Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clinical Experience with Cannabinoid Therapies: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Rheumatologists

In Morocco, cannabinoid therapies have recently been legalised. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Moroccan rheumatologists toward these emerging treatments.

A pretested online questionnaire was distributed via email to all members of the Moroccan Society of Rheumatology. The survey assessed participants' knowledge, prescribing confidence, perceived risks, safety precautions, and barriers to the use of cannabinoid therapies.

Of the 400 rheumatologists contacted, 126 responded (response rate: 32%). Among them, 59.5% reported confidence in their knowledge of cannabinoid therapies. A total of 80.6% of respondents believed that pharmacological cannabinoids may have a role in managing rheumatic diseases, while 9.7% declared that there is currently no therapeutic role for cannabinoids in rheumatology. Only 7.1% had recommended a therapeutic trial, and 52.8% expressed concern that the use of cannabinoids may cause patients to discontinue effective standard treatments. Fibromyalgia was the most frequently cited indication (85.7%). The main barriers to prescribing cannabinoid therapies were concerns about a history or risk of substance abuse (79.2%) and patient non-compliance with medical advice (79.2%).

This finding highlights hesitation and caution toward these emerging treatments in Morocco. There is a clear need for evidence-based guidance to support rheumatologists in clinical decision-making concerning cannabinoids.