A nationwide survey of pharmacy students’ knowledge and perceptions regarding medical cannabis

Abstract

Objective The primary objective of this study was to compare knowledge and perceptions of medical cannabis (MC) between pharmacy students who attended schools where MC was legal and illegal. Design A nationwide anonymous survey regarding MC was distributed to pharmacy students. The survey consisted of the following sections: (1) demographics and personal factors, (2) knowledge assessment of indications and adverse effects of MC, and (3) perceptions assessment. Setting and participants Equal numbers of pharmacy schools were selected and sent surveys based on geographical regions, private versus public universities, and the state’s legal status of MC for first through fourth-year pharmacy students to complete. Outcome measures Student knowledge of MC indications and adverse effects were treated as quizzes. Median percentage correct and whether students passed the quizzes (≥ 70%) were evaluated based on the state’s legal status. Students’ perceptions were similarly compared. Results A total of 629 students accessed the survey. Most students who completed the survey attended pharmacy schools where MC was illegal (55%), were female (68%), and had personally tried cannabis (53%). Overall, 91% of students believed that MC should be legalized nationally. A low number of students correctly identify approved indications with 14.8% of students in states with MC legalization scoring greater than 70% compared with 15.9% of students in states without MC legalization (P = 0.748). Similar findings were seen in the side effects quiz with only 6.1% of students in states with legal MC scoring greater than 70% compared with 7.4% of students where MC is illegal (P = 0.569) There were minimal differences in students’ perceptions of MC based on the states’ legal status. Conclusion Our study continues to highlight that pharmacy students lack knowledge and preparation to counsel and educate on MC. With increasing state legalizations, pharmacy schools need to address this knowledge gap to ensure optimal patient care.