Home > Review Articles > Patient perception of care > Predictors of medicinal cannabis users’ willingness to utilise a new prescription Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand

Predictors of medicinal cannabis users’ willingness to utilise a new prescription Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 92
Authors:
  • Rychert M et al.
Summary:

A 2019 online survey of 3634 medicinal cannabis users has identified factors predictive of intention to engage with the new prescription Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (MCS) in New Zealand. A total of 78% of respondents were aware of the new MCS and 66% intended to use it. On logistic regression analysis, higher income (odds ratio [OR] 1.57), younger age (OR 1.02), smoking cannabis versus vaping (OR 2.0), and oral ingestion in edible form (OR 2.22) predicted intention to engage with the MCS. Those less likely to engage with the MCS were Māori (OR 0.63) and those who grew their own cannabis (OR 0.52). The authors speculated that lower intended engagement by Māori, lower income groups and those who grow their own cannabis may reflect perceptions of the MCS as restrictive and expensive.

Comment:
I had an interesting conversation with someone last week about stopping smoking in order to improve his respiratory symptoms. He admitted that he was smoking a joint a day to help with pain management. We calculated that the cost was $300/month, which was comparable to MCS. My point being that we shouldn’t make assumptions and people may be open to consider MCS.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2021;134(1534):66-75
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

Implementation of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand
Implementation of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand

While New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (MCS) has successfully established a domestic production sector, reduced

Find out more
Designing for health equity: A mixed method study exploring community experiences and perceptions of pharmacists’ role in minor ailment care
Designing for health equity: A mixed method study exploring community experiences and perceptions of pharmacists’ role in minor ailment care

A mixed methods study has provided important recommendations to increase the likelihood of delivering equitable

Find out more
Ethnic disparities in vaccine safety attitudes and perceptions of family doctors/general practitioners
Ethnic disparities in vaccine safety attitudes and perceptions of family doctors/general practitioners

Ethnic differences in attitudes to vaccines and the influence of GPs in New Zealand were

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.