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Student Class

2025

Student Affiliation

Presidential Scholar

First Advisor

Cara Struble

First Advisor Department

Geisel School of Medicine

Second Advisor

Alan Budney

Second Advisor Department

Geisel School of Medicine

Description

Background and Objectives: There is limited evidence guiding the efficacy and safety of cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP). Healthcare providers lack requisite knowledge to support patients. This study aimed to describe and compare aspects of an initial CTP interaction across different provider-types. We anticipated mental health providers would differ from other provider-types based on varied exposure to cannabis consumers.

Methods: Adult cannabis consumers (N=507) from the U.S. completed an anonymous online survey rating aspects of an initial CTP interaction, including risk mitigation behaviors and recommendations about use. Analyses examined CTP interactions among four provider groups (Mental health [MH], Family Medicine [FM], Medical Clinics [MC], and Other Specialty [OS]).

Results: Less than half of the sample reported discussion of cannabis risks (44.0%) or subsequent follow-ups (44.0-46.7%). Recommendations (where to obtain, consumption method, dose, and frequency) were uncommon (9.7%-19.5%). While the MH group reported the highest rates of risk mitigation discussion (62.0%-65.0%), models adjusted for sociodemographic and cannabis characteristics were largely non-significant. MC providers were more likely than the MH group to report recommendations (p’s<.05). Younger age and greater cannabis-related problems increased likelihood of risk mitigation and provider recommendations.

Discussion and Conclusions: Data suggest that CTP interactions focused on risk but generally lacked comprehensive recommendations for safe use. Data from provider perspectives could support the need for CTP dosing guidelines and training for healthcare providers to promote safe CTP practices.

Scientific Significance: For the first time, this study explored several aspects of CTP interactions and compared experiences across a variety of provider-types.

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Keywords

cannabis for therapeutic purposes, medical cannabis, marijuana, healthcare providers, cannabis policy

Patient-healthcare provider interactions on Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes

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