TY - JOUR
T1 - Analysis of Dispensing and Utilization Patterns of Medical Cannabis Products in State Licensed Cannabis Dispensaries
AU - Tanco, Kimberson
AU - Olson, Amanda
AU - Fellman, Bryan
AU - Jankowski, Mika
AU - Lai, Stephen Y.
AU - Shete, Sanjay
AU - Harbison, Kevin
AU - Scheid, Jennifer
AU - Bruera, Eduardo
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
PY - 2023/11/1
Y1 - 2023/11/1
N2 - Background: To understand real-world dispensing and utilization patterns of medical cannabis (MC) and its financial impact on patients, we analyzed the database of a cannabis company licensed in New York state. Objectives: To evaluate the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) dose ratios, association of various medical conditions to THC/CBD dose, and the cost of products in registered patients receiving MC from four licensed state dispensaries. Design: Retrospective analysis conducted on anonymized data between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 listing 422,201 dispensed products from 32,845 individuals aged 18 years and older. Setting/Subjects: Adult patients with medical certification for cannabis use in New York, USA. Measurements: The database included patient’s age, gender, qualifying medical condition, type and dose of product, medication directions, and amount of product dispensed. Results: Findings showed a median age of 53 years with 52% of patients female. Males were found to use more products than females (1.06:1). Pain (85%) was the most common medical condition and inhalation (57%) the most common route except when used for cancer-directed treatment and neurological conditions. Individuals received a median of six prescriptions costing a median of $50/product. Average THC:CBD ratios were 28:0.5 mg/day and 12:0.25 mg/dose. Neurological conditions demonstrated the highest average cost [mean (95% confidence interval {CI}): $73 ($71–$75)] and average CBD/dose per product [mean (95% CI): 5.89 (5.38–6.40)]. Individuals with a history of substance use disorder utilizing MC as an alternative substance displayed the highest average THC/dose [mean (95% CI): 14.25 (13.36–15.14)]. Conclusion: MC was utilized for various medical conditions with variability in THC:CBD ratio seen depending on the condition. Cost variation was also observed based on the individual’s medical condition.
AB - Background: To understand real-world dispensing and utilization patterns of medical cannabis (MC) and its financial impact on patients, we analyzed the database of a cannabis company licensed in New York state. Objectives: To evaluate the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) dose ratios, association of various medical conditions to THC/CBD dose, and the cost of products in registered patients receiving MC from four licensed state dispensaries. Design: Retrospective analysis conducted on anonymized data between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 listing 422,201 dispensed products from 32,845 individuals aged 18 years and older. Setting/Subjects: Adult patients with medical certification for cannabis use in New York, USA. Measurements: The database included patient’s age, gender, qualifying medical condition, type and dose of product, medication directions, and amount of product dispensed. Results: Findings showed a median age of 53 years with 52% of patients female. Males were found to use more products than females (1.06:1). Pain (85%) was the most common medical condition and inhalation (57%) the most common route except when used for cancer-directed treatment and neurological conditions. Individuals received a median of six prescriptions costing a median of $50/product. Average THC:CBD ratios were 28:0.5 mg/day and 12:0.25 mg/dose. Neurological conditions demonstrated the highest average cost [mean (95% confidence interval {CI}): $73 ($71–$75)] and average CBD/dose per product [mean (95% CI): 5.89 (5.38–6.40)]. Individuals with a history of substance use disorder utilizing MC as an alternative substance displayed the highest average THC/dose [mean (95% CI): 14.25 (13.36–15.14)]. Conclusion: MC was utilized for various medical conditions with variability in THC:CBD ratio seen depending on the condition. Cost variation was also observed based on the individual’s medical condition.
KW - cannabis dispensaries
KW - dispensing patterns
KW - marijuana licensure
KW - medical cannabis
KW - medical marijuana
KW - utilization patterns
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U2 - 10.1089/jpm.2023.0075
DO - 10.1089/jpm.2023.0075
M3 - Article
C2 - 37285183
AN - SCOPUS:85176968453
SN - 1096-6218
VL - 26
SP - 1482
EP - 1487
JO - Journal of palliative medicine
JF - Journal of palliative medicine
IS - 11
ER -