Investigators stressed the significance of managing expectations for patients with rheumatic diseases who are using cannabidiol (CBD) products to improve their sleep, pain, anxiety, and depression, according to a report from Healio. New data on the topic was presented at the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology–East 2023. Investigators noted that although some benefits have been observed, CBD products often lack complete data on side effects as a result of minimal studies investigating their potential harms. Many patients believe the products only come with benefits and are unprepared to experience complications. In addition, there is currently no evidence to suggest that products containing CBD can successfully improve sleep or depression symptoms or reduce chronic or neuropathic pain. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol products may be effective at reducing pain when used as an adjunct medication, rheumatologists may face challenges receiving prior authorization and insurance coverage for the medication—leading to higher costs for patients. Rheumatologists were advised to avoid prescribing CBD as a first-line therapy, since the treatment is most effective when used as a supplement to other treatments in patients with seizure disorders. When rheumatologists do prescribe CBD to their patients with rheumatic diseases, the investigators emphasized that maintaining adequate patient-physician communication may be critical to ensuring that patients can manage any treatment-related side effects, especially when the dosages need to be higher. The investigators concluded that as the popularity of CBD continues to increase, more studies are needed to fully understand the risks and possible benefits of the products.
May 31, 2023