Attitudes Toward and Acceptability of Medical Marijuana Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levin, Marc; Zhang, Han; Gupta, Michael K.
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 132:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: head and neck cancer -- medical marijuana -- cannabis -- quality of life -- patient questionnaire; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/00034894211072624
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to understand the attitudes toward marijuana in HNC patients. Methods: A 17-question questionnaire regarding medical marijuana (MM) was distributed to HNC patients at a tertiary cancer center. Results: 63 HNC patients completed the questionnaire. Patients that had used or were using marijuana described benefit with symptoms of headache, pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. 83% of all patients considered marijuana as treatment for cancer related pain and 67% as treatment for cancer related anxiety. About 70% of patients actively undergoing cancer treatment believed marijuana medications would help with symptoms during treatment. Conclusions: By understanding how HNC patients perceive MM, HNC teams may be able to prescribe and educate their patients on MM.