[JW-HLC]

"Over 100 patients, who have terminal cancer and are experiencing pain that is not responding adequately to current therapy, will take part in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study at more than 20 centres around the UK. The cannabis-based medicine is being administered by means of a sublingual (under-the-tongue) spray."
Release from GW Pharmaceuticals

What are your thoughts on the use of cannabis in the hospice setting?

[aimeee]

It will be interesting to see the results of that trial. There would be a lot of social stigma to overcome in using it, but if it works well for people it should be available!

[ERNurse752]

I do not believe cannabis should be totally legalized...I've seen too many former potheads who have "dumbed down" d/t their abuse. I do, however, believe that it should be available for medical purposes. If someone is in pain that isn't relieved by anything conventional, and cannabis can help...it only makes sense to use it.

[nurse T]

I have had many pts who have used cannabis to relieve nausea, anorexia, muscle spasms, pain, anxiety. They tell me it's similar to PCA, where they can control the dose per inhalation. I just make sure the Doc and pharmacist are aware so we don't prescribe anything that would cause adverse interactions. I tell them to please refraine from smoking during my visits since it is illegal. What ever makes the pt most comfortable.

[chawk]

Some of the patients I have had in the past have used cannibas for nausea as well as an appetite stimulant. This is usually when all other meds have failed them. However, I usually find this out by accident (like when they forget I'm coming over) as many pts are worried about being in trouble for using it. It really does seem to help them alot.

[obeyacts2]

I think if a pt is terminal, let them use anything that will work to keep em comfortable. I think it should be legal for hospice pts, with medical supervision. Come on, we use morphine like water for some pts, and next to morphine, cannabis is kids stuff.

Laura