University study finds cost and supply concerns linked to patients using illicit cannabis sources

Researchers from the University of Utah’s Medical Cannabis Outcomes Research and Evaluation Center presented results from a baseline survey of newly enrolled medical cannabis patients, reporting that cost and perceived supply shortages were associated with recent use of non‑pharmacy sources for medical cannabis.

Jerry Cochran and LaRita Franks summarized a cross‑sectional analysis of 211 adults who were between one and six months into the state medical program. About 12% of respondents reported having used non‑pharmacy ("illicit") sources for medical purposes in the prior weeks. In adjusted models, concerns about product supply and high costs were the factors most strongly associated with illicit sourcing.

The researchers stressed caveats: the sample was a convenience cohort recruited through program communications and therefore not a population‑representative sample; the cross‑sectional analysis identifies associations, not causation. Cochran said larger follow‑up studies are underway and that the state Center for Medical Cannabis has funded extensions to collect more data.

Key findings presented to the group included: participants reporting inadequate perceived supply were more likely to report illicit sourcing; concerns over cost were associated with higher odds of illicit sourcing; and participants who relied on information from the state medical cannabis program or pharmacists were less likely to obtain products outside the regulated system.

Ending: The committee received the study and directed staff to place the paper in committee materials; researchers encouraged use of expanded, longitudinal samples and further market analyses to inform policy choices aimed at reducing diversion.