Introduction:

In Spain, the prescription of medical cannabis is currently in the process of being regulated. To date, there are no studies regarding the attitude and knowledge of the Spanish pain treatment specialists regarding the use of medical cannabis in the field of pain treatment.

Methods:

An online survey was carried out and was available on internet from July 2020 to October 2021. The survey consisted of 10 questions related to three main areas of interest: 1) personal experience of the specialists; 2; the role of cannabis in pain medicine; and 3) need for training and legalization of medicinal cannabis.

Results:

94 pain treatment specialists responded to the survey. 38 % of those who responded had experience in treating pain with medical cannabis and considered it effective. 78 % believed that it was safe to prescribe medical cannabis. Common indications are neuropathic pain (72 %), cancer pain (56 %), fibromyalgia (39 %), arthralgia (30 %) and visceral pain 29 %. The main contraindications are schizophrenia (73 %), pregnancy/lactation (65 %), cardiovascular disease (32 %), and age < 18 years (61 %). Only 35 % rated cannabis as more dangerous than opioids. 95 % considered more specific training necessary. 47 % considered the need of an specific unit for the prescription of medical cannabis, while 34 %, on the contrary, think that the prescription should be carried out by an specialist with specific training.

Conclusion:

Despite the lack of clinical experience in the treatment of pain with medical cannabis in our country, the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Spanish pain specialists are in line with current general medical knowledge in countries with more clinical experience.

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