Pharmacy Student Knowledge, Confidence and Attitudes Toward Medical Cannabis and Curricular Coverage

Abstract

Objective. To assess pharmacy student confidence in their knowledge of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use in the US and their attitudes toward curricular coverage of medical cannabis. Methods. Students were asked to complete an electronic survey to measure knowledge and confidence in various domains of medical cannabis treatment, including qualifying conditions, adverse effects, and other patient care skills. Results. There were 238 students who completed the survey. Responses to all domains and their corresponding confidence levels displayed a lack in confidence. The only domain wherein students had confidence in was their ability to retrieve related drug information. Nearly 80% of students felt that the topic of medical cannabis should be added to existing curricula within the next five years. Conclusion.With the prevalence of cannabis programs and knowledge gap, pharmacy schools should consider coverage of medical cannabis in the curricula.

Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Medical Marijuana: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

“…The results of the current study demonstrate that nursing students have a poor knowledge of the potential uses of medical marijuana, as well as the risks associated to it, which corroborates findings from previous studies suggesting that healthcare students need more training on medical marijuana [21,[24][25][26]. The students did not know either authorized indications or non-authorized ones.…”

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

“…Surveys of pharmacy students have shown more than half of pharmacy students support MC legalization, with a recent survey showing an 85% acceptance rates in 2018 at a private pharmacy school in the Midwest. 10,11 Some states have moved to include pharmacists in the dispensing of MC in some capacity. 2 Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania require a pharmacist or a health care professional, depending on the state, to be onsite at MC dispensaries, whereas Arkansas requires dispensaries to appoint a pharmacist consultant.…”

“…However, surveys of pharmacists and pharmacy students have shown that more training and education is necessary to answer clinical questions on MC. 10,11,[19][20][21] Three published studies have assessed pharmacy student knowledge about MC. 10,11,19 Two studies were conducted at Midwestern pharmacy schools where MC was illegal, in 2011 and 2017.…”

“…10,11,[19][20][21] Three published studies have assessed pharmacy student knowledge about MC. 10,11,19 Two studies were conducted at Midwestern pharmacy schools where MC was illegal, in 2011 and 2017. 10,11 Both studies surveyed first through third year pharmacy students and found that most students were not able to correctly identify conditions for which MC is generally permitted.…”

Moving pharmacy forward: Student pharmacists “embrace and advocate change in the profession”

“…A 2017 study demonstrated that student pharmacists largely felt nonconfident in discussing risks of medical cannabis use with patients. 19 In line with evidence-based medicine, student pharmacists also recognized the need for more research with these agents to inform curricular expansion regarding pharmacologic impacts for patients. In addition to the potential therapeutic implications of cannabis and related products, the diverse legal landscape regarding cannabis and related products adds additional nuances to be understood by student pharmacists and pharmacists.…”