Borojevic Velimir, Söhner Felicitas
Public Health Degree Program, Centre for Health and Society, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Prinzenpark Apotheke, Hansa-Allee 111, 40549, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Department of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
BMC Public Health. 2025 Mar 5;25(1):874. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22084-w.
Despite its increasing prevalence among the public, cannabis use is still perceived as deviant behavior and consequently stigmatized. However, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding the impact of this stigma on patients employing cannabis for therapeutic purposes. This qualitative research endeavored to explore the stigma experiences of medical cannabis (MC) users in Germany, aiming to discern challenges that may impede their daily lives and healthcare access. The primary objective of this study was to identify instances of stigma associated with MC usage across various spheres.
We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 individuals prescribed MC across diverse regions and occupational backgrounds in Germany. Interviews explored personal experiences with MC use, interactions with healthcare professionals, and stigma-related challenges. Data collection adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Transcribed interviews underwent systematic qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA software, with coding developed iteratively through researcher discussions. Communicative validation and inter-coder comparison enhanced analytical robustness.
Despite participants exhibiting a positive attitude towards the therapeutic effects and benefits of MC, stereotypes and prejudices persist. Participants highlighted the role of media portrayals and a lack of public awareness as central barriers to broader societal acceptance. Personal experiences with MC were marked by improved quality of life but also internalised stigma and external challenges, including interactions with law enforcement and difficulties with healthcare access.
This qualitative study suggests that the utilisation of MC remains inadequately normalised in Germany. Our findings indicate that MC users experience both substantial benefits and persistent challenges, with stigma remaining a key issue. While participants reported improvements in quality of life, barriers such as bureaucratic hurdles and knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals hinder access to appropriate care. The findings underscore the imperative for enhanced education among healthcare professionals.
尽管大麻在公众中的使用日益普遍，但仍被视为越轨行为并因此受到污名化。然而，对于这种污名对将大麻用于治疗目的的患者的影响，人们仍缺乏了解。这项定性研究旨在探索德国医用大麻使用者的污名经历，旨在识别可能阻碍他们日常生活和医疗保健获取的挑战。本研究的主要目的是确定在各个领域与医用大麻使用相关的污名实例。
我们对德国不同地区和职业背景的15名开具医用大麻处方的个人进行了半结构化访谈。访谈探讨了医用大麻使用的个人经历、与医疗保健专业人员的互动以及与污名相关的挑战。数据收集遵循COREQ指南。转录后的访谈使用MAXQDA软件进行系统的定性内容分析，通过研究人员讨论迭代开发编码。交流验证和编码员间比较增强了分析的稳健性。
尽管参与者对医用大麻的治疗效果和益处持积极态度，但刻板印象和偏见仍然存在。参与者强调媒体报道的作用以及公众意识的缺乏是更广泛的社会接受的主要障碍。医用大麻的个人经历既有生活质量的改善，也有内化的污名和外部挑战，包括与执法部门的互动以及医疗保健获取方面的困难。
这项定性研究表明，在德国，医用大麻的使用仍未得到充分的正常化。我们的研究结果表明，医用大麻使用者既体验到了巨大的益处，也面临着持续的挑战，污名仍然是一个关键问题。虽然参与者报告生活质量有所改善，但官僚障碍和医疗保健专业人员之间的知识差距等障碍阻碍了获得适当护理的机会。研究结果强调了加强医疗保健专业人员教育的紧迫性。
