The phenomenon of medical marijuana: a cross-sectional analysis of Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship pharmacy data

Background: Therapy based on medicinal cannabis or medical marijuana has attracted much international attention in recent years.Aim of the study: To assess the sale of medical marijuana in the Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship between March 2019 and September 2020, estimate medical marijuana demand, and attempt to explain at least some of the reasons for the identified discrepancies.Material and methods: The study used data on medical marijuana sales in the Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship collected by the Voivodeship Pharmaceutical Inspectorate in Olsztyn.Results: Medical marijuana is sold in trace amounts in the Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, although the available data indicate a dynamic increase in sales.Conclusions: Medical marijuana is available for sale in pharmacies in Poland in the form of pharmaceutical raw material. Currently, its sale, at least in the Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, is particularly small, though it is very likely that its future sales will increase. Despite this, there are no readily available reliable sources of information in Poland about the known benefits and dangers of medical marijuana use. In this situation, reliable knowledge needs to be disseminated to doctors and patients to safely achieve its therapeutic potential.