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

Wrist Evaluation Canada (WECAN), Laura Sims, Tom Goetz, Neil White, Armin Badre, Braden Grammon, Andrew Trenholm, Jason Strelzow, Ruby Grewal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. Contexte: L’utilisation du cannabis à des fins récréatives a été légalisée au Canada en 2018. Les habitudes d’utilisation du cannabis et les attitudes des patients envers son utilisation, particulièrement dans le contexte de ces changements juridiques, sont encore peu comprises. Nous avons voulu évaluer les modes d’utilisation du cannabis et les attitudes de base au moment de la légalisation chez les patients atteints de problèmes de santé affectant leurs membres supérieurs au Canada.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E335-E341
JournalCanadian Journal of Surgery
Volume65
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022

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