Premium
Quality of Life, Mental Health, Personality and Patterns of Use in Self‐Medicated Cannabis Users with Chronic Diseases: A 12‐Month Longitudinal Study
Author(s) -
Bouso José C.,
JiménezGarrido Daniel,
Ona Genís,
Woźnica Damian,
Santos Rafael G.,
Hallak Jaime E.C.,
Paranhos Beatriz A. P. B.,
Almeida Mendes Felipe,
Yonamine Mauricio,
AlcázarCórcoles Miguel Á.,
Farré Magí
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.6639
Subject(s) - cannabis , psychopathology , psychiatry , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , personality , mental health , clinical psychology , longitudinal study , tolerability , psychology , adverse effect , social psychology , nursing , pathology
The number of patients using cannabis for therapeutic purposes is growing worldwide. While research regarding the treatment of certain diseases/disorders with cannabis and cannabinoids is also expanding, only a few longitudinal studies have assessed the mid‐term impacts of medical cannabis use on psychological variables and quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to assess the psychological safety and QoL of patients with chronic diseases who self‐medicate with cannabis over time. We recruited patients with various chronic diseases who use cannabis and collected data regarding patterns of cannabis use as well as mental health, personality and QoL. Participants were followed‐up at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Hair analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of cannabinoids. Personality assessment showed a consistent decrease in self‐transcendence and self‐directedness scores. Neither cognitive nor psychopathological deterioration was found. There were also no variations in QoL. Mid‐term use of medical cannabis seems to show adequate tolerability regarding cognitive and psychopathological abilities, and it may help patients with chronic diseases to maintain an acceptable QoL.