Abstract Introduction: A significant gap exists in the understanding and utilization of medical marijuana and its effects on a patient’s quality of life. This is largely attributed to Cannabis’ sp. Schedule 1 classification, which has impeded the scientific investigation of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and quality of life. Additionally, conflicting results from previous studies highlight the need for more research to provide guidance to both patients and clinicians regarding the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age who were members of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program (PAMMP) were recruited from regulated Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries. Eligible patients were enrolled through informed...

Abstract Given diversified cannabis products, we examined associations between cannabis consumption methods and cannabis risk perception of smoking cannabis 1–2 times a week. Using the 2022 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health data (N = 12,796 past-year adult cannabis users; M = 6127 and F = 6669), we used multinomial and binary logistic regression models. Smoking was the most prevalent method, followed by eating/drinking, vaping, and dabbing. One-half of cannabis users reported no perceived risk of smoking cannabis 1–2 times a week, 37.5% perceived slight risk, 9.2% moderate risk, and 2.9% great risk. Those with moderate or great risk perception had a...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective: Characterization of population subgroups based on where they acquire cannabis is unexplored. We examine relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis use modality, risky cannabis use, and source of cannabis. Method: Analyzing a representative sample (unweighted n = 8,089) of U.S. adults living in medical cannabis–permitting states with past-year cannabis use from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we determined source of last cannabis used. Outcome groups were purchased from a dispensary, purchased from another source, or nonpurchased source. Incorporating the complex survey design, descriptive statistics and adjusted multinomial logistic regressions evaluated associations between sociodemographic, individual cannabis...

Highlights • Pre-legalization, 19 % of SUD admissions were CUD, compared to 9 % post-legalization. • Adult use legalization was associated with a decrease in CUD treatment admissions. • Differences existed in legalization's associations on different demographic groups. Abstract Introduction Many nations and jurisdictions have legalized non-medical adult use of cannabis, or are considering doing so. This paper contributes to knowledge of adult use legalization's associations with cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment utilization. Methods This study collected data from a dataset of all publicly funded substance use disorder treatment delivered in California from 2010 to 2021 (1,460,066 episodes). A logistic regression model estimates adult use legalization's...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Medical cannabis (MC) has gained traction in oncology for managing cancer-related symptoms, but its integration faces challenges due to limited evidence, inconsistent guidelines, and varied legal frameworks. Methods The TASMAN study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oncologists and palliative care providers globally regarding MC use in cancer care. A survey of healthcare providers from diverse regions and income levels was conducted. Results we study included 179 participants (response rate: 51.1 %), with an equal gender distribution (49.4 % female) and a median age of 37 years. Participants were primarily oncologists (71.5 %), practicing...

Abstract Background Medical cannabis, legalized in many countries, remains illegal in France. Despite an experiment in the medical use of cannabis that began in March 2021 in France, little is known about the factors associated with the use of cannabis for self-medication among adults. Methods Data came from the French TEMPO cohort and were collected between December 2020 and May 2021. Overall, 345 participants aged 27–47 were included. Cannabis for self-medication was defined using the following questions: ‘Why do you use cannabis?’ and ‘In what form do you use cannabis?’. The penalized regression method “Elastic net” was used to determine factors associated with the...

Abstract Background In Illinois, the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP) was launched to expand access to medical cannabis to use as a direct substitute for opioids. Although therapeutic benefits have been reported in reducing opioid use, there is an absence of literature that examines how medical cannabis use impacts an individual's quality of life (QoL). This study examines the association of medical cannabis use with QoL among the first enrollees in OAPP. Methods A survey was sent to enrollees between February and July 2019. Cannabis users (n=626) were compared to non-users (n=234) to determine whether there was an association between cannabis use within the...

Abstract Objective: An increase in medical cannabis and prescribed cannabinoids use for chronic pain management has been observed in Canada in the past years. This study aimed to: 1) Describe clinicians’ perceived risk associated with the use of medical cannabis and prescribed cannabinoids for the management of chronic pain; and 2) Identify sociodemographic and professional factors associated with perceived risk of adverse effects. Method: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Quebec, Canada in 2022. A convenience sample of 207 clinicians was recruited (physicians/pharmacists/nurse practitioners). They were asked to rate the risk of adverse effects associated with medical cannabis (e.g., smoke, or oil) and prescribed cannabinoids (e.g.,...

Abstract Background: Patient portal secure messaging allows patients to describe health-related behaviors in ways that may not be sufficiently captured in standard electronic health record (EHR) documentation, but little is known about how cannabis is discussed on this platform. Objective: This study aimed to identify patient and provider secure messages that discussed cannabis and contextualize these discussions over periods before and after its legalization for medical purposes in Pennsylvania. Methods: We examined 382,982 secure messages sent by 15,340 patients and 6101 providers from an integrated health delivery system in Pennsylvania, United States, from January 2012 to June 2022. We used an unsupervised natural language...

Abstract Introduction Women are emerging as a key demographic for medicinal cannabis (MC) use in countries that have implemented MC reforms. However, research on mothers' experiences of consuming MC remains limited beyond studies on perinatal outcomes. This study explores mothers' diverse experiences of consuming MC in New Zealand under the legal MC scheme. Methods Interviews with 15 mothers using MC via prescriptions, the illegal market or both in the last 12 months. Thematic analysis focused on MC use in parenting, MC conversations with children, societal stigma and risks. Results Mothers reported MC as an important facilitator of their ability to positively parent their children, enabling...