Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Attitudes: A Survey of the California Pharmacists Association

Assessing the preparedness and future-readiness of Malaysian community pharmacists in Klang Valley regarding the use of medical marijuana

BACKGROUND

This study investigated community pharmacists' level of knowledge and attitude towards medical marijuana and its association with sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 February 2022 to 15 November 2022. Community pharmacists working in Klang Valley were given a self-administered questionnaire. This survey instrument facilitated the collection of information about their sociodemographic attributes, training background, and knowledge and attitude concerning medical marijuana. Through rigorous analysis of the accumulated data, discernible factors correlating with the levels of knowledge and attitudes surrounding medical marijuana were identified.

RESULTS

The majority (n=149, 53.8%) of participants had low knowledge of medical marijuana. Participants with lower knowledge of medical marijuana tend to have a negative attitude toward medical marijuana. Besides that, male participants showed higher knowledge of medical marijuana than female participants. Furthermore, it was found that atheists had the most negative attitude among other religions toward medical marijuana.

CONCLUSION

Most community pharmacists in Malaysia lack sufficient knowledge about medical marijuana. This indicates that Malaysian pharmacists are not future-ready and need to equip themselves with adequate knowledge of the indications and adverse effects of medical marijuana if it is to be legalised one day. Thus, there is a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.

Public Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behavioral Intention Regarding Medical Cannabis in Belgium

Growing evidence on medical cannabis has moved its legislation forward in various countries, which has increased research on stakeholder reactions. While various studies looked at experts and users, research on public perceptions is scarce. This study aims to (1) examine the relationships between knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intention toward medical cannabis, and (2) identify and profile key segments within the general public. An online survey was conducted among 656 respondents in Belgium. Findings showed that both subjective and objective knowledge are relatively poor, while risk/benefit perceptions and behavioral intention are much more positive. Subjective and objective knowledge as well as social trust have a positive influence on benefit perceptions and a negative influence on risk perceptions. In turn, risk and benefit perceptions are key determinants of behavioral intention, but in opposite directions. Furthermore, cluster analysis identified a cautious (23% of the sample), positive (50%), and enthusiastic cluster (27%). In terms of socio-demographic profile, older and highly educated people were significantly more represented in the latter two clusters. While our study demonstrated that cannabis is well accepted for medical purposes, research is needed to further validate the relationships between knowledge, perceptions, and (intended) behavior in different settings and policy contexts.

Therapeutic cannabis use by patients with cancer in Canada: A national survey of the experiences, opinions and information needs of Radiation Therapists

PURPOSE

To understand the experiences, opinions and information needs of Canadian Radiation Therapists when caring for cancer patients who are taking cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP).

METHODS

The study employed prospective data collection, via a single cross-sectional web-based questionnaire. After REB approval, the questionnaire was distributed electronically to all Radiation Therapists across Canada. The questionnaire was open for a one month accrual, with reminders sent at two and four weeks. The raw data was aggregated using standard descriptive statistics. The response differences between naturally occurring demographic cohorts was determined using inferential statistics.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty two Therapists completed the questionnaire (25.6%), of which 19.1% reported being approached by patients to talk about cannabis more than once per month and 4.4% reported initiating a conversation with patients about cannabis. There were no differences between the provinces or catchment areas regarding how common or socially acceptable cannabis use by patients was. Confidence in discussing cannabis was strongly positively correlated with ratings of current knowledge (r² 0.77). Of the respondents, 99.9% believed that their radiation therapy training did not prepare them to support patients using cannabis.

CONCLUSIONS

The data revealed that patients more frequently seek out guidance for CTP than Therapists initiate those discussions. This lack of Therapist willingness to begin cannabis conversations was associated with the low levels of knowledge. Almost all Therapists recognized the limitations of their knowledge and expressed interest in receiving further information about cannabis. The findings of this study strongly advocate for the development of educational tools to meet Therapists clinical needs.

Psychologists' and psychotherapists' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding the therapeutic use of psychedelics

INTRODUCTION

This study explored the current knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding psychedelics among mental health professionals in California, where state legislation to decriminalize psychedelics has been proposed.

