Cannabis use patterns among patients with upper extremity conditions at the time of legalization in Canada

Recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada in 2018. Cannabis use patterns and patient attitudes toward cannabis use, particularly in the context of these legal changes, are not well understood. Our aim was to evaluate baseline cannabis use patterns and attitudes at the time of legalization among patients with upper extremity conditions in Canada.

In 2018, we conducted a multicentre cross-sectional survey study of 1561 patients with upper extremity conditions at 7 surgical centres. Participants were asked whether they currently use cannabis. If yes, they were asked questions regarding usage patterns and perceptions of cannabis use, including likelihood of use, safety and comfort discussing it with their physician.

In the 6 months after legalization, 790 (51%) participants felt that cannabis was safer than prescription narcotics, with 450 (29%) currently using cannabis. Reasons for cannabis use included pain (56%), stress (51%) and recreation (42%). Of the 1105 patients not using cannabis, 267 (24%) were more likely to consider it after legalization. Of the 450 cannabis users, 73 (16%) had been using it for less than 6 months, 206 (46%) stated they were more comfortable discussing cannabis with their physician after legalization and 195 (43%) were using cannabis more than 4 times per week.

Many patients with upper extremity conditions were regularly using cannabis. Patients were more comfortable discussing cannabis with their physician than before legalization. Treating surgeons should be aware of these trends and expect to receive questions regarding cannabis use.