Cancer patients are reporting less pain and better sleep following their use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), according to new observational data published in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. The findings are part of growing evidence that medical cannabis can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment or living with chronic pain.
British researchers assessed the use of botanical cannabis and oil extracts in 168 cancer patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Under UK regulations, specialists are allowed to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to cancer patients who have not responded to conventional medications. Researchers evaluated changes in patient-reported outcomes at one, three, and six months to determine how these products affected pain, anxiety, and sleep.
The results were encouraging. The study found that cancer patients' use of cannabis products was "associated with improvements in all pain-specific PROMs [patient-reported outcome measures] at all follow-up periods." Participants also reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety, suggesting that CBMPs may play a valuable role in supporting both pain management and mental health for cancer patients. Importantly, the study reported no significant adverse effects from cannabis use, indicating a strong safety profile for these therapies.
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