A Survey of Knowledge and Opinions on Cannabis Use among People in Mueang Chiang Mai District
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Abstract
Introduction and objective: The policy of decriminalizing cannabis from being classified as a Category 5 narcotic may widely spread its use for both medical and recreational purposes. However, the readiness of Thai citizens, especially knowledge of the clinical benefits, risks, and laws and regulations of cannabis, has not been widely studied. This study’s objective is to investigate the knowledge and opinions of Thai citizens who live in Mueang Chiang Mai regarding cannabis use, benefits, risks, and related laws and regulations.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among Thai citizens aged 20 years or above who lived in Mueang Chiang Mai. A survey questionnaire was developed and validated, and then distributed to subjects using both paper-based questionnaire and online through a Google form. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, including 1) general information, 2) knowledge related to cannabis, and 3) opinions towards cannabis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.
Results: A total of 329 respondents participated in the survey, with 225 females (68.39%); and most of them were 20–29 years old (47.35%). Overall, the knowledge score (on a scale 0–20) related to cannabis was moderate (14.80 ± 2.39). Average scores for general information about cannabis, benefits of cannabis, risk of cannabis, and laws and regulations related to cannabis were 3.89 ± 0.73, 3.24 ± 1.38, 3.98 ± 1.12, and 3.68 ± 0.85, respectively. Participants’ opinions indicated that cannabis should be only used for medical purposes under supervision of health professionals (4.20 ± 0.77). In addition, participants revealed that current cannabis commercials and advertisements might misinform the public (4.07 ± 0.85). Moreover, participants’ opinions showed that household cannabis planting should be restricted (4.03 ± 0.85). The least agreed-upon issues from participants were that individuals aged <18 years should be allowed to use cannabis (2.88 ± 1.15), patients with chronic conditions should be allowed to use cannabis (3.06 ± 0.81), and cannabis could be used for recreation (3.18 ± 0.97).
Discussion: The knowledge and opinions on cannabis use among people in the area remain at a moderate level, which does not align with the increasing number of cannabis shops. In addition implementing regulatory measures to control cannabis use by relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Health, should be made to prevent and strengthen social immunity among the public.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that knowledge related to cannabis among the people in Mueang district, Chiang Mai province, is at a moderate level in terms of general information, benefits, harms, and laws related to cannabis. Additionally, the people of Chiang Mai province believe that the use of cannabis for medical treatment should be under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Advertising media creates misunderstandings about cannabis, and there should be a limit on the number of cannabis plants cultivated per household.
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