Medicinal cannabis use in palliative care

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Pharmacology
• Cannabinoid Research

Background:

• Recent legislative changes permit medicinal cannabis prescriptions for palliative care.
• Widespread community support exists for its use in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on medicinal cannabis in palliative care for both pediatric and adult patients.
• To provide an overview of the emerging evidence base.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on medicinal cannabis in palliative care.
• Synthesis of research findings regarding efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Evidence supporting medicinal cannabis for symptom control in palliative care is limited and developing.
• Medicinal cannabis is unlikely to be a first-line treatment for pain or nausea.
• It may serve as an adjuvant or complementary therapy for symptom management.

Conclusions:

• General practitioners should encourage patient participation in trials monitoring medicinal cannabis benefits and toxicity.
• Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for its use in palliative care.
• Medicinal cannabis shows potential as a supportive therapy in palliative care settings.