Cannabinoids and solid organ transplantation: Psychiatric perspectives and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Cannabinoid Research
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Cannabinoid use in solid organ transplantation (SOT) patients is a complex issue with inconsistent clinical approaches.
• Existing scientific literature on cannabinoids in SOT is limited, primarily focusing on liver and kidney transplants.
• Professional society recommendations offer a mix of specific and vague guidance, reflecting the ongoing dilemma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing studies on clinician perceptions, use rates, and clinical impact of cannabinoid use in SOT patients.
• To collate professional society guidance and synthesize diverse medical literature on cannabinoid use in psychiatry and addiction relevant to transplantation.
• To provide clinical and policy recommendations and identify future research areas regarding cannabinoid use in SOT.

Main Methods:

• Systematized review of studies on clinician perceptions, use rates, and clinical impact of cannabinoid use in SOT patients.
• Collation of professional society guidance on cannabinoid use in transplantation.
• Synthesis of diverse medical literature on psychiatric and addiction aspects of cannabinoid use pertinent to SOT clinicians.

Main Results:

• Limited existing studies on clinician perceptions, use rates, and clinical impact of cannabinoid use in SOT patients.
• Professional society guidance is variable, lacking comprehensive recommendations.
• SOT teams may lack adequate staffing or training to manage neuropsychiatric cannabinoid effects and risks.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoid use in SOT patients requires a comprehensive, interprofessional approach due to multifaceted challenges.
• Further research and standardized guidelines are needed to address clinician uncertainty and improve patient care.
• SOT teams need enhanced training to manage the neuropsychiatric effects and risks associated with cannabinoid use.