US Nurses, Neurologists, and Pharmacists Showing Support for Cannabis-Based Therapies
As cannabis gains traction both in public perception and acceptance by the scientific and medical communities, a better understanding of its still-growing potential is at hand. New applications for cannabis are still being developed while cannabinoid therapies for many different conditions have been increasing alongside a more widespread recognition of the power the plant holds. A recent survey has taken a look at the perception of these cannabis-based therapies, and cannabis use in general, in the eyes of US nurses, neurologists, and pharmacists. [1]
The survey was conducted by the Department of Sociology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and reveals some interesting trends and perceptions of cannabis through the lens of healthcare professionals. This online survey was designed to look at how these professionals felt about cannabis-based therapies for certain conditions as well as recreational use. The survey sample was made up mostly of participants with a reported 11 years or more of professional experience with 24% working at academic hospitals and 11% at pediatric practices. Of those surveyed (451 individuals), 45% lived or worked in locations that did not allow cannabis use for medical purposes while 58% were in states that had less conservative laws on cannabis.
Some key findings from this survey:
- Over 80% of those surveyed were in support of the use and legalization of medical cannabis.
- 43% support legal recreational cannabis use.
- 20-44% of participants felt they were not knowledgeable enough about medical cannabis use in their respective fields.
- Overall, there still seems to be a stigma surrounding medical cannabis recommendations with 88% of nurses, 92% of nurse practitioners, and 74% of neurologists stating as much.
It’s important to note that the medical cannabis-based therapy most familiar to (and supported by) participants in this study was cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy treatment as this has been the most widespread legally approved application of cannabis-based therapy in recent years.
The survey shows a growing support for the practical application of cannabis and cannabinoids as a source for new and innovative therapies amongst medical professionals. It also indicates a definite knowledge gap in locations where cannabis treatment is not legal, and the still-present social stigma involved with cannabis in the medical professions. [1]
Image by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
References:
- Szaflarski, M. et al. Attitudes and knowledge about cannabis and cannabis-based therapies among US neurologists, nurses, and pharmacists. Epilepsy & Behavior. 109. Journal Impact Factor = 2.508