Abstract

Background

As cannabis policy is rapidly evolving and support for marijuana legalization is increasing, understanding of the public’s perception of cannabis and its associated risks is important for prevention efforts.

Method

Adults in Michigan (n = 2,189) were recruited to complete a web-based survey focused on attitudes toward marijuana (August–September 2016). Participants were recruited through online and email advertisements from community-based agencies and a statewide advocacy coalition. Measures were adapted from previous public opinion research with input from advocacy coalition members. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess public perceptions of cannabis potency and the perceived impact of marijuana legalization on road safety, employee safety, and emergency department (ED) visits. Independent variables included demographics, political orientation, and marijuana-related variables (marijuana use, attitude toward marijuana legalization).

Results

Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 88 years (mean = 45.5 years) and were 72% female. Most adults (79.7%) were aware that marijuana is more potent today compared to the past. Over half of adults felt marijuana legalization would negatively affect road safety (55.5%), employee safety (58.8%), and lead to an increase in ED visits (62.8%). Differences in attitudes were found based on demographics (age, gender, race, and education), marijuana use, and attitudes toward legalization.

Conclusions

Although most adults recognize potential public health risks associated with cannabis legalization, a sizable minority of adults do not feel marijuana legalization will have negative public health consequences. As more states legalize, prevention efforts may be needed to reduce negative public health consequences associated with cannabis use.

中文翻译：

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大麻合法化对公共卫生后果的看法

摘要

背景

随着大麻政策的迅速发展以及对大麻合法化的支持在增加，了解公众对大麻及其相关风险的认识对于预防工作很重要。

方法

 招募了密歇根州的成年人（n = 2189）以完成基于网络的调查，重点是对大麻的态度（2016年8月至9月）。通过基于社区的机构和全州倡导联盟的在线和电子邮件广告招募了参与者。这些措施是根据先前的舆论研究改编而来，并得到了倡导联盟成员的投入。使用逻辑回归分析来评估公众对大麻效力的认识以及大麻合法化对道路安全，员工安全和急诊就诊的影响。自变量包括人口统计学，政治倾向和与大麻有关的变量（使用大麻，对大麻合法化的态度）。

结果

受访者年龄在18至88岁之间（平均= 45.5岁），女性为72％。大多数成年人（79.7％）意识到，与过去相比，今天的大麻更有效。超过一半的成年人认为大麻合法化将对道路安全（55.5％），员工安全（58.8％）产生负面影响，并导致急诊就诊次数增加（62.8％）。根据人口统计学（年龄，性别，种族和教育程度），大麻的使用以及对合法化的态度，发现态度有所不同。

结论

尽管大多数成年人都认识到与大麻合法化有关的潜在公共卫生风险，但是相当一部分成年人却认为大麻合法化不会对公共卫生造成负面影响。随着更多州的合法化，可能需要采取预防措施以减少与使用大麻有关的负面公共卫生后果。