This poster was presented at the 2018 Southern Pharmacy Administration Conference (SPAC) at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.
Clinical Characteristics of Arkansas Residents Who Have Needs for Marijuana
Denise T. Hung, B.S.,1 Lauren N. Russell, B.S.,2 William E. Fantegrossi, Ph.D.,2 Nalin Payakachat, Ph.D.1
1 Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Objectives
This study described the health of potential medical cannabis (MC) users in Arkansas and the factors associated with becoming a potential medical cannabis user
Methods
Arkansans aged 18 years and older were recruited by convenience sampling from the university’s research registry, social media, and head shops. The 40-minute self-administered online survey included a core assessment battery capturing current health, quality of life (QOL), cannabis use, and expectancy effect of cannabis along with demographic characteristics. Health status and QOL were measured using the SF-36. Expectancy effects were measured by a 48 item Marijuana Effect Expectancy Questionnaire(MEEQ). Descriptive statistics were reported.
Results
Overall, potential MC users are having lower educational levels, higher unemployment rate and reported using cannabis (current and past users). Potential MC users reported having prescriptions on pain, sleep, mood/anxiety, movement disorders, seizure, and nausea/appetite problems. Physical health (PCS) was lower among potential MC users (40.6 vs. 42.3, p=.02). No different between mental health (MCS) between the two groups. For the MEEQ instrument, potential card-holders held a different expectancy effect on cannabis in 5 out of 6 domains. Factors associated with increasing the likelihood of using MC are
- Ever used cannabis
- Had at least one prescription
Factors associated with decreasing the likelihood of using MC are
- Having bachelor’s degree or above education
- Being employed
- Expected cognitive and behavior impairment from cannabis
- Expected global negative effect from cannabis
Conclusions
- Potential MC card holders appeared to have poorer health and lower socioeconomic status than the group who did not plan to apply for MC card.
- Cannabis use history may have an influence on intention to use MC.
- Expectancy effects of cannabis are associated with an intention to use MC.