Perceptions Of Cannabis Research Articles

Perceptions of Cannabis Use and Its Benefits and Risks Among Breastfeeding Mothers.

Approximately 5% of breastfeeding women report using cannabis. Little is understood about perceived benefits and risks of cannabis use; thus, this study aimed to fill this gap. An anonymous online survey was conducted from 2018 to 2019 among breastfeeding women (n = 1516) who used cannabis. Data collected included demographics, frequency and timing of cannabis use, perceived effects in infants, and repercussions experienced. Analyses included descriptive statistics; chi-square and t-tests were used to test differences between groups (SPSSv28). A subset (n = 413) left open-text responses about cannabis and its perceived risks and benefits. Content analysis and ATLAS.ti were used for open-ended responses. Two-thirds (67%) of participants were "not at all" concerned that cannabis use while breastfeeding affected their baby. Only 3% attributed symptoms in their infants to cannabis use; symptoms were perceived as positive or negative. Interestingly, 45% (n = 603) altered timing of cannabis use relative to breastfeeding to avoid exposing their infant to cannabis. Most mothers (85.8%) reported no changes in their breast milk supply. Few respondents were investigated by Child Protective Services (6.9%) or arrested (3.8%) for cannabis use. In open-ended responses, three themes emerged about the perceptions of cannabis use while breastfeeding: (1) cannabis preferred to address medical concerns, (2) positive impact of cannabis on quality of life for mothers and their children, and (3) concerns about negative consequences. Breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis reported positive perceptions of cannabis as a safer alternative to medications, yet concerns existed about legal repercussions. Understanding maternal perceptions may be useful in developing successful approaches to counseling mothers about cannabis use.

Perceptions, Experiences, and Patterns of Cannabis Use in Individuals with Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the Context of Cannabis Legalization and Medical Cannabis Program in Canada - A Qualitative Study.

Perceptions of cannabis as a potential medical treatment for mood and anxiety disorders have been increasing in the context of legalizations, availability, and medical cannabis programs, though current evidence predominately indicates risks and negative effects of cannabis use (CU) on mental health outcomes. This study aims to understand motivations, perceptions, effects, and patterns of CU in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders. Thirty-six adult patients diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder who were currently using cannabis completed an in-depth qualitative interview on individual motivations, perceptions, experiences, effects, and patterns of their CU. The thematic analysis focused on phases of CU and sources of cannabis products and information. Reported motivations for initiation of CU included curiosity, peer pressure, and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Factors such as psychotropic effects and coping with mental health symptoms and insomnia contributed to the continuation of CU. More negative effects, including cognitive dysfunction, worsening of mood, and anxiety symptoms, were acknowledged with ongoing CU. Concerning findings included common initiation of CU before age 18, combined medical and recreational CU, rare consultation of medical professionals on CU, and potential effects and harms. Findings indicate individual complexity of motivations, perceptions, and patterns of CU in the study population. The reported potential beneficial effects of specific cannabis products should be further investigated. Findings emphasize patient-provider dialogue on both CU and conventional treatments. Information from this study can contribute to and inform the development of education, prevention, and intervention strategies.

The Effects of Stigma: Older Persons and Medicinal Cannabis.

Cannabis has long been stigmatized as an illicit drug. Since legalization in Canada for both medical and recreational purposes, older adults' cannabis consumption has increased more than any other age group. Yet, it is unclear how the normalization of cannabis has impacted perceptions of stigma for older adults consuming cannabis medicinally. Qualitative description was used to elucidate the experiences of older Canadians aged 60+ related to stigma and their consumption of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews. Data analysis examined how participants managed stigma related to cannabis use. Perceived stigma was evident in many participants' descriptions of their perceptions of cannabis in the past and present, and influenced how they accessed and consumed cannabis and their comfort in discussing its use with their healthcare providers. Participants employed several distinct strategies for managing stigma-concealing, re-framing, re-focusing, and proselytizing. Findings suggest that while medical cannabis consumption is becoming increasingly normalized among older adults, stigma related to cannabis persists and continues to shape older adults' experiences. A culture shift needs to occur among healthcare providers so that they are educated about cannabis and willing to discuss the possibilities of medicinal cannabis consumption with older adults. Otherwise, older adults may seek advice from recreational or other non-medical sources. Healthcare providers require education about the use of medical cannabis, so they can better advise older adults regarding its consumption for medicinal purposes.

