Survey of MaineHealth Cancer Care Network Providers on Cannabis Use: Preparation for Studies Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Introduction: Cannabis and cannabinoid use in patients with cancer has rapidly scaled up over the past decade and is a topic of considerable clinical, research, and public health interest. Methods: We conducted a cannabis landscape survey among front-line providers in the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network (MHCCN) before applying and participating in National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored studies on cannabis use in patients with cancer. The results of the survey can better inform participation in national studies and provide a departure point for provider educational activities focused on cannabis use in the cancer care setting. Results: Notable observations from our survey included a 58% (100/171) response rate, which signals awareness and interest in cannabis use by our provider teams. Also, 30% of providers/care team members inquire about their patients’ cannabis use, 89% agree that cannabis can be effective for managing symptoms, 54% are sensitive to stigma surrounding cannabis use (as well as 57% of their patients), only 15% considered themselves knowledgeable, and 85% are receptive to learning more about cannabis use. Discussion: These observations confirmed interest among our care teams to engage in cannabis-focused studies. They also paved a way toward participating in NCI-sponsored studies to address gaps in knowledge and the benefits and harms of cannabis and cannabinoid use in patients with cancer. Barriers and themes from the survey related to conducting research in this therapeutic area are discussed. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies evaluating the benefits and harms of cannabis use remain scarce. Significant gaps in knowledge persist for both providers and patients, compounded by regulatory, ethical, and drug provision hurdles in this research area. Our survey results offer a foundation for educating care team members about cannabis use. Alongside participation in a large, first-ever national study, we outline plans for a small pilot study that uses an innovative application to capture cannabis use and product type