43% of Cystic Fibrosis Patients Surveyed Use Cannabis, Mostly for Medical Reasons
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
Electronic questionnaire sent to all patients at a large Canadian adult CF clinic between April and October 2021. 110 individuals completed the survey.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 43% of cystic fibrosis patients surveyed use cannabis, 85% for medical reasons
- Evidence Grade:
- Small single-center survey with self-reported data; preliminary because of limited sample and potential response bias.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication using 2021 survey data from post-legalization Canada
- Original Title:
- 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.
- Published In:
- BMJ open respiratory research, 12(1) (2025)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06288
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06288APA
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
MLA
Dagenais, Renee, et al. "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, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2024-002715
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Evaluating the use and perceptions of cannabis and vaping po..." RTHC-06288. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/dagenais-2025-evaluating-the-use-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.