Search
 

Legalization leads to more conversations, data on marijuana use

About one in seven adult primary care patients visiting medical offices in Washington reported having used marijuana at least once in the past year, according to an analysis of 22,000 patient records, and the numbers are on the rise.

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | Updated on November 29, 2017
Doctors should routinely ask their patients during medical visits about the use of marijuana as part of “whole-person care” – and then start a dialogue with them. (Photo: Shutterstock)

After medical and recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington, it’s not surprising to learn that the use of the substance is on the rise in the Evergreen State. And so is the potential for “cannabis use disorder” — i.e., addiction, which can exacerbate depression and anxiety, according to a study by Kaiser Permanente researchers in Seattle.

About one in seven adult primary care patients visiting medical offices in Washington reported having used marijuana at least once in the past year, according to an analysis of 22,000 patient records by researchers at the Washington Health Research Institute, whose findings were published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Katie Kuehner-Hebert

Katie Kuehner-Hebert

Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.

More from this author

Recommended Stories

BenefitsPRO Broker Expo 2025 (BPRO)Event

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.

Get More Information
 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.