Disclosures: Clay Townsend, MD: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Objective: The nationwide perspective of cannabis has changed dramatically over recent decades. Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, medical cannabis (MC) is now legal in most states, and research has continued to show its effectiveness in a variety of medical conditions. However, the perception and acceptance of MC by the public is not well understood. Treating patients effectively with these novel therapeutics requires an understanding of the complex interplay of social and legal factors that could affect patient utilization. This cross sectional survey study of over 2,500 musculoskeletal patients sought to assess current patient perspectives of MC, and to investigate factors related to its use that may represent barriers to patient utilization.

Design: Cross sectional survey study.Setting : Outpatient clinic sites in two different states where MC is legalized.Participants : Anonymous patients presenting for a clinic visit with one of 13 select musculoskeletal physicians.

Interventions: n/a

Main Outcome Measures: n/a

Results: A total of 2,547 unique patients were surveyed. The majority of respondents (81.6%) who do not already use MC would consider using MC for chronic pain or for other medical conditions if recommended by their doctor. Most (90.6%) respondents were aware of the legal status of MC in their state, and 9 of 10 respondents believed MC should be legal throughout the United States. General public knowledge of the utility of MC is an area needing improvement, as older patients were significantly less likely to believe MC is safe to use, or that MC is safer than prescription opioids. Social stigma and cost remain significant barriers for patient utilization of MC.Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into current patient perspectives of MC, and can help to improve treatment of patients with these medications. These insights can also aid both medical providers and researchers as we continue to prescribe and research MC.

Level of Evidence: Level III

« Back to AAPM&R Annual Assembly 2021

PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/orthopaedic-patient-perspectives-on-medical-cannabis-a-survey-of-over-2500-patients/