Perception and Consumption of Cannabis Among Danish Patients with End-Stage Cancer Receiving Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, cannabis has gained increasing attention in patients. Studies have reported that some patients with cancer self-medicate with cannabis as adjunct palliative therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perception and consumption of cannabis for medical purposes in patients with end-stage cancer. Design: This was a cross-sectional perception survey. Setting/subjects: A study-specific questionnaire, stratified by three subgroups based on cannabis consumption history, was administered to patients referred to a Danish palliative care unit. The subgroups were experienced respondents, either a) current or b) prior consumers, and c) naïve respondents who had never consumed cannabis. In addition to demographic and clinical parameters, respondents were asked about their perception of cannabis in relation to symptom relief and curative effect on cancer. Results: The response rate was 67% (n = 160) among 239 eligible patients. The overall prevalence of cannabis consumption was 24% (n = 39) further characterized as 10% current consumers and 14% prior consumers. Of all respondents, 68% perceived cannabis to have a symptom-relieving effect and 29% perceived cannabis to have a cancer curative effect. These perceptions were most pronounced among current consumers (94% and 59%, respectively), followed by prior consumers (82% and 46%, respectively) and naïve respondents (61% and 22%, respectively). Conclusions: Majority of respondents with end-stage cancer perceived cannabis to have a symptom-relieving effect and 24% reported experience with cannabis consumption, either currently or in the past. Current and prior cannabis consumers were more likely to believe in a cancer curative effect of cannabis than naïve respondents.