What proportion of cannabis users in Germany have spoken with their general practitioner about their consumption? A repeated cross-sectional representative population survey

Abstract

Introduction: On 1st of April 2024 a law on cannabis legislation entered into force in Germany. Henceforth, a rise in cannabis consumption rates and consequently cannabis related health impacts is expected. Preventive measures are only possible if harmful use is recognised and addressed at an early stage. We set up to estimate the proportion of cannabis users in Germany that discussed their cannabis consumption with their general practitioner (GP), either on the initiative of the GP or the patient, and how these varied according to person characteristics. Methods We used data from the German Study on Tobacco Use (DEBRA). This is a repeated ongoing representative cross-sectional household survey on use of tobacco and alternative nicotine delivery systems in Germany in people aged 14 years and older. During bimonthly study waves we asked all respondents who stated that they had consumed cannabis before whether they had ever spoken with their GP about their cannabis use or received advice about it. We estimated the proportion including 95% confidence intervals and assessed possible associations with person characteristics by using univariate logistic regression models. Results Of 2,057 ever users of cannabis, 7.0% [95%CI = 5.9; 8.2%] (n = 139) answered “Yes, I have ever spoken to my general practitioner about my cannabis use or sought advice in this regard”. This response was associated with older age (65+), low educational attainment, low income, and frequent cannabis use. Conversation with a GP was also more common in past-year cannabis users (16.2% [95%CI = 13.5; 19.6%], n = 591). Conclusions Around one in fifteen cannabis users has ever spoken with his or her GP, or received advice, about his or her cannabis consumption. In past-year and frequent users, the proportions are highest, between 16 to 26%. The awareness of this topic among GPs needs to be increased. Furthermore, a future re-evaluation on what impact the legislation of cannabis will have on the frequency of consultation about cannabis consumption in primary care is necessary.