title: Patterns of medical marijuana use among individuals sampled from medical marijuana dispensaries in los angeles.
abstract: The proliferation of medical marijuana (MM) dispensaries has led to concerns that they will lead to more widespread use of marijuana. The aim of the current study was to collect descriptive data on individuals using MM dispensaries in Los Angeles County. A mixed-method approach was employed that consisted of focus groups with 30 individuals and a survey of dispensary users (N = 182) in Los Angeles County. Differences between younger (less than 30 years old) and older individuals were examined in the survey sample. Most individuals in both samples had initiated marijuana use in adolescence. Nearly one-half of survey respondents had indications of risky alcohol use and one-fifth reported recent use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription medications. Younger individuals had higher rates of tobacco use, visited dispensaries more frequently, and had more socially embedded patterns of use, but they were similar to older individuals in terms of their reasons for use. Nearly all participants believed that MM was beneficial in treating their health problems, although 65% reported symptoms of psychological distress in the past year. Interventions aimed at MM users should stress the related effects of tobacco and risky alcohol use as well as mental health needs.
authors.affiliation: a Professor, UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences , Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , CA.
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Grella
authors.forename: Luz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006268:Health Facilities; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D064086:Medical Marijuana / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D064086:Medical Marijuana
keywords: alcohol and drug use; dispensaries; focus group; health status; medical marijuana; survery