The Information-Seeking Behavior and Unmet Knowledge Needs of Older Medicinal Cannabis Consumers in Canada: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION

Older Canadians (age 60+) are increasingly using cannabis to treat their health problems, but little is known regarding how they learn about medicinal cannabis. This study explored the perspectives of older cannabis consumers, prospective consumers, healthcare professionals, and cannabis retailers on older adults' information-seeking behavior and unmet knowledge needs.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 36 older cannabis consumers and prospective consumers, as well as 4 healthcare professionals and 5 cannabis retailers from across Canada, for a total sample of 45 participants. Data were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Three main themes characterizing older cannabis consumers' information-seeking were identified: (1) knowledge sources, (2) types of information sought, and (3) unmet knowledge needs. Participants accessed a variety of knowledge sources to inform themselves about medicinal cannabis. Cannabis retailers were identified as providing medical information to many older adults, despite regulations to the contrary. Cannabis-specialized healthcare professionals were also viewed as key knowledge sources, while primary care providers were perceived as both knowledge sources and gatekeepers limiting access to information. The types of information participants sought included the effects and potential benefits of medicinal cannabis, the side effects and risks involved, and guidance regarding suitable cannabis products. Participants' most salient unmet knowledge needs focused on dosing and use of cannabis to treat specific health conditions.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest that barriers to learning about medical cannabis among older consumers identified in prior research remain pervasive and cut across jurisdictions. To address these barriers, there is a need for better knowledge products tailored to older cannabis consumers and their information needs, and further education for primary healthcare providers on medicinal cannabis and its therapeutic applications with older patients.

Cannabis Significantly Reduces the Use of Prescription Opioids and Improves Quality of Life in Authorized Patients: Results of a Large Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

This article presents findings from a large prospective examination of Canadian medical cannabis patients, with a focus on the impacts of cannabis on prescription opioid use and quality of life over a 6-month period.

METHODS

The Tilray Observational Patient Study took place at 21 medical clinics throughout Canada. This analysis includes 1,145 patients who had at least one postbaseline visit, with follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. Instruments included a comprehensive cannabis use inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and a detailed prescription drug questionnaire.

RESULTS

Participants were 57.6% female, with a median age of 52 years. Baseline opioid use was reported by 28% of participants, dropping to 11% at 6 months. Daily opioid use went from 152 mg morphine milligram equivalent (MME) at baseline to 32.2 mg MME at 6 months, a 78% reduction in mean opioid dosage. Similar reductions were also seen in the other four primary prescription drug classes identified by participants, and statistically significant improvements were reported in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an individual-level perspective of cannabis substitution for opioids and other prescription drugs, as well as associated improvement in quality of life over 6 months. The high rate of cannabis use for chronic pain and the subsequent reductions in opioid use suggest that cannabis may play a harm reduction role in the opioid overdose crisis, potentially improving the quality of life of patients and overall public health.