Abstract Details

Title The Use of Medical Cannabis in African American and Caucasian Populations: A Comparative Study

Topic Health Care Disparities

Presentation(s) Health Care Disparities Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 016

Objective To identify medical cannabis (MC) treatment differences in two distinct races.

Background MC is now legal in 33 U.S. states; as such Americans of all races and walks of life have sought MC treatments. Research is required to determine if treatment differences exist between races.

Design/Methods This retrospective chart review was conducted on 1,228 patients from two distinct races. All patients were certified to participate in New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program and followed in a neurologic outpatient setting in Buffalo, NY.

Results Of 614 randomly selected patients from each race 276 African Americans (78=male, 198=female) and 431 Caucasians (167=male, 264=female) were included. Statistical differences were seen with respect to retention rates between races, with 45% of African Americans and 70% of Caucasians (p<0.05) reporting for the first re-evaluation. Of those failing to return, 80% of African Americans and 42.5% of Caucasians cited cost as the determining factor. Average median incomes of African Americans and Caucasians were $30,788.16 and $62,785.18 respectively. Oral tincture of Type I and II chemovar products were the most common in both races. Common efficacies reported by African Americans and Caucasians were; symptomatic benefit: 82% & 81% (p=0.67), reduction of pain: 63% & 55% (p=0.02), and sleep: 27% and 25% (p=0.33). 21% of African American and 36% of Caucasian opioid users were able to reduce consumption (p<0.05). Incidence of side effects was low with only 0.81% of African Americans and 2.63% of Caucasians opting to discontinue MC treatment.

Conclusions MC is well-tolerated regardless of race, with improvement in symptomatology reported in both groups. However, our findings suggest that a disparity exists between these populations, which translates to racial inequalities in treatment compliance and outcomes. Further studies are needed to encourage policy changes of state run medical cannabis programs nationwide to address the cost barrier of MC treatment

Authors/Disclosures
Laszlo Mechtler, MD, FEAN, FASN, FAHS, FAAN (Dent Neurologic Institute) PRESENTER	Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Impel Pharma. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Abbvie. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Abbvie. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Genomate Health. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from The Harry Dent Family Foundation, Inc. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Alpheus medical. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Shiratronics. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Abbvie Inc. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Amgen. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Eli Lilly Company. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from H. Lundbeck HS. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Pfizer. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Ownership interest with Neurology Practce Consortium GPO. Dr. Mechtler has a non-compensated relationship as a Board member with International Headache Society that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
	No disclosure on file
Vincent H. Bargnes III	Mr. Bargnes has received research support from Harry Dent Family Foundation.
Paul B. Hart	Mr. Hart has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file

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