Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41345331›Full record

ArticleClinical rheumatology2026

The development of a cannabis risk assessment tool for patients with rheumatologic conditions: a Delphi study.

Tarek Turk, Kaitlyn Watson, Heba Aref, Dimple Patel, Allyson Jones, Joanne Olson, Pauline Paul, Cheryl A Sadowski, Elaine Yacyshyn

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Article in Clinical rheumatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Tarek TurkDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9457-216X
Kaitlyn WatsonFaculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Heba ArefFaculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8805-0592
Dimple PatelFaculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Allyson JonesDepartment of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3952-3234
Joanne OlsonFaculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8702-3605
Pauline PaulFaculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Cheryl A Sadowski *Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. cherylas@ualberta.ca.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4526-7054
Elaine Yacyshyn *Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. eyacyshyn@ualberta.ca.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2753-2790

Funding

Alberta Innovates 202101031
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChronic pain is often a primary symptom for rheumatologic conditions. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada and many other jurisdictions, the use of cannabis is increasing. A risk assessment tool can guide clinicians and patients on the potential risk associated with cannabis use for alleviating the symptoms of rheumatologic conditions. The aim of this Delphi study is to identify key elements for the development of a risk assessment tool for the safe use of cannabis for people with rheumatologic disease.

methodsInternational experts representing different healthcare professions in rheumatology were invited through targeted recruitment. The research team developed statements for the Delphi consensus based on literature review and focus groups. The number of rounds was dependent on when consensus was reached. The level of agreement was set at 75%.

resultsA total of 12 experts participated, independently rated 45 statements. Consensus (≥ 75% agreement) was achieved on 40 of 45 items (88.9%) after two rounds, and all 40 items were confirmed in a third validation round. Statements were categorized as patient demographics, medical history, lifestyle, or socioeconomic. Demographic factors (age and gender) and medical conditions such as substance use disorders and schizophrenia were identified as important to consider with cannabis use along with cannabis consumption patterns, including the age of first use, method, and frequency of use.

conclusionThis Delphi consensus identified essential elements for a comprehensive cannabis risk assessment tool for patients with rheumatologic conditions. The agreed-upon items provide a structured foundation to support clinicians in evaluating patient-specific risks and guiding safe cannabis use in rheumatology care. Further validation and clinical testing are recommended to optimize its utility in practice. Key Points • As increasing numbers of patients consider using cannabis for pain management of rheumatologic conditions, a guide would be helpful to consider a risk assessment tool for patients and healthcare providers. • The aim of this Delphi study was to gain a perspective of clinicians and experts regarding items that should be included in a cannabis safe use tool in rheumatology. • We collaborated with international experts to reach a consensus on key factors influencing cannabis use risk. • This study highlights the importance of factors such as age, gender, underlying medical conditions, and consumption patterns, including the age of first use, method, and frequency of use.

Indexed as

CannabisChronic PainMedical MarijuanaRheumatic DiseasesAdultCanadaConsensusDelphi TechniqueFemaleHumansMaleRisk AssessmentMedical MarijuanaArthritisCannabisDelphiGeneralPainRisk assessment

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.