A prospective observational study of problematic oral cannabinoid use

Abstract

Background: Despite evidence supporting the benefits of cannabinoids for symptom control across a wide range of medical conditions, concerns have been raised regarding the potential misuse and/or problematic use of cannabinoids (CBs). Objective: The first objective of this study was to examine the incidence of problematic prescription cannabinoid use (PPCBU) over a 12-month period among patients initiating cannabinoid therapy. The second objective was to examine the factors associated with PPCBU. A total of 265 patients who were prescribed oral cannabinoid therapy as part of usual medical practice were enrolled into this prospective observational study. Patients first completed a series of baseline questionnaires assessing demographic, clinical, and substance use variables. Three measures designed to assess PPCBU were then administered at 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of cannabinoid therapy. Results: At each of the follow-up assessment time points, a significantly greater number of patients scored below (vs above) cutoff scores on the three main PPCBU outcomes (all p’s