METHOD

Two hundred thirty-seven mental health providers (74% female; mean age 54; 83% White; 46% psychologists) completed a 37-item online survey between November 2021 and February 2022, disseminated through local and state-wide professional organizations in California.

RESULTS

Providers endorsed limited knowledge about the risks and benefits of psychedelic use (M = 4.7 and 5.4, respectively, with 10 = high knowledge) and inadequate knowledge to counsel patients on use (45%). Gaps in knowledge related to psychedelic drug scheduling and current use in clinical research were identified. Providers expressed support for additional psychedelic research (97%), approval of recreational (66%) and medical (91%) psychedelic use, belief in the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics (89%), and concerns about safety (33%) and potential psychiatric risks (27%). Results indicated that most providers discuss psychedelic use with patients (73%), yet many do not feel comfortable addressing the effects of use (49%). There were significant correlations between knowledge and attitudes towards psychedelics (r = 0.2, p = .006; r = 0.31, p < .001) and attitudes and clinical practices (r = 0.34, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that providers are interested in psychedelic-assisted treatments and hold favourable attitudes towards the therapeutic use of psychedelics yet lack the knowledge to appropriately counsel patients, highlighting the need for additional provider education about psychedelics.

A cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of Australian pharmacists toward medicinal cannabis

BACKGROUND

Australian pharmacists currently dispense a wide range of prescription-only cannabis-based medicines. Recent regulatory changes will expand the role of pharmacists, allowing certain low-dose cannabidiol products to be supplied without a prescription in pharmacies. This harmonises Australia with many other countries where cannabidiol products are readily available to consumers.

AIM

To examine Australian pharmacists' experience, knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and their preparedness to supply over-the-counter low-dose cannabidiol products.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a 51-item on-line questionnaire that was informed by previous surveys of health professionals and assessed for face validity. Australian pharmacists were recruited to complete the survey between May and December 2021, primarily through professional pharmacy organisations. Pharmacists were included in the final dataset if they completed the demographic characteristics section and at least one additional section of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and relational statistical tests.

RESULTS

There were 272 attempts to complete this survey and 217 responses included in the final dataset. Over half of the respondents (60.0%, 130/217) had dispensed at least one medicinal cannabis prescription during their career and 58.5% (127/217) had received at least one medicinal cannabis enquiry in the last fortnight. Only around half (53.9%, 117/217) felt comfortable supplying medicinal cannabis products and fewer (39.3%, 79/201) were confident discussing cannabis-related enquiries. More than half of the respondents (58.7%, 118/201) supported the provision of low-dose cannabidiol products through pharmacies. Two-thirds (67.8%, 80/118) of respondents achieved relatively low scores (< 60%) in the knowledge component of the survey. Most respondents (94.2%, 178/189) endorsed a need for further training in this area.

CONCLUSION

Australian pharmacists tended to support medicinal cannabis availability and improved access to low-dose cannabidiol products via pharmacies. However, results highlight a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.

UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A Patient Evaluation

The UK Medical Cannabis Registry is the largest real world data platform for medical cannabis outcomes in the UK, providing insight into clinical outcomes and monitoring safety of this novel therapy. This study aims to assess the functionality and accessibility of the online data collection platform and patient priorities for future research. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. For open-ended questions an inductive thematic analysis was performed. 600 responses were recorded. 554 (92.3%) patients had used the platform. 272 (90.4%) patients believed it was easy to input medications. 52 (8.67%) patients recorded an adverse event with 38 (73.1%) finding it easy to record. 535 (96.6%) patients had completed health questionnaires with 490 (91.6%) patients finding this easy to do. 553 (92.2%) patients agreed that contributing to the registry would impact the medical care of future patients. 'Assessing the impact of medical cannabis on quality of life generally' was the top research priority for 357 (59.3%) patients. This study demonstrates that most enrolled patients found the platform easy to use and believed they were positively impacting future medical cannabis patient care. Future patient research priorities included assessment of quality of life and condition-specific outcomes.

