Uncovering Trends in U.S. Nurse Cannabis Use in Relation to Patient Care

Abstract

Background

As cannabis legalization continues to expand across the United States, there is a growing need to understand its use among nurses, particularly how cannabis use compares to other substance use and how the timing of its use relates to nurses’ patient care responsibilities. Purpose: To describe patterns of nurse cannabis and other substance use generally and timing of use in relation to patient care.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional survey was distributed to practicing registered nurses via social media and listservs. The survey questions concerned the use of cannabis and other substance use as well as the timing of cannabis use in relation to patient care. Data were weighted to reflect the nationwide nursing population. Descriptive statistical analyses of cannabis and other substance use and timing of use were completed.

Results

The study sample comprised a weighted total of 1,010 registered nurses. The majority of participants (77.0%; 95% CI: 73.4%, 79.1%) reported drinking alcohol, whereas cannabis use was reported by a quarter of participants (weighted 23.6%; 95% CI: 20.9%, 26.4%). Just over one-fifth of participants (21%; n = 211) reported using both alcohol and cannabis. The most common cannabis use pattern among those who reported cannabis use across 263 workdays was use after work only (81.37%). Alcohol was the most common substance used alongside cannabis after work.

Conclusion

Nurses are using cannabis and other substances, but they are generally using these substances after work and using them at rates similar to the rates of use among the general public. The many ways cannabis can be consumed—edibles, smoking, vaping, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) extracts, and CBD (cannabidiol) products—means that more study into the kinds and concentrations of cannabinoids is required because the effects may differ greatly. Regulators, employers, and researchers can focus on understanding drivers of use and providing education for nurses about cannabis and alcohol use. This education may also be beneficial for providing patient care where cannabis is being used medicinally as well as recreationally.