April medical marijuana reclassification gains new attention online

Plus, a child’s death during a dental procedure prompted questions about the safety of sedation.

Recent social media posts renewed attention to the Justice Department’s April reclassification of medical marijuana as a Schedule III drug, reviving discussion about its medical uses. Other discussions focused on dental sedation for kids after a Texas dentist was arrested in connection with a child’s death. Plus, Minneapolis’s plan to increase police enforcement against open-air drug use fueled stigma toward people who use drugs alongside questions about treatment availability.

In light of these conversations, communicators may share information about medical marijuana, pediatric dental sedation, and SUD treatment.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

Over the past two weeks, several social media posts discussed the Justice Department’s April reclassification of medical marijuana as a Schedule III drug (a class that includes steroids and certain pain medications) rather than a Schedule I drug (a class that includes heroin, LSD, and MDMA), receiving millions of views. Many commenters incorrectly believed that the reclassification happened recently and celebrated the decision, noting that it may usher in more marijuana research. Some discussed using recreational marijuana to manage physical and mental health symptoms like pain and anxiety and asked how to access medical marijuana.

On July 15, a Texas dentist was arrested for allegedly giving a 4-year-old a fatal dose of meperidine, an opioid commonly known as Demerol, during an April dental procedure without following protocol for this type of sedation. Some posts responding to the news received millions of views. Online, parents expressed concern about the types of sedation used during children’s dental procedures and wanted to know whether dental sedation is safe for kids.

Earlier this month, Minneapolis officials announced plans to increase police enforcement against open-air drug use while also connecting people who use drugs to SUD treatment and other services. Many social media users expressed gratitude for the plan, although some asked if Minneapolis has enough treatment services for people with SUD. Commenters also expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs and suggested that they do not deserve treatment.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

Given newfound questions about medical marijuana, communicators may encourage people experiencing pain, anxiety, and other symptoms to talk to a health care provider about available treatment options, as well as the potential risks of marijuana use. Sharing information about your state’s marijuana laws is recommended.

Concerns about dental sedation for kids provide an opportunity to share that specific guidelines should be followed to closely monitor children during procedures. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that at least two health care providers are present for pediatric deep sedation or general anesthesia for dental treatment, with one acting as an independent observer who constantly monitors the patient and can provide life support in case of an emergency. Messaging may encourage parents to talk through sedation options with their child’s dentist before a procedure.

Social media posts and policies around open-air substance use often raise alarm and stigma among the public. Messaging may explain that SUD is a treatable medical condition, just like diabetes or asthma, and highlight treatment resources like SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). Messaging may also include information about local harm reduction programs, which connect people to treatment when they’re ready while also offering lifesaving resources like naloxone, drug test strips, infectious disease testing and treatment, and more.