Understanding Medical Cannabis: Definitions Matter
Episode Overview
Definitions of medical cannabis use vary significantly between countries. Standardised questions are crucial for accurate data comparison. Many users don't engage with healthcare providers despite therapeutic use. Policy differences influence how medical cannabis is perceived and used. Future research should consider broader interpretations of medical cannabis.
"As researchers, we aim to synthesise and analyse international data to inform policy and practice."
Ever wondered what it takes to understand medical cannabis use across different countries? This episode of Addiction Audio brings you a fascinating discussion between Dr Elle Wadsworth and Dr Myfanwy Graham, a Postgraduate Scholar at Monash University. They explore the complexities of defining medical cannabis use internationally and why these definitions matter. Dr Graham shares insights from her data insight paper, highlighting how the context and measurement of medical cannabis use vary significantly across the US, Australia, and Canada.
You'll hear about the four measures of medical cannabis use she examined, ranging from authorised consumers to self-identified users. The episode provides a unique comparison of how different countries approach medical cannabis policy. For instance, while the US has state-based variations, Canada has had federal legalisation since 1999, and Australia maintains a primarily medical market. Dr Graham's research reveals that many cannabis users don't engage with healthcare providers, even when using it for therapeutic purposes.
This raises important questions about how we interpret data on medical cannabis use and the implications for policy and practice. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or just curious about the evolving landscape of medical cannabis, this episode offers valuable insights. It challenges us to think about how we define and measure medical cannabis use and what that means for future research. Are we capturing the full picture, or just a small snapshot? Tune in to find out more.