Understanding reasons for and outcomes of medicinal cannabis use among Canadian Veterans who live with pain: A quantitative study

Background: It is not known whether the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Cannabis for Medical Purposes (CMP) program is producing a net benefit for veterans living with chronic pain.

Aims: To compare and contrast never, past, and current cannabis users, and to better understand current use behaviors. To determine if there is a discrepancy between grams of cannabis prescribed versus used per day, and what predicts higher prescription amounts.

Methods: 600 Canadian veterans living with chronic pain were administered an online cross-sectional survey which collected sociodemographic, medical, pain, mental health, and cannabis use information.