Understanding how people with spinal cord injury use cannabis to manage pain

Overview

One of the most common and debilitating secondary complications of spinal cord injury is severe and chronic pain. With the use of cannabis increasingly being debated as a legitimate medical management option for chronic pain, it is critical that clinicians, researchers, and people who may choose to use cannabis have an informed understanding of the benefits, and indeed the risks, of using cannabis to manage pain for people living with SCI. The aim of this study is to better understand why people might spinal injury might choose to use cannabis to manage their pain.

Method

This study will use face-to-face semi structured interviews to explore the methods by which people use cannabis (including frequency and amount) and perspectives regarding the potential benefits and limitations of using cannabis to treat chronic pain. Interview data will be subject to thematic analysis.

Researchers/collaborators

Key contact

Dr Johnny Bourke, Burwood Academy of Independent Living

Phone: 03 383 6871
Fax: 03 383 7500
Mobile: 021 112 5596
Email:Dr Johnny Bourke

Other researchers and collaborators

• Dr Johnny Bourke (BAIL)
• Dr Jo Nunnerley (BAIL)
• Dr Rachelle Martin (BAIL)
• Dr Rick Acland
• Dr Bronwyn Thompson (University of Otago)

Status of the research 

Data collection:
Data collection underway.
Click here to access the PDF of the Information Sheet
Click here to access the PDF of the Consent Form