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Cooke A, Chavez L, Freisthler B. The relationships between chronic pain and changes in health with cannabis consumption patterns. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 76:102657. [PMID: 31931439 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is the most common reason endorsed by patients seeking medical cannabis. Given the nature of chronic pain, it is particularly important to understand consumption patterns for patients who use cannabis for chronic health conditions to evaluate how frequency of use might impact overall health and functioning. This analysis examines whether levels of chronic pain were associated with cannabis consumption patterns, after controlling for patient-level differences in demographics. METHODS Our sample included 295 medical cannabis patients. Logistic regression models were fit to evaluate the association between pain (low, moderate and high) and dichotomous measures of cannabis consumption (daily vs. nondaily; ≥3 times per day vs. <3 times per day). Additionally, two ordered logit models were fit to evaluate the association between past-year health status change (better, same, or worse) and cannabis consumption. RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of respondents in the high pain category used cannabis 3 or more times per day, compared to lower pain categories. Pain level was not significantly associated with daily cannabis use. However, pain level was significantly associated with log odds of using cannabis ≥3 times per day, such that respondents with both high pain and moderate pain had significantly higher log odds of consuming cannabis ≥3 times per day compared to low pain group. CONCLUSION While the efficacy of cannabis for various medical conditions continues to be evaluated, the best available evidence suggests a possible benefit for the treatment of chronic pain. The results of this study indicate that individuals with high pain are more likely to consume cannabis multiple times a day, but this use may not be related to better health. Our results point to a need for more research on the health impacts of frequency of cannabis use among medical cannabis dispensary patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Cooke
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street Suite 485, San Francisco CA 94118, United States.
| | - Laura Chavez
- Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, United States
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Nicholas W, Washburn F, Lee G, Loprieno D, Greenwell L, Berg C. Assessing the Retail Environments of Licensed and Unlicensed Cannabis Dispensaries: Adapting the Marijuana Retail Surveillance Tool to Inform Cannabis Regulation in Los Angeles County. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:403-411. [PMID: 32810068 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT After statewide legalization of recreational cannabis in California, the Los Angeles (LA) County Board of Supervisors requested a health equity impact assessment to inform its decisions on whether and how to regulate cannabis dispensaries in unincorporated areas of LA County. OBJECTIVE As part of this assessment, the LA County Department of Public Health compared the retail environments of licensed and unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in different parts of the county, using the Marijuana Retail Surveillance Tool (MRST), a validated instrument piloted in Colorado and Washington. DESIGN Two waves of observational surveys were conducted, one comparing licensed and unlicensed dispensaries within and near unincorporated areas of LA County and another comparing licensed dispensaries across LA County in areas with varying levels of health advantage according to a neighborhood index measuring social determinants of health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dispensaries were compared on measures of product types, promotional activities, security measures, regulatory compliance, and neighborhood context. RESULTS Unlicensed dispensaries were more likely than licensed dispensaries to sell products in packaging designed to be attractive to children (71.8% vs 10.8%, P < .001) and in non-child-resistant packaging (98.9% vs 15.6%, P < .001) and were more likely allow on-site consumption (60.9% vs 0%, P < .001). Licensed dispensaries showed high compliance with regulations, regardless of whether they were in areas of high or low health advantage. CONCLUSIONS The study points to the importance of efforts to eliminate illicit businesses as part of an overall strategy for regulating cannabis. It also demonstrates that the MRST is a flexible tool for regulatory surveillance and for continuing to study the relationships between cannabis retail environments and potential risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Nicholas
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California (Drs Nicholas and Greenwell and Mss Washburn, Lee, and Loprieno); and The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Berg)
