moderated the relationship between perceived benefits and outcomes, such that perceiving more benefits was associated with better physical health for those without chronic pain. Further, greater perceived benefits were associated with more cannabis-related problems for those without chronic pain but fewer problems for those with chronic pain. Conclusion: This study offers insight into the perceptions of risks and benefits among young adult cannabis users and associations with physical and mental health and cannabis-related problems. The effects of perceived benefits on physical health and cannabis-related problems differs for young adults with and without pain, suggesting assessment and consideration of pain status may be valuable in intervention contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renee E Magnan
- Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington, USA
| | - Benjamin O Ladd
- Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica L Fales
- Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington, USA
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Tumati S, Lanctôt KL, Wang R, Li A, Davis A, Herrmann N. Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in Canada: Self-Reported Data on Types and Amount Used, and Perceived Effects. Drugs Aging 2021; 39:153-163. [PMID: 34940961 PMCID: PMC8696251 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Medical cannabis use is growing among older adults. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the characteristics of older medical cannabis users including the indications, type and amount of cannabis used, perceived changes in symptoms after cannabis use, change in dose of concurrent medications, and adverse effects. Methods Data were collected between October 2014 and October 2020 from patients who were consulting the Canada-wide network of clinics of a medical cannabis provider and who were willing to answer questionnaires based on their medical status. The current study included older adults (≥ 65 years) who completed questionnaires at intake and first follow-up visits. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics, which were compared between men and women with t tests or chi-squared tests. Tests of proportions assessed categorical responses for perceived effects after cannabis use. Logistic regression was used to assess trends in cannabis usage. Results Data included that from 9766 older adult users at intake (mean ± SD age = 73.2 ± 6.8 years, females = 60.0%), among whom 4673 (females = 61.4%) returned for follow-up after 90.6 ± 58 days. The most common primary indication for which medical cannabis was sought was pain (67.7%), which was more common in women, whereas oncological and neurological conditions were more common in men. At follow-up, cannabis oil was used by 81.0% of older adults, among whom compositions containing only or mostly cannabidiol (CBD) had been used by 83.6%. Adverse effects reported by older adults at the follow-up visit included dry mouth (12.8%), drowsiness (8.6%), and dizziness (4.0%). The majority of older adults reported improvements in pain (72.7%, z = 1482.6, p < 0.0001, compared to worsening or no change), sleep (64.5%, z = 549.4, p < 0.0001), and mood (52.8%, z = 16.4, p < 0.0001), with 35.6% reporting use of a reduced dose of opioids and 19.9% a reduced dose of benzodiazepines. Interpretation Among older adults, medical cannabis is used more often by women, with CBD-containing cannabis oils being the most commonly used. Users reported improved pain, sleep, and mood symptoms at follow-up after cannabis use. This study describes the patterns of use of medical cannabis by older adults and highlights the need for research to determine appropriate indications, precise doses of active ingredients, and short- and long-term outcomes among older adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40266-021-00913-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Tumati
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - RuoDing Wang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abby Li
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Davis
- Department of Economics, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Medical Marijuana: Liability Issues for Mental Health Providers. J Addict Nurs 2021; 32:73-76. [PMID: 33646722 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT As of 2019, 33 states, in addition to three territories and the District of Columbia, have approved medical marijuana programs. In the United States, the 12-month prevalence of medical marijuana use increased by 34.2% between 2013 and 2015. The rapid dissemination of medical marijuana use, in conjunction with conflicting data regarding its safety and efficacy, renders mental health providers in an ethical and legal quandary. The purpose of this article was to highlight emerging evidence regarding the efficacy and risks of medical marijuana and to describe medical-legal issues of such use regarding liability for mental health providers. Mental health care providers must be prudent to ensure that they are providing patients with the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding medical marijuana. This is not only to ensure protection from medical liability but also to promote best outcomes for patients experiencing mental health problems.