Cannabis approval and perceived risk of use among minority U.S. Army Reservists

This study examined how minoritized U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard service members perceive cannabis use amid a continuously evolving societal and legal landscape in the United States. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between cannabis perceptions and race while considering illicit drug use norms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology, and current drug use. Non-Hispanic Black soldiers had lower odds of approval for medicinal cannabis use and Hispanic soldiers had higher odds of perceived risk of cannabis use, both of which persisted when considering key covariates. These findings may be partly explained by a confluence of societal and cultural factors.

Cannabis Use Differences Among Sexual Minority Versus Heterosexual Females and Males in Oklahoma: The Roles of Mental Health, Cannabis Perceptions, and Cannabis Marketing Exposure.

Despite the high cannabis use rates among sexual minority (SM) individuals, less research has examined factors related to cannabis use among SM (vs. heterosexual) individuals, especially in places with legal medical cannabis retail markets and high structural stigma, like Oklahoma. Data were from a survey of Oklahoma adults, including 3020 females (18.6% SM) and 2279 males (10.1% SM). Bivariate analyses examined associations of sexual identity with cannabis-related factors (i.e., perceived harm, positive attitudes, marketing exposure, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms) and cannabis use and use severity (i.e., past 30-day use, daily/near-daily use, cannabis use disorder [CUD] symptoms). Logistic regression examined associations of sexual identity and cannabis-related factors with cannabis use and use severity among females and males, separately. SM (vs. heterosexual) females reported greater odds of past 30-day cannabis use and daily/near-daily use, lower harm perceptions, greater marketing exposure, and higher rates of depressive/anxiety symptoms. Lower harm perceptions and greater marketing exposure were associated with greater odds of past 30-day use, whereas marketing exposure was associated with greater odds of daily/near-daily use. SM (vs. heterosexual) males reported greater odds of daily/near-daily use and higher rates of depressive/anxiety symptoms. SM (vs. heterosexual) females reported higher rates of cannabis use, whereas SM (vs. heterosexual) females and males reported higher rates of daily/near-daily cannabis use. Potential targets for cannabis-related health campaigns aimed at reducing use differences include correcting misinterpretations of harm that may emanate from cannabis marketing efforts among females and addressing depressive symptoms among males.

Theory-based correlates of cannabis use and intentions among US and Israeli adults: a mixed methods study

BackgroundIn the US and Israel, non-medical (‘recreational’) cannabis use is illegal at the national level; however, use rates are high and decriminalization and legalization is spreading. Thus, theory-based intervention efforts, especially for youth prevention, are crucial.MethodsThis mixed-methods study of adults in the US (n = 1,128) and Israel (n = 1,094) analyzed: 1) cross-sectional survey data (Fall 2021) to identify theory-based correlates (risk perceptions, social norms) of past-month cannabis use, next-year use intentions, and intentions to use in the home or among children if non-medical cannabis was legal, using multivariable regression; and 2) qualitative interviews regarding perceptions of cannabis policies and use (US n = 40, Israel n = 44).Results16.7% reported past-month use; 70.5%, 56.3%, and 82.6% indicated “not at all likely” regarding next-year use and use in the home and among children if legal. Lower perceived risk and greater social norms were associated with past-month use, greater use intentions, and greater intentions to use in the home or among children. Past-month use was more prevalent among US (vs. Israeli) participants (22.0% vs. 11.2%); however, in multivariable regression controlling for past-month use, being from Israel was associated with greater use intentions (next-year; in the home/among children). Qualitative themes indicated: concerns about use (e.g., increasing use, health risks, driving-related risks) and legalization (e.g., impact on society/economy, marketing), and perceived benefits of use (e.g., medical) and legalization (e.g., access/safety, economic, individual rights).ConclusionsDespite differences in cannabis perceptions and use across countries, perceived risk and social norms are relevant intervention targets regardless of sociopolitical context.

