Medicinal Cannabis Trends: Data and Insights from a QLD Dispensary
Article Written by Abdul Adnan
Read time: 4-5mins
As a pharmacist operating a medical cannabis dispensary, I've witnessed changing trends in patient demographics, product preferences, and outcomes over the past three-plus years.
This article offers a snapshot of current trends in medical cannabis prescriptions in Queensland, highlighting insights and learning opportunities gained from patient data at my clinic.
A Dynamic Relationship: Sleep, Pain, and Mental Health
The experiences from my clinic confirm the complex relationship between sleep, chronic pain, and mental health among patients. Sleep onset latency, marked by difficulty falling asleep, is the main reason patients seek out medical cannabis treatment at our clinic & dispensary. Chronic pain comes in at a close second and often comorbid condition, with a notable prevalence of lower back pain in males under 30 years of age.
Product preference for patients with sleep latency issues shows that 70% prefer dried flowers, particularly indica strains, due to their rapid onset of action.
Pain management is highly individual, varying immensely from patient to patient. In collaboration with the patient's medical team, I’ve learned to carefully evaluate the nature of each patient's pain to tailor their treatment plan effectively. An in-depth inquiry into the quality, frequency and concomitant symptoms is key to finding the most effective formulation for each individual.
For many patients, especially those with mobility issues or low energy levels, I've found that sativa-characterised strains, particularly those with high CBG content, regularly provide significant benefits. In cases where pain is persistent, our team often recommends longer-acting formulations, like oils, to manage the background pain while using other fast-acting products for breakthrough pain.
Mental health conditions, particularly Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can greatly impact sleep patterns and pain perception. For these conditions, 55% of patients prefer dried flowers, 30% opt for CBD isolates, and the remaining 15% choose oils or edibles.
Patient expectations
Despite the personalised approach we use and encourage with medical cannabis prescribing, it's crucial to ensure patients understand the distinct roles of different modes of delivery. Many expect oils or edible forms to mimic the immediate symptom relief experienced with inhaled products and may report treatment failure when their expectations aren't met.
Although over 50% of our patients use dried flowers for breakthrough pain, long-acting options are especially beneficial for ongoing management, particularly in older patients experiencing conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clear communication about the differences in delivery form and product formulations can assist in setting realistic expectations and optimising treatment outcomes.
Age-Specific Treatment Patterns
Our clinic's data reveal distinctive patterns in medicinal cannabis use across different age groups. When it comes to patients aged 30-40 years, who represent approximately 25% of our patients, males under 30 are most likely to seek treatment for lower back pain and sleep latency concerns. Females in this age group are more commonly looking for relief from menstruation and endometriosis-related pain.
Although the specifics of cannabinoid and terpene content are tailored to individuals, in both groups, dried herbs are the preferred format for immediate relief, often combined with oils for long-term management.
In older demographics, we see a shift towards osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as primary concerns. These patients tend to prefer a combination of oils for sustained relief and dried herbs for breakthrough pain management.
Approximately 75% of our patients are male, 22% are female, with the remainder unspecified. Although by percentage, the majority (58%) of our patients are between the ages of 40-55, I personally find the 20-35 age range are the most active and repeating customers at our dispensary.
It's worth noting that patient history plays a role in product preferences. Individuals with a history of recreational use frequently lean towards smoked or vaped products. For these patients, learning to discern the difference between the therapeutic effects we are aiming for and the sense of intoxication they may have experienced before is a part of the education and expectations we discuss with patients.
It's worth noting that patient history plays a role in product preferences. Individuals with a history of recreational use frequently lean towards smoked or vaped products. For these patients, learning to discern the difference between the therapeutic effects we are aiming for and the sense of intoxication they may have experienced before is a part of the education and expectations we discuss with patients.
The THC Paradox in Sleep Treatment
One of the most intriguing aspects for me is the role of THC in sleep treatment, particularly for patients with PTSD or recurrent nightmares. Over 50% of patients with sleep duration issues prefer high-THC products. Clinic studies support this preference where THC's ability to influence REM sleep may be helping to reduce the occurrence of distressing dreams.
However, this approach presents a paradox. Although THC may assist in alleviating nightmares, it can also result in poor overall sleep quality due to the changes in deep sleep phases. This complex interplay necessitates careful consideration and personalised treatment plans.
For patients seeking to avoid THC's psychotropic effects, CBD-dominant products are often recommended as an alternative to support sleep duration without compromising sleep architecture.
Addressing the Education Gap
Feedback from our patients indicates their understanding of medicinal cannabis as a medical treatment is often coloured by social and cultural influences that can lead to inaccurate information. This highlights the significant importance of patient education, we address this through comprehensive consultations for all patients.
The education provided can cover a range of topics, including the endocannabinoid system, the differences between THC and CBD, potential side effects, and the significance of individualised treatment plans. We provide basic information on the Entourage Effect to help patients to understand their individual responses to different products.
An often-encountered misconception is that all cannabis strains are equivalent, with effects solely determined by THC strength. Our team clue patients in on the influence of other cannabinoids and phytochemicals in medical cannabis, educating patients on the nuanced effects of different cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Conclusion
Staying attuned to the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis use is crucial for healthcare providers, both emerging and established. Through close analysis of patient data and treatment outcomes, we can refine our approach to prescribing, enhancing outcomes by tailoring plans that address each individual's unique needs.
The versatility of medical cannabis offers a wealth of therapeutic potential, but harnessing it effectively requires an understanding of its complex mechanisms and the interplay between the presenting conditions, other prescribed medicines, as well as age-specific patterns.
Staying at the forefront of this dynamic field presents a challenge, but the rewards are revealed in clinical experiences and knowledge that enhance patient care and pave the way for more informed, effective practices in the future.
Abdul Adnan is a multifaceted healthcare professional bridging the worlds of pharmacy and technology. With a Bachelor of Pharmacy from The University of Queensland and ongoing studies in a Master of Computer Science at Monash University, Abdul combines his pharmaceutical expertise with technological innovation. His diverse experience includes clinical work at Queensland Health, managing a medicinal cannabis dispensary, and working as a locum pharmacist across over 100 pharmacies. Abdul's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Greenease, while his commitment to community service is evident in his volunteer work as an Emergency Department concierge. Fluent in English and Urdu, Abdul is passionate about leveraging his unique skill set to drive positive change in healthcare, particularly at the intersection of health and technology.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
