Differences between younger and older medical marijuana users from a cluster-based sample of dispensaries in Los Angeles

Grella, Christine E.; Rodriguez, Luz

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.225

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Demographic characteristics related to sex and age were consistent with other studies, suggesting venue-based clients are overwhelmingly young adults and male (Grella & Rodriguez 2014; Nunberg et al 2011; Reiman 2007; Reinarman et al 2011). However, the current sample was more diverse than that in prior studies, which found that more than 50% of medical marijuana users and MMD clients identified as non-Hispanic White (O’Connell & Bou-Matar 2007; Nunberg et al 2011; Reiman 2007; Reinarman et al 2011; Ryan-Ibarra et al 2014).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…Client reports of medical conditions associated with receiving a medical marijuana recommendation are consistent with both physical and mental health issues observed in prior studies (e.g., Grella & Rodriguez 2014; Reiman 2007). Higher amounts were spent by patients with recommendations for anxiety and/or sleep problems compared with chronic pain.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

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Correlates of Amount Spent on Marijuana Buds During a Discrete Purchase at Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Results from a Pilot Study

Kepple

Mulholland

Freisthler

et al. 2016

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

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Marijuana purchasing behaviors vary by the purchaser’s individual characteristics; however, little is known about patients’ purchasing behaviors when buying from medical marijuana dispensaries (MMDs). Our objective was to explore whether patient characteristics were associated with amount spent during one financial transaction at medical marijuana dispensaries. We conducted a pilot study of 4 purposively sampled MMD locations in Long Beach, California, in 2012. A total of 132 medical marijuana patients (33 patients per dispensary) participated in an exit survey about their demographic characteristics, conditions for their medical marijuana recommendation, amount spent at the dispensary, and cross-streets of where they lived. The sample reported amounts spent on discrete purchases of marijuana buds averaging $40.82 (ranging $10 to $255). Multivariate regression analyses indicated average amount spent differed significantly by patient age and condition. An increase in 10 years of age was associated with a 10% higher amount spent. Receiving a recommendation for anxiety and/or sleeping problems or other nonspecified conditions was related to higher discrete purchase amounts than chronic pain. This pilot suggests that variations in patient purchasing behaviors from MMDs exist. These purchase behaviors can provide insight into variations in how patients use dispensaries, consume products, and allocate personal resources.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Correlates of Amount Spent on Marijuana Buds During a Discrete Purchase at Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Results from a Pilot Study

Kepple

Mulholland

Freisthler

et al. 2016

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

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“…This finding is consistent with comparably low alcohol use found in other MCU samples [16,22,23], as well as the fact that alcohol use commonly co-occurs with recreational cannabis use [33]. This result may also lend indirect support to the suggestion - also considering other self-report data from MCUs - that medical cannabis use may reduce (by “substitution”) certain psychoactive substance use, including alcohol [11,12,34]. Notably, our multivariate analyses did not identify inter-group differences with regard to psychoactive substance or medications use, even though these had emerged in the bivariate analyses.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

“…One could expect numerous differences, as MCU populations report several chronic/severe health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, sleep and mental health issues) for which therapeutic use is sought [11,12,13,14]. Additionally, data suggest that medical use of cannabis may act as a substitute for other psychoactive substances or medications (e.g., alcohol, psychotropic drugs) [11,12,15,16]. This might be in contrast to recreational use, where cannabis use commonly co-occurs with other substance use, or - especially among intensive/problematic users - with substance use disorders or co-morbid (e.g., mental) health problems [17,18,19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing Medical and Recreational Cannabis Users on Socio-Demographic, Substance and Medication Use, and Health and Disability Characteristics

et al. 2017

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Background: While recreational cannabis use is common, medical cannabis programs have proliferated across North America, including a federal program in Canada. Few comparisons of medical and recreational cannabis users (RCUs) exist; this study compared these groups on key characteristics. Methods: Data came from a community-recruited sample of formally approved medical cannabis users (MCUs; n = 53), and a sub-sample of recreational cannabis users (RCUs; n = 169) from a representative adult survey in Ontario (Canada). Samples were telephone-surveyed on identical measures, including select socio-demographic, substance and medication use, and health and disability measures. Based on initial bivariate comparisons, multivariate logistical regression with a progressive adjustment approach was performed to assess independent predictors of group status. Results: In bivariate analyses, older age, lower household income, lower alcohol use, higher cocaine, prescription opioid, depression and anxiety medication use, and lower health and disability status were significantly associated with medical cannabis use. In the multivariate analysis, final model, household income, alcohol use, and disability levels were associated with medical cannabis use. Conclusions/Scientific Significance: Compared to RCUs, medical users appear to be mainly characterized by factors negatively influencing their overall health status. Future studies should investigate the actual impact and net benefits of medical cannabis use on these health problems.

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Substance Use, Health, and Functioning Characteristics of Medical Marijuana Program Participants Compared to the General Adult Population in Ontario (Canada)

Fischer

Ialomiteanu

Aeby

et al. 2016

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

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Existent profiles of Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) participants indicate common and co-morbid chronic diseases, yet evidence on disability or functioning as well as comparisons with general populations are largely lacking. This study compared health, substance use, and functioning status among formally approved MMP participants with the general adult population in Ontario (Canada). A community-recruited sample (n = 53) of MMP participants was compared to a sub-sample (n = 510) of the representative Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor (2015 cycle) survey of Ontario general population adults (ages 18+) based on identical telephone-based interviews regarding substance use, health, and functioning measures. Means and standard deviations for all indicators were computed by sex, controlled for age and education, and compared by regression techniques. MMP participants were more likely to be male, younger, and less socio-economically integrated; they indicated more common psychoactive substance (e.g., tobacco, daily cannabis) and psychotropic medication use, as well as overall worse physical and mental health and functioning status. Marked differences between MMP participants and general population adults were observed. MMPs appear to attract individuals with complex chronic health problems; however, little is known about the impact of MMP participation on these.

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Differences between younger and older medical marijuana users from a cluster-based sample of dispensaries in Los Angeles

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Correlates of Amount Spent on Marijuana Buds During a Discrete Purchase at Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Results from a Pilot Study

Correlates of Amount Spent on Marijuana Buds During a Discrete Purchase at Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Results from a Pilot Study

Comparing Medical and Recreational Cannabis Users on Socio-Demographic, Substance and Medication Use, and Health and Disability Characteristics

Substance Use, Health, and Functioning Characteristics of Medical Marijuana Program Participants Compared to the General Adult Population in Ontario (Canada)

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