Presenting Author: Avat Kioumarsi, MPH, DrPH(c), Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

ABSTRACT

Background: Since the legalization of medical marijuana in California in 1996, medical marijuana dispensaries have become the main source of marijuana to patients. Over the past 20 years, studies have primarily focused on the medicinal benefits of marijuana and/or patient characteristics and therefore, limited data exist on dispensaries.

Objectives: To explore the type of support and services offered by medical marijuana dispensaries, their role in shaping patients' patterns of marijuana use, or why particular dispensaries are patronized.

Methods: 40 medical marijuana patients aged 18 to 26 were recruited in Los Angeles for a semi-structured qualitative interview in 2014-15. Study participants were asked about their primary dispensary, location, and reasons they choose a particular dispensary. Qualitative thematic analysis through both inductive and deductive approaches was utilized. Geo-mapping methods were used to estimate distances traveled by the participants to reach their primary dispensary.

Results: Participants reported two primary types of medical marijuana dispensaries: professional and transactional. Professional dispensaries offered quality customer service including friendly/knowledgeable staff, a wide variety of marijuana products at reasonable prices, and discounts for first-time patients and referrals. Informed staff who provided consultation about medicinal benefits/effects of different marijuana strains and forms played an important role in shaping participants’ patterns of marijuana use. Only a few dispensaries offered extra services, such as support groups and social gathering events. Transactional dispensaries were characterized by lower cost marijuana, less variety, and less knowledge staff. Both qualitative and geo-mapping result indicated that for a large proportion of participants, hospitality/knowledgeable staff, price, and quality products were more important for choosing a dispensary than close geographic proximity.

Implications: Results suggest the importance of professional types of medical marijuana dispensaries in educating patients, which may influence patterns of marijuana use and health among young adults.

Authors: Avat Kioumarsi, MPH, DrPH(c) and Stephan Lankenau, PhD.