Predictors of Medical Students' Perceptions About Medical Cannabis

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing interest in medical cannabis (MC) for chronic conditions.
• Physicians often lack adequate training and knowledge regarding MC.
• Increasing patient inquiries necessitate physician preparedness for MC discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess medical students' knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of MC.
• To understand factors influencing medical students' attitudes toward MC.
• To inform medical education on MC to meet public health needs.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 526 medical students (years 1-4).
• Anonymous online questionnaire assessing knowledge, concerns, and beliefs about MC.
• Statistical analysis using Spearman-rank correlation and multivariate linear regression.

Main Results:

• Perceived knowledge, lower concern for negative effects, and belief in legalization positively correlated with favorable attitudes toward MC.
• A significant regression model (R=0.518) identified key contributing factors.
• Most students believed physicians should prescribe MC, yet reported minimal MC education.

Conclusions:

• Medical students' attitudes toward MC are influenced by perceived knowledge, concerns, and beliefs about legalization.
• Favorable patient attitudes toward MC necessitate improved physician education.
• Curricular advancements are needed to equip future physicians to address patient needs regarding MC.