Children in a pediatric palliative care cannabis clinic showed fewer inpatient days, with 35% reducing or discontinuing other medications.
Pediatric palliative care clinicians; parents of children with serious illness.
35% of pediatric patients reduced or discontinued other medications
What the researchers found
Among 46 pediatric palliative care patients (mean age 11.7), there was a significant decrease in inpatient days and cost. 35% reduced or discontinued other medications. Most common recommendation: 1:1 CBD:THC tincture. No significant adverse events.
Why it matters
Evidence for medical cannabis in pediatric palliative care is extremely limited. This real-world data suggests benefits with minimal adverse effects.
The numbers in context
46 patients (mean age 11.7). 50% neurological, 37% oncological, 13% chronic pain. 35% reduced other medications. Significant decrease in inpatient days.
How the study worked
Retrospective chart review of 46 consecutive patients at a midwestern US pediatric hospital (2019-2022).
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample. No control group. Single center. Cannot attribute improvements solely to cannabis.
How to read the evidence
Small retrospective chart review without control group.
When this study was published
2025 study
The bigger picture
If medical cannabis can reduce polypharmacy and hospital days in pediatric palliative care, it could shift the standard of care.
Questions still open
- Which pediatric conditions benefit most? Would a controlled trial confirm reduced hospital days?
Common questions
What conditions were treated?
What type of cannabis was used?
Read the original research
Characterizing the Population of a Medical Cannabis Clinic in a Pediatric Hospital.
Journal of palliative medicine, 28(8), 1020-1028
Citation
Free, Taylor; Grossoehme, Daniel H; Richner, Gwendolyn; Brown, Miraides F; Friebert, Sarah. (2025). Characterizing the Population of a Medical Cannabis Clinic in a Pediatric Hospital.. Journal of palliative medicine, 28(8), 1020-1028. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2024.0533
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