Attitudes toward and knowledge of medical cannabis among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2019

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: An observational study based on an online survey addressing attitudes toward and knowledge of cannabis among people living with spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVES: To characterize attitudes toward and knowledge of cannabis among a nationwide sample (

SETTING: Three academic medical centers in the US.

METHODS: Distribution of an online survey through email lists maintained by 3 SCI centers.

RESULTS: Participants largely believed that cannabis use is safe, has potential therapeutic benefits, and ought to be legal. Substantial pluralities felt that cannabis use is attended by moderate to great health-related and social risks (15.5% and 25.5%, respectively), and a majority (55.9%) felt it is attended by moderate to great legal risks. Subjects' duration of injury, employment status, and personal history of controlled or illicit substances influenced certain beliefs and attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to assess beliefs about and attitudes toward cannabis use among a nationwide sample of people with SCI. While limited, it provides a roadmap for future research. It also offers medical providers an initial understanding of which factors may encourage or dissuade their patients with SCI from seeking medical cannabis treatment.

Volume

5

First Page

6

Last Page

6

ISSN

2058-6124

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

30675390

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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