Self-Reported Cannabis Use and Symptom Burden Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Palliative Care

BackgroundPatients are increasingly using cannabis products to manage a wide range of symptoms; however, few studies have examined the symptom burden of patients with cancer receiving palliative care who self-report using cannabis products.ObjectivesThe purpose of this investigation was to compare the symptom burden of palliative care patients with cancer who self-reported using cannabis products vs those who did not.DesignRetrospective study.Setting/Participants100 patients who self-reported using cannabis products and 300 patients who did not were randomly selected as the case and control groups, respectively. All participants were evaluated during their first consultation at a supportive clinic in a tertiary cancer center in the United States between January 1 and December 31, 2024.MeasurementsData collected included self-reported cannabis use, demographics, primary cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, symptoms, performance status, and medications.ResultsThe proportion of patients who self-reported using cannabis products was 11.14%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, older age, and Black or African American race were associated with lower odds of self-reported cannabis use. In contrast, living alone, higher levels of pain, anxiety, and appetite disturbance, were associated with increased odds of cannabis use.ConclusionsPatients with higher symptom burden are more likely to report cannabinoid use. Universal screening accompanied by patient education is important in palliative care.