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Recreational Marijuana Users and Medical Cannabis: Insights from UCLA Research
Jun
Self-diagnosing with Cannabis Shocker?
Published on June 5, 2024, this study of over 176,000 recreational marijuana users showed that 76% who are also “medical patients,” use cannabis to manage symptoms. The question is:
Have you ever wondered about the role of cannabis in managing symptoms and its impact on doctor-patient communication? Well, a recent UCLA study sheds light on this intriguing topic, and it’s worth taking a moment to reflect.
The study highlighted the importance of screening efforts to identify and document medical cannabis usage, especially in healthcare settings. After all, how can doctors provide the best care if they’re unaware of a patient’s cannabis use for symptom management?
UCLA Health is one of the few healthcare systems that proactively asks patients to complete voluntary cannabis use surveys during pre-appointment check-ins. This approach aligns with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s 2020 recommendation for routine cannabis screening.
From January 2021 to May 2023, nearly 176,000 patients at UCLA participated in this self-administered survey through the EPIC patient portal. The results? Approximately 17% of patients reported using cannabis.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Among those cannabis users, a staggering 35% showed signs of moderate to high risk for cannabis use disorder, based on the World Health Organization’s Alcohol Substance Involvement Screening Test.
Have you ever pondered the reasons behind cannabis use? For many users in the study, it was a means to manage mental health issues, stress, sleep problems, and pain. In fact, 56% cited mental health or stress as their primary reasons, while 56% used it for sleep problems and 37% for pain management.
Yet, the study also reveals a concerning pattern: Cannabis use was least common (14%) in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, but this group had the highest risk for disordered use. It makes one wonder about the underlying factors contributing to this disparity and the potential need for targeted support and resources.
As with any study, there are limitations to consider. The reliance on self-reported data may underreport usage due to legal concerns, even in states where cannabis is legal. Additionally, much of the data was collected during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a period potentially associated with higher cannabis use.
So, what does this study mean for you? Perhaps it prompts you to reflect on your own relationship with cannabis (if applicable). Or, it might spark curiosity about the role of open and honest communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding cannabis use. It would certainly make me wonder at my next doctor appointment if I should bring it up in conversation (although we all need to pay attention to the appointment clock).
Ultimately, the study invites us to engage in a deeper conversation about the complexities surrounding cannabis usage, its potential benefits, and its risks – a conversation that should involve empathy, understanding, and a commitment to holistic well-being.
