43% of Cystic Fibrosis Patients Surveyed Use Cannabis, Mostly for Medical Reasons | Research

The takeaway

In a Canadian cystic fibrosis clinic, 43% of patients reported current cannabis use, with 85% of users citing medical reasons like stress, insomnia, and anxiety.

People with cystic fibrosis; CF care teams; respiratory medicine professionals

43% of cystic fibrosis patients surveyed use cannabis, 85% for medical reasons

What the researchers found

43% identified as current cannabis users. 85% of users reported medical use, primarily for stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Most rated it somewhat or very effective. Only 7% considered themselves current vapers, and 45% reported EVALI media coverage changed their perception of vaping harms.

Why it matters

CF patients have respiratory vulnerabilities that make cannabis use, especially smoked, potentially concerning. Yet nearly half are using cannabis, mostly for symptom management, highlighting a need for clinician guidance.

The numbers in context

110 respondents. 43% current cannabis users. 85% of users reported medical use. 14% reported legalization changed their perceptions. 33% had tried vaping. 7% current vapers. 45% said EVALI changed vaping perceptions.

How the study worked

Electronic questionnaire sent to all patients at a large Canadian adult CF clinic between April and October 2021. 110 individuals completed the survey.

What this study cannot tell us

Small sample (110 respondents) from a single clinic. Self-reported data. Response bias may favor cannabis-friendly participants. Survey was during COVID-19 pandemic which may have affected substance use.

How to read the evidence

Small single-center survey with self-reported data; preliminary because of limited sample and potential response bias.

When this study was published

2025 publication using 2021 survey data from post-legalization Canada

The bigger picture

Cannabis legalization in Canada appears to have increased use among CF patients and reduced stigma. Healthcare providers in specialized clinics need to proactively discuss cannabis with patients who have respiratory conditions.

Questions still open

Does cannabis use affect lung function in CF patients? Are CF patients who use cannabis for symptoms achieving better outcomes than those who do not? What route of administration is safest for CF patients?

Common questions

Is smoking cannabis safe for people with cystic fibrosis?

This study did not assess safety. CF patients already have compromised lung function, and inhaled cannabis may pose additional respiratory risks. The survey highlights that many CF patients are using cannabis without clear clinical guidance.

Did cannabis legalization increase use among CF patients?

The study cannot directly measure this, but 14% reported legalization changed their perceptions, primarily through decreased stigma and increased awareness of medical uses and side effects.

Read the original research

Evaluating the use and perceptions of cannabis and vaping post-cannabis legalisation in people with cystic fibrosis and CFTR-related disorder: survey results from a large Canadian adult cystic fibrosis clinic.

BMJ open respiratory research, 12(1)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Dagenais, Renee; Karlsen, Emma; Lee, Kathleen; Quon, Bradley Stuart. (2025). Evaluating the use and perceptions of cannabis and vaping post-cannabis legalisation in people with cystic fibrosis and CFTR-related disorder: survey results from a large Canadian adult cystic fibrosis clinic.. BMJ open respiratory research, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2024-002715