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

Lucas et al. ·Pain Medicine Impact 1.4

Clear benefit GRADE Low 88 citations

Samplen = 1.145 Pat.

Duration6 months

EndpointDaily opioid dose +…

Blindingn.a.

DesignProspektive Beobachtungsstudie

Cannabinoidvollspektrum

Key finding

Medical cannabis was associated with a marked reduction in opioid use (−78% of mean daily dose) and significant improvement in quality of life.

Summary

Prospective observational study of n=1.145 medical cannabis patients across 21 Canadian clinics; 6-month follow-up. Baseline opioid use in 28% of participants, reduction to 11% after 6 months. Daily opioid dose decreased from 152 mg MME (morphine milligram equivalent) to 32,2 mg MME — a 78% reduction. Significant improvements in all four WHOQOL-BREF domains (quality of life).

PopulationAuthorised medical cannabis patients in Canada, n=1.145, median 52 years, 57,6% female, mostly chronic pain

InterventionMedical cannabis (Tilray), various forms, over 6 months within the scope of authorised prescription

OutcomeOpioid use decreased from 28% to 11% of participants; mean daily opioid dose decreased from 152 mg MME to 32,2 mg MME (−78%); statistically significant improvements in all four WHOQOL-BREF domains

Confidence in the evidence

Low

The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding —

Effect size Clear benefit

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Lucas P, Boyd S, Milloy M et al.

DOI 10.1093/pm/pnaa396↗

Design: Prospektive Beobachtungsstudie

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius