Do You Use Medical Marijuana?

A CONFIDENTIAL SURVEY OF OUR READERS

The ongoing national debate about the legalization of medical marijuana has a direct impact on the lives of many people with HIV. Please take our anonymous survey, which was created in consultation with Americans for Safe Access and the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), so that we can get a better idea of your health care needs and opinions as they relate to marijuana.
 
1. Are you HIV positive?
Yes
No
 
2. What year were you diagnosed?
 
3. Are you currently on antiretroviral therapy for HIV?
Yes
No
 
4. Have you ever used marijuana (in your lifetime)?
Yes
No
 
5. Have you ever used marijuana therapeutically (to help with symptoms of an illness)?
Yes, until I no longer needed it or found something else that works for me
Yes, I tried it and it didn’t work for me
Yes, I use it regularly to control and manage symptoms
No, I use prescribed medication and it works to relieve my symptoms
No, I want to, but marijuana is illegal
No, I want to, but I don’t know where to find marijuana
No, I don’t want to use marijuana because it's illegal
No, I don’t believe marijuana has any medicinal benefits
No, I cannot afford it
No, I don’t want to use marijuana
Other: (please specify) 
 
6. Do you currently use marijuana therapeutically?
Yes
No
 
7. Why do/did you use marijuana? (check all that apply)
to reduce nausea/vomiting
to stimulate appetite
to reduce pain
to help sleep
to reduce anxiety
to improve mood
to manage/gain weight
to be able to tolerate medication
to help relax
to control fatigue
Other: (please specify) 
 
8. How long have you been using marijuana therapeutically?
Under one year
1-5 years
5-10 years
Over 10 years
 
9. How often do you use marijuana therapeutically?
Frequently throughout the day
One/twice daily
A few times a week
A few times a month
At random intervals—when symptoms flare
 
10. How do you use marijuana? (check all that apply)
I smoke it (marijuana only)
I mix it with tobacco and smoke it
I eat it—brownies, butter, etc.
I use a spray
I use a vaporizer
I use a tincture
 
11. How do you get access to marijuana for your use?
I grow my own—I have a state-license to do so
I grow my own—I do not have a license to do so
I have a designated grower—and s/he is state-licensed to do so
I have a designated grower—and s/he is not licensed to do so
I get it from a friend/someone I know
I am a member of a medical cannabis cooperative/buyers club
I get it from a street dealer
Other: (please specify) 
 
12. Have you discussed medical marijuana with your doctor?
Yes
No
 
13. If you discussed it with your doctor, what was the reaction?
Supportive
Skeptical
Disapproval
 
14. If you didn’t discuss it with your doctor, why not?
Fear/stigma
Unsure how to bring it up
Privacy
I don't have a doctor
Other: (please specify) 
 
15. Do you think marijuana should be legal for therapeutic use?
Yes
No
 
16. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Transgender
Other: 
 
17. What is your ethnicity? (check all that apply.)
American Indian or Alaska Native
Arab or Middle Eastern
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
Other: 
 
18. What is your age?
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Over 75
 
19. What is your ZIP code?