The Paradoxes of Normalization: Cannabis as Nuisance Crime, Medicine, and Consumer Good in British Columbia Before and After Legalization

ABSTRACT In the space of two years, selling cannabis in Canada went from being a criminalized activity to an essential service. However, the broad recognition of its relative safety compared with other intoxicants and potential medical benefits are outpacing regulatory strategies to manage its responsible use. The paradoxical normalization of cannabis is based on its contested legal, moral, and cultural status. This paper makes three contributions. First, based on secondary data analysis, we present qualitative data from cannabis insiders in the province of British Columbia (B.C.), focused on their perceptions of cannabis as medicine, consumer good, and nuisance crime. Second, we consider tolerance and aversion related to cannabis normalization by linking the perceptions of these insiders with past and recent research. Finally, we argue that the lack of legal spaces to consume cannabis exacerbates concerns about impaired driving, nuisance crime, and stigmatization. Applying levels of stigma to areas of cannabis liberalization can assist efforts to describe the paradoxes of normalization. These appear to result from older protection-based policies, which may have the effect of prolonging what they seek to disrupt.

Cannabis and adolescence: The current situation in Greece comparing to European and Worldwide context

Adolescence is a period of life that makes people vulnerable and prone to illegal substances. They are more likely to commit offenses than any other age group. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of cannabis by adolescents worldwide. Cannabis has now been described in several countries, including Greece, as the dominant illegal substance and has been more closely linked to youth culture, as the age of starting cannabis is usually younger than for other drugs. Cannabis has very low acute toxicity and a very small mortality rate compared to other drugs, but morbidity is the most important impact on public health. In many countries, medical cannabis is considered legal in certain specific quantities, but the laws vary from country to country. The use of cannabis is examined and studied on many levels mainly because it affects teenagers in many areas including cognitive, social, and psycho-emotional. Some studies around the world confirm that the earlier and more prolonged exposure to cannabis use, the greater the damage. The fact that it can lead to adverse conditions in adolescents makes it imperative to proceed to primary prevention in the school environment but also in the society of each country. This will properly shape the adolescent's perception of cannabis and help identify other problems that occupy everyday life of adolescents preventing them from starting cannabis use or stop them from continuing using it.

Cannabis edibles packaging: Communicative objects in a growing market.

Cannabis edibles were legalized for recreational use across Canada in October 2019. The Canadian Cannabis Act requires legally produced edibles to be sold in plain single-color packages with limited branded elements and prominent health warning labels, serving size and nutritional information, and product ingredients including amounts of cannabis compounds. Little research, however, assesses what consumers think of standardized packaging, and how product packaging influences perceptions of cannabis edibles. Eight focus groups with young adults (ages 18-24; n=57) were conducted in November 2018. Participants were recruited from a Canadian university, and asked to assess sample images of cannabis packaging approved by Health Canada. They then discussed the information they would like to see on packages. Focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed using a descriptive, qualitative approach following methods of process evaluation and inductive coding. Discussions generally pertained to four main themes: dosage and consumption recommendations; food and nutritional information; concerns for children; and health warning labels. Participants suggested improvements for cannabis packaging, including standardized THC units, non-numerical consumption instructions, and unit-dose packaging. Instead of recommending packaging that deters consumption, participants requested packaging features that promote safe consumption by adults while also protecting children. Findings reveal how packages function as communicative objects that convey meanings about safety and risk, yet these meanings may not resonate with Canadian young adults' perceptions of cannabis as relatively safe. While the packaging regulated for use in Canada may be assumed, due to its plain, standardized format, to communicate "little", we highlight tensions in the meanings of such packaging to young adults-especially around competing ideas related to safety and risk.

