Explores the available clinical evidence and research on using cannabis and cannabinoids for health conditions including Alzheimer disease, anxiety, cancer, depression, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, pain, Parkinson disease, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis and schizophrenia, sleep disturbances and substance use disorders. Notes that health-care professionals need more information to communicate better with patients on this topic.

Key points

• About 13% of people living in Canada report using cannabis for medical purposes, the majority (74%) of which do not have a document authorizing use from a healthcare professional.
• Most people who use cannabis for medical purposes self-report beneficial effects across a wide range of health conditions.
• The available clinical evidence does not support the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for most health conditions, at least not as a first-line treatment option.
• A significant amount of research is currently examining the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating symptoms of many health conditions, including pain, cancer, psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and substance use disorders. Some of this research is generating promising data.
• Healthcare providers are an important point of contact for individuals seeking information about cannabis use for medical purposes. Yet, research shows that they may not have the training that they would like in order to discuss cannabis for medical purposes with their patients or to authorize cannabis products for this purpose.
• More focus should be put on equipping healthcare professionals with the information they need to increase their knowledge and communicate with patients on the use of cannabis for medical purposes.