Therapeutic use of cannabis in the US.
Tracy A Klein, Carey S Clark
PMID 36399143WHAT IT FOUND
Medical cannabis has some evidence for chronic pain, chemotherapy nausea, spasticity, and certain seizures, but many claims rest on low-quality studies.
Nurses should ask about use, check interactions, and counsel patients on THC and CBD risks.
Key findings
01Substantial or conclusive evidence supports cannabis for adult chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis spasticity, while many other uses have limited or insufficient evidence.
02Cannabis can interact with opioids, antidepressants, seizure medications, and anticoagulants; patients should be educated about symptoms to monitor.
03Estimated cannabis use disorder affects about 9%-10% of users, and dosing guidance starts cannabis-naive patients at no more than 1 mg THC per dose, with THC generally limited to 30 mg daily alongside CBD.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
No original methods or results are reported; it is a narrative review. Federal prohibition and stigma limit high-quality controlled trials. Many drug interaction claims are theoretical, observational, or case-based. Product regulation and labeling are inconsistent, especially for over-the-counter CBD. Access depends on state law, cost, and insurance, which can affect patient disclosure and safety.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the opioid reduction reports as proof that cannabis reliably reduces opioid use. The paper says controlled trial evidence is lacking and much of the evidence is observational or patient report.