Between 2017 and 2021, US adults increasingly turned to health professionals for cannabis information (+17% for risk info) while reliance on TV, radio, and newspapers dropped 11-12%.
Healthcare providers, public health communicators, medical educators, cannabis policy researchers
What the researchers found
In a longitudinal study of 5,053 US adults surveyed at three time points, the use of health professionals as an information source for cannabis risks increased by 17.4%, making it the largest increase among all sources. Traditional media use declined by 11-12%. Cannabis industry sources (advertisements, dispensaries) also increased. Health professionals were consistently rated the most influential information source regardless of age, cannabis use status, or state legalization status.
Why it matters
As people increasingly look to healthcare providers for cannabis guidance, providers need adequate training to offer evidence-based information. The simultaneous rise of industry-sourced information creates competing narratives that providers should be prepared to address.
The numbers in context
5,053 adults across 3 waves; health professional use for risk info: +17.4%; for benefit info: +5.5%; traditional media: -12.3% (benefits), -11.4% (risks); health professionals rated most influential at all time points
How the study worked
Longitudinal study of 5,053 US adults surveyed via web in 2017, 2020, and 2021. Assessed use and perceived influence of multiple cannabis information sources (health professionals, internet, social media, traditional media, family/friends, industry sources). Examined interactions with age, cannabis use, and state legal status.
What this study cannot tell us
Web-based survey may not represent all US adults. Three time points may miss shorter-term fluctuations. Self-reported source usage may not capture passive information exposure. Study period included COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected information-seeking behavior.
How to read the evidence
Strong: longitudinal design with three waves, large national sample, and analysis of multiple moderators.
When this study was published
2025 publication with data from 2017-2021
The bigger picture
The shift from passive media consumption to active provider consultation represents an opportunity for the healthcare system to shape public understanding of cannabis, but only if providers are equipped with current, balanced evidence.
Questions still open
- Are healthcare providers adequately trained to discuss cannabis risks and benefits?
- How does increasing industry-source exposure affect risk perception?
Read the original research
Changes in Sources of Information About the Risks and Benefits of Cannabis in a National Cohort of U.S. Adults From 2017 to 2021.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 86(4), 563-570
Citation
Graham, Francis Julian L; Keyhani, Salomeh; Ling, Pamela; Pravosud, Vira; Nguyen, Nhung; Hasin, Deborah S; Cohen, Beth E. (2025). Changes in Sources of Information About the Risks and Benefits of Cannabis in a National Cohort of U.S. Adults From 2017 to 2021.. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 86(4), 563-570. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.24-00108