Dispensary staff broadly view medical cannabis as beneficial and low-risk | Research

The takeaway

In a national survey of 434 US dispensary staff, over 80% perceived cannabis as helpful for PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer, while more than 70% dismissed concerns about risks like increased illicit drug use or decreased intelligence.

Cannabis policy researchers, dispensary regulators, medical cannabis program administrators

88.7% of dispensary staff viewed cannabis as helpful for PTSD

What the researchers found

Among 434 dispensary staff from 29 states, over 80% viewed cannabis as helpful for PTSD (88.7%), epilepsy (85.3%), and cancer (83.4%). More than 70% were not worried about potential risks including increased illicit drug use (76.3%), decreased intelligence (74.4%), sleep disruption (71.7%), or new health problems (70.7%). Cannabis was considered safe in older adults by 81.3%, with less consensus on pregnancy safety.

Why it matters

Dispensary staff are often the primary information source for medical cannabis patients, yet this survey shows they may broadly minimize risks and overstate benefits, potentially providing unbalanced guidance.

The numbers in context

434 participants from 29 states; 40% patient-facing staff, 32% managers, 13% pharmacists, 5% clinicians; 88.7% saw cannabis as helpful for PTSD; 85.3% for epilepsy; 83.4% for cancer; 81.3% considered it safe for older adults; 76.3% not worried about illicit drug use risk

How the study worked

Online Qualtrics survey of 434 dispensary staff from 29 US states who reported interacting with customers in dispensaries selling THC-containing products. Conducted February-October 2020. Participants rated perceived benefits, risks, and safety on Likert scales.

What this study cannot tell us

Online self-selected sample may overrepresent pro-cannabis views. Survey conducted during COVID-19 which may have affected responses. "Helpfulness" and "worry" framing may not capture nuanced risk-benefit assessment.

How to read the evidence

Large multi-state survey with diverse staff roles, though self-selected online sample may not represent all dispensary workers.

When this study was published

Published 2023

The bigger picture

As dispensaries become the de facto healthcare touchpoint for many cannabis users, the gap between staff perceptions and the mixed scientific evidence base represents a public health concern.

Questions still open

Would structured training programs change dispensary staff risk perceptions? How do staff recommendations influence patient behavior and outcomes?

Common questions

What do dispensary staff think about medical cannabis?

In this national survey, over 80% of dispensary staff viewed cannabis as helpful for conditions like PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer, and more than 70% were not concerned about common risks like cognitive effects or sleep disruption.

Do dispensary staff consider cannabis safe for everyone?

Staff broadly considered cannabis safe for older adults (81.3%), but there was much less consensus on safety during pregnancy, suggesting some risk awareness.

Read the original research

Dispensary Staff Perceptions About the Benefits, Risks, and Safety of Cannabis for Medical Purposes.

Substance abuse, 44(3), 226-234

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bulls, Hailey W; Althouse, Andrew D; Feldman, Robert; Arnsten, Julia H; Liebschutz, Jane M; Nugent, Shannon M; Orris, Steven R; Rohac, Rebecca; Slawek, Deepika E; Starrels, Joanna L; Morasco, Benjamin J; Kansagara, Devan; Merlin, Jessica S. (2023). Dispensary Staff Perceptions About the Benefits, Risks, and Safety of Cannabis for Medical Purposes.. Substance abuse, 44(3), 226-234. https://doi.org/10.1177/08897077231186677