"The Two Sides of the Same Coin"-Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained.

Cannabis, as a natural medicinal remedy, has long been used for palliative treatment to alleviate the side effects caused by diseases. Cannabis-based products isolated from plant extracts exhibit potent immunoregulatory properties, reducing chronic inflammatory processes and providing much needed pain relief. They are a proven effective solution for treatment-based side effects, easing the resulting symptoms of the disease. However, we discuss the fact that cannabis use may promote the progression of a range of malignancies, interfere with anti-cancer immunotherapy, or increase susceptibility to viral infections and transmission. Most cannabis preparations or isolated active components cause an overall potent immunosuppressive impact among users, posing a considerable hazard to patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems. In this review, current knowledge and perceptions of cannabis or cannabinoids and their impact on various immune-system components will be discussed as the “two sides of the same coin” or “double-edged sword”, referring to something that can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. We propose that much is still unknown about adverse reactions to its use, and its integration with medical treatment should be conducted cautiously with consideration of the individual patient, effector cells, microenvironment, and the immune system.

Assessment of Medical Cannabis in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Basal Joint

With the increasingly widespread availability of cannabidiol-derived products, more patients with hand and wrist pain are seeking evidence for use of these products. We explored current utilization practices of medical cannabis for treatment of pain in patients with a diagnosis of thumb basal joint arthritis. Secondary aims were to determine patient and thumb arthritis disease characteristics of cannabis users and nonusers and to investigate patient perceptions of the efficacy of medical cannabis in various formulations for the treatment of thumb arthritis pain. Patients with thumb basal joint arthritis were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes between May and June 2020. All patients received an invitation to complete a survey regarding perceptions of cannabis and related products. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to gather demographic information and thumb basal joint arthritis factors, including laterality, date of initial diagnosis, and prior treatment. The survey was completed by 103 patients. Twenty-five percent reported a history of oral medical cannabis use, and 21% reported topical medical cannabis use. Twelve of 25 oral users and 7 of 21 topical users believed that the product was effective in relieving pain and consequently worth the financial cost. Of the patients surveyed, 69% would be interested in trialing an oral formulation and 80% would be interested in trialing a topical formulation for treatment of their thumb pain. Patients with thumb basal joint arthritis use cannabis-related products, with mixed reports on efficacy. Large numbers of these patients would be interested in trialing either oral or topical formulations of medical cannabis for treatment of their thumb basal joint pain. It is important for medical providers to understand the current data available regarding analgesic properties of cannabidiol-related products to respond to patient inquiries about the use of cannabinoids in treating medical conditions.

The Green Sheep: Exploring the Perceived Risks and Benefits of Cannabis Among Young Military Members and Veterans.

Medical and recreational cannabis are becoming more accessible and socially accepted across the United States. Emerging adults (EAs; 18 to 29) are the largest group of cannabis users. Studies have found that veterans are more likely to report cannabis use compared to nonveterans. While research exists on the use levels of cannabis, limited knowledge is available on the perceived risks and benefits of using cannabis among EA military and veteran populations. Helping professionals encounter veterans who use cannabis and must consider military cultural factors and attitudes towards cannabis that may influence or exacerbate cannabis use. We conducted a qualitative study with 23 EA veteran and military members with high-risk substance use and asked about their thoughts on the acceptability, risks, and perceived benefits associated with cannabis. Two qualitative coders used NVivo to find themes following the six steps of thematic analysis. Results provide in-depth understanding of EA military members and veterans' perceptions of cannabis. Overall, we found participants were receptive to using cannabis for pain ailments, mental health issues, and as an alternative to benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol. However, they acknowledged restrictions are needed to moderate cannabis use and mitigate negative outcomes. Lastly, participants recognized the incongruence of cannabis use with military job responsibilities and expectations. These findings shed light on potential risk and protective factors related to using cannabis for recreational or medical reasons and should be considered when consulting EA military members and veterans.