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Coughlin LN, Ilgen MA, Jannausch M, Walton MA, Bohnert KM. Progression of cannabis withdrawal symptoms in people using medical cannabis for chronic pain. Addiction 2021; 116:2067-2075. [PMID: 33400332 PMCID: PMC8363170 DOI: 10.1111/add.15370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Research from cohorts of individuals with recreational cannabis use indicates that cannabis withdrawal symptoms are reported by more than 40% of those using regularly. Withdrawal symptoms are not well understood in those who use cannabis for medical purposes. Therefore, we prospectively examined the stability of withdrawal symptoms in individuals using cannabis to manage chronic pain. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Using latent class analysis (LCA) we examined baseline cannabis withdrawal to derive symptom profiles. Then, using latent transition analysis (LTA) we examined the longitudinal course of withdrawal symptoms across the time points. Exploratory analyses examined demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of withdrawal class and transitioning to more or fewer withdrawal symptoms over time. A cohort of 527 adults with chronic pain seeking medical cannabis certification or re-certification was recruited between February 2014 and June 2015. Participants were recruited from medical cannabis clinic waiting rooms in Michigan, USA. Participants were predominantly white (82%) and 49% identified as male, with an average age of 45.6 years (standard deviation = 12.8). MEASUREMENTS Baseline, 12-month and 24-month assessments of withdrawal symptoms using the Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist-revised. FINDINGS A three-class LCA model including a mild (41%), moderate (34%) and severe (25%) symptom class parsimoniously represented withdrawal symptoms experienced by people using medical cannabis. Stability of withdrawal symptoms using a three-class LTA at 12 and 24 months ranged from 0.58 to 0.87, with the most stability in the mild withdrawal class. Younger age predicted greater severity and worsening of withdrawal over time. CONCLUSIONS Adults with chronic pain seeking medical cannabis certification or re-certification appear to experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be stable over a 2-year period, but younger age is predictive of worse symptoms and of an escalating withdrawal trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara N. Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
| | - Mark A. Ilgen
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
| | - Mary Jannausch
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
| | - Maureen A. Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan
| | - Kipling M. Bohnert
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University
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7
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Schlag AK, Hindocha C, Zafar R, Nutt DJ, Curran HV. Cannabis based medicines and cannabis dependence: A critical review of issues and evidence. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:773-785. [PMID: 33593117 PMCID: PMC8278552 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120986393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been legalised for medical use in an ever-increasing number of countries. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of medical cannabis for a range of therapeutic indications. In parallel with these developments, concerns have been expressed by many prescribers that increased use will lead to patients developing cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use disorder has been widely studied in recreational users, and these findings have often been projected onto patients using medical cannabis. However, studies exploring medical cannabis dependence are scarce and the appropriate methodology to measure this construct is uncertain. This article provides a narrative review of the current research to discern if, how and to what extent, concerns about problems of dependence in recreational cannabis users apply to prescribed medical users. We focus on the main issues related to medical cannabis and dependence, including the importance of dose, potency, cannabinoid content, pharmacokinetics and route of administration, frequency of use, as well as set and setting. Medical and recreational cannabis use differs in significant ways, highlighting the challenges of extrapolating findings from the recreational cannabis literature. There are many questions about the potential for medical cannabis use to lead to dependence. It is therefore imperative to address these questions in order to be able to minimise harms of medical cannabis use. We draw out seven recommendations for increasing the safety of medical cannabis prescribing. We hope that the present review contributes to answering some of the key questions surrounding medical cannabis dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Schlag
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Rayyan Zafar
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Jugl S, Okpeku A, Costales B, Morris EJ, Alipour-Haris G, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Stetten NE, Sajdeya R, Keshwani S, Joseph V, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Adkins L, Winterstein AG, Goodin A. A Mapping Literature Review of Medical Cannabis Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Evidence in Approved Conditions in the USA from 2016 to 2019. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2021; 4:21-42. [PMID: 34676348 PMCID: PMC8525213 DOI: 10.1159/000515069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2017, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report comprehensively evaluated the body of evidence regarding cannabis health effects through the year 2016. The objectives of this study are to identify and map the most recently (2016-2019) published literature across approved conditions for medical cannabis and to evaluate the quality of identified recent systematic reviews, published following the NASEM report. Following the literature search from 5 databases and consultation with experts, 11 conditions were identified for evidence compilation and evaluation: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, cancer, chronic noncancer pain, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, and posttraumatic stress disorder. A total of 198 studies were included after screening for condition-specific