Medical cannabis use in young adults with cancer: a self-reported survey study.
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OBJECTIVES: Medical cannabis is increasingly used by young patients with cancer. We aimed to describe the patterns and perceptions of medical cannabis use among young adults with cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2021 and included patients aged 18-45 from the Department of Oncology at Sheba Medical Center, as well as participants from the Stop-Cancer social platform. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing demographics, disease status, cannabis permit status, use patterns and perceptions. RESULTS: Of the 605 participants who completed the survey, 250 held an active cannabis permit. Median age was 38 (IQR 33-43); 69% were female. Permit holders were less frequently employed (48% vs 76%, p<0.0001), more likely to report prior cannabis (36% vs 21%, p<0.0001) or tobacco use (39% vs 25%, p=0.0003) and define their cancer as 'active' (38% vs 12%, p<0.0001). Among the 371 cancer survivors, 118 (31%) held active permits. Nearly 60% of permit-holding survivors completed their cancer treatment ≥12 months before the survey, and 40% were at least 2 years from treatment. Of cancer survivors holding a cannabis permit, 69% reported daily cannabis use and 67% consumed cannabis through a smoking route. Cannabis was used primarily for managing sleep disturbances (69%), pain (62%) or mood disorders (42%). 21% of survivors considered reducing cannabis consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Medical cannabis use is prevalent among young adults with cancer, with many continuing to use it during survivorship and after completing cancer treatment. Targeted education on non-smokable forms of cannabis, as well as support for reducing or ceasing cannabis use among young cancer survivors, is needed.