Joint perceptions of the risk and availability of Cannabis in the United States, 2002-2018

BackgroundPrior work suggests that perceived risk and perceived availability of cannabis independently affect cannabis use. However, perceived risk likely modifies the effect of perceived availability, and vice versa. This study explored trends in joint perceived risk and availability of cannabis from 2002 to 2018 and the relationship between combined perceptions and cannabis use, frequent use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD). MethodsNational Surveys on Drug Use and Health data (n = 949,285, ages 12+) were used to create combined categories of perceived risk of weekly cannabis use and perceived cannabis availability. Descriptive analyses compared joint perceived risk/availability trends (pre/post-2015 due to survey redesign) overall and stratified by age, gender, past-year cannabis use, frequent use, and CUD. Regression analysis estimated associations between perceived risk/availability and cannabis outcomes. ResultsFrom 2002 to 2018, the prevalence of perceiving cannabis as low-risk doubled while perceiving cannabis as available remained unchanged. The proportion of individuals perceiving cannabis as Low-risk/Available increased by 86% from 2002 to 2014 (16.8%–31.2%) and 19% from 2015 to 2018 (30.1%–35.8%) while High-risk/Available and High-risk/Unavailable proportions declined. Differing patterns were observed by age and gender. Compared with individuals perceiving cannabis as High-risk/Unavailable, people in all other perception categories had greater risk of all cannabis outcomes. Results were consistent with additive interaction between perceived risk and availability in their effects on cannabis use. ConclusionsTrends and associations with cannabis outcomes differ when considering perceived risk and availability independently versus jointly. Longitudinal studies and cannabis policy evaluations would advance understanding of links between cannabis perceptions and use.

Clarity on Cannabinoid-Based Products in Medicine

The perception of cannabis in society has changed over the last decades, leading to an increasing permissiveness about its use mainly across Western countries. This has happened in parallel to the growing study of the possible role of cannabinoid-based products in medicine. The cannabis plant contents comprise more than one hundred different cannabinoids, each binding differently to numerous human body targets. This cannabinoids administration, either isolated, combining some of them, or as a full plant extract can produce many different risk–benefit effects in humans depending on the product composition. Moreover, we have seen the appearance of synthetic cannabinoids. As expected, doses and different routes of administration introduce further variability. Cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products authorised for medicinal use after comprehensive research and with approval by regulatory medicines agencies, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), should be distinguished from cannabinoid-based products (whether standardised or not) that aimed for medicinal use but lack submitted efficacy, tolerability, and safety scientific evidence for regulatory approval. Distribution of some of the latter products are still allowed in certain geographical areas. There are also cannabinoid products used mainly recreationally or as food supplements and ruled separately. In a detailed white paper, this review describes the present situation, depicting the societal and medical state of the art, collecting the facts-based risk–benefit features of already available cannabinoid-based products, and also the future possibilities in medicine, which can be vast if proper research is developed

Prevalence of cannabis use among individuals with a history of cancer in the United States.

Patients with cancer have played a key role in advocating for legal access to cannabis, but little is known about links between cancer and cannabis use or cannabis-related beliefs. The authors used data from a national survey to study these relationships. Nationally representative data collected by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2015 to 2019 were acquired. Patterns of cannabis use and cancer history were examined and tested within age group subpopulations via domain analysis using survey weights. Data for 214,505 adults, including 4741 individuals (3.8%) with past (>1 year ago) cancer diagnosis and 1518 individuals (1.2%) with recent (≤1 year ago) cancer diagnosis, were examined. Cannabis use was less common in those with past (8.9%; 95% CI, 8.0%-9.8%) or recent (9.9%; 95% CI, 6.9%-11.1%) cancer diagnosis than in those without a history of cancer (15.9%; 95% CI, 15.7%-16.1%). However, when analyses were stratified by age group, those 18 to 34 years of age were more likely to report past cannabis use, and those 35 to 49 years of age were more likely to report past or recent cannabis use if they had a history of cancer. Younger patients felt that cannabis was more accessible and less risky if they had a history of cancer. Patients with cancer were less likely to report cannabis use, but there were different cannabis perceptions and use patterns by age. Age should be considered in studies of cannabis and cancer, and policy initiatives may be needed to aid provision of quality information on cannabis risk to those with cancer. Cannabis (marijuana) use is increasing in the United States, but we do not have much information on the relationship between cannabis use and cancer. We studied information from a representative group of people and found that younger patients generally reported more past and/or recent cannabis use if they had been diagnosed with cancer whereas older individuals did not. Beliefs about cannabis risk and accessibility differed by age. Clinical trials to study cannabis should account for patient age, and accurate information about cannabis should be provided to help patients with cancer make decisions about cannabis use.

