Post-legalization Consumption of Cannabis at Massachusetts General Hospital Dental Group

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of patients undergoing dental treatment in relation to cannabis use.

A comprehensive questionnaire was used to address the type of cannabis preparations, route of intake, frequency of usage, and potential reasoning for use (recreational vs medical use) of patients from the MGH Dental Group.

Seventy-six adult patients completed the survey. Sixty-one percent of the participants were female, with the majority (59%) of the participants being ≥51 years or older. Twelve of the 76 participants (16%) were 18-30 years old. The remaining 19 patients (25%) who participated in the study were 31-50 years old. The sample included participants who were predominately non-Hispanic (63 patients, 83%) and White (59 patients, 78%). The majority of patients either had their first use of cannabis prior to 18 years of age (36%) or did not respond to this question (34%) at all. The predominant age at consistent cannabis use was 18-30 years (13%). The most common method of cannabis intake in the preceding year for participants was smoking, followed by ingesting, using cannabidiol (CBD), and vaping (least common). Recreational cannabis use was reported in 47% of the participants vs 28% of participants who reported cannabis intake for medical use.

This preliminary study characterized the profile of patients undergoing dental treatment in relation to marijuana use. Diminishing restraints to cannabis use may affect the dental profession.

It is important for dentists to understand cannabis-related oral health conditions to provide customized patient treatments.