Attitudes Toward the Use of Medical Cannabis and the Perceived Efficacy, Side-effects and Risks: A Survey of Patients, Nurses and Physicians

Gaps between physician and patient perceptions may lead to misunderstandings and mismanage of treatment. There are sparse data about the differences in opinions toward medical cannabis (MC) between patients and health professionals. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes toward MC, its perceived efficacy, side effects and risk of dependency, among patients, nurses and physicians. A cross-sectional study of samples of 430 patients, 65 nurses and 65 physicians in two large medical centers in Israel. Questionnaires were administered on attitudes, perceived efficacy, side-effects and perceived risks of dependency. Compared with nurses and physicians, patients who were using MC had the most positive attitudes toward MC (p < .001). Younger age, high school education, being Jewish and ever using MC, were associated with more positive attitudes toward MC among patients (p < .001). Among nurses and physicians, having an oncology specialty predicted more positive attitudes toward MC. Physicians had a less positive attitude toward MC compared to nurses (p < .01). Our study provides evidence that physicians are less positive in their views toward MC compared to nurses and patients. More information and awareness to MC may reduce the gap in perceptions between physicians and patients.

Assessing Health Care Providers' Knowledge of Medical Cannabis

Introduction: Many health care providers would benefit from greater knowledge and awareness of medical cannabis, even if they choose not to integrate it into their medical practice. Unfortunately, health care providers generally report low knowledge of medical cannabis and cite this lack of knowledge as a barrier to making patient recommendations. It is important to understand health care providers' medical cannabis knowledge and its correlates. However, few studies have rigorously assessed clinically relevant cannabis-related knowledge, instead typically focusing on attitudes toward cannabis and perceived knowledge. Methods: Physicians in a university-affiliated health system completed an anonymous online survey. The survey assessed participants' basic demographics and medical experience, experiences with cannabis education, beliefs about their knowledge of and competency regarding medical cannabis, and knowledge of medical cannabis in relation to the current scientific evidence. Results: The average level of medical cannabis knowledge was 58% correct, with scores ranging from 39% to 78% correct. Perceived cannabis knowledge predicted actual knowledge, and those who pursued self-initiated study or attended a lecture on medical cannabis had higher knowledge levels. Conclusion: Levels of factual knowledge about medical cannabis among physicians were moderate. Our results highlight the mismatch between physician knowledge and cannabis policy. We offer our brief, 10-min assessment as a baseline for characterizing cannabis knowledge, acknowledging that the content and interpretation may change as knowledge advances.

Exploratory Factor Analysis of Medical Students’ Perceptions of Medical Cannabis Scale

Background

There are few published research articles investigating medical students’ perceptions of medical cannabis (MC), including their attitudes toward its efficacy and appropriateness in medicine, concerns for potential adverse effects, and their willingness to prescribe it to patients (in future practice). This research investigated the factor structure of a tool to assess medical students’ perceptions of MC for the purpose of curriculum enhancement.

Methods

Using a voluntary electronic survey, quantitative data were collected between January and March 2022 from 526 medical students enrolled in a large medical school in Florida, United States. A 32-item questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to investigate medical students’ perceptions of MC. The survey was anonymous and took about 10 minutes to complete. Bivariate correlation analyses were conducted prior to performing a principal component analysis with varimax rotation.

Results

Using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, three factors were identified with eigenvalues greater than 1.0 and a cumulative variance of 59.694%. These factors are perceived knowledge of MC, concern for possible adverse effects of MC (e.g., the potential for misuse/dependence), and attitudes toward MC (e.g., cannabis having an acceptable role in medicine, willingness (as a future physician) to help patients access MC, obtaining training about MC in school and residency training, the physician’s role as a prescriber, and efficacy and benefits of MC for certain health conditions).

Conclusions

The development of this kind of brief measure may be valuable for defining the future educational needs of medical students and other health professionals as well as a tool for future research.

