The Changing Landscape of Cannabis
Cannabis use is becoming more commonplace globally, both for medicinal and recreational reasons. This is especially true in places where recreational use is legal. However, negative attitudes and stigma towards cannabis users persist, even in areas with legal access.
What is Stigma?
Stigma occurs when individuals or groups face negative views from society. Both medical and recreational cannabis users often experience this, even after legalisation. This stems from the long history of cannabis prohibition.
The Impact of Stigma
Misconceptions and stereotypes can lead to social isolation for cannabis users. This can trigger self-stigma, where individuals internalise these negative views, resulting in poor self-esteem, reduced confidence, and increased social withdrawal.
Factors that influence stigma
Research suggests that attitudes towards cannabis users can depend on the context of use, such as frequency and purpose. Medical users may experience less stigma than recreational users. Stricter cannabis policies are also linked to increased stigmatization.
Understanding Stigma in Canada
A recent Canadian study aimed to understand the context of cannabis stigma. A survey was conducted among adults over 18, exploring four factors:
- Purpose of Use: Recreational vs. medical/self-medicated
- Consumption Method: Smoking vs. edibles
- Frequency of Use: More frequent vs. less frequent
- Source of Cannabis: Unregulated vs. legal
Key Findings
The majority of participants (69%) had consumed cannabis in their lifetime.
The responses confirmed four hypotheses described by the authors:
- Recreational consumers faced more stigma than medical/self-medicated consumers.
- Smoking was more stigmatised than consuming edibles.
- Frequent users experienced more stigma than less frequent users.
- Unregulated sources were associated with more stigma than legal sources.
Frequency of use was the strongest predictor of stigma. This was thought to be due to societal concerns about the harms of excessive cannabis use. Interestingly, smoking was more stigmatised than edibles. This might be comparable to the increased stigma surrounding tobacco smoking.
Of course, legal medical cannabis flower in the UK cannot be smoked and is prescribed to be vaporised only. Sourcing cannabis from regulated sources in Canada was associated with less stigma too. Nonetheless, findings from a Curaleaf Clinic study indicate that over 80% of medical cannabis patients still feel subject to stigma as a result of their prescription.
Addressing Stigma
These findings suggest that stigma is linked to consumption habits associated with higher risks. It’s recommended that harm reduction campaigns include efforts to reduce cannabis stigma. This would help to decrease stigma and encourage patients to transition from illicit to legally obtained cannabis. Whilst this study was conducted in Canada, there are parallels with the UK. Improving access for patients currently consuming illicit cannabis who are otherwise suitable candidates for treatment with medical cannabis may have positive harm reduction implications.
Key Takeaways for Medical Cannabis in the UK
- Even medical cannabis patients experience stigma.
- Stigma can have serious consequences for individuals.
- Reducing stigma and other barriers is crucial for transitioning people away from the potential harms of illicit cannabis.
