The Research Society on Marijuana (RSMj) is a network of scientists with the shared goal of promoting understanding through empirical research of the determinants, correlates, consequences, contexts, and assessment of marijuana use as well as the treatment of problematic marijuana use, including cannabis use disorder.
Cannabis policy has outpaced the scientific knowledge on cannabis. As a result, misinformation about cannabis use is a concern and exists at both the industry- and consumer- level. This symposium discussed current dissemination practices of evidence-based health and safety cannabis information to consumers. The first presentation by Dr. LoParco explored the quickly evolving online cannabis market space and shared findings on the prevalence and change in health warnings, benefits, and promotions across 175 U.S. cannabis retailors with online storefronts. The second presentation by Dr. Williams explored the extent to which consumers recognize health warning labels and recalls on cannabis packaging across three-years using the International Cannabis Policy Study. The third presentation by Dr. Okey discussed knowledge levels, current purchasing decisions, potential avenues for education, and areas of interest for Washington state consumers and retail employees. All presentations explored differences between important subgroups, such as gender, age, and cannabis use characteristics. Finally, discussant Kristen Haley, Public Health Education Liaison at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, integrated these three presentations. With her background in public health for over a decade overseeing instrumental marketing campaigns to promote health education, she highlighted the importance of promoting evidence-based information for legal cannabis users to reduce harm and promote safety. She additionally discussed the importance of continued collaboration across regulators, researchers, and public health professionals within this quickly evolving cannabis landscape.
from the abstract "Reaching the Modern Cannabis Consumer: Using research to guide messages and strategies to close knowledge gaps and catch up to rapidly changing cannabis policy landscapes."
Presenters
- George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Department of Prevention and Community Health Researcher Cassidy LoParco
- UW ADAI Research Scientist Jason Williams
- WSLCB Research Manager Sarah Okey
- WSLCB Public Health Education Liaison Kristen Haley