Predictors of Medical Students’ Perceptions About Medical Cannabis

Background: There has been a recent uptick in interest regarding the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Evidence exists to support the role of medical cannabis (MC) in chronic illness management for conditions such as posttraumatic stress, pain, and cancer. The majority of physicians in the United States report not knowing how to prescribe or answer questions about MC and receive minimal education about it during training. As MC becomes more socially acceptable with federal legalization in process, new physicians will encounter patients looking for information on the utility and safety of MC. The goal of this research was thus to assess the perceived knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of medical students towards MC, and to obtain a better understanding of factors that may influence their attitudes.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding MC. Quantitative data were collected from 526 medical students (years one to four) via an anonymous, online, 32-item questionnaire to determine if perceived knowledge, concerns about the potential negative effects of cannabis, and certain beliefs would significantly contribute to their attitudes toward MC. Hypothesis testing was conducted using Spearman-rank order correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results: A statistically significant regression equation was found: (F(4, 428)=114.826, p<.001 with an R²=0.518 [adjusted R² =0.513]) indicating greater perception of knowledge about MC, lower concern for possible negative effects of MC use, greater belief in federal legalization of MC, and greater belief in the federal legalization of recreational cannabis significantly contributed to a higher score on positive attitudes and perceptions toward MC. Moreover, while many participants reported physicians should be able to prescribe MC, they reported that little if any MC education had been provided.

Conclusions: This study identified the knowledge, concerns, and perceptions of medical students regarding MC as well as several factors contributing to their attitudes about it. Favorable attitudes toward MC among patients exist and as its popularity and acceptance among patients continue, more may be asking their physicians about symptomatic and curative treatment with cannabis-based products. Results from this research have the potential to assist medical educators in understanding students’ perceptions about MC to help guide innovative and contemporary curricular advances as a public health imperative.

To Treat or Not to Treat? Polish Physicians' Opinions about the Clinical Aspects of Cannabinoids-An Online Survey

Introduction: Medical cannabis’ importance in Poland increased dramatically following its legalization as the 12th country in Europe in 2017. However, no studies have been published to give insight into Polish physicians’ opinions about medical cannabis. Objectives: To investigate physician’s opinions about cannabinoids’ utility in clinical practice, concerns regarding their safety profile, and their clinical experience with cannabinoids. Methods: The survey using a self-developed tool was conducted online; participants were physicians with or without specialist training. Participation was voluntary. Physicians were recruited through personal networks, palliative care courses, and Medical Chambers. Results: From June to October 2020, we recruited 173 physicians from 15/16 voivodeships. The largest age group (43.9%; n = 76) was 30–39 year-olds. A similar proportion declared they never used cannabis and did not receive any training regarding cannabinoids (60% for both). Only 15 (8%) ever prescribed medical cannabis, although about 50% declared knowing suitable patients for such therapy, and 53.8% had at least one patient proactively asking for such treatment in the last 6 mo. The most common indication chosen was pain: chronic cancer-related (n = 128), chronic non-cancer (n = 77), and neuropathic (n = 60). Other commonly chosen conditions were alleviation of cancer treatment side-effects (n = 56) and cachexia (n = 57). The overall safety profile of THC was assessed as similar to most commonly used medications, including opioids; NSAIDs and benzodiazepines were, however, perceived as safer. Conclusions: Polish physicians favored the legalization of medical cannabis. However, it is of concern that a limited number have any experience with prescribing cannabis. The creation of clear guidelines to advise physicians in their routine practice and education about pain management and the risks related to the consumption of recreational cannabis for medical conditions are needed.

Marijuana liberalization policies and perinatal health

We studied the effect of marijuana liberalization policies on perinatal health with a multiperiod difference-in-differences estimator that exploited variation in effective dates of medical marijuana laws (MML) and recreational marijuana laws (RML). We found that the proportion of maternal hospitalizations with marijuana use disorder increased by 23% (0.3 percentage points) in the first three years after RML implementation, with larger effects in states authorizing commercial sales of marijuana. This growth was accompanied by a 7% (0.4 percentage points) decline in tobacco use disorder hospitalizations, yielding a net zero effect over all substance use disorder hospitalizations. RMLs were not associated with statistically significant changes in newborn health. MMLs had no statistically significant effect on maternal substance use disorder hospitalizations nor on newborn health and fairly small effects could be ruled out. In absolute numbers, our findings implied modest or no adverse effects of marijuana liberalization policies on the array of perinatal outcomes considered.