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Who's Buying What and How Much? Correlates of Purchase Behaviors From Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Los Angeles, California. J Prim Prev 2019; 39:571-589. [PMID: 30414021 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-018-0528-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Venue-based distribution of marijuana has become the normative model in the United States to obtain marijuana. This study examines one-time purchase behaviors at medical marijuana dispensaries (MMDs) to identify potential venue- and individual-level targets for prevention. We used a two-stage, venue-based sampling approach to randomly select patrons exiting 16 MMDs in Los Angeles, California during the spring of 2013. Patrons (N = 595) reported their discrete purchase behaviors during their most recent visit to the sampled MMD. We used hierarchical linear modeling to examine the amount spent on marijuana products, regressed on characteristics of the sampled dispensaries and their patrons. We used hierarchical generalized linear modeling to examine the likelihood of purchasing specific types of marijuana products and total grams of loose-leaf buds purchased. Patrons spent US$41.73 on average, with a range of $0-$330. We observed significant variation in purchase behaviors across MMDs and associations between venues located within high median income census tracts and a higher total amount spent and lower odds of purchasing only loose-leaf buds. The networked distance between a patron's home and the sampled MMD was positively associated with the total amount spent and total quantity of buds purchased. We also found significant relationships between medical conditions reported for use in three models: total amount spent, purchase of pre-rolled joints, and total grams of buds purchased. Policy makers may want to explore regulating the availability of specialty items that may be attractive to naïve users, such as pre-rolled joints or edibles, or high-concentration products that may be sought out by regular, heavy users.
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A qualitative study on intersectional stigma and sexual health among women on opioid substitution treatment in England: Implications for research, policy and practice. Soc Sci Med 2019; 222:315-322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Berg CJ, Henriksen L, Cavazos-Rehg PA, Haardoerfer R, Freisthler B. The emerging marijuana retail environment: Key lessons learned from tobacco and alcohol retail research. Addict Behav 2018; 81:26-31. [PMID: 29421347 PMCID: PMC5845833 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The emerging retail market for recreational marijuana use warrants research and surveillance as such markets are established in more US states. This research can be informed by the existing literature regarding tobacco and alcohol, which highlights the impact of spatial access to tobacco and alcohol retailers and exposure to tobacco and alcohol marketing on smoking and drinking among youth and young adults. Prior research indicates that tobacco and alcohol retailers, as well as medical marijuana dispensaries, are disproportionately located in neighborhoods characterized by socioeconomic disadvantage and by higher proportions of racial/ethnic minorities and young adults. Moreover, retail marketing or point-of-sale practices may differentially target subpopulations and differ by neighborhood demography and local policy. This literature and the methods employed for studying the tobacco and alcohol market could inform research on the retail environment for marijuana, as current gaps exist. In particular, much of the existing literature involves cross-sectional research designs; longitudinal studies are needed. Moreover, standardized measures are needed for systematic monitoring of industry marketing practices and to conduct research examining neighborhood differences in exposure to retail marketing for marijuana and its contribution to use modality and frequency, alone and in combination with nicotine and alcohol. The use of standardized measures for tobacco and alcohol marketing have been critical to develop an evidence base from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that document the impact of retail marketing on substance use by adolescents and adults. Similar research is needed to establish an evidence base to inform federal, state, and local regulations of marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J Berg
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1070 Arastradero Rd, suite 353, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Regine Haardoerfer
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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Berg CJ, Henriksen L, Cavazos-Rehg P, Schauer GL, Freisthler B. Point-of-sale marketing and context of marijuana retailers: Assessing reliability and generalizability of the marijuana retail surveillance tool. Prev Med Rep 2018; 11:37-41. [PMID: 29984136 PMCID: PMC6030680 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As recreational marijuana expands, standardized surveillance measures examining the retail environment are critical for informing policy and enforcement. We conducted a reliability and generalizability study using a previously developed tool involving assessment of a sample of 25 randomly selected Seattle recreational marijuana retailers (20 recreational; 5 recreational/medical) in 2017. The tool assessed: 1) contextual/neighborhood features (i.e., facilities nearby); 2) compliance/security (e.g., age-of-sale signage, age verification); and 3) marketing (i.e., promotions, product availability, price). We found that retailers were commonly within