In March 2019 researchers from the USA published their report on changes in symptom severity which had been reported by individuals with cancer during their first 4 months of programme participation. Researchers in the Minnesota medical cannabis programme, routinely collect patient-reported scores on cancer symptoms and in this specific study individuals rated their symptoms of anxiety, lack of appetite, depression, disturbed sleep, fatigue, nausea, pain, and vomiting at the start of participation in the programme and again in the 24 hours immediately before each medical cannabis purchase. The individuals also reported the intensity of adverse effects. Results showed that the individuals reported a significant reduction in all symptom scores within the first 4 months of programme participation. The proportion of individuals achieving 30% or greater symptom reduction varied from 27% for fatigue to 50% for vomiting. A smaller proportion, however, maintained those improvements.
Anderson SP et al. Impact of Medical Cannabis on Patient-Reported Symptoms for Patients With Cancer Enrolled in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program. J Oncol Pract. 2019 Mar 12. [Epub ahead of print]