
Understanding Changing Landscapes
Butler County coalitions conducted group listening sessions with 200 people to understand views on marijuana.
Overview of what we learned:
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1.People KNOW uses but NOT risks/harms: People are getting a variety of targeted messages about the uses of marijuana but are NOT getting clear messaging about risks or harms associated with using marijuana.
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2.Marijuana as medicine is misunderstood: Most do not understand the new law or what medical marijuana is
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3.With little science to back it up, people believe it is effective treatment: Most people believe that marijuana is effective at treating medical and mental health conditions of all kinds with limited evidence to support effectiveness.
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4.People believe it is natural and not addictive: Most people believe that marijuana is natural and do not know about some of the new forms, potency, and dependence potential.
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5.People believe the cannabusiness industry is altruistic: Many see the cannabis industry as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and pro-social justice industry. Some see government is seen as deceptive.
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6.Use is Accepted/Tolerated: Pot use is widely accepted in many circles: especially among youth. There is acceptance of use it for a medical purpose. Youth believe that most of their peers do it. Seniors citizens care little about what people think of their use.
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Additional Resources for learning more about marijuana as medicine:
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National Academy of Sciences Report
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National Institute on Drug Abuse
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Medical Marijuana Control Program - Ohio
Scripted Questions for Research
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