Cannabis Use in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury or Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Colorado

Publication date: Available online 7 March 2018
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Lenore Hawley, Jessica M. Ketchum, Clare Morey, Kathleen Collins Pharm.D., Susan Charlifue
ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of cannabis use in an adult sample with spinal cord injury (SCI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Colorado, and to describe the self-reported reasons and side effects of cannabis use in this sample.DesignMixed methods observational study, using focus group data and telephone surveySettingCommunityParticipantsColorado adults who have sustained SCI or moderate to severe TBI and have received services through the rehabilitation hospital conducting the study.InterventionsNone; Measures: SurveyResultsFocus group participants identified issues that were then included in the survey development. Seventy percent of the 116 surveyed reported cannabis use pre-injury (67% SCI, 74% TBI) with 48% reporting use after injury (53% SCI, 45% TBI). Overall, the most common reason for use was recreational (67%), followed by reducing stress/anxiety (62.5%), and improving sleep (59%). Among the respondents with SCI, the most common reasons for use were to reduce spasticity (70%), recreation (63%), and to improve sleep (63%). Among those with TBI, reasons endorsed were recreational (72%), reducing stress/anxiety (62%), and improving sleep (55%). Smoking was the most common method of use.ConclusionsA majority of this sample report using cannabis prior to injury, and approximately half report using cannabis post-injury. Both groups report recreational use, while the group with SCI also highly endorses using cannabis to address chronic medical conditions. Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of cannabis use in these populations and the impact such use may have on the individual's medical management. Further research in this area is needed.



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