State Policies and Clinicians’ Perspectives on the Inclusion of Medical Cannabis in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Studies have shown that information on cannabis use remains almost absent from electronic health records (EHRs). The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is utilized by some states to capture medical cannabis (MC) use information. We assessed clinicians’ and administrators’ perceptions of incorporating MC use information into PDMPs and described current state-level practices for MC inclusion. Methods The primary aim was to identify characteristics that influence cannabis documentation throughout the EHR, while this exploratory analysis addressed the value of the PDMP for MC use information. In this mixed-methods study, we conducted 50 qualitative interviews with clinicians and administrators in March–July 2023 assessing MC in PDMPs and a national survey sent to 51 state PDMP administrators examining MC information shared with clinicians. Results Of the 50 participants interviewed, 24 were explicitly asked about the PDMP, and four additional participants organically mentioned the PDMP or similar program and discussed its impact. Among the 28 participants, 19 (67.9%) believed MC in the PDMP would positively impact patient care. Fifty states and the District of Columbia responded to our survey. Six states (Connecticut, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Mississippi, and Virginia) included MC dispensing. Four states (Arizona, Illinois, North Dakota, and Utah) have an MC card indicator in the PDMP. Conclusion Patients and clinicians could benefit from MC in the PDMPs; access to clinically actionable information could prevent drug/drug interactions, cannabis-induced psychosis, and enable early intervention for misuse. Since the USA changed MC to schedule III, policymakers may consider these findings.