Exploring cannabis use reasons and experiences among mobile cannabis delivery patients

Background: Although there are an increasing number of states exploring the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis, little research has explored whether and how people are medically using cannabis along with the broader implications of this potential change in policy. Objectives: This study seeks to explore reasons for use and experience with use among users of a medical cannabis delivery service. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of users (n = 21) of a medical cannabis delivery service were recruited and interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data for thematic analysis. Results: Five themes for cannabis use emerged from our research: distrust for the medical field, side effects of prescription drugs, clinical failure, addiction treatment, and cannabis as a prescription drug substitution. Conclusion: People are seeking cannabis to be delivered to them as an alternative to receiving traditional medical treatments, including as a substitute for opioids in treatment for chronic pain. Findings from this formative research suggest future research should be conducted on whether and how cannabis is being used as a substitute for medical treatments along with the implications of this effect on future healthcare and health policy.