Legal concerns and perceptions among women with gynecologic malignancies using prescribed medical cannabis: a single-institution, survey-based study

Abstract

<h3>Objectives:</h3> The legal status of cannabis is complex and varies between state and federal governments. While cannabis remains an illegal schedule I substance under federal law, 33 states in the United States allow the use of medical cannabis. Connecticut has legalized use of medical cannabis and partially decriminalized recreational use of cannabis. In this survey-based study, we seek to evaluate legal concerns and perceptions among women with gynecologic malignancies using prescribed medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries in Connecticut. <h3>Methods:</h3> A 43-item paper survey with items exploring legal concerns and perceptions of medical and recreational cannabis was administered to women with gynecologic malignancies who use prescribed medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries in Connecticut. <h3>Results:</h3> Thirty-six eligible patients were approached for consent, and 31 patients returned completed surveys (86%). Forty-one percent (n=13) of patients had used medical marijuana for greater than 6 months, 16% (n=5) between 3 and 6 months, and 41% (n=13) less than 3 months. Thirty-two percent (n=10) reported using medical marijuana 6-7 days/week, 32% (n=10) 3-5 days/week, and 29% (n=9) 1-2 days/week or less. Thirty-two percent of patients (n=10) had concerns about the legality of medical cannabis at the state or federal level. Twenty-five percent (n=8) reported concern about traveling to a state where medical cannabis was not legal. Of the subset of participants that expressed concern about traveling, half (n=4) reported they would bring medical cannabis regardless of legal ramifications. When asked whether medical cannabis was legal in Connecticut, 77% (n=24) responded ‘yes,' 12% (n=4) responded ‘no,' and 6% (n=2) were unsure. When the same question was posed about recreational cannabis, 3% (n=1) responded ‘yes,' 80% (n=25) responded ‘no,' and 12% (n=4) were unsure. Nineteen percent (n=6) were unsure if use of medical cannabis was allowed in their home (i.e., for those living in rental housing). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Patients with gynecologic malignancies using prescribed medical cannabis are concerned about the legality of medical cannabis. One fifth of users were unsure of the legal status of medical cannabis or incorrectly thought medical cannabis was not legal in Connecticut. It is possible that such misconceptions are also present among non-users and may hinder patient interest in utilization of medical cannabis. About one fifth of patients were unsure whether the use of medical cannabis was permitted at home, which is an important topic for providers to address as permissibility of medical cannabis is at the discretion of the landlord. Providers should be knowledgeable about the legal status of medical cannabis in their location and educate patients accordingly.