two blocks of restaurants (n = 23), grocery stores (n = 17), liquor stores (n = 13), and bars/clubs (n = 11). Additionally, two were within two blocks of schools, and four were within two blocks of parks. Almost all (n = 23) had exterior signage indicating the minimum age requirement, and 23 verified age. Two retailers had exterior ads for marijuana, and 24 had interior ads. Overall, there were 76 interior ads (M = 3.04; SD = 1.84), most commonly for edibles (n = 28). At least one price promotion/discount was recorded in 17 retailers, most commonly in the form of loyalty membership programs (n = 10) or daily/weekly deals (n = 10). One retailer displayed potential health harms/warnings, while three posted some health claim. Products available across product categories were similar; we also noted instances of selling retailer-branded apparel/ paraphernalia (which is prohibited). Lowest price/unit across product categories demonstrated low variability across retailers. This study documented high inter-rater reliability of the surveillance tool (Kappas = 0.73 to 1.00). In conclusion, this tool can be used in future research and practice aimed at examining retailers marketing practices and regulatory compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J Berg
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3300 Hillview Ave, suite 120, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Gillian L Schauer
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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Kim J, Coors ME, Young SE, Raymond KM, Hopfer CJ, Wall TL, Corley RP, Brown SA, Sakai JT. Cannabis use disorder and male sex predict medical cannabis card status in a sample of high risk adolescents. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 183:25-33. [PMID: 29223914 PMCID: PMC6043896 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine if a substance use disorder (SUD), especially cannabis use disorder in adolescence, predicts future medical cannabis card status among high-risk youth. METHODS Data collection occurred in Denver and San Diego. We recruited adolescents, with or at high risk for SUD and conduct problems (hereafter probands) and their siblings (n=654). Baseline (Wave 1) assessments took place between 1999 and 2008, and follow-up (Wave 2) took place between 2010 and 2013. In initial bivariate analyses, we examined whether baseline DSM-IV cannabis abuse/dependence (along with other potential predictors) was associated with possessing a medical cannabis card in young adulthood (Wave 2). Significant predictors were then included in a multiple binomial regression. Self-reported general physical health was also evaluated at both time points. Finally, within Wave 2, we tested whether card status was associated with concurrent substance dependence. RESULTS About 16% of the sample self-reported having a medical cannabis card at follow-up. Though bivariate analyses demonstrated that multiple predictors were significantly associated with Wave 2 card status, in our multiple binomial regression only cannabis abuse/dependence and male sex remained significant. At Wave 2, those with a medical cannabis card were significantly more likely to endorse criteria for concurrent cannabis dependence. There was no significant difference in self-reported general physical health. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis abuse/dependence and male sex positively predicted future medical cannabis card holder status among a sample of high risk adolescents. Physicians conducting evaluations for medical cannabis cards should carefully evaluate and consider past and concurrent cannabis addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Kim
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
| | - Marilyn E. Coors
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
| | - Susan E. Young
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
| | - Kristen M. Raymond
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
| | - Christian J. Hopfer
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
| | - Tamara L. Wall
- University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, United States, 92093-0001
| | - Robin P. Corley
- University of Colorado, Boulder, I.B.G. 447 UCB, 1480 30th St, Boulder CO, United States, 80309-0447
| | - Sandra A. Brown
- University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, United States, 92093-0001
| | - Joseph T. Sakai
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, United States, 80045-2559
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Berg CJ, Henriksen L, Cavazos-Rehg P, Schauer GL, Freisthler B. The development and pilot testing of the marijuana retail surveillance tool (MRST): assessing marketing and point-of-sale practices among recreational marijuana retailers. