RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Simplified guideline for prescribing medical cannabinoids in primary care JF Canadian Family Physician JO Can Fam Physician FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada SP 111 OP 120 VO 64 IS 2 A1 G. Michael Allan A1 Jamil Ramji A1 Danielle Perry A1 Joey Ton A1 Nathan P. Beahm A1 Nicole Crisp A1 Beverly Dockrill A1 Ruth E. Dubin A1 Ted Findlay A1 Jessica Kirkwood A1 Michael Fleming A1 Ken Makus A1 Xiaofu Zhu A1 Christina Korownyk A1 Michael R. Kolber A1 James McCormack A1 Sharon Nickel A1 Guillermina Noël A1 Adrienne J. Lindblad YR 2018 UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/64/2/111.abstract AB Objective To develop a clinical practice guideline for a simplified approach to medical cannabinoid use in primary care; the focus was on primary care application, with a strong emphasis on best available evidence and a promotion of shared, informed decision making.Methods The Evidence Review Group performed a detailed systematic review of 4 clinical areas with the best evidence around cannabinoids: pain, nausea and vomiting, spasticity, and adverse events. Nine health professionals (2 generalist family physicians, 2 pain management–focused family physicians, 1 inner-city family physician, 1 neurologist, 1 oncologist, 1 nurse practitioner, and 1 pharmacist) and a patient representative comprised the Prescribing Guideline Committee (PGC), along with 2 nonvoting members (pharmacist project managers). Member selection was based on profession, practice setting, location, and lack of financial conflicts of interest. The guideline process was iterative through content distribution, evidence review, and telephone and online meetings. The PGC directed the Evidence Review Group to address and provide evidence for additional questions as needed. The key recommendations were derived through consensus of the PGC. The guideline was drafted, refined, and distributed to a group of clinicians and patients for feedback, then refined again and finalized by the PGC.Recommendations Recommendations include limiting medical cannabinoid use in general, but also outline potential restricted use in a small subset of medical conditions for which there is some evidence (neuropathic pain, palliative and end-of-life pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury). Other important considerations regarding prescribing are reviewed in detail, and content is offered to support shared, informed decision making.Conclusion This simplified medical cannabinoid prescribing guideline provides practical recommendations for the use of medical cannabinoids in primary care. All recommendations are intended to assist with, not dictate, decision making in conjunction with patients.