Medical Cannabis in the Treatment of Neuropathy (5020)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of medical cannabis (MC) in the treatment of neuropathy. Background: According to the NIH, more than 20 million Americans suffer from neuropathy. With MC now legal in 33 states, MC presents as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent that may help in treating neuropathy and associated symptoms. Design/Methods: This retrospective chart analysis was conducted on patients with neuropathy as diagnosed by a board-certified neurologist in a neurologic outpatient setting in Buffalo, NY. All patients were certified to use MC as part of New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program. Results: 152 (85=male, 67= female) patients age 22–95 years with neuropathy were included for this analysis. 78.9% of the study population reported benefit from using MC, with 76% percent of patient population (n=116) reporting a decrease in neuropathic pain. 44% (n=67) of the patient population were using an opioid upon initiation of MC treatment, subsequently 22% (n=15) were able to reduce their consumption of opioids. 70% of the study population used only one MC product with the most commonly administered via oral tincture (61%). 20:1 (THC:CBD) and 1:1 (THC:CBD) were the most commonly used ratios, representing more than 80% of MC products. Side effects were reported by 40% (n=61) of the population with the most common being fatigue (11%), increased appetite (4.61%), and euphoria (4.61%). Only 10 patients chose to stop treatment with MC due to side effects. No severe AEs were reported. Conclusions: MC in combination with other neuropathy treatments is largely well tolerated with 78.9% of the population reporting benefit and may have a role in a comprehensive neuropathic care plan. The most common MC ratios used to achieve such results were 20:1 (THC:CBD) and 1:1 (THC:CBD). Further investigations, such as a randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these promising results in the treatment of neuropathy. Disclosure: Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alder Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Amgen, Avanir, Biohaven, Boston Biomedical Inc., CellDex, DelMar Pharmaceuticals, electroCore, Novartis, Orbis Pharmaceuticals, Promius, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Jushi. Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Alder Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Amgen, Avanir, Biohaven, Boston Biomedical Inc., CellDex, DelMar Pharmaceuticals, electroCore, Novartis, Orbis Pharmaceuticals, Promius, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Jushi. Dr. Ralyea has received research support from The Harry Dent Family Foundation Inc.. Dr. Hart has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bargnes has received research support from The Harry Dent Family Foundation Inc..