Beyond Pain Scores: A Mixed-Methods Framework for Studying Medical Cannabis Outcomes

Abstract

Medical cannabis outcomes cannot be adequately characterized by symptom scores alone. This methodological framework proposes a longitudinal convergent mixed-methods design in which quantitative and qualitative data are collected repeatedly over the same period and intentionally integrated. Quantitative measurement emphasizes precise characterization of THC/CBD exposure, validated symptom and function measures, medication burden, adverse effects, and ecological momentary assessment. Qualitative inquiry examines the functional and personal meaning of change, treatment decisions, and experiences that conventional instruments may fail to capture. Purposeful maximum-variation and negative-case sampling are proposed to interrogate divergent outcome trajectories, while joint displays support integrated interpretation. The framework is intended to strengthen validity, reliability, trustworthiness, and clinically meaningful inference in medical cannabis research.