Authors

• Hupli, Aleksi (Tampere University)

Keywords

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

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.