An exploration of medical professionals’ attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis in the United Kingdom

Article

Heeg, H., Morari, A., Lynskey, M. and Turner, J. 2024. An exploration of medical professionals’ attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis in the United Kingdom. Drug Science, Policy and Law. 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245241283699
AuthorsHeeg, H., Morari, A., Lynskey, M. and Turner, J.
Abstract

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.

JournalDrug Science, Policy and Law
Journal citation10
ISSN2050-3245
Year2024
PublisherSAGE Publications
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245241283699
Publication dates
Online25 Sep 2024
Publication process dates
AcceptedAug 2024
Deposited24 Oct 2024
Copyright holder© 2024 by Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs
Additional information

Heeg H, Morari A, Lynskey M, Turner JJ. An exploration of medical professionals’ attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis in the United Kingdom. Drug Science, Policy and Law. 2024;10. © 2024 by Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs. doi:10.1177/20503245241283699

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