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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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Wang RQ, Bonomo YA, Hallinan CM. Overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: a scoping review using a systematic approach. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085166. [PMID: 39025811 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085166] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis use in Europe, the USA, the UK and Australia, leading to legislative resistance and limited preclinical data on CBM. Existing safety monitoring systems for CBM are poorly structured and do not integrate well into the workflows of busy health professionals. As a result, postmarketing surveillance is inconsistent. This review aims to evaluate international systems for monitoring CBM side effects and adverse events. DESIGN To undertake a scoping review with a systematic approach, we used the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework to develop keyword elements, and two search queries to maximise search sensitivity and specificity. DATA SOURCES Search queries were entered into Embase and Scopus for peer-reviewed literature, and additional searches for grey literature were conducted on 23 June 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included 54 full-text articles in the review: 39 from peer-reviewed searches, 8 from grey literature and 7 from citations of relevant texts. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Our search yielded two main forms of monitoring systems: databases and registries. Out of the 24 monitoring systems identified, there were 10 databases and 14 registries, with databases often created by regulatory authorities. Systems differed in methods of causality assessment, level of detail collected, terminology and affiliations. RESULTS Within the monitoring systems with enough published data for analysis, all except one remain active at the time of this review. VigiBase is the largest centralised monitoring system, receiving international case reports, however data heterogeneity persists. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasises the need for a centralised, consistent and accessible system for the postmarketing surveillance of side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Qi Wang
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yvonne Ann Bonomo
- Addiction Medicine, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine Mary Hallinan
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- HaBIC R2, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Francis A, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Guru R, Darweish Medniuk A, Sajad M, Searle R, Usmani A, Varma S, Rucker J, Platt M, Holden W, Sodergren MH. Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024:00004850-990000000-00145. [PMID: 38976497 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures after initiation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) and the safety of CBMPs in patients with inflammatory arthritis. A prospective case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry was analyzed. The primary outcomes changes were in Brief Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up compared with baseline. Adverse events were analyzed in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v.4.0. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value less than 0.050. Eighty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Initiation of CBMP treatment was associated with improvements in Brief Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months compared with baseline (P < 0.050). There were 102 (44.35%) mild adverse events, 97 (42.17%) moderate adverse events, and 31 (13.48%) severe adverse events recorded by 21 (25.61%) participants. This study suggests that CBMP treatment is associated with pain improvement and increased health-related quality of life for inflammatory arthritis patients. While causality cannot be inferred in this observational study, the results support the development of randomized control trials for inflammatory arthritis pain management with CBMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Francis
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
| | - Simon Erridge
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London
| | - Rahul Guru
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Pain Management, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff
| | - Alia Darweish Medniuk
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Anaesthetic Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol
| | | | | | | | | | - James Rucker
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Pain Management, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff
- Anaesthetic Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol
| | | | | | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
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Mills L, Arnold JC, Suraev A, Abelev SV, Zhou C, Arkell TR, McGregor IS, Lintzeris N. Medical cannabis use in Australia seven years after legalisation: findings from the online Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2022-2023 (CAMS-22). Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:104. [PMID: 38807133 PMCID: PMC11131250 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00992-1] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis was legalised for medical purposes in 2016. Uptake was initially slow, but since 2019 there has been a large increase in the number of Australians who have been prescribed cannabis for medical reasons. Yet a significant number of consumers continue to treat their medical conditions via illicitly-sourced cannabis. Little is known about how these two groups of medical cannabis consumers differ. METHODS The anonymous Cannabis-As-Medicine Survey 2022-2023 (CAMS-22) was available for completion online from December 2022 to April 2023 to adult Australians who had used cannabis to treat a medical condition in the previous year. Recruitment occurred through social media, consumer forums, and medical practices. Questions included demographic characteristics, patterns of cannabis use, conditions treated, and self-rated effectiveness. RESULTS Of the 3323 respondents included in these analyses, 2352 (73%) mainly used prescribed medical cannabis, 871 (27%) mainly used illicit. Prescribed users were significantly more likely than illicit users to have had their health condition diagnosed (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.2), to consume their cannabis via oral (OR = 1.9; CI 1.5, 2.4) or vaporised (OR = 5.2; CI 4.0, 6.8) routes, and to be sure of the composition of their medical cannabis (OR = 25.0; CI 16.7, 50.0). Prescribed users were significantly less likely to have used cannabis non-medically before medical use (OR = 0.6, CI 0.5, 0.7), consume cannabis via smoked routes (OR = 0.2, CI 0.1, 0.2), and to report any side effects (OR = 0.1; CI 0.1, 0.2). The most common conditions among both prescribed and illicit users were pain (37%), mental health (36%), and sleep (15%) conditions. Prescribed users were significantly more likely to use cannabis to mainly treat a pain (OR = 1.3; CI 1.1, 1.5) or sleep condition (OR = 1.4; CI 1.1, 1.7) and less likely to treat a mental health condition (OR = 0.8; CI 0.7, 0.9). There were no between-group differences in effectiveness with 97% saying medical cannabis had improved their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS From a harm-reduction perspective there is much to recommend prescribed medical cannabis; it has fewer side-effects than illicit, is used more safely (oral or vaporised versus smoked routes), gives consumers greater certainty regarding the composition and quality of their medicine, and does not risk exposure to the criminal justice system. Of concern, however, is the apparent willingness of prescribers to prescribe for indications for which there is limited evidence of efficacy, such as mental health and sleep conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn Mills
- Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Faculty Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 591 South Dowling Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anastasia Suraev
