Quality of life and safety for patients using medical cannabis oil at Soeng Sang Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Keywords:
Cannabis oil, Medical cannabis clinic, Quality of life, SafetyAbstract
This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and safety of patients receiving medical cannabis oil at Soeng Sang Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The sample consisted of 161 eligible patients who attended the medical cannabis clinic from August 26, 2021, to September 30, 2024. The study included patients who met the inclusion criteria and received at least one follow-up visit at Soeng Sang Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected retrospectively from the HOSxP system, C-MOPH data recording forms, and interviews with patients or caregivers.
The results of the study showed that most patients were female (71.43%), the mean age was 59.68 ± 13 years. The most common conditions treated were pain (66.53%), cancer (22.41%), insomnia (7.51%), terminally ill (3.12%), and numbness (0.11%). Cannabis oil significantly improved the quality of life. The EQ-5D-5L Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire measured utility values before and after receiving cannabis oil, which were 0.72 ± 0.29 and 0.89 ± 0.19, (p < 0.05) and improved all five health dimensions. Regarding safety of medical cannabis oil use, most patients maintained their blood pressure and heart rate levels. Laboratory results, including liver function tests, kidney function tests remained unchanged. Data on adverse events occurring in patients receiving cannabis oil, which was used according to the indications, were analyzed using the Naranjo’s algorithm. Only nine patients experienced side effects 5 patients experienced dizziness, 2 patients experienced dry mouth, 1 patient experienced palpitations, and 1 patient experienced fatigue. The majority (152 patients) experienced no side effects from cannabis oil use.
Recommendations: The results of this study indicate that medical cannabis oil use improves patient quality of life and safety. Therefore, increased use of medical cannabis should be promoted.
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