Perceptions of public health consequences of marijuana legalization

Background As cannabis policy is rapidly evolving and support for marijuana legalization is increasing, understanding of the public’s perception of cannabis and its associated risks is important for prevention efforts. Method Adults in Michigan (n = 2,189) were recruited to complete a web-based survey focused on attitudes toward marijuana (August–September 2016). Participants were recruited through online and email advertisements from community-based agencies and a statewide advocacy coalition. Measures were adapted from previous public opinion research with input from advocacy coalition members. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess public perceptions of cannabis potency and the perceived impact of marijuana legalization on road safety, employee safety, and emergency department (ED) visits. Independent variables included demographics, political orientation, and marijuana-related variables (marijuana use, attitude toward marijuana legalization). Results Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 88 years (mean = 45.5 years) and were 72% female. Most adults (79.7%) were aware that marijuana is more potent today compared to the past. Over half of adults felt marijuana legalization would negatively affect road safety (55.5%), employee safety (58.8%), and lead to an increase in ED visits (62.8%). Differences in attitudes were found based on demographics (age, gender, race, and education), marijuana use, and attitudes toward legalization. Conclusions Although most adults recognize potential public health risks associated with cannabis legalization, a sizable minority of adults do not feel marijuana legalization will have negative public health consequences. As more states legalize, prevention efforts may be needed to reduce negative public health consequences associated with cannabis use.

Evaluation of Availability of Survey Data About Cannabis Use

In response to increasing public support for cannabis legalization, understanding associations of state and federal policy changes related to cannabis legalization with patterns of cannabis use is important. A challenge for public health monitoring and research is significant variation in data availability related to cannabis use behaviors and perceptions across and within states and over time, including the availability of prelegalization vs postlegalization data. To review data available on cannabis use and related behaviors over time in Massachusetts and the US. This case series examined state and national surveys on public health and related behaviors and outcomes to review availability of cannabis-related data for Massachusetts for 8 key indicators over time. Additionally, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System for all states were reviewed. The analysis was conducted between February 1, 2019, and March 18, 2020. Surveys that enable state-level estimation of cannabis use and related behaviors. Eight key indicators related to cannabis use behaviors and perceptions: lifetime cannabis use, age of initiation, frequency of use, location of use, method of use, source of cannabis, perceptions of cannabis, and reason for use (ie, medical vs nonmedical). There were 7 surveys that monitored cannabis use and related behaviors in Massachusetts for adolescents and adults. No surveys monitored all 8 indicators of interest, and availability over time was limited. In the most recent BRFSS, 24 states asked cannabis-related questions, meaning BRFSS data on cannabis use was lacking for more than half of the US adult population. In the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 36 states asked standard cannabis questions; most other states had at least 1 question related to cannabis use and frequency. These findings of limitations of existing surveys, and particularly the lack of national questions in the BRFSS and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, suggest that available data have substantial limitations for monitoring cannabis use. As cannabis policy changes continue, there is a need to remain focused on the availability of high-quality data sources that allow for critical public health research.

