An investigation of chronic pain patients that have taken, or considered taking, CBD to aid their chronic pain condition

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An investigation of chronic pain patients that have taken, or considered taking, CBD to aid their chronic pain condition

  • IRAS ID

    309410

  • Contact name

    Calum Murray

  • Contact email

    calum.murray@liverpool.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Spark, Liverpool Health Partners

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 1 months, 22 days

  • Research summary

    Summary of Research
    The aim of this study is to explore patients’ perspectives of taking legal Cannabidiol (CBD) for managing their chronic pain condition and what led them to making this decision. It aims to explore this through their experiences of potential benefits or limitations of CBD products and whether there are any barriers to discussing the use of these products with pain service clinicians.

    Since change in legislation in November 2018, where cannabis-based products were declassified and made legal for medicalised prescription, there have been a number of manufactured products for various physical health conditions. However, medical professionals in the field of chronic pain do not recommend their use due to limited research in to the effectiveness and safety of these products.

    Studies focusing on the effectiveness and safety of cannabis-based products have yielded mixed results. However, there is little from the patient’s perspective despite research indicating a significant proportion of chronic pain patients use these products to manage their condition. Given the growing number and use of non-medically prescribed CBD products, it is important to consider a patient’s perspective on what the benefits and barriers might be to taking them.

    The participants will be recruited in the Liverpool area from Chronic Pain Services in two sites. Participants who have either taken or considered taking CBD for their chronic pain condition will be eligible to take part in the study. Participants who express interest will be screened for eligibility and invited to be interviewed about their experiences. The interviews will last around 60-90minutes with breaks, if required.

    Summary of Results
    Participants identified the perceived benefits and side effects of CBD (Cannabidiol) products in managing their chronic pain condition, particularly in comparison with prescribed medications. They also identified a generational and cultural shift towards acceptance of cannabis-based products whilst continuing to observe wider related social stigma. For some, interactions and discussions with healthcare professionals regarding CBD and treatment in relation to their chronic pain condition in general were perceived as negative. As a result, some viewed taking CBD as a form of taking control over their treatment and pain management. The study identified the various psychological and wider social factors in deciding whether to take or continue taking CBD. By professionals taking the time to consider these factors, patients may benefit through validation, sense of being believed or heard, and may contribute to the breaking down of stigma.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 4

  • REC reference

    22/WA/0252

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Aug 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion