Relationship Between Demographic Factors and Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adults Holding a Medical Marijuana Card in a Rural Community

Despite the widespread use of cannabis and the prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in Ohio, information was limited on the effectiveness of medical marijuana and CUD treatment success, particularly within specific populations and counties. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the prevalence of CUD among adults from rural communities who had received medical marijuana cards for chronic conditions. The study examined the demographic factors of age, gender, and education level as independent variables influencing the development of CUD in this population. The biopsychosocial theory model provided the framework for the study. Data was collected through structured surveys, including the CUDIT-R, with 146 participants. Findings from correlation analysis indicated that age and gender were significant predictors of cannabis use severity, with younger individuals and women at higher risk. These results underscore the need for targeted public health efforts addressing younger populations and considering gender differences. Additionally, the study highlights the complex factors influencing medical cannabis use, advocating for careful regulation and clinical approaches.