A qualitative examination of college students’ perceptions of cannabis: insights into the normalization of cannabis use on a college campus

Objective This study aimed to qualitatively examine how perceptions of cannabis differ among college students in an effort to better understand the changing landscape of cannabis on college campuses. Participants: Forty-six predominantly male (69.9%; M age = 23.15, SD = 4.11) college students attending a border state university (i.e., a state that has not yet legalized cannabis but borders a state that has). Methods: Participants engaged in facilitated focus group discussions (N = 5) about cannabis-related issues. Results: Thematic analysis uncovered three primary themes and six subthemes. Main themes included: 1) User Heterogeneity and Identity, 2) Relative Benefits and Harms of Cannabis, and 3) Social Position of Cannabis on Campus Culture. Conclusions: Cannabis has quickly integrated into the college social environment, with social stigmatization and identification with cannabis impacting decisions to use. Findings inform existing college health programs on how to approach conversations about cannabis with students.

Cannabis Use in Young Adult Cancer Patients.

Background: The use of cannabis by young adult (YA) cancer patients is likely to increase as medical cannabis becomes more available. Clinically relevant data on cannabis use are needed to establish benchmarks for use, to identify patients who are more likely to use cannabis, and to assess outcomes associated with use. Objective: The current study sought to determine the rate of cannabis use in YA cancer patients ages 18 to 39, identify demographic and clinical correlates of use, and examine differences in moderate-to-severe symptoms between users and nonusers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of objectively measured tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), self-reported cannabis use, and cancer-related symptomatology in YA cancer patients in active treatment referred for comprehensive supportive care. Results: Approximately 30% of YA cancer patients tested positive for THC on urine drug testing. At the univariate level, cannabis users were more likely to be male, to have a lifetime history of smoking at least 100 cigarettes, and to be more recently diagnosed. Cannabis use was associated with moderate-to-severe symptomatology, including pain, nausea, lack of appetite, constipation, difficulty sleeping, and poorer overall well-being. Conclusions: YAs referred for comprehensive supportive care may be managing their cancer-related symptoms with cannabis. Further research is needed to better understand patients' perceptions of cannabis's therapeutic and adverse effects, in patients who used cannabis before diagnosis, and in patients who commenced use in response to a cancer diagnosis.

Perceptions of the cognitive effects of cannabis use: A survey of neuropsychologists’ beliefs

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Research evaluating the neuropsychological effects of cannabis has yielded mixed findings, with some studies finding cognitive deficits in cannabis users (primarily in learning and memory) and others finding no significant effects. It is important to understand how clinicians perceive this discrepancy in the empirical literature. However, no studies have assessed neuropsychologists’ beliefs regarding the effects of cannabis on cognitive functioning. Thus, this study sought to evaluate how patient and cannabis-use factors influence neuropsychologists’ perceptions of cannabis’s cognitive effects.Method: Neuropsychologists (N = 261) read eight vignettes, each depicting cannabis users varying in age, gender, and cannabis-use history (frequency, duration, and recreational/medicinal use). Respondents rated the anticipated effects of cannabis in each vignette on nine cognitive domains. Mixed effects linear regression modeled the ratings of cognitive abilities as a function of neuropsychologist, neuropsychologists’ training, vignette, patient age, gender, and frequency/duration/type of cannabis use, and treated neuropsychologist and vignette as random effects.Results: Duration of use had the most notable effect on neuropsychologists’ ratings, with a small (0.1 to 0.2 SDs) yet statistically significant (p < .001) negative effect on each cognitive domain. Male gender and medicinal use also predicted lower cognitive ratings. Differences in ratings between neuropsychologists accounted for 73% of the total variability in each domain, whereas variability due to vignette alone was negligible (<1%).Conclusions: Results suggest that neuropsychologists believe that cannabis use results in broad but mild cognitive deficits, consistent with meta-analytic findings of active chronic cannabis users, particularly for males and for individuals using cannabis for medicinal purposes. Interestingly, neuropsychologists expected fewer cognitive effects in recreational cannabis users. Further, duration of use (rather than frequency) was believed to be the primary factor contributing to cognitive deficits.