Patterns of Medical Marijuana Use Among Individuals Sampled from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Los Angeles

Abstract

The proliferation of medical marijuana (MM) dispensaries has led to concerns that they will lead to more widespread use of marijuana. The aim of the current study was to collect descriptive data on individuals using MM dispensaries in Los Angeles County. A mixed-method approach was employed that consisted of focus groups with 30 individuals and a survey of dispensary users (N = 182) in Los Angeles County. Differences between younger (less than 30 years old) and older individuals were examined in the survey sample. Most individuals in both samples had initiated marijuana use in adolescence. Nearly one-half of survey respondents had indications of risky alcohol use and one-fifth reported recent use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription medications. Younger individuals had higher rates of tobacco use, visited dispensaries more frequently, and had more socially embedded patterns of use, but they were similar to older individuals in terms of their reasons for use. Nearly all participants believed that MM was beneficial in treating their health problems, although 65% reported symptoms of psychological distress in the past year. Interventions aimed at MM users should stress the related effects of tobacco and risky alcohol use as well as mental health needs.

Prevalence, reasons, perceived effects, and correlates of medical marijuana use: A review

“…Ilgen et al (2013) found that among 348 individuals seeking MM certification at a MM clinic in Michigan, 87% sough MM for pain. Grella et al (2014) found that anxiety (60.2%), insomnia/sleep problems (56.4%), and chronic pain (42%) were the most frequently cited reasons for MMU among 181 respondents from MM dispensaries in Los Angeles County. However, these studies lacked the information about study participants’ primary medical conditions.…”

Cannabis problem experiences among users of the tobacco–cannabis combination known as blunts

“…Indicators of rule breaking were assessed based upon past-year experience of selling drugs, stealing, assault, or arrest. A general measure of overall health (excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor) was included to control for possible use of cannabis for self-medication (Grella et al, 2014; Ogborne et al, 2000; Wilsey et al, 2008). Finally, religiosity is known to be protective for using cannabis and CUDs, therefore a frequency measure of religious attendance was included (Miller et al, 2000; Nonnemaker et al, 2003).…”

Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles

“…Additional research finds that edibles are especially popular with medicinal cannabis users (Pacula, Jacobson, & Maksabedian, 2015) as well as with the Baby Boomer generation (Murphy et al, 2015). Surveys conducted in several US states (California, Washington, and Colorado) and Canada found that 11 percent to 26 percent of medicinal cannabis users had consumed an edible cannabis product during their lifetimes (Grella, Rodriguez, & Kim, 2014; Walsh et al, 2013). …”

“…Despite initial support for the efficacy of oral cannabinoid medication, many medicinal cannabis patients prefer to smoke cannabis (Grella et al, 2014; O’Connell & Bou-Matar, 2007). Nonusers report a greater incidence of negative subjective responses following use of oral Δ 9 -THC, especially at higher doses (Calhoun, Galloway, & Smith, 1998; Haney, 2007).…”