Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic
Abstract Background Cannabidiol (CBD) is a primary component in the cannabis plant; however, in recent years, interest in CBD treatments has outpaced scientific research and regulatory advancement resulting in a confusing landscape of misinformation and unsubstantiated health claims. Within the limi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2021-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Cannabis Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w |
| _version_ | 1818928241111465984 |
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| author | Lucile Rapin Rihab Gamaoun Cynthia El Hage Maria Fernanda Arboleda Erin Prosk |
| author_facet | Lucile Rapin Rihab Gamaoun Cynthia El Hage Maria Fernanda Arboleda Erin Prosk |
| author_sort | Lucile Rapin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Cannabidiol (CBD) is a primary component in the cannabis plant; however, in recent years, interest in CBD treatments has outpaced scientific research and regulatory advancement resulting in a confusing landscape of misinformation and unsubstantiated health claims. Within the limited results from randomized controlled trials, and lack of trust in product quality and known clinical guidelines and dosages, real-world evidence (RWE) from countries with robust regulatory frameworks may fill a critical need for patients and healthcare professionals. Despite growing evidence and interest, no real-world data (RWD) studies have yet investigated patients’ reports of CBD impact on symptom control in the common expression of pain, anxiety, depression, and poor wellbeing. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of CBD-rich treatment on symptom burden, as measured with a specific symptom assessment scale (ESAS-r). Methods This retrospective observational study examined pain, anxiety, depression symptoms, and wellbeing in 279 participants over 18 years old, prescribed with CBD-rich treatment at a network of clinics dedicated to medical cannabis in Quebec, Canada. Data were collected at baseline, 3 (FUP1), and 6 (FUP2) month after treatment initiation. Groups were formed based on symptom severity (mild vs moderate/severe) and based on changes to treatment plan at FUP1 (CBD vs THC:CBD). Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to assess ESAS-r scores differences between groups and between visits. Results All average ESAS-r scores decreased between baseline and FUP1 (all ps < 0.003). The addition of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during the first follow-up had no effect on symptom changes. Patients with moderate/severe symptoms experienced important improvement at FUP1 (all ps < 0.001), whereas scores on pain, anxiety, and wellbeing of those with mild symptoms actually increased. Differences in ESAS-r scores between FUP1 and FUP2 were not statistically different. Conclusion This retrospective observational study suggests CBD-rich treatment has a beneficial impact on pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms as well as overall wellbeing only for patients with moderate to severe symptoms; however, no observed effect on mild symptoms. The results of this study contribute to address the myths and misinformation about CBD treatment and demand further investigation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-20T03:25:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-af69d87055fa403c94d59e5f183e470b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2522-5782 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-20T03:25:46Z |
| publishDate | 2021-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Cannabis Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-af69d87055fa403c94d59e5f183e470b2022-12-21T19:55:06ZengBMCJournal of Cannabis Research2522-57822021-06-013111010.1186/s42238-021-00078-wCannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinicLucile Rapin0Rihab Gamaoun1Cynthia El Hage2Maria Fernanda Arboleda3Erin Prosk4Research Department, Santé CannabisResearch Department, Santé CannabisResearch Department, Santé CannabisResearch Department, Santé CannabisResearch Department, Santé CannabisAbstract Background Cannabidiol (CBD) is a primary component in the cannabis plant; however, in recent years, interest in CBD treatments has outpaced scientific research and regulatory advancement resulting in a confusing landscape of misinformation and unsubstantiated health claims. Within the limited results from randomized controlled trials, and lack of trust in product quality and known clinical guidelines and dosages, real-world evidence (RWE) from countries with robust regulatory frameworks may fill a critical need for patients and healthcare professionals. Despite growing evidence and interest, no real-world data (RWD) studies have yet investigated patients’ reports of CBD impact on symptom control in the common expression of pain, anxiety, depression, and poor wellbeing. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of CBD-rich treatment on symptom burden, as measured with a specific symptom assessment scale (ESAS-r). Methods This retrospective observational study examined pain, anxiety, depression symptoms, and wellbeing in 279 participants over 18 years old, prescribed with CBD-rich treatment at a network of clinics dedicated to medical cannabis in Quebec, Canada. Data were collected at baseline, 3 (FUP1), and 6 (FUP2) month after treatment initiation. Groups were formed based on symptom severity (mild vs moderate/severe) and based on changes to treatment plan at FUP1 (CBD vs THC:CBD). Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to assess ESAS-r scores differences between groups and between visits. Results All average ESAS-r scores decreased between baseline and FUP1 (all ps < 0.003). The addition of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during the first follow-up had no effect on symptom changes. Patients with moderate/severe symptoms experienced important improvement at FUP1 (all ps < 0.001), whereas scores on pain, anxiety, and wellbeing of those with mild symptoms actually increased. Differences in ESAS-r scores between FUP1 and FUP2 were not statistically different. Conclusion This retrospective observational study suggests CBD-rich treatment has a beneficial impact on pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms as well as overall wellbeing only for patients with moderate to severe symptoms; however, no observed effect on mild symptoms. The results of this study contribute to address the myths and misinformation about CBD treatment and demand further investigation.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-wCannabidiolSymptomsMedical cannabisEffectivenessPainAnxiety |
| spellingShingle | Lucile Rapin Rihab Gamaoun Cynthia El Hage Maria Fernanda Arboleda Erin Prosk Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic Journal of Cannabis Research Cannabidiol Symptoms Medical cannabis Effectiveness Pain Anxiety |
| title | Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| title_full | Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| title_fullStr | Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| title_short | Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| title_sort | cannabidiol use and effectiveness real world evidence from a canadian medical cannabis clinic |
| topic | Cannabidiol Symptoms Medical cannabis Effectiveness Pain Anxiety |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w |
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