A systematic review of medical students' and professionals' attitudes and knowledge regarding medical cannabis

Background

Recently, the renewed global interest in cannabis’ therapeutic properties has resulted in shifting attitudes and legislative policies worldwide. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the existing literature on medical professionals’ and students’ attitudes and knowledge regarding medicinal cannabis (MC) to assess any relevant and significant trends.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, a literature search was performed to identify studies pertaining to healthcare professionals’ and medical students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding MC. There were no search limits on the year of publication; however, studies without primary data (e.g., abstracts, systematic reviews, meta-analyses) and non-English language papers were excluded. Studies were coded according to the following research questions: (1) Do respondents believe that cannabis should be legalized (for medicinal and/or recreational purposes)? (2) Are respondents confident in their level of knowledge regarding cannabis’ clinical applications? (3) Are respondents convinced of cannabis’ therapeutic potential? 4) What current gaps in knowledge exist, and how can the medical community become better informed about cannabis’ therapeutic uses? and (5) Are there significant differences between the knowledge and opinions of healthcare students versus healthcare professionals with respect to any of the aforementioned queries? Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between medical students and medical professionals, and Pearson’s bivariate correlations were used to analyze associations between survey responses and year of publication—as a proxy measurement to assess change over time.

Results

Out of the 741 items retrieved, 40 studies published between 1971 and 2019 were included in the final analyses. In an evaluation of 21 qualified studies (8016 respondents), 49.9% of all respondents favored legalization (SD = 25.7, range: 16–97%). A correlational analysis between the percentage of survey respondents who support MC legalization and year of publication suggests that both medical students’ and professionals’ support for MC legalization has increased from 1991 to 2019 (r(19) = .44, p = .045). Moreover, medical professionals favor the legalization of MC at a significantly higher rate than students (52% vs. 42%, respectively; χ² (1, N = 9019) = 50.72 p < .001). Also, respondents consistently report a strong desire for more education about MC and a substantial concern regarding MC’s potential to cause dependence and addiction. Pearson’s correlations between year of publication and survey responses for both of these queried variables suggest minimal changes within the last decade (2011–2019 for addiction and dependence, 2012-2019 for additional education; r(13) = − .10, p = .713 and r(12) = − .12, p = .678, respectively).

Conclusion

The finding that both medical students’ and professionals’ acceptance of MC has significantly increased in recent decades—in conjunction with their consistent, strong desire for more educational material—suggests that the medical community should prioritize the development of MC educational programs. MC is far more likely to succeed as a safe and viable therapy if the medical professionals who administer it are well-trained and confident regarding its clinical effects. Limitations include a lack of covariate-based analyses and the exclusion of studies published after the literature search was performed (June 2019). Future research should analyze studies published post-2019 to draw temporal comparisons and should investigate the effect of numerous covariates (e.g., gender, religiosity, prior cannabis use) as newer studies gather data on these factors [PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020204382].

Cannabis and End-of-Life Care: A Snapshot of Hospice Planning and Experiences Among Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients With A Terminal Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Between 2013 and 2019, Illinois limited cannabis access to certified patients enrolled in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program (IMCP). In 2016, the state instituted a fast-track pathway for terminal patients. The benefits of medicinal cannabis (MC) have clear implications for patients near end-of-life (EOL). However, little is known about how terminal patients engage medical cannabis relative to supportive care.

METHODS

Anonymous cross-sectional survey data were collected from 342 terminal patients who were already enrolled in (n = 19) or planning to enroll (n = 323) in hospice for EOL care. Logistic regression models compare patients in the sample on hospice planning vs. hospice enrollment, use of palliative care vs. hospice care, and use standard care vs non-hospice palliative care.

RESULTS

In our sample, cancer patients (OR = 0.21 (0.11), p < .01), and those who used the fast-track application into the IMCP (OR = 0.11 (0.06), p < .001) were less likely to be enrolled in hospice. Compared to patients in palliative care, hospice patients were less likely to report cancer as their qualifying condition (OR = 0.16 (0.11), p < .01), or entered the IMCP via the fast-track (OR = 0.23 (0.15), p < .05).

