Attitudes toward medical marijuana among substance use clinicians. (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wildberger, Jared; Katz, Elizabeth C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 24:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 614
• Page End: 618
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Marijuana -- medical marijuana -- substance use clinicians -- drug perceptions; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1638458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Research on health professional's attitudes toward medical marijuana have failed to include addictions treatment professionals. The current study attempted to address this gap in the literature. Methods: Study participants were recruited by e-mail using mailing lists supplied by multiple state licensing/certification boards and through snowball sampling. Participants completed a 22-item survey addressing attitudes toward medical and recreational marijuana. The 13 items relating to medical marijuana were analyzed. Results: Our sample (N = 966) was largely female (69.1%) with a Masters' or Doctoral degree (80%) and a mean age of 46.5 (SD = 12.8). Participants were mostly split between the mid-west and east coast. Overall, participants held mixed views toward medical marijuana. For example, 71.3% of the sample supported legalization of marijuana for medical purposes and yet 63.6% believed that medical marijuana is often abused. Conclusions: More research is needed to develop a more nuanced understanding of substance use treatment provider's mixed attitudes toward medical marijuana legalization.