Oregon Dispensary Staff Rely on On-the-Job Training and Personal Experience to Advise Patients
A survey of Oregon dispensary staff found most learned about medical marijuana through on-the-job training and the internet, and used patient preferences and personal experience rather than clinical evidence to guide product recommendations.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
As Oregon dispensaries multiplied, researchers surveyed their staff about training and patient education practices. Of 141 surveys sent, 47 were initiated.
The most common training sources were on-the-job experience and the internet, rather than formal medical or pharmacological education. When recommending specific strains to patients, staff relied primarily on patients' stated preferences and symptoms, combined with their own personal experiences with the products.
Most staff did advise patients about precautions and expected effects. However, they were least likely to discuss drug interactions or recommend that patients consult a pharmacist or prescriber, the areas where formal medical knowledge is most critical for safety.
Key Numbers
47 of 141 surveys initiated. Most common training: on-the-job and internet. Staff used patient preferences, symptoms, and personal experience for recommendations. Majority advised on precautions and effects. Least likely to advise on drug interactions or refer to pharmacists.
How They Did This
Statewide cross-sectional email survey of Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensary personnel. 47 of 141 surveys initiated. Questions covered training sources, knowledge bases, and advising practices.
Why This Research Matters
This study reveals a knowledge gap with patient safety implications. Dispensary staff are providing medical guidance based on personal experience and internet research rather than clinical training, and they are least comfortable in exactly the areas (drug interactions) where errors could be most dangerous.
The Bigger Picture
This Oregon study, alongside the similar findings from RTHC-01173, demonstrates a consistent national pattern: dispensary staff serve as de facto healthcare advisors without healthcare training. As medical cannabis expands, standardized training programs become increasingly important for patient safety.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Low response rate (47 of 141) may introduce response bias. Self-reported practices may not reflect actual behavior. Small sample from one state. The survey could not assess the accuracy or safety of specific recommendations.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would mandatory training programs improve the quality of dispensary advice?
- ?Should pharmacists be required at dispensaries?
- ?How do patient outcomes differ between dispensaries with and without trained staff?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Staff least likely to advise on drug interactions or recommend consulting a pharmacist
- Evidence Grade:
- Small survey with low response rate from one state. Provides initial insights but limited generalizability.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2016. Oregon's cannabis industry and training requirements have evolved significantly since.
- Original Title:
- Personnel training and patient education in medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon.
- Published In:
- Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 56(3), 270-273.e2 (2016)
- Authors:
- Linares, Roberto, Choi-Nurvitadhi, Jo, Cooper, Svetlana, Ham, YoungYoon, Ishmael, Jane E, Zweber, Ann
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01211
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How are dispensary staff trained?
In this Oregon survey, most staff learned through on-the-job training and internet research. Formal medical or health training was not commonly reported.
Should I rely on dispensary advice for drug interactions?
Dispensary staff were least likely to advise on drug interactions or recommend consulting a pharmacist. For drug interaction concerns, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01211APA
Linares, Roberto; Choi-Nurvitadhi, Jo; Cooper, Svetlana; Ham, YoungYoon; Ishmael, Jane E; Zweber, Ann. (2016). Personnel training and patient education in medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon.. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 56(3), 270-273.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2015.12.015
MLA
Linares, Roberto, et al. "Personnel training and patient education in medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon.." Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2015.12.015
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Personnel training and patient education in medical marijuan..." RTHC-01211. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/linares-2016-personnel-training-and-patient
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.