Exploring women's intentions to seek medicinal cannabis prescriptions in New Zealand using the theory of planned behaviour.
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| Title: | Exploring women's intentions to seek medicinal cannabis prescriptions in New Zealand using the theory of planned behaviour. |
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| Authors: | Withanarachchie, Vinuli (AUTHOR), Rychert, Marta (AUTHOR), Wilkins, Chris (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy. Feb2026, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p113-125. 13p. |
| Subjects: | Medical marijuana, Health services accessibility, Sexism, Medical prescriptions, Research funding, Health attitudes, Self-efficacy, Qualitative research, Planned behavior theory, Interviewing, Statistical sampling, Health, Psychology of women, Help-seeking behavior, Information resources, Descriptive statistics, Motivation (Psychology), Thematic analysis, Pharmacy information services, Intention, Physician-patient relations, Attitudes of medical personnel, Research methodology, Social networks, Medical appointments, Judgment (Psychology), Medical needs assessment, Drug laws, Health education, Social support, Data analysis software, Social stigma, Medical referrals, Medical care costs, Drug dosage, Drug administration |
| Geographic Terms: | New Zealand |
| Abstract: | Background: Women are an emerging demographic for legal medicinal cannabis (MC) in New Zealand and overseas, yet their information sources and prescription pathways remain underexplored. This study examines how women learn about MC and the factors influencing their prescription decisions, including motivations tied to prior cannabis experience. Methods: Interviews with 23 women who sought MC prescriptions in the last 12 months. The Theory of Planned Behaviour guided the deductive thematic analysis to explore the factors influencing their intention to seek MC prescriptions. Results: Participants were primarily motivated by positive online testimonies from other women MC consumers. Unregulated forums, social media, and cannabis clinics websites provided accessible channels for MC information, supporting self-guided treatment and perceptions of prescription pathways (private cannabis clinics vs. regular physicians). Past negative experiences with medical professionals influenced these choices. While some women feared stigma and judgement, others felt empowered to prioritise their needs and challenge gendered views of cannabis. Conclusion: The TPB model showed that positive beliefs about MC, accessible prescriptions, and support encouraged legal MC use, while stigma and negative physician interactions discouraged it. Digital platforms enabled self-guided treatment, however, limit reliable information. Credible online resources are needed to support women's growing interest in MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background: Women are an emerging demographic for legal medicinal cannabis (MC) in New Zealand and overseas, yet their information sources and prescription pathways remain underexplored. This study examines how women learn about MC and the factors influencing their prescription decisions, including motivations tied to prior cannabis experience. Methods: Interviews with 23 women who sought MC prescriptions in the last 12 months. The Theory of Planned Behaviour guided the deductive thematic analysis to explore the factors influencing their intention to seek MC prescriptions. Results: Participants were primarily motivated by positive online testimonies from other women MC consumers. Unregulated forums, social media, and cannabis clinics websites provided accessible channels for MC information, supporting self-guided treatment and perceptions of prescription pathways (private cannabis clinics vs. regular physicians). Past negative experiences with medical professionals influenced these choices. While some women feared stigma and judgement, others felt empowered to prioritise their needs and challenge gendered views of cannabis. Conclusion: The TPB model showed that positive beliefs about MC, accessible prescriptions, and support encouraged legal MC use, while stigma and negative physician interactions discouraged it. Digital platforms enabled self-guided treatment, however, limit reliable information. Credible online resources are needed to support women's growing interest in MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 09687637 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09687637.2025.2476989 |
