HomeNewsStudy: Consumers And Cannabis Information Sources

Study: Consumers And Cannabis Information Sources

A study indicates that healthcare providers and government agencies are among the least common sources of information about cannabis for US consumers.

In June 2023, a survey was carried out among American adults on cannabis use and intentions, and sources of information. Of the 1,161 participants, 27% reported past year cannabis use. Overall, the most common sources of information were:

  • Friends/family – 35.6%
  • Websites – 33.7%

The least common sources were:

  • Health/medical care providers – 9.3%
  • Employees at place of purchase – 8.6%
  • Government agencies – 4.7%

However, among medical cannabis users (whether or not they were also using it recreationally), 16.4% obtained information from a healthcare provider.

The researchers, primarily from the University of Michigan Medical School, concluded:

“As cannabis accessibility increases and legality continues changing, there is a strong need for better clinician education, improved public health outreach, and improved communication between patients and clinicians about cannabis.”

The study has been published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Commenting on the findings, NORML’s Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, commented:

“Historically, government-affiliated sources have either embellished or outright lied about marijuana and its effects,” he said. “So it’s no wonder that the public doesn’t consider them to be credible sources for marijuana-related information.”

Mr. Armentano also said most health care practitioners lack sufficient training in marijuana-related issues.

Another study carried out among nurse practitioner (NP) students found 97% felt cannabis education should be included in NP program curricula. But just 30% reported receiving in-depth education on the topic. The researchers, from the School of Nursing at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts said NP programs must evaluate their current curricula and introduce content that addresses gaps in knowledge relating medical marijuana’s mechanism of action, indications, and adverse reactions.

On the retail side, a gap in education may also remain. A study published in 2022 indicated dispensaries often make hiring decisions more on candidate’s sales abilities rather than their knowledge of using cannabis therapeutically.

Cannabis education will become a more pressing issue in the USA, particularly if a decision is made to reschedule it to the less restrictive Schedule III category. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) decision on this isn’t expected until after the Presidential election in November.

Terry Lassitenaz
Terry Lassitenaz writes exclusively for Hemp Gazette and has done so since the site launched in 2015. He has a special interest in the political arena relating to medical cannabis, particularly in Australia, and addressing the many myths surrounding this incredibly useful plant. You can contact Terry here.
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