Most Cannabis Dispensary Workers Viewed Cannabis as Beneficial for Mental Health, Often Diverging From Evidence
A survey of 46 budtenders found that 55% rated cannabis as beneficial for mental health, with sleep and depression perceived most favorably, but these views often diverged from scientific evidence.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Budtender perceptions of cannabis and mental health varied by symptom and often diverged from evidence. 54.6% rated cannabis as beneficial overall, with sleep and depression most frequently perceived as beneficial. Customers asked about mental health effects at 21% of visits. Knowledge sources varied considerably, lacking standardization.
Key Numbers
46 budtenders surveyed. 54.6% rated cannabis as beneficial for mental health. Sleep and depression most frequently perceived as beneficial. 21% of customer visits included mental health questions. Considerable variability in knowledge sources.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey of 46 budtenders from Ontario Cannabis Stores across the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Assessed perceptions, education, and customer interactions regarding cannabis and mental health.
Why This Research Matters
Budtenders are a primary information source for cannabis consumers, but this study reveals significant gaps between their perceptions and scientific evidence. Given that 1 in 5 customer visits involve mental health questions, these gaps could influence vulnerable consumers.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis retail expands, budtenders function as informal health advisors despite typically lacking medical or mental health training. This study highlights the need for evidence-based training programs in the cannabis retail sector.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample (46) from one geographic area. Self-reported perceptions may differ from actual advice given. Cross-sectional design. Ontario Cannabis Stores may differ from other retail models.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would standardized budtender training change customer perceptions and use patterns?
- ?Should dispensaries be required to provide evidence-based mental health information?
- ?How do budtender recommendations influence consumers with mental health conditions?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 55% of budtenders rated cannabis as beneficial for mental health, with customers asking about it at 21% of visits
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: small cross-sectional survey from one region with self-reported data, providing an initial look at a largely unstudied population.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study.
- Original Title:
- Budtender Perceptions and Knowledge of Cannabis and Mental Health: A Preliminary Study.
- Published In:
- Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(2), 164-176 (2025)
- Authors:
- Lowe, Darby J E(3), Wang, Cindy, Rueda, Sergio(8), George, Tony P
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06988
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should you trust budtender advice about cannabis and mental health?
This study found budtender views often diverged from scientific evidence. While they can provide product information, mental health questions are best directed to healthcare providers.
What mental health conditions did budtenders view most favorably?
Sleep and depression were most frequently rated as benefiting from cannabis. However, scientific evidence on cannabis for depression is mixed, and long-term use may worsen depressive symptoms in some populations.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06988APA
Lowe, Darby J E; Wang, Cindy; Rueda, Sergio; George, Tony P. (2025). Budtender Perceptions and Knowledge of Cannabis and Mental Health: A Preliminary Study.. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(2), 164-176. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2025/000292
MLA
Lowe, Darby J E, et al. "Budtender Perceptions and Knowledge of Cannabis and Mental Health: A Preliminary Study.." Cannabis (Albuquerque, 2025. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2025/000292
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Budtender Perceptions and Knowledge of Cannabis and Mental H..." RTHC-06988. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/lowe-2025-budtender-perceptions-and-knowledge
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.