Elizabeth Valdez, PhD
Drexel University
Co-Authors: Olivia Cordingley1, Samantha Pagán1, Emily Lincoln1, Janna Ataiants1, Stephen Lankenau1
1Drexel University
Introduction: Medical cannabis is legally available in most U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, where it is prescribed for a range of qualifying medical conditions. Despite its growing acceptance, significant stigma and systemic barriers continue to impact access, particularly for parents who use medical cannabis to manage their health conditions.
Objectives:
To identify the specific needs of parents using medical cannabis in Pennsylvania.
To examine the barriers parents face when accessing and using medical cannabis.
To explore how stigma and systemic challenges impact parents’ experiences with medical cannabis.
To provide insights to inform policies and practices aimed at improving access and reducing stigma for parents enrolled in medical cannabis programs.
Methods: We conducted 48 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents holding active medical cannabis certifications. Participants were all cisgender women, with 72.9% identifying as White, 12.5% as Black/African American, 6.9% as Hispanic/Latino, and 4.2% as Multiracial. Ages ranged from 26 to 73 (mean: 42), reflecting the demographics of the state registry and the state of Pennsylvania. Data were analyzed using NVivo, guided by a codebook.
Results: Participants highlighted barriers to program entry and recertification, including high costs of certification and products, insufficient patient-provider communication, and stigma as parents who use medical cannabis. Logistical challenges, such as inconsistent product availability, limited rural dispensary access, and inadequate public transportation, further impeded engagement in the program. Parents suggested innovations like expanded curbside pickup, drive-through services, and offering delivery options. Other recommendations included lowering costs, ensuring product consistency, and integrating medical cannabis into treatment plans.
Discussion: Improving access to medical cannabis for parents requires expanding accessible services, reducing costs, and enhancing program usability. Dispensaries should improve online platforms and maintain consistent product availability. Tailored educational resources for patients and providers may reduce stigma and support informed use. Addressing these barriers will enable medical cannabis programs to meet the needs of parenting populations while promoting health equity and engagement.