DISCUSSION

Given low hospice enrollment in a fairly large EOL sample, cannabis use may operate as an alternative to supportive forms of care like hospice and palliation. Clinicians should initiate conversations about cannabis use with their patients while also engaging EOL Care planning discussions as an essential part of the general care plan.

Attitudes and beliefs about medical cannabis among social work students: Cross-national comparison

OBJECTIVES

Worldwide, considerable attention is being given to cannabis use for medical conditions. In the current study, we sought to assess attitudes and beliefs about MC among social work students from the US and Israel.

METHODS

We sought to assess attitudes and beliefs about MC among a sample of 417 social work students (230 from the US and 187 from Israel) who voluntarily participated in an anonymous online survey. Chi-square tests were used to analyze differences between groups.

RESULTS

Most of the US and Israeli participants (84.3 % and 96.7 %, respectively) reported no formal education about MC; and, they would recommend MC for their clients. Participants who reported any cannabis use, compared to non-users, were more likely to believe MC could benefit physical or mental health and less inclined to believe use of the substance poses serious physical or mental health risks. Secular, compared to religious students, believed it has more benefits for physical and/or mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings evidence a considerable dearth of formal evidence-based education about cannabis for medical conditions in two university-based cohorts, despite beliefs in MC as useful for physical and mental health conditions. Efforts to develop curricula and training programs for social work students are needed since they will be among key professionals addressing client needs from health care and counseling perspectives.

Cannabis for medical purposes: A cross-sectional analysis of health care professionals' knowledge

BACKGROUND

Legalization of cannabis use and the evidence base supporting both risks and benefits of cannabinoids are expanding, but our understanding of health care professionals' (HCPs) knowledge about cannabis for medical purposes is limited. Understanding of the knowledge base and knowledge gaps about medical cannabis use is critical to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) because they are increasingly called on to manage patients taking multiple drugs, including prescribed and unprescribed cannabis and prescription cannabinoids.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine HCPs' knowledge of clinical cannabis, including laws and regulations; risks and harms; pharmacology; and effects on pain, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and seizures as assessed with written tests before an in-person, continuing medical education program.

METHODS

Total scores and differences among professions and topics were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 178 of the 226 program attendees completed the test (79%) (107 [47%] physicians, 30 [13%] APRNs, and 18 [8%] registered nurses). The mean test score was 63.2% (SD = 12.7%) without significant differences among professions (F(3, 174) = 1.53; p = .21) but with significant differences among topics (χ2(7, 1068) = 201.13; p < .001). The score was lowest for effects on seizures (43.8%) and with scores below 70% for all other areas except laws and regulations (85.7%).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

There are substantial gaps in HCPs' knowledge about the clinical effects of cannabis, especially about risks and harms, pharmacology, and the effects on pain, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and seizures. Further education may help HCPs to understand the risks and benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids across conditions.

Practice Patterns and Training Needs Among Physicians Certifying Patients for Medical Marijuana in Florida

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the clinical training or practice experiences among physicians who certify patients for medical marijuana. The objective of this study was to determine information sources, factors influencing recommendations, clinical practices in patient assessment, communications, and recommendations, and priority areas for additional training among physicians who certify patients for medical marijuana.

METHODS

A cross-sectional state-wide anonymous survey of registered medical marijuana physicians in Florida between June and October 2020 was administered. Numerical responses were quantified using counts and percentages. The frequencies for "often" and "always" responses were aggregated when appropriate.

