This post provides an analysis of the Cannabis Access for Medical Purposes Survey (C.A.M.P.S.) performed by the University of British Columbia, the Canadian AIDS Society, the Canadian Treatment Action Council, the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, and the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD).
The 628 respondents were 71% male, 29% female and 0.5% transgender and other genders, 92% Caucasians and 7% First Nations and Metis. The mean age was 39 years. The median household income was $30,000 – $39,999. Most (96%) had completed secondary school and 58% had completed some post-secondary education. Responses were obtained from all ten Canadian provinces and one of the three territories, and respondents reported living in urban (47%), suburban (32%), and rural or remote areas (22%).
– Barriers to Access for Canadians who Use Cannabis for Medical Purposes – Canadian Aids Society
Respondents reported using cannabis for anxiety and depression, pain, arthritis, spinal pain, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cancer, epilepsy and a variety of other illnesses. They used cannabis to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, mood, spasticity and others.
Note: This survey was performed in late 2011-2012 under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR). Canadians now access medical cannabis under the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). Additional data concerned supply sources and pricing – not really applicable information under the new regulations.
Sources:
- News Story about C.A.M.P.S.
- C.A.M.P.S. Survey Questions
- Barriers to Access for Canadians who Use Cannabis for Medical Purposes
- Substituting cannabis for prescription drugs, alcohol and other substances among medical cannabis patients: The impact of contextual factors
