Leigh Alon1, Douglas Bruce2, Olivia Blocker3, Alida M Bouris3, Daniel H Reirden4, John A Schneider5. 1. Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States. Electronic address: lalon@uchicago.edu. 2. Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, 1110W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614, United States. 3. Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States; School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, 969 E 60th st Chicago, IL, 60637, United States. 4. Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States. 5. Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave Chicago, IL, 60637, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Upwards of 35% of young gay and bisexual men living with HIV report daily use of cannabis in the U.S. The effects of legalisation of recreational and medical cannabis on the acquisition of cannabis products amongst a group with such high prevalence of use is largely unknown. METHODS: We investigated potential effects of recent legalisation and changes in distribution venues/networks in U.S. jurisdictions (Denver and Chicago) with different legal statuses regarding medical and recreational cannabis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 young gay and bisexual men living with HIV recruited from adolescent HIV clinics and service sites in the two cities. RESULTS: Findings indicate four domains in which the acquisition of cannabis from medical or recreational dispensaries was differentiated by participants from acquisition from illicit drug distribution networks: quality of information, perceived quality of products, safety of acquisition, and safety of products. Some participants expressed reservations in becoming involved with requirements for accessing legal distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that young men living with HIV in Denver perceive benefits from legalisation of cannabis in terms of quality of information and products and safety of acquisition for a range of medical, therapeutic, and recreational uses. Participants in Chicago report mixed levels of knowledge of potential benefits through the medical cannabis dispensaries in their area, and continue to be exposed to safety risks associated with street-based acquisition. Concerns regarding institutional involvement in medical cannabis registries and dispensaries may inhibit the uptake of legal means of acquisition in sub-populations of young men living with HIV.
BACKGROUND: Upwards of 35% of young gay and bisexual men living with HIV report daily use of cannabis in the U.S. The effects of legalisation of recreational and medical cannabis on the acquisition of cannabis products amongst a group with such high prevalence of use is largely unknown. METHODS: We investigated potential effects of recent legalisation and changes in distribution venues/networks in U.S. jurisdictions (Denver and Chicago) with different legal statuses regarding medical and recreational cannabis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 young gay and bisexual men living with HIV recruited from adolescent HIV clinics and service sites in the two cities. RESULTS: Findings indicate four domains in which the acquisition of cannabis from medical or recreational dispensaries was differentiated by participants from acquisition from illicit drug distribution networks: quality of information, perceived quality of products, safety of acquisition, and safety of products. Some participants expressed reservations in becoming involved with requirements for accessing legal distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that young men living with HIV in Denver perceive benefits from legalisation of cannabis in terms of quality of information and products and safety of acquisition for a range of medical, therapeutic, and recreational uses. Participants in Chicago report mixed levels of knowledge of potential benefits through the medical cannabis dispensaries in their area, and continue to be exposed to safety risks associated with street-based acquisition. Concerns regarding institutional involvement in medical cannabis registries and dispensaries may inhibit the uptake of legal means of acquisition in sub-populations of young men living with HIV.
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