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah V Abelev
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cilla Zhou
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas R Arkell
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Faculty Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 591 South Dowling Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN), Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Murphy M, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Sodergren MH. A cohort study comparing the effects of medical cannabis for anxiety patients with and without comorbid sleep disturbance. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:129-142. [PMID: 38155535 PMCID: PMC10932782 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12407] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in anxiety remains inconclusive due to a paucity of high-quality evidence. Studies indicate a bidirectional relationship between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and sleep disruption, but it is unclear how this affects CBMP treatment outcomes. This study aims to compare the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients prescribed CBMPs for GAD, with and without impaired sleep. METHODS Changes in PROMs were recorded from baseline to 1, 3, 6, and 12 months between those with impaired or unimpaired sleep. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to compare factors associated with a clinically significant improvement in GAD-7 at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included adverse event incidence and frequency. RESULTS Of the 302 patients that fit the inclusion criteria, mean GAD-7, single-item sleep quality, and EQ-5D-5L index values improved at all time points (p < 0.001). A relationship between sleep impairment and clinically significant changes in GAD-7 at 1 and 3 months was identified (p ≤ 0.01). On multivariate regression, only baseline GAD severity was associated with an increased likelihood of observing a clinically significant improvement in anxiety (p < 0.001). Seven hundred and seven (234%) adverse events were reported by 55 (18.21%) participants. CONCLUSIONS This study observed an association between CBMP treatment and improvements in anxiety in patients with GAD. While patients with comorbid sleep disruption had greater improvements in anxiety, the differences were not maintained in a multivariate analysis. Baseline anxiety severity may be a predictor for CBMP treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Murphy
- Medical Cannabis Research GroupDepartment of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Medical Cannabis Research GroupDepartment of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
- St. George's Hospital NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - James J. Rucker
- Department of Psychological MedicineKings College LondonLondonUK
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research GroupDepartment of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Sapphire Medical ClinicsLondonUK
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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 2024:00004850-990000000-00125. [PMID: 38299624 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [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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Vivek K, Karagozlu Z, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Weatherall MW, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with insomnia. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3410. [PMID: 38337193 PMCID: PMC10858318 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3410] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in sleep-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for those prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for insomnia. METHODS A case series of UK patients with insomnia was analyzed. Primary outcomes were changes in the Single-Item Sleep-Quality Scale (SQS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and EQ-5D-5L at up to 6 months from baseline. Statistical significance was identified as a p value < .050. RESULTS 61 patients were included in the analysis. There was an improvement in the SQS from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < .001). There were also improvements in the EQ-5D-5L Index value and GAD-7 at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < .050). There were 28 (45.9%) adverse events recorded by 8 patients (13.1%). There were no life-threatening/disabling adverse events. CONCLUSION Patients with insomnia experienced an improvement in sleep quality following the initiation of CBMPs in this medium-term analysis. Fewer than 15% of participants reported one or more adverse events. However, due to the limitations of the study design, further investigation is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn on the efficacy of CBMPs in treating insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavyesh Vivek
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Zekiye Karagozlu
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
| | - Carl Holvey
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
| | - Ross Coomber
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of Trauma and OrthopaedicsSt. George's Hospital NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - James J. Rucker
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of Psychological MedicineKings College LondonLondonUK
- National and Specialist Tertiary Referrals Affective Disorders ServiceSouth London & Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Mark W. Weatherall
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of NeurologyBuckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustAmershamUK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
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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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10
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Silkiss RZ, Koppinger J, Truong T, Gibson D, Tyler C. Cannabidiol as an Adjunct to Botulinum Toxin in Blepharospasm - A Randomized Pilot Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:17. [PMID: 37606606 PMCID: PMC10461691 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.8.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low dose cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex) as adjunctive therapy for idiopathic adult-onset blepharospasm (BPS), as well as develop a novel objective assessment methodology to gauge response. Methods Prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled crossover design of 6 months duration of 12 patients with BPS undergoing routine maximal botulinum toxin (BTX) therapy and experiencing breakthrough symptoms. Participants received their standard BTX every 3 months and were randomized to group A = CBD daily in cycle 1, followed by placebo in cycle 2 or group B = placebo followed by CBD. Videos recorded at days 0, 45, and 90 of each cycle were analyzed to quantify eyelid kinematics. The Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS) was used to provide a clinical rating. Results All 12 patients completed the study without adverse events. CBD decreased median eyelid closure amplitude by 19.1% (-1.66 mm, confidence interval [CI] = -3.19 to -0.14 mm, P = 0.03), decreased median eyelid closure duration by 15.8% (-18.35 ms, CI = -29.37 to -7.32 ms, P = 0.001), and increased the maximum eyelid closure velocity by 34.8% (-13.26 mm/ms, CI = -20.93 to -5.58 mm/ms, P = 0.001). The JRS showed a 0.5 reduction in severity and frequency, which was not statistically significant. Conclusions Low dose CBD was safely tolerated and improved several BPS kinematic parameters. The clinical scale suggested a direction of effect but may have been underpowered. Further studies are needed to better quantify the clinical relevance. Translational Relevance This work describes a novel assessment methodology and therapeutic approach to bBPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy Truong
- The Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David Gibson
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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