CBD use, interest common in CF patients in US, study finds
Sleep, pain and anxiety are main reasons for interest in cannabidiol
About half of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients had used, were using, or were interested in using cannabidiol (CBD), the main active compounds found in the cannabis plant, according to a new survey and analysis conducted at a U.S. center.
“Cannabidiol is used to treat a variety of symptoms including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and poor appetite; and is commonly used in people with cystic fibrosis,” the researchers wrote, noting that “54% of [people with] CF surveyed [reported] use, interest in future use, or past use” of the product.
In this survey, sleep, pain, and anxiety were the top reasons for having interest in CBD. However, the researchers noted a “lack of evidence” among this patient population on the potential interaction of CBD with standard CF therapies.
Thus, the team wrote, “it is important for clinicians to ask about CBD and for researchers to continue to study potential [drug-drug interactions]” among people with CF.
The study, “Prevalence of cannabidiol use in persons with cystic fibrosis,” was published as a letter to the editor of the journal Pediatric Pulmonology.
A concurrent analysis and study into CBD use at a CF clinicl
The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, a class of compounds with potential effects on the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, and immune function. CBD, a type of cannabinoid, does not produce a high and is used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and poor appetite.
Studies suggested that cannabinoids may inhibit the activity of enzymes important for the breakdown of drugs. However, lack of proper documentation and CF patients’ reluctance to disclose CBD use are challenges in assessing potential drug-drug interactions and risks of treatment failure.
To shed light on the prevalence of CBD use by people with CF, researchers at Indiana University analyzed the electronic medical records of people with cystic fibrosis who were followed at the local Adult CF Clinic. The researchers also administered a survey to patients at their routine appointments, in which they were asked to describe their experience with cannabidiol — either CBD solely or as part of cannabis — and the route of consumption.
Altogether, the analysis involved 373 CF patients with available electronic medical records. A total of 53 patients (14.2%) had reported previously using cannabis or marijuana. Current use was cited by 56 patients (15%).
As CBD use becomes more widespread, it is important for clinicians to be aware of use in [people with CF]. … Studies evaluating [drug-drug interactions] with CF pharmacotherapy and CBD should be prioritized to ensure appropriate clinicians and [people with CF] can make informed risk vs benefit decisions about CBD use.
The survey included 96 participants. Among them, 11 (11.5%) were currently taking CBD, 20 (20.8%) were past users, and 21 (21.9%) had never used it but were interested in doing so. Overall, 54% of CF patients were using, had used, or showed interest in cannabidiol. Conversely, 43 patients (44.8%) had never used and were not planning to use CBD.
Sleep, anxiety, and pain were the most common reasons reported by the 33 patients who reported why they were using or had an interest in using cannabidiol. Other reasons included recreation, mood, appetite, and general health.
Overall, “as CBD use becomes more widespread, it is important for clinicians to be aware of use in [people with CF],” the researchers concluded. As such, “studies evaluating [drug-drug interactions] with CF pharmacotherapy and CBD should be prioritized to ensure appropriate clinicians and [people with CF] can make informed risk vs benefit decisions about CBD use.”
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