a Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies , Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , Rhode Island , USA.
b Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , Rhode Island , USA.
Subst Use Misuse. 2019;54(11):1894-1902. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1618336. Epub 2019 Jun 10.
Over the past few decades in the United States, marijuana for medical purposes has become increasingly prevalent. Initial qualitative and epidemiological research suggests that marijuana may be a promising substitute for traditional pharmacotherapies. This qualitative study examined perceptions relating to (1) using medical marijuana in comparison to other prescription medications and (2) user perception of policy issues that limit adoption of medical marijuana use. Qualitative interviews were conducted with Rhode Island medical marijuana card holders ( = 25). The interviews followed a semi-structured agenda designed to collect information from participants about their reasons for, and perceptions of, medical marijuana use. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified. Qualitative codes were developed from the agenda and emergent topics raised by the participants. Three themes emerged related to medical marijuana use, including (1) comparison of medical marijuana to other medications (i.e., better and/or fewer side effects than prescription medications, improves quality of life), (2) substitution of marijuana for other medications (i.e., in addition to or instead of), and (3) how perception of medical marijuana policy impacts use (i.e., stigma, travel, cost, and lack of instruction regarding use). Several factors prevent pervasive medical marijuana use, including stigma, cost, and the inability for healthcare providers to relay instructions regarding dosing, strain, and method of use. Findings suggest that medical patients consider marijuana to be a viable alternative for opioids and other prescription medications, though certain policy barriers inhibit widespread implementation of marijuana as a treatment option.
在过去几十年中，美国医用大麻的使用越来越普遍。初步的定性和流行病学研究表明，大麻可能是一种有前途的传统药物替代疗法。这项定性研究调查了与以下方面相关的看法：（1）与其他处方药物相比，使用医用大麻；（2）用户对限制医用大麻使用的政策问题的看法。对罗德岛医用大麻卡持有者（ = 25）进行了定性访谈。访谈遵循半结构化议程进行，旨在从参与者那里收集有关他们使用医用大麻的原因和看法的信息。所有访谈均进行录音、逐字转录并进行身份识别处理。从议程和参与者提出的新主题中开发出定性代码。与医用大麻使用相关的三个主题包括：（1）医用大麻与其他药物的比较（即比处方药物副作用更小或更好，改善生活质量）；（2）大麻替代其他药物（即除了或代替）；（3）对医用大麻政策的看法如何影响使用（即耻辱感、旅行、成本以及缺乏关于使用剂量、品种和方法的指导）。一些因素阻碍了医用大麻的广泛使用，包括耻辱感、成本以及医疗保健提供者无法传达关于剂量、品种和使用方法的指导。研究结果表明，医用患者认为大麻是阿片类药物和其他处方药物的可行替代品，但某些政策障碍阻碍了大麻作为治疗选择的广泛实施。
