Attitudes and experiences about medical cannabis in palliative care patients and caregivers in Thailand: a qualitative study

Background: Although cannabis has been introduced to alleviate symptoms in palliative care patients for decades, research on the attitudes and experiences of patients and their caregivers regarding its use remains limited. This qualitative study explores their perspectives on this newly legalized treatment option. Methods: A purposive sample of 20 participants (12 patients, 8 caregivers) visiting cannabis or palliative clinics (May–November 2023) were interviewed face-to-face using semi-structured questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically until saturation was reached. Triangulation techniques ensured data credibility. Results: Six major themes were identified: 1) attitudes toward medical cannabis, with some viewing it as medicine and others as an illegal drug; 2) reasons for medical cannabis use, mostly used for symptom relief, with some hoping to cure diseases; 3) sources of information, from cannabis users, healthcare providers, and the internet; 4) issues of support, family and physicians being a major role influencing patients' decisions to use cannabis; 5) barriers, access being impeded by the perspectives of some physicians and social judgment; and 6) medical outcome perception, effects of medical cannabis varied considerably between individuals. Conclusions: While some patients and their caregivers consider medical cannabis as an alternative drug, concerns about social judgment, attitudes about illegal drugs, safety concerns, and a reluctance among healthcare providers to discuss or recommend cannabis, remain barriers to access. Information from this study could in part be used for healthcare professionals to consider the use of cannabis in these patients.