#45 - The Relationship between Media and Public Opinion Regarding Cannabis as an Opioid Substitute

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between media and public opinion regarding cannabis as an opioid substitute. To accomplish this aim, an online survey was created and completed by college students (n=134) between 18 and 30 years of age. The survey asked questions examining participant demographic information, media consumption, and opinion towards cannabis and opioids. The data was analyzed in Excel using Chi-Square and Pearson correlation tests. The analysis showed that media and opinion on the use of cannabis as an opioid substitute were not significantly correlated (p=0.82; r=0.079). Also, a majority (57%) of respondents believed cannabis should be available as an opioid alternative and a majority believed opioids are more addictive (77%) and more harmful (85%) than cannabis. Thus, it is concluded that media does not influence opinion on the use of cannabis as an opioid substitute; most of the college students regarded opioids as more addictive and harmful than cannabis regardless of their primary media source.