The role of cannabis in pain management among people living with HIV who use drugs: A qualitative study

Original research
par
Chayama, Koharu Loulou et al

Date de publication

2021

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Non

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Non

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

Recent research suggests people living with HIV use cannabis for pain relief, including as an adjunct to opioids. This underscores the need to better understand how people living with HIV who use drugs use cannabis for pain management, particularly as cannabis markets are undergoing changes due to cannabis legalisation.

Constatations/points à retenir

Most participants reported that using cannabis for pain management helped improve daily functioning. Some participants turned to cannabis as a supplement or periodic alternative to prescription and illicit drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines, opioids) used to manage pain and related symptoms. Nonetheless, participants' access to legal cannabis was limited and most continued to obtain cannabis from illicit sources, which provided access to cannabis that was free or deemed to be affordable.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

In-depth interviews (n=25)

Mots clés

Decriminalization/legalization
Equity
About PWUD
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
Chronic pain