A cross-sectional analysis of medical cannabis programs in seven US states revealed the sociodemographic characteristics of patients and the clinicians who authorize their use.
What the researchers found
Researchers examined data from medical cannabis programs in seven US states to build a demographic profile of who participates in these systems, both as patients and as the clinicians who authorize cannabis use.
The analysis revealed the sociodemographic makeup of medical cannabis patients, including age distributions, gender breakdowns, and qualifying conditions. It also characterized the physicians and other clinicians who authorize medical cannabis, a group that has been relatively understudied.
This type of descriptive research is essential for understanding whether medical cannabis programs serve diverse populations equitably or whether access disparities exist across demographic groups.
Why it matters
As medical cannabis programs expand, knowing who actually uses them matters for equity. If certain populations are underrepresented, it may indicate barriers to access such as cost, provider availability, or cultural factors that policymakers need to address.
The numbers in context
Seven US states were included in the analysis. Both patient demographics and authorizing clinician characteristics were examined across these programs.
How the study worked
This was a cross-sectional study analyzing administrative data from medical cannabis programs in seven US states. Researchers examined patient registry data and clinician authorization records to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of both groups, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic distribution.
What this study cannot tell us
Administrative data from medical cannabis programs may not capture all users, particularly those who obtain cannabis from recreational markets instead. The seven states studied may not represent all US medical cannabis programs. Demographic data quality varies by state, and some registries collect more detailed information than others.
How to read the evidence
A descriptive cross-sectional study using administrative data, providing moderate-quality demographic characterization of medical cannabis program participants.
The bigger picture
Understanding the demographics of medical cannabis users and providers is crucial as the industry matures. This study provides baseline data that can be used to track whether equity initiatives are working and whether medical cannabis programs are reaching the populations that could benefit most.
Common questions
Who are the typical medical cannabis patients?
Why does it matter who the authorizing doctors are?
Read the original research
Characteristics of Medical Cannabis Patients and Clinicians in 7 US States.
JAMA network open, 8(4), e256925
Citation
Boehnke, Kevin F; Sinclair, Rachel; Gordon, Felicia; Smith, Tristin; Roehler, Douglas R. (2025). Characteristics of Medical Cannabis Patients and Clinicians in 7 US States.. JAMA network open, 8(4), e256925. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.6925