The Association between Cannabis Product Characteristics and Symptom Relief

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 25;9(1):2712. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39462-1.

Abstract

Federal barriers and logistical challenges have hindered measurement of the real time effects from the types of cannabis products used medically by millions of patients in vivo. Between 06/06/2016 and 03/05/2018, 3,341 people completed 19,910 self- administrated cannabis sessions using the mobile device software, ReleafApp to record: type of cannabis product (dried whole natural Cannabis flower, concentrate, edible, tincture, topical), combustion method (joint, pipe, vaporization), Cannabis subspecies (C. indica and C. sativa), and major cannabinoid contents (tetrahydrocannabinol, THC; and cannabidiol, CBD), along with real-time ratings of health symptom severity levels, prior-to and immediately following administration, and reported side effects. A fixed effects panel regression approach was used to model the within-user effects of different product characteristics. Patients showed an average symptom improvement of 3.5 (SD = 2.6) on an 11-point scale across the 27 measured symptom categories. Dried flower was the most commonly used product and generally associated with greater symptom relief than other types of products. Across product characteristics, only higher THC levels were independently associated with greater symptom relief and prevalence of positive and negative side effects. In contrast, CBD potency levels were generally not associated with significant symptom changes or experienced side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage
  • Cannabidiol / adverse effects
  • Cannabidiol / analysis
  • Cannabidiol / therapeutic use*
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists / adverse effects
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage
  • Dronabinol / adverse effects
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana / administration & dosage
  • Medical Marijuana / adverse effects
  • Medical Marijuana / therapeutic use*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Self Administration

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol