According to a new / published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, medical marijuana leads to improved symptoms, reduced medication use, and lower healthcare costs for children receiving palliative care.
Cannabis tincture.
Researchers from Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio conducted a retrospective review of 46 pediatric patients who received medical marijuana recommendations between 2019 and 2022. The study focused on patients in an outpatient palliative care clinic and a small number of inpatients. The average patient age was 11.7 years, with 50% diagnosed with neurological conditions, 37% with hematological or oncological disorders, and 13% with chronic pain.
The most commonly recommended product was a balanced 1:1 CBD to THC tincture. Findings showed a statistically significant reduction in both inpatient hospital days and associated healthcare costs. In addition, 35% of patients were able to reduce or completely discontinue other medications.
Families and patients reported symptom improvements in various areas, and adverse effects were minimal. Thematic analysis identified several barriers to access, including product availability, cost, challenges obtaining a state medical marijuana card, and organizational hurdles.
The study concludes:
These data characterize the palliative care MC clinic population at our pediatric hospital. Positive outcomes were noted across several symptom domains. MC seems to be associated with lower health care utilization, reduced polypharmacy, and increased quality of life and was used without significant adverse events. In a value-conscious health care environment, the data warrant further exploration.
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