Place over Traits: Edible Purchasing Behaviors from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Los Angeles, CA

Introduction: Place-based distribution of marijuana products has increased with the rise of state-level policies permitting medical and/or recreational consumption of marijuana. Recent interest has arisen around the sales of marijuana-infused edibles through these venues, given concerns about over-consumption, increased risk of deleterious psychotropic effects, and accidental poisonings of young children. However, there is a lack of systematic research that examines how these edibles are obtained through these venues and by whom, which can help to inform place-based prevention efforts.

Methods: This study used multi-stage, random sampling techniques to systematically explore discrete purchasing behaviors of edibles and other products by patrons exiting 16 medical marijuana dispensaries (MMDs) in Los Angeles, California during Spring 2013. Of the 568 patrons with complete surveys, 77% were male, and the average age was 34 years. The sample was racially and ethnically diverse (32% white, 31% black, 26% Latino, and 11% other race). Hierarchical generalized linear modelling (HGLM) was used to examine likelihood of purchasing edible products regressed on characteristics of sampled dispensaries (level 2) and their patrons (level 1).

Results: Of individuals purchasing marijuana products, 64 (12.2%) reported purchasing edibles, predominantly baked goods (n = 33; 6.3%) and candies (n = 26; 4.9%). Patrons were more likely to purchase edibles from MMDs located within Census tracts with higher median incomes (OR = 1.020, 95% CI [1.004, 1.036], p = .019) or in close proximity to a higher number of other MMD locations (OR = 1.362, 95% CI [1.043, 1.777], p = .026). Individual traits of patrons were not significantly associated with purchase of edibles when controlling for dispensary-level variables.

Conclusions: For our sample, variation in purchase of edibles during a discrete visit to a MMD appears to be best explained by venue-specific variables rather than individual traits of patrons. It may be that communities with a higher density of MMDs place pressure on a specific MMD location to distinguish themselves with a broader range or higher quality of specialty products, such as edibles. Currently, there is little regulation by individual states for venue-level distribution of edibles. Policies regulating products sold within MMDs may prove to be effective for reducing access to and purchasing of edibles. Alternatively, MMDs in high income areas may be serving more patrons with disposable incomes, which allows for specialty purchases. Social marketing campaigns targeting the dangers of over-consumption of edibles and/or accidental poisoning of young children may benefit from targeting MMD locations within communities with a high-income median income or a high density of MMDs.