Pharmacy Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness Toward Marijuana Use

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Marijuana use is prevalent, necessitating an understanding of its risks and benefits.
• Pharmacy students' perspectives on marijuana are crucial given their future roles in healthcare.
• Existing knowledge gaps and attitudes among students require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding marijuana use.
• To compare student perceptions of marijuana's harms versus those of alcohol and tobacco.
• To assess student opinions on marijuana legalization and associated risks like cancer and addiction.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to pharmacy students to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of marijuana.
• The survey included comparative questions on the harmful effects of marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Participants responded to questions regarding marijuana-induced cancer and addiction potential.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three percent of pharmacy students reported lifetime marijuana use.
• Most students perceived tobacco and alcohol as more harmful than marijuana.
• Over sixty percent viewed marijuana as addictive, while 45% disputed its cancer-causing potential.
• Significant support exists for marijuana legalization for medical and/or recreational use.

Conclusions:

• Discrepancies in pharmacy students' knowledge and attitudes toward marijuana highlight a need for targeted education.
• Pharmacy schools should implement educational programs addressing the multifaceted aspects of marijuana.
• Improved understanding of marijuana's benefits and risks is essential for future healthcare professionals.