relevance and after imposing the following exclusion criteria: preclinical focus, non-English language, abstracts only, editorials/commentary, case studies/series, and non-U.S. study setting. Data extracted from studies included: study design type, outcome definition, intervention definition, sample size, study setting, and reported effect size. Few completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. Studies classified as systematic reviews were graded using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 tool to evaluate the quality of evidence. Few high-quality systematic reviews were available for most conditions, with the exceptions of MS (9 of 9 graded moderate/high quality; evidence for 2/9 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; evidence for 7/9 indicating cannabis inconclusive), epilepsy (3 of 4 graded moderate/high quality; 3 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; 1 indicating cannabis inconclusive), and chronic noncancer pain (12 of 13 graded moderate/high quality; evidence for 7/13 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; evidence from 6/7 indicating cannabis inconclusive). Among RCTs, we identified few studies of substantial rigor and quality to contribute to the evidence base. However, there are some conditions for which significant evidence suggests that select dosage forms and routes of administration likely have favorable risk-benefit ratios (i.e., epilepsy and chronic noncancer pain). The body of evidence for medical cannabis requires more rigorous evaluation before consideration as a treatment option for many conditions, and evidence necessary to inform policy and treatment guidelines is currently insufficient for many conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jugl
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Aimalohi Okpeku
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brianna Costales
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Earl J. Morris
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Golnoosh Alipour-Haris
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Juan M. Hincapie-Castillo
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ruba Sajdeya
- Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shailina Keshwani
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Verlin Joseph
- Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yahan Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yun Shen
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren Adkins
- Health Sciences Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Almut G. Winterstein
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amie Goodin
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Hergert DC, Robertson-Benta C, Sicard V, Schwotzer D, Hutchison K, Covey DP, Quinn DK, Sadek JR, McDonald J, Mayer AR. Use of Medical Cannabis to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1904-1917. [PMID: 33256496 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is not a single pharmacological agent with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). With recent legalization efforts and the growing popularity of medical cannabis, patients with TBI will inevitably consider medical cannabis as a treatment option. Pre-clinical TBI research suggests that cannabinoids have neuroprotective and psychotherapeutic properties. In contrast, recreational cannabis use has consistently shown to have detrimental effects. Our review identified a paucity of high-quality studies examining the beneficial and adverse effects of medical cannabis on TBI, with only a single phase III randomized control trial. However, observational studies demonstrate that TBI patients are using medical and recreational cannabis to treat their symptoms, highlighting inconsistencies between public policy, perception of potential efficacy, and the dearth of empirical evidence. We conclude that randomized controlled trials and prospective studies with appropriate control groups are necessary to fully understand the efficacy and potential adverse effects of medical cannabis for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle C Hergert
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Pete & Nancy Domenici Hall, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Cidney Robertson-Benta
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Pete & Nancy Domenici Hall, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Veronik Sicard
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Pete & Nancy Domenici Hall, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Daniela Schwotzer
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kent Hutchison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Dan P Covey
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Davin K Quinn
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Joseph R Sadek
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jacob McDonald
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Andrew R Mayer
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Pete & Nancy Domenici Hall, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Bahji A, Stephenson C, Tyo R, Hawken ER, Seitz DP. Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e202370. [PMID: 32271390 PMCID: PMC7146100 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS)-a diagnostic indicator of cannabis use disorder-commonly occurs on cessation of heavy and prolonged cannabis use. To date, the prevalence of CWS syndrome has not been well described, nor have the factors potentially associated with CWS. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of CWS among individuals with regular or dependent use of cannabinoids and identify factors associated with CWS. DATA SOURCES A search of literature from database inception to June 19, 2019, was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest, Allied and Complementary Medicine, and Psychiatry online, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists of included articles. STUDY SELECTION Articles were included if they (1) were published in English, (2) reported on individuals with regular use of cannabinoids or cannabis use disorder as a primary study group, (3) reported on the prevalence of CWS or CWS symptoms using a validated instrument, (4) reported the prevalence of CWS, and (5) used an observational study design (eg, cohort or cross-sectional). