The Green Thumb Chronicles: Unraveling the Public Perception of Cannabis as Medicine
Greetings, fellow green thumbs! Welcome to another edition of our blog, where we delve into the world of cannabis and apparel, and everything in between. Today, we're going to take a journey into the realm of public perception of cannabis as medicine. So, buckle up, and let's get started! Our guide for today's journey is none other than our very own Agent Green Thumb, an ex-CIA operative turned cannabis connoisseur.
A penchant for evidence-based insights, Agent Green Thumb is here to bring you the "evidence" you need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis. A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, titled "Using Social Media Data to Investigate Public Perceptions of Cannabis as Medicine: Narrative Review," has caught our attention.
This study, brought to you by Higher Learning LV's new Core Cannabis course, delves into the public's perception of cannabis as a medicinal tool. The objective of the research was to "categorize the insights provided by social media research on cannabis as medicine and describe the role of social media for consumers using medicinal cannabis." The study reported that globally, the use and acceptance of medicinal cannabis are increasing. This rise in acceptance has led to a surge in research into cannabis and its effects, including its safety profile. Now, let's dive into the results of the study.
After examining 42 prior scientific investigations, the researchers found that "consumers value their ability to exchange experiences on the web and tend to rely on web-based information sources." Online cannabis discussions often portray the herb as a "safe and natural medicine for cancer, sleep disorders, chronic pain, opioid use disorders, headaches, bowel disease, anxiety, depression, and PTSD."
The study also highlighted that consumers use cannabis for various reasons, including relaxation and sleep, enhanced stamina, and even to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. Their motives included "failure of conventional treatments, their unwelcome side effects, and a desire to find more natural solutions." This was frequently in the context of a terminal or uncontrolled disease, often associated with severe pain or involving addiction to prescription medications.
However, the study also pointed out that "unclear or inaccurate labeling of cannabis products" can have negative consequences for medicinal consumers. A prior study revealed that only 40 percent of the CBD products analyzed were labeled accurately, with most underlabeled or overlabeled or containing ingredients not listed, such as psychoactive delta-9 THC. The study concluded that the cannabis industry features an "extensive web-based presence" and that social media dialogue produces "rich but potentially biased information that is often not well-supported by scientific evidence."
The scientists reported that a goal of the scientific and medical establishments should be to "learn from medicinal cannabis users and provide factual, timely, and reliable evidence-based health information to consumers." In the spirit of Deadpool, let's lighten the mood with a joke. Why don't cannabis plants ever get lost? Because they always find their "buds"! On a more serious note, it's clear that the world of cannabis is evolving, and with it, the perceptions and attitudes towards its use. As we continue to explore this fascinating world, remember to stay informed, stay safe, and always keep a green thumb! For more insights into the world of cannabis and apparel, stay tuned to our blog. And remember, Agent Green Thumb is always here to bring you the "evidence" you need! For a deeper dive into the study, check out the original article.