Sociodemographic and drug use severity differences between medical marijuana users and non‐medical users visiting the emergency department

Background and Objectives The purpose of this study is to extend what is known about medical marijuana and non‐medical marijuana users who visit the emergency department (ED) by exploring differences in their sociodemographic characteristics and their drug‐related problem severity. Methods Of 292 consecutively enrolled exclusive marijuana‐only users visiting the ED for any reason, 37% ( n  = 107) reported using marijuana on the advice of a medical doctor, and 63% ( n  = 185) reported that they did not use it under the advice of a medical doctor (ie, non‐medical user). Participants denied using any other drug with the exception of alcohol. Participants completed the Addiction Severity Index‐Lite which provided composite and individual items related to drug use problems, psychiatric problems, medical problems, and alcohol use problems. Self‐efficacy for avoiding drug use and sociodemographic characteristics were also collected. Results In a multivariate model, compared to non‐medical marijuana users, medical users reported a higher frequency of days of use, more money spent on marijuana, and lower readiness to change use of marijuana, yet lower frequency of drug problems and tended to be low‐risk versus moderate‐severe risk users. Medical marijuana use was associated with a greater number of days of psychological problems. Discussion and Conclusions Results for medical marijuana users might be interpreted as consistent with that of routine, self‐administered treatment for medical or psychological problems. Scientific Significance Results suggest behavioral health interventions in acute care settings should consider treating non‐medical marijuana users differently than medical users due to the greater drug‐related problems associated with non‐medical use. (Am J Addict 2016;25:385–391)