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS All abstracts, full-text articles, and other sources were reviewed, with data extracted in duplicate. Cannabis withdrawal syndrome prevalence was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model, alongside stratification and meta-regression to characterize heterogeneity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cannabis withdrawal syndrome prevalence was reported as a percentage with 95% CIs. RESULTS Of 3848 unique abstracts, 86 were selected for full-text review, and 47 studies, representing 23 518 participants, met all inclusion criteria. Of 23 518 participants included in the analysis, 16 839 were white (72%) and 14 387 were men (69%); median (SD) age was 29.9 (9.0) years. The overall pooled prevalence of CWS was 47% (6469 of 23 518) (95% CI, 41%-52%), with significant heterogeneity between estimates (I2 = 99.2%). When stratified by source, the prevalence of CWS was 17% (95% CI, 13%-21%) in population-based samples, 54% in outpatient samples (95% CI, 48%-59%), and 87% in inpatient samples (95% CI, 79%-94%), which were significantly different (P < .001). Concurrent cannabis (β = 0.005, P < .001), tobacco (β = 0.002, P = .02), and other substance use disorders (β = 0.003, P = .05) were associated with a higher CWS prevalence, as was daily cannabis use (β = 0.004, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that cannabis withdrawal syndrome appears to be prevalent among regular users of cannabis. Clinicians should be aware of the prevalence of CWS in order to counsel patients and support individuals who are reducing their use of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Bahji
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Queen’s University School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Tyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily R. Hawken
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dallas P. Seitz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Cooper ZD, Abrams DI. Considering abuse liability and neurocognitive effects of cannabis and cannabis-derived products when assessing analgesic efficacy: a comprehensive review of randomized-controlled studies. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:580-595. [PMID: 31687845 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1669628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pain is the most frequent indication for which medical cannabis treatment is sought.Objectives: The clinical potential of cannabis and cannabis-derived products (CDPs) relies on their efficacy to treat an indication and potential adverse effects that impact outcomes, including abuse liability and neurocognitive effects. To ascertain the extent to which these effects impact therapeutic utility, studies investigating cannabis and CDPs for pain were reviewed for analgesic efficacy and assessments of abuse liability and neurocognitive effects.Methods: A comprehensive review of placebo-controlled studies investigating cannabis and CDP analgesia was performed. Methods and findings related to adverse effects, abuse liability, and neurocognitive effects were extracted.Results: Thirty-eight studies were reviewed; 29 assessed cannabis and CDPs for chronic pain, 1 for acute pain, and 8 used experimental pain tests. Most studies ascertained adverse effects through self-report (N = 27). Fewer studies specifically probed abuse liability (N = 7) and cognitive and psychomotor effects (N = 12). Many studies related to chronic and experimental pain (N = 18 and N = 5, respectively) found cannabis and CDPs to reduce pain. Overall, adverse effects were mild to moderate, and dose-related. Studies investigating the impact of cannabis and CDPs on abuse liability and neurocognitive endpoints were mostly limited to inhaled administration and confirmed dose-related effects.Conclusion: Few studies investigating cannabis and CDP analgesia assess abuse liability and cognitive endpoints, adverse effects that impact the long-term clinical utility of these drugs. Future studies should include these measures to optimize research and clinical care related to cannabis-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva D Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald I Abrams
- Divison of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gonçalves J, Rosado T, Soares S, Simão AY, Caramelo D, Luís Â, Fernández N, Barroso M, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. Cannabis and Its Secondary Metabolites: Their Use as Therapeutic Drugs, Toxicological Aspects, and Analytical Determination. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 6:E31. [PMID: 30813390 PMCID: PMC6473697 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the medicinal properties of Cannabis species have been known for centuries, the interest on its main active secondary metabolites as therapeutic alternatives for several pathologies has grown in recent years. This potential use has been a revolution worldwide concerning public health, production, use and sale of cannabis, and has led inclusively to legislation changes in some countries. The scientific advances and concerns of the scientific community have allowed a better understanding of cannabis derivatives as pharmacological options in several conditions, such as appetite stimulation, pain treatment, skin pathologies, anticonvulsant therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. However, there is some controversy regarding the legal and ethical implications of their use and routes of administration, also concerning the adverse health consequences and deaths attributed to marijuana consumption, and these represent some of the complexities associated with the use of these compounds as therapeutic drugs. This review comprehends the main secondary metabolites of Cannabis, approaching their therapeutic potential and applications, as well as their potential risks, in order to differentiate the consumption as recreational drugs. There will be also a focus on the analytical methodologies for their analysis, in order to aid health professionals and toxicologists in cases where these compounds are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ana Y Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Débora Caramelo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Nicolás Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Toxicología y Química Legal, Laboratorio de Asesoramiento Toxicológico Analítico (CENATOXA). Junín 956 7mo piso. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina.
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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