Weeding Out the Stigma: Older Veterans in Illinois Share Their Experiences Using Medical Cannabis

Views on and experiences with medicinal cannabis among Canadian veterans who live with pain: A qualitative study

“… 55 In a qualitative study on stigma around cannabis use among older veterans in the United States engaged in medicinal cannabis use ( N = 32, 94% male, M age = 71), Clary et al 21 identified three themes: (1) negative stereotypes regarding people who use cannabis, (2) negative portrayals of people who use cannabis in the media, and (3) hesitation in disclosing medicinal cannabis use to friends, family, and physicians. One quote from a participant in the Clary et al 21 study is illustrative: “Yeah, I know most people think oh yeah medical cannabis, just an excuse for people, to get you know, pot so they can get high.” (p 4 ) The fear of disclosing medicinal cannabis use could be isolating, particularly for veterans using it to manage symptoms associated with chronic pain or PTSD, with potential consequences to their health and well-being. 21 Even in the Canadian context where medicinal cannabis has been legal for more than a decade, social norms around medicinal use remain unfavorable for many populations.…”

“…One quote from a participant in the Clary et al 21 study is illustrative: “Yeah, I know most people think oh yeah medical cannabis, just an excuse for people, to get you know, pot so they can get high.” (p 4 ) The fear of disclosing medicinal cannabis use could be isolating, particularly for veterans using it to manage symptoms associated with chronic pain or PTSD, with potential consequences to their health and well-being. 21 Even in the Canadian context where medicinal cannabis has been legal for more than a decade, social norms around medicinal use remain unfavorable for many populations. 42 Of note, there is less stigma around the use of cannabis oil as compared to smoking, 35 and media portrayals of cannabis users are becoming more positive, 21 signaling that stigma may become less of an issue over time.…”

“… 21 Even in the Canadian context where medicinal cannabis has been legal for more than a decade, social norms around medicinal use remain unfavorable for many populations. 42 Of note, there is less stigma around the use of cannabis oil as compared to smoking, 35 and media portrayals of cannabis users are becoming more positive, 21 signaling that stigma may become less of an issue over time.…”

Medical cannabis: Roles, responsibilities, and challenges for clinical pharmacists

“…This may be due to a lingering effect of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program of the 1980s, which taught grade school students that cannabis is a substance that leads to the misuse of more abuse‐prone substances (i.e., a “gateway drug”) 23 . Because of this stigma, patients who use medical cannabis may be reluctant to disclose the use of cannabis‐based medicine to healthcare providers or even family and friends 24,25 . Non‐disclosure could lead to isolation and potentially dangerous clinical outcomes.…”

“…23 Because of this stigma, patients who use medical cannabis may be reluctant to disclose the use of cannabis-based medicine to healthcare providers or even family and friends. 24,25 Non-disclosure could lead to isolation and potentially dangerous clinical outcomes.…”