Self‐Reported Cannabis Use, Pain and Mental Health in People With Inheritable Bleeding Disorders
Kristen Jaworski, Maya Bloomberg, Cynthia D. Nichols, Samantha Carlson, Maria E. SantaellaABSTRACT
Introduction
Medical cannabis use has increased in the United States for managing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and mood disorders. Self‐report remains the primary method for documenting cannabis use. Little is known about cannabis use or perceived effectiveness among people with inheritable bleeding disorders (PWBD).
Aim
Explore cannabis use patterns in PWBD who voluntarily participate in the Community Voices in Research (CVR) registry.
Methods
A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using self‐reported CVR data, including demographics, diagnosis, cannabis use, and pain, depression, anxiety, resiliency/coping, and social support.
Results
Of 88 participants, 25 (28.4%) stated using cannabis for symptom management. Use was reported across hemophilia A, hemophilia B, von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders, and rare bleeding disorders. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for age, birth sex, and diagnosis. Participants most commonly cited pain, anxiety, sleep, and depression as reasons for use, with the highest perceived effectiveness (0‐10 scale) for sleep (8.35), anxiety (7.06), and pain (6.36). Participants who reported cannabis use demonstrated higher anxiety scores and significantly higher opioid use compared to non‐cannabis users.
Conclusion
Cannabis use was relatively common among this small sample of PWBD. These patterns may reflect gaps in care. Higher anxiety scores and opioid use among participants who reported cannabis use support the need for proactive, non‐judgmental assessment and comprehensive, patient‐centered symptom management strategies in this population.