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2017; 32:465-472. [PMID: 29237032 PMCID: PMC5914449 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyx071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As recreational marijuana expands, it is critical to develop standardized surveillance measures to study the retail environment. To this end, our research team developed and piloted a tool assessing recreational marijuana retailers in a convenience sample of 20 Denver retailers in 2016. The tool assesses: (i) compliance and security (e.g. age-of-sale signage, ID checks, security cameras); (ii) marketing (i.e. promotions, product availability and price) and (iii) contextual and neighborhood features (i.e. retailer type, facilities nearby). Most shops (90.0%) indicated the minimum age requirement, all verified age. All shops posted interior ads (M = 2.6/retailer, SD = 3.4), primarily to promote edibles and other non-smoked products. Price promotions were common in shops (73.7%), 57.9% used social media promotions and 31.6% had take-away materials (e.g. menus, party promotions). Nearly half of the shops (42.1%) advertised health claims. All shops offered bud, joints, honey oil, tinctures, kief, beverages, edibles and topicals; fewer sold clones and seeds. Six shops (31.6%) sold shop-branded apparel and/or paraphernalia. Prices for bud varied within and between stores ($20-$45/'eighth', ∼3.5 g). Twelve were recreational only, and eight were both recreational and medicinal. Liquor stores were commonly proximal. Reliability assessments with larger, representative samples are needed to create a standardized marijuana retail surveillance tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J Berg
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3300 Hillview Ave, suite 120, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Gillian L Schauer
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Kepple NJ, Freisthler B. Place over traits? Purchasing edibles from medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles, CA. Addict Behav 2017; 73:1-3. [PMID: 28412327 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine discrete purchasing behaviors of marijuana-infused edibles from medical marijuana dispensaries with the aim to identify potential venue- and individual-level targets for prevention. METHODS Two-stage, venue-based sampling approach was used to randomly select patrons exiting 16 medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles, California during Spring 2013. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling was used to examine the likelihood of purchasing edibles among 524 patrons reporting a discrete purchase regressed on characteristics of the sampled dispensaries and their patrons. RESULTS At a venue level, patrons were more likely to purchase edibles from dispensaries located within Census tracts with higher median incomes or in close proximity to a higher number of dispensaries. At an individual level, patrons who identified as Black or Hispanic were associated with a lower likelihood of purchasing edibles when compared to patrons who identified as other non-White, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Place-based policies focused on regulating edible sales through dispensaries may be fruitful in influencing access to edibles. Additionally, social marketing campaigns may benefit from targeting both locations where edible purchases are more likely and populations who are more likely to purchase edibles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Jo Kepple
- University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States.
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
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Are dispensaries indispensable? Patient experiences of access to cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries in Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:1-8. [PMID: 28667878 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2001, Canada established a federal program for cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP). Medical cannabis dispensaries (dispensaries) are widely accessed as a source of CTP despite storefront sales of cannabis being illegal. The discrepancy between legal status and social practice has fuelled active debate regarding the role of dispensaries. The present study aims to inform this debate by analysing CTP user experiences with different CTP sources, and comparing dispensary users to those accessing CTP from other sources. METHODS We compared sociodemographic characteristics, health related factors and patterns of cannabis use of 445 respondents, 215 who accessed CTP from dispensaries with 230 who accessed other sources. We compared patients' ratings of CTP sources (dispensaries, Health Canada's supplier, self-production, other producer, friend or acquaintance, street dealer) for quality and availability of product, safety and efficiency of access, cost, and feeling respected while accessing. RESULTS Patients using dispensaries were older, more likely to have arthritis and HIV/AIDS, and less likely to have mental health conditions than those not using dispensaries. Those accessing dispensaries used larger quantities of cannabis, placed greater value on access to specific strains, and were more likely to have legal authorization for CTP. Dispensaries were rated equally to or more favourably than other sources of CTP for quality, safety, availability, efficiency and feeling respected, and less favourably than self-production and other producer for cost. CONCLUSION Given the high endorsement of dispensaries by patients, future regulations should consider including dispensaries as a source of CTP and address known barriers to access such as cost and health care provider support. Further research should assess the impact of the addition of licensed producers on the role and perceived value of dispensaries within the Canadian medical cannabis system.
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