Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp oil use in veterans using a VA Pain Clinic: a cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Background

Many United States veterans utilize prescription opioids to treat chronic pain symptoms and are subsequently at risk for opioid and alcohol misuse. As more states legalized the use of cannabis for medical use, increasing numbers of people are using cannabis pharmacotherapy for pain. The veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directive 1315, July 28, 2023 prohibits any medical staff on recommending, making referral to, and complete forms for a state approved program. Also, a veterans medical center does not provide marijuana to veterans. State laws do not change the status of CBD under federal law. CBD is illegal in the federal system.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of cannabidiol product usage in Veterans and the association with changes in self-reported pain.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey offering questionnaires to patients greater than 18 years of age receiving care at the Fargo Veteran Health Administration medical center Pain Clinic (2101 Elm St N, Fargo ND, 58102).

Results

A total of 218 veterans participated of which 81.2% were male and 52.3% were in the age range of 60-80 years. Twenty-one participants reported cannabidiol usage (9.6%), with 52.4% using to treat pain symptoms. Average pain scores pre-usage of 6.37 were reduced to 4.05 post-usage indicating a statistically significant reduction in pain (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study broadened the baseline knowledge of cannabidiol use in the Veteran population. Limitations include results being self-reported and the inability to verify cannabinoid constituents.

Keywords:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Veteran
• chronic pain

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This material is the result of work supported with resources and use of facilities at the Fargo VA medical center. The contents do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. Mikaela Hestdalen, LPN, Veteran Health Administration assisted with survey administration.