Toward reducing racialized pain care disparities: Approaching cannabis research and access through the lens of equity and inclusion.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-15-2024

Abstract

There is growing interest in cannabis use for cancer pain. This commentary aims to discuss the evidence surrounding cannabis use for cancer pain in the context of the long-racialized landscape of cannabis policies and the disparity in pain control among cancer patients holding minoritized racial identities. Much evidence surrounding both the benefits and harms of cannabis use in cancer patients, and all patients in general, is lacking. Although drawing on the research in cancer that is available, it is also important to illustrate the broader context about how cannabis' deep roots in medical, political, and social history impact patient use and health care policies. There are lessons we can learn from the racialized disparities in opioid risk mitigation strategies, so they are not replicated in the settings of cannabis for cancer symptom management. Additionally, the authors intentionally use the term "cannabis" here rather than "marijuana.: In the early 1900s, the lay press and government popularized the use of the word "marijuana" instead of the more common "cannabis" to tie the drug to anti-Mexican prejudice.

Volume

130

Issue

4

First Page

497

Last Page

504

ISSN

1097-0142

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

37941524

Department(s)

Hematology-Medical Oncology Division

Document Type

Article

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