Exploring hidden risks and empowerment in women’s acquisition of medicinal cannabis from illegal markets: a qualitative study

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dc.citation.volumeLatest Articles
dc.contributor.authorWithanarachchie V
dc.contributor.authorRychert M
dc.contributor.authorWilkins C
dc.date.accessioned2025-04-15T20:43:33Z
dc.date.available2025-04-15T20:43:33Z
dc.date.issued2025-03-21
dc.description.abstractBackground: Women are a growing consumer base for medicinal cannabis (MC) in jurisdictions where it has been legalised, however, many still purchase MC from the unregulated illegal market. Little is known about women’s experiences of buying MC from these male-dominated illegal drug markets. This study explores women’s lived experiences accessing MC from illegal markets in New Zealand (NZ) to inform the need to ehance MC schemes for women. Methods: In-depth interviews with 15 women who purchased MC from the illegal market post MC legalisation. A qualitative description approach analysed their experiences, supplier relationships, and safety. Results: MC legalisation has facilitated a pathway to prescriptions, however, women face barriers including less disposable income, prioritising family expenses, and sexist attitudes among health professionals. Illegal markets were described as intimidating, with reports of sexual harassment, assault, and robbery. A novel finding waswomen-only social media groups for safety and supplier monitoring. Participants felt responsible for their own safety, as reporting to police posed legal risks. Conclusion: Women face gende-specific vulnerabilities when buying MC illegally, including safety risks and exposure to unregulated products. The findings are often overlooked in MC policy discussions, highlighting the need for gender-informed MC access.
dc.description.confidentialfalse
dc.format.pagination1-13
dc.identifier.citationWithanarachchie V, Rychert M, Wilkins C. (2025). Exploring hidden risks and empowerment in women’s acquisition of medicinal cannabis from illegal markets: a qualitative study. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy. Latest Articles. (pp. 1-13).
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/09687637.2025.2481297
dc.identifier.eissn1465-3370
dc.identifier.elements-typejournal-article
dc.identifier.issn0968-7637
dc.identifier.urihttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/72791
dc.languageEnglish
dc.publisherTaylor and Francis Group
dc.publisher.urihttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2025.2481297
dc.relation.isPartOfDrugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
dc.rights(c) 2025 The Author/s
dc.rightsCC BY-NC-ND 4.0
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subjectMedicinal cannabis
dc.subjectwomen
dc.subjectillegal market
dc.subjectharassment
dc.subjectcannabis policy
dc.subjectmedical marijuana
dc.titleExploring hidden risks and empowerment in women’s acquisition of medicinal cannabis from illegal markets: a qualitative study
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.elements-id500340
pubs.organisational-groupOther
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