The Rising Trend of Cannabis Use Among Americans: A Closer Look at Recent Findings

The Rising Trend of Cannabis Use Among Americans: A Closer Look at Recent Findings

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In a groundbreaking study published last week by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), researchers have uncovered that one in six Americans use cannabis, with a significant portion doing so for medical reasons. This research, published by JAMA Open Network, shines a light on the multifaceted nature of cannabis consumption and suggests a pressing need for routine cannabis screenings in primary care settings.

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Key Findings from the UCLA Study

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The survey, part of the UCLA Health medical system’s electronic health record initiative, involved approximately 176,000 primary care patients. The findings reveal that nearly 30,000 respondents (17%) self-reported as cannabis users. Among this group, 35% were identified as being at moderate or high risk of developing cannabis use disorder.

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A noteworthy aspect of the study is the medicinal use of cannabis. Nearly half (47%) of the cannabis users reported using it for medical purposes, primarily to manage symptoms such as mental health issues, stress (56%), sleep disturbances (56%), and pain (37%). Even those who considered their use recreational acknowledged using cannabis for symptom relief at some point.

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The Need for Routine Cannabis Screenings

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Dr. Lillian Gelberg, the study’s lead author and a UCLA professor, emphasized the missed opportunities for healthcare providers who do not inquire about cannabis use. “Patients may not tell their primary care providers about their cannabis use, and their doctors may not ask about it,” Dr. Gelberg stated. This communication gap can hinder the effective management of patients’ symptoms and overall health.

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In 2020, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that primary care physicians screen adult patients for substance use, including cannabis. Following this recommendation, the UCLA researchers implemented a self-administered survey as part of the pre-visit screening process. Despite this initiative, few healthcare systems currently offer routine cannabis use assessments, highlighting a critical area for improvement in patient care.

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Implications for Healthcare Providers

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Dr. Benjamin Caplan, author of The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, pointed out some limitations of the study, such as its reliance on self-reported data and its broad focus on substance use disorders. Nonetheless, he commended the researchers for recognizing the need for informed conversations between patients and healthcare providers.

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“Healthcare providers must integrate discussions about cannabis use into routine care, allowing patients to communicate their experiences openly,” Dr. Caplan stated. This approach would enable doctors to understand why patients opt for cannabis over conventional treatments and to provide better support and management strategies.

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Final Thoughts

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The UCLA study underscores a significant trend in American healthcare: a substantial number of patients rely on cannabis to manage various symptoms. This reliance indicates a gap in the medical system's ability to address issues such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and pain effectively. As cannabis use continues to rise, healthcare systems must implement routine screenings and foster open, informed discussions about cannabis use. By doing so, providers can enhance patient care and better address the diverse needs of their patients.

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Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38837159/
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819559?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=060524