RESULTS

Among 116 respondents, the mean (standard deviation) age was 57 (12) years old, and 70% were male. The most frequently used information sources were research articles (n = 102, 95%), followed by online sources (n = 99, 93%), and discussions with other providers and dispensary staff (n = 84, 90%). Safety concerns were most influential in patient recommendations (n = 39, 39%), followed by specific conditions (n = 30, 30%) and patient preferences (n = 26, 30%). Ninety-three physicians (92%) reported they "often" or "always" perform a patient physical exam. Eighty-four (77%) physicians provided specific administration route recommendations. Half (n = 56) "often" or "always" provided specific recommendations for Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: cannabidiol ratios, while 69 (62%) "often" or "always" provided specific dose recommendations. Online learning/training modules were the most preferred future training mode, with 88 (84%) physicians "likely" or "very likely" to participate. The top 3 desired topics for future training were marijuana-drug interactions (n = 84, 72%), management of specific medical conditions or symptoms (n = 83, 72%), and strategies to reduce opioids or other drugs use (n = 78, 67%).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey of over 100 medical marijuana physicians indicates that their clinical practices rely on a blend of research and anecdotal information sources. While physicians report clinical factors as influential during patient recommendation, patient assessment practices and treatment regimen recommendations vary substantially and rely on experimental approaches. More research is needed to inform evidence-based practice and training, especially considering details on drug interactions, risk-benefit of treatment for specific clinical conditions, and strategies to reduce opioid use.

Community pharmacists' lack of knowledge and confidence in non-prescription cannabidiol products

BACKGROUND

Non-prescription cannabidiol (CBD) products have recently been available in community pharmacies. However, there is only limited data to support its use, placing community pharmacists in a challenging position to provide evidence-based information to patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, experience, and confidence of non-prescription CBD products among community pharmacists.

METHODS

A 38-question pen-and-paper survey pertaining to knowledge, experience, and confidence of non-prescription CBD products was administered to community pharmacists in the California Bay Area. Inclusion criteria consisted of registered pharmacists at community pharmacies during regular business hours. Participants were excluded if they were under 18 years old or unwilling to participate.

RESULTS

Of 128 pharmacists, 103 took part and completed the survey (response rate 80.4%). The majority (78.5%) were unable to answer at least 80% of the non-prescription CBD knowledge-based questions. Over 50% have received patient questions and 20.4% recommended non-prescription CBD products in the last 12 months. More than half were "not confident" answering questions about non-prescription CBD products, and 14.5% received formal training on the topic.

CONCLUSION

Despite patients commonly asking about non-prescription CBD products, the majority of pharmacists lack clinical knowledge and confidence on the topic. There is a need to provide formal training and educational resources on non-prescription CBD products.

Cannabis Abuse or Dependence and Post-operative Outcomes After Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Though cannabis is gaining broader acceptance among society and a noted increase in legalization, little is known regarding its impact on post-operative outcomes. We conducted this study to quantify the relationship between cannabis abuse or dependence (CbAD) on post-operative outcomes after cholecystectomy and appendectomy.

METHODS

Using the 2013-2015 Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified discharges associated with cholecystectomy or appendectomy from January 2013-August 2015. Patients were grouped by CbAD history. The primary outcomes were length of stay, serious adverse events, home discharge, and 30-day readmission. Propensity-score matching was used to account for differences between groups and all statistics accounted for the matched sample.

RESULTS

The final sample included 3288 patients with a CbAD history matched 1:1 to patients without a CbAD history (total sample = 6576). After matching, acceptable balance was achieved in clinical characteristics between groups. In the cholecystectomy cohort (n = 1707 pairs), CbAD patients had longer hospitalizations (3.5 versus 3.2 d, P 0.003) and similar rates of serious adverse events (6.1 versus 4.8, P 0.092), home discharge (96.1 vs 96.2, P 0.855), and readmission (8.3 versus 6.9, P 0.137). In the appendectomy cohort (n = 1581 pairs), CbAD patients had longer hospital stays (2.7 versus 2.5 d, P 0.024); more frequent serious adverse events (5.0 versus 3.5, P 0.041); and similar home discharge (96.8 vs 97.3, P 0.404) and readmission (5.4 versus 5.1, P 0.639) rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a history of CbAD in the cholecystectomy and appendectomy cohorts had slightly longer hospital stays, and patients with a history of CbAD in the appendectomy group displayed a slight increase in adverse events, but otherwise similar clinical outcomes without clinically significant increases in complications compared to patients without this history.