Few adults turn to either healthcare providers or government agencies when seeking information about cannabis, according to nationwide survey data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Researchers with the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor surveyed over 1,100 US adults regarding where they obtain cannabis-related information. Respondents were most likely to obtain information from either “friends and family” or from websites. They were least likely to obtain information from medical providers or government agencies.
NORML’s Deputy Director was not surprised by the survey’s results. “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.”
Armentano also acknowledged most healthcare practitioners lack sufficient training in marijuana-related matters and, therefore, they are uncomfortable speaking to their patients about it. Survey data published in 2020 reported that fewer than one-in-five patients believe that their primary care providers are sufficiently knowledgeable about cannabis-specific health-related issues.
“Cannabis use is not a new phenomenon and it’s not going away,” he said. “Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to keep up with cannabis-related science and trends so that they can engage with their patients, just as they would stay informed and provide advice regarding any other number of behaviors that potentially impact their patients’ health and well being.”
The study’s authors similarly concluded, “As cannabis accessibility and legality is increasing, there is a strong need for better clinician education, public outreach strategies, and improved communication between patients and clinicians about cannabis.”
The full text of the study, “Cannabis-related information sources among US residents: A probability-weighted nationally representative survey,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
