Gender Differences in the Support of Medical Marijuana Use Among Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Background: Despite the increased use and availability of cannabis, little is known about provider perceptions and practices regarding cannabis. The present study examined support for use of medical marijuana/ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) among a national sample of primary care providers and explored whether support varied by gender of the provider. Methods: Participants (N = 85) were primary care providers recruited through ResearchMatch.org who completed a 10-minute computer-administered survey on perceptions, attitudes, and experiences involving chronic pain management and medical marijuana/THC. Results: Demographically, the sample was predominantly female (60%) and White (70.6%), with a mean age of 40.81 years. Over one-third (37.6%) were nurse practitioners or physician assistants. A majority of practitioners supported use of medical marijuana/THC for chronic cancer pain (82.4%), chronic noncancer pain (64.7%), end-of-life/palliative care (64.7%), neuropathic pain (58.8%), intractable epilepsy (52.9%), and anxiety (50.6%). The lowest rates of support were found for patients with dementia with agitation (34.1%) and insomnia (31.8%). Female practitioners were significantly more likely than male practitioners to support medical marijuana/THC use for the following conditions: chronic cancer pain (90.2% vs. 70.6%; p < 0.05); end-of-life/ palliative care (80.4% vs. 41.2%; p < 0.001); cachexia associated with severe illness (58.8% vs. 23.5%; p < 0.01); spasticity in multiple sclerosis (51% vs. 29.4%; p < 0.05); antitumor effects (52.9% vs. 17.6%; p < 0.01); and dementia with agitation (43.1% vs. 20.6%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest female providers are more likely to be supportive of medical marijuana/THC than male providers. Future research should assess how knowledge and training around medical marijuana/ THC impacts level of support, as well as how level of support may impact behavior.