Abstract:
Introduction: Pharmaceutical cannabinoids are third-line therapeutic options for several indications, despite the lack of strong evidence to support their efficacy. The extent and patterns of their utilization from a population perspective are unknown.
Methods: A retrospective population-based study using administrative healthcare data from Apr.1, 2004 to Mar.31, 2017, to assess the annual trends, demographic and clinical determinants, and persistence of pharmaceutical cannabinoids use.
Results: The incident and prevalent users of cannabinoid agents increased throughout the study period. Nabilone comprised the majority of dispensations. The percent of users who had a diagnosis for the approved indications was relatively low. Persistence of cannabinoid use was low and influenced by the socio-demographics and medical conditions of users.
Conclusion: Although the rates of pharmaceutical cannabinoid use have increased, the overall low numbers of users and the high discontinuation rates reflect the lack of effectiveness and tolerability to these agents.
