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Student Class
2028
Student Affiliation
URAD
Author ORCID Identifier
First Advisor
Jacob Borodovsky, Ph.D.
First Advisor Department
Geisel School of Medicine
Abstract
There is a lack of a standardized definition of “medical” cannabis use in the healthcare industry, which has led to an informal, user-reported definition of medical use. Consequently, individuals who use cannabis for both medical and recreational reasons (dual intent) are not always differentiated from pure medical or pure recreational users. This study compares self-defined medical only and dual intent motivational groups relative to recreational only users to better understand how these groups differ by analyzing sociodemographic and use patterns, clinically relevant factors, and claimed cannabis-related benefits. Using data from the Qualtrics Cannabis Exposure Index survey instrument of 8836 adult cannabis users, logistic regressions were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios across these dimensions. Distinct profiles were identified among the three motivation groups. It was found that dual intent users exhibited higher use intensity, had a greater likelihood of experiencing cannabis use disorder criteria, and claimed a broader range of benefits of cannabis. In comparison, medical only users demonstrated more doctor engagement and followed a similar pattern of claimed physical benefits to dual intent users. Recreational only users demonstrated the lowest doctor engagement and emphasized social benefits. These findings are important for continuing to understand the evolving definition of medical cannabis use. The results may be helpful in informing clinical practices, public health needs, and policies surrounding cannabis legislation in the United States.
Publication Date
Spring 5-27-2026
Keywords
Cannabis use patterns, medical cannabis, dual intent, recreational cannabis, cannabis use disorder, cannabis legislation, public health, benefits of cannabis, healthcare
Disciplines
Community Health | Other Chemicals and Drugs | Other Mental and Social Health | Population Health | Public Health | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Dartmouth Digital Commons Citation
Domian, Addyson and Borodovsky, Jacob, "The Cannabis Motivation Spectrum: Comparing Medical, Recreational and Dual Intent Users" (2026). Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters. 17.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/wetterhahnsymposiumposters/17
Included in
Community Health Commons, Other Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Population Health Commons, Public Health Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
