Highs and Lows: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Impact of Adult Use Legalization on Medical Cannabis Patients

Presently, 24 states have legalized adult use (recreational) cannabis, each following medical-only access. Although states that pass adult use laws report substantial declines in the number of registered medical patients, these laws expand the market, potentially enhancing patient benefits. However, research on federal adult use cannabis legislation in Canada suggests that adult use laws negatively impact medical patients. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine medical cannabis patients’ perceptions of the impact of adult use cannabis laws in the US. We conducted an online survey with forced choice and open-ended questions in a convenience sample of 505 medical cannabis patients. Quantitative analysis indicated that adult use laws decreased stress and legal concerns, and that patient perceptions of cannabis product quality and availability were higher, but prices were also higher. Qualitative analysis largely aligned with quantitative findings, however data were somewhat divergent on price and product availability (with some patients reporting lower prices and accessibility issues). Mixed-methods analysis revealed that legalization also reduced patients’ experience of social stigma. Addressing the patient concerns revealed by these data may help to restore or maintain patient access to affordable, medically relevant cannabis products as additional states merge medical cannabis programs into adult use paradigms.