State policies and clinicians′ and administrators′ perspectives on the inclusion of Medical Cannabis information in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Introduction: Medical cannabis use is increasing worldwide, and information about its use could aid clinicians in decision making. A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is an electronic database designed to track controlled substance (CII-CV) prescriptions; the use evolved to support patient care. We analyzed the perceived impact of cannabis information in the PDMP within an integrated health system in Pennsylvania and state PDMP policies around cannabis. Methods: We conducted a sub-analysis of 50 semi-structured interview transcripts. Interviews were conducted March-July 2023 with a multidisciplinary group of clinicians and administrators to understand cannabis use documentation. Twenty-four participants were asked if cannabis in the PDMP would impact their work. Additionally, we asked PDMP administrators of 50 US states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) if cannabis is in their PDMP. If yes, we inquired about software, timeframe, and data sharing. Results: Almost two-thirds of 26 participants (N = 17, 65.4%) believed cannabis in the PDMP would positively impact patient care. Fifty states and D.C. replied to our survey. Six states (i.e., CT, LA, NY, OH, MS, and VA) have medical cannabis dispensations. Four states (i.e., AZ, IL, ND, and UT) have a medical cannabis card indicator in the PDMP. Conclusions: Participants perceive medical cannabis in the PDMP could enhance clinical decisions, but inclusion requires policy changes in 40 states and D.C. Rescheduling of cannabis could accelerate adoption of medical cannabis into the PDMP. The PDMP is an underutilized tool that could provide crucial information to clinicians, but substantial policy changes are necessary.