Elin C Kondrad, MD; Alex J. Reed, PsyD, MPH
Corresponding Author: Elin C Kondrad, MD; St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency. Email:elin.kondrad@sclhealth.org
Section: Original Research
Publication Date: 1/13/2022
Introduction: Medical marijuana is permitted in 36 states. Fifteen states also allow recreational marijuana use. Previous surveys showed that most family physicians were concerned about the physical and mental health effects of medical marijuana use, but the impact of legalization of recreational marijuana and liberalization of marijuana laws nationally on physician attitudes is unknown. Methods: An anonymous web-based electronic survey was distributed to 1582 members of the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians’ listserv. Items included individual and practice characteristics as well as experience with and attitudes towards medical marijuana. The results of this survey were compared to that of a nearly identical survey conducted with the same group in 2011. Results: The proportion of family physician respondents in Colorado recommending medical marijuana to patients was the same in 2020 as found in 2011 at 31%. Fifty-three percent of physicians said that legislation allowing recreational marijuana did not change their approach to medical marijuana with patients; nearly equal numbers said that it had made them more likely to recommend medical marijuana as said it had made them less likely to recommend it. Family physicians were more likely to be in favor of legalization of recreational marijuana in 2020 than in 2011. Conclusions: Decriminalization of marijuana and the development of a robust marijuana economy in Colorado has not led to more family physicians recommending marijuana to patients, but there is now greater support for the legalization of recreational marijuana among family physicians.