# Transformer-Based Topic Modeling: Characterizing Cannabis Product Adverse Experiences Self-Reported as Requiring Medical Attention on Reddit

**Authors:** Tim Ken Mackey, Matthew C Nali, Meng Zhen Larsen, Zhuoran Li, Cassandra L Taylor, Beverly Wolpert, Catharine Trice

PMC · DOI: 10.2196/82661 · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 2026-02-04

## TL;DR

This study analyzes self-reported cannabis-related adverse experiences on Reddit to identify patterns and common issues requiring medical attention.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a transformer-based algorithm for characterizing cannabis adverse experiences on social media.

## Key findings

- A total of 1177 self-reported cannabis adverse experiences requiring medical attention were identified.
- The study combines keyword filtering and inductive content coding to categorize these experiences.
- The findings highlight the potential of social media as a source for understanding cannabis-related health issues.

## Abstract

This study uses keyword filtering, a transformer-based algorithm, and inductive content coding to identify and characterize cannabis adverse experiences as discussed on the social media platform Reddit and reports a total of 1177 self-reported adverse experiences requiring medical attention.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** panic attack (MESH:D016584), Hyperemesis Syndrome (MESH:D006939), chest pain (MESH:D002637), SRRMA (MESH:D000069279), nausea (MESH:D009325), vomiting (MESH:D014839), anxiety (MESH:D001007), abdominal/stomach pain (MESH:D015746), Poison (MESH:D011041), paranoia (MESH:D010259), Drug Abuse (MESH:D019966)
- **Chemicals:** lysergic acid diethylamide (MESH:D008238), Cannabinoid (MESH:D002186), cannabidiol (MESH:D002185), BERT (-), nicotine (MESH:D009538), cocaine (MESH:D003042), alprazolam (MESH:D000525), tetrahydrocannabinol (MESH:D013759)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Nicotiana tabacum (American tobacco, species) [taxon 4097]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917483/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917483/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917483