Authors
Hallie Heeg, Ana Morari, Michael Lynskey and John JD Turner
Published
September 25, 2024
Background
In the UK, there are over 40,000 specialist clinicians who are eligible to prescribe cannabis-based medical products (CBMPs); however, only approximately 100 actively do so (0.25%). Since the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK in 2018, there has been a limited number of prescriptions issued by the National Health Service (NHS). Availability through private healthcare is rising, with current estimates suggesting that 25,000–30,000 patients are accessing medical cannabis though private clinics.
Objective
The objectives of this study were (1) to assess attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis among medical/health care professionals (HCPs) in the UK, and (2) to examine differences between professionals who had previously undertaken training on medical cannabis and those who had not.
Methods
Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, a questionnaire was presented to participants to explore their personal and professional perspectives towards medical cannabis. Questions addressed HCPs’ perceived knowledge, confidence and concerns about medical cannabis prescribing, alongside their personal experiences and attitudes toward legalization.
Results
A total of 72 HCPs completed the survey, of which 55.6% had received training in medical cannabis. HCPs trained in medical cannabis reported a statistically significant higher perceived knowledge of medical cannabis, greater confidence in prescribing and increased recognition of its value as a medicine compared to their non-trained colleagues (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Notably, trained individuals were significantly less concerned that use of medical cannabis lacks sufficient evidence of efficacy (X2(1) = 8.74, (p = 0.003). Barriers to prescription and cost of medical cannabis were the most endorsed concerns among both HCP groups.
Conclusions
The study found that undergoing medical cannabis training is associated with less hesitancy in prescribing CBMPs and increased confidence in its medicinal value.
To access the full publication from the Drug Science Policy and Law journal, please see below: