Cannabis Treatment in the United Kingdom - Results of National Survey
- A study was conducted in the United Kingdom between 1998 and 2002 to investigate the use of medical cannabis.
- The average age was 52.7 years.
Content
The use of cannabis for medical purposes is a controversial but important topic of public and scientific interest. We report on the results of a self-managed questionnaire study conducted in the United Kingdom in 1998-2002. The questionnaire consisted of 34 components and included demographic data, drug use patterns, cannabis use profiles.
Subjects were self-selected. 3663 questionnaires were distributed and 2969 were returned [1805 (60.9%) women, mean age 52.7 years (SD 12.7)].
Medical cannabis use has been reported in patients with chronic pain (25%), multiple sclerosis and depression (22%), arthritis (21%) and neuropathy (19%). Treatment of cannabis use was associated with younger age, male gender and previous recreational use (p <0.001). While caution is required when interpreting these data, the information points to the need for clinical trials of cannabis and cannabinoids with standardized and controlled products.
Resources:
Ware, MA, et al. International Journal of Clinical Practice , John Wiley & Sons, Ltd (10.1111), Oct. 6, 2004