Date of Award

Spring 4-12-2023

Embargo Period

4-19-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Health Administration

Department

Health Administration

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Mary Dooley

Second Advisor

Kit Simpson

Third Advisor

Zahi Jurdi

Abstract

Overdose rates have been on the rise in the United States. In 2018 Arkansas launched its medical cannabis program. The effects of cannabis are still not widely known due to limited research and legislation. Utilizing state issued reports, we examined if a state medical cannabis program had any impact on overdose rates between 2018 and 2020. Data was examined from the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and the Arkansas Medical Marijuana program to determine if a pattern could be recognized on the impact of state medical cannabis programs. Data was examined at a county level to determine if any change had occurred between 2018 and 2020. While largely inconclusive there is some evidence to suggest the state cannabis program could have a positive impact, but further and more detailed research is needed.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

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