The Patients’ Subjective Experience with the medical use of Cannabis sativa L.: an integrative review

Cristiane Mendonça de Oliveira, Djenane Ramalho de Oliveira, Ana Cimbleris Alkmim, Catarina Stivali Teixeira

  • Cristiane Mendonça de Oliveira UFMG
  • Djenane Ramalho de Oliveira
  • Ana Cimbleris Alkmim
  • Catarina Stivali Teixeira

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L., a plant popularly known as Cannabis or marijuana, has an extensive history related to social impacts, economic interests and cultural manifestations, for its various possible uses, among them medicinal use. The debate on the therapeutic use of cannabis-based products brings us a reflection on traditionally established ethical and moral values. Although it is a "forbidden herb" in many places in the world, the use of cannabis has aroused the interest of the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as generates expectations in many people. Given this scenario, the objective of this study was to unveil the main themes and subthemes related to the use of medicinal cannabis, through an integrative review of primary qualitative articles. The two most recurrent themes in this study were "Benefits of the use of MC" and "Challenges faced". The most cited sub-themes were "Perceived efficacy"; "Fewer side effects and smaller amounts of medications"; "Medical disapproval and fear of talking to health professionals" and "Varied methods of medical cannabis use." The results obtained in this review may serve as an instrument for health professionals in the planning of strategies and practices with expanded perspectives on the care process.

Published
2023-12-09