Study title

Non-medical grade cannabis use for self-medication 2024

Dataset ID Number

FSD3993

Persistent identifiers

https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD3993
https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd3993

Data Type

Quantitative

Authors

• Hupli, Aleksi (Tampere University)

Abstract

The material covers the use of cannabis for self-medication and recreational purposes. The survey examined, among other things, the benefits of self-medicating with cannabis and the reasons for using cannabis.

First, respondents were asked how long they had been using cannabis and how often they used it for recreational purposes and for self-medication. After that, they were presented with a number of different situations and asked whether cannabis use had led to them. They were also asked what cannabis products they use, what factors are important when choosing cannabis, where they get cannabis, how they use it, and why.

Next, respondents were asked about the THC and CBD concentrations of the cannabis they used and what physical or mental conditions, diagnosed by a doctor or undiagnosed, they used cannabis for. They were also asked whether cannabis improved their condition and, if so, how. They were further asked whether they had replaced medication prescribed by a doctor with cannabis and, if so, which medication. They were also asked whether they had received cannabis as medication from a doctor and, conversely, whether they had requested it from a doctor. Finally, respondents were asked whether they were concerned about their own cannabis use and presented with a series of statements about the effects of cannabis.

Background variables include the size of the respondent's place of residence, gender, age, highest level of education, employment status, and whether they live in Finland.

Keywords

attitudes; cannabis; diseases; drug addiction; drug policy; drug use; medicinal drugs; physicians; substance use

Topic Classification

• Social sciences (Fields of Science Classification)
• Drug abuse, alcohol and smoking (CESSDA Topic Classification)
• Medication and treatment (CESSDA Topic Classification)

Series

Individual datasets

Distributor

Finnish Social Science Data Archive

Access

The dataset is (D) available only by permission from the data depositor/creator.

Data Collector

• Hupli, Aleksi (Tampere University)

Funders

• Finnish Cultural Foundation (00230439 / 00240505)

Time Period Covered

2024

Collection Dates

2024-04-04 – 2024-06-18

Nation

Finland

Geographical Coverage

Finland

Analysis/Observation Unit Type

Individual

Universe

Finnish citizens over the age of 18 who use cannabis to treat physical or psychological conditions without a formal medical prescription

Time Method

Cross-section

Sampling Procedure

Non-probability: Availability

The survey was mainly distributed on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly Twitter). Brochures for participants were also distributed in physical form at specialty stores in the capital region that sell legal cannabis-related products (e.g., seeds, bongs, and other smoking accessories or cannabinoid products that do not contain THC). The survey was also distributed by non-governmental organizations.

Collection Mode

Self-administered questionnaire: Web-based (CAWI)

Research Instrument

Structured questionnaire

Data File Language

Downloaded data package may contain different language versions of the same files.

The data files of this dataset are available in the following languages: Finnish.

FSD translates quantitative data into English on request, free of charge. More information on ordering data translation.

Data Version

1.0

Completeness of Data and Restrictions

The material does not include a questionnaire.

Information relating to one respondent's career was removed from one open-ended response at FSD. Changes to the data made by FSD are marked with [square brackets].

Weighting

There are no weight variables in the data.

Citation Requirement

The data and its creators shall be cited in all publications and presentations for which the data have been used. The bibliographic citation may be in the form suggested by the archive or in the form required by the publication.

Bibliographical Citation

Hupli, Aleksi (Tampere University): Non-medical grade cannabis use for self-medication 2024 [dataset]. Data version 1.0 (2025-10-15). Finnish Social Science Data Archive [distributor]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd3993; URN: https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD3993

Deposit Requirement

Notify FSD of all publications where you have used the data by sending the citation information to user-services.fsd@tuni.fi.

Disclaimer

The original data creators and the archive bear no responsibility for any results or interpretations arising from the reuse of the data.

Related Publications

Hupli, A., Unlu, A., Hagfors, H. & J. Jylkkä (2025) Predictors of medical and non-medical motives of cannabis use in Finland: A cross-sectional survey study. iScience, 28(5), DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112503